Chennai, March 18 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday strongly criticised AIADMK leaders over alleged derogatory remarks against women, asserting that the people of the state are closely watching and will ultimately choose a path of development.

Reacting to the controversy, Stalin accused the opposition of lowering the standards of political discourse.

In a post on social media platform X, he said, “Which platform truly serves Tamil Nadu? On our platforms, we speak with data about achievements that are shaping the future of the state and benefiting its people.”

Taking a direct swipe at the AIADMK, he added, “On the other side are those who have no achievements to speak of and no policies to implement. They resort to vulgarity and slander.”

He further emphasised that voters are aware of these differences, stating, “The people of Tamil Nadu are observing everything. They will choose the dawn that brings development.”

The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to controversial statements made by former AIADMK ministers C.V. Shanmugam and Dindigul Srinivasan during a protest organised by the party against the DMK government.

While addressing a gathering in Villupuram, C.V. Shanmugam allegedly made inappropriate remarks about a woman actor, triggering widespread criticism.

Amid the backlash, the AIADMK’s IT wing later said that he had apologised for his comments.

The controversy deepened after former minister Dindigul Srinivasan was also accused of making derogatory remarks about women, drawing condemnation from multiple political parties.

Leaders across party lines criticised the statements as unacceptable and called for maintaining dignity in public discourse, especially during election campaigning.

The row comes at a time when political activity in Tamil Nadu is intensifying ahead of the Assembly elections, with parties ramping up protests, alliances and campaign narratives.

With the DMK projecting its governance record and the AIADMK stepping up its opposition campaign, the latest controversy has added to the heated political atmosphere in the state, highlighting sharp exchanges and growing tensions between the two major Dravidian parties.

--IANS

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Patna, March 18 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hosted what is being seen as his final Dawat-e-Iftar at his official residence in Patna on Wednesday, marking the end of a long-standing tradition he has upheld since assuming office in 2005.​

Except during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kumar has organised the annual Iftar gathering, personally overseeing the arrangements.​

The event holds political and social significance, bringing together leaders, community representatives, and citizens.​

This year’s event was conducted under tight security arrangements, with entry restricted to invitees holding valid passes.​

Attendees were not allowed to carry mobile phones on the premises, and media personnel were also barred from bringing cameras or other electronic devices into the venue.​

Many participants described the event as a farewell gesture to the Chief Minister.​

Posters featuring Nitish Kumar alongside his son Nishant Kumar were also seen across areas outside the residence, drawing attention amid speculation about future political developments.​

Among those present, Tufail Qadri, State President of the Minority Morcha of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said they had come to urge Kumar to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hands in Delhi.​

“Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has served Bihar immensely. As he moves to Delhi, he should work alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take the country forward,” Qadri said.​

Another attendee remarked that although this may be Kumar’s last Iftar as Chief Minister, “his spirit will remain here,” adding that Kumar himself indicated the Rajya Sabha was the next phase of his political journey.​

Meanwhile, Anjum Ara, spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United), said the people of Bihar would always remember Kumar’s contributions.​

She also indicated that Nishant Kumar is emerging as a leader within the party and is likely to play a larger role in the future.​

“The way the Chief Minister personally oversees every arrangement and cares for those observing the fast makes this event special. He will certainly be missed,” she said.​

Nitish Kumar, who has been at the centre of Bihar’s politics since 2005, is now expected to take on a more active role in national politics after being elected to the Rajya Sabha.​

While there is no official confirmation yet, political circles speculate that he could step down as Chief Minister soon, with the possibility of a BJP leader taking over the post.​

--IANS

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Palakkad (Kerala), March 19 (IANS) Kerala's Palakkad Assembly constituency is serving up an unusually flavourful electoral contest this time, with three distinctly different candidates turning the campaign into a mix of politics, performance and palate.

In the fray are popular actor and stage artiste Ramesh Pisharody representing the Congress, firebrand BJP leader Shobha Surendran, and CPI-M's surprise pick, noted hotelier N.M.R. Razak, who is as well known for his biryani as for his business acumen.

What makes the contest intriguing is that among the three, only Surendran brings substantial political experience to the table.

In the 2016 Assembly polls, she had finished second to Congress’s rising star Shafi Parambil.

Parambil went on to secure a hat-trick of wins from the constituency before being fielded in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he emerged victorious.

The subsequent by-election saw another Congress success story, with Youth Congress President Rahul Mammkootathil from Pathanamthitta registering a record margin of over 18,840 votes, the highest ever in the constituency.

However, that victory was short-lived.

A series of rape allegations led to his arrest and eventual expulsion from the party, forcing the Congress to look for a fresh face.

Enter Pisharody, a crowd favourite who has long entertained audiences at Congress events with his sharp wit and humour.

While he lacks political experience, his popularity and connection with the masses make him a formidable contender.

The CPI-M, on the other hand, has opted for a different recipe, fielding Razak, whose biryani has arguably reached more households than any campaign speech.

His entry has added a distinct local flavour to the contest.

As Palakkad heads to the polls, the big question remains: will voters opt for experience, humour, or the comforting familiarity of biriyani?

In this high-stakes contest, it’s anyone’s guess who will have the last laugh.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said that the height restrictions imposed on buildings around HAL Airport, Jakkur Aerodrome, the Indian Air Force base, and the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru are hindering development works, and a request has been made to the Union Civil Aviation Minister to review these restrictions.

Addressing the media after meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Shivakumar said: "We discussed the building height restrictions with the Civil Aviation Ministry and HAL authorities. In cities such as Hyderabad and Mumbai, the height limits are comparatively lower. We have requested that Bengaluru also have similar limits as in other cities."

"Because of these restrictions, citizens in Bengaluru are reluctant to opt for premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR). As a result, the government is also losing revenue. The Central government itself advises us to reduce FAR and increase premium FAR. Therefore, we need to take several decisions in this regard, and that is why we met the Union Minister," he said.

"Union Minister Naidu has said that he will speak with the Defence Minister. Our officials have also held discussions with HAL authorities. I will also seek time to meet the Defence Minister and explain our issues. We will find a solution for the development of Bengaluru," he said.

"Minister N.S. Boseraju, Karnataka's Special Representative in Delhi, T.B. Jayachandra, and I met the Civil Aviation Minister today. Bengaluru is growing rapidly, and traffic congestion needs to be addressed. Residential layouts are expanding in the outskirts, and vehicle numbers are increasing. Within the city, there are the HAL Airport, Jakkur Aerodrome, the Air Force base at Yelahanka and Kempegowda International Airport at Devanahalli. Due to these airports, constructing tall buildings in the surrounding areas is not possible," he said.

"I have been trying to build a Skydeck for the past two and a half years. Now we have decided to construct it at Kempegowda Layout. It cannot be built within a 20 km radius of the airport. NGF was a good location for the Skydeck as it had metro connectivity. Another suggestion was to build it near Sompura Circle along NICE Road. However, the NICE authorities did not cooperate. We will decide what action needs to be taken regarding NICE. They did not provide the required no-objection certificate. Those who do not cooperate with the government will receive an appropriate response," he said.

“The Union Minister has said that they are studying international guidelines and the rules followed in other cities in the country. A meeting will be held within a week, and our officials have also been asked to participate. With the upcoming Bengaluru Business Corridor, landowners affected by land acquisition may want to construct buildings on their properties. Height restrictions would create difficulties for them,” he said.

“Regarding the second international airport, the Centre has sent its opinion stating that the state government should identify the location. We have two or three options, and our government will discuss the pros and cons before taking a decision. After I return to Bengaluru, I will examine the Centre’s communication. I raised this matter with the Union Minister, keeping Bengaluru’s future in mind. The responsibility for developing the new airport will be handled by Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil," he said.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 18 (IANS) Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) founder Humayun Kabir on Wednesday, during an interaction with IANS, claimed that in the coming days West Bengal will have a Muslim Deputy Chief Minister.

West Bengal will vote in two phases in the Assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4.

Kabir said: “I have registered a party to form the government. I will lead the Muslims. In the coming days, the Deputy CM will be a Muslim in the Bengal Assembly.”

He accused the Trinamool Congress of not giving adequate representation to candidates from the Muslim community.

He said, “Trinamool is scared. It has placed minorities, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Adivasis, well. But compared to 2011, it had fewer Muslim candidates in 2016, fewer in 2021 and the least in 2026. They have realised that Muslims will not vote for them, which is why they are not giving tickets to Muslim candidates.”

The Janata Unnayan Party founder also made it clear that his party will not support the Trinamool Congress to form the government. “We have launched the party to form the government. Why would we support them?” he told IANS.

While addressing reporters during a press conference, Kabir predicted that he would contest and win from two seats in the upcoming Assembly elections.

“I need to reserve a seat. I want to announce that in Rejinagar I will win by 80,000 votes in the elections and in Naoda I will win by 30,000–40,000 votes. Later, I will keep one and leave one seat,” he said.

Both Rejinagar and Naoda constituencies fall in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

Referring to the Bhabanipur seat, which is set to witness a contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, he said, “What will happen in Bhabanipur will only be known after the button is pressed. My candidate will be a non-Bengali Muslim there.”

Notably, Humayun Kabir was suspended from the Trinamool Congress on December 4 last year after he proposed building a replica of the Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district. He later floated his own Janata Unnayan Party.

Kabir had announced last year that his party would contest 182 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

--IANS

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London, March 18 (IANS) Eight-time German league winners Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in re-signing England-born Jadon Sancho on a free transfer from Manchester United, who bought him to his home country in 2021 and sent him on loan deals to Chelsea and Aston Villa in recent seasons.

The 25-year-old Sancho, who was born in Camberwell, Greater London, and made his name at former Bundesliga winners Dortmund, is out of contract at United this summer, and he's unlikely to be offered a new deal, according to media reports in England.

Dortmund thus want to take back Sancho to Germany, where he made his name as a teenager.

Jadon Sancho, the 23-time England international, is currently on loan at Aston Villa, his third spell away from Old Trafford since joining the Red Devils for £73million in 2021. Sancho's switch to Villa was a dry loan, with no option to buy included, www.mirror.com.uk reported on Wednesday.

Although Villa boss Unai Emery recently hinted at keeping the forward, Dortmund are keen on bringing back the player who made his debut for them in 2017.

According to a report in The Times, after choosing not to target any wingers last summer - due to Nico Kovac's insistence on playing a 3-4-2-1 formation - the Dortmund manager has changed his mind and approved a move for Sancho.

The report said that the former Dortmund star would, however, need to take a significant pay cut on his £300,000-a-week wages at United in order to secure a return to the Signal Iduna Park. Sancho made his name with the Bundesliga club, which signed him from Manchester City in 2017.

The report also added that Kovac's side has cash in reserve for the summer transfer window after deciding to let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule, and Salih Ozcan run out. Dortmund will therefore save roughly £21million in annual wages and is optimistic that they can convince Sancho, who's free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad.

--IANS

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Jaipur, March 18 (IANS) Inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals unveiled their new jersey for the upcoming 2026 season on Wednesday, with newly-appointed captain Riyan Parag, teenaged batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi among those present to showcase it.

The 2008 IPL winners announced the reveal of their jersey in their usual blue and pink colours on Instagram with the caption: "New look, same Halla Bol. Jersey: RRevealed." RR will begin their IPL 2026 season against five-time winners Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.

The franchise will play their first three home matches in Guwahati - their alternate home ground and Parag’s hometown - with fixtures at their primary home venue, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, to be confirmed whenever the BCCI announces the remainder of the tournament’s schedule.

The opening fixture against Chennai Super Kings will carry an added edge, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, now RR players, set to face their former side. RR will then travel to Ahmedabad for their first away game of the season, where they take on 2022 winners Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4.

The side will then return to Guwahati to host five-time winners Mumbai Indians and reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 7 and April 10 respectively. With three of their opening four fixtures at home, RR will be looking to build early momentum as they chase a second IPL title after finishing at a disappointing ninth place in the 2025 season, where they got only four wins from 14 games.

Parag’s elevation to RR’s captaincy came after the exit of Sanju Samson, who moved to CSK in a trade that brought Jadeja and Curran to RR. Parag, 24, briefly captained RR in the 2025 season when Samson missed eight matches through injury, though the side won only two of those games under his leadership.

--IANS

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Washington, March 18 (IANS) The US is expanding its visa bond programme to cover 50 countries from April 2, requiring foreign nationals seeking B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism to post a $15,000 bond, the State Department said Wednesday.

The bond will be returned to visa holders who comply with the terms of their stay and leave the US on time, or if they do not travel.

The move is aimed at curbing illegal overstays, which U.S. authorities say have been significantly reduced under the programme. “Nearly 1,000 foreigners have been issued visas under the program, and 97 per cent of bonded travellers have returned home from the United States on time,” the State Department said.

​By contrast, in the final year of the previous administration, more than 44,000 visitors from the 50 countries currently under the visa bond framework overstayed their visas, the fact sheet noted.

​The April 2 expansion will bring 12 additional countries under the policy - Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.

​These nations will join 38 others already subject to the visa bond requirement, including Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

​The State Department said the programme could be further expanded based on “a range of immigration risk factors,” indicating that additional countries may be added in the future depending on overstay trends and compliance data.

​Officials also emphasised the financial rationale behind the policy, describing it as a cost-saving measure for U.S. taxpayers.

“It costs the U.S. taxpayer over $18,000 on average to remove an alien illegally present in the United States,” the department said.

​By reducing overstays, the visa bond programme is “saving U.S. taxpayers up to $800 million per year that would otherwise be required to remove these aliens who overstay,” it added.

​The visa bond requirement applies specifically to short-term B1 and B2 visas, commonly issued for business travel, tourism, and family visits. The bond acts as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with visa conditions.

​B1 and B2 visas remain among the most widely issued non-immigrant visas, particularly for short-term travel. Overstay rates have been a key metric for U.S. authorities to assess immigration risk from specific countries and to shape visa policies accordingly.

--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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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday met leaders of several farm unions from across the country at the Parliament House.

During the meeting, the farm union representatives expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal and conveyed their deep concern over the potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits, and nuts.

The leaders told the Congress leader that they fear the agreement could open the door for agricultural imports, which may adversely affect domestic producers. Gandhi also reiterated his position, stating that the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and warned that many other crops could soon be impacted as well.

The discussion also focused on the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers.

The farm leaders who participated in the discussion included Sukhpal S. Khaira (All India Kisan Congress), Ranjit S. Sandhu (GKS Rajasthan), Adv. Ashok Balhara (Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, Haryana), P.T. John (KMM Kerala), Baldev (BKU Krantikari, Zira), R. NandKumar (Progressive Farmers Front), Amarjit S. Mohri (BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Akhilesh Shukla (All India Kisan Congress), Kedar Sirohi (Aam Kisan Union), Kiranjit S. Sandhu (Kisan Congress Punjab), Gurpreet S. Sangha (Rajya Sabha), Guramneet S. Mangat (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha - India), Hameed Malik (J&K Zamidara Forum), Tejveer Singh (KMM), Dharamvir Goyat (Haryana Kisan Sangarsh Samiti), Ishwar Singh Nain (Krishak Samaj), and Satbir Khatana (South Haryana Kisan Union).

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted he would not be deterred by any FIR, criminal case or privilege motion and asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers' rights.

In a video post on X, Gandhi had reiterated his opposition to the India-US trade deal, claiming it would severely impact Indian farmers. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "opened the doors" of India’s agriculture market to foreign players at the cost of domestic producers.

"I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you do not like the truth, that is a different matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. Let an FIR be filed, let a case be registered or bring a privilege motion. I and the entire party stand with farmers," Gandhi had said.

He had said any trade agreement that threatens farmers' livelihoods or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. Gandhi also claimed that corn, soybean, cotton and fruit growers would be the first to suffer, alleging that the government would eventually open the entire farm sector to foreign interests and corporate allies.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Feb 13 (IANS) In a significant development in the mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has submitted its viscera examination report to the police, ruling out poisoning or any unnatural cause of death.

The report, received late Thursday night, has brought a major twist to the case that had sparked widespread speculation and controversy.

According to sources, the FSL analysis found no traces of poison or toxic substances in Sadhvi Prem Baisa's body. This has dismissed earlier suspicions of foul play or forced poisoning.

However, the final cause of death will be determined by the medical board after a detailed review of the forensic findings. Investigators revealed that Sadhvi Prem Baisa had been suffering from asthma and had developed severe breathing difficulties after catching a cold on January 28.

As her condition worsened, she contacted a male nurse, Devi Singh, who administered Dexona and Dynapar injections.

Doctors at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital will now analyse whether these medications or underlying health conditions contributed to her death.

Sadhvi Prem Baisa fell seriously ill at the Aarti Nagar Ashram in Pal village under Boranada police station limits on January 28.

She was taken to a private hospital on Pal Road but was declared dead on arrival.

Following a complaint filed by her father, Biramnath, the police registered a case and conducted a post-mortem examination on January 29 through a medical board. Her viscera samples were sent to the FSL on February 2, and the forensic investigation was completed within 11 days.

During the investigation, compounder Devi Singh stated that the injections were administered based on a prescription allegedly given by a private hospital doctor.

Police are now examining who prescribed the injections and whether proper medical protocols were followed.

While the FSL report has ruled out poisoning, authorities say the case is still under investigation, and all aspects, including medical treatment, circumstances at the ashram, and statements of witnesses, are being scrutinised.

Officials said more clarity will emerge after the medical board submits its final opinion.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt turned nostalgic, on the 18th of March, as she looked back at the making of Kapoor & Sons.

The actress recalling her very first day of shoot, on the 10th anniversary of the movie, shared memories from the sets and spoke about filming the popular song “Kar Gayi Chull,” which became a massive hit among youngsters.

Resharing the post originally shared by Dharma productions on their social media account, Alia wrote, “Soo many memories #10YearsOfKapoorandSons.”

Recalling the moment, Alia, in the video, is heard saying, ““I remember my first day of shoot for Kapoor and Sons was for Kar Gayi Chul, which went on to become such a big hit. So when you see me dancing in Kar Gayi Chul, I am actually just dancing.”

She added, “I am just having like a great time. I don't think that was very performative. It was just me genuinely having a good time and it's also the vibe that Shakun created. I remember even when we went for our main outdoor to Coonoor, even though I had shoot on and off, I just stayed on. I was just there for the entire schedule.”

For the uninitiated, Alia Bhatt made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year in 2012, directed by Karan Johar.

Talking about Kapoor & Sons, the movie released in 2016, featured an ensemble cast including Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor.

The film's storyline revolved around a dysfunctional family that reunites at their ancestral home, where many unresolved conflicts, sibling rivalry and emotional complexities come to the surface while the family prepares to celebrate their grandfather’s birthday.

The film was directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar under the banner of Dharma Productions.

Kapoor & Sons released on March 18, 2016, and received a great response at the box office.

One of the highlights of the movie's music album was the energetic track “Kar Gayi Chull,” which had gone viral among youngsters.

The song, featuring Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, became a party anthem soon after its release.

Its signature hook step gained immense popularity, and is still a hit with the youth.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS) Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis isn't really fond of horror movies. The 67-year-old actress established herself as a scream queen with her portrayal of Laurie Strode in the ‘.Halloween’ franchise.

However, the actress has said that personally, the horror genre is not her thing, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Speaking at the SXSW festival in Texas, the actress said, "I don't really love it. I'm not joking; I'm not into it. It doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. It's just not my genre, not my thing. I owe my life to the genre, but I don't have to pretend that I'm a genre girl and I love it”.

However, Jamie is pleased that horror movies such as Sinners and Weapons were honoured at the Academy Awards this year. The Trading Places star said: "The fact that it's a genre that now is getting more understanding and appreciation, of course I'm happy. It's fantastic that the Academy is moving along with that and changing and growing, like any good institution”.

Curtis made a return to the Halloween franchise in David Gordon Green's 2018 sequel Halloween, a direct sequel to the original 1978 flick, and admits that she wouldn't have signed up for the picture if she knew she had to appear in the two follow-up movies ‘Halloween Kills’ and ‘Halloween Ends’. Instead, the True Lies star decided to use the films to land a development deal with movie producer Jason Blum of Blumhouse.

Jamie said, "The only reason I am sitting in this chair today is because of Jason. Jason Blum, who runs Blumhouse, is the one who brought back the Halloween movies. "If they had come to me and said it’s going to be a trilogy, I don’t think I would have said yes. Jason Blum is notoriously cheap. How do you make low-budget movies? You don’t pay people”.

She further mentioned, “That’s the model. While we were editing and doing the mix, David said, ‘You know it’s a trilogy’. I was like, ‘Uh, no’. I went to Jason Blum and said, ‘I have some ideas, maybe you could give me a first look deal, just pay me a little money'. I said to Jason, ‘How about a little development deal?’ And I owed him two Halloween movies, so what was he gonna say? Jason Blum gave me a vanity deal”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, meanwhile, Curtis revealed last year that she has never been interested in "looking pretty" in her movies.

She told Empire magazine, "Looking pretty in the movies was never my thing. It's just not who I am, it's just not my currency. Whether you thought I was pretty or not, it wasn't like I felt like I was a great beauty and that the camera would love me”.

"Lately I've been able to become characters which have freed me from any vanity, which then frees me as an artiste because then it doesn't matter, because then I'm just doing the work. And I've always wanted to do that work”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) The second edition of the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) opened with a red-carpet premiere of "BOONG", the first Indian film to win a BAFTA.

The movie shares the story of a young boy named Boong, who embarks on a journey to find his father with his best friend.

The launch event was hosted by the Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation.

Slated to take place from 18 March to 5 July, the festival brings a diverse array of screenings, gala events, and industry discussions to audiences across metropolitan and regional Australia.

The festival will tour all major cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. They will also be extending their reach into regional and outback centres such as Broken Hill and Alice Springs.

Another major highlight of the festival is that veteran actor Anupam Kher will be presented with the International Indian Cinema Icon Award.

In his career spanning decades, Kher has been a part of many acclaimed international productions like "The Big Sick", "Bend It Like Beckham", and "Silver Linings Playbook," along with others.

Expressing his excitement about receiving the latest honor, the veteran actor said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the International Indian Cinema Icon Award at the National Indian Film Festival of Australia. Australia holds a very special place in my heart. Ever since my first visit and filming experience here many years ago, to being on the Jury of AACTA Awards headed by Russell Crowe, I have always felt a deep warmth from its people and a genuine curiosity about Indian stories and culture. It is therefore a great pleasure to receive this award from NIFFA."

"Festivals like this play an important role in building cultural bridges and allowing cinema to travel across borders, languages, and communities,” added Kher.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 18 (IANS) Actor Ken Karunas, who is also turning director with his upcoming film 'Youth' which is to hit screens on Thursday, has now penned an emotional note in which he has expressed how he was finding it hard to let go of his film, which he considers his "little baby".

Taking to his social media timelines to pen a heartfelt post, the actor and first-time director said, " Cinema... From the day I fell in love with it, everything else slowly became secondary. It wasn’t just something I watched… it became something I lived."

He went on to say, "I’m just 24… but from my childhood till now, this is the only thing that has stayed with me. Through every phase, every doubt, every small dream… cinema never left my side. Can’t believe I can’t work on #Youth anymore…For so long, it felt like my own little baby... something I woke up with and slept thinking about every single day."

Stating that as a hero, he had "lived a beautiful story" and as a director, he had "found my own", Ken Karunas said, "Every frame holds a piece of my heart… every moment carries a part of my journey. There were days it broke me, days it built me… but it always reminded me why I started."

The actor-director told audiences that he had made this film keeping them in mind, always wondering how audiences would feel, where they would smile and where they would connect with his film and its story.

"So many beautiful souls came together to make this possible… forever grateful to each one of them. And now… I’m letting it go… From something that was mine to something that becomes yours. Take care of it. Love it like I did… maybe even more!

Hope it entertains you, stays with you, and gives you something beautiful to hold on to. From a kid who just loved cinema to this moment. Naalaiku paapom. Kadavuluku Nandri !! (Let's meet tomorrow! Thanks be to God!!). Letting it go is hard… but knowing it’s reaching you makes it beautiful," he wrote.

--IANS

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