International
Countries close to reaching anti-piracy agreement
MUMBAI: Countries negotiating a deal to curb trade in fake and pirated goods are likely to reach an agreement. They are in talks that have raised concerns among digital rights advocates.
Said Nefeterius McPherson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative‘s office, said in a statement,”The agreement can be concluded soon if other participants make it a priority to achieve such progress now.”
Digital rights advocates have feared the proposed anti-counterfeiting trade agreement could allow customs agents to confiscate laptop and music devices if they contain illegal downloads, while other groups have worried it could restrict trade in low-price generic drugs.
In a joint statement, negotiators from the U.S., the European Union, Japan and other countries that met this week in New Zealand said those fears were unjustified.
To further allay concerns, the countries have agreed to release a consolidated “bracketed text” on Wednesday.The brackets surround parts of the agreement that are still under negotiation and will be the focus of the next round of talks in June in Switzerland.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
