GJEPC to Participate in Ministerial RoundTable on Natural Diamond Promotion in Angola

GJEPC to Participate in Ministerial RoundTable on Natural Diamond Promotion in Angola

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of the Indian gem and jewellery industry, will be participating in the Ministerial RoundTable on Natural Diamond Promotion, scheduled to take place on 18 June 2025 in Luanda, Angola.

 

Representing India at this prestigious global forum will be Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC. Their presence underscores India’s continued commitment to supporting a resilient, transparent, and sustainable natural diamond industry.

 

Organised by Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET), the high-level summit is bringing together ministers and senior representatives from leading diamond-producing nations including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with key stakeholders across the global diamond value chain.

The meeting will be chaired by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, His Excellency Diamantino Azevedo.

 

The RoundTable aims to address critical industry challenges and deliberate on the need for collaborative efforts to promote natural diamonds through generic marketing and shared narratives around their rarity, beauty, and socio-economic impact.

 

One of the key outcomes of the summit will be the signing of the Luanda Agreement, a joint declaration reaffirming the commitment of governments and industry leaders to enhance the global positioning of natural diamonds and ensure their long-term positive impact on producer nations and communities.

GJEPC’s participation at this RoundTable reflects India’s integral role in the natural diamond pipeline and its dedication to engaging in global conversations that shape the future of the industry.

 

About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10700+ members in the sector.  With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.

The War is Digital. The Threat is Invisible. But the protector remains the same. Himmat Singh Returns in Special Ops 2,

The War is Digital. The Threat is Invisible. But the protector remains the same. Himmat Singh Returns in Special Ops 2, Streaming July 11 on JioHotstar

Produced by Friday Storytellers and created by Neeraj Pandey, Special Ops 2 is set to redefine modern-day espionage on JioHotstar

When the enemy hides behind screens and strikes without a sound, only one man can decode the chaos - Himmat Singh. JioHotstar unveiled the explosive trailer of Special Ops Season 2, reigniting the nation’s love for high-stakes storytelling that blends real-world relevance with blockbuster intensity. With Kay Kay Menon reprising his iconic role as R&AW officer Himmat Singh, the new season promises a deeper, darker, and more urgent mission than ever before.

Set in a volatile geopolitical landscape, Special Ops 2 mirrors the heightened security anxieties of our times where wars are no longer fought solely on battlegrounds, but in the cloud, and the enemy is embedded in everyday life. As coordinated cyber breaches threaten national stability, Himmat and his elite squad are thrust into a silent war, one without warning, smoke, or visible scars, but with consequences that strike at the very soul of the nation.  

Directed by Shivam Nair, the season features a stellar ensemble cast including Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, Gautami Kapoor, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee among others - each bringing intensity and nuance to the world of Special Ops 2.

With his trusted team by his side, Himmat races against time to stop a faceless adversary one who plays by no rules, leaves no trace, and is always one step ahead. Featuring a fresh new antagonist portrayed by Tahir Raj Bhasin, and powered by a global scale, layered intrigue, and razor-sharp performances, Special Ops Season 2 sets the stage for a gripping July 11 release. This time, the battlefield is everywhere!

Alok Jain, JioStar, said, “With Special Ops 2, we continue our commitment to delivering sharp, genre-defining storytelling that is bold, disruptive, and deeply meaningful. This season isn’t just the return of an iconic franchise it’s a timely, cinematic response to cyber threats and the complex digital battleground that surrounds us today. At JioHotstar, we’re focused on bringing impactful narratives that matter stories that resonate with audiences and reflect the world we live in.” 

Creator Neeraj Pandey said, "This season reflects the times we live in, where the enemy doesn’t announce their arrival. The new-age warfare has altered everything we know about threat, security, and sacrifice. Special Ops 2 is about the war we don't see, until it hits home. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, the greatest battles are fought without a single bullet fired, but the damage runs just as deep.”

Versatile Actor Kay Kay Menon who is portraying the iconic character of Himmat Singh said, "Himmat Singh has always fought with grit, intellect, and instinct. But this time, the war isn’t visible. The stakes are bigger, the threats more unpredictable and that made this season both relevant and deeply personal to portray. There’s a quiet burden Himmat carries of duty, of sacrifice, of knowing more than he can say. This chapter allowed me to explore not just the strategist, but the man behind the mission, the father, the patriot, the constant protector.”

Director Shivam Nair adds, “With Special Ops 2.0, we’ve truly raised the bar—in scale, storytelling, and intensity. This season dives into a world where intelligence operations collide with the fast-changing landscape of AI, digital warfare, and cybersecurity. It’s not just thrilling—it’s timely. Reuniting with Neeraj Pandey has been creatively rewarding, and together, we’ve built something that feels both urgent and cinematic. We’re thrilled to partner with JioHotstar once again to bring this gripping new chapter to audiences.”

Vinay Pathak, Actor – Abbas Sheikh, “The danger in Special Ops 2 doesn’t come with explosions, it creeps in through the everyday. That’s what makes this season so powerful. It shows us how vulnerable we really are in a hyperconnected world. As an actor, portraying Abbas again felt like coming home but with higher stakes. Balancing his wit with the weight of what’s at risk this time made the journey all the more meaningful."

Karan Tacker, Farooq Ali, “Farooq has evolved and so has the mission. This season forced us to think beyond guns and disguises. The tension lies in not knowing where the next hit will come from because the enemy is invisible. I’m incredibly proud to be back, and grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for pushing the boundaries of Indian storytelling with such fearless ambition."

Tahir Raj Bashin, Antagonist “Joining the world of Special Ops has been an electricfying adrenalin rush. This role pushed me emotionally and physically, and I’m grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for the trust. Speaking of the character, what makes this antagonist exciting to portray is how layered and rooted in the real world he is. He doesn’t need guns, he uses code, data, and people’s blind trust. That’s what makes him truly dangerous! He doesn’t belong to fiction, he exists in the world we live in today”. 

The war is silent, the danger is real, and the clock is ticking. Watch Special Ops 2 unfold on JioHotstar, streaming from July 11

About JioHotstar

JioHotstar is one of India’s leading streaming platforms, formed through the coming together of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. With an unparalleled content catalogue, innovative technology, and a commitment to accessibility, JioHotstar aims to redefine entertainment for everyone across India."

Anjali Anand — the surprise package of Dhamaal 4 even Riteish Deshmukh didn’t see coming!

                                                                           Dhamaal 4 

Anjali Anand — the surprise package of Dhamaal 4 even Riteish Deshmukh didn’t see coming!

Known for bringing a fresh, fearless energy to every role she takes on, Anjali Anand recently took the stage at a women’s forum to talk about her experience shooting for one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchises — Dhamaal 4.

During the conversation, she recalled how, while filming, Riteish Deshmukh — a comedy veteran and franchise regular — was completely caught off guard by her pitch-perfect comic timing. And he wasn’t the only one. The entire crew took note — Anjali’s natural flair for comedy had the set buzzing. Though Dhamaal 4 is still in production, she’s already surprising everyone with her effortless charm and timing.

For those who’ve seen her on screen, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Her comic rhythm is instinctive and smooth — whether it’s a perfectly delivered punchline or a subtle glance that lands just right. But there’s more to Anjali than just laughs. There’s a refreshing honesty and relatability she brings, both on and off screen, that stands out in an industry often driven by image and packaging.

As the film gears up for a laughter-packed Eid 2026 release, one thing’s for sure: the chaos is coming — and Anjali is bringing the laughs with it.

'ऊत' चित्रपटातून नवी जोडी रुपेरी पडद्यावर

 'ऊत' चित्रपटातून नवी जोडी रुपेरी पडद्यावर

अभिनेते  मकरंद देशपांडे यांच्या हस्ते  चित्रपटाचा पोस्टर अनावरण सोहळा संपन्न

तारुण्याच्या पंखांत आकाशाला गवसणी घालण्याचं बळ असतं. व्यवस्थेविरुद्ध बंड करणारी तरुणाईच असते. व्यवस्थेविरुद्ध केलेल्या संघर्षाची कहाणी सांगणारा वेरा फिल्म्स निर्मित आणि राम मलिक लिखित-दिग्दर्शित 'ऊत' हा मराठी चित्रपट लवकरच प्रेक्षकांच्या भेटीला येणार आहे. चित्रपटात एक संघर्ष कथा पहायला मिळणार असून  या सोबतच 'ऊत' मध्ये एक प्रेमकथाही आहे. या प्रेमकथेचा नायक अभिनेता राज मिसाळ असून, अभिनेत्री आर्या सावे ही नायिका आहे. या चित्रपटाच्या  निमित्ताने ही नवी जोडी  मराठी रुपेरी पडद्यावर दाखल झाली आहे. या चित्रपटाचा शानदार पोस्टर अनावरण सोहळा नुकताच अभिनेते प्रसिद्ध मकरंद देशपांडे यांच्या हस्ते  संपन्न झाला. यावेळी मंचावर चित्रपटातील सर्व कलाकार व तंत्रज्ञ उपस्थित होते.  

यावेळी चित्रपटाला  शुभेच्छा देताना अभिनेता मकरंद देशोपांडे  म्हणाले की,  ‘चित्रपट करणं हे कसब आहे. अनेकांची मेहनत यात असते. आज चित्रपटाला प्रेक्षक  नसताना  चित्रपट बनवण्याचं धाडस करणं कॊतुकास्पद आहे.  या चित्रपटासाठी  मला  विचारणा झाली होती पण काही कारणास्तव या चित्रपटात काम करण्याचा माझा योग  जुळून आला नव्हता. पण आज या  चित्रपटाचे पोस्टर अनावरण माझ्या हस्ते  झाले आणि  या चित्रपटासोबत जोडला जाण्याचा योग जुळून आला, याचा आनंद त्यांनी व्यक्त केला.  

याप्रसंगी बोलताना अभिनेता राज मिसाळ म्हणाले की, माझा बॅकस्टेज पासून सुरु झालेला प्रवास आज चित्रपटाच्या प्रदर्शनापर्यंत येऊन पोहचला आहे. या प्रवासात साथ दिलेल्या सर्वांचे मी आभार मानतो. या पोस्टर अनावरण सोहळ्याच्या वेळी चित्रपटातील झिंगनांग चिंगनांग लै भारी गं... या प्रेमगीताची खास झलक कलाकारांनी सादरीकरणातून उपस्थितांना दाखविली. वैभव जोशी यांनी  लिहिलेलं हे गाणं  जयदीप वैद्य यांनी  गायले आहे, तर संगीत आशुतोष कुलकर्णी यांचे आहे.

कान्स फेस्टिव्हलमध्ये ‘ऊत’ या चित्रपटाने प्रेक्षकांची मने जिंकली आहेत. मलेशिया फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, ईस्टर्न युरोप फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, ईस्ट विलेज न्यूयॉर्क फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, सिनसिने फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, श्रीलंका इंटरनॅशनल फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, मँचेस्टर फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल, अहमदाबाद इंटरनॅशनल फिल्म फेस्टिव्हल या सारख्या अनेक देशी-विदेशी चित्रपट महोत्सवात ‘ऊत’ या मराठी चित्रपटाने आपली यशस्वी मोहोर उमटविली आहे.

लेखकांच्या विविध मागण्यांसाठी मानाचि लेखक संघटनेचे निवेदन

 लेखकांच्या विविध मागण्यांसाठी मानाचि लेखक संघटनेचे निवेदन

९ जून २०२५ रोजी मालिका नाटक चित्रपट लेखक संघटनेचे पदाधिकारी, पुरुषोत्तम बेर्डे, राजीव जोशी, आशिष पाथरे, डॉ अलका नाईक आणि विवेक आपटे लेखकांच्या समस्यांसाठी, माननीय सांस्कृतिक मंत्री ॲड. श्री. आशिष शेलार यांना भेटले. संघटनेचे अध्यक्ष विवेक आपटे यांनी लेखकांच्या समस्या मंत्रीमहोदयांना सांगितल्यावर, लेखकांवर अनेक प्रकारे अन्याय होतो, हे त्यांनी मान्य केले. चर्चा करून आपण समस्या सोडवू या, असेही म्हटले.

त्यासाठी संबंधित अधिकाऱ्यांची मी मीटिंग लावतो, अ

से सांगून संघटनेने दिलेल्या निवेदनावर तसा शेराही मारला, असे अध्यक्ष श्री विवेक आपटे यांनी नमूद केले. मानाचि लेखक संघटना मराठी भाषेतील मालिका नाटक व चित्रपटांच्या हौशी व व्यावसायिक लेखकांची संघटना असून, २०१६ पासून रजिस्टर कंपनी म्हणून सर्व माध्यमात लेखन करणाऱ्या कवी, गीतकार, व लेखकांच्या उत्कर्ष व सन्मानासाठी कार्यशील आहे. परस्पर संवादातून लेखकांच्या समस्यांचे निराकरण करून, त्यांना यथोचित मान व धनही मिळावे यासाठी मानाचि संघटना सदैव जागृत व कार्यरत आहे. यासंदर्भात आम्ही खालील मुद्दे आपल्या निदर्शनास आणून देऊ इच्छितो !

१. मुद्दा - सध्या नाटकाची संहि, रंगभूमी प्रयोग परिनिरीक्षण मंडळाकडे पाठविले जाते. मंडळ त्या संहितेतील आक्षेपार्ह भागावर शेरा मारून, त्याचे जाहीर प्रयोग करण्याची परवानगी देते. पण त्यात नाटकाचे शीर्षक लेखकाच्या नावाने रजिस्टर होत नाही. त्यावर लेखकाचा मालकी / स्वामित्व हक्क न राहिल्याने ते शीर्षक लेखकाच्या परवानगीशिवाय, मालिका किंवा चित्रपटांसाठीही वापरले जाते. त्याचप्रमाणे चित्रपटाचे शीर्षक, अखिल भारतीय मराठी चित्रपट महामंडळाकडे व चित्रपटाबरोबर मालिकेचे ही शीर्षक, इंडियन मोशन पिक्चर्स प्रोड्युसर्स असोसिएशन (IMPPA) कडे निर्माता रजिस्टर करतो. साहजिकच शीर्षका वरचा मालकी / स्वामित्व हक्क निर्मात्याकडे जातो. नंतर निर्माता ते शीर्षक लाखो रुपयांना विकू शकतो / विकतो आणि ते ज्याला सुचले आहे त्या लेखकाला त्याचा एक रुपयाही मिळत नाही.

मागणी - लेखकाला सुचलेले नाटकाचे, चित्रपटाचे, किंवा मालिकेचे शीर्षक वरीलपैकी कुठल्याही एका / अधिक संस्थांकडे, लेखकाला स्वतःला, स्वतःच्या नावाने रजिस्टर करता यायला हवे.

२. मुद्दा - सध्या कवितेतल्या / गीतातल्या / भावगीताच्या किंवा संवादाच्या ओळींची सर्रास मालिका शीर्षके बनवली जातात. त्याचे त्याच्या कवी / गीतकार / भावगीत कार / संवाद लेखक यांना श्रेय व मानधन दिले जात नाही.

मागणी - यापुढे वर नमूद केल्याप्रमाणे मालिकेचे शीर्षक वापरले असल्यास, त्याच्या मूळ लेखकाचा आदरपूर्वक उल्लेख श्रेयनामावलीत केला जावा. त्याचप्रमाणे त्या लेखकास त्याचे मानधनही (वन टाइम पेमेंट) मिळावे.

३. मुद्दा - मानाचि लेखक संघटनेच्या कार्यालयासाठी तसेच संघटना लेखकांसाठी करत असलेली वर्कशॉप्स किंवा संघटनेचे सांजमेळ्यासारखे उपक्रम करण्यासाठी लागणारी जागा !

मागणी - संघटनेला त्यांचे कार्यालय तसेच अन्य उपक्रम राबवण्यासाठी पु. ल. देशपांडे अकॅडमी / रवींद्र नाट्य मंदिर /मध्यवर्ती सरकारी आस्थापनात अंदाजे १०० लोकांना पुरेल एवढी जागा विनामूल्य किंवा अत्यल्प भाड्यात मिळावी.

४. मुद्दा - सध्या मराठी चित्रपटाला सेन्सॉर सर्टिफिकेट देण्यापूर्वी, त्या चित्रपटाचे दिग्दर्शक, छाया लेखक, संगीतकार, संकलक व प्रमुख कलाकारांप्रमाणे लेखक तसेच गीतकार कडूनही त्यांचे पूर्ण मानधन मिळाल्याचे व सेन्सॉर सर्टिफिकेट देण्याला त्यांची हरकत नसल्याचे प्रमाणपत्र घेण्याचा नियम आहे. परंतु त्याचे काटेकोर अंमलबजावणी होत नाही.

मागणी - यापुढे लेखक तसेच गीतकाराने ही, त्याचे पूर्ण मानधन मिळाल्याचे ना हरकत प्रमाणपत्र (NOC) सादर करणे अनिवार्य केले जावे. त्याशिवाय या चित्रपटाला सेन्सॉर सर्टिफिकेट दिले जाऊ नये.

५. मुद्दा - चित्रपट, मालिका व वेब मालिकांचा व्यवसाय फार मोठ्या प्रमाणात मुंबई व महाराष्ट्रात आहे. पण सध्या नव्या संकल्पना किंवा संहितेच्या कॉपीराईट व इंटेलेक्चुअल प्रॉपर्टी राईटचे रजिस्ट्रेशन फक्त दिल्लीला होते, जे गैरसोयीचे आहे.

मागणी - कॉपीराईट व इंटेलेक्चुअल प्रॉपर्टी राईट चे रजिस्ट्रेशन दिल्ली बरोबरच मुंबईतही करता येण्याची सोय हवी.

६. मुद्दा - वृद्ध किंवा विकलांग झालेल्या आता काम करू न शकणाऱ्या लेखकांसाठी ग्रुप इन्शुरन्स व पेन्शन प्लॅन !

मागणी - या योजनेसाठी वर नमूद केल्याप्रमाणे लेखकांची पात्रता पडताळून, शासनाला तसे सूचित करण्याची जबाबदारी व अधिकार मानाचि संघटनेला सोपवले जावे. कारण आम्हाला या योजनेत शासनासह निर्माते, कलाकार व प्रेक्षकांचाही सहभाग अपेक्षित आहे.

आपण आमच्या मागण्यांची योग्य ती दखल घेऊन आवश्यक ती कारवाई / मार्गदर्शन कराल, हा विश्वास आहे.

'Kon Hona Maharashtriacha Ladka Kirtankar

                              Kon Hona Maharashtriacha Ladka Kirtankar'

Govardhan Ghee collaborates with Sony Marathi Channel's 'Kon Hona Maharashtriacha Ladka Kirtankar' to celebrate Maharashtra's cultural heritage

Govardhan Ghee, a subsidiary of Parag Milk Foods, announces its association with the show 'Kon Hona Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar' on Sony Marathi Channel, a name synonymous with purity and excellence. This unique reality show is the only unique platform dedicated to Kirtan. It is a devotional artistic endeavor celebrated in Maharashtra. Kirtan is a beautiful blend of storytelling, poetry and music. Over the centuries, it has been contributing immensely beyond the artistic expression of Kirtanveer. It is the soul of India's spiritual journey, which brings together all communities through the power of devotion and tradition. Through this collaboration, Govardhan Ghee has extended its commitment to the dairy industry by supporting an initiative that celebrates the cultural and spiritual heritage of Maharashtra. The programme aims to celebrate and preserve this heritage by mainstreaming Kirtan on television, while inspiring a new generation of Kirtan singers.

Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods, said, "At Parag Milk Foods, our core values ​​have always been rooted in authenticity and heritage. Just as Govardhan Ghee has been an integral part of Indian households for generations, similarly, Kirtan has maintained an unbroken chain of devotion and storytelling. We consider it an honour to extend our support to Sony Marathi's 'Kon Hona Maharashtriacha Ladka Kirtankar', a show that will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of today's audiences through Jai."                                                                                                                                                                                     Tushar Shah, Business Head and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Hindi Cinema, English, Bengali, Marathi, Mehiti Ranjan Channels at Sony Picture Networks India (SPNI), highlighted the cultural impact of the show, saying, "Sony Marathi has always presented stories that touch the true soul of Maharashtra. Kon Hona Maharashtriacha Ladka Kirtankar is not just a reality show - it is a heartfelt tribute to the art form that has shaped the cultural identity of the state. We hope to give a new lease of life to this beautiful tradition by providing a national platform to talented Kirtankars. We are delighted that Govardhan Ghee is collaborating with us on this journey, as their values ​​of purity and tradition blend beautifully with the core of our show, making this initiative even more meaningful." Through this collaboration, Govardhan Ghee has further strengthened its role as a custodian of purity, not only contributing to the dairy industry but also to preserving the cultural core of India. By supporting the 'Who Will Be Maharashtra's Favorite Kirtankar' event, the brand has championed a legacy that goes beyond commerce, celebrating the artistic and cultural traditions of Maharashtra for generations to come.

Trust is Rare in The Traitors—Except Between Maheep and Anshula Kapoor

Trust is Rare in The Traitors-Except Between Maheep and Anshula Kapoor   

In the opening episode of The Traitors India, where trust is constantly questioned, Maheep Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor offered a quiet moment of certainty.

During an early interaction when the contestants were asked to name the one person they trusted the most, both Maheep and Anshula chose each other without hesitation. It was a simple but telling exchange that reflected their bond—not just as family, but as individuals who anchor each other in unfamiliar spaces.

The gesture wasn’t strategic or dramatic—it was instinctive. In a game designed around manipulation and betrayal, the duo’s unwavering faith in each other stood out. They weren’t trying to form a loud alliance or control the room; they were simply choosing trust, where it mattered most.

As the series begins to unfold, Maheep and Anshula’s grounded presence brings a refreshing sense of honesty to a game built on secrets