Actors Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, who acted together in Haider, are returning to the big screen with each other in their next film, Batti Gul Meter Chalu.

The film is being directed by Toilet: Ek Prem Katha‘s director Shree Narayan Singh and will feature Shahid and Shraddha in the lead roles.

Earlier, it was revealed that Shahid has been cast as the lead actor in the film, when he shared an image on his Instagram making the announcement official.

Let’s celebrate the festival of light with the hope that soon electricity will be a right and not a privilege for all. #BattiGulMeterChalu #ShreeNarayanSingh @tseries.official @kriarj

A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Oct 18, 2017 at 8:30pm PDT

As per reports, the recent progress to the film is that Shraddha has stepped in to essay Shahid’s love interest in the movie.

Confirming her entry in the film, producer Prernaa Arora told a tabloid: “Shraddha was keen to come on-board because it is a career-defining role. The film is a love story at its core set in a small town. It is also socially relevant as it highlights the issues of electricity shortage that the common man faces.”

Batti Gul Meter Chalu is an upcoming film that will put a light on the topic of shortage of electricity in various places of India. The shooting for the film is scheduled to commence in February and will wrap up by May 2018.

With that being said, the latest buzz from B-town has surely got everyone excited about the upcoming film, as the lead pair had a fantastic chemistry in Haider.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will serve a three-match touchline ban and be fined 40,000 pounds ($54,277) after being charged with misconduct by the FA.

The FA said in a statement, “Arsene Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct,” reports Xinua news agency.

“It follows an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today at which the Arsenal manager admitted that his language and behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the West Brom game on Sunday was abusive, improper and questioned the integrity of the match referee.

“He was also fined 40,000 pounds ($54,277).”

Wenger expressed his angered at referee Mike Dean when Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom, who were awarded a penalty for handball.

The Arsenal manager will be banned from the touchline for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest, the first leg of the League Cup semifinal against Chelsea next week, and a English Premier League match with Bournemouth on January 14.

A state-linked Saudi news website says 11 princes have been arrested and will be tried for staging a protest at one of the king’s palaces and refusing orders to leave.

The Sabq website, quoting unnamed officials, reported on Saturday that a division of the National Guard, which is tasked with protecting the royal family, was ordered to arrest the princes.

The news website reports the royals were sent to Ha’ir prison, a large maximum security facility south of the capital, Riyadh, run by Saudi intelligence services, where criminals, militants and al-Qaida terrorists are held.

Sabq reports the princes were demanding financial compensation from a judgment involving one of their cousins and demanding the king reverse a decision to suspend payments for royals’ water and electricity bills.

Indian junior hockey team coach Jude Felix is focussed on improving his colts’ communication skills and general knowledge in the national camp, starting at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre here on Sunday.

Hockey India on Saturday named the 33-member junior men probables for the camp, which will conclude on March 15.

“It is a long camp and we will be looking at different ways to bring in overall development. While our primary focus will be to improve our skills, fitness, speed, mental conditioning and other aspects of the game, this camp also gives us the time to engage in team building activities,” Felix said in a statement.

“I am also looking at having classes to improve the athletes communication skills and general knowledge.

“They are a very hardworking group and have the commitment to give what it takes to graduate to the next level. It is also great that they get to watch the senior team so closely as we are in the same campus,” Felix added.

The camp includes the likes of Mandeep Mor, Pratap Lakra, Pankaj Rajak, Harmanjit Singh, Vishal Singh and Shilanand Lakra, who were part of the 18-member team that won the bronze at the recently-held Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

The other members of the bronze medallist team, who are part of the camp are: Raushan Kumar, Dilpreet Singh, Maninder Singh, Sanjay, Senthamizh Shankar, Abhishek, Vishal Antil, Varinder Singh, Vivek Prasad, Suman Beck, Sukhjeet Singh and Rabichandra Moirangthem.

During the camp, the young guns will also get an opportunity to closely watch their senior compatriots go about their preparations for an all-important year that features the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

In a major haul, police today seized WY drugs, worth Rs 3 crore in the international market, in Imphal West district of Manipur.

Acting on inputs from a reliable source, a mini truck was intercepted near NG College Gate in Imphal West by a team of police officers, Additional SP L Priyadarshini said.

The truck, loaded with sandbags, had come from the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh.

“When the officers searched the truck, they found WY drug packets tucked between sandbags,” Priyadarshini said.

Driver N Ranjit has been taken into custody, the senior police officer said.

World’s Yours (WY) contains a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine. It is typically produced in a round pill form.

Six residents of Himachal Pradesh were today injured when their vehicle hit a roadside tree in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, police said.

A car, travelling from Himachal Pradesh to Udhampur, rammed into a tree at Paldai Majalta, injuring six persons, a police spokesperson said.

He said the injured — Suresh Kumar (48), Rakesh Kumar (25) and Krishan Chand (45), Raj Kumar (29), Ranjeet Singh (30) and Prem Singh (32) – were given initial treatment at Public Health Centre Majalta, he said.

Later, all the six were referred to the Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment, the spokesperson said.

New Zealand rode on skipper Kane Williamson’s 10th ODI century and a fiery spell rom pace spearhead Tim Southee (3/22) to thrash Pakistan by 61 runs by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the opener of the five-match One-day International series at Basin Reserve here on Saturday.

Put in to bat, the hosts were off to a flier with Martin Guptill (48 off 72 balls; 4×4, 6×2) and Colin Munro (58 off 35; 4×6, 6×2) getting a 83-run opening stand before Williamson (115 off 117; 4×8, 6×1) joined the party.

More than the loss, Pakistan will rue the dropped chance of Williamson, who got a reprieve on 26 by his counterpart, Sarfraz Ahmed as the hosts went on to post 315/7.

In reply, Southee then had two of the Pakistan batsmen back in the dressing room in five balls, in an excellent spell of swing bowling.

Pakistan were reduced to 13/3, and then 37/4; from that point, it was always unlikely that they would threaten.

Young opener Fakhar Zaman fought, and was unbeaten on an 86-ball 82, having taken his side to 166/6 in 30.1 overs when the umpires finally called off play due to rain.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 315/7 (Kane Williamson 115, Colin Munro 58, Henry Nicholls 50; Hassan Ali 3/61) beat Pakistan 166/6 (Fakhar Zaman 82, Shadab Khan 28; Tim Southee 3/22, Trent Boult 2/35) by 61 runs by DLS.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday hit out at the government over lower growth estimates for the current fiscal, saying the worst fears of an imminent economic slowdown have come true.

There is a decline in new projects and fresh investment, Chidambaram claimed in a statement.

The informal sector is reeling under the ill effects of demonetisation. Job creation is abysmal, exports are plunging, and manufacturing sector growth has slowed down. The agriculture sector has been hit hard and rural despair is abundant, he claimed.

Job creation remained the “single biggest failure” of the BJP government. The bank credit growth was extremely sluggish and it did not bode well for the economy, he said.

“The worst fears of an imminent economic slowdown have come true. The Modi government s tall claims of India growing at a robust growth rate have evaporated in thin air.

“No amount of sugar coating, false bravado and rhetoric along with headlines management can conceal the stark reality.

Our fears and warnings have proved true,” the Congress leader said.

He said the recent social discontent could be a “direct manifestation of this economic slowdown, which the government was conveniently hiding”.

It was time the government stopped making tall claims and did some solid work, he said.

Citing government data, the former finance minister said the GDP growth rate was 8 per cent in 2015-16, 7.1 per cent in 2016-17. It is estimated at 6.5 per cent in 2017-18, “which proves there is a slowdown”.

A decline in economic activity and growth meant loss of millions of jobs, he said.

While the GDP growth is estimated at 6.5 per cent during 2017-18 as compared to 7.1 per cent in 2016-17, the anticipated growth of real GVA at basic prices in 2017-18 is 6.1 per cent as against 6.6 per cent in 2016-17, he said.

Retail inflation soared to a 15-month high of 4.88 per cent in November and industrial output hit a three-month low of 2.2 per cent in October, he pointed out.

“The investment picture remains bleak… The manufacturing sector has seen the sharpest fall and fiscal deficit is likely to overshoot the budget estimates of 3.2 per cent of GDP,” the Congress leader said.

Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory was on Saturday suspended for three matches and fined Rs 4 lakh for misconduct with match officials during the Indian Super League (ISL) season four fixture against Jamshedpur City FC.

“All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee found Chennaiyin coach Gregory in breach of Article 50 (misconduct against match officials) and Article 58 (offensive behaviour and fair play) for his offensive remarks to referee during Match # 33 of JFC Vs Chennaiyin FC at JRD Tata Sports Complex on 28th December 2018,” the ISL said in a statement.

Amid reports of the US administration’s plans to introduce stricter norms for issuance of H1-B visas, which are largely availed by Indian IT firms, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has voiced its opposition to the move.

“It would tremendously be a bad policy to tell highly skilled individuals who are applying for permanent residency and have been working in the US for several years that they are no longer welcome,” a USIBC spokesperson said in a statement.

“This policy would harm American business, our economy, and the country,” the spokesperson said. “Further, it is inconsistent with the goals of a more merit-based immigration system.”

Last month, US-based news agency McClatchey’s DC Bureau reported that the Department of Homeland Security is considering new regulations that would prevent H-1B visa extensions. The measure potentially could stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.

According to the report, the proposal is part of US President Donald Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” initiative promised during the 2016 campaign.

The act, under its current form, allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday “solemnly”  remembered actor Om Puri on his first death anniversary.

Solemnly remembering actor Om Puri on his death anniversary

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 6, 2018

The legendary actor died on 6 January 2017 due to a heart-attack in Mumbai.

Puri was awarded Padma Shri , the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 1990 and in 2004, was made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Om Puri was honoured at the 89th Academy Awards in memoriam segment for his contribution in Indian and world cinema.

He is best known for his author-backed roles in films like Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982) and television films like Sadgati (1981) and Tamas (1987) and also light-hearted roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983).

Puri also appeared in non-Indian productions in the United States, Britain and Pakistan.

Australia tightened their grip over England in the fifth and final Ashes Test by finishing the third day at 479/4, a lead of 133 over Englands 346 at the Sydney Cricket Ground here on Saturday.

At stumps, the Marsh brothers, Shaun (98) and Mitchell (63), accompanied each other, with Shaun just two runs away from his second century of the series.

The day, however belonged to Usman Khawaja, who registered his maiden Ashes century. Khawaja brought up his hundred off the 233rd ball he faced as Australia went in to lunch at 277/3, with Khawaja on 132.

Skipper Steve Smith (83) was dismissed at the stroke of lunch, when he pushed a Moeen Ali delivery back to the bowler, thereby giving the Englishman his fourth wicket of the series.

Smith and Khawaja had, by that point, added 81 runs to Australia’s overnight total of 193/2 and 188 runs in total for the third wicket.

England went wicketless in the second session as Khawaja and Shaun Marsh added 88 runs, a stand that saw Australia claim the lead by the time tea arrived.

The home side also had their share of luck in the second session, when Shaun was even given out caught behind off Joe Root, but it was found on review that there was a significant gap between bat and ball and the decision was overturned.

Then, in the final over of the session, Mason Crane, the debutant legspinner, thought he had his maiden international wicket when he trapped Khawaja in front.

Khawaja didn’t offer a shot and padded away the delivery, and the appeal was turned down by the umpire. England decided to review, only to realise it would have been out had Crane not overstepped.

Crane finally had his man early in the final session, when Jonny Bairstow had Khawaja stumped after he was deceived by sharp turn.

That remained the only positive for England though as the Marsh brothers batted aggressively to help take England’s lead past the 100-mark.

There was still some drama though as Mitchell was rapped on the pads by Tom Curran and was given out by Joel Wilson, the umpire. England’s joy was short-lived though as the third umpire, on an Australia’s review, adjudged that there was an inside-edge.

Brief Scores: England first innings: 346 vs Australia first innings: 479/4 (Usman Khawaja 171, Steve Smith 83, Shaun Marsh 98 batting, Mitchell Marsh 63 batting).

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered an inflation allowance for citizens to ease the expected rise in the cost of living after the newly enforced Value Added Tax (VAT).

In a royal decree, issued on Friday night, the King ordered an annual bonus for civil and military personnel for the current fiscal year to be paid effective from January 1, 2018, Al Arabiya local news reported on Saturday.

The stated grants include payment of a monthly living allowance of $267 for civil and military employees for one year, and a reward of $1,333 for military personnel participating in the frontlines of military operations in the southern borders of the Kingdom.

In addition to pensions paid by the General Organization for Social Insurance for beneficiaries, $133 will be granted for one year.

The order highlighted that the state shall bear the VAT for citizens benefiting from private health services and private education.

Dry skin is common in winter. Invest in natural moisturisers made from papaya and lemon or try a honey and coconut mask, suggest experts.

Partap Chauhan, Director at Jiva Ayurveda, and Megha Sabhlok, Brand Director of Just Herbs, have some tips:

* Hibiscus, honey and coconut oil anti-ageing mask: Hibiscus flower (gudhal) contains natural alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHA) which makes the skin fresh and improves flexibility, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the botox plant.

Boil a hibiscus flower in two cups of water until about half a cup remains. Now, add honey and coconut oil to the mixture and apply on face and neck. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes.

This mixture is a great moisturiser and exfoliator which leaves your skin supple, fresh and bright.

* Indulge in a facial massage: It is important to get a facial massage once every two to three days to make sure that the facial muscles get an improved circulation. Make sure you massage your face with a moisturiser or face cream well in circular strokes.

This is helpful for the skin to attain the perfect moisture. Look for a moisturiser or face cream with ingredients like ashwagandha, neem and sandalwood as well as cold-pressed oils like sunflower-seed, almond and aloe vera, as these ingredients can do nourishing wonders to your skin.

* Papaya and lemon moisturiser: Papaya has amazing health and beauty benefits. It is loaded with vitamins A, C, E and K, all of which make your skin really soft and supple. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Also, it has a buttery consistency which makes it easy to use.

Mash a ripe papaya and squeeze the juice of half a lemon in it and mix well. Apply this to your face and arms for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water to get glowing and moisturised skin.

* Cleanse regularly: Even during winter, it is important to unclog the pores and remove the soil accumulated on the face. Most of us are afraid of the moisture loss problem that aggravates each time we wash our face.

Make sure to pick the right face wash for winters, which not only unclogs the pores but also hydrates the skin.

* Get rid of winter sun-tan: It is very important to use a face pack perfect enough to remove the sun tan and one which also provides you with the appropriate moisture that gets lost due to the chilly wind blowing across the face, avoiding dullness and dryness. An anti-tan rose face pack can be a good option for this.

* Orange-yogurt peel off mask: To half a cup of yogurt add two tablespoons fresh orange juice and make a fine paste. Use this as a mask on your face, neck and arms for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

This has a mild bleaching effect which will peel off dead cells, dirt and sebum giving you a radiant skin.

Orange juice also tones your skin and removes blemishes. After applying these masks apply a gentle cream. A skin toner and saffron cream tones the skin and brightens your complexion.

* Do not step out without a sunscreen: Try using a sunscreen that has aloe vera in it as aloe vera replenishes the lost moisture to restore the skin’s natural moisturising factor and controls sun-induced hyper-pigmentation in the form of freckles, thus maintaining the skin’s natural complexion.

The Congress on Saturday demanded rejection of the candidature of AAP nominee N.D. Gupta in the Rajya Sabha election from Delhi on the ground he holds office of profit as a trustee of the National Pension System.

“(The) Congress has filed objection at scrutiny of AAP Rajya Sabha candidate N.D. Gupta,” Delhi Congress Chief Ajay Maken tweeted. He also posted his letter to the Returning Officer for Biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha from Delhi to be held on January 16.

Calling Gupta, a BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and GST supporter, Maken said he was appointed as the trustee of the government-owned Rs 1.75 lakh crore National Pension Scheme Trust on March 30, 2015 and “still holds this office of profit as on date. (He is) ineligible to contest”.

Three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates — party leader Sanjay Singh, businessman Sushil Gupta and Chartered Accountant N.D. Gupta — filed their nominations on Thursday.

In his letter to the Returning Officer, the Congress leader said: “That with respect of the said nominations filed, the nomination of Narayan Dass Gupta is liable to be rejected under Section 36 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 read with Article 102 of the Constitution of India for holding an office of profit.”

The contributory pension system was introduced by the government on December 22, 2003 and it was made mandatory for pension benefits for government employees since January 1, 2004.

The pension scheme was converted into a trust and accordingly the trust deed dated February 27, 2008 was executed under the Indian Trust Act of 1882.

“Therefore, the NPS discharges a very important government function that of being the custodian of pensions of lakhs government employees. In other words, it was almost an extension of the Ministry of Finance and Department of Pension.

“Therefore the office of the Trustee of the NPS, which N.D. Gupta holds, is an office of profit which virtually discharges the functions of the government itself,” Maken said.

The former union minister said the office of a trustee is entitled to renumeration, emoluments, perks and other facilities.

The office is not protected under the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 and is directly hit by Article 102 of the Constitution, Maken said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Saturday arrived in Assam, en route to Meghalaya, and visited the ancient Kamakhya temple here, situated on the Nilachal Hill.

Shah is on a two-day-long visit to the northeast and is scheduled to address a public rally at Tikrikilla in Garo Hills region in Meghalaya on Saturday. He is all set to woo the voters in the Garo Hills belt in the Congress-ruled state.

Shah will spend the night in Shillong and leave for Tripura on Sunday morning. His visit assumes significance considering the fact that Meghalaya and Tripura are going to polls in February this year.

Also Read: Amit Shah lands in poll-bound Meghalaya, to address public meeting

Senior BJP leaders like Ram Madhav, Mahendra Singh have also accompanied Shah while Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is also likely to accompany Shah during his visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Meghalaya in December last year and addressed a public rally in Shillong to kick-start the poll campaign.