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News18
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Panchayat 4 Actor Jitendra Kumar On ‘Jitu Bhaiya' Tag: ‘I'd Been Waiting For Roles...'
Last Updated: Panchayat Season 4 will bring back fan-favourite characters played by Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy and Sanvikaa. With Panchayat Season 4 set to premiere on June 24, Jitendra Kumar is once again at the centre of conversations around small-town storytelling and powerful performances. In a recent interview with Zoom, Jitendra shared insights into his journey so far, the origin of his iconic screen name 'Jitu Bhaiya," and how shows like Panchayat and Kota Factory helped shape his career. Jitendra rose to fame with his role in Kota Factory, where he played the beloved 'Jitu Bhaiya." Reflecting on how the name became a cultural reference point, he said, 'Wo toh jo character play kiya Kota Factory main Jitu Bhaiya ke naam se toh usme se wo cheez popular hui… Bhaiya hai toh wo aur homely ho jaate hai. That's the reason ki wo term logo ne pakad li aur us naam se baar baar bulate hai." He explained that the simplicity and relatability of the name made it stick with the audience. The actor credits Panchayat and Kota Factory for giving him the creative space he always desired. 'I had been waiting for roles that resonated with the kind of work I wanted to do. With Panchayat and Kota Factory, I got that chance… that's what's also connecting with the audience." Jitendra also spoke about his early start on YouTube, which became the foundation of his fan base. 'Our sketches on YouTube played a big role in building an audience… it helped create a strong viewer base, which later supported shows like Panchayat." He reminisced about how corporate professionals and college students were the first to follow his journey, which later expanded to family audiences with Panchayat. He acknowledged the shift in audience as a significant moment in his career. 'When Panchayat came out, it reached families. It became a show people could enjoy together at home," he said. Panchayat Season 4 will bring back fan-favourite characters played by Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. First Published: June 21, 2025, 00:12 IST
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
My 94-Year-Old Father Dropped A Bomb During A Zoom Call. The Explosion Changed Everything.
I seldom heard from my father. We had never been close, but when he was 94 years old, he left me a brief voice message. 'I have something important to tell you — something very personal and private,' he said. A feeling of dread swept over me. Was he ill? Had I done something wrong? We never shared anything that was 'personal and private.' Even his suggestion to meet by Zoom surprised me. When did my father start using Zoom? I agreed to talk to him, and when I signed into Zoom, he was already there waiting for me. He appeared nervous and had difficulty directly looking at me. It took him a moment to get started. 'When I was a medical student, I worked at a pioneering fertility clinic,' he said. 'On several occasions, I donated sperm. A year ago, I was contacted by a woman who thought I might be her father.' He took my stunned silence as an invitation to go on. 'I know this is a shock, but it appears that I fathered over a dozen children through sperm donation.' 'Oh my God,' I barely managed to reply. 'Yes, they had been searching for me — well, not for me at that point, but for their father,' he said. 'They found each other on one of the DNA websites, shared their stories, did some research, and narrowed it down to me.' My father was a highly renowned OBGYN and researcher. He was a brilliant man, capable of great charm and humor, who, even at the age of 94, remained astute and worldly. His children were thrilled to have discovered him, and he soon found himself the object of fascination of these newly acquainted offspring. My father reveled in these relationships, basking in the loving light they cast. He held Zoom meetings with them, corresponded with some over email, and met others in person. I learned this had been going on for almost a year before he had his Zoom call with me, and that he had become particularly close to one of my new half-sisters. She adored my father. He told me that she said she had never experienced such a quick bond with another human being. They described each other as 'soulmates.' They even had loving nicknames for each other — he called her 'Dollie' and she called him 'Poppie.' This was hard for me to take in. The father I knew was full of rage and violent. Taunting, threatening, blaming and shaming were the currency he used with our family. His nicknames for me during my childhood were 'bitch,' 'birdbrain,' and 'moron.' As the family scapegoat, I was beaten. I thought I was so 'bad' that I didn't believe I was worthy of having weight on this earth. I was anorexic for much of my adolescence, and when I was a freshman in college, I tried to kill myself. My healing journey included years of therapy and recovery. Though my relationship with my father was complicated and tenuous, I loved my father. Despite the way he often treated me, he had always been supportive of my passion for creating art. Even in his 90s, he continued to help me with my website. He could still be unpredictably demeaning and cruel, however, and our interactions were stiff and formal. I could understand why he had waited to tell me. These new relationships presented him with the chance to have a do-over — an opportunity to reset his self-image as a father. I'm sure he feared that I might say or do something to pollute my half-siblings' high regard for him. It's hard to explain. But though I felt hurt about being kept in the dark, I also felt glad for my father — that this final chapter of his life brought him some joy — and I felt a flutter of excitement for myself. I had miraculously inherited a whole new family of brothers and sisters. We did not share a history of growing up with this complex man, but we shared something profound, ancient, mysterious, and awe-inspiring: a DNA passed down through generations. I was genuinely intrigued. I wanted to meet them. Also, despite the years of hurt, fear and estrangement I suffered, I also wanted a closer relationship with my father. The fork in the road was stark and clear: I could travel with him in his pursuit of these new relationships or I could watch him fade away from my life. My father was apprehensive about me reaching out to my new siblings, but he provided me with their contact information. I began emailing them and eventually spoke to many of them by phone. They invited me to join an upcoming Zoom call with my father, where they intended to ask him more about himself. The meeting was visually stunning: all of these strangers bore a resemblance to my father, and I saw variations of my sister's and brother's faces filling the screen. One of my half-sisters was a mirror image of me! It was both fascinating and exciting, yet also awkward and lonely. All of these people shared a common awakening to their new reality. I was connected to everyone, too, of course, but it was also very different for me, and none of us knew quite how I fit into the group. Over the next several days, a few more siblings I hadn't talked to reached out to me, including the half-sister that my father referred to as 'Dollie.' She seemed to want to get to know me. I was pleased, but part of me also wanted to run away while screaming my renunciation of my father and these starry-eyed half-siblings. Still, I had resolved early on that I would not do anything to try to sabotage the new relationships, and I was determined to keep my promise. Over time, Dollie and I reached a point of mutual understanding. I had the courage to hear more about her and her love for my father, and she dared to ask me about my history with him. We had some difficult conversations, and there were times we had to help each other through the hurt. I learned that, like me, she was in recovery and attended a 12-step program. Her love for him and their open discussions about her recovery resonated deeply with him. In one of our conversations, he sheepishly disclosed that he had begun attending a 12-step program with her. My parents had always denigrated my involvement in self-help and therapy, and I had learned to keep my recovery hidden so as not to face their disdain. Now he was speaking my language! He talked with me about believing in a higher power and beginning to work the 12 steps of recovery, which included taking an honest self-inventory and making amends. Rather than a wedge between us, itbecame a foothold for a spiritual place of healing and union. We could actually talk with each other. Dollie also began telling my father how close she and I were becoming and that we supported him in his relationships with both of us. Hearing this profoundly touched him. His anxiety about how my presence might undermine his new relationships seemed to disappear. This progress was amazing, but there was more. My father wrote me a letter stating that he wished he had been 'a different kind of dad, more outwardly caring and loving.' He said that facing his deficiencies as a parent was 'like looking into the abyss.' He wanted to make amends for his 'shortcomings and the hurt I had caused you.' I called him to thank him, tell him I loved him, and let him know that we could embark on a healing journey together. My half-sister's love for him, untainted by the past, coupled with my openness to his overture of amends, was a lifeline for him. Despite how far the three of us had come together, we were still apprehensive about meeting in person. What would happen? We weren't sure, but we agreed it was time to find out. We agreed to meet at my half-sister's house, which was located just outside the city where my father lived, and a seven-hour drive from my home. It would be Dollie and her partner, my husband and me... and my father. It was a most remarkable visit. Yes, it was awkward at times, but there was also a feeling of togetherness — that we were all trying our best to do something hard but important. At one point, the five of us were sitting at the dinner table when my father said he had something he needed to express. Then he turned and looked directly at me. 'I want to apologize to you for my over 60 years of abusive behavior toward you,' he said. He told me that he saw me, was proud of me, and loved me very much. He turned to Dollie and said that he loved her too. Tears streamed down my face. I could barely speak. There's a photo of the five of us from that weekend, and it looks like a photo of a family, which is exactly what we'd become. Of course, it's nearly impossible to heal from a lifetime of hurt in just a few years, and not all of my mistrust had simply evaporated. My father is now 98. We have a long way to go and a short amount of time, but we are both invested in each other and moving forward. We begin and end each phone call with 'I love you,' and that feels like the most important thing. This story could have ended so differently. Though I was still trying, my connection with my father had been degraded to the point that I had little expectation or hope for a reconciliation. My father and I had become accustomed to the coldness. I thought there would be nothing more for us to learn or gain. The sudden arrival of — and his quick attachment to — 16 new, charming, loving adult children felt like one more mortal threat to my years-long efforts to find a loving place with him. The miracle is that we all played our parts and dared to stay open to one another. I will always be grateful for that. Dollie and I continue to call each other. We update each other about our lives. We reflect on our remarkable journey. And we talk about our father. My father passed away as this article was being edited. As his condition worsened and he could barely speak, he would open his eyes and tell me that he loved me. In the days before his death, I was in touch with everyone to let them know he didn't have much time left. His loving family — including my brother, two of my new half-sisters and two of my new half-brothers — gathered at his bedside. What good fortune it is that I have so many more people in my life to love and with whom to share my sorrow. My grief has been complicated. I never expected to cry as much as I have. I'm surprised at my utter desolation. I wish I had had more time with my 'new' father. I forgive him — this flawed man whom I love — but what I hope for most is that he was able to forgive and love himself. Meryl Ruth has gained international recognition for achievement of high-quality, intricately detailed and imaginative ceramic and fiber art. Her work is on display on her website Meryl lives with her husband on a small lake in Maine, where she also has her art studio. She and her husband are currently collaborating on her memoir, from which this essay is drawn. When Meryl is not working in her studio, she is spending time with her children and grandchildren, practicing yoga, kayaking on the lake and cultivating orchids. She has a small Chihuahua, who is a certified therapy dog and accompanies her to hospice where she has volunteered on a weekly basis for the past ten years. She would like to acknowledge her husband, Fred Wolff, 'for helping me put my thoughts and feelings into words.' Do you have a compelling personal story you'd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we're looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@ My Husband And I Assumed We Would Have Kids. Then Something Incredible Happened That Changed Our Minds. My Patient Invited Me To Her Home To Watch Her Die. What I Saw When I Arrived Gave Me Goosebumps. People See Me And Think I'm Pregnant. They're Shocked When I Tell Them The Heartbreaking Truth.
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Digital payments for ads or software? Here's where TDS may surprise you
Freelancers, small business owners, and e-commerce sellers are increasingly relying on digital platforms for advertising, software, and sales. But these payments often come with tax obligations that many overlook, especially under India's Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) rules. Experts say a good starting point is identifying whether the payment is made to an Indian or foreign company. 'This is crucial, as domestic payments are governed by Sections 194C and 194J, while international ones fall under Section 195,' says Ankit Jain, partner at a chartered accountancy firm, Ved Jain and Associates. Domestic versus foreign payments: Know your provider For payments to Indian providers, such as digital ad agencies or cloud service resellers: Section 194C applies to ad contracts; TDS at 2 per cent if the annual payment exceeds Rs 30,000. Section 194J applies to professional or technical services like AWS or Zoom; TDS at 10 per cent. Exemption: 'TDS isn't required if you aren't under tax audit or are a non-corporate entity,' notes Jain. For foreign providers, such as Google, Meta, or SaaS platforms: TDS under Section 195 applies, but rates vary depending on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). You must also file Form 15CA/CB, even if TDS isn't deducted; failure attracts a penalty of Rs 1 lakh. Common mistakes to avoid According to Ritika Nayyar, partner at a law firm, Singhania & Co., many taxpayers: Wrongly assume no TDS is needed if the provider is foreign. Skip filing Form 15CA/CB if no TDS is deducted. Misapply DTAA benefits without obtaining a Tax Residency Certificate. Ignore changes in TDS law or documentation requirements. Selling online? Know your 1 per cent TDS rule Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Zomato deduct 1 per cent TDS on seller earnings under Section 194-O. 'This amount reflects in your Form 26AS and can be claimed as a credit while filing returns,' says Nayyar, adding that, 'Maintaining accurate sales and TDS records is key.' Can small users avoid TDS? Yes, in many cases. If your turnover is below Rs 1 crore (business) or Rs 50 lakh (profession), you're generally not liable to deduct TDS. Also, individuals or HUFs paying for personal use are exempt from TDS obligations. But for international payments, no basic exemption exists, warns Jain. 'All such cases must be evaluated carefully, especially when claiming DTAA benefits.'
Time Business News
12 hours ago
- Time Business News
10 Laptop Hacks Every User Wishes They Knew Sooner
Whether you're a remote worker, frequent traveler, event planner, or IT professional, your laptop is your lifeline. Yet, most users only scratch the surface of what their machines can do. From extending battery life to boosting performance, these ten laptop hacks can significantly improve productivity and ease of use — no new hardware required. Let's dive into the hacks every user wishes they'd learned years ago. Too many background apps starting with your laptop can drastically slow boot times. To streamline performance: Windows : Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable non-essential apps. : Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable non-essential apps. macOS: System Settings → General → Login Items → Remove unwanted apps. Real-World Example: A marketing agency noticed reduced boot time from 58 seconds to just 18 seconds by disabling Slack, Zoom, and Dropbox from startup. Battery life is precious, especially on the move. Nearly all laptops have built-in power-saving settings — but most users don't optimize them. Actionable Tip: On Windows , go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Enable 'Battery Saver.' , go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Enable 'Battery Saver.' On macOS, enable 'Low Power Mode' from System Preferences → Battery. Pair this with reduced screen brightness and Wi-Fi toggling when offline for even longer battery sessions. Using your laptop as a second screen boosts multitasking without spending on an external display. On Windows : Use the Project to This PC feature. : Use the feature. On macOS: Use Sidecar with an iPad or Luna Display for cross-device display. Example: Event organizers often use this trick to monitor registration tools on one screen and control digital signage from another. Running out of space? Don't rush to delete photos or documents — reclaim it intelligently. Try These: Windows : Use Storage Sense (Settings → System → Storage). : Use (Settings → System → Storage). macOS: Use Manage Storage in About This Mac → Storage tab → Optimize Storage. Clear temporary files, duplicates, and cached data. Tools like CCleaner or CleanMyMac can automate the process. Cutting down on mouse usage can significantly boost your workflow. Popular Shortcuts: Alt + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Tab (Mac) : Switch between apps quickly. or : Switch between apps quickly. Windows + V : Access clipboard history. : Access clipboard history. Cmd + Space (Mac): Launch Spotlight search. Pro Tip: Learn shortcuts for your favorite apps like Excel, Zoom, or Adobe Creative Suite — it pays off fast. Juggling multiple projects? Use virtual desktops to separate workspaces by task or client. Windows : Press Windows + Tab → Add Desktop. : Press Windows + Tab → Add Desktop. macOS: Use Mission Control → '+' sign in the top right. This setup helps IT staff or freelancers isolate browser sessions, presentations, or development tools without clutter. When your touchpad fails — or you want hands-free control — turn your smartphone into a trackpad. Apps like Unified Remote, Remote Mouse, or Apple's Remote App allow seamless control for presentations, media, and navigation. Use Case: At corporate events or training sessions, users often pair phones to control slides without standing near the laptop. Most laptops default to 'Balanced' mode, but you can create custom profiles for performance, meetings, or travel. On Windows : Control Panel → Power Options → Create a power plan. : Control Panel → Power Options → Create a power plan. On macOS: Use third-party apps like Turbo Boost Switcher or set up automation via Shortcuts. Hack: Create a 'Zoom mode' with reduced screen brightness, camera optimization, and Wi-Fi preference for smooth video calls. Overheating causes throttling, reduced performance, and shorter hardware life. Tips: Use a laptop stand to improve airflow. Clean out vents monthly with compressed air. Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches. Bonus Tip: Keep Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) open to spot resource-heavy apps heating up your system. Many users delay backups because they don't want another subscription. But Windows and macOS offer built-in, free solutions. Windows : File History → External drive or network location. : File History → External drive or network location. macOS: Time Machine → External drive setup. Schedule weekly backups, especially before travel or updates. If you're using laptop rental devices for events or short-term projects, backups become even more critical to prevent data loss. Laptops are more than just mobile computers — they're powerful tools, often underutilized. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or organizing a conference, these laptop hacks can save time, improve performance, and simplify your tech life. Explore which ones fit your routine and start implementing them today. And if you're working temporarily or organizing an event, laptop rental services can help you access high-performance devices without the long-term investment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Metro
12 hours ago
- General
- Metro
I can be myself in the UK - but now I can't go home
'I can now tell you that you are our first ever Miss Trans Global Uganda finalist – congratulations!' As soon as I heard this news in 2022 via Zoom, I screamed with delight. I had made it to the top seven of the global pageant and I couldn't be more proud. 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!' I shouted with joy and thanks. As a child, I loved everything about beauty and fashion, but I could never fully express this because I'm a transgender woman from Uganda. Although being trans is not explicitly banned in the country, people like me are essentially in legal limbo and discrimination is widespread. As a result, I felt like my dreams to explore creative arts were suffocated and I was forced to assimilate. I went to a Catholic school, which had a strict dress code. On top of that, I suffered through non-inclusive sex education, anti-LGBTQ+ religious sermons in church, and a derogatory media landscape. I decided I needed to prioritise a roof over my head before anything else. That meant that I sacrificed expressing or exploring my gender identity publicly. In order to find a sense of LGBTQ+ community, I created a fake profile on social media and joined an anonymous private group of similar people who were brave enough to express themselves online. Gradually, we started meeting each other secretly, despite living in the closet. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! I couldn't really cross-dress in public with my new friends because I was scared of being outed, but I also didn't fit into the straight world either. So I felt stuck and unsafe, which impacted my emotional wellbeing. I devoted my time and energy into graduating. After that, I applied for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which is a fully-funded scholarship from the British Government. Two months later, I was delighted to find out that my application was successful, so I moved to the UK in 2021 to study a masters at the University of Bath. Life after I came to the UK was liberating. Compared to Uganda, British cities embrace diversity from all walks of life. I watched TV shows that included trans people like Pose on BBC iPlayer. I also revamped my skincare routine and changed my wardrobe from a masculine to feminine aesthetic. I had the gender marker on legal documents changed and explored the nightlife of LGBTQ+ bars across the UK with a community of people just like me. Amanda was part of Hannah and Jake Graf's 'Trans is Human' campaign, which launched around Trans Day of Visibility (March 31) this year. For more information, visit their Instagram page here. The campaign is supported by Pride Wide, a charity featuring exclusive, investigative, fact-checked LGBTQ+ storytelling. Then in June 2022, I attended my first Pride parade in London and I was completely blown away by everyone proudly celebrating their identities. I was also pleasantly surprised by the support from the state in having police protection, endorsement from the mayor, and various companies marching in comradeship. None of these things would be possible in my home country. It was around this time that I stumbled across a Facebook post about a pageant called Miss Trans Global and was immediately interested in applying. Now that I was in the UK, I finally felt safe enough to be visible and express my true self. I had to send an audition tape talking about myself and why I wanted to compete in the pageant. 'I want to challenge stereotypes about femininity,' I said in the video, 'and I want to represent my country, Uganda.' I also had an interview with a panel of judges. In the lead up to the event, I made sure to learn how to walk confidently, practice public speaking, apply makeup, and show polished etiquette. Refugee Week is the world's largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking safety. Each year, IMIX – a charity that helps change the way people think and talk about migration – supports Refugee Week Ambassadors. These are people, like Amanda, who came to the UK to rebuild their lives and who now play an important part in our communities. IMIX is proud to work with Metro as a trusted partner in highlighting these voices and shining a light on the many ways refugees help make the UK a better place for everyone. You can read Agnès' story below I followed every rule as an asylum seeker – I was still detained The pageant was intense from the very start – even though it all took place online due to Covid-19 restrictions. For the evening ball gown category, I walked in an elegant rose pink lace long prom dress as the crowds cheered via live streaming platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Throughout it all, I was nervous but also excited, since I was the first to represent Uganda. In the end, I won 'Third Princess Global' and 'Inspirational Queen of the Year', which I was thrilled with. The whole event was so special to me because it was an opportunity to celebrate our unique traits of beauty and gender expression in a world that forces us to live in fear or shame about our bodies. Personally, participating in a beauty pageant helped me find my feminine charm and confidence – something I've taken with me ever since. This newfound confidence helped me be proactive at university and I got elected as the campaign officer for the LGBTQ+ students club in 2022. I also started my medical transition that year, which is exciting, although comes with its own challenges. But being so open about my identity has had its downsides, leading me to getting outed in my home country. My family and friends back at home found out I was transgender through social media, and were initially furious. Some cut ties. Later, a few gradually became more accepting and looked to reconcile. But most people I knew still remain negative about my identity. As a result, it's no longer safe for me to return to Uganda. So I had to apply for asylum and was granted the right to remain in the UK in 2023. Besides that, life for me has been joyful as I have grown more in my career – working in the charity sector where I have co-founded a charity organisation called Minority Inclusion Foundation (which supports LGBTQ+ refugees) and even modelled in magazines, too. More Trending I am also an ambassador for Refugee Week UK 2025, which is the largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees worldwide. From competing as Miss Trans Global Uganda, I learnt to conquer my fears about myself. The pageant changed my life by pushing me out of my comfort zone to a place of growth. It helped me change my geographical location, physical appearance, career and community, but most importantly the relationship I had with myself. This article was originally published April 6, 2025 Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: I went to the world's wettest Pride parade where everyone gets soaked MORE: Stephen Fry's JK Rowling criticism is welcome – but I'm still disappointed MORE: 'I was the first person to survive rabies without a vaccination' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
