Kolkata, March 30 (IANS) A section of actors in the Bengali film and television industry on Monday demanded an investigation into the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who tragically passed away while shooting at Talsari beach in Odisha.

Actors Sudipta Chakraborty and Rupanjana Mitra have become vocal in demanding a comprehensive and impartial investigation into his death.

Rupanjana Mitra lashed out on her Instagram Stories following Rahul's death. She asserted, "Filming is taking place without any safety measures; the industry must be held accountable for this. This can no longer be swept under the rug. The so-called Bengali film industry is not a safe environment for artists. Countless artists have worked in this trade, constantly risking their lives. Arunoday was a highly professional artist. Filming was underway at the time. May God not spare those responsible."

On the other hand, Sudipta Chakraborty, a member of the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artistes' Forum, posted on social media demanding an investigation. She wrote, "I demand a comprehensive and impartial police investigation into the unnatural death at the shooting spot."

Rupsa Guha is a familiar face in the television industry. She, too, initially could not believe the news of Rahul's death. Later, in a Facebook post, she raised a direct question: "Did he fall from the boat, or did he get swept away into the deeper currents of the sea while walking -- during shooting for a drone shot? That is my only question. There is no transparency. We demand transparency.”

On Sunday, the 42-year-old actor was shooting for the television series 'Bhole Baba Paar Karega'. He entered the water at Talsari, just as the tide came in. Reports suggest that he was swept away at that very moment. Technicians subsequently pulled him out of the water. Preliminary reports indicate that his death was caused by drowning. It is reported that he was rushed to a hospital at Digha in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal. However, he passed away before reaching the facility.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out at Tamluk hospital on Monday afternoon. His body will be handed over to his family later in the day.

A case of unnatural death has been registered at the Digha Police Station.

The tragic incident has brought the entire Bengali film and television industry to a standstill. Fellow actors, directors and technicians have expressed shock at the tragic death of the actor.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday evening condoled the death. He was best known for his blockbuster Bengali film, 'Chirodini Tumi Je Amar'. The actor is survived by his mother, his wife, actor Priyanka Sarkar and his 13-year-old son.

Rahul, known in the Bengali television industry for his character roles, had been active in soaps for several years.

He shot to fame with his role in the blockbuster 'Chirodini tumi je amar' in 2008, followed by hits such as 'Tumi asbe bole' (2014), 'Zulfiqar' (2016), 'Byomkesh Gotro' (2018), 'Biday Byomkesh' (2018), 'The Academy of Fine Arts' (2025), among others. He had acted in TV serials such as 'Hargouri pice hotel' and 'Mohonna'.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) A woman was allegedly murdered by her husband following a domestic dispute in South Delhi’s Pul Prahladpur area. The accused reportedly struck his wife on the head with a mini LPG cylinder, resulting in her immediate death.

According to the Delhi Police, the deceased has been identified as Poonam. Her husband, Suresh, was arrested at the scene. The couple, who had moved into a DDA housing complex just a month ago, has two children. One child resides with their grandmother, while the 18-month-old infant was present in the house at the time of the killing. The incident occurred around 9.30 p.m. on March 29.

A neighbour told IANS, "The man killed his wife, who has an 18-month-old child. They were living in DDA housing for a month, and the husband allegedly committed the murder out of suspicion."

Neighbours said they arrived at the scene after hearing the woman's screams. The door was locked from the inside, but it was forced open with the help of the landlord. The scene inside was horrifying: Poonam's body was lying on the floor, with a cylinder nearby. The accused husband was sitting nearby, holding the baby in his lap.

Preliminary investigations suggest the motive may have been rooted in extreme suspicion. Police have launched a comprehensive probe to determine if the act was premeditated.

This brutal killing is the latest in a series of domestic homicides to rock the National Capital Region. On March 1, Delhi Police arrested Munchun Kewat, a vegetable vendor, for the quadruple murder of his wife, Anita, and their three children in Samaypur Badli.

Kewat, who was apprehended in Rajasthan, initially claimed he committed the murders due to mounting debt and threats from a moneylender in Bihar. However, investigators are still verifying those claims as the named individual remains untraceable.

A senior police officer had confirmed that a team has been dispatched to Bihar to cross-reference Kewat’s statements, while forensic teams continue to process the evidence in the Pul Prahladpur case.

--IANS

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Seoul, March 30 (IANS) More than 80 per cent of South Korea's teenagers and adults expressed concerns over online abuse involving the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as the creation of deepfake videos and disinformation, a poll here showed on Monday.

According to the poll conducted from September to November last year on teenagers and adults by the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), 89.4 percent of teenagers said they recognise the seriousness of AI-driven cyber violence, while 87.6 percent of adults said the same.

The survey was conducted on 9,296 students from fourth-grade elementary school to third-year high school, and 7,521 adults aged 19 to 69, reports Yonhap news agency.

Teenage respondents cited the ease of creating content with AI tools as their top concern, while adults expressed fears over the potential for repeated harm from AI-generated materials.

The poll additionally showed 42.3 percent of teenagers experienced some form of cyber abuse in 2025, down 0.5 percentage point from a year earlier. The figure for adults came to 15.8 percent, up 2.3 percentage points over the same period, said the report.

By channel, teenagers said they were mainly exposed to cyber abuse via text messages and online gaming platforms, while adults reported similar experiences primarily through text messages or social media.

For both teenagers and adults, strangers accounted for the largest share of abusers, followed by friends.

"Cyber abuse is not just an ethical issue online, but an issue that can harm people's dignity and violate the right to happiness as guaranteed by the Constitution," said KMCC Chair Kim Jong-cheol, noting the government will make efforts to promote the healthy use of digital platforms, the report mentioned.

—IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) In another controversial turn of events, the Pakistan Super League (2026) match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings was rocked by a ball-tampering scandal. Lahore skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi appeared to struggle for answers when questioned about the incident during the post-match presentation ceremony.

The incident took place at the start of the last over of the Kings chase when on-field umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball from Haris Rauf for inspection after it had exchanged hands between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar.

Faisal indulged in a lengthy discussion with Sharfuddoula, the other on-field umpire, and the two decided to bring in a replacement ball, deeming it to have been tampered with.

During the post-match presentation, Pakistan great Ramiz Raja questioned Afridi about the events leading up to the final over. The Lahore skipper looked visibly unsettled and struggled to provide a clear explanation.

"I don't know about this, and we'll see if it's there in the camera and discuss what it is. Actually, five runs taken and we can't do anything," Shaheen said at the post-match presentation.

Ramiz, however, continued to probe Shaheen on the ball-tampering allegations. "You have to ask the umpires why they changed the ball. When we asked them why they changed the ball, they told us to go away. When they were making the decision, the umpires requested us, even the captain, to return to our fielding positions," he explained.

To this, Afridi replied, "I can only speak about myself. There was never any attempt on my part to change the condition of the ball, or even to try. All I remember is that when I was trying to dry the ball and make it shine, the umpires asked us not to dry it under the shirt. Who they are accusing, unless we don't see the proof, I think it's a big decision. I have not been called for an enquiry."

As a result of the incident, Kings were awarded five penalty runs and their batters - Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan - were allowed to select the replacement ball.

PCB further said that Fakhar Zaman has been "charged with a level-III offence, which carries a minimum ban of one match and a maximum of two for a first violation in a PSL season. Match referee Roshan Mahanama will conduct a hearing in the next two days and Fakhar will contest the charge."

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, is set to surrender before Tihar Jail authorities on Monday as his interim bail period comes to an end.

Imam, who was granted 10-day interim bail by the Karkardooma Court from March 20 to March 30, left his native village Kako in Bihar’s Jehanabad district earlier this morning and is expected to reach Delhi by evening to comply with the court’s directive.

Speaking to IANS, his brother Mujammil Imam shared his thoughts on the development, saying, “He was granted an eleven-day parole, and today is the last day. He has to surrender by the evening. It was a very short span, and it hurts that it has come to an end, but it was a good time he spent with family and friends. I hope he will get bail in the near future and return to us.”

The bail was granted on family grounds, allowing him to attend his younger brother’s wedding and take care of his ailing mother. The court had imposed strict conditions during the parole period, including restrictions on media interaction and the use of social media platforms.

Imam, who has been in custody for over five years, had sought interim bail citing his responsibilities as the sole sibling managing the wedding arrangements, along with supporting his family during a difficult time, particularly due to his mother’s ill health.

He is an accused in the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 riots in Delhi that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. The violence erupted during the widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The Delhi Police have said that Imam was involved in the mobilisation and radicalisation through organised blockage of arterial roads and disruption of essential services.

His surrender later in the day marks the end of a brief respite during which he was able to reunite with his family, even as legal proceedings in the case continue.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Actors Ranvir Shorey and Konkona Sen Sharma, who were previously married to each other, were spotted together at an IPL match, on the 29th of March.

Cheering for their favourite team alongside their son Haroon, the former couple looked happy and were seen smiling throughout.

The reunion, captured in a cheerful selfie clicked by Ranvir from the stands, shows the happy three enjoying the electrifying stadium atmosphere with the March on-going in the background.

Their teenage son Haroon, was seen seated right next to his parents along with another boy who seemed to be his friend.

Ranvir who shared the picture on his social media account, captioned it as, “So happy we were there to see @mumbaiindians win today!”

Talking about Ranvir and Konkona’s relationship, it dates back to the late 2000s. The two got married in 2010 in a private ceremony, after dating for a few years, but parted ways in 2015.

Their divorce was finalised in 2020. Despite the separation, the two have continued to maintain a cordial relationship and continue to co-parent their son Haroon who was born in 2011.

On the work front, Ranvir Shorey has been a part of movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Bheja Fry, Mithya and Sonchiriya and others proving his acting prowess.

Talking about Konkona Sen Sharma, the actress has carved a niche for herself with impactful roles in movies Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Page 3, Wake Up Sid, Lipstick Under My Burkha, A Death in the Gunj and others.

The duo has shared screen space in films such as Mixed Doubles, Traffic Signal, Aaja Nachle.

For the uninitiated, Konkona is the daughter of veteran filmmaker Aparna Sen, and has been part of the industry for over two decades.

Ranvir too boasts a career in the Bollywood industry for more than 20 years.

The couple, earlier too had reunited to celebrate their son's birthday as he entered the teenage years of his life.

–IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) The Indian rupee opened higher by 1.3 per cent to reach 93.59 per US dollar on Monday over the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) restrictions on onshore position limits.

The RBI has instructed banks to limit their net open positions in rupees in the foreign exchange market to $100 million, in a bid to curb speculative trading to cap decline in the Indian rupee.

It ordered banks acting as authorised dealers to limit their end‑of‑day open positions in the onshore rupee to $100 million. The central bank mandated that commercial banks must implement the daily cap by April 10, adding that the regulator may set different limits depending on evolving market conditions.

Estimates suggest that the magnitude of these positions ranges from $25 billion to over $50 billion.

In March, the rupee fell by more than 4 per cent amid the geo-political tensions. On Friday, the currency fell nearly 1 per cent to 94.8125, reaching 94.8400.

Analysts said concerns over elevated crude prices for a prolonged period are weighing on the currency and the broader macroeconomic outlook.

"With the West Asia conflict entering the fifth week, there are signs of escalation, including the Houthis joining the conflict and the US sending additional troops. Brent crude has again surged to around $116 per barrel," they said.

India’s earlier 'Goldilocks' macroeconomic scenario of high growth, low inflation and stable deficits has weakened due to the conflict.

"Instead, we now face prospects of lower GDP growth, higher inflation, wider fiscal and current account deficits, and slower earnings growth in FY27," they added.

The analysts said the market has largely factored in these risks, as reflected in the decline in the Nifty’s trailing price-to-earnings (PE) ratio to around 19.9 times, which they described as fair but not yet cheap. However, they pointed out that certain segments, particularly financials, remain attractively valued.

They further noted that the RBI’s move to cap net open positions is likely to support the rupee in the near term.

"Unwinding of large dollar positions could strengthen the rupee in the near term," they said.

Sustained dollar demand and energy-led inflation risks are keeping the rupee under pressure, they added, noting that the bias remains weak unless crude prices see a meaningful correction.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures surged as much as 3.66 per cent to an intraday high of $116.70 per barrel and were trading near their 52-week high, while US WTI futures stood at $103.38, up 3.75 per cent from the previous session.

--IANS

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Miami, March 30 (IANS) Jannik Sinner defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 to win the Miami Open and complete the ‘Sunshine Double’.

The Italian defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 in the final to become the first male since Roger Federer in 2017 to win Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. Moreover, Sinner is the first player to achieve the feat without dropping a set across the two events.

The 24-year-old won Indian Wells for the first time in his career and became the eighth different male player to win the ‘Sunshine Double’. Novak Djokovic and Federer have completed the feat on multiple occasions.

Eigth different men who have completed the Sunshine Double at least once: Jim Courier (1991), Michael Chang (1992), Pete Sampras (1994), Marcelo Rios (1998), Andre Agassi (2001), Roger Federer (2005-06) and Novak Djokovic (2011, 2014-16).

Double for the first time, it’s incredible,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “It’s something I never would’ve thought [to win] because it’s difficult to achieve. We made it somehow, so I’m very happy.”

Sinner also extended his record to 34 consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 level, dating back to the start of last year's Paris Masters. He improved to 19-2 this season, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index.

On Sturday, Aryna Sabalenka completed the 'Sunshine Double'. After Sinner's triumph, it marked the fourth time that an ATP player and a WTA player have completed the Sunshine Double in the same year.

The first time it happened was in 1994, when Sampras and Steffi Graf each triumphed in Indian Wells and Miami. In 2005, Federer and Kim Clijsters each won both events, while in 2016 Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka both secured Sunshine Double glory.

A seven-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, Sinner now trails World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz by 1,190 points in the ATP Live Rankings after making a statement this month.

Lehecka, 24, was competing in his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final. The Czech is set for a new career-high No. 14 in Monday’s ATP Rankings.

--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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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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Chennai, March 30 (IANS) Director Ameen Barif's upcoming fantasy comedy thriller series, 'Khakee Circus', featuring Tamil actor Munishkanth in the lead, will be streamed from April 10, its makers have now announced.

The upcoming seven-episode series is to be streamed on the OTT platform Zee5.

For the unaware, the quirky, high‑energy fantasy‑comedy thriller set inside a sub‑jail was earlier titled as 'Once Upon a Time in Kayamkulam'. Sources say the series' title had been changed to 'Khakee Circus' as the new title reflected the show’s irreverent humour, the eccentric characters that were part of it and the unpredictable world it unfolded in.

Written and directed by Ameen Barif, produced by Srinithi Sagar under Rise East Entertainment, the series brings together a strong ensemble featuring Munishkanth, Subash Selvam, Rajesh Madhavan, Gowthami Nair, Vinsu Rache, Savithri, Amrudha, Abdul Lee, Maruthupandiyan, Rakesh Ushar, Vigneshwar, Arnukumar Pavumba and Chithtirasenan.

In a quiet coastal town, a bizarre crime turns a sub‑jail into absolute chaos when someone manages to break into the prison instead of out of it. As a book‑obsessed jailer and an overeager constable scramble to make sense of the impossible, a mysterious thief stays several steps ahead, watching the circus he created unfold around him. When ordinary townsfolk, wannabe detectives and unsuspecting inmates start adding to the confusion, the case spirals into a wild chase where nothing is as simple as it looks, and every clue hides a stranger truth.

Talking about 'Khakee Circus', director Ameen Barif says, “This story excited me because it lets us play with tone, part comedy, part thriller, part oddball fantasy, without losing the realness of a small‑town world. Even during its earlier development, we knew the heart of the series was its characters and their strange, funny, flawed ways of responding to chaos.”

Munishkanth adds, “Khakee Circus was unlike anything I’ve acted in, it’s unpredictable, fast‑moving and filled with characters who are both hilarious and painfully real. What I loved was the balance of humour and tension; every scene feels like it could go in a completely different direction. It’s fresh, rooted and extremely fun.”

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 30 (IANS) Hollywood star Lisa Kudrow, popular for playing the iconic character Phoebe Buffay, was wary of leaving “Mad About You” for the then-unknown sitcom “Friends”, so was keen to "preserve" her role if possible.

She played Phoebe Buffay for 10 years on the beloved comedy series, but when she was first cast in the role, she had a recurring role as a sarcastic and indifferent waitress in an already-established comedy series.

She told Vanity Fair magazine: “I was really proud to be able to have a role on Mad About You.

“Honestly, when I shot the pilot of Friends, I thought, 'Yeah, I mean, this is a good show. But good shows don't get picked up all the time.'

"Thank God for Mad About You, which was my favourite show on TV. I mean, I thought that was such a great show. It was a quality multi-camera show…”

“If there's any hope of me being able to stay on Mad About You, after the (Friends) pilot doesn't get picked up or they pick it up for, you know, 12 more episodes, and then that's it... like after this fails, because there's no telling what's gonna happen, something can be great, and still, it gets cancelled, I'd still have Mad About You.

"I was preserving Mad About You for myself.”

After Lisa was cast in Friends, which debuted in 1994 and also starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and the late Matthew Perry, the channel had a dilemma as to how to explain away the fact the same actress would be appearing in two primetime shows as different characters, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

So the actress was delighted when her Mad About You character, Ursula Buffay, was introduced as Phoebe's twin sister, adding depth to her back story.

She said: “Friends found that they had to justify why this same face and voice is gonna be on at 8:00 p.m. on Mad About You once in a while, and then there she is at 8:30 p.m. on Friends.

They had to cope with that. And incorporate Ursula into Friends. I was thrilled, you know, that I could still be Ursula."

The actress recently said that she has been catching up on old episodes of Friends but it "too embarrassed" to watch it in front of her husband Michael Stern.

Asked what sitcoms she watches, she said on BBC Radio 2: "Friends at night before going to bed. I haven't seen many episodes. I sit in the family room, and I wait until my husband goes to sleep because I'm too embarrassed for anyone to see me watching it - but I'll tell all of you!

"He knows that I like watching it."

--IANS

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Chennai, March 30 (IANS) The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now cleared director Sri Senthil's eagerly awaited investigative thriller, 'Kaalidas 2', featuring actor Bharath in the lead, for release with a U/A certificate.

The makers of the film took to their social media handles to release a poster that confirmed the development. Sharing the poster that said the film had been cleared by the censor board, the makers wrote, "#Kaalidas2 - U/A Certified. Get ready for a wholesome theatre experience. April 3 Release."

It may be recalled that the makers had only recently revealed the first look of actor Kishore as Pandya in the film.

Releasing the poster on their social media timelines, the makers of the film wrote, "#Kaalidas2 Kishore as Pandya. A fierce and ruthless presence. Intensity at its peak with every look. Raw, rugged, and unpredictable. Mystery unfolds in 7 Days!"

For the unaware, the film, which is the second instalment in the superhit franchise 'Kaalidas', is being produced by Five Star K.Senthil and Dr. N. Yogeshwaran.

Written and directed by Sri Senthil, who was also the director of the immensely popular first part, 'Kaalidas 2' will have Ajay Karthi playing the lead along with Bharath.

The film will also feature a host of actors including Bhavani Sre, Sangita, Abarnathi, Ananth Nag, TM Karthik and 'Singam' Jayavel.

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs for a number of reasons. Firstly, the film is the sequel to the superhit film 'Kaalidas'. Next, it will mark the return of actress Sangita to the big screen after a long gap.

A teaser that the makers released some months ago begins with Bharath, who plays a cop in the film, receiving a call for help from a woman, who is shivering with fear. She tearfully says that she is scared and literally pleads with him to come.

We then hear a voice over that asks, "Can every sin here be forgiven? But then, in there is a punishment for every crime.As per law, there is some punishment. At the same time, the punishment for some crimes isn't delivered by external forces." The teaser shows that along with Bharath, Bhavani Sre too plays a cop in this film. The film has the tag line "Monster Hunt".

Sources close to the unit of the film say that the second instalment of the thriller will have more mystery, more danger, and take a deeper dive into the world of crime and justice.

On the technical front, the film has music by Sam CS and cinematography by Suresh Bala. Editing for the film is by Bhuvan Srinivasan while G Durairaj has served as its production designer.

The film's screenplay has been penned by Aravindan Anand and its art direction has been handled by 'Kaliyuga' A. Raja. The dances in the film have been choreographed by Bobby, while the stunts have been choreographed by Om Prakash.

Tapas Nayak is the audiographer for this film, the lyrics of whose songs have been penned by Mohanraj. Costumes in the film have been designed by Dorothy Jai (DJ).

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Actress Meenakshi Seshadri took a trip down memory lane as she revisited the track ‘Hey You’ from the 1988 film Shahenshah, which marked her maiden movie with megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Calling it one of her earliest item numbers, she remembered the film as her first on-screen appearance alongside her favourite actor Big B.

Meenakshi took to Instagram, where she shared a video of herself dancing on the track, originally sung Asha Bhosle. Recreating the track for a reel, she said that this time the team chose an outdoor setting, shooting in the midst of heavy rain in Pune. Despite the location change, she believes the song continues to feel fresh and engaging even today.

Meenakshi wrote: “Hey You… One of the first of the few item songs l performed in my career. Shahenshah marked my first on screen role with my favorite actor Amitabh Bachchan. Hey you, had all the masala. A great song sung by the one and only Asha Bhosle, great set, fabulous outfits, and the glamorous choreography of Kamal Master.”

She added: “When I decided to revisit this song for a reel we shifted the location outdoors. We shot this song amidst thunderous rain showers in Pune. Even today this song is ever fresh and appealing! My Choreographer Swara is steeped deep in BharatNatyam but nevertheless excels in several other genres. Fahim and his team have really shown their versatility by embracing dance videography completely.”

“Let us see if we can top our recent viral reels ‘Tota mere Tota’. ‘Don’t say no’ Hey You! Watch out for this one!”

Shahenshah is directed by Tinnu Anand. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan in the title role, alongside Meenakshi Sheshadri, Praan, Amrish Puri, Prem Chopra and Sharat Saxena and Murad in supporting roles.

The film marks Big B’s comeback to films after a three-year hiatus during which he had entered politics. Shahenshah became the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1988 despite strong competition from Tezaab and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.

The dialogue "Rishte Mein To Hum Tumhare Baap Hote Hain, Naam Hai Shahenshah" also became one of the popular dialogues. It was also remembered for Meenakshi’s performance.

--IANS

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