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Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vikrant Massey saw his mother standing in line at hospital to submit his father's mediclaim papers. What the 12th Fail actor did next stunned everyone
Vikrant Massey , who began his journey in the entertainment industry as a teenager on television, has carved a distinct path with his thoughtful film choices. Over the years, he has transitioned into one of Bollywood's most respected performers, known for his emotional depth and authenticity. His recent role in 12th Fail only further cemented his status as an actor who values storytelling over stardom. Taking Charge of Family Responsibilities In a recent heart-to-heart conversation with Rhea Chakraborty on her YouTube talk show, Vikrant opened up about the weight of responsibility that comes with earning. He shared how, at one point in his life, he decided to stop relying on banks and insurance companies for support. Feeling capable enough to shoulder everything on his own, he asked his parents to avoid claiming any medical or financial aid, as he believed he could manage all expenses for the family without external help. A Heartfelt Moment at the Hospital Vikrant recounted a deeply emotional incident that reinforced this decision. His father had been hospitalized due to a heart condition while Vikrant was out of town. His wife, Sheetal Thakur, who was not yet married to him at the time, stepped in and accompanied his father to Hinduja Hospital . When Vikrant arrived at the hospital, he was moved to see his mother quietly waiting in a queue with a folder tucked under her arm, preparing to initiate the insurance claim process. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like La Lotería de la Green Card está cada vez mas cerca: No se pierda este año la aplicación Green Card Lottery Experts Solicita ahora Undo Disturbed by the sight of her standing in line for financial aid, he immediately approached her, took the documents, and tore them up on the spot. He urged her never to do that again, expressing his commitment to taking full financial responsibility for the family. 'I took that paper, and I tore it and I said, 'Don't ever do that. Let's go'. I mean, that's also a privilege,' he stated. For Vikrant, that moment symbolized not just monetary stability but the emotional strength and pride of being able to support his loved ones unconditionally. Learning the Cost of Superficial Impressions Vikrant also spoke about the challenges he faced early in his career, especially the pressure to present a polished image. As a newcomer, he believed it was necessary to impress producers and directors at social gatherings. This led him to spend extravagant amounts — sometimes as much as Rs 60,000—on renting branded clothing just for a night. However, this phase was short-lived. His wife, Sheetal, who was managing the household budget at the time, wasn't pleased with the spending. Vikrant eventually realized that dressing up in costly designer wear made him feel uneasy and inauthentic. Constantly worried about damaging the rented outfits, he admitted that the experience felt forced. He chose instead to return to his true self, understanding that genuine talent speaks louder than appearances. Stepping Into Romance With Newfound Confidence Now, Vikrant is preparing to enter new territory with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan , his first full-fledged romantic drama . Directed by Santosh Singh and backed by Mini Films, the movie marks an exciting new chapter in his career. Interestingly, Vikrant admitted that he was once hesitant to take on romantic roles. When he first started acting, his taste leaned toward unconventional cinema, and no romantic scripts felt convincing or inspiring. However, as his career evolved, he became more open to exploring different genres. With Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan slated for a July 11 theatrical release, audiences will see a fresh side of Vikrant on screen. The film also introduces Shanaya Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor's cousin, in her debut role, adding to the anticipation around this new-age love story.
News18
17-06-2025
- General
- News18
What is US Green Card Lottery? Are Indians Eligible For It? Explained
Last Updated: US Green Card Lottery: As part of the programme, the US awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year for natives of countries with low immigration rates US Green Card Lottery: The United States' Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Programme awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year for natives of countries with low immigration rates. The programme is also known as the DV Lottery and the Green Card Lottery. Citizens of countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the past five years are not eligible Here's all you need to know: It was started in 1990 under the Immigration Act. It is run by the US Department of State. It is used to allot 50,000 permanent resident visas every year. There is no fee to apply. 🌎✨ The door to America is STILL open.📈The economy is growing.💼Jobs are waiting.💪 Your chances are better than U.S. Green Card Lottery is running right now — no job offer, no sponsor, no huge investment needed. Just a clean application and the courage to say… — USA Green Card (@USAGreenCardUSA) June 8, 2025 An interview with an officer. A medical checkup. A background check. REMEMBER THIS You can only enter once. If you send in more than one entry, you are automatically disqualified. The only real place to apply is on the official government website. Don't trust other sites. ARE INDIANS ELIGIBLE FOR GREEN CARD LOTTERY? As per the latest list of eligible countries, India is not eligible due to high immigration numbers. However, individuals born in a country that is eligible for the lottery may still be able to apply, even if they are Indian citizens. The countries allowed to participate are – Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India services sector growth steady in May as demand remains strong, PMI shows
India 's dominant services sector maintained its robust growth in May, fueled by strong export demand and record hiring, although price pressures intensified, a survey showed on Wednesday. The HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' Index , compiled by S&P Global, stood at 58.8 in May, marginally up from April's 58.7 but lower than a preliminary reading of 61.2. It has been above the 50-mark separating growth from contraction for nearly four years. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions and subtitles off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Utilice el servicio de élite para la aplicación de la Green Card Green Card Lottery Experts Solicita ahora Undo New business - a key gauge for demand - expanded at a sharp pace in May, largely aligned with growth rates seen from February through April. Companies attributed this sustained momentum to advertising efforts, positive demand trends and repeat business from existing clients. Live Events This healthy demand environment was particularly evident in international markets, with companies reporting one of the strongest increases in export orders in the survey's over a decade history. To accommodate the ongoing expansion, service providers ramped up hiring at the fastest rate since the survey began in 2005, with nearly 16% of respondents increasing staff numbers. That, however, contributed to rising cost pressures. Both input costs and output charges increased at faster rates in May, edging above historical averages. Companies reported higher expenses for cooking oil, materials, meat and overtime payments, leading to the strongest input price inflation since January. Growing price pressures could test monetary policy decisions for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has cut the repo rate by 50 basis points this year as inflation remains below its 4.0% target. The RBI is expected to cut rates by another 25 bps to 5.75% on Friday, according to a Reuters poll. Despite cost challenges, business confidence recovered from April's 23-month low, with companies expressing optimism about future growth based on their expanded workforces, larger client bases and ongoing marketing initiatives. Meanwhile, the HSBC India Composite PMI Output Index, which includes both manufacturing and services, eased slightly to 59.3 in May from 59.7 in April but indicated continued strong expansion in private sector activity.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Comedian Bharti Singh reveals EMI struggles, says side income is a MUST. when doorbell rings, she fears he could be a loan recovery agent
The world of Indian television is currently weathering a turbulent phase. Once known for churning out hit daily soaps and talk shows with mass appeal, the industry is now seeing a steady decline in both output and financial backing. Many shows are disappearing just months after they debut. This concerning trend was highlighted in a podcast featuring comedian couple Haarsh Limbachiyaa and Bharti Singh , along with actress Reem Shaikh . Their candid conversation shed light on how artists, even after years of contribution, are grappling with declining pay and professional uncertainty. Reem Shaikh's Career Paradox: Success Without Stability Reem Shaikh, a prominent figure in the television circuit for over 15 years, shared how her long-standing commitment and past successes haven't translated into the financial security one might expect. Despite delivering high ratings through popular shows like Raabta and several others, she confessed that the earnings she currently receives are nowhere near what she anticipated—once expecting around Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh per episode. Due to massive cost cutbacks across the board, her compensation does not reflect the value or consistency of her work over the years. Haarsh and Bharti's Reality: Loans Over Lavish Paychecks Haarsh Limbachiyaa voiced deep concern over how drastically the TV ecosystem has shifted. According to him, few large-scale shows are being produced anymore, and financial constraints have become the new norm. He emphasized that even as hosts for leading networks like Colors and Sony, they don't receive the generous fees people assume. The couple explained that there's a common misconception that stars like them make Rs 20 to Rs 50 lakh per appearance, but the reality is far less glamorous. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Utilice el servicio de élite para la aplicación de la Green Card Green Card Lottery Experts Solicita ahora Undo Bharti Singh added a humorous yet poignant twist, sharing that their household is surviving by taking loans. She remarked that they've been so reliant on borrowing money that even the milkman's arrival sparks anxiety, fearing it might be a debt collector at the door. The couple mentioned jokingly how they once saw a media article claiming that comedian Krushna Abhishek was earning Rs 35 lakh for a show. Haarsh called Krushna, asking if he could spare some of it. TV's Technical Backbone Crumbles Reem and Haarsh both acknowledged how reduced budgets are not just affecting actors but also the crew behind the scenes. Many directors, editors, and technicians have switched to YouTube to sustain themselves, unwilling to continue depending on television work that no longer offers financial reliability. Another concerning shift, Reem pointed out, is how actors are now hired on monthly contracts rather than being paid per day. With salaries as low as Rs 50,000 per month and expectations to work 22–30 days straight, this model severely undercuts performers, especially those without supplemental income from brand deals or social media. Dreams, Love, and Quiet Strength Despite the instability, Reem remains emotionally grounded. She said she feels content with her career path but chooses not to engage in content creation on platforms like TikTok mply because it doesn't align with her interests. She noted that producers now prioritize social media popularity over acting skills, a factor that cost her a role in a web series. When she tried stepping into films, she was turned away for being "too television." Though she never took a professional break, the struggle to transition was real. On Matters of the Heart Currently single, Reem described herself as a hopeless romantic with traditional values. She hopes to marry within the next five years, looking for someone who seeks emotional depth and long-term stability. She's open to arranged marriage and remains nostalgic about a past relationship from four years ago, admitting she hasn't fully moved on. However, she's in no rush. If she doesn't find the right partner, she plans to adopt a daughter and build a life filled with purpose and love.
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
US Diversity Visa 2026 results out: How to check green card selection
The US Department of State has released the results of the DV-2026 Diversity Visa Lottery, often known as the Green Card Lottery. Applicants who submitted their entries between October 2 and November 7, 2024, can now check if they have been selected through the Entrant Status Check portal. The Diversity Visa (DV) Programme, run by the US State Department, makes 55,000 immigrant visas available every year. Spouses and children can be included in the application. However, nationals from countries with high immigration rates to the United States, including India, China, and Brazil, are not eligible this year. How to check your result To see if you have been selected, you must visit the official DV Lottery website and enter the following details: Confirmation number Last name Also Read Year of birth The portal will remain open for result access until September 30, 2026. No emails or letters—watch out for scams The US Department of State has warned that it does not send emails or letters to notify entrants. 'For those checking their status, remember we do not send selection notifications by email or post,' the department said. 'Entrants must check their status themselves using the online portal.' Officials said that any message asking for money or personal details should be treated as a scam. What happens after selection Being selected in the DV Lottery does not guarantee you will get a visa. It only means you may apply for one. Since the number of visas is limited and processed in order, applicants are encouraged to act without delay. Those selected should: < Complete Form DS-260, the immigrant visa application, through the Immigrant/Diversity Visa portal < Wait for a notification about an interview appointment from a US Embassy or Consulate < Prepare for the visa interview, during which eligibility will be reviewed If the visa is granted, successful applicants will be allowed to travel to the United States as permanent residents and receive their Green Card. Lost your confirmation number? If you have misplaced your confirmation number, you can recover it through the 'Forgot Confirmation Number' tool available on the DV Lottery website. For any queries, applicants can visit the Diversity Visa Instructions page or contact the Kentucky Consular Center at kccdv@ Messages should include the full name, date of birth, and case number. Important dates for DV-2026 Visa application period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 Result access ends: September 30, 2026 Eligibility and countries excluded this year To qualify for the DV-2026 programme, applicants must have been born in countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Nationals of the following countries are not eligible for DV-2026: Bangladesh Brazil Canada China (including Hong Kong SAR) Colombia Cuba Dominican Republic El Salvador Haiti Honduras India Jamaica Mexico Nigeria Pakistan Philippines South Korea Venezuela Vietnam
