New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the Indian security forces dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) ahead of Independence Day, by thwarting the terror group's plan of carrying out attacks.

The Home Minister mentioned that 200 operatives of the Shahzad Bhatti gang were arrested by the security forces.

Taking to X, HM Shah said, "Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives."

"Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism," he said.

The Home Minister also mentioned that substantial recoveries were made from the ISI-funded group during the operations, which included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage.

"The network was involved in several terrorist activities," he added.

This comes against the backdrop of recent arrests made in the Shahzad Bhatti case.

In late July, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) initially arrested two primary suspects in this specific Pakistan-linked terror and espionage module: suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Mohammad Hamim Mondal and his associate/girlfriend Arpita Sarkar.

According to officials, the SBN targeted the family members of at least six current members of the West Bengal Cabinet through Arpita Sarkar. The SBN handlers used to maintain regular contact with Arpita Sarkar through encrypted messages on different social media platforms.

The STF has continued widening its net into connected surveillance and espionage networks across the region, examining seized digital devices and international communication links.

Further details are awaited.

--IANS

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Colombo, Aug 17 (IANS) Sri Lanka has emerged as the country with the most positive perception of India, local media reported citing a new survey across 36 countries which shows how people all over the world continue to have a favourable view of India.

"Sri Lanka gave India the strongest rating, with 79 per cent of respondents expressing a favourable opinion. Only 11 per cent viewed India negatively. Around 63 per cent of Sri Lankans also identified India as a key ally for their country," Newswire Lanka reported while highlighting details from the new survey done by Washington-based Pew Research Center.

"The positive perception has improved significantly from 2024, when 65 per cent of respondents in Sri Lanka had a favourable view of India," it added.

The report stated that the survey, conducted between February and May this year, covered more than 42,000 people. Across the countries surveyed, a median of 45 per cent expressed a favourable view of India.

"The improved sentiment comes amid stronger India-Sri Lanka relations. After Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis and widespread unrest in 2022, India extended major support to the island nation. Its assistance included credit lines and financial aid worth more than USD 7.5 billion. The support has played an important role in the recent improvement in bilateral ties," Newswire Lanka reported.

India's assistance for development projects in Sri Lanka has exceeded USD 7.5 billion with the projects covering all 25 districts.

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, with over USD 7.5 billion in assistance, including more than USD 850 million in grants, India’s people-oriented projects span all 25 districts of Sri Lanka - transforming housing, healthcare, education, railways, energy, and livelihoods across the island nation

India’s people-centric development partnership with Sri Lanka stands out as one of the most important pillars of the bilateral relationship. India’s developmental assistance projects are based on the priorities set by the government and the people of Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has stated.

The assistance projects have been widely appreciated for their transparent approach and implementation through the use of local materials and manpower, in a manner that supports the local economy. The assistance focuses on capacity-building, human resource development, uplifting of weaker sections as well as infrastructure development and various other aspects related to daily lives such as housing, education, health, industrial development, livelihood support, transport, etc.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8 per cent to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is one of the largest producers in capture fisheries, the government said on Monday.

Since 2015, the government has made cumulative investments of Rs 39,272 crore through key initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and its sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector.

The fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in India’s economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers while generating significant employment opportunities across the value chain, according to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

The ministry further said that youth, fishers and fish farmers are central to the future of fisheries sector, bringing enterprise, innovation and dynamism across the fisheries value chain from modern aquaculture practices, digital traceability and cold-chain management to value addition, branding, marketing and exports.

Their active participation is expected to further strengthen fisheries as a key pillar of India’s Blue Economy.

Notably, the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), on 8th February 2024 for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.

PM-MKSSY will be implemented in all the States and Union Territories with an estimated outlay of Rs 6,000 crore.

It aims to address the inherent weaknesses of the sector through identified financial and technological intervention for bringing in institutional reforms to support the transformation of the fisheries sector in the long-term.

Following the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, the Department of Fisheries organised an interaction programme with beneficiaries under PM-MKSSY and their spouses to recognise their contributions and highlight the impact of government initiatives in the fisheries sector.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 17 (IANS) Abhishek Kumar and Jannat Zubair opened up about the audience reaction to their on-screen chemistry, fondly referred to as #Abhinat on social media.

Talking about how viewers react to seeing them together during his appearance on Sony Entertainment Television’s upcoming show 'Indian Game Show', hosted by Bharti Singh and Harssh Limbachiyaa, Abhishek stated that viewers have been showing a lot of love and affection for his pairing with Jannat.

He said hilariously, “Log pata hai kya bol rahe hain? Shah Rukh Khan aur Kajol ki jodi lag rahe hain, Aur mujhe lagta hain, Jannat aur mujhe na, Maldives jaana chahiye (“Do you know what people are saying? 'They look like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol'. I feel like Jannat and I should go to the Maldives.)”

The statement of being compared to one of the most loved pairs in Bollywood left everyone in stitches.

Pulling Abhishek’s leg, Karan Kundrra commented, “yeh game show hain, prem show nahi hain. (This is a game show, not a love show).”

'The Indian Game Show' hosted by Bharti and Harssh is slated to premiere on 24th August at 8:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV!

Before this, Abhishek and Jannat appeared on the cooking reality show, 'Laughter Chefs', where they were seen exchanging an easy and friendly vibe with one another.

Meanwhile, Jannat and her partner on the show, Aly Goni, lifted the trophy for the third season of 'Laughter Chefs'.

Reflecting on her journey, Jannat said that the show gave her a “best buddy".

Posting a couple of pictures of herself and Aly holding the trophy, Jannat had written on social media, “And bittus are the winners of Laughter Chefs!!! Couldn’t have, and wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else but my Bitti. This journey gave me my best buddy, and we got to win it together. Thank you for all the loveeeee everyoneeee!!! Love, BITTUS.”

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 17 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Monday, extended the interim protection from coercive police action, including arrest, for the Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, in the ongoing CID investigation into the legislators’ signature mismatch case.

The matter was heard at the single-judge bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda. At the end of the hearing, Justice Chanda extended the current interim protection till November 30.

The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police is investigating allegations of forged signatures of multiple party MLAs on an official document submitted to the Assembly Speaker.

While arguing the matter on behalf of the police, the state’s Additional Advocate General (AAG), Rajdeep Majumdar, informed the court that forensic examination has revealed that the signatures of three MLAs were forged.

Majumdar also informed the court that the document carried signatures of 70 legislators, out of which the complaints were about forged signatures of five legislators. Of the five legislators, the signatures of three have been forged as revealed in the forensic report, Majumdar informed the court.

He also informed the court that the signature forgery was done in the presence of Abhishek Banerjee.

“No resolution was made on May 6. Yet it was written that the resolution was made on that day. The MLAs were not even asked to sign the resolution on that day. It was signed on May 19 in reality. But the resolution written on the General Secretary's pad on May 6 was sent to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. In view of which, five MLAs gave statements and stated that their signatures were forged. The truth of that forgery has come to light in the forensic report,” the AAG argued.

However, even after his argument, the court observed that, preliminarily, it was not feeling that Abhishek was involved in the signature forgery.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 17 (IANS) Due to the combination of active low pressure area and monsoon winds, the Met office on Monday predicted heavy rain across south Bengal districts including Kolkata for the next two days.

A red alert for heavy to very heavy rain was issued for Bankura, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts for Tuesday.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said that the low pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal had become more pronounced in the last few hours and would increase in strength and turn into a depression by late Monday.

The monsoon axis extends over the low pressure area to the Bay of Bengal via Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand. Due to this, continues heavy rain will occur in south Bengal till Tuesday.

On Tuesday, isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts. The remaining districts of south Bengal will experience rain with thundershowers on Tuesday. Rain will decrease in south Bengal from Tuesday evening onwards. There is no further weather warning for now.

Due to a low pressure, gale force winds are blowing in the sea at the speed of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Due to this, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Bay of Bengal off the West Bengal and Odisha coasts till Tuesday.

Meanwhile, heavy rain will continue in north Bengal till Tuesday. Heavy rain are likely to occur only in Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong districts on Monday. Heavy rain is also likely in Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts on Tuesday. Scattered rains with thundershowers will continue in the remaining northern districts like North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda and Cooch Behar till Tuesday.

Since Monday morning, Kolkata has been witnessing heavy rain which left several area waterlogged. Due to continuous, traffic in and around the city is moving slow. The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Monday morning was 25 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on Sunday was 30 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees below normal.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 17 (IANS) Maharashtra’s ballooning public debt reaching Rs 9.37 lakh crore, has placed it second in absolute terms behind Tamil Nadu.

While absolute numbers paint a stark picture, critical analysis reveals a structural squeeze on the state's public finances, as the expenditure is systematically crowding out capital expenditure (Capex), posing major risks to the state's target of reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The higher public debt needs to be scrutinised against the backdrop of some key economic indicators and how does it help the administration to implement its further strategies.

Maharashtra's present Debt-to-GSDP Ratio stands at 18.3% to 18.4%. which is well within the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) ceiling of 25%, indicating solvency, but the fiscal space is tightening rapidly. The Revenue Deficit is ranging between Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000 crore annually.

The state government's committed outlays including salaries, pensions, and interest payments gobble up over 55–60% of revenue receipts while interest burden for servicing the accumulated debt costs over Rs 64,000 crore annually. The core issue is how debt is being deployed. Healthy fiscal management relies on borrowing to fund infrastructure that generates long-term economic output.

However, Maharashtra's structural revenue deficit means that a growing portion of fresh market borrowings goes toward covering current operational expenses and welfare subsidies rather than asset-creating capital projects.

With committed costs (salaries, pensions, interest) absorbing the lion's share of revenue receipts, the state's budget for net capital outlay sits around Rs 97,000 crore to Rs 1.2 lakh crore. This creates a vicious cycle.

Public infrastructure investments (irrigation, industrial corridors, freight links) get delayed or scaled back. The state is increasingly relying on off-budget borrowings via public entities (like MMRDA, MSRDC, and MSEDCL), shifting state liabilities off the main balance sheet without reducing actual risks, said the government sources.

Economists argue that achieving a $1 trillion economy requires sustained annual growth rates above 13–14% in nominal terms. If public capital expenditure remains constrained, private investment may hesitate to fill the infrastructure gap including last-mile road networks, power distribution, port linkages. Flagship cash-transfer and subsidy schemes create rigid, long-term spending commitments that are politically difficult to roll back.

Servicing Rs 9.37 lakh crore in market loans consumes money that could otherwise build hospitals, schools, or tech parks. Guarantees extended to state corporations (exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh crore) threaten to pull on the main budget if these entities default, observed the economists.

Finance department experts suggest that the government can tackle the situation by exploring various options. The government may consider monetisation of land banks around major transit corridors including Samruddhi Mahamarg, Metro hubs and existing brownfield infrastructure to unlock non-tax revenue.

The government can shift funding of large capital projects (ports, expressways, industrial hubs) to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, using state funds strictly for Viability Gap Funding (VGF).

Furthermore, the government may aggressively implement administrative and pension reform forms through transition towards contributory pension structures, rationalisation of redundant government departments, and leveraging digital governance to curb administrative overheads.

According to sources, the government will increase its focus on enhancing state's Own Tax Revenue (SOTR) by streamlining GST compliance, revising land registration values, and adjusting levies on non-essential services.

It may re-evaluate open-ended subsidies by introducing income caps and direct benefit transfer (DBT) leakage checks to ensure welfare funds reach intended recipients without inflating the revenue deficit.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The US is pushing for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a planned undersea electricity link connecting Greece, Cyprus and Israel, to be taken up as a top priority in Greece’s Eastern Mediterranean strategy, according to a report in Greek City Times.

The recent agreement in Athens allowing French investment group Meridiam to become the majority shareholder in the company behind the Great Sea Interconnector, have raised greater expectations that the project will be implemented in its next phase, the report, by Bill Giannopoulos, states.

For Washington, the interconnector is increasingly being viewed as part of a much larger architecture combining energy security, regional connectivity and the strategic ambitions of IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), the report further states.

IMEC was first presented by India at the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, and is now widely seen as the democratic world’s answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ben Black, head of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), calling for greater American attention to the Great Sea Interconnector.

The US lawmakers are of the view that the Eastern Mediterranean could become an important gateway to IMEC and describe the Great Sea Interconnector as strategically important infrastructure for the development of the corridor.

They say projects such as the GSI could strengthen US partners, diversify energy routes and deepen regional cooperation while providing alternatives to infrastructure controlled or influenced by strategic rivals, according to the report.

The representatives also requested a classified briefing from the Trump administration on the geopolitical challenges that could affect completion of the project.

The US lawmakers see the project as more than an electricity connection. They frame it as part of a wider strategic network that could strengthen regional resilience and support closer economic ties between Europe, the Middle East and India.

The proposed interconnector is designed to link the electricity networks of Greece, Cyprus and Israel, creating two-way electricity flows between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. For Cyprus, the project is particularly significant because it could help end the island’s long-standing energy isolation.

For Israel, the interconnection could provide an additional layer of energy security, while Greece would strengthen its role as an energy bridge between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

--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, August 17 (IANS) Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor has credited music composers and playback singers Anu Malik and Kumar Sanu for creating some of the most memorable songs of the 1990s.

The actress said that their contribution did not just define the heroes of the era but also benefited the heroines.

Karisma, who was among the leading actresses of the decade, expressed her gratitude to the duo while recalling some of the popular films and songs that became an integral part of her career.

Speaking about Anu Malik on the dance reality show, India's Best Dancer, she said, “Anu ji has done such great movies ‘Judwaa’, ‘Khuddar’, ‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’, ‘Krishna’ and ‘Biwi No. 1’ and many more.”

Karisma then turned her attention to Kumar Sanu and also remembered the singer’s contribution to some of the biggest songs associated with her films.

“And Kumar da, from ‘Tum Sa Koi Pyara’ to ‘Duniya Mein Aaye Ho Toh Love Karlo’, ‘Main Toh Raste Se Ja Raha Tha’, from the beginning of my career to ‘Pucho Zara Pucho’ such legendary songs!” she said.

Reflecting on how music shaped the Hindi film landscape of the 1990s, Karisma highlighted how voices such as Kumar Sanu’s became closely associated with the leading men of the period, and alongside gave the actresses memorable musical moments as well.

“Their voices were synonymous with the movies and all the heroes in the 90s, which benefited us heroines as well. Thank you so much for being here,” she said.

–IANS

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Mumbai, August 17 (IANS) Former actress Namrata Shirodkar turned emotional as her daughter Sitara’s international camp came to an end.

Calling herself as a ‘proud mama’, she admitted that the experience made her realise that her “little one” has grown up.

Namrata took to her social media account to share a series of pictures from the camp, and offered a glimpse of the friendships and memories Sitara made during her time there.

Sharing a group picture featuring herself, Sitara and others, Namrata wrote, “And just like that, her camp came to an end... Saying goodbyes is never easy, but that's life! There’s only learning, growing, and taking some fabulous memories with you and some great friendships to last a lifetime.”

She added, “It made me realise that my little one has grown up. & I’m one proud mama!”

The pictures show Namrata posing with Sitara and other young members of the camp. In another selfie, the mother-daughter duo can be seen posing together, with Sitara flashing a smile alongside her mother.

Namrata’s post comes after she shared glimpses of her Swiss getaway with Sitara. The former actress had earlier given fans a peek into their relaxed mother-daughter time.

The unwinding time showed the two indulging in a meal at a restaurant, a pot of Swiss cheese fondue and a solo selfie from the picturesque location.

Sharing a selfie with Sitara, Namrata had written, “U & me ...” In another social media story featuring Swiss cheese fondue served with bread, she called it her favourite part of Switzerland and wrote, “My favourite part of Switzerland.” She also shared a solo picture and captioned it, “Swiss me!!”

For the uninitiated, Sitara is the daughter of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar. The star couple also have a son, Gautam Ghattamaneni.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 17 (IANS) All is not well for Bollywood actor Pulkit Samrat as he used social media to share his health update on Monday, revealing that he is currently battling malaria.

The 'Fukrey' actor took to the Stories section of his official Instagram account and dropped a selfie.

Pulkit, who was seen flaunting his well-built physique in his latest web series 'Glory', revealed that malaria ended up taking a massive toll on his body.

He shared that he had lost 2.5 kg of muscle and a significant amount of strength. However, despite the setback to his fitness journey, Pulkit remains determined to get back to his form.

Pulkit wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Malaria took a little more out of me than I expected. Lost 2.5 kg of muscle and a fair bit of strength. But I know this body. We’ve built it before. We’ll build it again (sic).”

Pulkit remains on top of his fitness game, sharing constant updates from his personal and professional lives.

In May, Pulkit provided the netizens with a glimpse into his productive morning routine, which included red light therapy for his face, a strong cuppa Joe, and some Turkish eggs, along with lentil bread.

The primary picture in the post showed Pulkit treating himself to some red light therapy on face. “Morning begins with Red Light Therapy for face, hair and eyes,” read the text on the post.

Next was the photo of his coffee mug with the caption, “Then cuppa Joe takes over!”

Lastly, he published a photograph of his hearty breakfast plate. “Yum!! Turkish eggs with sprouted moong bread,” Pulkit added the text overlay.

Work-wise, Pulkit last graced the screen in 'Suswagatam Khushamadeed', alongside Katrina Kaif’s younger sister Isabelle.

Directed by Dhiraj Kumar, the project also featured Sahil Vaid, Priyanka Singh, the late Rituraj Singh, Meghna Malik, the late Arun Bali, Neela Mulherkar, Manu Rishi Chaddha, Prashant Singh, Rajkumar Kanoujia, Mehul Surana, Shruti Ulfat, and Sajjad Delafrooz.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 17 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday released the motion poster of director Suseenthiran's eagerly awaited crime thriller 'Oru Kaidhiyin Diary', featuring actor Shanthnu Bhagyaraj in the lead.

Rajinikanth released the motion poster in the presence of the film’s core team, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Produced jointly by Kannan Ravi and Deepak Ravi under the banner of KRG Kannan Ravi Group, the film stars Shanthnu Bhagyaraj as the protagonist, while Seeman plays a pivotal role. Sam C.S. is composing the music for the film.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that the story will be set against the backdrop of Madurai and that the film will revolve around the relationship between a father and son.

The film will combine family emotions with action and will feature fast-paced developments, the sources add. The lifestyle of Madurai will come across as an important element of the story as will be the emotional changes that occur in the father-son relationship, they point out.

The recently released motion poster has already generated curiosity, particularly with the looks of Seeman and Shanthnu, the Madurai temple towers featured in the background, and a design resembling a handwritten manuscript. The title Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (“A Prisoner’s Diary”), along with the film’s father-son storyline, has further increased anticipation.

'Oru Kaidhiyin Diary' will be the 10th film to be produced by the KRG Kannan Ravi Group. The film is being jointly produced by Kannan Ravi and Deepak Ravi. The production house has been focusing on quality commercial cinema and strong storytelling, and has recently backed several successful projects, including Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil and TN 2026. Sources claim the makers are giving equal importance to both the story and production quality for this film as well.

Director Suseenthiran, who is one of Tamil cinema’s leading commercial filmmakers, has created a distinct identity for himself through his ability to blend family emotions, action, crime and drama in the right proportion. Following the success of films such as 'Naan Mahaan Alla' and 'Pandianadu', the director will once again be exploring a father-son relationship in this film.

The film’s unit is reportedly planning to complete the shooting in a single schedule.

--IANS

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