Coming back to Bhopal is always deeply personal for me: Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan, director Madhumita, and Bhopal's own Daivik Bhagela lit up the City of Lakes as they returned to promote their upcoming ZEE5 original film, Kaalidhar Laapata, premiering July 4th. The team gathered at the iconic Upper Lake, where they released floating diyas that illuminated the film's title—a moving tribute to the city and its spirit. Their visit was especially meaningful for Daivik, who makes his film debut opposite Abhishek after years on Bhopal's theatre stages, with support from Dr. Ilayaraja T (IAS), Secretary to the Chief Minister and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism.

On his visit to Bhopal, Abhishek Bachchan said, "Coming back to Bhopal is always deeply personal for me. It's not just a city I've filmed in—it feels like home and so many of my childhood memories are woven into its streets. Shooting Kaalidhar Laapata in Bhopal brought all of that flooding back. Now, returning for the film's promotions has been just as special. One of the standout moments was the photo-op by the Bhopal Lake—a powerful gesture that captures the essence of Kaalidhar Laapata. As hundreds of diyas lit up the water, it became a moving visual metaphor for what the film stands for: finding light in the most unlikely places, forming unexpected connections, and embracing life wholeheartedly, no matter where you are in your journey. That's the soul of this story, and I hope it truly connects with everyone who watches it."

Produced by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment, Kaalidhar Laapata tells the poignant story of a middle-aged man (Abhishek Bachchan) facing memory loss and abandonment, who finds unexpected companionship with Ballu (Daivik Bhagela), a spirited 8-year-old orphan. Together, they embark on a journey of forgotten dreams and newfound hope, exploring themes of family, resilience, and the quiet power of second chances. 

Kaalidhar Laapata premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on 4th July 2025.

Iran Rejects Trump’s Ceasefire Claim as Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies

 Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump's claim of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, casting doubt on prospects for de-escalation in the escalating 12-day conflict. The rebuttal follows Trump's announcement on Truth Social, where he declared a "complete and total ceasefire" brokered through Qatari mediation, describing it as a diplomatic triumph to end what he called "The 12-Day War."Trump's Ceasefire ClaimOn June 24, 2025, Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a phased ceasefire, set to begin within hours. The plan outlined a 12-hour pause by Iran, followed by Israel, culminating in an "official end" to hostilities within 24 hours. Trump credited his administration's "peace through strength" approach, with U.S. and Israeli officials confirming Qatar's role in the negotiations. Vice President JD Vance called the conflict "effectively over," hinting at renewed regional peace talks.The announcement followed a 12-day escalation sparked by Israeli airstrikes on June 13 targeting Iran's nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on a U.S. airbase in Qatar, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under "Operation Midnight Hammer."Iran's DenialHours before Trump's post, Araghchi took to X, rejecting any ceasefire agreement. "Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around," he stated, emphasizing that no deal existed. He offered a conditional pause, stating Iran would halt its response if Israel ceased airstrikes by 4 a.m. Tehran time, but stressed that any final decision would come later. A senior Iranian official told CNN that Tehran had received no ceasefire proposal, dismissing U.S. and Israeli claims as "deception." Reports of explosions in Tehran after Trump's announcement further undermined the ceasefire's validity.Mediation Efforts and ContradictionsWhile U.S. officials credited Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with facilitating talks, Iran's silence or outright denial of a deal has fueled confusion. Earlier reports indicated Tehran's refusal to negotiate under attack, a stance reiterated to mediators Qatar and Oman on June 16. Israel, meanwhile, signaled its intent to achieve "strategic objectives" before halting operations, complicating diplomatic efforts.Regional and Global ImpactThe conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war, with Israel's strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program—claimed by Tehran to be peaceful—and U.S. involvement drawing Russian criticism and warnings from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Financial markets saw oil prices dip after Trump's announcement, reflecting cautious optimism, but analysts warn that sustained diplomacy is critical to prevent renewed hostilities.Uncertain Path ForwardThe conflicting narratives underscore the fragility of the situation. While Trump projects confidence in a ceasefire, Iran's denial and ongoing military activity suggest the conflict is far from resolved. The success of any truce hinges on both sides' compliance and Qatar's ability to mediate. As the Middle East teeters on the brink, the world awaits clarity on whether peace can prevail.

BREAKING NEWS : Trump Hails "12 Day War" Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran, but Doubts Linger

US President Donald Trump has declared a "complete and total ceasefire" between Israel and Iran, set to take effect within hours, following intense military exchanges that have gripped the Middle East. The announcement, made via social media, marks a dramatic turn in what Trump dubbed "The 12 Day War," a conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on a US airbase in Qatar.

A senior US administration official, speaking to CBS, confirmed that both Israel and Iran have agreed to the truce. The ceasefire was reportedly brokered through direct and indirect channels, involving US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani playing a key role. Trump's communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly secured Israel's agreement, contingent on no further attacks from Iran.

However, neither Israel nor Iran has officially confirmed the ceasefire. Iranian state media cautiously labeled Trump's announcement as a "claim," while reports of explosions and Israeli evacuation orders in Tehran suggest ongoing tensions. A senior Iranian official, quoted by CNN, dismissed US and Israeli statements as "deception" and warned of intensified retaliatory strikes.

The conflict began on June 12, when Israel, backed by the US, launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—prompting Iran to fire missiles at the US-run Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. Qatar reported no casualties, with all missiles intercepted, and condemned the attack as a "flagrant violation." Trump described Iran's response as "very weak" and thanked Tehran for providing "early notice."

The announcement has already impacted global markets. Brent crude oil prices plummeted 4% to $68 a barrel, lower than before the initial Israeli strikes, reflecting market confidence in de-escalation. Stock markets in Japan, South Korea, and Australia also rose. However, some experts remain skeptical. Robin Brooks of the Brookings Institution noted that Iran's failure to target critical oil routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, suggests a lack of intent for serious escalation.

Trump's ceasefire claim has sparked both optimism and controversy. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the move, echoing Trump's "peace through strength" mantra. Yet, Democratic lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, have criticized the initial US strikes as unconstitutional, arguing Trump lacked congressional approval. The White House countered with a letter to Congress, defending the strikes as necessary to protect US interests and halt Iran's nuclear program.

Analysts see the ceasefire as a potential foreign policy win for Trump, who has struggled to deliver on promises to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Bernd Debusmann Jr, reporting from the White House, noted that Trump may tout this as proof his unpredictable foreign policy works, though its success hinges on confirmation from Israel and Iran. Mark Lowen, reporting from Tel Aviv, suggested Israel's desire to avoid a prolonged war and Trump's softened rhetoric indicate a joint push for de-escalation, leaving Tehran to decide the next move.

As the region awaits official confirmation, Gulf states like Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have reopened their airspace, and the UK has lifted its "shelter in place" advice for citizens in Qatar. Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, defended Israel's actions, claiming they targeted only military and nuclear sites, unlike Iran's attacks on population centers.

With the ceasefire's fate uncertain and explosions still reported in Iran, the world watches to see if Trump's bold declaration will hold—or if the "12 Day War" will reignite.

SPECIAL STORY: The Rise of India’s Largest Digital News Media Network: A Journey of Vision and Resilience

In an era where digital media has transformed how India consumes news, one network has risen to prominence, weaving together a tapestry of powerful news portals that blend regional roots with national and global reach. This conglomerate, still emerging as a unified force in the public eye, has quietly built a robust ecosystem of platforms, including The Bulls Wire, The Barodian, DailyGujarat.com, and The Ahmedabad Buzz, while forging strategic partnerships with leading portals like First News Post, The India Wire, Newsbyts.com, Newsx360.com, Mumbaiwire.com, and Taazakhabar.in. With more collaborations on the horizon, this network exemplifies how innovation, resilience, and a keen understanding of audience needs have propelled it to the forefront of India's digital journalism landscape.

The Genesis: The Bulls Wire Lays the Foundation

The story begins in 2011 with The Bulls Wire https://thebullswire.net, one of Gujarat's pioneering business news portals. Launched at a time when digital media was still nascent in India, it seized the opportunity to cater to Gujarat's vibrant business community—a state renowned for its entrepreneurial ethos. By delivering in-depth coverage of local markets, startups, and economic trends, The Bulls Wire established itself as a trusted voice for business professionals and investors. Its early success set the stage for a broader vision, proving that a focused, regional approach could thrive in the digital age.

Scaling New Heights: The Barodian and Social Media Mastery

The network's ambitions grew with the launch of The Barodian https://thebarodian.in in 2015. Based in Vadodara, this portal tapped into the cultural and social fabric of the region, but its true breakthrough came through social media. With an impressive 5.10 lakh subscribers on Facebook and a staggering 94.5 lakh followers on Instagram, The Barodian redefined audience engagement. Its YouTube channel, boasting over 7,000 subscribers, added a multimedia dimension, blending video content with its hyper-local storytelling. This strategic use of social platforms showcased the network's ability to connect with a younger, digitally-savvy audience, amplifying its reach and influence.

Overcoming Adversity: DailyGujarat.com's Reinvention

In 2016, DailyGujarat.com entered the scene as a torchbearer of digital journalism, offering comprehensive news with a Gujarat-centric perspective. Its early promise was disrupted by a crippling cyberattack, which left the site inoperable until 2020. Rather than retreat, the network turned this setback into an opportunity. DailyGujarat.com relaunched with a bold new concept: analyzing global events and linking them to Gujarat's context. This innovative approach not only revitalized the portal but also highlighted the network's resilience and adaptability—qualities that have become hallmarks of its growth.

Rising to the Moment: The Ahmedabad Buzz During Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tested the world, and the network responded with The Ahmedabad Buzz https://theahmedabadbuzz.com. Born during the acute phase of the crisis, this portal became a vital resource, delivering real-time updates on Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and India. From health advisories to government announcements, it served as a lifeline for communities grappling with uncertainty. Its timely inception and sustained relevance post-pandemic underscore the network's agility and commitment to meeting public needs, solidifying its reputation as a responsive media player.

Expanding Horizons: Strategic Partnerships

The network's vision transcended regional boundaries through partnerships with prominent Delhi-based platforms and beyond. First News Post https://firstnewspost.in, a leading news portal, brought a global audience, with readers in the USA, Brazil, Singapore, Iran, the United Kingdom, and India. Similarly, The India Wire https://theindiawire.com emerged as a strategic powerhouse, offering breaking news and insights with a national lens. Additional collaborations with Newsbyts.com, Newsx360.com, Mumbaiwire.com, and Taazakhabar.in expanded the network's footprint into diverse markets and niches, from metropolitan hubs to specialized content areas. These alliances, with more in the pipeline, have transformed the network into a media conglomerate with unparalleled reach and influence.

The Visionary Force Behind the Network

The architect of this vast media empire is a visionary who recognized the untapped potential of digital platforms early on. By marrying regional authenticity with a national and global outlook, the founder built a network that thrives on innovation and quality journalism. The journey wasn't without challenges—cyberattacks, a competitive media landscape, and the pressures of a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem tested the network's mettle. Yet, through strategic foresight, investments in technology, and a passion for credible storytelling, the leadership turned obstacles into stepping stones, creating a media giant that remains under the radar as a unified entity.

Key Drivers of Success

The network's meteoric rise can be attributed to several strategic strengths:

• Regional Expertise Meets Broader Appeal: Starting with Gujarat-focused platforms, it scaled to national and international prominence through partnerships.
• Social Media Dominance: Leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the network has built a massive, engaged following.
• Adaptability: From DailyGujarat.com's comeback to The Ahmedabad Buzz's pandemic response, it has consistently turned challenges into opportunities.
• Diverse Offerings: With portals spanning business, local news, and global analysis, it caters to a wide array of reader interests.
• Partnership Synergy: Collaborations with established platforms have broadened its scope and credibility.

The Future Beckons

While the network has yet to fully unveil itself as a cohesive brand, its trajectory suggests a future of even greater impact. With plans for additional partnerships and a focus on emerging technologies like data-driven journalism and multimedia storytelling, it is well-positioned to lead India's digital media revolution. Its ability to connect global narratives with local contexts, as seen in DailyGujarat.com's relaunch, hints at a model that could redefine how news is delivered in a hyper-connected world.

Conclusion

India's largest digital news media network has emerged through a potent mix of vision, resilience, and strategic expansion. From The Bulls Wire's pioneering business coverage in 2011 to The Barodian's social media triumphs, DailyGujarat.com's reinvention, and The Ahmedabad Buzz's timely relevance, the network has grown organically, bolstered by partnerships with top portals like First News Post and The India Wire. Though its full identity as a unified network is yet to be widely recognized, its influence is undeniable. As it continues to evolve, this media powerhouse stands as a testament to the power of innovation and determination in shaping the future of journalism in India.

Maulikk Buch

Chief Publicist,

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