Actor Ajay Devgn has stepped further into the cinema business with the launch of his new multiplex, Devgn CineX, in Thane. The theatre was inaugurated on March 18 at The Walk in Hiranandani Estate, a popular residential and commercial hub in the city.

The new multiplex has been designed to offer a more comfortable and engaging movie experience for audiences. It features five screens with a seating capacity of nearly 1,000 people, making it one of the larger cinema properties in the area.

What sets Devgn CineX apart is its focus on combining comfort with advanced technology. One of its main attractions is a luxury all-recliner auditorium, allowing viewers to relax while watching films. The multiplex also introduces motion-enabled seating, where seats move and vibrate in sync with on-screen action, adding a new layer of immersion for viewers.

The theatre opened to the public on March 19, welcoming moviegoers with a fresh cinematic experience. With its modern design and upgraded features, the multiplex aims to attract families, young audiences, and cinema enthusiasts looking for more than just a regular film screening.

Speaking about the venture, Ajay Devgn highlighted that going to the movies should feel special and memorable. He emphasised that the idea behind Devgn CineX is to create an environment where people can enjoy films in a more engaging and comfortable setting.

The launch also reflects a growing trend in India’s cinema industry, where filmmakers and exhibitors are focusing on premium experiences to bring audiences back to theatres. With streaming platforms becoming more popular, theatres are increasingly investing in better technology and comfort to stand out.

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Police in Maharashtra’s Nashik have arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat over serious charges of rape, blackmail and cheating. The arrest has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the misuse of faith and trust.

Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer who later became an astrologer, is accused of targeting women who approached him for help with personal problems. Police say he promised to solve their issues through rituals and spiritual practices, but instead exploited them.

According to a complaint filed by a woman, Kharat allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times over nearly three years. Investigators say he used fear, threats and superstition to control her and stop her from speaking out. He reportedly warned victims of harm to their families if they refused to obey him.

During the investigation, police recovered a pen drive containing at least 58 obscene videos. Officials believe these videos were used to blackmail victims and may involve several women. This has raised fears that more victims could come forward in the coming days.

Following the seriousness of the case, the Maharashtra government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed probe. The team is looking into all aspects of the case, including possible financial fraud and whether others were involved.

Police have also seized cash, a firearm and documents related to properties believed to be worth crores. Authorities are now checking how Kharat built his wealth and whether it is linked to illegal activities.

The case has also sparked political reactions, with some leaders demanding a deeper investigation and strict punishment.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn opens new multiplex in Thane

YouTube has unveiled a new AI-powered feature called “Reimagine” for YouTube Shorts, designed to make video editing faster and more creative. The tool allows users to turn existing clips into new ones using text-based instructions.

The feature works by selecting a still frame from a Short and applying AI-generated changes based on user prompts. This means creators can easily modify visuals, switch styles, or create entirely new scenes without complex editing tools.

“Reimagine” expands YouTube’s existing Remix capabilities by introducing generative AI into the workflow. In addition to transforming scenes, users can also add objects or effects simply by describing them. The tool can even take input from reference images to better match the creator’s vision.

To ensure proper attribution, all AI-generated clips remain connected to the original video. Creators also have control over their content, with the option to prevent their videos from being used in AI remixes.

At present, the feature is available to a small group of users as part of a trial rollout. YouTube plans to refine the tool before expanding access globally.

The introduction of AI tools like “Reimagine” highlights the growing role of automation in digital content creation. Platforms are increasingly focusing on reducing the technical barriers for users, making it easier for anyone to produce engaging videos.

However, the shift also brings challenges, particularly around content ownership and creative authenticity. YouTube has stated that it will prioritise transparency and responsible use of AI as the feature evolves.

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North Korea’s election showed near-total support for candidates, with turnout close to 100%. State media acknowledged a handful of rejection votes, an unusual move, but observers say the tightly controlled system continues to reinforce Kim Jong Un’s authority.

A Russian tanker carrying 7.7 lakh barrels of crude oil, originally headed to China, is now rerouted to India and expected on March 21. Ongoing tensions in the Gulf region have disrupted routes, prompting the diversion.

Two Indian-origin men in London were heavily fined after being caught spitting paan in public. Their penalties increased when they failed to pay initial fines, highlighting strict enforcement of cleanliness laws and zero tolerance for public nuisance offences.

The Pentagon is seeking more than $200 billion in additional funding to support the ongoing conflict with Iran, highlighting the rapidly rising cost of the war. The request has been submitted to the White House and is expected to be reviewed by the US Congress.

Officials say the proposed funds will be used to sustain military operations, replace weapons already used, and strengthen overall readiness. The scale of the request reflects the intensity of the conflict, which has involved extensive airstrikes and deployment of high-end military equipment.

Since the fighting began, US forces have carried out numerous strikes on Iranian targets, using advanced missiles, aircraft, and other costly systems. This has significantly increased operational expenses within a short period.

Pete Hegseth, the US Defense Secretary, has acknowledged that the war is expensive and indicated that costs could continue to rise as operations expand. However, he has not publicly confirmed the exact funding figure.

The proposal is likely to face close scrutiny in Congress. Lawmakers have raised concerns about approving such a large amount, especially given the country’s existing fiscal pressures. Some are questioning whether the long-term goals of the conflict justify the financial burden.

Supporters of the request argue that the funding is essential to maintain military effectiveness. They say it will help replenish depleted stockpiles, ensure troop readiness, and allow the US to continue its operations without disruption.

On the other hand, critics are calling for greater clarity on the strategy and objectives of the war before committing more resources. They are also concerned about how the rising costs could impact the broader economy.

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An aerial attack targeted the Saudi Aramco-Exxon SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, reportedly by Iran, with limited damage. The incident comes amid escalating regional conflict, heightening fears of oil supply disruptions and increasing geopolitical uncertainty across global energy markets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled that Israel’s conflict with Iran could stretch on, cautioning that military strikes alone are unlikely to bring down the country’s leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing, Netanyahu said that while Israel has intensified its attacks, removing Iran’s regime is not a short-term objective. He emphasised that such a change, if it happens, would ultimately depend on internal developments within Iran rather than external military action alone.

His remarks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with both sides engaged in a series of attacks targeting key military and infrastructure sites. Netanyahu said Israel’s main focus remains on weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, which it sees as a major security threat.

The Israeli leader claimed that recent operations have significantly damaged parts of Iran’s defence systems. However, he acknowledged that the situation remains complex, and that Iran still retains capabilities that cannot be eliminated quickly.

Netanyahu also addressed concerns about the broader implications of the conflict. He said Israel is making its own strategic decisions, while maintaining coordination with allies like the United States. He rejected suggestions that Israel is relying on external forces to drive its actions, stressing that the country is acting to protect its own security interests.

At the same time, he underlined that long-term political change in Iran cannot be forced solely through military means. Instead, he suggested that any shift in leadership would depend on the will of the Iranian people.

Also Read: SC dismisses plea on Vantara

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition that alleged illegal wildlife trade and irregularities in animal imports at Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat. The ruling brings closure to fresh attempts seeking a probe into the facility’s operations.

The petition raised concerns about possible violations of wildlife protection laws and international norms governing the transport of endangered species. However, the court found no new evidence to support these claims and noted that similar allegations had already been examined earlier.

A key factor in the court’s decision was the report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had previously looked into the matter in detail. The SIT reviewed Vantara’s procedures, including how animals were sourced and brought into the country. It concluded that all imports were carried out legally, with proper permissions, and in line with both Indian and international regulations.

Accepting these findings, the Supreme Court said there was no reason to reopen the case. It also cautioned against filing repeated petitions on issues that have already been settled, indicating that the current plea was a repetition of earlier concerns.

The court also highlighted an important aspect of animal welfare. It observed that disturbing animals that have already been lawfully imported and rehabilitated could harm them, as it may disrupt their environment and recovery.

Vantara, located in Jamnagar and supported by Reliance Foundation, focuses on rescuing and caring for injured, abused, and endangered animals. The organisation has consistently maintained that its work follows all legal requirements and is aimed at ensuring the well-being of animals.

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