Agartala, Sep 28 (IANS) The Opposition Congress, the CPI-M, CPI and other Left parties have condemned the alleged attempt by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters to obstruct the vehicle of former Chief Minister and veteran Left leader Manik Sarkar when he arrived at Kalibazar in West Tripura to inaugurate the DYFI Mohanpur subdivision conference.

In a statement on Sunday, the CPI-M state secretariat alleged that a group of BJP supporters gathered near the entrance of the party office at Kalibazar in Bamutia before Sarkar arrived around noon.

"As soon as Manik Sarkar's vehicle reached the spot, the BJP workers tried in various ways to create obstruction," the CPI-M alleged.

The Left party said that youth volunteers confronted the alleged troublemakers and ensured that Sarkar's vehicle could enter the CPI-M office.

Sarkar subsequently inaugurated the DYFI conference by addressing the gathering and later left the venue, while the youth leaders and delegates continued with the programme peacefully, the CPI (M) said.

Sarkar was the Chief Minister of Tripura for 20 years between 1998 and 2018.

The CPI-M state secretariat strongly condemned what it described as the "undemocratic" behaviour of the BJP and demanded appropriate action against those allegedly involved in the incident.

The party alleged that the incident reflected what it called the "authoritarian intolerance" of the BJP towards political activities of opposition parties.

According to the CPI-M, the alleged obstruction was an attempt to disrupt a political programme of a senior Opposition leader.

The party also alleged that the BJP was trying to suppress the voice of opposition parties.

The CPI-M appealed to people who believe in democratic values to protest against what it termed the "undemocratic activities" of the BJP.

The BJP supporters also waved black flags at Sarkar.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) and CPI-M state Secretary Jitendra Choudhry, state unit of the CPI and senior Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman separately condemened the incident.

"It was a purposeful attempt to prevent the former Chief Minister from attending a party programme. The BJP leaders who had stopped him and staged protests will not be able to hide once the people hit the streets," the LoP told the media.

"A jungle raj has been prevailing in the state under the governance of the BJP. There is no law and order in the state," Roy Barman, a former Minister told the media.

A police official said that a strong contingent of police and CRPF personnel led by Mohanpur Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Asish Das Gupta reached the spot after being alerted and escorted Sarkar safely to the local CPI-M office.

--IANS

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Vijayawada, Sep 28 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has condemned the police cane charge on the village and ward secretariat employees protesting here in support of their demands.

Taking to his official X account on Sunday, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that brutal assault by the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government on village and ward secretariat employees is 'utterly inhuman'.

He urged Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to immediately order a judicial inquiry into the cane charge, apologise to the employees and unconditionally revoke all the suspensions imposed on them.

"The police cane-charge on government employees is an extremely serious matter. When the government is unwilling to hold talks with them over their demands, how can raising their voices through a democratic protest be treated as a crime? Will you beat them with lathis merely for speaking out? Will you show no consideration even for women employees, injure them and drag them away? Who gave you the right to attack peaceful protesters? Will you intercept employees travelling to participate in the dharna, detain them in police stations and subject them to torment? Is it not atrocious to indiscriminately suspend a large number of employees simply to prevent them from participating in the protest?" Jagan Mohan Reddy asked.

"Mr. Chandrababu Naidu Garu, is this democracy? Your authoritarianism is growing with each passing day. How can you assume that you can get away with anything merely because you are in power? Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, from the very first day you assumed office, you have pursued a vendetta against the village and ward secretariats that our government introduced as a revolutionary administrative reform unparalleled anywhere in the country. You have relentlessly targeted the village and ward secretariats—which are our brainchild and delivered more than 540 services at the grassroots—as well as the volunteer system, with the clear objective of dismantling them. You have continuously conspired to erase the very spirit of Gram Swaraj," the YSRCP Chief said.

He claimed that a single notification, YSRCP government had created 1.34 lakh permanent jobs—an unprecedented initiative in the country's history—along with another 2.6 lakh positions under the volunteer system to ensure transparent governance at the village and ward levels.

"However, under the pretext of rationalisation, your (Telugu Desam Party-led state) government has placed nearly 30,000 permanent jobs at risk. You also made false promises that the Rs 5,000 honorarium paid to volunteers by our (previous YSRCP) government would be increased to Rs 10,000, only to betray them after coming to power."

"You have now shifted the services previously delivered by volunteers onto secretariat employees, burdening them with an unbearable workload. In the process, you have brought transparency and doorstep delivery of governance to an end. Unable to withstand the hardships, harassment and pressure imposed by your atrocious administration, nearly 100 employees have lost their lives over the past two-and-a-half years—some due to severe stress and others by suicide. When they are enduring such immense hardship and your government has no intention of listening to their grievances, how can it be wrong for them to raise their voices through a peaceful protest, Mr Chandrababu Naidu?" Jagan Mohan Reddy asked.

The former Chief Minister told CM Chandrababu Naidu that it is not only village and ward secretariat employees who are taking to the streets.

"Employees from every section are protesting because you made promises to them in your manifesto and betrayed them after coming to power. You promised Interim Relief (IR) and a Pay Revision Commission (PRC) immediately upon assuming office. But there is neither IR nor PRC. You removed the PRC Chairman appointed by our (previous YSRCP) government."

"Five Dearness Allowance (DA) instalments that employees are rightfully entitled to remain pending. It was only after employees took to the streets that you (CM Chandrababu Naidu) announced the release of two DA instalments, and even then, you deferred payment of the arrears. Surrender-leave payments also remain pending. Your (Telugu Desam Party) government owes employees nearly Rs 40,000 crore. In addition to all this, you are now victimising village and ward secretariat employees and imposing an unbearable workload on them," Jagan Mohan Reddy added.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat will promote modern homestay facilities in 100 selected villages across the state as part of its 'Gujarat Tourism Year 2026-27' initiative, with the government seeking to expand rural and community-based tourism while creating new employment opportunities.

The announcement was made on World Tourism Day at an event held at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched the official logo of Gujarat Tourism Year and the Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal.

Minister of State for Tourism, Jayram Gamit, also attended the programme organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd.

Under the new Homestay Policy, the selected villages will receive homestay facilities designed to retain their traditional character while providing modern amenities to visitors.

The government said it is also focusing on skill development and improved hygiene facilities in rural and tribal areas as part of its wider tourism strategy.

The state will train more than 1,000 additional tourist guides to create employment opportunities for young people.

The government will also consider providing gap funding to tour operators, based on representations received, to help attract international tourists to cultural festivals including Kawant Holi, Uttarayan and Navratri, as well as destinations such as Dharoi Water Reservoir and Shivrajpur.

Sanghavi called for collective efforts by all stakeholders in the tourism sector and urged hotels, restaurants, tour operators and taxi and rickshaw drivers to focus on cleanliness, health and soft-spoken skills to improve the experience of visitors.

"Development of religious and spiritual destinations such as Somnath, Ambaji, Pavagadh and Dwarka needed to be accompanied by cleanliness and civic responsibility at the local level," he said.

He also stressed the need to link cultural programmes and festivals with tourism. As part of efforts to promote sports tourism, Sanghavi announced that the global fitness event 'HYROX' will be held in Gandhinagar from November 26 to 28.

More than 10,000 tourists, including over 1,000 foreign athletes, are expected to participate. The Tourism Corporation will organise a special ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ programme for participating athletes in the evening.

"An Ironman/Half-Ironman event will also be held in Ahmedabad on February 14," he announced.

Sanghavi also launched the Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal, a single-window digital platform intended to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining permissions and no-objection certificates for film shoots in the state.

Eight MoUs were signed during the event covering sports, technology, education and skill development.

The partnerships include collaborations with HYROX/Ironman for sports tourism and BookMyShow for digital ticketing, besides agreements involving Kutch University, Ahmedabad Management Association, SVNIT, Kaushalya – The Skill University, Tata Community Initiatives Trust (Tata STRIVE) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India for skill development and related initiatives.

Gamit urged tour operators to develop attractive packages around Gujarat's festivals, including Navratri, the Kite Festival and Kawant Holi in Chhota Udepur, rather than relying solely on government initiatives.

He said the government would support the sector through policies, training and gap funding. He also highlighted the need to promote homestays, improve hygiene facilities in rural and tribal areas and strengthen skill development to expand tourism-linked employment.

During the programme, Gir Somnath homestay operator Parth Hadia and Kutch tourist guide Ketan Giri Goswami shared their experiences.

Homestay operators and tourist guides from different parts of Gujarat were also felicitated as ‘Tourism Champions’.

A panel discussion on ‘Hospitality, MICE and Investment’ was held during the programme, while artisans demonstrated Meenakari, woodcraft and Agate stone craftsmanship.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh BJP is likely to hold a meeting of its core committee in Lucknow on Monday to discuss the party’s preparations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with the selection of candidates for eight seats expected to be a key agenda. Polls for 10 seats of UP will be held on October 16.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya are expected to attend the meeting. Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary and state organisation general secretary Dharampal Singh are also likely to be present.

The meeting is expected to focus on drawing up panels of prospective candidates for the eight Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh. The state leadership is likely to prepare a panel of three names for each seat, giving the central leadership a broader set of choices before the final selection.

Sources said the panels prepared by the state unit will subsequently be forwarded to the BJP's central leadership. The final decision on the candidates is expected to be taken at the central level after considering the recommendations from the state.

Rajya Sabha elections assume significance for the BJP as the party seeks to consolidate its representation in the Upper House. The exercise will also involve balancing organisational considerations and the representation of different sections while finalising the candidates.

The proposed core committee meeting is therefore expected to provide the first formal framework for the state unit's recommendations. The discussions among senior leaders will help narrow down the names before the panels are sent to the central leadership.

The BJP has yet to formally announce its candidates for the eight Uttar Pradesh seats. The final list will be declared after the central leadership completes its consultations and takes a decision on the nominations.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Sep 28 (IANS) The alleged detention of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka and several party volunteers by the Assam Police ended in the evening, with Ranka claiming that the police action was "illegal" and announcing that he would address the media from the spot where he was picked up earlier in the day.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Ranka said, "The illegal detention by Assam Police has finally ended", and added that the CJP team had asked the police to drop them at the place from where they were allegedly picked up.

He added that he would address the press at Chaudhary Tila, opposite the Assam Secretariat, in Guwahati.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reacted to Ranka's announcement with a remark expressing disappointment that the planned protest outside a police station would no longer take place.

"Abey yaar... I was actually looking forward to joining your strike at the police station tomorrow," Dipke said on X.

The development followed the detention earlier on Sunday of Ranka and more than 30 CJP workers, including four members of the party's central committee, according to the organisation.

The detentions came shortly before a regional volunteers' meeting scheduled in Guwahati.

The meeting was initially planned at Assam Shree Parshuram Seva Sadan on Kharga Choudhury Road in Athgaon.

The venue was subsequently shifted to Chowdhury Tila, opposite the Assam Secretariat, after CJP members alleged that pressure had been exerted on the original venue to cancel the booking.

Ranka had arrived in Guwahati on Saturday along with other CJP members.

The organisation said its Assam activities included meeting local volunteers, visiting government schools and interacting with families affected by the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Before his detention, Ranka alleged that police were preventing the group from holding the meeting and accused the authorities of repeatedly detaining its members.

CJP founder Dipke had earlier claimed that Ranka was picked up from a private residence and said the detained members had not been informed of the charges or grounds for their detention.

The CJP subsequently demanded the immediate release of Ranka and other volunteers, alleging targeted suppression of its activities in Assam.

Assam Police had not issued an immediate public statement explaining the grounds for the detentions, according to reports.

The release of Ranka and the other CJP members brings the immediate detention incident to an end, while the organisation is expected to address the media on the circumstances surrounding the police action.

--IANS

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Kataka, Sep 27 (IANS) Sambalpur Warriors registered a convincing eight-wicket victory over Puri Titans in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at the Barabati Stadium, with Shantanu Mishra and Soumya R Lenka guiding the side to a successful chase of 164.

Batting first, Puri Titans posted 163/7 in their allotted 20 overs after recovering from an early setback through a crucial partnership between Adithya Rout and Swayam Srivastava.

The pair added 73 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings and lay the foundation for a competitive total. Srivastava scored 27 off 23 deliveries, while Rout continued to find the boundaries and top-scored with a fluent 75 off 50 balls. Sarbeswar Mohanty provided a late boost with 20 off 13 deliveries to help Puri finish strongly.

In reply, Sambalpur Warriors also lost an early wicket but recovered through Shantanu Mishra and OM T Munde, who stitched together a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Munde contributed 28 off 21 deliveries before being dismissed, but Shantanu continued to anchor the chase.

Soumya R Lenka joined Shantanu and ensured the Warriors maintained control of the innings. With 16 runs required from the final two overs, the pair kept their composure and took Sambalpur across the finish line without further loss.

Shantanu remained unbeaten on 78 off 59 deliveries, while Soumya provided an aggressive finish with an unbeaten 38 off 20 balls. Sambalpur completed the chase with more than an over to spare, securing two valuable points at the Barabati Stadium that has hosted international matches in the past.

Reflecting on the victory and his performance, player of the match Shantanu Mishra said, “It feels great to contribute to such an important win for the team. We knew Puri had put up a competitive total, so it was important for us to build partnerships and keep the chase under control. Soumya played a very important role towards the end, and I’m happy we could finish the game strongly. These are crucial points for us, and hopefully we can carry this momentum into our upcoming matches.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has carried out a significant operation against illegal cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, destroying more than 61 acres of illicit crops in remote, high-altitude areas of Kullu district so far.

The ongoing drive is being conducted jointly with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Himachal Pradesh Police and the State Forest Department.

“Teams are operating in difficult mountainous terrain, with the exercise being geo-tagged and documented through photographs and videography to ensure transparency. Legal action to follow against those responsible for illegal cultivation,” NCB said in a post on its X handle.

To ensure complete transparency and accountability, every stage of the exercise is being geo-tagged and meticulously documented through photographs and videography.

Officials confirmed that legal action will be initiated against those found responsible for the illegal cultivation.

The operation forms a key part of the larger effort under the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–29).

The document outlines a clear roadmap towards achieving a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” by targeting drugs at their source. A central pillar of this strategy is the coordinated eradication of illicit cultivation through seamless collaboration between Central and State agencies.

Cannabis cultivation in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh has long posed a challenge for enforcement agencies due to the rugged topography and limited accessibility.

By deploying specialised teams from multiple forces, the current drive aims to break the supply chain at its origin and send a strong message against illegal growing practices.

Authorities emphasised that sustained action of this nature is essential to curb the availability of narcotics and protect communities from the social and economic damage caused by the drug trade.

The joint operation also reflects improved inter-agency coordination, with NCB providing the lead while leveraging the local knowledge and operational strength of the state police, ITBP and forest department personnel.

As the drive continues, further areas under illegal cultivation are expected to be covered in the coming days.

Officials reiterated their commitment to pursuing the cases to their logical conclusion through proper legal processes. The success of this operation is being viewed as an important step in the national campaign to eliminate illicit drug cultivation and move closer to the goal of a drug-free India.

--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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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) Ritesh Pal and his choreographer Pratik Utekar have been crowned the winner for the 5th season of the dance reality show ‘India’s Best Dancer’.

Ritesh consistently pushed his boundaries, won the coveted Battle trophy thrice this season, and earned appreciation for his powerful and well curated dance performances. The journey also saw him stepping out of his comfort zone, exploring different dance forms and showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Reacting to his victory, Ritesh said, “Dance has always been my passion, and winning ‘India’s Best Dancer’ season 5 is a dream come true. I feel truly fortunate to be a part of this journey with Sony Entertainment Television. India Wala Dance pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow as a performer. I am grateful to Karisma Ma’am, Jaaved Sir, Geeta Maa and Terence Sir for their guidance, with Geeta Maa holding a special place in my heart. A special thank you to my choreographer Pratik Utekar Sir for believing in me and transforming my journey. I have learnt so much from my fellow contestants. This trophy makes every challenge worthwhile”.

Ritesh Pal and Pratik were pitted against fellow finalists Dipali Borkar, Prathamesh Mane, Anshika Dhara and Geetanjali Marwaha for the final.

Choreographer Pratik Utekar said, “Winning ‘India’s Best Dancer’ season 5 with my shishya Ritesh Pal is an incredibly proud and emotional moment. I am so happy to see his growth, and Ritesh has always trusted my vision and wholeheartedly accepted my guidance. Since we both come from a contemporary dance background, India Wala Dance challenged us to step out of our comfort zone and explore new dance forms. We overcame every challenge together, and lifting this trophy with him makes this victory truly special”.

The Grand Finale was truly a star-studded affair with the presence of the judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis. Actors Jackie Shroff, and special guests Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra also joined the judges for the season finale.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) Actor, producer, and writer Harman Baweja recalled the time his father taught him what a director actually does as the movie 'Diljale' completed 30 years since its release on Sunday.

Harman was only 15 when he visited the sets of 'Diljale', directed by his father and veteran filmmaker Harry Baweja. Saroj Khan was choreographing, while Veeru Devgan was looking after the action sequences.

While on the set, Harman was left genuinely confused about what his father was doing while everyone else seemed to have a defined role.

When he asked about this to his father, instead of simply explaining the role, Harry Baweja told his son that a director's job is to bring together all the different departments, turning them into a single vision for the film.

Sharing the lesson he received from his father that day, Harman said, “He just looked at me and said, ‘You're absolutely right.’ He told me the job of a director is to effectively tell and narrate a story in the audiovisual medium. These HODs, these technicians, these crews — they're a plethora of talent, but eventually they all have to fall into the vision of what the director wants to say."

Reflecting on that day today, Harman feels lucky that he got a chance to witness that entire process at such a young age and to see some of the industry's finest talents at work first hand.

“Today, I feel so blessed that I had the chance to witness my father and all these great actors, technicians and choreographers doing their magic. Being around them at that age and seeing how a film comes together has definitely helped me become a better filmmaker. I carry those learnings with me as I continue to build my own journey and carry forward my father's legacy,” he shared.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) Veteran actor Avtar Gill remembered the 'forever King of Romance' Yash Chopra on his birth anniversary on Sunday.

Dropping a black-and-white picture with the legendary filmmaker, Avtar Gill wrote a heartfelt note on his official Instagram handle, saying, "Remembering the legendary Yash Chopra ji on his birth anniversary (folded hands emoji) One of the greatest filmmakers and storytellers in the history of Indian cinema, and forever the King of Romance. As the founder of Yash Raj Films, Yash ji created a legacy that continues to inspire generations. (sic)".

He recalled his experience of working with Yash Chopra in the 1984 release 'Mashaal'. Aside from being a gifted filmmaker, he also remembered him as a warm, kind, and affectionate person.

"I feel truly fortunate to have worked with him on Mashaal, which he directed, and to have also been a part of Noorie and Sawaal under the Yash Raj Films banner. Beyond his brilliance as a filmmaker, I will always remember Yash ji for his warmth, kindness and the affection he showed me, both on and off set. He left a very special impression on me," he further wrote.

Wishing him on his birthday, Avatar Gill concluded the post with, "A true legend, a wonderful human being, and an unforgettable part of my journey. Happy Birthday Yash ji (folded hands emoji)."

Talking about Yash Chopra's cinematic journey, during his career spanning decades, he directed several memorable Bollywood gems, such as ‘Deewaar’ (1975), ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ (1976), ‘Chandni’ (1989), ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ (1997), and ‘Veer-Zaara’ (2004), to name just a few. He was even honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Yash Chopra’s last directorial was the 2012 romantic drama ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan,' featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma, before he passed away on 21 October 2012.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta raised an objection to Bollywood continuously showing its leading men smoking in posters.

On Sunday, Sanjay took to his official X handle (Formerly known as Twitter) and dropped a collage of posters of Ranbir Kapoor from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Animal', Ranveer Singh from Aditya Dhar’s 'Dhurandhar', and Vicky Kaushal from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Love & War'. The one thing in common in all three images was that the three actors were shown with a cigarette.

Sanjay questioned the impact of the anti-smoking messages the audience is shown in theatres before and during films, while such posters continue to promote smoking.

He wrote on the micro-blogging site, “What is the point of those unpleasant anti-smoking reels we have to endure before and during films when these are the posters of the films? (sic)”.

Sanjay's post soon led to a debate in the comment section. One of the X users reminded the director of his own 2002 release, 'Kaante'. To refresh your memory, actor Sanjay Dutt is seen smoking during one of the songs of the crime thriller.

“Suprised that this is coming from the director of the movie Kaante which has a song which says 'ciggrate ke dhuan ka challa banake, collar ko thodasa upar chada ke'...what an irony," read the comment.

Responding to the comment, Sanjay said that the rules and public messaging regarding smoking were different back then.

"There were no non smoking ads then you genius," he replied.

A netizen even talked about how Indian society associates smoking with masculinity.

“Because these people think that cigarette is the only thing that shows a man masculine. This is the lack of creativity. All Indian film industries are suffering from 'masculinity sycophancy'. Bhaad mai gaya content, story aur creativity," he wrote.

--IANS

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