Lucknow, Sep 5 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde, will visit Uttar Pradesh for the first time on Saturday in his capacity as the party’s newly-appointed state in-charge.

His visit is expected to focus on the organisation’s preparedness and the state’s electoral strategy.

During his first visit in the new role, Tawde will participate in a crucial review meeting to assess the political, electoral and organisational dynamics in Uttar Pradesh and deliberate on the road ahead for the party in view of the 2027 Assembly elections.

The BJP leader is scheduled to hold meetings in two sessions during his visit. He will interact with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionaries and other senior party leaders.

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening the organisation at different levels, reviewing the party’s electoral preparedness and formulating a broader roadmap for party workers ahead of the upcoming political challenges in the state.

Tawde is also expected to seek feedback from senior leaders and functionaries regarding the functioning of the party organisation, its electoral prospects and areas where greater coordination may be required between the government and the organisation.

The meeting assumes significance as the BJP continues to assess its political strategy in Uttar Pradesh, one of the country’s most electorally significant states.

Additionally, the party leadership is expected to discuss measures aimed at strengthening its organisational structure and ensuring greater preparedness among its workers.

During the deliberations, the party may also lay the groundwork for a strategy under which tickets could be denied to more than 200 sitting MLAs in the upcoming electoral exercise.

UP Assembly elections are expected to be held in early 2027 to elect all 403 members of the Legislative Assembly.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS) A controversy has erupted in Mumbai's Ghatkopar West over the construction of a Dahi Handi stage in the middle of a road, with the Ghatkopar Police urging the Municipal Corporation to take immediate action against the structure.

The Senior Police Inspector of Ghatkopar Police Station has written to the Assistant Commissioner of N-Ward, raising objections to the stage being constructed for a Dahi Handi festival organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

According to the letter dated September 3, MNS leader Ganesh Chukkal is scheduled to organise the Dahi Handi festival on Saturday at Amrit Nagar Circle in Ghatkopar West. The Municipal Corporation had reportedly been informed about the police's no-objection to the programme on the condition that pedestrian and vehicular movement would not be obstructed.

However, during an inspection on September 3 at around 7 p.m., police officials observed that a stage was being constructed in the middle of the road in front of the Sagar Park building.

The police have raised concerns that once completed, the stage could completely block the proposed 90-foot road leading towards the Sagar Park building. According to the letter, such an obstruction could prevent emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, from reaching the area in case of an emergency.

The police further pointed out that necessary permissions had allegedly not been obtained from the ward officer and the fire department in Vikhroli before the construction of the stage. They also stated that it appeared that no site inspection had been conducted before the structure was erected.

The police cited a previous incident to underline the seriousness of the issue. On September 2, 2025, a fire broke out at a shop in Indira Nagar. At the time, emergency vehicles reportedly faced difficulties in reaching the location due to hawkers and unauthorised parking on the road in front of the Sagar Park building.

The issue of hawkers and unauthorised parking in the area was also raised during the hearing of PIL No. 324/2025 before the Bombay High Court on September 3, 2025.

The Ghatkopar Police have, therefore, sought appropriate action from the Municipal Corporation to ensure that the proposed festival arrangements do not obstruct traffic or compromise emergency access.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS) As summer draws to a close, singer Jay Sean reflected on the precious moments he spent with his family, saying these are the memories he wishes he could “bottle up and keep forever.”

Jay Sean took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures from his luxurious holiday with his wife and children.

“These are the moments I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. I always get a little down when summer comes to an end… not because I’m not ready for the next chapter, but because these days with my family really are my favourite days.”

“The laughs, the adventures, the lazy days, the chats and the little moments in between. These were some of my fav moments, but I guess the beauty of it is you get to keep making new ones. Grateful for this summer, excited for all the memories still to come……and slightly less excited about putting a jacket on again.”

Jay Sean debuted in the UK’s Asian Underground scene as a member of the Rishi Rich Project with "Dance with You", which reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003. This led to him being signed to Virgin Records and having two UK top 10 hits as a solo artist in 2004: "Eyes on You" at No. 6 and "Stolen" at No. 4.

They were included in his critically acclaimed debut album Me Against Myself. Alongside the Rishi Rich Project, Sean was a pioneer of Bhangra-R&B fusion, which his debut album helped popularize among the worldwide South Asian diaspora.

After a gap of nearly four years, he returned in 2008 with "Ride It", which peaked at number 11 on the UK singles chart. It was followed by hits such as "Maybe", which peaked at number 7 on the Japan Hot 100, and "Tonight".

All three songs were included in his second album, My Own Way in 2008. A critical and commercial success, it peaked at number 6 in the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK R&B Chart.

His 2009 single, "Down", making him the first solo artist of South Asian origin and first UK urban act to top the Hot 100. As of 2011, it is the fifth best selling song by a British artist in the digital era.

--IANS

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New York, Sep 5 (IANS) Carlos Alcaraz has been pleasantly surprised by how his body has responded to the demands of Grand Slam tennis after returning from a four-month injury layoff, with the Spaniard advancing to the US Open fourth round after dropping just one set in his opening three matches.

The 23-year-old, who missed competitive action because of a right wrist injury, admitted that he had some uncertainty about how he would cope physically upon returning to the Tour. Instead, Alcaraz has recovered well after each match and believes his condition has improved with every outing in New York.

“It didn’t happen to me. I am feeling better and better after every match. It feels like I have been competing the whole time. So it surprised me the way that I’m feeling and the way that I’m recovering after every match.

“I’m just really happy about how I’m able to perform at my best after every match. Doesn’t matter if I’m playing four or three sets. So I’m just really happy about it," Alcaraz was quoted by ATP.

Alcaraz’s results have offered further evidence of a smooth comeback. He has surrendered only one set so far, against Jaime Faria in the second round, while making his way through the early stages of the tournament.

However, the Spaniard was keen to stress that the scoreboard does not necessarily reflect the physical and technical demands he has faced on court.

“The scores can say it was pretty easy, but for me and the way that I felt on the court, it was really tough and really demanding physically in terms of tennis,” Alcaraz shared. “It was really difficult. I’m not thinking that everything is coming easy.

“I’m feeling that every point and every game, I had to earn it. It is a way to keep myself with my feet on the ground and thinking point after point and trying to do my best in every situation of the match.”

That mindset will be important in the fourth round, where Alcaraz is set to meet American Tommy Paul.

The Spaniard holds a 6-2 advantage over Paul in their Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, but he expects another demanding encounter against an opponent who has shown his ability to trouble leading players.

Paul arrives with confidence after a notable run of results, including a victory over Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati last month in which he saved a match point.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, is anticipating another competitive chapter in what has already been a testing rivalry.

“He’s a really talented player, really difficult one to play,” Alcaraz said. “He’s really dangerous for everyone on the Tour. The way he plays, the way he hits the ball, it’s really complicated to dominate the ball and dominate the points. It’s kind of difficult to play against him.

“I’m excited. I’m really looking forward to playing him once again. Great battles. He’s such a nice guy. We just feel like we’re having fun, we pull off great points, great shots. It’s going to be really fun to watch, fun to play, as well.”

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 5 (IANS) Tamil Nadu is witnessing a sharp increase in dengue and swine flu cases compared with last year, prompting doctors to urge greater vigilance and stronger preventive measures as the monsoon season approaches.

Public Health Department data show that 13,573 dengue cases were reported across the State between January 1 and August 30 this year, with nine deaths.

While the fatality rate remains relatively low, health experts are concerned about the noticeable rise in infections during July and August.

Monthly figures show 1,722 dengue cases in January, 1,322 in February, 1,228 in March, 1,201 in April and 1,062 in May.

Cases began climbing again in June, when 1,384 infections were recorded, followed by 2,339 in July and 3,315 in August.

The increase is particularly significant compared with last year. Dengue cases rose from 1,880 in July last year to 2,339 this July, while August infections jumped from 1,832 to 3,315.

Chennai has reported the highest number of cases, accounting for 2,584 of the State’s 13,573 infections between January and August. Coimbatore follows with 1,999 cases.

The rise has raised concerns because the monsoon period is still ahead.

Tamil Nadu recorded 25,533 dengue cases last year, when the annual caseload declined considerably from the higher levels seen between 2022 and 2024.

Swine flu infections have also increased. Tamil Nadu has recorded more than 1,500 cases this year and ranks second among States in the country in terms of infections.

Health data also indicate a substantial rise compared with recent years, particularly during June, July and August.

The increase in August has been especially striking, with swine flu cases climbing from just 46 during the corresponding month last year to 645 this year.

Government doctors said Chennai’s high population density and inadequate adherence to public-health precautions were contributing to the spread of infections.

People suffering from swine flu should isolate themselves for at least five days, they said. Doctors also advised people with fever or respiratory symptoms to avoid crowded public places, wear masks where appropriate and seek timely medical attention.

For dengue prevention, authorities have stressed eliminating stagnant water and mosquito-breeding sites around homes and workplaces.

Doctors said environmental cleanliness, mosquito control, public awareness and early treatment would be crucial in preventing a further surge during the coming rainy months.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) The ‘Corporate Mitra’ initiative seeks to make compliance less intimidating and knowledge more accessible for entrepreneurs, according to the government.

Anita Shah Akela, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, emphasised that the initiative is aimed at transforming compliance from a burden into an enabler of trust, transparency, accountability and orderly growth.

The ‘Corporate Mitra’ initiative was announced by the government in the Union Budget 2026-27 with the objective of creating a pool of trained and certified paraprofessionals who can support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in managing business and regulatory compliances.

The programme brings together the professional expertise of ICAI, ICSI and ICoAI with the technology and academic support from IIT Madras, IIT Madras Pravartak and SWAYAM Plus.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI) has commenced the Corporate Mitra Course, with 2,879 learners registered in the first batch.

The launch of the Corporate Mitra Learning Management System (LMS) marks the beginning of the structured learning and capability-development phase of the programme, according to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The course aims to create a skilled cadre of certified para-professionals to provide affordable professional support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby promoting ease of doing business, employment generation and inclusive economic growth.

It marks an important step towards developing a skilled pool of paraprofessionals who can contribute to the growth and formalisation of India's MSME ecosystem.

The ‘Corporate Mitra’ course has a total duration of 12 months, divided into two stages. The first six months comprise approximately 150 hours of structured academic learning, delivered through recorded video lectures.

This is followed by six months of on-the-job training in professional firms of members of ICAI, ICSI and ICoAI, providing learners with hands-on workplace experience.

--IANS

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Seoul, Sep 5 (IANS) South Korea's industry minister urged the United States on Saturday to ease tariffs on equipment that Korean companies will need to import for a US$5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana they are investing in.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan made the request at a meeting with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry before attending a groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel LLC (HPLS), an electric arc furnace-based integrated steel mill scheduled to begin construction in the fourth quarter, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said in a press release.

HPLS is a joint venture among Hyundai Motor Group affiliates Hyundai Steel Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., and steelmaker POSCO, reports Yonhap news agency.

Foreign steelmakers in the U.S. face tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the U.S. president to adjust imports deemed to threaten national security, as well as other trade remedy measures, the ministry said.

Kim urged Washington to pay close attention to difficulties facing Korean companies investing in the U.S. and support the project by easing tariffs on equipment and materials that need to be shipped from South Korea.

Kim also stressed the importance of the project, which is expected to strengthen supply chain cooperation between the two countries by combining South Korean steelmaking technology with U.S. industrial and energy infrastructure, the ministry said.

The plant is expected to produce 2.7 million tons of hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanized steel annually, making it the first electric arc furnace-based steel mill in the United States dedicated to automotive steel production.

It will use direct reduced iron and electric arc furnaces to cut carbon emissions by about 70 percent compared with conventional blast-furnace production, according to Hyundai Steel.

The plant will supply automotive steel to global automakers' production facilities in the southern U.S. and Mexico, including those operated by Hyundai Motor and Kia.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa and South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Chung said automotive steel produced at the Louisiana plant would help Hyundai and U.S. automakers develop next-generation mobility solutions.

—IANS

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Washington, Sep 5 (IANS) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has widened a process allowing certain US-born children of foreign government employees to register as lawful permanent residents, while acknowledging that a federal court injunction limits implementation of the new rule.

The interim final rule applies when neither parent is a US citizen, and at least one was employed by a foreign government at the time of the child’s birth. It took effect on September 4 and applies only to children born on or after that date.

The change implements President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14418 and expands an existing regulation covering children born in the United States to accredited foreign diplomatic officers.

Under the amended regulation, the broader term “foreign government employee” replaces “foreign diplomatic officer”.

The new definition covers accredited foreign diplomatic officers and nationals employed by their country’s embassy or consulate. It also covers people working for foreign governments in an official capacity and employees of international organisations possessing international-organisation immunity.

Several groups are excluded. They include personal employees and attendants of foreign officials, such as personal assistants, chauffeurs and housekeepers.

Also excluded are certain employees of state-owned enterprises, third-country nationals working for foreign governments, some contractors and foreign government employees visiting the United States in a personal capacity.

The rule provides that an eligible person may be considered a lawful permanent resident from birth. Registration for permanent residence is voluntary, but those who are not US citizens may remain subject to alien-registration requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

DHS is updating Form I-485 and its instructions to replace references to people born in the United States under diplomatic status with language covering those born to foreign government employees.

It is also changing Form G-325R. That form would cover US-born children who do not acquire citizenship at birth, do not use the amended permanent-residence process and remain subject to federal alien-registration requirements.

DHS said it would not apply the rule to members of the certified class in Casa Inc. v. Trump, or act in any way that conflicts with the preliminary injunction issued by the US District Court in Maryland. The restriction will remain unless the government obtains relief from the court.

The Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to people born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction. The US Supreme Court has historically recognised limited exceptions, including children born to accredited foreign diplomatic representatives.

Federal immigration authorities have allowed such children to register as permanent residents since at least the 1940s. Formal regulations establishing the procedure were issued in 1982 and required applicants to show that they had not abandoned residence in the United States.

--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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Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS) K-Pop girl band Blackpink member and Thai singer Lisa is over-the-moon as her latest song “SaWaDiKa” has been released. She expressed her gratitude and said that “the whole village” helped her bring her track to life.

Sharing a heartfelt note on Instagram, Lisa thanked the team across Thailand, Korea and Los Angeles, while also giving a special shoutout to her fans, whom she lovingly calls Lilies, for their support.

Lisa wrote: “It’s been one day since SaWaDiKa is released to the world!! From Thailand to Korea to LA, it took a whole village to bring this to life, so a huge Thank you to every single person that was involved.”

“And also shoutout to Lilies for supporting and loving SaWaDiKa. I truly cannot do this without you guys and excited to show you everything coming up,” she added.

She released ‘SaWaDiKa’ on September 4, as a pre-release single from her upcoming EP Press Play.

One of K-Pop’s most followed artists on Instagram, Lisa rose to prominence as a member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink, which debuted in August 2016 and became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.

In September 2021, Lisa released her debut single album Lalisa, which made her the first female artist to sell 736,000 copies of an album in its first week in South Korea and spawned the Billboard Global 200 top-ten singles "Lalisa" and "Money".

The music video for "Lalisa" is the most-viewed in the first 24 hours on YouTube by a solo artist.

She reached number one on the Billboard Global US with "Rockstar", the lead single from her debut studio album Alter Ego. The 2025 album debuted in the top ten of the US Billboard 200 and included the Official Thailand Chart number-one songs "Born Again" and "Dream".

Lisa made her acting debut in 2025 in the television series The White Lotus. Lisa was honored as a cultural ambassador leader by Thailand's Ministry of Culture and was acknowledged by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for her contributions to spreading Thai culture globally.

--IANS

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Mumbai, September 5 (IANS) Actor Harshvardhan Rane marked Teachers’ Day on September 5 with a heartfelt tribute to the people he considers his teachers and “Godfathers”.

Sharing a series of pictures, he offered a glimpse into the relationships which he has forged during his journey in the film industry.

The post features Harshvardhan alongside actor-producer John Abraham, with the two seen sharing a warm moment in one picture. Another picture features filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma seated on a chair, while a third shows Harshvardhan posing with Varma.

Alongside the pictures, Harshvardhan wrote, “To my teachers, my Godfathers. #HappyTeachersDay”, followed by the Hindi line, (I am learning from them — to simply keep doing the work).

On the professional front, Harshvardhan, who began his acting journey with television before making his Telugu film debut with Thakita Thakita in 2010, made his Hindi film debut with Sanam Teri Kasam in 2016.

He then went on to feature in films including Paltan, Taish, Haseen Dillruba, Tara Vs Bilal, Dange, Savi and The Miranda Brothers.

It was Sanam Teri Kasam that eventually became a defining chapter in his career. The 2016 romantic drama initially failed to make a major impact at the box office but developed a strong following over the years through television, OTT and word of mouth.

When the film returned to theatres in 2025, nine years after its original release, it witnessed a remarkable turnaround.

His fan frenzy continued with Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, his 2025 romantic drama with Sonam Bajwa. The film went on to become another major commercial success for the actor.

Talking about his equation with John Abraham, reportedly, Harshvardhan Rane had first encountered John in 2004 when, as a delivery boy, he delivered a helmet to him. Years later, John became the producer of the actor's Tara Vs Bilal.

With Ram Gopal Verma, he reportedly shares a very respectful relation.

The filmmaker is set to direct Harshvardhan Rane in Police Company, a crime thriller based on the life of Mumbai encounter specialist Daya Nayak, with the actor portraying the cop.

Alongside shooting and preparing for physically demanding roles, he has been pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours) of which he gives glimpses on his social media account.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS) Hollywood star Kristen Bell shared a glimpse into the hilarious antics of her pet Frank, quipping that his obsession with shredding bills, mail and greeting cards suggests he may have had a "criminal past".

Bell took to Instagram, where she shared a video of herself along with her furry friend. In the clip, the actress is sitting on the floor next to her four-legged-baby. Bell is seen knitting while Frank is seen shredding paper.

In the caption section, the actress joked that while she sits knitting “like a functioning member of society,” Frank remains blissfully unaware that she is handing him blank sheets of paper because he “cannot read”.

“Frank was clearly involved in criminal activity in his past life, because evidence destruction is not a new skill to him. The rescue(witness protection) never disclosed it. No paperwork on his past. No references,” Bell wrote in the caption section.

She added: “Now he spends his days trying to shred our bills, mail, and greeting cards. Lucky for me, he can’t read. So while I sit here knitting like a functioning member of society, he has no idea I’m handing him blank paper. Jokes on you, Frank. It’s just a legal pad.”

On the work front, Bell, who voices Anna in the “Frozen” franchise, is gearing up for the film’s third installment.

Frozen first released in 2013. The musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios is loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's 1844 fairy tale "The Snow Queen".

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and written by Lee, it also features the voices of Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana.

The film's popularity spawned a franchise, which includes a short, Frozen Fever, a featurette, Olaf's Frozen Adventure, and two feature-length sequels—Frozen 2 and the upcoming Frozen 3.

Among its accolades, it won Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song with "Let It Go," the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film, the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, and two Grammy Awards.

--IANS

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Mumbai, September 5 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s brother and actor Faissal Khan won appreciation online after he shared a heartfelt Janmashtami wish.

Celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth and emphasising the importance of respecting every religion, he shared a video on social media, and was seen singing the devotional bhajan “Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari”.

He extended his wishes to his fans and followers on the auspicious occasion and urged everyone to take Lord Krishna’s name in any form on the day, as it marks his birthday.

Faissal concluded his message with “Radhe Radhe, Salaam, Jai Hind”, wishing everyone a happy Janmashtami.

His message also prompted netizens to praise him for celebrating a Hindu festival despite being Muslim.

One user wrote, “This is so beautiful that even when you are Muslim you respect all the religion Happy Janmashtmi.”

Responding to the comment, Faissal said, “Yes Respect for all Religions is a must for me, to be a true Hindustani that is the First Rule, Proud to be a Hindustani, thanks.”

Talking about Faissal, the younger brother of Aamir Khan, has had a relatively unconventional journey in the Hindi film industry.

He made his adult acting debut with Madhosh in 1994, after earlier appearing in smaller roles and assisting behind the scenes. His biggest recognition came with the 2000 film Mela, in which he shared screen space with Aamir Khan and Twinkle Khanna. The film failed at the box office.

Faissal went on to feature in films including Kaaboo, Border Hindustan Ka, Basti, Chand Bujh Gaya and Chinar Daastaan-E-Ishq. He also appeared on television and later ventured into filmmaking, directing and acting in Faactory in 2021.

In interviews earlier, Faissal has spoken about how the failure of Mela affected his career. He recalled that after the film did not work, offers for the kind of projects he wanted gradually dried up.

Faissal's relationship with his family, particularly Aamir, has also been stirring headlines for quite some time now.

The dispute made headlines first in 2007, when Faissal went missing for two days and alleged that Aamir had confined him at home and that his family believed he was mentally unwell. A legal battle over his custody followed, with both Aamir and their father Tahir Hussain becoming involved.

The issue resurfaced in 2025 when Faissal spoke publicly about the episode and made fresh allegations. Aamir's family issued a statement saying that decisions concerning Faissal had been taken with multiple medical professionals in consideration, and also out of concern for his emotional and psychological well-being.

In 2026, Faissal apologised to Aamir and other members of the family for discussing their differences publicly.

–IANS

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