Entertainment

Bollywood's enduring action icon Akshay Kumar has sparked debate by criticising the heavy reliance on visual effects (VFX) and AI in contemporary action films. At 58, the martial arts maestro—who holds black belts in Karate and proficiency in Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Kudo—longs for the raw excitement of practical stunts that defined his early career.

From Real Punches to Digital Illusions

Kumar contrasts the visceral action of his breakout hits like the Khiladi series, Mohra, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, Gabbar is Back, and Sooryavanshi with today's green-screen spectacles. "There is a huge difference in the way action films are being made today," he stated in a recent PTI interview. "Earlier, the action would be real; now, everything is done in VFX. It’s not fun as it feels fake." He vividly recalls leaping from helicopters or battling foes hand-to-hand, feats that demanded genuine athleticism rather than post-production polish.

This shift, Kumar argues, strips away the authenticity that audiences crave. Modern sequences, often crafted by teams of animators, lack the imperfections that make real stunts believable and thrilling. "I want to make a real action film," he declares, envisioning a project where he performs every jump and kick himself—without "15 people helping me kick people." His frustration peaks at the thought of actors merely mimicking exertion while VFX handles the spectacle.

AI's Intrusive Role in Filmmaking

In the burgeoning era of artificial intelligence, Kumar warns that over-perfection alienates viewers. Drawing a poignant analogy, he compares VFX-laden action to printed reproductions of paintings: flawless yet soulless. "A real painting might have slight flaws, but it feels alive," he explains. "The audience can feel how much effort is being put in." This critique comes amid Bollywood's VFX boom, seen in mega-hits like Stree 2 (2024), where Kumar himself ventured into supernatural universes, blending practical elements with digital wizardry.

Kumar's comments reflect broader industry tensions. While VFX enables impossible feats—think explosive set pieces or fantastical battles—it risks homogenising action cinema. Stars like him, who built legacies on physical prowess, champion a hybrid approach: technology as enhancer, not replacement. His track record, from 1990s adrenaline rushes to recent blockbusters, positions him as a voice of experience urging restraint.

A Call for Authentic Revival

This isn't mere nostalgia; it's a blueprint for reinvention. As Indian cinema competes globally, Kumar's plea could inspire producers to invest in stunt coordinators, wirework, and actor training over CGI budgets. Imagine a Khiladi 15 redux: no wires, no doubles, just Kumar flipping through flames. Fans, accustomed to his 150+ films spanning action, comedy, and drama, would relish the return to roots.

Yet challenges persist. Safety concerns, insurance costs, and younger actors' reluctance to risk injury favour VFX. Still, successes like RRR's practical choreography prove audiences reward grit. Kumar's stance might galvanise a "real action" wave, echoing Hollywood's John Wick or Mission: Impossible ethos.

Ultimately, Akshay Kumar embodies Bollywood's evolution—and resistance. His critique isn't anti-progress but pro-passion, reminding filmmakers that true heroism shines through sweat, not pixels. As he eyes future projects, the industry watches: will VFX dominate, or will real stunts stage a comeback?

The Class 10 results declared by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) brought joy to many students, but for some, it also brought stress, fear, and disappointment. 

While social media was filled with celebration posts, one emotional message stood out. A student posted: 

"43% in my CBSE Class 10 exams

Sushant Bhai will finally see me today"

He expressed deep sadness over scoring low marks. What happened next surprised everyone. Within minutes, CBSE responded. Instead of ignoring the post, the board reached out directly, asking the student to share their contact details so they could help. This small act quickly caught attention online and reminded people that students are not alone, even in their lowest moments.

CBSE’s Human Side

This was not a one-time response. The Central Board of Secondary Education has been actively trying to support students who feel overwhelmed after results.

Exams can bring a lot of pressure,expectations from family, comparison with friends, and self-doubt. CBSE understands this and has taken steps to help students cope.

Students can reach out for help through:

• Counselling helplines
• IVRS support
• Official social media channels

Trained counselors are available to talk, guide, and support students who feel stressed or anxious.

Why CBSE Does Not Announce Toppers

Many students often compare themselves with toppers, which can increase pressure. To reduce this, CBSE has chosen not to release any toppers list or rank students.

This step is meant to send a clear message:

•  Every student’s journey is different
•  Marks do not define your worth

What the Results Say

This year’s results showed a strong overall performance:

• Over 24 lakh students appeared
• Pass percentage stood at 93.70%

While these numbers look positive, the real focus this time is on how students feel, not just how they scored.

A Message from the Education Minister

Dharmendra Pradhan also shared an important message for students. He said that one exam does not decide a person’s future. Students who didn’t get the marks they expected should not lose hope. Instead, they should learn, move forward, and try again with confidence.

A Moment That Matters

The internet often moves fast. But sometimes, a single moment slows everything down. That’s what made this incident special. 

Results can bring happiness, but they can also bring pressure. What matters most is how we support each other during these times. The effort by the Central Board of Secondary Education shows that education is not just about marks, it’s also about care, understanding, and support. 

If you or someone you know is feeling low after results, remember: This is just one step in life, not the final destination.

In the days when content was shared so quickly and attention was going to fleeting moments, Karan Thapliyal, a documentary cinematographer, thinks the most powerful stories can be told not with speed but with stillness. It has been a long journey for him starting from his childhood where he was surrounded by photographs to working on a set in the deep forests of India.

Karan's first memories go back to his father running a photo studio in New Delhi where pictures slowly came to life in darkrooms. That silent magic of story telling through pictures has deeply influenced him. Much later, while he was enrolling at Sri Aurobindo College (University of Delhi), he was getting inclined to a profession through which he would be able to explore both the environment and human lives. Cinematography therefore became the only option for him.

It was a first hand experience of his career that he took a formal educational course in film and video production. Documentary filmmaking however was that part which really captured his heart. It is a fact that documentaries were very different from fiction for him as they gave him an opportunity to meet and work with real people and then real environments and in no hurry. Besides that, many of these areas are very far and away where people still live a life in close touch with the forest, rivers and wildlife. Gradually he has been dedicating his time to issues of nature conservation, climate change, and human-nature interaction too.

For Thapliyal, the medium of film is not merely about creating images; it is about getting in touch with the pace of the surroundings. Often, filming starts before dawn when the morning light changes the appearance of the landscape, essentially turning it into a piece of living artwork. When it comes to making wildlife films, one not only has to be technically skilled but also patient. After all, long periods of waiting are sometimes required, even for a single valuable shot.

The Elephant Whisperers was among his most characterizing works. It was filmed in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and the story revolves around Bomman and Bellie, the caretakers of the orphaned elephants. He spent long hours in the forest during filming to capture the young elephants Raghu and Ammu. During these outings, he could see that Ammu, with her lively and inquisitive nature, often wanted to play with his camera which was at times quite challenging and affable too.

The movie received worldwide acclaim having also been the first Indian film to win an Oscar award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards. However, for Thapliyal, the greatest satisfaction was in the joy of capturing the seamless relationship of man, animal, and nature.

Writing with fire, another major project, follows journalists at Khabar Lahariya, a dalit-run newspaper. It took years of travel and filming in unpredictable settings, often with no warning. Plus, the conditions demanded real-time adaptation. That's how documentary work really tests your flexibility.

But Thapliyal believes curiosity matters more than technical skills. Observation and patience shape your vision just as much as cameras or editing software. "Your visual voice grows over time," he says. "It comes from the people you meet and the places you go."

He plans to keep focusing on nature and conservation stories. Films can bring remote places into homes. Making wild environments feel closer to people. That connection helps grow awareness about what's being lost

And in a world that moves too fast, Thapliyal shows how stillness reveals truth. Some of the most powerful stories appear only when you stop rushing and truly watch what's around you.

More than 15 lakh students take the IIT JEE examination each year, but only a few manage to get seats in IITs. No wonder, JEE Mains and Advanced have become the toughest entrance exams for students in India. Meeting with JEE candidates as well as IITians, Captain Cool, M S Dhoni, offered some friendly advice to students on how to succeed in these kind of challenging situations, and also suggested ways in which they can prepare for difficult exams of life through hard work and determination.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former skipper of Team India, while talking to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) students said that growth is accompanied by raised expectations. He further explained that when one gets the opportunity to perform on bigger platforms, not only the pressure but also the standards go up. Instead of running away from such situations one should be willing to accept the challenge, do whatever necessary to survive and turn the situation to his advantage for making progress and personal development.

Besides, he thinks that "starting your preparation early gives you a distinct edge over others. It offers you more time to lay a solid foundation, have consistent practice sessions, and make gradual improvements. When the time comes for you to encounter the opportunities, you are already runningv confident and well-prepared, so it becomes easier for you to do better and achieve your goals, " he added. Further he mentioned that all the students should have a starting point and also contribute a lot for other students who are preparing for the IIT Exam. He believes that changing the strategy is necessary for the success in the examination.

Moreover, he has stressed the fact that the most you cannot win every game regardless of how big the expectations are. During his talk with the students, he told them that it is that important thing to not fufu and lose yourself based on the ones fufui, but stop yourself from getting lost in the pursuit of perfection all the time.

Furthermore, he stressed the significance of being mindful of the present moment. He went on to say that if you only focus on what is within your control, the pressure of outcomes naturally reduces. This mentality makes you calm, helps you make the right decisions, and perform at your best. Moreover, he mentions that thinking about the results puts additional pressure on us and hence students should follow only the controllable things which lead to success in the examination.

Besides, he emphasized that the proper implementation of certain aspects is also very necessary for students to perform at a higher level. In doing so, he meant that students have to hold on to the choices they have made in order to get better results in the competitive exam.

Grandmaster Koneru Humpy withdrew from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 last‑minute.  “I do not feel fully secure playing in Cyprus amid the current situation,” she revealed the reason for her withdrawal. This has sparked a national conversation on safety, legacy, and what it means to be India’s No. 1 woman chess player. To the fans, this is like being at the verge of a title shot and willingly retreating. In the case of Humpy, it is about something more silent: peace of mind. She had thought about her decision a lot for obvious reasons and only then has she drawn a conclusion. 

Why is Koneru Humpy Trending?

“Humpy chess” is trending right now but the reason is more than just chasing game scores, it is for knowing the story about courage, control, and how a champion chooses to protect herself. The 2026 move that’s shaking Indian chess isn’t on the board; it’s Koneru Humpy’s decision to step down from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus, ahead of what should have been one of the biggest final chapters of her career! Yes, the biggest!

Humpy Told, “It Was a Difficult Decision”

The breaking news came recently when FIDE and Indian media confirmed that Humpy had withdrawn from the Women’s Candidates, an eight‑player round‑robin event in Cyprus that leads straight to the Women’s World Championship match.

But what’s more important about this news is her words. In a short but clear note, she said that it was a very difficult decision that she took but because her security and peace of mind come first, she is choosing to withdraw from playing chess in Cyprus. She also said she respects the format and the opportunity, but also has to respect her own limits. This is where she got the  attention of the nation.

Who Will Play in Place of Humpy?

FIDE confirmed that Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk would take her place, keeping the field at eight, but the emotional weight of the shift stayed with India.

Safety Shouldn’t Be Secondary Always

Humpy is not a random woman chess player who is stepping down, she is the No. 1 woman in India over the last 10 years, a two-time FIDE Women’s World Rapid Champion (2019 and 2024), and a winner of the Cairns Cup, one of the strongest women tournaments in the world. Her Candidacy followed a high-drama run to the 2025 Women’s World Cup runner-up after pushing India up-and-comer Divya Deshmukh to the tiebreaks before losing out.

At this point, those credentials are compared to another type of risk. Since Cyprus is in a location near West Asian tensions, the decision by Humpy to focus on safety is like a strategic move. In an informal conversation she revealed this saying: “I’ve fought enough battles on the board to know when the battlefield outside becomes too heavy. This isn’t about quitting chess; it’s about choosing the right fight.”

What It Means for Her Legacy, and for India?

After more than 20 years at the top, facing legends like Hou Yifan, winning rapid titles, and  leading India’s women’s team through multiple Olympiads, Humpy is now choosing how her story is going to be portrayed. 

Meanwhile, the game is still on. Divya Deshmukh, 19 already defeated Humpy in the 2025 Women world cup final through tiebreaks. Young players such as Vantika Agrawal and others are gradually coming up. The story of the Indian women chess is no longer Humpy vs the world, but now about Humpy and all the others who follow her legacy. It is a deeper, more textured narrative, one that causes this moment to seem less of a break, more of a transition, an evolution.

Why Humpy Chess 2026 Is Making India Talk About Safety, Sacrifice, and Legacy?

Humpy is making India emotional as it is like one is witnessing a reliable elder saying, “I am not willing to risk myself on behalf of everyone.” She has been burdened with the expectation all her life on behalf of the  Indian women’s chess. Now, with just a single, uninhibited gesture, she is prioritising herself over the spotlight.

For many chess aspirants and fans, this hits hard. They are seeing the one who has all the opportunities but is still choosing her safety. It is not a weakness, it is a statement that even the strongest can make a line, and we all must learn it. Older generations have normalised sacrificing oneself for everything but is it always necessary? The answer is no, and Humpy has just proved it. She is not giving up chess, she is just not going to play it on a board that does not seem safe. 

That is why Humpy chess 2026 is trending with such motivating emotion. It is not only about what she lost, but what she taught us, that the most courageous thing to do is not to do a thing. In a nation where athletes are commonly pressured to disregard risk, Humpy takes the risk to state, “No, I am valuable.” And that is a message that will remain with Indian students, players, and fans even when the news cycle is over.

“Humpy Chess” as a Movement

For Indian students and Gen Z fans, Humpy’s 2026 stand is turning “Humpy chess” into something bigger than search trends. It’s a conversation about how athletes show strength.  When she says: “I still love the game. I still want to contribute. But I must also make sure that I am safe when I play,” it highlights the same concerns of millions of aspiring chess players, and students regarding their own careers, decisions, and security. In a society where it is often proclaimed ‘never back down,’ Humpy is telling the world that stepping away can be its own kind of strength.

With the 2026 Candidates moving on without her, it is gradually becoming a chess story in India that is no longer about what might have happened had Humpy played, but about what now befalls Indian women chess? That’s where the next chapter begins, on the board, and in the choices that shape it.

Assam has made a great move for science education by launching the Guwahati Science City. It is a big science and learning complex developed on the outskirts of Guwahati.

The facility is set up on a large area of about 82 acres and constructed at a cost of INR 300 crore. The facility aims to bring science awareness among the students and youngsters of the region.

Science City was officially opened by Himanta Biswa Sarma at Tepesia in Sonapur of Kamrup Metropolitan district. It is a project initiated by Assam government in partnership with National Council of Science Museums, Govt. of India.

One of the largest science centres of the regionThe Guwahati Science City built on about 250 bighas of land is claimed to be even bigger than the famous Science City Kolkata say officials. The whole complex has been conceived as a first-rate science educational centre where a host of different activities and scientific demonstrations will be carried out for the visitors of all ages through interactive exhibits, immersive learning environments, and large-scale galleries.

Two big galleries, namely Eureka and Space Odyssey, have been finished, and now the place is ready for visitors. These galleries are dedicated to interactive scientific concepts and themes of space exploration which give the visitors an experience of interactive demonstrations.

Later on, Science Discovery, Science Park, and other sections may come up which will definitely add to the look of the whole complex from the education point of view.

Simulations of space and scientific discoveries

The new science city will also feature advanced attractions including a digital planetarium that allows visitors to experience simulations related to space travel, moon missions and even journeys to Mars.

On the occasion of the inauguration, the Chief Minister Sarma said that the project is one of the most significant initiatives taken by the state government for the younger generation. He added that interactive science centres have a significant role to play in fostering the curiosity of the young minds and encouraging the young to pursue a career in the field of science and technology. The Chief Minister also said that he had visited the Kolkata Science Museum during his childhood.

District science centres launched across Assam

Alongside the inauguration of the Guwahati Science City, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated five new district science centres located in Amingaon, Majuli, Silchar, Kaliabor and Bongaigaon. These district facilities have been constructed at a total cost of approximately ₹178 crore and are equipped with science galleries, 64-seat digital planetariums and auditoriums to support educational programmes and public engagement activities.

Officials said the network of science centres across the state is expected to make scientific learning more accessible to students in both urban and rural areas.

Boost to science education in Assam

The state of Assam is also planning to strengthen science education in the state through the development of a new science city and district centers. The state believes that these centers will help children take up science ideas through interactive methods of learning.

The Guwahati science city is likely to emerge as one of the top science education centers in northeastern India once the development of sections like Science Discovery and Science Park is complete.