Madurai, Aug 30 (IANS) TVK MLA Karuppaiah, representing the Sholavandan constituency in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, has clarified that he never intended to denigrate jallikattu and expressed regret if his recent remarks hurt the sentiments of young people and supporters of the traditional sport.

In a statement, Karuppaiah described jallikattu as a historically significant and valiant sport deeply rooted in Tamil culture. He said there could be no dispute over its cultural importance, particularly as it was closely associated with the region where he was born and raised.

The MLA issued the clarification following criticism of his speech in the Tamil Nadu Assembly concerning the jallikattu arena near Alanganallur.

Karuppaiah said his comments had been misunderstood and that he had only questioned the priorities behind spending public money on the facility. He pointed out that the National Cooperative Sugar Mill in the Alanganallur area had been shut down due to a shortage of funds. According to him, approximately Rs 50 crore would be required to revive the mill and restore employment and economic activity in the region.

Karuppaiah said he had argued that the Rs 63 crore reportedly spent on constructing the jallikattu arena, which he claimed had provided little tangible benefit to local people, could instead have been used to reopen the sugar mill.

He also questioned whether conducting jallikattu in a stadium modelled on arenas associated with European countries such as Spain was compatible with Tamil cultural traditions. Jallikattu, he said, should retain its indigenous character and remain connected to the villages and communities that have preserved the sport for generations.

The MLA further said that during the previous DMK government, jallikattu events at Alanganallur and Palamedu were followed by another event at the newly constructed arena during the Pongal season. He claimed this encouraged some school and college students to remain absent from classes to attend successive events.

Karuppaiah maintained that he had raised the matter in the Assembly only to guide students and protect their educational interests. He said his intention was to encourage young people to complete their studies, obtain degrees and secure a better future.

“I have never insulted jallikattu, the valiant sport of the Tamil people,” the MLA said, adding that he regretted any words that might have unintentionally offended the younger generation.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, Aug 30 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a condemnation of settler violence in the West Bank, calling attacks in the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Jalud "criminal" and urging authorities to arrest those responsible.

"I strongly condemn the criminal acts of violence committed in the villages of Qusra and Jalud," Netanyahu said in a statement on Saturday (local time), calling the attackers "a handful of rioters who are violating the law."

Netanyahu said these attacks "harm Israel's international standing" and interfere with the military's operations in the West Bank, reports Xinhua news agency.

The condemnation came after multiple Palestinians were reportedly injured on Saturday in attacks by Israeli settlers across the West Bank.

Dozens of masked Israeli settlers raided Qusra, injuring several Palestinians in the latest wave of settler violence, according to reports.

In nearby Jalud, settlers attacked a Palestinian family and foreign journalists, vandalising their vehicle and physically assaulting crew members, according to activist Bashar al-Qaryouti.

More than half a million Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which Israel occupied in 1967, alongside about 3.4 million Palestinians, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented more than 1,330 settler attacks causing Palestinian casualties or property damage across the occupied West Bank from the start of 2026 to late July, an average of more than six incidents a day.

According to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's Commission against the Wall and Settlements, Israeli forces and settlers carried out 2,256 attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank in July alone.

--IANS

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Patna, Aug 30 (IANS) In a late-night order, the Bihar government transferred a total of 83 officers in a major administrative and police department reshuffle.

The General Administration Department issued a notification late on Saturday, transferring 56 officers of the Bihar Administrative Service, while the Home Department issued a notification transferring 27 officers of the Bihar Police Service.

Following the transfers, several officers have been assigned new responsibilities in important departments and districts.

According to the notification issued by the General Administration Department, most of the transferred Bihar Administrative Service officers were awaiting posting.

Among them, Rakesh Kumar has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Road Construction Department, Manish Kumar as Deputy Secretary in the General Administration Department, and Abhinav Kumar as Deputy Secretary in the Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department.

Similarly, Anil Kumar has been appointed Officer on Special Duty in the Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, and Abhishek Kumar as Deputy Secretary in the Urban Development and Housing Department.

Vandana Sinha has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Art and Culture Department, Suvir Ranjan as Deputy Secretary in the Water Resources Department, and Avinash Kumar as Deputy Secretary in the Revenue and Land Reforms Department.

Several officers have also been given important responsibilities in the districts in the transfer list. Neeraj Kumar has been appointed Settlement Officer of Sheikhpura, Prabhat Kumar of Munger, and Shankar Sharan Ommi of Purnia. Sandeep Kumar has been appointed Settlement Officer of Jehanabad. Ritu Rani has been appointed Senior Deputy Collector of Gopalganj, Amit Vikram Baina of Rohtas, Nikhil Kumar of Saharsa, and Nidhi Raj of West Champaran.

Santosh Kumar has been appointed Sub-Divisional Officer in Gopalganj, while Pooja Kumari has been appointed Sub-Divisional Officer of Rosera in Samastipur. Twenty-seven officers of the Bihar Police Service have also been transferred.

According to a Home Department notification, Son Kumar Rai has been appointed Superintendent of Police (Administration) of Patna. Umeshwar Choudhary has been appointed as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Phulwari Sharif, and Premchand Singh as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Chapra Sadar.

Polast Kumar has been appointed as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Mahua, Vaishali, Sushil Kumar as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Ara Sadar, and Prashant Kumar as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Begusarai Sadar. Gulshan Kumar has been appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rail Gaya.

In the list, Rajesh Kumar has been appointed as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Hathua, Gopalganj, Ajit Pratap Singh Chauhan as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Dhamdhaha, Purnia, Amarkant as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Manjhaul, Begusarai, and Satish Suman as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Samastipur Sadar.

Pankaj Kumar Mishra has been appointed as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Motihari Sadar, Gorakh Ram as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Dumraon, Anand Mohan Gupta as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Siwan Sadar, Nishikant Bharti as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Saharsa, and Chandra Bhushan as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Daudnagar, Aurangabad.

Officers from the 2024 and 2025 batches are also included in the transfer of police officers. Abhinav Kumar has been given the responsibility of Wazirganj, Gaya; Pankaj Kumar Singh of Triveniganj, Supaul; Pawan Kumar of Birpur, Supaul; and Pawan Kumar Singh of Udakishunganj, Madhepura.

This extensive administrative reshuffle by the government is being seen as an effort to make the functioning of districts and departments more effective in the coming days.

--IANS

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Chicago, Aug 30 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted and addressed the vibrant Indian diaspora community in the US at the Consulate General of India’s office here, an official statement said on Sunday.

FM Sitharaman lauded the diaspora’s role as a formidable force that enhances India's soft power, global standing, and bilateral relationships.

She emphasised India’s potential to serve not only as a major market but also as a global hub for developing, testing and manufacturing autonomous defence systems, leveraging its technology capabilities, skilled workforce and growing innovation ecosystem.

She met Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt, in Chicago. The discussions covered Hyatt’s continued commitment to India and opportunities to further expand its presence as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector enters a new phase of growth, according to a Finance Ministry statement.

She highlighted India’s improving connectivity and infrastructure, which is opening up new tourism and commercial destinations, with Tier-II and Tier-III cities emerging as important centres of economic activity and travel.

The Finance Minister also highlighted the growing opportunities in destination-led tourism, including spiritual, cultural, wellness, medical, nature and experiential tourism, and encouraged Hyatt to leverage its global expertise and asset-light model to deepen partnerships with Indian developers and investors, according to a Finance Ministry post on X.

FM Sitharaman also suggested exploring opportunities for talent development through the National Institute of Hospitality and GIFT City as a potential financing and treasury hub for Hyatt’s growing India operations.

She earlier met Brandon Tseng, Co-founder and President, Shield AI. The discussions focused on Shield AI’s engagement with India and opportunities to deepen cooperation in AI-enabled autonomy, unmanned systems and next-generation defence technologies, including R&D, technology development, co-development and co-production.

The Finance Minister welcomed Shield AI’s continued interest in India and highlighted the country’s rapidly expanding defence technology ecosystem, strong engineering and AI talent, and growing capabilities in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

In her meeting with Monish Patolawala, EVP and CFO, ADM, the discussions covered ADM’s long-standing commitment to India and significant opportunities to deepen its engagement across agriculture, food, nutrition, technology and sustainable value chains.

The Finance Minister welcomed ADM’s investments in India, including its growing farmer partnerships, engagement with FPOs and establishment of its global technology and AI capabilities in Bengaluru.

She highlighted opportunities to further strengthen linkages with Indian farmers and expand regenerative and sustainable agriculture, while leveraging India’s capabilities in food processing, innovation and emerging technologies.

—IANS

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Chennai, Aug 30 (IANS) Residents of Shastri Nagar in Vyasarpadi are worried about flooding as frequent rain exposes poor water flow in a canal heavily choked by water hyacinth and garbage.

A stretch of the Vyasarpadi canal along Shastri Nagar First Street is blanketed with hyacinth, leaving little open space for water to move. The canal resembles a green carpet, with stagnant water underneath adding to foul odour and the menace of mosquitoes and insects.

Residents said the aquatic weed had been spreading unchecked for several months.

With the city receiving intermittent rain, they fear that a heavy spell could cause the canal to overflow and inundate nearby streets and houses.

The situation has been compounded by bridge construction on Anna Salai in Shastri Nagar. Portions of the water channel near the bridge have been obstructed during the work, slowing drainage and causing rainwater to collect along First Street and adjoining residential stretches.

Local people said garbage was also being dumped near the canal at night, further restricting the waterway. They urged the Greater Chennai Corporation to clear both the hyacinth and accumulated waste before the city receives intense rainfall.

“Water hyacinth has been growing here for the past five months. Some people also dump garbage near the canal at night. This further obstructs the flow of water. Foul odour and mosquito menace are an everyday nuisance,” a resident said.

Another resident, Nagamani, said the bridge work had blocked the water’s path at points, resulting in rainwater stagnation in residential areas.

He called for the construction to be completed and for temporary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted drainage until then.

Residents warned that delayed action could create a twofold public-health and civic problem. Apart from the danger of houses being flooded, prolonged stagnation could provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increase the risk of vector-borne diseases.

A senior Corporation official said work on one side of the bridge on Anna Salai had been completed and construction on the other side was progressing.

The civic body has requested a robotic excavator to clear the dense vegetation from the canal. The hyacinth removal operation would begin once the equipment reaches the locality, the official said.

Residents, however, want the canal cleared urgently and its water flow restored before another spell of heavy rain.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 30 (IANS) Actress Monalisa has addressed the perception that Bhojpuri cinema is often associated with glamour, double-meaning songs and vulgar content.

Speaking about the criticism surrounding the industry, the actress said that people who hold such opinions may not have actually watched Bhojpuri films. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Monalisa said she has been hearing discussions about vulgarity in Bhojpuri entertainment for several years. However, she believes that the perception is often shaped by certain music videos that gain widespread popularity online.

When asked about the perception that Bhojpuri cinema is still sometimes stereotyped for its focus on glamour, double-meaning songs and controversial music, Monalisa said that such opinions are often formed without people actually watching the films.

She said, “I have been hearing about vulgarity in Bhojpuri entertainment for many years. But I think many people who comment on this have not actually watched the films. They may have only seen certain music videos that have received millions of views on YouTube, and because of that, they judge the entire industry.”

“All Bhojpuri films are not like that. There may be a lot more of such content in albums and music videos, but films are different. There are good actors, and we genuinely perform well in films.”

Talking about the evolution of regional cinema and the growing presence of Bhojpuri actors in the national entertainment space, Monalisa said that regional industries across the country are witnessing significant growth.

“I think every regional industry is growing, and especially regional cinema is growing very rapidly. In fact, I feel we were a little late,” the actress said, pointing out that industries such as South Indian and Bengali cinema have been at the forefront in several ways for a long time.”

The ‘Nazar’ actress also reflected on her own journey of making a mark in the national entertainment industry while coming from a regional background. She recalled that she had already ventured into national television around a decade ago, appearing on shows such as ‘Bigg Boss’ and ‘Nach Baliye,' apart from working in several reality shows and television serials.

“Things have changed now. Around a decade ago, I was already working in national television. I did ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Nach Baliye’, several reality shows and television serials. I have also worked in many South Indian films. So, from the beginning, we were trying to get national recognition while coming from a regional space. It is a very good thing that the industry is growing very quickly. That is good for all of us,” explained Monalisa.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought equity worth Rs 30,918 crore this month (up to August 29), of which Rs 18,790 crore was through exchanges and Rs 12,128 crore was through 'primary market and others' category.

This is the second month in a row that FPIs have turned buyers in India.

The important factors driving the FPI flows into India are the reversal of the chip trade, the stability in the rupee and, more importantly, the improving earnings growth in India, said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Ltd.

A significant trend in FPI investment in India recently is the direction of flows towards the SMIDs (mid-and small-caps.)

Growth and earnings momentum are much higher in the SMIDs compared to the large-caps. This trend of FPI investment in SMIDs is likely to continue, the analyst noted.

On Friday, the FII selling pressure was largely countered by strong DII participation, with domestic institutions recording purchases of approximately Rs 5,184 crore, providing a cushion to the market.

On a month-to-date (MTD) basis, FIIs continue to remain marginal net buyers at around Rs 454 crore, marking a notable shift after several months of sustained foreign selling, said analysts.

Indian equity markets ended the week on a cautious note, extending their recent corrective phase as concerns over global interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty and volatility surrounding the new Closing Auction Session weighed on investor sentiment.

Although markets recovered sharply on Friday, supported by strong buying in IT stocks following upbeat global technology cues, the benchmark indices remained under pressure for the third consecutive week.

For the week, the Nifty declined around 0.31 per cent to close at 24,175.65, while the Sensex fell nearly 0.36 per cent to settle at 77,264.51.

On the domestic front, introduction of the Closing Auction Session (CAS) for F&O stocks also remained an important market development.

The monthly derivatives expiry witnessed sharp price movements during the closing auction, raising concerns regarding increased short-term volatility and price dislocations, particularly in heavyweight stocks, said Ajit Mishra–SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Market breadth remained relatively resilient despite weakness in the benchmark indices and continued caution from foreign institutional investors (FIIs).

The Midcap and Smallcap indices gained during the week, indicating that domestic liquidity and stock-specific participation continue to provide support to the broader market, partly offsetting selective FII selling, said market participants.

--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, Aug 30 (IANS) Television actress Urvashi Dholakia has opened up about an emotional chapter of her life. She revealed why it took her 16 years to bid a final farewell to her father.

The ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ actress recently visited Haridwar, where she performed the final rituals for her late father and sought peace after years of carrying the emotional burden of his loss. Taking to Instagram, Urvashi described the experience as “unforgettable” and “much-needed.” She revealed that her father passed away in 2010, but she struggled to accept the reality of his death and was not ready to let go.

The actress travelled to Haridwar and offered her father his final farewell at the sacred Ganga. Sharing pictures and moments from her visit, Urvashi said that the experience helped bring a sense of peace to her heart and soul. The ‘Naagin 6’ actress also reflected on how people often shed tears while remembering their loved ones, but said that she now hopes her tears will be filled with happiness as she remembers her father. She further expressed that the farewell was not a permanent goodbye, but simply a moment of saying goodbye until they meet again.

Sharing a video from her visit to Haridwar, where she attended the Ganga Aarti, Urvashi wrote, “An unforgettable but a much-needed experience for me. It’s taken me 16 years to get to this place just because I wasn’t ready & willing to let go! When my father passed on in 2010. I was unable to grasp the realty of life and maybe that’s why the denial! Maa Ganga is where people finally rest so here’s finally bidding my Dad his Final Farewell and my only wish for him to rest in complete peace.”

Urvashi added, “All these years I’ve silently carried the unrest in my heart and soul but this visit to #haridwar has brought me peace and taken away my tears. Even though as humans we tend to cry in remembrance but from now I will have happy tears This isn’t goodbye forever. It is simply until we meet again #loveyoudad #harkipauri #ganga.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 30 (IANS) Actor Manoj Bajpayee has reacted to the ongoing issue about humour on immigrants in comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India's Got Latent’.

The actor recently spoke with IANS during the promotions of his upcoming film ‘Last Man in Tower’.

When told about the incident on the comedian’s show where the comedian engaged in a fun banter with Sharon Verma with the two mocking each other’s roots.

Reacting to the same, Manoj told IANS, “If it is all in jest, I actually don't mind it. We should learn to laugh at ourselves and laugh together, laugh at each other and still not be hurt and offended. So, this is what we should learn. We should have humor about ourselves but at the same time we should have respect, not only for ourselves but also for the person that you are sitting with and where that person comes from. It's very very important. If two people are very easy with each other, they always laugh at each other”.

The actor then went on to narrate an incident from his initial days in the national capital when he was spoken to harshly by a bus driver.

He further mentioned, “When I was in Delhi, I was 18, and I was trying to get into a bus from the front door because this was my first time. So, I didn't know the rules of the city. So, the driver looked at me, and shouted, ‘Aye Bihari board from the back gate’. So, he didn't know that I was from Bihar but actually I’m from Bihar. So, for him, every person who was doing that kind of a foolish mistake was from Bihar. I didn't mind it because first, he was right that I was from Bihar. Second, I was not wrong because I was new to the city and I was completely unfamiliar. But when I made friends with people from different states, we used to laugh at each other”.

“We never got offended or hurt. But yes, there is a problem if somebody coming from somewhere becomes a problem for you or becomes a problem for the community. Then there is a problem. Till then it's, we should be able to laugh at each other, laugh at ourselves. That's a sign of a very healthy society”, he added.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 29 (IANS) Pop icon Britney Spears has opened up about the dark side of her music career. The singer said that she"felt like a robot" during her career.

The ‘Toxic’ singer reflected on her former life in the music industry and shared she has "changed big time" in the last few years.

The singer suffered from panic attacks during meet-and-greet events with fans and she "can't believe" she used to be able to "perform in front of so many people".

She recently took to her Instagram, and penned a long note, she wrote, "Let’s just say I’ve actually changed big time. I honestly can’t believe I used to be able to perform in front of so many people. Good lord. I’m so sensitive and proud of myself for shutting all that down, ’cause for too many years it was forced”.

She further mentioned, “When I used to work with (longtime assistant) Felicia (Culotta), in my beginning days, I would get asthma and start shaking if I had to meet more than 10 people in a meet and greet. She could see in my eyes how scared I would get. My dad (Jamie Spears) had me meeting 70 people, I think, during that time. I lost the sensitivity of my soul. And it literally hurt. I felt like a robot”.

She revealed she's actually a "painfully shy" person and spent much of her career trying to cover it up, and she's now thankful she no longer has to pretend she's something she's not.

"I think during that time I lost a sacredness I used to have with people because I was secretly very sensitive and painfully shy. I miss my real relationship I used to have with people. Honestly, I felt like a robot, a machine. And thank the lord it’s over”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus’ is heartbroken after the demise of singing legend Dolly Parton. The 65-year-old singer was close friends with the late country icon, who passed away recently at the age of 80.

Billy Ray Cyrus shared that he will now think of life as Before Dolly and After Dolly. He took to his Instagram, and shared a picture of them together.

He wrote, “Rest in Peace Miss Dolly. This is the last performance she and I did together in Dollywood for her Christmas special. We sang Christmas Where We Are. What most people don’t know is Dolly moved the entire film schedule shoot date because my mom Ruthie had passed away. Dolly Parton. You have touched the hearts of the world”.

“You have made your mark and made it well. A shining light that will shine on beyond the sun and moon … and certainly this crazy planet. From this day henceforth is forever known as, at least in my broken heart, as After Dolly. A.D. 8.25.26 A.D. I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start”.

He further mentioned, “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms. In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked, and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records”.

"Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will”, he added.

--IANS

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