In a groundbreaking decision, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new Oscar category, Best Stunt Design, to recognize the artistry of stunt work, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027. This historic step celebrates a craft integral to cinema since its inception, marking a victory for stunt professionals after decades of advocacy.

The announcement follows persistent efforts from industry insiders, spearheaded by director and former stuntman David Leitch—known for The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2—and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. Their compelling presentations to the Academy’s Board of Governors paved the way for this long-overdue recognition. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been a vital part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The Academy echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.”

The decision drew enthusiastic responses worldwide. Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media: “At last!! After a 100-year wait!!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy, CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see #RRRMovie’s action visuals shining in the announcement!”

Leitch reflected on the milestone, saying, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.” Similarly, John Wick director Chad Stahelski lauded the Academy’s decision as a nod to the collaborative spirit of stunt teams. “It’s great to see the Academy truly listening to the stunt community,” he told Variety, highlighting the importance of recognizing an entire department rather than a single individual.

Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed it as “a historic moment for our community,” adding, “This validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.” The push for recognition gained momentum in recent years, bolstered by films like The Fall Guy and support from actors such as Winston Duke.

Details on the award’s criteria and voting process will be finalized in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook, with presentation logistics to be determined later. Meanwhile, online reactions have spotlighted legends like Jackie Chan, with fans noting that this category—while a triumph—comes late for icons whose groundbreaking stunts have long defined cinematic excellence. Social media buzz reflects a mix of celebration and bittersweet sentiment, as the Oscars finally catch up to a craft fans have revered for generations.

The Telangana government has set April 14, 2025, as the deadline to submit online applications for the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025, an initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), and Minority communities. Offering financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh in subsidized loans, the scheme aims to promote self-employment, economic independence, and job creation among marginalized youth.

Highlights of the scheme

The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme provides concessional loans across three distinct categories to cater to diverse entrepreneurial needs:

• Category 1: Loans up to ₹1 lakh with an 80% subsidy, requiring beneficiaries to contribute 20% or secure bank linkage.
• Category 2: Loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh with a 70% subsidy.
• Category 3: Loans up to ₹3 lakh with a 60% subsidy.

This tiered approach ensures flexible support tailored to the scale of individual business ventures. Here is a direct link: https://tgobmmsnew.cgg.gov.in/getESSRegistrationForms.action

Application process

Aspiring entrepreneurs can apply through the official online portal at tgobmms.cgg.gov.in before the deadline. A direct link to the application is available under “Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025” on the website. Applicants are urged to complete their submissions promptly to avoid missing out.

Key dates

• Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
• Loan Sanction: Approved beneficiaries will receive loan documents on June 2, 2025, coinciding with Telangana Formation Day.

Eligibility criteria

The scheme targets youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities, with specific eligibility details outlined by the respective Welfare Corporations. Age requirements vary by sector:

• Non-Agricultural Schemes: 21–55 years (as of July 1 of the implementation year).
• Agriculture and Allied Sectors: 21–60 years.

A Ration Card or Income Certificate suffices as proof for application, simplifying the process for eligible candidates.

Required documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card or Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate (issued post-Telangana formation)
• Permanent Driving License (for transport-related ventures)
• Pattadar Passbook (for agricultural projects)
• SADAREM Certificate (for Persons with Disabilities)
• Passport-Sized Photograph
• Vulnerable Group Certification (verified by the Mandal Level Committee)

Call to action

With the application window closing soon, the Telangana government encourages eligible youth to act quickly and apply via the official portal. For additional information or clarifications, candidates can visit tgobmms.cgg.gov.in. This scheme represents a vital opportunity for marginalized communities to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality, fostering both personal growth and economic development in the state.

Indian stock markets staged a robust rally on Friday, with the BSE Sensex skyrocketing 1,310.11 points, a 1.77% gain, to close at 75,157.26. The NSE Nifty followed suit, climbing 429.40 points or 1.92% to settle at 22,828.55, breaching the 22,900 mark during intra-day trading. The surge came on the heels of a White House announcement suspending additional tariffs on India for 90 days until July 9, offering a reprieve amid global trade tensions.

The US decision, detailed in recent executive orders, pauses levies that President Donald Trump had imposed on April 2, targeting India and roughly 60 other nations. Those duties threatened Indian exports ranging from steel to shrimp, raising concerns about competitiveness in the US, the world’s largest economy. The temporary suspension sparked optimism among Indian investors, propelling gains across major sectors.

Leading the charge among Sensex constituents were heavyweights like Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, Power Grid, NTPC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Adani Ports. However, not all stocks joined the rally—Asian Paints and Tata Consultancy Services lagged behind, unable to capitalize on the upbeat mood.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, attributed the market’s buoyancy to the tariff relief. “The unexpected pause on US tariffs provided a much-needed breather amid global uncertainties,” Nair noted. He added that while a major IT firm’s recent results fell short of expectations, its robust order book signaled potential growth in the latter half of FY26.

The Indian markets’ performance stood in stark contrast to global trends, where fears of a US-China tariff war cast a shadow. On Friday, China escalated its trade spat with the US, hiking tariffs on American imports to 125% in response to Washington’s 145% levies on Chinese goods.

Asian markets reflected the unease, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 plunging nearly 3% and South Korea’s Kospi slipping, though Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng bucked the trend with gains. European markets traded lower, while US indices had closed sharply down on Thursday, with the Nasdaq tumbling 4.31%, the S&P 500 falling 3.46%, and the Dow Jones shedding 2.50%.

Back home, the rally followed a lackluster Wednesday, when the Sensex dipped 379.93 points to 73,847.15 and the Nifty fell 136.70 points to 22,399.15. Thursday’s market holiday for Shri Mahavir Jayanti gave investors a pause before Friday’s surge. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) had sold equities worth ₹4,358.02 crore on Wednesday, signaling caution, but Friday’s momentum suggested a shift in sentiment.

Elsewhere, global oil prices edged up, with Brent crude rising 0.32% to $63.53 a barrel, reflecting ongoing volatility in commodity markets.