Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (IANS) The Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested an Executive Engineer and his close associate in Mayurbhanj district of the state for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets amounting to around 309 per cent of his known sources of income.

The accused public servant was identified as Arabinda Mohanty, Executive Engineer in the R&B Sub-Division at Betanati, under R&B Division, Baripada, in Mayurbhanj district.

Mohanty’s close associate, who is also a contractor, was identified as Biswanath Pal. Both the accused persons were arrested in connection with a DA case (25/26) registered against Mohanty, his spouse and associate Pal at the Baleshwar Vigilance Police Station. The duo was forwarded to the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance at Baripada on Wednesday.

During house searches, Vigilance officials unearthed several movable and immovable assets belonging to Mohanty and his family members. These included a triple-storeyed building at Angargadia in Baleshwar district and a double-storeyed building at Balianta in Khordha district.

The sleuths also unearthed a five-acre farmhouse at Basantapur in Baleshwar district, along with two fishponds and a poultry farm. The searches further revealed 23 high-value plots, including 21 in and around Baleshwar town and two at Balianta in Bhubaneswar. Vigilance also found Rs 10.57 lakh in cash, around 800 grams of gold ornaments, deposits of Rs 69.69 lakh, one four-wheeler and two two-wheelers. Household articles valued at around Rs 12.32 lakh were also detected. During the searches, the cops also carried out searches at the house of Mohanty’s close associate Pal in Baleshwar.

“During DA searches against Mohanty, the house of his active partner Pal was also searched at Baleshwar, where Mohanty had kept land documents of 20 plots and the same were retrieved. Some documents were found buried in the earth when raids were conducted. Those were also retrieved by digging the earth,” informed the Vigilance Department in a statement.

The officials also found a benami locker in Pal’s name, which contained Rs 2.94 lakh in cash and around 500 grams of gold allegedly belonging to Mohanty. Vigilance said Pal was booked for allegedly abetting the concealment of the disproportionate assets acquired by Mohanty.

“After thorough search, inventory and further enquiry, the income, expenditure and assets of Arabinda Mohanty, Executive Engineer were calculated, and he was found in possession of disproportionate assets which were 309% in excess of his known sources of income,” added Odisha vigilance.

--IANS

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Changchun (China), Oct 7 (IANS) Medals, the torch, uniforms and equipment for the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade were unveiled on Wednesday at a 100-day countdown event at Changchun International Aviation Expo City in Changchun, China.

The torch, named "Ji Xiang", or "Auspicious Flight", is inspired by the clivia, Changchun's city flower. Its upper section features a filmstrip motif and 12 winter sports icons representing the Games' disciplines, a reference to Changchun's film industry.

Snowflake and ginseng flower motifs appear near the top, while ski-inspired lines run down the sides and a wheel-hub pattern decorates the base.

The torch stands 711 millimetres tall, a reference to the highest elevation in Changchun's urban area, 711 meters.

The medals, named "Ji Meng," or "Auspicious Dream," combine traditional Chinese cultural elements, winter sports imagery, and features associated with Changchun.

The front features patterns inspired by skate blades and ski tracks, while the reverse depicts the "First Jade Bird of Ancient China," an artefact unearthed at the Wutaishan historic site in Nong'an, Changchun. Part of the bird design is inlaid with Songhua stone from Jilin.

A filmstrip pattern along the medal's edge also references Changchun's film heritage. An embedded NFC chip allows athletes to access images of their medal ceremonies and seasonal scenery from Changchun by tapping the medal with a smartphone.

Uniforms for torchbearers, torch escorts, volunteers, staff, technical delegates, and ceremony personnel were also unveiled.

The Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade will be held from January 15 to 25, with competitions in Changchun and nearby Jilin City.

The 2027 FISU Winter World University Games (33rd Winter Universiade) will take place in Changchun and Jilin City, China, from January 15 to 25, 2027.

Also known as the Winter World University Games, the Winter Universiade started in 1980, with the first edition held in Chamonix, France, with 151 participants from 15 countries. Competitions were held in five sports.

Since then, the games have been held every two years, with the latest edition held in 2025 in Turin, Italy, with 1503 participants from 54 nations competing in 13 sports.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Actress Neena Gupta, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released streaming show ‘Chumbak’, has said that the director of the show, Aatish Kapadia has a habit of giving endless cues to his actors.

She also shared that she didn’t bring any of her expertise while working on the series, and blindly followed

The actress spoke with IANS along with Sumeet Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Vyas, Deven Bhojani, and Manasi Parekh during the promotions of the show in the BKC area of Mumbai.

She told IANS, “I didn't bring in any of my expertise while working on this series. I did whatever he told me to do. And I did that exactly in the similar manner. My only question to him was, ‘I hope someone won't get offended if I say this punchline’, that's it. And he gives the cues for all the actors all by himself”.

She further mentioned, “Even if the actor is ready to give the cues, he will tell them not to, and he would step in to give the cues. And the way he gives cues is also phenomenal. If there’s a cue of 3 lines, after which I have to say my lines, he would give 50 cues for a scene”.

Talking about ‘Chumbak’, it is a multi-generational comedy set in a contemporary urban Indian neighbourhood where no celebration is too small, no crisis ever stays private and everyday comes with a healthy dose of chaos.

The show brings back the warmth, wit and razor-sharp observations that have made their storytelling a favourite across generations, while introducing audiences to this vibrant community that functions as an extended family.

The show is available to stream on Netflix.

--IANS

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Mandya, Oct 7 (IANS) Water Resources Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy on Wednesday said the Mekedatu project was the only permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute and asserted that the Karnataka government was committed to implementing it during its tenure.

Speaking at a meeting with farmer leaders at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium in Mandya to discuss drought conditions, drinking water issues and other grievances, the Minister said the government would not take any decision that harmed farmers' interests.

He said the sixth-phase drinking water project had been designed solely to meet drinking water requirements. He added that a meeting with irrigation experts and farmer representatives could be convened in Bengaluru, if necessary.

On the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Chaluvarayaswamy said Karnataka had released considerably less water this year compared with previous years and was continuously placing facts about the state's drought situation and reservoir levels before the courts.

The Minister said land acquisition would be required in 13 districts for the Mekedatu project and expressed confidence that the foundation stone could be laid by March.

"All technical and legal preparations have been made for the Mekedatu project. A request has already been submitted to the Central Water Commission, and our officials are continuously monitoring the matter in Delhi," he said.

Chaluvarayaswamy said the project would provide a permanent solution to the Cauvery dispute and appealed to farmers to remain patient.

He also said plans were being prepared to construct reservoirs near the Nugu reservoir and at Tannur Lake to address water-related issues.

Referring to the alleged Mandya District Co-operative Milk Producers' Societies' Union Limited (MANMUL) scam, the Minister said legal action had been initiated within 24 hours of the issue coming to light.

He said the district police were investigating the matter and added that a higher-level probe could be ordered if necessary.

"Even if those accused were members of my own family, there is no question of protecting them," he said.

The Minister said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and added that there would be no favouritism in the case.

On the proposed milk price hike, he said the government had sought permission from the Election Commission because the Model Code of Conduct was in force in certain districts.

If approval were granted, the hike would be implemented immediately; otherwise, it would be deferred until after the elections.

Responding to demands for higher drought relief, Chaluvarayaswamy said the Rs 2,500 per acre announced by the state government was interim assistance and would be credited to farmers' accounts within two days.

He also said a Central team was assessing drought conditions in Karnataka.

Farmer organisations submitted a memorandum seeking measures including expediting the Mekedatu project, providing Rs 30,000 per acre as drought relief, increasing old-age pensions to Rs 3,000, ensuring drinking water for livestock and clearing lake encroachments.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Oct 7 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday alleged that recent developments involving the Election Commission and the treatment of Opposition MPs during protests in Delhi had raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.

Addressing the media at the Congress War Room, Pilot criticised the handling of protests by Opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during demonstrations demanding accountability from the Election Commission.

He alleged that Opposition MPs seeking to meet the Election Commission were detained instead and questioned why elected representatives were not permitted to present their concerns before the constitutional body.

Calling the developments "authoritarianism", Pilot said democratic institutions must remain open to dialogue and accountability.

Referring to the electoral roll revision exercise, he alleged that millions of voters were at risk of exclusion and termed the issue a threat to voting rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Pilot also used the term "Votebandi" (disenfranchisement), drawing comparisons with demonetisation and claiming that concerns over electoral rolls needed immediate attention.

Turning to the recently concluded municipal elections in Rajasthan, Pilot claimed that Congress had performed better than the results suggested because the party secured a higher vote share.

"I have no hesitation in saying that the BJP lost despite winning, whereas we won despite losing because we secured a higher vote share," he said.

The Congress leader alleged irregularities and administrative interference during the civic polls and claimed complaints were received from several districts regarding the conduct of elections.

He said the party had reviewed the results and begun preparations for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections.

Pilot expressed confidence that Congress would perform strongly in rural Rajasthan and secure a "massive majority" in the Panchayat polls.

He said the party would focus on issues such as unemployment, farmers' concerns, the implementation of welfare schemes and the shortage of DAP fertiliser in the state.

"There is a complete shortage of DAP fertiliser in Rajasthan. It is being distributed under police protection, yet the government remains indifferent," he alleged.

Pilot said Congress would contest the upcoming elections unitedly and undertake a two-month public outreach programme covering villages and mandals across Rajasthan.

He added that the party would focus not only on electoral issues but also on what it described as the need to safeguard democratic institutions and voting rights.

Predicting a "landslide victory" in the Panchayat polls, Pilot said the momentum would help Congress in the run-up to the 2028 Rajasthan Assembly elections.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Oct 7 (IANS) Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George on Wednesday directed officials to expedite the ongoing eco-tourism development works at the Roerich-Devika Rani Estate within the limits permitted by court directions.

The Roerich-Devika Rani Estate is a historic property associated with Russian artist Nicholas Roerich and Indian actress Devika Rani, located near Bengaluru in Karnataka's Ramanagara district.

The estate is known for its natural surroundings, artistic significance and cultural heritage. It is being considered for development as an eco-tourism destination, subject to court directions and environmental safeguards.

George visited the estate along with senior Tourism Department officials and inspected the ongoing works.

He directed officials to complete the permitted development works within the stipulated timeframe.

The Minister said essential tourist infrastructure should be developed while preserving the estate's natural environment, green cover and cultural heritage.

"Roerich-Devika Rani Estate is a unique site of art, culture and natural heritage. Every work undertaken here must comply with the court's directions and environmental protection standards," George said.

He added that the objective was to complete the permitted works without delay and develop the site as a conservation-based eco-tourism destination.

Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasad Manohar said the development of the estate was not being viewed merely as an infrastructure project.

He said a balanced model was being developed to provide necessary facilities to tourists while preserving the site's environmental, heritage and artistic significance.

"The works permitted by the court will be taken up on priority, and the next stages will be planned in co-ordination with the concerned departments," he said.

George also reviewed the progress of the works, tourist amenities, environmental conservation measures and the next phase of the project with officials.

Tourism Department Commissioner Shivaprasad P.R. and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Managing Director Shivaram Babu M., IFS, along with senior Tourism Department officials, were present during the visit.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Oct 7 (IANS) The Rajasthan Police have arrested a 63-year-old man from West Bengal in connection with a case involving the alleged fraudulent receipt of minority scholarships from the Education Department, police said on Wednesday.

The accused has been identified as Mohammad Alauddin, son of Shaharuddin and a resident of Nayabari under Chopra Police Station in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

Acting on the directives of Ajmer Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agarwala and under the supervision of Additional SP (City & Headquarters) Himanshu Jangid and Deputy SP (South Circle) Manish Badgujar, a special team led by Clock Tower SHO Bhikharam Kala was constituted to trace and arrest those allegedly involved in the scholarship fraud.

District Education Officer Darshana Sharma lodged a report at Clock Tower Police Station, saying that applications for minority scholarships had been submitted online through private institutions using the PSP portal.

According to the complaint, scholarship funds were subsequently obtained through fraudulent applications.

During the investigation, police obtained detailed information from the Education Department regarding the suspected account holders and scholarship applications.

After identifying individuals who had allegedly applied for and received scholarship funds fraudulently, a joint team comprising personnel from the office of the South Circle Deputy SP and Clock Tower Police Station was dispatched to West Bengal and Bihar to trace the suspects.

The police team subsequently arrested Mohammad Alauddin from West Bengal in connection with the alleged fraudulent receipt of scholarship funds.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other suspects allegedly involved in the case.

The investigation is continuing.

The operation involved SHO Bhikharam Kala, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Bhagchand, Suvalal and Geeta, and Constables Brijesh Pal and Deshraj.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 7 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Wednesday called upon party workers to hold protests across the state on October 8 against the use of force on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other INDIA Bloc MPs during their protest march in New Delhi.

Patwari asked Congress workers to organise demonstrations at the district, block and mandal levels and observe October 8 as a "Black Day" for Indian democracy.

"Today, while INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, were peacefully marching towards Jantar Mantar to demand accountability from the Election Commission, they were stopped and subjected to the use of force," Patwari said in his message to party workers.

He alleged that LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior Opposition leaders were subjected to a lathi-charge and "barbaric mistreatment", resulting in injuries.

"This attack on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and on elected representatives of the people is an attack on the Constitution. The Indian National Congress has declared this day a 'Black Day' for Indian democracy," Patwari wrote on X.

He urged Congress leaders and workers to remain united and stage protests against what he described as an attack on democratic institutions.

Patwari's call followed a message posted by Congress leader Pawan Khera on social media on Wednesday evening, asking Pradesh Congress Committees, District Congress Committees and Block Congress Committees to observe October 8 as a "Black Day".

"All Pradesh Congress Committees, District Congress Committees and Block Congress Committees are hereby directed to observe October 8, 2026, as a Black Day, in protest against the brutal assault by the Delhi Police on the Leader of the Opposition and other senior Opposition parliamentarians," Khera wrote on X.

He alleged that the action was carried out at the behest of an "RSS-BJP-ECI nexus".

The Congress has been stepping up its campaign against the Election Commission over concerns regarding electoral rolls and has sought greater accountability from the poll panel.

On Wednesday, INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi, marched towards Jantar Mantar as part of the protest.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 7(IANS) The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now cleared director Nelson Dilipkumar's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Jailer 2', featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, for release with a U/A certificate.

Sun Pictures, which is producing the film, took to its social media timelines to share the update. It wrote, "#Jailer2 is censored U/A!"

It may be recalled that the makers of the film had only recently released a trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans.

The trailer released begins with actor Suraj Venjaramoodu's character questioning a person he has kept hostage. "In these two months, you must have learnt something about the person who did this, right?" The hostage replies, "Not just me, even you won't be able to find him."

The trailer then shows that not just Suraj Venjaramoodu's character but a whole lot of villains are wondering who is behind certain developments.

It is then that Rajinikanth as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian makes an appearance.

At one point, a weary Suraj Venjaramoodu is seen asking his accomplices, "Have you managed to find him or not?"

For a minute, one is led to believe that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has gone into hiding but almost immediately, the trailer clears the confusion.

It shows that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has chosen to go off radar by pretending to be a driver and he has chosen to lie low to find out if the chain of command among the villains goes any higher.

The trailer also gives away the fact that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has used snipers to attack his enemies and one among them, played by S J Suryah, says that even they can retort in kind.

The trailer also has an interesting conversation between the characters played by Rajinikanth and Vidya Balan. She asks him if he wants tea or coffee and he politely refuses. She responds saying, "The choice is between tea or coffee. It is not between whether to drink or not."

A person warns Tiger Muthuvel Pandian about the dreaded "Kalpaks", who, he says, will not allow anyone to live. Muthuvel Pandian smiles and replies, "Oh dear, I didn't know. Shall we see?"

He then issues a warning to Kalpaks himself. Listing out ways and means used by thugs to strike terror in the hearts of victims, he tells Kalpaks," All this is the style employed in the time of your father. Now, getting all your enemies to one place and bombing that place is what is the present trend."

For the unaware, the film is slated to hit screens worldwide on October 15 this year.

The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and the general public ever since the project was first announced.

In April this year, the makers had announced that the unit had wrapped up the film's shooting. The makers had then shared pictures of a cake cutting ceremony that had taken place to mark the completion of filming.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Actress Shriya Saran, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released film ‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’, has said that her whole family loves PM Modi wholeheartedly.

The actress recently spoke with IANS, and wished the PM great success, and “many more years to come” on his service to the nation.

She told IANS, “Meri poori family Modiji ki bhakt hai, literally. They love, love him. And I think what he has done for our country, we are very proud of him. Many more years to come for you sir”.

PM Modi has completed 25 years as the head of a government, beginning with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, before becoming Prime Minister in 2014. His tenure in Gujarat was marked by an emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development and governance, while his national leadership has focused on economic reforms, welfare delivery, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, foreign policy and India’s global standing.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, major initiatives and decisions have included the implementation of GST, expansion of digital payments and direct-benefit transfers, large-scale infrastructure development, and programmes targeting housing, sanitation, electricity, healthcare and financial inclusion. Earlier this year, Modi became India’s longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s previous record.

Other artistes from the film fraternity also congratulated PM Modi for his service of 25 years to the nation.

Tamil cinema icon Kamal Haasan also took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note for PM Modi, as he wrote, “My warm wishes to Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on completing 25 years in public office. 25 years in public office is, above all, a testament to the trust and love of the people. My own journey of 70 years in public life has been sustained by the trust and love of the people”.

“Last year, when I met him after taking my oath as an MP, he was gracious enough to give time to a first-time MP. Irrespective of our political affiliations, we spoke of our hopes and dreams for India, and of our shared duty to build a stronger nation and a better future for generations to come”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Amidst actress Jahnvi Kapoor's recent Deepfake controversy, Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan shared his views on the growing impact of AI in the movies.

While interacting with the media, Aamir was asked how cinema has responded to the growing use of AI.

The 'Laagan' actor said that it depends on the makers to come up with a good product using technology. He added that technology does not have a life of its own; we are the ones who give it a form.

Aamir shared, "When a new technology comes, it is easily absorbed in films. Those who use it well get good results. Those who don't use it well, don't get positive reactions. So, it really depends on how you use it. Technology is a technology. There is no life in it."

The 'PK' actor added that AI has made it a lot easier for filmmakers to turn their wildest thoughts into reality.

"Even if it is VFX, even if it is AI, it is almost the same. As far as a filmmaker, there was a time when you could not do what you had in your mind because the facilities and technology were not so advanced. Today, you can show whatever you can imagine. So, it is a tool which you should know how to use well," he added.

For the unaware, recently a morphed video of Janhvi Kapoor from 'Devara' song 'Chuttamalle' surfaced on social media, raising some serious concerns about the misuse of AI.

Jr NTR condemned the fake video and warned of legal action against those misusing AI.

Calling them "Disgusting, sick and shameless, the 'RRR' shared, "In a land that worships women as mothers and goddesses, where "Matrudevo Bhava" is not just a phrase but a part of our culture, some people have fallen so low that they are using AI to disrespect a woman in the most degrading way possible. Using AI to create something this vile is shameful beyond words. To the scumbags behind this morphed Chuttamalle video, I will not spare any of you. I will take every possible legal action against those who created it and those who are spreading it."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Actor Mukesh Khanna has heaped praise on PM Modi as he completes 25 years of his tenure in public service.

The actor recently spoke with IANS, and recollected an incident when he was called to Bhuj by PM Modi in the aftermath of the horrible earthquake back in 2001.

Talking about the same, he said, “PM Modi called me during the Bhuj earthquake, when he was not even the Chief Minister. A year later, he became Chief Minister, and I went to Bhuj in my Shaktimaan costume to tell the children, 'You will not be afraid’. I have known him since that day. I can say only one thing about him, no one else can think the way he does, and there is no alternative to him. But I feel PM Modi, and Amit Shah have a lot more to do for the nation”.

Upasana Singh shared that she started voting only for PM Modi, and to bring him to power.

She told IANS, “He has many fans, I am not the only one, but I think we are very fortunate that Narendra Modi ji is our Prime Minister. And let me tell you, I had never voted before, but since Modi ji came, I have great respect for the BJP, and I go to vote for him. The energy he has, even at this age, the work he does, and his capabilities remind me of the thought that living for oneself is an ordinary story, but living for others is what life is all about”.

PM Modi has completed 25 years as the head of a government, beginning with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, before becoming Prime Minister in 2014. His tenure in Gujarat was marked by an emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development and governance, while his national leadership has focused on economic reforms, welfare delivery, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, foreign policy and India’s global standing.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, major initiatives and decisions have included the implementation of GST, expansion of digital payments and direct-benefit transfers, large-scale infrastructure development, and programmes targeting housing, sanitation, electricity, healthcare and financial inclusion. Earlier this year, Modi became India’s longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s previous record.

--IANS

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