Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Monday held a detailed review meeting with Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President and senior party leaders to assess the party’s performance in the recently concluded Urban Local Body elections and to discuss preparations for the upcoming Panchayati Raj polls.

The meeting focused on electoral performance, organisational preparedness and challenges emerging at the grassroots level.

Leaders reviewed the Urban Local Body election results in detail, examining the party’s functioning and feedback received from district units and local workers. They also identified areas requiring greater organisational attention and corrective measures.

Preparations for the Panchayati Raj elections were another key focus. Senior leaders discussed strengthening the Congress organisation at the grassroots level and improving coordination among party leaders, workers and local units.

Emphasis was placed on ensuring effective preparations at the district, block and local levels, with greater focus on mobilisation and coordination ahead of the polls.

The conduct of the administration and police during the Urban Local Body elections also came up for discussion.

Senior Rajasthan Congress leaders apprised Venugopal of concerns and instances reported during the election process. These issues were discussed in detail, with the leadership reviewing complaints raised by candidates, workers and local leaders.

The review meeting comes at a crucial juncture for the Rajasthan Congress, as the party turns its attention to the Panchayati Raj elections and seeks to strengthen its organisation after the Urban Local Body election results.

--IANS

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London, Sep 21 (IANS) An LPG tanker was hit by debris from unknown projectiles while transiting outbound from the Strait of Hormuz, following a similar incident earlier in the day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Monday.

The UKMTO said it had received a delayed report of the incident from the vessel's master. All crew members were reported safe, with no environmental impact reported.

The tanker will continue to its next port of call while authorities are investigating the incident, the UKMTO said.

It was the second tanker-related attack that the UKMTO recorded on Monday. Earlier in the day, the agency said another tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz had been struck by an unknown projectile, leaving two crew members with minor injuries.

Military authorities informed the UKMTO that the tanker was conducting an inbound transit when it was hit. The vessel was continuing to its next port of call under its own power, with no environmental impact reported at present.

Authorities are investigating the incident, the UKMTO said, advising vessels in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The incident came three days after the UKMTO reported that another tanker had been hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire onboard. All crew in that incident were reported safe.

The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Friday a "violating" oil tanker that sought "illegal" passage through the Strait of Hormuz was struck the previous night and brought to a halt.

In a statement published on the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News, the navy said the Togo-flagged oil tanker, named "Trend," was stopped after it caught fire following the strike.

The vessel attempted to cross the strait "illegally" after being "deceived and provoked" by the US Army, it said, warning that attempting illegal passage through the waterway will lead to nothing but "destruction."

The navy added that its forces are still in control of the Strait of Hormuz with strength and will not let passage by any "aggressor."

–IANS

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Agartala, Sep 21 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that special green corridors would be created in the state to facilitate the quick movement of ambulances carrying patients during emergencies and ensure that they do not get delayed in traffic jams.

The Chief Minister, while inaugurating the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) units of the Super Speciality Block at Government Medical College and GBP Hospital in Agartala, said that he had held a series of meetings regarding the movement of ambulances carrying patients and that necessary measures would be taken to create dedicated green corridors.

“We will set up a green corridor so that patients do not get stuck in traffic jams,” he said, adding that the state government was working responsibly to ensure better medical services for the people of Tripura.

Saha, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, said that currently, all the units of the main referral hospitals of the state are being connected with state-of-the-art medical infrastructure. The state government's goal is that no person in the state has to go outside the state for better treatment, he informed.

According to the Chief Minister, currently, the number of referral patients from the state has significantly reduced. “The state government's goal is to bring that number to zero. One of the goals of the state government is to provide better medical services by providing better infrastructure, providing fast medical services and keeping the hospitals of the state clean,” the Chief Minister said.

The ICU of the Super Speciality Block has nine beds each for male and female patients.

The Chief Minister said that, besides improving health infrastructure, advanced training was being provided to doctors and health workers in a phased manner to enable them to efficiently operate state-of-the-art medical units.

“Currently, initiatives have been taken to provide digital services in all hospitals. Digital services are already being provided in many hospitals. With the launch of the new ICUs and CSSDs at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital at a total cost of Rs 13.5 crore, it will be possible to provide fast and continuous advanced medical services to the people of the state, and the health safety of the patients will also be ensured. Currently, nine super-speciality blocks are operational to provide advanced medical services,” Saha said.

He said that, in addition to the main referral hospitals in the state, state-of-the-art health infrastructure was also being developed at district and sub-divisional level hospitals. “One of the goals of the state government is to ensure more and better medical services for the people of the state through transparent work,” Saha said. The Chief Minister said that GBP Hospital would be brought under the coverage of state-of-the-art CCTV cameras for round-the-clock security and a separate unit would be developed for the purpose.

He also said that special initiatives would be taken to ensure the availability of necessary generic medicines in the state at all times. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to develop health infrastructure as well as ensure better coordination among patients, doctors and health workers.

Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, MLA and Chairperson of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti Mina Rani Sarkar, Agartala Government Medical College Principal Dr Tapan Majumder and GBP Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Bidhan Goswami were present at the programme.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday urged the Karnataka government to seek a one-year extension from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to conduct a physical survey of areas covered under the Kasturirangan report, instead of merely passing a resolution against the Centre during the special Assembly session.

Speaking in the session, Vijayendra said the government should take the lead in protecting the Western Ghats as well as farmers, families and livelihoods in forest-fringe areas.

“The Western Ghats must be protected, rivers must be protected, and the environment must be protected. At the same time, the people living on the forest fringes, farmers and their livelihoods must also be protected. It is the responsibility of the government to strike a balance between the two,” he said.

He stressed that the session should not be used merely to level allegations against the Centre but should provide a platform to find a permanent solution to the concerns of people living in the affected areas.

“Passing a resolution and sending it to the Centre will not solve the problem. We have to see what happens before the NGT and also face the judicial process. Therefore, the state government must move forward with complete preparation,” he said.

Vijayendra questioned the reliance on satellite surveys conducted several years ago, saying land-use patterns and ground realities had changed considerably.

He argued that plantations, agricultural land, forests and settlements must be verified on the ground before decisions affecting people’s lives are taken.

He demanded that Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) maps at the survey-number level be prepared for all 1,476 villages under the Kasturirangan proposal and made available to the public in Kannada.

He suggested that the Revenue and Forest departments jointly conduct the survey with gram panchayats and local representatives, and that special gram sabhas be held in every affected village to record residents’ views.

Vijayendra said it would not be possible to complete such a large-scale survey and prepare documentation before the October 25 deadline. He urged the government to deploy a strong legal team before the NGT and seek at least one year to complete the exercise.

“Get an extension, conduct the physical survey, prepare an alternative map, obtain resolutions from the gram sabhas and formulate clear measures to protect people’s livelihoods. Then submit a comprehensive report before the NGT,” he said.

He also called for time-bound disposal of pending applications under Bagair Hukum and Section 94A provisions to address concerns of people living on forest fringes. He suggested setting up a separate task force to resolve disputes relating to forest and revenue boundaries.

Vijayendra urged the government to take seriously complaints that forest officials were causing unnecessary difficulties for residents.

“People are already facing conflict with wild animals. At the same time, a situation of conflict with forest officials has also developed. There are complaints that people face difficulties even in bringing firewood for funerals and constructing toilets. The Chief Minister has said that he would tighten the screws on officials. That should now be implemented,” he said.

He criticised ruling party legislators and ministers for undertaking padayatras with people over the Kasturirangan issue while the government maintained that it would not politicise the matter.

“Do not turn people’s concerns into a political programme. Work to find solutions to their problems,” he said.

Vijayendra concluded that the Western Ghats, forest-fringe villages and livelihoods must all be protected while ensuring development.

“The Western Ghats must be protected. The villages on the forest fringes must survive, people’s lives and livelihoods must be protected, and development must continue. The state government should act immediately instead of simply passing a resolution and washing its hands of the issue,” he said.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Kolkata Police have arrested six people on charges of molesting a woman inside a multiplex at a shopping mall in the Kasba area of south Kolkata, a senior police officer said on Monday.

A woman from Banshdroni area, a doctor by profession, went to watch a movie at the Acropolis Mall in Kasba with her husband and friends on Sunday evening. She was allegedly molested there. Based on her complaint, Kasba police arrested six people. The accused also allegedly argued with the police during initial questioning.

According to the complainant, the six accused kept harassing her during the movie at Cinepolis. They allegedly made indecent and sexually suggestive remarks. She further alleged that the accused attacked her when she protested.

Police said the hall authorities immediately intervened and informed Kasba police station. As soon as they received the information, police reached the spot. When they tried to talk to the accused, the latter got into an argument with the police and also behaved indecently with others present in the hall.

Police then took the six accused to the station. Police identified them from the identity cards they carried. They are Anand Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Arvind Kumar, Srijan Darbar, Manoj Roy and Arindam Ghosh.

During interrogation, Srijan claimed to be a student of Jadavpur University and allegedly threatened that if he were arrested, the consequences would be bad. After that, police arrested all six.

“A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections based on the complaint lodged by the woman. All six have been arrested. Investigation is on,” said a senior officer of Kolkata Police.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Sep 21 (IANS) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday said it will raise several issues, including the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, price rise, the law-and-order situation and alleged errors in school textbooks during the upcoming monsoon session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

The party decided at the BJD Legislative Party meeting held here on Monday ahead of the session, with party president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik presiding.

During the meeting, Patnaik asked party MLAs to highlight the double-engine government's failures, with a particular focus on the recently passed MMDR Amendment Act, the textbook-printing blunder, and the plight of farmers in the state.

Addressing legislators, Patnaik said failure had become the hallmark of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

“There are many issues, starting from the deteriorating law-and-order situation, to failure in flood management, price rise, poor fiscal management and low budget expenditure. But our major focus will be the MMDR Amendment Act, the textbook printing blunder and the plight of farmers in the state,” he said.

He added that the MMDR Amendment Act had taken away the state's rights over its land and resources and destroyed the dreams of youth. “BJD will fight till the state gets back its rights,” he asserted.

On the printing blunders found in school textbooks, Patnaik said the government must take responsibility for such a colossal mistake, and the minister in charge should resign.

He also mentioned the farmers’ plight over the non-availability of fertilisers and seeds, and irregularities in paddy procurement.

Besides, the BJD president pointed to the recently announced UPI charges and the alleged deletion of genuine voters from the electoral list during the state's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Notably, the seventh session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 22 and continue until October 3.

--IANS

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Washington, Sep 21 (IANS) Two US lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation seeking national standards to identify, monitor and shut down potentially dangerous Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents operating inside government and corporate computer networks.

Representatives Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, and Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, said their 'Stop Rogue AI Act' would give organisations greater visibility over autonomous AI systems using their networks.

The proposal was highlighted in a congressional release flagged by LegiStorm.

AI agents can perform tasks, make decisions and interact with computer systems with limited human involvement. The lawmakers said such agents could be activated by employees, embedded in third-party software or introduced by outside vendors without the organisation knowing they were present.

The bill would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop national standards, guidelines and best practices for discovering, verifying, monitoring and controlling AI agents.

“You can’t drive a car in this country without a license plate, without insurance, without some way for a cop — or the person you just rear-ended — to know who’s behind the wheel and who’s responsible,” Gottheimer said.

“AI agents right now don’t have any of that. Our bill puts a driver’s license on every AI agent operating in this country — so organisations can find every agent on their network, verify who built it, watch it in real time, and cut off its access the second something looks wrong,” he said.

“That means putting humans back in the driver’s seat. It’s time for Congress to get back to work and get this done,” Gottheimer added.

The lawmakers said organisations often lack a reliable method to determine how many unauthorised AI agents are working inside their systems, who created them or what information and functions they can access.

That lack of visibility could be particularly serious when the agents operate inside hospitals, utilities, government agencies or other networks handling sensitive information and essential services.

Lawler said the legislation was intended to establish safeguards without restricting the development of artificial intelligence.

“This isn’t about stopping AI or stifling innovation. It is about making sure we can safely deploy AI,” he said.

“A pause is not a safeguard. Some states have put a moratorium on the infrastructure that powers this technology. That does not invent a kill switch. It does not inventory the agents already on a hospital network or a utility system,” Lawler said.

“If the United States taps the brakes while others floor it, we do not get safer AI. We get someone else’s AI. We are not going to regulate ourselves into second place,” he added.

The lawmakers also promoted three other bipartisan measures covering workforce training, quantum technology and the use of personal information to determine grocery prices.

Their AI Workforce Training Act would provide employers with a 30 per cent tax credit, capped at USD 2,500 for each employee, for training workers in practical AI skills.

The Advancing American Quantum Leadership Act would broaden the definition of quantum technology under the Export-Import Bank’s China and Transformational Exports Programme.

A third proposal, called the No Rigged Grocery Prices Act, would prohibit grocery stores and delivery platforms from using AI and personal data to charge different customers different prices for the same product.

Gottheimer and Lawler have also urged federal agencies to coordinate against AI-related threats to the 2026 elections. They have asked major AI companies to help ensure voters receive accurate and unbiased information.

--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 21 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘King’, sought blessings from Lord Ganpati at the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.

On Monday, SRK was seen arriving at Lalbaugcha Raja with his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan and his manager Pooja Dadlani.

While the actor was dressed in blue ethnic wear, his wife opted for a yellow coloured traditional wear, and Suhana donned a green coloured outfit. SRK and Gauri’s sons Aryan and AbRam weren’t seen with the family.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK is awaiting the release of his upcoming film ‘King’ which practically stars the entire industry. Earlier, the megastar had confirmed the release date of the film as December 24 during his signature #AskSRK session on social media.

A user asked him, “Trailer he dikha do abhi”. SRK wrote, “Abhi sirf baat karunga Trailer baad mein.... film is 100 days away na...24th Dec bro”.

‘King’ also Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma, and Arshad Warsi in key roles. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, and is set to release on December 24, 2026.

Elsewhere during the session, the actor also gave a peek into his Ganpati celebrations, as he shared, “Wife does the Aarti and then the prayers and tonight will do the Visarjan. Kids and friends gather to hang around and laugh a lot. Very simple and family time”.

He also shared what in his daily routine gives him the “Kingly feelings”. One user asked the actor, “Be honest, what’s the most KING-like thing you do in real life? #AskSRK @iamsrk”.

Responding to the same, SRK shared, “Have three cups of coffee in bed before anybody can speak with me even if I am late for work!! Then of course on sets get shouted at for being late and have no Kingly feelings left”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Singer Tulsi Kumar released her chill Afro-pop track ‘Raanjha Ve’ on Monday. Blending contemporary Afro-inspired grooves with an Indian melodic touch, the song explores separation, longing and the complicated process of letting go.

Composed by Abhijeet Srivastava, the lyrics for the track have been penned by Shayra Apoorva. Directed by Ranju Varghese, the music video follows Tulsi as she prepares for a concert. It captures her anticipation of performing on stage while carrying a lingering heartache.

Speaking about the song, Tulsi Kumar shared, “Over the past few months, I’ve been in a more reflective space, allowing myself to pause, observe, and connect more deeply with what inspires me creatively. The journey of ‘Raanjha Ve’ began back in January, with conversations around the sound, genre, and lyrical direction we wanted to take. I was closely involved in shaping the sound of the song, and after our last collaboration, Shayra and Abhijeet Srivastava have become collaborators who understand my vision and persistence, bringing it to life beautifully."

"With ‘Raanjha Ve’, I wanted to explore the feeling that exists between the urge to hold on and the simultaneous desire to let go. I didn’t want to approach this as a song that simply sits in heartbreak, but wanted it to carry a sense of strength and movement. Musically, we’ve given it an effortless, groovy quality that lets you sit with the feeling while also enjoying the music. Ranju and Kadambari beautifully understood this world and gave the music video the vision and justice it needed, bringing the emotion of the song to life visually. Some feelings find their way into songs, and ‘Raanjha Ve’ is one of them. I’m really happy to finally share it with everyone.”

Presented by T-Series and Bhushan Kumar, ‘Raanjha Ve’ is available on the T-Series YouTube channel and is also streaming across all major platforms.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Veteran actor Puneet Issar has reacted to actress Swara Bhaskar's 'I was ashamed as a Hindu' remark.

Speaking exclusively to IANS regarding the debate surrounding Swara Bhaskar’s comments related to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir verdict, Puneet Issar said that people should avoid getting involved in such controversies and focus on their work.

He added that being an artist, our job is simply to entertain the people of the country.

The 'Mahabharat' actor also said that one should not make such statements just because they are being supported and funded by someone.

He was asked, "Swara Bhaskar, who recently said that when Ayodhya was made, she wrote a letter to Shah Rukh Khan, Salman, saying, 'I feel sorry'. Do you feel that the actor is spreading her own discontent on social media? What is your opinion on this?"

Puneet Issar told IANS, "First of all, one should not get involved in such controversies. We are artists. We should take care of our 140 crore people. Your job is to entertain. You just entertain. You just perform. If you want to be a social activist, if you want to go into politics, then you should do that."

"Just to get into news, or if someone is supporting you, or if someone is funding you, and you follow someone for your personal gain, and give such a shocking statement, I think that is in a very bad taste. That should not be done," he went on to add.

During her recent appearance on a podcast, Swara Bhasker said that she felt "really ashamed as a Hindu" after the 2019 Ayodhya/Ram Janmabhoomi verdict.

The 'Tanu Weds Manu' actress added that she felt the verdict was unfair and even messaged many of her Muslim acquaintances, including Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, apologizing and expressing her disagreement with the Supreme Court's verdict.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Independent artist Sargam Vaish has accused the makers of Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, 'The Vvan' of using a section of his song ‘Aigiri Nandini’ without his permission in their recently released trailer.

On Monday, Sargam uploaded a video on his official Instagram handle in which he said, “I have been working on a project for three years, and one song from that has been used in the film Vvan’s trailer that was recently released, without my permission. The Vvan stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia and is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, produced by Balaji Telefilms and TVF. They have used my song for 25 seconds without my permission.”

He even threatened legal action against the makers if they did not remove the song from the trailer.

Divulging some more details, he added, “From 1 minute 8 seconds to 1 minute 33 seconds, the song’s name is Aigiri Nandini. They have used my master file, production, and vocals as it is. I have signed a deal with a big label; if that is affected, they will be responsible for this. Kindly remove the song from your trailer and the movie; otherwise, my legal team will take care of it.”

As the post reached social media, CBFC member Ricky Kej asked the artist in the comments section, “How did they get access to your master recording when you had not released it yet?(sic)”

Responding to him, Sargam shared, "@rickykej > Sir, I’m a big fan of yours, so it genuinely means a lot that you noticed this. The song was already given to another big movie and was still unreleased. Somehow, it reached this movie through another circle and was used before the original project. That’s exactly what I’m trying to understand as well."

Helmed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar, 'Vvan' is slated to hit the theatres on September 25 this year.

--IANS

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