Actor Shafeeq Mustafa has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Sivarasan in the web series The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. This role marks a significant breakthrough for the Kochi-based actor, who is receiving positive feedback from both viewers and industry peers.

Shafeeq, who is self-taught and hails from Shoranur, expressed his exhilaration at being cast in such a pivotal role. He learned about the opportunity through a friend who mentioned a production house seeking a South Indian actor. After navigating through auditions that included a dummy scene and look test, he secured the role. “It is an honour for me to work with someone like Nagesh sir. I am trying to build a career for myself in films, and to get to work with him…I have given it my best shot!” he shared.

Exploring the Complex Character

In the series, Shivarasan is depicted as the mastermind behind the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The character is multifaceted, displaying intelligence and cunning, qualities that Shafeeq has successfully brought to life on screen. Born just a year after the events depicted in the series, Shafeeq approached the role with a blank canvas, drawing inspiration from various sources.

“My research involved documentaries, interviews, news reports, and photographs, but I also spoke to people who lived through those times, especially journalists. This helped me delve into the mind of the character,” he explained. The guidance from Nagesh Kukunoor proved invaluable in shaping his performance. “I had not read the book 90 Days by Anirudhya Mitra, which the series is based on, and I did not know the extent of my character. I took a leap of faith because it felt unique compared to anything I had encountered in my budding career.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Portraying Sivarasan came with its challenges, particularly the physical demands of the role. Shafeeq described the difficulties of wearing a prosthetic eye, which often caused discomfort. “The prosthetic eye was a literal pain. It was so uncomfortable that my eye would start watering, and sometimes it would pop out. This was the hardest part of the role,” he recounted, adding that Nagesh Kukunoor would often apologize for the discomfort he endured.

Shafeeq’s experience in acting is limited, but he has been involved in theatre during his school years. After moving to Kochi, he pursued his passion for cinema, working in various departments, including editing and assisting directing. He noted, “These were my friends, so I could be around films, a part of movies!”

Though he has only a few feature films to his name, such as the recognized Thiruttu Mundam, which was an official selection at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala in 2023, Shafeeq is optimistic about his future. He remains grateful for the encouragement he has received, including kind words from Ahammed Khabeer, director of Kerala Crime Files, who praised his “honest and integral” performance.

As The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case streams on SonyLiv, Shafeeq Mustafa is not only savoring his current success but also looking forward to the next chapter in his evolving career. With a promising start and a character that resonates with audiences, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

Walmart is set to implement significant job cuts as part of a larger organizational restructuring aimed at adapting to rising operational costs and evolving retail dynamics. This move will impact hundreds of employees, particularly in store support and training functions.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.6 million people in the United States and about 2.1 million globally, is specifically eliminating the role of market coordinators. These employees assist managers with data organization and analysis, making them a key focus of the cuts.

Details of the Job Cuts

According to an internal memo from Cedric Clark, Executive Vice President of Store Operations at Walmart U.S., the company is also transforming roles within its training academies. The new focus will be on in-person associate development, which is part of Walmart’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency.

While the restructuring will lead to job losses, Walmart plans to offer affected employees opportunities for reassignment into coaching roles and other newly created positions. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to supporting its workforce during this transition.

This recent announcement follows a series of job cuts earlier in the year. In May 2025, Walmart laid off approximately 1,500 employees in its advertising division, including parts of its e-commerce fulfillment centers. Moreover, in February, the company closed its North Carolina office, relocating staff to its main hubs in California and Arkansas.

Walmart’s Strategic Shift

These changes come as Walmart navigates a challenging retail landscape marked by increased operational costs and competitive pressures. By streamlining its workforce and focusing on high-traffic store locations, Walmart aims to enhance its overall efficiency and service delivery.

As the largest private employer in the U.S., the implications of these job cuts extend beyond the company itself, impacting local economies and communities where Walmart operates. The retail sector continues to evolve, and Walmart’s strategies reflect the need for adaptation in the face of ongoing market shifts.

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Shares of Elitecon International, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, experienced a significant rise on July 17, 2025, reaching a fresh 52-week high. The stock opened with a notable gain of 5 percent, trading at Rs 119.11. This performance is particularly impressive given the prevailing market volatility influenced by recent foreign fund outflows.

In a strategic move, the company announced that it has decided to pause the acquisition of 100 percent equity shares of Prime Place Spices Trading LLC. This decision, communicated through a recent filing with the exchanges, effectively nullifies the previously signed Share Purchase Agreement and associated documents. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to making well-informed business decisions.

Stock Performance and Market Context

According to BSE Analytics, Elitecon International has delivered an exceptional return of 1,048 percent this year, with an impressive 808 percent increase over the past six months. This remarkable performance underscores the company’s robust market position and its capacity to generate significant returns for investors.

Despite the positive performance of Elitecon International, the stock has been placed under the Short Term Additional Surveillance Measure Stage 4 (ST ASM-4) by the BSE. This measure aims to monitor the trading of stocks that exhibit unusual volatility, potentially prompting increased scrutiny and caution among investors.

On the broader market front, equity benchmark indices Sensex and NSE Nifty started the day positively but later faced selling pressure. Investors adopted a cautious stance, particularly as they await developments from ongoing US-India trade talks. The 30-share BSE Sensex initially climbed by 119.05 points to reach 82,753.53, while the 50-share NSE Nifty increased by 18.7 points to 25,230.75. However, both indices later exhibited declines, with the Sensex falling by 71.51 points to 82,554.47 and the Nifty down by 30.30 points to 25,182.55.

This combination of factors illustrates the resilience of Elitecon International in a challenging market environment while highlighting the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors. The company’s strategic decisions and historic stock performance position it as a noteworthy player in the FMCG sector.

In a groundbreaking initiative, the state of Gujarat has announced the launch of a large-scale genome mapping project dedicated to its tribal communities. This extensive study aims to collect 4,158 biological samples from individuals across 17 districts with significant tribal populations. The project will generate approximately 2,000 whole genome sequences, providing critical insights into the genetic diversity of over 20 tribal communities.

During a session titled ‘Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat’ held on March 6, 2024, officials discussed the project’s details. The session was chaired by Kuber Dindor, the minister of tribal development, and Kunwarji Halpati, the minister of state for tribal development. They were joined by scientists from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), officials from the department of science and technology, and tribal development experts. “This is the first such initiative in the country, focusing exclusively on tribal groups,” an official stated.

Significance of the Genome Mapping Project

The genome mapping project represents a significant step towards merging scientific research with the rich traditions of Gujarat’s tribal communities. The data collected will enhance understanding of the genetic health and diversity within these populations, which make up nearly 15% of the state’s total population. The communities involved in the study include the Bamcha, Garasia Bhil, Dholi Bhil, Chaudhari, Dhanka, Tadvi, Valvi, Dubla, Gamit, Gond, Kathodi, Kukna, Kunbi, Nayaka, Pardhi, Patelia, Rathwa, Warli, Kotwalia, and others. Notably, the Sidi community, known for its African ancestry, will also participate.

Each tribe will contribute at least one genetic trio for the study, meaning samples will be collected from both parents and a child to trace inherited genetic traits. The study will focus on healthy individuals aged 18 and above, ensuring that no participants have visible blood disorders. Furthermore, officials aim for a target of 50% female representation in the sampling.

Health and Community Impact

The project is not only a scientific endeavor but also a means to address health and welfare needs in tribal populations. Dindor described it as a bridge between science and tradition, emphasizing its potential to provide personalized and community-level genetic insights. The genome data will create a comprehensive repository of genetic markers, helping experts assess the likelihood of specific diseases or health conditions.

National surveys have highlighted a higher prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition within tribal populations, alongside increased infant mortality rates. By identifying genetic markers, the project aims to create distinct profiles for these communities, ranging from their genetic attributes to their interactions with larger population markers. This data can ultimately inform public health initiatives and improve health outcomes for tribal populations.

Local administrative bodies will play a crucial role in disseminating information and obtaining informed consent from participants. This initiative marks a pioneering effort in ensuring that Gujarat’s tribal communities are represented in genetic research, setting a precedent for future studies across India.

As Gujarat embarks on this ambitious project, it stands at the forefront of integrating modern science with traditional knowledge, paving the way for improved health and welfare for its tribal populations.