New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra has condemned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and asked him to apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or be prepared to face public backlash.

Malhotra quoted Kharge as having said, "They are scared, and a person who is afraid dies sooner or later."

The Delhi BJP President said that Congress President Kharge frequently uses intemperate language against the BJP government and PM Modi, whereas our leaders have always exercised restraint and refrained from using inappropriate words against him, respecting his age.

Malhotra added that Kharge, who accuses the BJP government of being afraid, should explain what the actions of Congress governments in the past amounted to.

"If preparing to handle a protest is a sign of fear, then what was the opening of fire on protesters during the cow slaughter protest in 1966? What was the imposition of the Emergency in the country? What was the opening of fire on farmers protesting at Rajpath in 1988? And what was the installation of barbed-wire barricades, the use of tear gas, and cane charges in 1990 and again in 1993 to prevent kar sevaks from proceeding towards Rajpath following the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call?" the Delhi BJP Chief asked.

He said that Kharge should explain that if the BJP government's arrangements to handle a protest on Saturday amount to fear, then the Congress government must have been frightened on countless occasions, as it even resorted to firing on protesters.

The Delhi BJP President said that it would be better for Kharge to apologise to the Prime Minister for his remarks or be prepared to face public backlash.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that public participation in CJP protest on Saturday was negligible, while the hypocrisy of CJP leaders and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again came to the fore.

The Delhi BJP spokesperson said that CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke had announced Saturday's protest two weeks in advance, but he himself did not take to the streets.

"Instead, he misled 500 to 700 young people and compelled them to court arrest."

Kapoor said Dipke deliberately boarded a flight from Mumbai only after arrests had begun in Delhi and, upon landing in Delhi, staged a "five-star arrest" after arriving by air.

"If Dipke and his associates were genuine protesters, they would have quietly come to Delhi and courted arrest along with their workers, rather than staging a "five-star arrest" drama after arriving by air," he added.

The Delhi BJP leader said that the protest had once again exposed Kejriwal's falsehoods.

"Yesterday, Kejriwal had said that he would reach Jantar Mantar with his family this morning. However, neither any member of his family nor any party worker turned up. He himself left home in the evening instead of the morning and did not reach Jantar Mantar," Kapoor added.

"Kejriwal, who once swore on his children that he would never support the Congress but later joined hands with the party, did not bring his own family to the protest but instead misled ordinary young people and sent them to face the police," he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to postpone his proposed visit to Goa as the Opposition gears up for a series of coordinated demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, according to sources.

The possible rescheduling is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at ensuring his presence in the national capital in anticipation of a crucial phase of political mobilisation next week.

Sources indicate that senior leaders are closely monitoring developments on future protests with the possible participation of several leaders of opposition parties who were not present lately.

With demonstrations expected to intensify in the coming days, the Congress is believed to be prioritising national-level political engagement over regional programmes.

The Opposition has been attempting to present a united front on issues concerning alleged flaws in the electoral process and democratic accountability, making the protests politically significant.

Rahul Gandhi's Goa visit was expected to include interactions with party workers, public outreach programmes and organisational meetings aimed at strengthening the Congress unit in the state.

Leaders familiar with the planning process said a revised schedule could be announced once the current round of protests concludes.

Party insiders believe Rahul Gandhi's participation in the demonstrations could help reinforce Opposition unity at a time when coordination among anti-government parties is gaining momentum.

The Congress leaders have repeatedly emphasised the importance of collective action and have said that broad-based participation is necessary to amplify concerns being raised by the Opposition.

The Goa programme may be deferred to allow the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to engage fully with the evolving political developments where the issue is being seen as a chance to establish his unconditional leadership.

Meanwhile, reports from Goa suggest a mixed reaction where on the one hand the State Congress leadership cite the ongoing protests by INDIA bloc parties over alleged "vote chori" as politically important at this juncture, while others see his visit as a major event in the Congress' yatra in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

--IANS

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Geneva, Oct 11 (IANS) India on Saturday rejected the remarks of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the detentions during protests in New Delhi, calling its concerns misplaced and an unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.

“We have seen the OHCHR’s remarks about today’s events in New Delhi. India is the world’s largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by our Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media,” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva stated on X.

“As in every democracy, Indian citizens exercise this right subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances,” it said.

“The OHCHR’s concerns are therefore misplaced and constitute an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of India,” it added.

The mission also asked the UN body to look at protests elsewhere in the world.

“In this context, OHCHR would also do well to devote comparable attention to large-scale protests elsewhere, consistent with its mandate of impartiality and non-selectivity,” it said.

Earlier in the day, the OHCHR expressed concern over reports of mass detentions in Delhi.

“India: We are concerned by reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organisations, lawyers and journalists, before and during today’s large-scale demonstrations in Delhi. We call on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and fulfilled,” the UN Human Rights Office posted on X.

Around 1,000 protesters were detained across the national Capital on Saturday while on their way to take part in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, police said.

The police had said on Friday that permission for the CJP’s protest had been denied due to the organisers’ failure to comply with legal directions and their own undertakings during an earlier protest.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Oct 11 (IANS) Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Saturday clarified that the United States had made no official offer to sell its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India, dismissing speculation that Washington had offered the advanced combat jets to New Delhi and that India had rejected the proposal.

Singh made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur.

Sitting alongside the commander of the US Air Force’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), he responded to a question about the reported F-35 offer with a humorous observation. “These people don't even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us,” Singh said.

His comments sought to clear the air amid speculation over India's reported decision not to proceed with the acquisition of the American stealth fighter. The IAF chief's statement indicated that no formal offer had been made to India, countering reports suggesting that New Delhi had turned down a US proposal.

Singh also addressed the possibility of India acquiring Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft. He said the Russian offer was yet to be considered and that no decision had been taken on the matter. India is continuing to evaluate its future combat aircraft requirements while focusing on strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. The country is pursuing the development of its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of its long-term strategy to enhance self-reliance in defence technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Meanwhile, Singh described the conclusion of Tarang Shakti-2026, the second edition of the multinational air exercise, as a proud moment for the Indian Air Force.

“It is indeed a very proud day for me today that we are in the final stage of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the second version of it,” he said. The IAF chief recalled that the exercise began in 2024, when the plan was to organise it every two years. He said the schedule had been better aligned with the monsoon season to minimise weather-related disruptions.

“Last time we had some disruptions because of weather, so this time the exercise has gone through without any weather disruptions; I'm happy,” Singh said.

Tarang Shakti-2026 brought together the Indian Air Force and participating air forces from eight nations, providing a platform for operational cooperation, professional exchanges and enhanced interoperability among participating forces.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 10 (IANS) Actor, composer, editor, and filmmaker Vijay Antony's next emotionally rich, content-driven film 'Appa Kutty', directed by Mu. Maran, will now release on November 6 for the festival of Deepavali this year, its makers announced on Saturday.

The film was to hit screens on October 16 this year.

Taking to his social media timelines to share the release date announcement poster, actor Vijay Antony wrote, "Diwali is Locked! #Appakutty & #Nanakutty is coming to cinemas worldwide from November 06! #DiwaliRelease Starring @Vijayantony @Preethioffl. Written & Directed by: @mumaran1. A @Vijayantony Musical."

Sources close to the unit of the film had disclosed to IANS earlier that the film would be an action family drama that will beautifully blend emotions, relationships, and intense moments while exploring the deeply rooted bond between a father and his daughter.

It may be recalled that Vijay Antony had shared the first look poster of the film some days ago on his social media timelines. He had then said, "A scarred face. A safe shoulder. Sometimes, that’s all love looks like. Here’s the first look of #AppaKutty and #NannaKutty. Written & directed by @mumaran1. A @Vijayantony musical."

Sources claim that director Mu. Maran, who is known for delivering stories that are emotionally engaging and socially relatable, has crafted 'Appa Kutty' as a gripping entertainer packed with action, emotions, family sentiments, and powerful dramatic moments that will resonate strongly with audiences. The film is expected to strike a strong emotional chord while also offering thrilling and engaging cinematic moments throughout its narrative.

The makers were originally planning to release the film in theatres this August. However, they chose to push the release date first to October 16. Now, they have decided to release the film on November 6 for Deepavali.

Vijay Antony, who has consistently balanced commercial success with meaningful storytelling, will be seen in a role that is expected to showcase both emotional depth and action-driven intensity. Apart from Vijay Antony, the film will also feature a strong ensemble cast including Preethi Asrani, Lithanya, Bagavathi Perumal (Baks), Haripriya Isai, Aruvi Madhan, Chitra Lakshmanan, Sreeja Ravi, Vettai Muthukumar, Jensan Diwakar, Muruganantham, Munnar Ramesh, Lissy Antony, Kumar Natarajan, Vijayan, Praveena, Haritha, and Haripriya in pivotal roles.

The film is backed by a strong technical team. Music for the film has been scored by actor Vijay Antony, who has also taken upon himself the task of editing the film. Cinematography for the film is by Rajeev Rajendran while production design is by A. Raja. Costumes for the film are by G. Anusha Meenakshi and stunts are by Rajasekar.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS) Actor Imran Khan has been detained by the Mumbai Police from the August Kranti Maidan, the proposed protest venue in support of CJP’s protest in Delhi.

Addressing the media, Imran said, "Sir, I don't have any demands. I don't have any status to demand anything from people. Nor am I a part of any organization, so I don't speak as a representative."

Soon after he was detained, the 'Delhi Belly' actor uploaded a picture on his official Instagram handle straight from the police van. He even added a hilarious caption, saying 'Apparently I’m going for a drive (sic).'

Imran's girlfriend, actor Lekha Washington, has also been detained along with him.

She also posted a video from inside the police van, saying, “Folks, we have been detained. We are all in a cop car. I am going to send the pin. Can you please follow that? I have no idea where we are going. Let's hope for the best (sic)."

Imran's cousin and 'Made In Heaven' actor Zayn Khan, who was also with them at the protest site, dropped a funny video on her handle. She compared Imran's debut film 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' with his current situation. Refreshing your memory, Imran is arrested by police in the movie as well.

For those who do not know, a protest was organised reportedly for 3:30 PM on Saturday at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan under the banner of 'Hum Bharat Ke Log' (We, the People of India) to support the CJI movement at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

However, even before the protest could begin, the police implemented strict security measures at August Kranti Maidan and the surrounding areas. Barricades were placed at various locations, and the access roads to the August Kranti Maidan closed. The police even took into custody all those who came to join the movement.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 10 (IANS)Director Ramkumar’s eagerly awaited upcoming film 'Irandu Vaanam', featuring actors Vishnu Vishal and Mamitha Baiju in the lead, will not release on October 23 as scheduled earlier, its makers announced on Saturday.

Taking to its X timeline to share a statement, production house Sathya Jyothi Films said, "Irandu Vaanam is a film that holds a very special place in our hearts. We have immense faith in the film and the unique cinematic experience it promises to bring to audiences."

The production house went on to add,"The overwhelming support and positivity from our theatrical distributors, business partners, fans, and audiences have been a tremendous source of encouragement throughout this journey. We are truly grateful for the love, trust, and confidence shown towards Irandu Vaanam."

It then went on to explain why it had made the decision to postpone the film's release.

"With the aim of bringing the film to the widest possible audience and ensuring the best theatrical experience, we have decided to explore a more favourable release date instead of the previously announced October 23rd.

We will announce the new theatrical release date of Irandu Vaanam very soon," Sathya Jyothi said.

"Some journeys are worth waiting for. And when the time is right, Irandu Vaanam will light up the skies," it added.

The film, the shooting of which was wrapped up on June 10 last year, has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs.

Taking to his X timeline to put out the update, Vishnu Vishal, on June 10 last year had said,"Last day of #IranduVaanam... 150th day of shoot...It's been a journey that you also will get to feel on the big screen soon.... @dir_ramkumar has cooked something unique and interesting again...Thank you @SathyaJyothi."

The film has raised huge expectations as director Ramkumar is joining hands with Vishnu Vishal for the third film after delivering two superhits in 'Mundasupatti' and 'Ratsasan'.

Well known production house, Sathya Jyothi films is producing this film. It may be recalled that the first look poster of the film, which was released a few months ago, was quite unique.

The first look poster had two parts to it, both connected by a sky. On one side of the sky, Vishnu Vishal was seen seated on a cloud. Likewise, Mamitha Baiju appeared to be seated on a cloud but in the opposite direction.

The title ‘Irandu Vaanam’ means ‘Two Skies’. While the film has music by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, cinematography for the film is by Dinesh K Babu. San Lokesh is in-charge of editing the film, which has art direction by Gopi Anand. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Vicky while costumes are by Keerthivasan.

Dances for the film have been choreographed by Leelavathi and VFX has been handled by Harihara Suthen of Lorven Studios.

The film has been produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan and co-produced by G Saravanan and Sai Siddharth.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS) Actor Shaan R Grover recalled enjoying a great time with his 'Tum Mere Ho' co-star Isha Malviya.

He revealed that he used to party with Isha in Thailand and would even explore the streets and markets on their days off.

Expressing his admiration for Isha, Shaan applauded her ability to manage TV, reality shows, and content creation together.

Talking about his bond with Isha, Shaan said, “Isha and I also became really close friends, which I never would have imagined initially. We chilled and partied together a lot in Thailand. On our days off, we’d hit the walking streets and markets, shoot Reels, grab smoothies, and eat local ramen. It's commendable how she manages TV, reality shows, content creation, and Reels at her age. I'm a big fan and have learned a lot from her as a friend."

"It’s so rare to get to explore a country like Thailand with such a supportive team, and a huge thanks goes to Gurmeet Bhai for accompanying us as a producer and making sure we all had a great time," he added.

Sharing his experience on the set of 'Tum Mere Ho', Shaan stated, "Back in 2018 or 2019, I suffered a ligament tear in my left shoulder while training in martial arts and gymnastics. While it had healed significantly, I’m usually very cautious with it. I hadn’t performed intense action in a long time, and never in my wildest dreams did I expect my shoulder to act up on the very first take. I heard a pop, felt it give out, and realized right away that we had a problem. We had to stall the shoot briefly so I could take some painkillers, but thankfully everything settled down. We got right back to it, and we managed to pull off some fantastic action scenes that I can't wait for everyone to see."

'Tum Mere Ho' is slated to be out in the theatres on October 23rd this year.

--IANS

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