Washington, Aug 10 (IANS) Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said that the United States had used “almost all” its interceptors and most of its Tomahawk missiles in the Iran war, warning that depleted stockpiles had left the country and its allies in a dangerous position.

Murphy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made the assertion as the Pentagon seeks another $67 billion in defence funding, partly to replace weapons expended during nearly five months of fighting.

“We have used up almost all of our interceptors, the majority of our tomahawks,” the Connecticut senator told NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”

“We have put the United States in a dangerous position. We have allowed Russia and China to imagine things that they couldn’t have imagined early because of our inability to defend ourselves and our allies,” he said.

President Donald Trump has acknowledged uneven supplies among different categories of US munitions.

“We have certain types of munitions that are very powerful, that we have unlimited virtual unlimited supply. We have others where it’s a little bit tighter,” Trump said in remarks aired by the programme.

Murphy said he would oppose more money while the war continued. But he left the door open to financing a replenishment effort once the conflict ended.

“If the war comes to an end, if the president ends this war, then, yes, of course, I and my colleagues will be ready to provide the funding to replenish the stores of munitions that have been spent,” he said.

Murphy argued that ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz must take priority. He said he would be prepared to accept an unfavourable agreement because continued fighting was weakening the United States and raising prices for Americans.

“I am prepared to support a bad deal, to end this war and reopen the Strait, because the only deal that is available, at this point of -- in time, is a terrible bad deal,” Murphy said.

Republican Senator Jim Banks offered a sharply different assessment of the military campaign. He defended Trump’s record and said the operation had badly damaged Iran’s military capacity.

Banks said US forces had succeeded in “wiping out 85% of Iran’s ballistic missiles, Iran’s defense industrial base” and preventing Tehran from achieving its goal of acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“President Trump is the first president in 47 years who’s had the guts to stand up to the regime there and tell them that they’re not going to get away with it,” the Indiana senator said.

Banks also credited Trump’s naval blockade with crippling Iran’s economy. He said the campaign would produce lasting peace and demonstrate American strength.

Separately, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the US Navy was escorting ships out of the Gulf. He told CNN that Washington had also increased domestic oil production and waived the Jones Act to move Gulf-produced oil to the US East and West coasts.

“Prices are still higher than we would like, but we have taken a lot of steps so that, when the Gulf situation is resolved, then we could expect prices to go way, way down because of all these new measures that we have taken,” Hassett said.

--IANS

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Tehran, Aug 10 (IANS) The Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee has approved the general outlines of a strategic action plan to "ensure the security and sustainable progress" of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The plan was discussed at a committee meeting and approved without opposition, IRNA quoted committee spokesperson Hassan Qashqavi as saying.

Qashqavi said lawmakers reviewed submissions from relevant Iranian bodies before endorsing the plan's general framework, Xinhua news agency reported.

The legislation was formally introduced to the parliament on July 13, according to IRNA.

Iran tightened its grip on the strait on February 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.

In June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. The two sides were scheduled to hold negotiations within a 60-day period to reach a final agreement, but recent escalation in the region has left the talks' fate uncertain.

In July, the US military launched multiple waves of strikes on Iranian targets, saying they were in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the strait and aimed at "degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping." Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on US military bases and facilities in the region.

Iran and Oman have been negotiating since a few weeks ago to reach an agreement on the designation of a new route in the strait for safe maritime traffic.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Aragchi stated that there are currently no ongoing negotiations with the United States.

The Foreign Minister's stance came while speaking to reporters at the Centre for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.

“We currently have no negotiations with the United States. Intermediaries are still making efforts to find ways to resume negotiations. From our perspective, there can be no resumption of talks until the United States ends its violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and makes amends for the breaches it has committed,” Aragchi said.

"Until the violations of the memorandum of understanding by the United States are ended and the United States does not make amends for what it has violated, in our opinion, there is no possibility of resuming negotiations,” he noted, according to Tasnim.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Aug 10 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people to make the annual Kanwar Yatra a festival of social responsibility, service and cooperation, saying the pilgrimage is not merely a religious ritual but also a living expression of social harmony, discipline and India’s cultural traditions.

In a message to the people of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said some journeys in Indian tradition go beyond religious observances and become “a living school of society, culture, discipline and public life.”

He described the Kanwar Yatra held during the holy month of Shravan as one such unique tradition that brings crores of devotees together through their devotion to Lord Shiva.

“In this journey, every Shiva devotee has one identity, Kanwariya,” the chief minister said, referring to the saffron attire, the kanwar carried on the shoulder, and the unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva that unite the pilgrims. He said their walking pace may differ, but their destination remains the same, offering holy water to Mahadev.

He said distinctions of caste, class, language, region and economic status become secondary during the pilgrimage. “Kanwar Yatra is a great festival of harmony and a living example of the principle of equality in Sanatan culture,” he said.

Referring to the traditional belief associated with the pilgrimage, the chief minister said Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean to protect creation and came to be known as Neelkanth. To soothe the heat of the poison, the gods performed his abhishek with Ganga water, he said, adding that the tradition of offering Ganga water during Shravan has since been regarded as particularly sacred.

The Kanwar Yatra, CM Yogi said, carries messages of austerity, service, self-restraint and mutual cooperation. “Austerity strengthens character, service improves society and unity makes the nation stronger,” he said.

The chief minister also expressed admiration for devotees, including persons with disabilities, who undertake the arduous pilgrimage without being deterred by difficulties. Their unwavering faith and dedication, he said, are the greatest strengths of the Kanwar Yatra.

He said the state government is committed to ensuring that every devotee completes the journey safely and with dignity. Arrangements include floral showers to welcome Kanwariyas, cleanliness along the routes, organised camps, safe drinking water, medical assistance, toilets, lighting, traffic management and continuous monitoring through control rooms.

Adityanath appealed to people to turn the pilgrimage into an occasion for social responsibility and service. He urged devotees to adopt environment-friendly kanwars and take a pledge to live free of plastic.

He also appealed to people to give priority to ambulances and school vehicles travelling along the routes. “Our small act of alertness can become great assistance for someone,” he said.

“The government is committed to your convenience and safety, but maintaining the dignity of this sacred tradition is the responsibility of all of us,” CM Yogi said, adding that faith, discipline, restraint and service constitute the soul of the Kanwar Yatra and reflect Lord Shiva’s message of public welfare.

--IANS

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New York, Aug 10 (IANS) At least three people were killed and 10 others injured in US Chicago due to multiple shootings over the weekend, according to media reports.

As many as eight shootings took place by 8:22 a.m. on Sunday, according to a report by CBS Chicago. Three people died and nine others were injured, including two in critical condition, reports Xinhua news agency.

Moreover, a 35-year-old man was shot in the head in the early hours on Saturday and was in critical condition.

No arrests were made in the above shootings, according to the report.

Statistics showed that in the 12 months ending April 7, 1,878 victims of gun violence were reported in Chicago and 356 had died.

Earlier, a mass shooting at a rural house in Caswell County in North Carolina, US, led to multiple deaths, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Police responded to a call for service just before 8 a.m. Wednesday (local time). Deputies arriving on the scene found multiple people who had been shot, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a release.

One person was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound, and there are multiple other fatalities, the release said.

Three family members were dead, including the suspected shooter, and a fourth relative was hospitalised, according to a local report quoting Caswell County Sheriff Tony Durden.

The United States has been plagued by gun violence for decades, and hundreds of mass shootings are reported each year.

Earlier on August 2, one person was killed and five others injured in a neighbourhood shooting in Portland, the US state of Oregon.

At 3:33 a.m. local time, Portland police officers assigned to North Precinct responded to a report of a shooting in the 5800 block of Northeast Alberta Street, the local government release said.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 10 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that "we are only semi-negotiating" with Iran, noting that he is prepared to allow economic pressure on Iran to mount -- as opposed to ordering a new military offensive, Axios reported.

"We are low keying it," Trump told Axios during a brief phone call, arguing that Iran "is in very bad shape" economically.

The report noted that an agreement governing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was negotiated among Iran, Oman and the United States and "has been pending for a few days now."

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Iran and Oman are "very close" to an agreement on the designation of a temporary route for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, Xinhua reported quoting Iran's official news agency IRNA.

Araghchi said on Sunday that the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States would not be possible unless the latter ends its violation of the MoU recently signed between the two countries.

Araghchi made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Tehran, stressing that no negotiations are currently underway between the two sides.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said that Iran will be "hit very hard" if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened "very soon."

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States is "having very good discussions" with Iran. But Tehran denied it is having any talks with Washington.

Trump earlier warned that he was giving Iran a “last chance before decapitation”, he said that they were talking about opening the Strait of Hormuz “literally by tomorrow”.

“I mean they're going to go quickly, one way or the other. It's not very complex”, he said on Monday at the Oval Office.

"We're talking about the Strait, the opening of the Strait, having it open, literally by tomorrow”, he said, but Iran has denied there were any talks with the US.

The contradictory claims leave the gateway to the world for 20 per cent of fossil fuels trapped in uncertainty.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actress Tejasswi Prakash, who can be seen in the recently released 5th season of the gaming reality show, ‘Playground’, has shared that AI can never replace the human element.

The actress spoke with IANS along with Elvish Yadav and Aarush Bhola at a 5-star property in the Juhu area of Mumbai during the promotions of the show.

In current times, the technology is at its peak. There is support of the algorithms, and marketing muscle behind every piece of content. When asked if she thinks it's eventually taking away the soul of art, she said, “No, in terms of technology and real art, you can never replace real art with technology. And it’s irrespective of how many ever AI shows there could be, this or that. We have also included an AI concept in our show. But that doesn't mean that we will make AI the mentor on this show, I don't think it can ever happen”.

“I don't think AI can ever replace our society. But, to some extent, in visual entertainment, AI can be a handy tool for enhancement”, she added.

Earlier, the actress had heaped praise on the “queen of television” Ektaa Kapoor, as she shared that Ektaa is someone who is always ready to change with time in the way she approaches her work.

Daily soaps have taken a back seat, and reality shows are the flavour of the season. The fact that Ektaa Kapoor had to enter the battleground of reality shows with ‘Lock Upp’ points to the growing affinity of the audience for reality shows.

When asked if Ektaa Kapoor is losing her shimmer given that the soap operas aren’t working anymore, the actress said, “No, Ektaa Kapoor has always been the queen of television, but at the same time, she is a mastermind and an impeccable businesswoman. She knows what’s in trend”.

Meanwhile, ‘Playground’ blends gaming, entertainment, competition and influencer culture into a single format. It is designed around a virtual playground, and brings together young creators, gamers and internet personalities who compete in a variety of challenges while navigating rivalries, friendships and team dynamics. ‘Playground’ season 5 is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actor and content creator, Aarush Bhola, who can be seen in the recently released season 5 of the gaming reality show ‘Playground 5’, feels that beauty lies in imperfections.

Aarush spoke with IANS along with his fellow mentors on the show, Elvish Yadav and Tejasswi Prakash during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city.

During the conversation, he brought up the subject of AI, and how it’s being integrated into the gaming reality show.

He told IANS, “I had seen a photo. The man was absolutely fine. Then the man had kept a mirror next to him. I had saved it. That face was looking very bad because of the perfect face symmetry. One eye is slightly down, the other is up, that looks good. People do so many surgeries to look perfect. It’s not needed. If there is a lot of perfection, it becomes useless”.

Earlier, Aarush had shared that the show stays clear from “going below the belt” unlike other reality shows despite the competitive spirit being its cornerstone.

When asked how the new season of the show makes its place among a sea of reality shows currently owning the digital space, he said, “What I've seen in the shoot, what I've edited, I've seen that this show is very positive. It's not like we're just sitting here and fighting. There's a competition going on inside”.

He told IANS, “There's a lot of fun in it. Other games are being played. Strategies are being made. But no one is going below the belt. And everyone is coming and pushing their team well. So where you see earlier shows, I think it's an updated version of that. Made for Gen Z, made for new people. And this platform is open for new influencers, for gamers, for everyone. So where there are reality shows, there's a lot of negativity. There's a lot of personality”.

‘Playground’ blends gaming, entertainment, competition and influencer culture into a single format. It is designed around a virtual playground, and brings together young creators, gamers and internet personalities who compete in a variety of challenges while navigating rivalries, friendships and team dynamics.

‘Playground’ season 5 is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 10 (IANS) Hollywood actress-director Olivia Wilde is currently presenting her directorial ‘The Invite’ at the Locarno Film Festival.

She interacted with the audience Piazza Grande, and shared that the reaction to the film has been overwhelming for her.

She said, “I’m in shock. This is overwhelming and exciting. This is the European premiere of ‘The Invite’ and it’s the first time, and probably the only time, it will be seen on a screen this big. I can’t tell you how much this means. I’m so grateful that you came tonight”.

She further mentioned, “I have the benefit of hearing from audiences and hearing how cathartic they have found it to laugh at some of these things and to laugh with strangers. If you don’t fight for it, they ‘bribe’ you to not take theatrical. But we were really lucky that our financier gave me the opportunity to make this decision, which is something I don’t take lightly”.

She also said that the film was a “love letter to so many of the filmmakers that made us want to do this. People like Cassavetes, Mike Nichols, Mazursky, Woody Allen, Billy Wilder, Nora Ephron and Agnes Varda”.

“They introduced us to the idea of independent cinema allowing for real vulnerability”, she shared.

“This film is the most incredible experience of my life because it was the most collaborative project. It was workshopped by the cast and our incredible screenwriters, and it’s a remake of an extraordinary Spanish film (‘Sentimental’), which was also interpreted as Swiss-German, French, Italian and South Korean versions. It’s an international story, and what you will watch tonight is our offering and our interpretation”, she added.

--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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Los Angeles, Aug 10 (IANS) Hollywood actress-director Olivia Wilde is currently presenting her directorial ‘The Invite’ at the Locarno Film Festival.

She interacted with the audience Piazza Grande, and shared that the reaction to the film has been overwhelming for her.

She said, “I’m in shock. This is overwhelming and exciting. This is the European premiere of ‘The Invite’ and it’s the first time, and probably the only time, it will be seen on a screen this big. I can’t tell you how much this means. I’m so grateful that you came tonight”.

She further mentioned, “I have the benefit of hearing from audiences and hearing how cathartic they have found it to laugh at some of these things and to laugh with strangers. If you don’t fight for it, they ‘bribe’ you to not take theatrical. But we were really lucky that our financier gave me the opportunity to make this decision, which is something I don’t take lightly”.

She also said that the film was a “love letter to so many of the filmmakers that made us want to do this. People like Cassavetes, Mike Nichols, Mazursky, Woody Allen, Billy Wilder, Nora Ephron and Agnes Varda”.

“They introduced us to the idea of independent cinema allowing for real vulnerability”, she shared.

“This film is the most incredible experience of my life because it was the most collaborative project. It was workshopped by the cast and our incredible screenwriters, and it’s a remake of an extraordinary Spanish film (‘Sentimental’), which was also interpreted as Swiss-German, French, Italian and South Korean versions. It’s an international story, and what you will watch tonight is our offering and our interpretation”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 9 (IANS) Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has requested the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis to protect the IAS officer, Tukaram Mundhe, who currently serves as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Maharashtra.

On Sunday, the veteran actor took to his X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, “To put it with humility and respect that it should the priority and Dharm of Honourable CM @Dev_Fadnavis ji to protect Shri @Tukaram_IndIAS that he should not be xfered or shunted out of his department”.

Tukaram Mundhe has emerged as the face of the state’s intensified food-safety crackdown. Since taking charge in May 2026, Mundhe has overseen statewide inspections targeting food adulteration, unhygienic establishments, illegal products and violations across the supply chain. The campaign has particularly focused on milk adulteration, with synthetic milk units being uncovered and tighter scrutiny ordered across dairies, distributors and retailers.

The FDA has also acted against eateries and manufacturers violating safety norms. More recently, Maharashtra banned the manufacture and sale of artificial cheese, with strict action promised against products misrepresented as dairy paneer.

He conducted 195 raids in five days during an early-June statewide crackdown. The operation resulted in 192 arrests and seizure of banned gutkha and pan masala worth around ₹1.99 crore, as per the Maharashtra FDA itself.

Recently, he ordered a statewide crackdown on junk food in and around schools. The July 29 directive bans the sale, advertisement and free distribution of high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods within school premises and a 50-metre radius. The restrictions cover products such as chips, soft drinks, chocolates, fried snacks and other ultra-processed foods. The order applies to government, aided and private schools across Maharashtra. School canteens, kitchens and food suppliers must hold valid food-safety licences, while schools have been asked to promote nutritious options including fruits, pulses, milk, vegetables and whole grains.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 9 (IANS) Actor Piyush Mishra, who is known for his work in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ franchise, ‘Tamasha’, ‘Gulaal’ and others has made a snide remark at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over his silence at the JPSC protests in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Piyush joined the protesting students at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi to address their pain and suffering.

Reacting to the veteran actor’s remarks during the CJP protests at Jantar Mantar last month, Piyush said, “Naseer Sahab, you had said during the CJP protest that some people from the film industry weren’t speaking up for the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, you said those who have bones in their mouths, they don't speak. With all due respect, I would like to ask you, where are the other dogs who can’t speak?”.

Earlier, Naseeruddin Shah had told The Wire, “They'll do it when their conscience tells them to. There's a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can't bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark”.

Meanwhile, the JPSC-JSSC protest in Ranchi has entered its third week, with students continuing their agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The protesters, gathered at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an independent probe, either by the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges. Several aspirants have also undertaken hunger strikes. Multiple rounds of talks with the Jharkhand government have so far failed to resolve the deadlock.

The government has assured students that their concerns will be examined, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren has stressed dialogue and transparency. 3 JPSC members have resigned amid a CID probe into alleged irregularities.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Anees Bazmee recalled the time he made Raj Kapoor really upset during his appearance on "The Kapil Sharma Show".

Bazmee revealed that once Raj Kapoor, who usually took only 3 to 4 shots during a day, ended up taking 17 to 18 shots. Extremely happy with this, the 'Mera Naam Joker' maker announced a party for the entire cast and crew in the evening.

However, Bazmee had a sudden realization that ended up changing the entire atmosphere on the set.

"Around 7- 7: 30 pm, I felt that we had given the wrong clothes to actor Kharbanda. I told the fellow assistants. So, everyone on the set was happy except us 5 assistants."

Eventually, their chief assistant told Raj Kapoor what had happened, and suddenly he got really upset and said, "Where is my assistant?". All the assistants ended up getting an earful from Raj Kapoor that day.

"The problem was that there was also a party in the evening, which we had to attend," shared Bazmee.

While they were at the party, Bazmee recalled everyone asking them, "What? You gave the wrong clothes."

"Everyone was looking at us as if we had committed a massive crime," the 'Welcome' maker remembered.

Coming to Bazmee's career trajectory, he made his directorial debut with "Hulchul" back in 1995, featuring Vinod Khanna, Ajay Devgn, and Kajol.

However, he first experienced commercial success in 1998 with the film "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha", again starring Ajay and Kajol as the lead. It turned out to be one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year.

During his tenure, Bazmee has delivered many blockbuster hits such as "No Entry" (2005), "Welcome" (2007), "Singh Is Kinng" (2008), "Ready" (2011), "Welcome Back" (2015), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" (2022), and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" (2024).

At the moment, Bazmee is busy with an untitled project with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan as the lead.

--IANS

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