Washington, Oct 6 (IANS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took limited action on millions of potential nonimmigrant overstay leads between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, including cases deemed potential national security risks, according to a report by the Department of Homeland Security's independent watchdog that was highlighted by DHS on Monday.

The DHS Office of Inspector General, in a report issued September 29, examined ICE's handling of nonimmigrant overstay leads during fiscal years 2021 through 2024. DHS separately issued a statement Monday drawing attention to the watchdog's findings and criticising the previous Biden administration.

ICE received 3,145,375 leads involving possible overstays during the four years, according to figures cited by DHS from the inspector general's report.

Of those, 104,049, or about 3.3 per cent, were categorised as potential national security and public safety concerns.

Only 496 investigations were opened from that group, resulting in eight arrests, according to DHS's summary of the watchdog findings.

The remaining 3,041,326 overstay leads, or 96.7 per cent, were classified as non-priority.

Of the 2,837,188 non-priority leads sent to ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, five were investigated after being identified as possible public safety threats, resulting in two arrests, DHS said.

The inspector general's review covered fiscal years 2021 through 2024, a period that largely coincided with the Biden administration.

The Trump administration seized on the report Monday to criticise its predecessor's immigration enforcement record.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the findings showed that immigration authorities under the previous administration had failed to act on millions of potential overstay leads.

“The degree of the Biden Administration’s dereliction of duty, which needlessly put American lives at risk, is staggering and enraging,” Mullin said.

He said the Trump administration would “target and remove as many illegal aliens as possible to make America safe again.”

Mullin's comments represent the administration's political interpretation of the report. The underlying review was conducted by the DHS Office of Inspector General, which provides independent oversight of the department's programmes and operations.

The watchdog's figures concern leads involving potential overstays. They should not be interpreted to mean that every person identified in those leads was ultimately determined to have violated immigration law or posed a national security or public safety threat.

A nonimmigrant overstay generally occurs when a foreign national is lawfully admitted to the United States for a specified period but remains beyond the authorised stay.

That distinguishes overstays from people who enter the United States without inspection across a land border. Foreign nationals can enter legally on temporary visas or, in some cases, through programmes that do not require a visa, and subsequently fall out of lawful status by remaining beyond their authorised period.

Visa overstays have long been one component of the broader U.S. debate over illegal immigration and immigration enforcement. DHS separately publishes Entry/Exit Overstay Reports that contain country-by-country information on foreign visitors expected to depart the United States during a fiscal year.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Oct 6 (IANS) Assam Police recovered 98 cattle and apprehended one person during multiple operations conducted by the Kokrajhar and Dhubri police, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.

Taking to social media platform X, Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Assam Police and said the latest operations demonstrated the force’s ability to disrupt cattle-smuggling attempts.

“Don’t underestimate the power of Assam Police,” the Chief Minister said in his post.

He said multiple operations carried out by the Kokrajhar Police and Dhubri Police resulted in the recovery of 98 cattle, while one accused was apprehended in connection with the operations.

Sharing photographs of the recovered cattle, Sarma also made a pointed remark regarding the alleged smuggling attempt, saying: “The smuggling plans didn’t quite reach their climax.”

The images shared by the Chief Minister showed cattle being recovered from different locations.

One of the photographs carried a location tag identifying Mahisbathana in Assam.

The latest recovery comes amid the Assam government’s continued focus on preventing cattle smuggling and strengthening enforcement operations, particularly in districts located near vulnerable border areas.

Police operations against cattle smuggling have frequently involved the interception of vehicles and the recovery of cattle allegedly being transported illegally.

Authorities have also maintained heightened vigilance in areas bordering neighbouring states and Bangladesh.

The Assam government has repeatedly stated that strict action will be taken against those involved in illegal cattle transportation and smuggling.

The recovery of 98 cattle in the latest operations marks a significant seizure and highlights the continuing efforts of district police forces to crack down on organised smuggling networks.

Further details regarding the identity of the arrested individual, the circumstances under which the cattle were intercepted, and the legal provisions invoked against the accused were not immediately available.

Police are expected to investigate the source and intended destination of the recovered cattle as part of the ongoing probe.

The latest operations also underline the coordination between police units in Kokrajhar and Dhubri in tackling cattle-smuggling activities in western Assam.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin, who has been receiving a lot of positive response to his work in the recently released streaming show ‘Shaque: Trust No One’, has shed light on his character.

The actor spoke with IANS along with his co-actors Parineeti Chopra and Soni Razdan during the promotions of the show in the city.

Talking about the show, he said, “It's a thriller, and it's a story about a mother who has lost her child and has been searching for her child for 9 years, and the impact that the search has had on her family and people around her including her husband”.

He told IANS, “My character has the burden of managing the emotional sense of loss and anguish that the wife is going through but also trying to have some semblance of a family, and his idea of a happy family and whatever happiness he can get in his life he is also a father to the 2nd daughter he is a son of friend”.

He further mentioned, “What makes it interesting is that in every episode, you get to unravel the layers of this character. What I particularly enjoyed was the way the script was written. I feel that as the show progresses every character in the show has an Arc that ultimately adds to the overall mystery”.

The show explores the fragile nature of trust, suspicion and betrayal. It follows a mother who has spent nine years searching for her missing child. Despite receiving photographs of the child every year, she remains desperate for answers. As her investigation progresses, she discovers that the truth behind the abduction may be hidden within her closest circle.

The show is directed by Rensil D’Silva and created by D’Silva and Siddharth P. Malhotra. It also stars Jennifer Winget, Anup Soni, Harleen Sethi and Sumeet Vyas. The show is available to stream on Netflix.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Oct 5 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) organised the Sukna Station Mahotsav to commemorate 146 years of the architectural heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officials said on Monday.

The programme was attended by the NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and several senior railway officials and distinguished dignitaries, highlighting the railway’s commitment towards preserving its historic assets and promoting community participation.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that during the celebration, the General Manager inaugurated the newly renovated Sukna Museum, which showcases the rich history and operational legacy of DHR, and released its first DHR Volume of Collector’s Edition related to its Heritage and History.

Students from Narayana School, Siliguri and Sukna School presented vibrant cultural performances. Essay and drawing competitions were also organised, with the top three winners in each category receiving DHR certificates. Artist Ajay Sarkar presented a live nail art demonstration, and the artwork was formally handed over to the Station Manager of Sukna.

Following the programme, the General Manager flagged off the 125-year-old heritage locomotive 780B and a flat wagon that has been restored after 36 years at the historic Tindharia Railway Workshop, Sharma said.

The Giddaypahar siding was also restored and reopened after 21 years to strengthen the operational capacity of DHR. A new barrack for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was also inaugurated at Giddaypahar to improve facilities for security personnel and support railway protection.

The celebrations brought together heritage preservation, infrastructure development and local participation for DHR. Through the restoration of vintage rolling stock, renovation of heritage facilities and improvement of operational and security infrastructure, NFR continues to safeguard DHR’s unique legacy while supporting its continued service to the region as well as the entire nation.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

--IANS

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United Nations, Oct 5 (IANS) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned member states about the consequences of failing to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while encouraging them to move forward with the stalled reform process, according to Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Acknowledging that any reform requiring amendments to the UN Charter can only be undertaken by member states and not unilaterally by the Secretary-General, Haq said on Monday that the UN leadership could only encourage countries to move forward and warn them about the consequences of inaction.

Haq made the remarks when asked about comments by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that the UN’s highest decision-making body must be reformed to remain relevant, given that UN membership has nearly quadrupled since the organisation was established in 1945.

Haq said Guterres has consistently maintained that, as the United Nations has expanded, the Security Council must also expand and become more representative of the wider membership.

However, he stressed that such changes can only be accomplished by member states under the provisions of the UN Charter.

Underscoring the limited powers of the Secretary-General in this regard, Haq said that responsibility for such decisions rests with member states, particularly through the General Assembly and the Security Council.

He added that Guterres has also repeatedly emphasised the need for African nations to be included among the permanent members of the Security Council.

The current structure of the UN reflects the geopolitical realities that emerged after the Second World War, when the victorious powers shaped the organisation and retained permanent seats with veto powers on the Security Council.

Critics argue that this framework has failed to adequately reflect contemporary global realities by excluding emerging powers in terms of population and economic influence.

It has also left Africa, despite having the largest regional grouping within the UN and being the focus of numerous UN peacekeeping operations, without permanent representation on the Council.

During the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly last month, many world leaders renewed calls for immediate reform of the Security Council.

The Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) process on Security Council reform has remained deadlocked for nearly two decades.

Supporters of reform allege that a small group of countries, including Italy and Pakistan, have used procedural mechanisms to slow progress in the negotiations.

To overcome the impasse, India and several other countries have called for the adoption of a formal negotiating text that would define the agenda, record progress in discussions and allow negotiations to advance in a structured manner rather than restarting with each new General Assembly session.

--IANS

al/dan

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of US Pacific Command (USPACOM), on Monday met several Indian defence chiefs during his visit to India, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.

“Honoured to host Admiral Samuel Paparo in India. One of America’s most consequential military leaders, Admiral Paparo commands U.S. Pacific Command, the nation’s oldest and largest geographic combatant command, overseeing approximately 400,000 military and civilian personnel across a region spanning roughly half the globe,” Ambassador Gor stated on X.

“Admiral Paparo joined India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General N. S. Raja Subramani; Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth; Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh; and other senior Indian defence officials for an evening highlighting the growing strength, ambition, and importance of the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership,” he added.

Earlier, Admiral Paparo also met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and discussed advancing the security partnership and maritime cooperation.

"Glad to meet Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo. Discussed advancing our security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

On Saturday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo arrived in New Delhi for a six-day official visit to strengthen the defence partnership between the two nations. Sergio Gor extended a warm welcome to Admiral Samuel Paparo.

Admiral Paparo's discussions with Indian counterparts are regarding shared security priorities, including harnessing digital transformation and emerging technologies, maintaining regional strategic stability, strengthening defence energy resilience, and navigating an increasingly competitive technology landscape.

"From emerging technology to maritime security, the United States and India are building a defence partnership equipped to meet the challenges of the future," the US Embassy in India said in a statement.

"Admiral Paparo’s visit underscores the strength of the Major Defence Partnership and reaffirms the United States’ enduring presence and interests in the Indian Ocean region," it added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu and Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Monday agreed that closer cooperation between India and Switzerland in areas such as science and technology, innovation, and clean and green energy can bring immense benefits to the people of both countries.

“President Droupadi Murmu received President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. The two leaders agreed that closer cooperation between India and Switzerland in areas such as science and technology, innovation, clean and green energy can bring immense benefits to the people of both countries,” the President’s Secretariat stated on X.

Guy Parmelin was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Murmu and PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed President Parmelin upon his arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking to the reporters following the ceremonial welcome, Parmelin said, "The visit is an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance that both Switzerland and India attach to this relationship."

He said that the relationship between India and Switzerland is built on "shared democratic values as well as on trust and mutual respect".

"My visit is a stepping stone towards further growth, deepening and strengthening of our close, broad and long-standing partnership. I am pleased and honoured that we have the chance to exchange views on matters of bilateral and global importance," the Swiss President said.

"I am especially glad that my stay in India will enable us to commemorate the first anniversary of the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA," he mentioned.

Parmelin arrived in India on Monday for a three-day State visit at the invitation of PM Modi. The visit is set to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and mobility.

This is President Parmelin's first State visit to India and his second visit to the country this year, as he had earlier visited India in February 2026 to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

–IANS

ksk/uk

Visakhapatnam, Oct 5 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam on October 5 and interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their families.

Commending naval personnel for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, Singh acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices of their families, whose support enables them to discharge their duties with dedication and commitment.

The Barakhana provided an opportunity to interact with the naval fraternity and reaffirm the government’s appreciation of the dedicated service rendered by naval personnel, Singh said.

He conveyed his continued support to personnel and their families and recognised their contribution towards national security.

The Defence Minister highlighted the Indian Navy’s emergence as a powerful maritime force and its proven ability to respond decisively to challenges confronting the nation.

He said the Navy’s capabilities are recognised across the Indo-Pacific and commended its personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions while ensuring the security of India’s maritime boundaries and keeping the Tricolour flying high.

Singh recalled the Navy’s distinguished record of valour and referred to its decisive role during the 1971 War, particularly Operation Trident, when Indian naval forces struck Karachi harbour.

He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s ability not only to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations when required.

The Defence Minister also paid tribute to personnel whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.

Emphasising India’s transformation into a maritime power, Singh said the Indian Navy has kept pace with the changing security environment of the 21st century.

He noted that the country has developed and inducted advanced indigenous platforms, including indigenous aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpene-class submarines.

He stressed that the strength of the Navy extends beyond ships, submarines and advanced technology and rests fundamentally on the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel.

India’s endeavour, he said, is to ensure that its waters reflect the nation’s maritime strength, its warships embody Indian technology and its naval operations reflect the country’s growing confidence and self-reliance.

Calling for a broader maritime vision, Singh said India must move forward with the philosophy of advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power.

He said oceans should be viewed not merely as maritime boundaries requiring protection but also as avenues for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.

Describing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration to the youth, Singh said they represent India’s future, strength and pride.

He expressed confidence that their continued dedication and commitment would contribute significantly to India’s emergence as a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant nation.

The Defence Minister also underlined the important role played by the families of Defence Forces personnel.

He noted that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in service to the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the support and strength required for them to discharge their duties effectively.

He described the service of naval personnel and the sacrifices of their families as a valuable national asset.

Highlighting the informal and familial spirit of the Barakhana, Singh said such occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between defence personnel, their families and the leadership.

He said food is not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also a simple and profound expression of affection and togetherness.

The Barakhana, he said, symbolised the deep relationship between the armed forces and the nation, with everyone coming together as part of one larger defence family.

Singh emphasised that the occasion reflected the fraternity, camaraderie and sense of belonging that binds defence personnel, their families and the leadership.

--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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has issued another clarification for his recent remark about the diminishing levels of peace in India, during his appearance on 'Shekhar Suman's show'.

He once again stated that whatever he said was a part of the scripted show and did not reflect his personal thoughts.

He shared a video, saying, "Namaskar friends, many people have recently contacted me on social media about some of the things I said on 'Shekhar Suman's show'. Some people said that they are surprised by my words. At the same time, many people also expressed strong disagreement with those words."

"I fully understand their feelings and would like to express one thing about this. Whatever I said in the show was part of a scripted segment. As is often the case in such TV shows, we were acting according to a script. At the same time, many things were part of the same performance and its context. They were not just my personal thoughts, or my feelings. That is why I respect the trust and love of friends and good thinkers. I would never want any misunderstanding regarding my real thoughts due to a scripted performance. I hope that this will clear the whole thing. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat," the 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' actor added.

On Sunday, Sanjay had tweeted, “I would like to clarify that it was never my intention to hurt, offend, or disrespect the sentiments of any individual, community, or institution”.

“My remarks were made in the context of a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous. The spirit behind them was similar to the humour and satire seen in films like Munna Bhai, particularly the concept of 'Gandhigiri’, which was intended to convey a message of love, warmth, togetherness, and goodwill. Unfortunately, my words were interpreted outside of that intended context," the post further read.

For the unversed, Sanjay said during his appearance on the show, “The people of this country are so lovely. There should be peace here. I can’t feel that peace in our country anymore. We Indians are large-hearted people and we are hospitable. We have given so much, and we should always remain that way. I pray to Shivji that those days come back soon”.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Oct 5 (IANS) Popular Bollywood director and actor Anurag Kashyap has now come on board Megastar Chiranjeevi's eagerly awaited action entertainer, 'Kaaka', the film's makers announced on Monday.

The makers released an image that features director Bobby Kolli explaining a scene to Anurag Kashyap, who is listening with rapt attention. Anurag Kashyap's presence is certainly an exciting addition to the film and further adds to the anticipation surrounding Kaaka.

Meanwhile, shooting of 'Kaaka' is currently underway in Hyderabad, with Anurag Kashyap participating in the shoot, along with the other lead actors.

It may be recalled that Chiranjeevi, had, during the course of his speech at an event that was held recently, revealed that he was playing a character called Kadiri Kalidas in the film.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that while 'Kaaka' has been envisioned as a high-intensity action entertainer, it will also feature a strong emotional and family-oriented narrative, making the protagonist’s character arc one of its key attractions.

It may be recalled that the unit of the film had started its most recent schedule on September 7 this year.

KVN Productions, which is producing the film, had, a few days ago, announced the title of the film through a title teaser and revealed that the film would hit screens on January 13 next year.

Taking to its social media timelines to share the title teaser, the production house wrote, "Meet Supervisor Satyam, C/O Ammaji Aqua Industries, Ravulapalem. Team #KAAKA wishes the one and only Megastar @Kchirutweets garu a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Title glimpse out now. January 13, 2027 - Sankranthi release."

The title teaser showed Chiranjeevi working in a shrimp farm called Ammaji Aqua Industries. His name in the film is Satyam and he works as a Supervisor in the facility that has people from all regions of the country working in it.

The title teaser showed an employee attempting to return a key to Chiranjeevi but ends up dropping it in a pool full of shrimps. Chiranjeevi was then seen retrieving the key using a giant electromagnet. Along with the key, a lot of weapons too come up. The key has a keychain that reads, 'I love dad'.

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs ever since it was first announced and the title teaser only added to the excitement.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that the first half of the film ends with a spectacular action sequence. They claim that this interval fight sequence, which was shot recently, is set to be one of the major attractions of the film. The action block has been designed and executed on a grand scale and is expected to provide a powerful high point before the second half.

Sources also claim that the initial output has given the team immense confidence, with the narrative maintaining the right mix of intensity, entertainment, emotion, and action.

Anaswara Rajan and Nivetha Pethuraj play pivotal roles in this film, which is currently being planned as a Sankranthi 2027 release.

This is the second time that director Bobby is working with Megastar Chiranjeevi. The two had earlier worked together on action entertainer 'Waltair Veerayya'.

--IANS

Mkr/

Chennai, Oct 5(IANS) The makers of director Nelson Dilipkumar's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Jailer 2', featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, on Monday released an action-packed gripping trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Sun Pictures, which is producing the film, took to its social media timelines to share the link of the trailer. It wrote, "Tiger Muthuvel Pandian is back, and the hunt is ON! #Jailer2 Trailer is out now!"

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

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

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

At one point, a weary Suraj Venjaramoodu is seen asking his accomplices, "Have you managed to find him or not?" For a minute, one is led to believe that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has gone into hiding but almost immediately, the trailer clears the confusion. It shows that Tiger Muthuvel Pandian has chosen to go off radar by pretending to be a driver and he has chosen to lie low to find out if the chain of command among the villains goes any higher.

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

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

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

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

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

The makers had released a release date announcement teaser in which actor Vinayakan was seen issuing a threat with a laugh. "You can't be at peace after killing me. There's a big world behind me, Jailer! This is a huge network. You won't know who is coming (for you), when and how. Your life will turn into hell."

The teaser then showed Rajini's arrival in style, even as viewers got to catch a glimpse of the other characters in the film.

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

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

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Actress Tabu celebrated 30 years of her romantic entertainer 'Ninne Pelladatha,' co-starring Nagarjuna, with a sweet and heartwarming post on social media.

On Monday, Tabu shared some glimpses from Krishna Vamsi's directorial on her official Instagram handle.

She shared that 'Ninne Pelladatha' is a story that managed to touch a lot of hearts, standing the test of time.

Tabu added that the songs from the family drama still have a special place in the hearts of music lovers.

Marking 3 decades of 'Ninne Pelladatha', she wrote on the photo-sharing app, "A romance that captured hearts,a story that stood the test of time,and songs that continue to enchant generations.

Celebrating the everlasting magic of #NinnePelladatha and it’s beautiful journey through three unforgettable decades. (sic)."

Going down memory lane, the comment section saw remarks such as "Omg 30 years and I’m still in love", and "Gotta be one of my favourite movie ever".

Written and directed by Krishna Vamsi, 'Ninne Pelladatha' has been backed by Nagarjuna under the banner of Annapurna Studios.

With Nagarjuna as Seenu, and Tabu as Mahalakshmi "Pandu", the project also featured Chalapathi Rao, Giri Babu, Chandra Mohan, Ahuti Prasad, Brahmaji, Banerjee, Ravi Teja, C. V. L. Narasimha Rao, Jeeva, Uttej, Prudhviraj, Lakshmi, Rama Prabha, Manju Bhargavi, Kavitha, Shanoor Sana, and Ramaraju in supporting roles, along with others.

Along with a tremendous run at the ticket counters, 'Ninne Pelladatha,' has also received several accolades, including the 1996 National Film Award for 'Best Feature Film in Telugu'.

The film was later dubbed into Tamil with the name 'Unnaiye Kalyanam Pannikiren' and was also remade in Kannada with the title 'Preethsod Thappa'.

Shifting focus to the technical crew, the camera work for the drama has been performed by K. Prasad, whereas Shankar has looked after the editing.

Sandeep Chowta has scored the tunes for 'Ninne Pelladatha,' marking his Tollywood debut.

--IANS

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