Ahmedabad, Oct 5 (IANS) Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) valued at more than Rs two crore in four raids conducted in Valsad, Ahmedabad Rural, Bharuch and Jamnagar districts, with 36,330 bottles and several vehicles and mobile phones among the seized items.

The largest seizure was made on Sunday in Bharuch district, where the State Monitoring Cell seized around 958 boxes containing 23,460 bottles of IMFL and beer valued at Rs 1,43,84,200.

The raid was conducted by Police Sub-Inspector J.S. Rajput on the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway near the outskirts of Khalpiya village under Ankleshwar Rural police station limits.

Police also seized a vehicle and two mobile phones, taking the total value of the seized property to Rs 1,74,09,200. One person, Anwarsha Mohammad Hanif Belgavkar, a resident of Hubli in Karnataka, was arrested.

Five others are wanted, including a person identified as Sheth, who allegedly sent the liquor consignment from Haryana, Sikandar Sheikh of Hubli, and three others, including the person who allegedly ordered the consignment and the truck owner.

In Jamnagar, the State Monitoring Cell seized around 246 boxes containing 10,409 bottles of IMFL and beer valued at Rs 37,21,848.

The raid was carried out by Police Inspector R.K. Karmata on an open public road in the GIDC area of Naghedi village in connection with the alleged cutting and distribution of liquor.

Five vehicles, four mobile phones, cash and other items were also seized, taking the total value of the seized property to Rs 1,37,58,491.

Two persons — Dipak alias Atapatu Jethwani of Jamnagar and Yuvrajsinh Chudasama of Naghedi — were arrested, while nine others were declared wanted.

Police said around 22 liquor transportation cases have been registered against Jethwani across Jamnagar, Kutch, Morbi and Rajkot Rural districts.

Three liquor-related cases have been registered against Chudasama in Jamnagar and Rajkot City, and police said he is wanted in a case registered at the DCB Police Station in Rajkot City.

Among the wanted accused in the Jamnagar case are Ram alias Ramko Modhwadia, Kana Modhwadia, Irfan Kasam Kateliya, Jignesh alias Jigo Vinod Khichda, Aspak of Nuh in Haryana and Rahul Razaq of Bharatpur in Rajasthan.

Police said around 49 cases have been registered against Ram alias Ramko in Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Patan and Surendranagar districts, while five cases are registered against Kana in Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka, eight against Irfan in Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka, and around 15 against Jignesh in Jamnagar.

Three other wanted persons include the owners of vehicles found at the spot. In Ahmedabad Rural, the cell seized around 35 boxes containing 410 bottles of IMFL and beer valued at Rs 13,36,064 during a raid at Chitrakut Society, within the limits of Kolat village in Sanand taluka.

Police Inspector Y.J. Rathod led the operation. One vehicle and two mobile phones were also seized, taking the total value of the property to Rs 14,26,064. Kunj Patel of Bodakdev in Ahmedabad, was arrested.

Five others are wanted, including Arvindbhai Chhaganbhai Patel of Bodakdev and a person who allegedly sent the foreign liquor consignment from Haryana through transport, along with three other accused.

In Valsad, Police Inspector A.Y. Baloch conducted a raid on a public road at Chokifaliya in Kalsargam under Pardi taluka. Police seized around 60 boxes containing 2,051 bottles of IMFL and beer valued at Rs 5,90,784.

Ten vehicles and two mobile phones were also seized, taking the total value of the property to Rs 19,86,284. Sanjay alias Sanjay Bhayo Singh, a resident of Udvada in Valsad district and originally from Ara district in Bihar, was arrested.

Notices were issued to two persons, identified as female accused, while Bipin Patel of Daman, Kapil Bhandari of Orwad in Pardi and Kunal Patel were declared wanted.

Cases were registered against all the accused under relevant sections and further investigations are underway.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Oct 5 (IANS) India has demonstrated its first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over a distance of 5.56 km, with a field trial successfully establishing a secure quantum communication channel between the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar.

The trial was conducted on the night of September 27-28 by QNu Labs in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.

It used QNu Labs’ Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking system to maintain the free-space optical link and achieved a stable Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below five per cent.

The system generated secure keys at a rate of 230-260 bits per second.

These keys were subsequently integrated with BISAG-N’s post-quantum cryptography-enabled Vedic Kavach platform, allowing successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages.

The demonstration brought together two complementary approaches to quantum security.

QNu Labs’ hardware-based Armos QKD device was used over free-space optical channels, while Vedic Kavach provided software-based post-quantum cryptography along with quantum random number generation.

The integrated architecture is designed to remain resilient even when the physical quantum communication channel is temporarily unavailable.

Dr Vinay Thakur, Director General, BISAG-N, said the integration of Vedic Kavach with QNu Labs’ QKD technology marked “a significant step towards practical quantum-resilient communication systems”.

Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of QNu Labs, said: "The successful 5.56-km demonstration paved the way for longer-distance quantum-secure networks and satellite-based quantum communication."

Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd), In-charge, ISTF, IIT Gandhinagar, said the demonstration provided a valuable field environment for advancing practical quantum communication technologies.

"It showed how academia, indigenous technology and real-world experimentation could be integrated to address emerging secure communication requirements," he added.

Free-space QKD transmits quantum signals through optical channels in open air rather than through fibre, making it a potential option for communication links where deploying fibre is challenging.

The technology also has potential applications in longer-distance and satellite-based quantum communication.

The trial provides a foundation for advancing India’s secure communication infrastructure and strengthening resilience against emerging quantum-era security threats.

BISAG-N, an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, works in areas including space technology applications, satellite communication and geo-informatics, while IIT Gandhinagar, established in 2008, focuses on interdisciplinary research and education across engineering, science, technology, humanities and social sciences.

QNu Labs, founded in 2016, develops quantum-secure digital infrastructure and describes itself as a pioneer in sovereign quantum security products and solutions.

--IANS

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Sabarkantha, Oct 5 (IANS) Illegal cultivation of ganja concealed among cotton crops was detected at two locations in Sabarkantha district's Poshina taluka of Gujarat, with police seizing more than 475 kg of the narcotic substance and arresting four people, the police said.

The Special Operations Group (SOG) said on Sunday that it seized 666 ganja plants weighing 401.730 kg and valued at Rs 2,00,86,500 crore from agricultural land in Anjani village.

One person, identified as Shrinbhai Gamar, was arrested, while another accused, Manabhai Gamar, remained to be arrested.

The SOG said its personnel were patrolling villages along the Poshina border under operations related to the ATS Charter when two personnel received information from human sources about ganja being cultivated on land allegedly under Gamar's possession in Jalera Faliya of Anjani.

As the team could not immediately visit the location, technical surveillance was used to verify the information.

A subsequent search found ganja plants being cultivated under the cover of cotton crops, following which action was initiated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

In a separate operation in the Ro-Padola Faliya area of Kalikankar village, Poshina Police Station personnel seized 322 ganja plants valued at Rs 36,83,400 and weighing 73.662 kg.

Three men -- Jayeshbhai Gamar, 30, Arjunbhai Gamar, 31, and Govindbhai Gamar, 33 -- were arrested.

Police said the three accused were residents of Kalikankar's Ro-Padola Faliya and that the ganja was cultivated on agricultural land under their possession, again concealed among cotton crops.

The second operation followed information received by Surveillance PSI V.B. Meghnathi through a human source while he and other personnel were patrolling the Poshina Police Station area.

The team subsequently visited the location, verified the information and conducted a search, leading to the recovery.

Police said legal action under the NDPS Act had been initiated in both cases.

--IANS

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Aizawl, Oct 5 (IANS) The Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte in Mizoram conducted an intensive training programme for 83 NCC cadets, providing the young boys and girls an opportunity to undergo training in the professional environment of one of the Indian Army’s premier training institutions, officials said on Sunday.

The CIJWS is an elite Indian Army training and research establishment specialising in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. It is regarded as one of the world’s premier institutions for such training, with military personnel from several countries undergoing specialised counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training at the school.

A defence spokesman said that the two-week programme (September 21 to October 4) was conceived to take the cadets beyond routine NCC training and expose them to the discipline, physical standards, field skills and team spirit of military life.

The cadets underwent drill, physical training, firing, map reading, fieldcraft, survival training, first aid and team-building activities, while also receiving an introduction to jungle warfare, weapons, equipment and night-vision devices. An important part of the programme was exposure to the changing character of warfare, the spokesman said.

The defence spokesman said that visits to the Information and Research Centre, IED Hall and Technovation Hall familiarised the cadets with technology, innovation and developments relevant to modern military training. The camp also provided a platform for motivational interaction, encouraging the cadets to develop confidence, discipline, leadership and a spirit of service.

“Training together in mixed groups further promoted camaraderie and a sense of collective identity amongst youth drawn from different parts of Mizoram,” the spokesman said.

The initiative assumes particular significance as CIJW School continues to deepen its engagement with the youth of the state. By bringing NCC cadets into the School’s training environment, the endeavour seeks to broaden their exposure, strengthen their connection with national institutions, and inspire them to participate more in nation-building and national service opportunities, the official stated.

The programme reflects CIJW School’s sustained effort to invest in the youth and to use its professional training capabilities not only for military excellence, but also for character building, national integration and strengthening the bond between the Indian Army and the local community, the defence spokesman stated.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, Oct 5 (IANS) The Israeli Foreign Ministry has said that the world saw Israelis, Emiratis and Indians showing extraordinary courage and standing together against terror during the attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv earlier this week.

"The terror attack on the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv was more than an attack on Israelis. It was an attack on Israel–UAE relations and everything the Abraham Accords represent. Instead, the world saw Israelis, Emiratis and Indians showing extraordinary courage and standing together against terror. Terror will not derail the progress transforming our region," the Ministry said on Sunday in a post on social media platform X.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame at Israel's next Independence Day ceremony, describing the Indian pilot who foiled a mid-air attack as a "hero of India, Israel and the entire world", during a telephone conversation with him earlier.

"Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world," Netanyahu told Captain Machchhar.

"I wish you a very speedy and complete recovery," he added.

The Israeli Prime Minister said the honour was usually reserved for his country's own citizens.

"It's our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It's usually reserved for Israeli citizens. But I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you (Captain Smit Machchhar). They do now and they will then too," he added.

Netanyahu, who was told by the pilot how the attack unfolded in the cockpit, said he was amazed by his conduct.

"I'm amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions," the Israeli Prime Minister said, adding that what the Captain did was remarkable and that it bordered on the miraculous.

He said the pilot had saved more than the lives of those on board.

"You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil, however threatening, however violent. It's something that is being justly hailed around the world," Netanyahu said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj has sounded an alert within the party, claiming that “something big” is being planned by the Central government. Bharadwaj has consequently called an emergency meeting of key party office-bearers at the AAP office.

In a post shared on X, Bharadwaj instructed all district presidents, Vidhan Sabha presidents and ward observers to attend the meeting at 12 noon. His message, which was brief but pointed, did not provide details about the nature of the alleged government plan or the information on which the warning was based.

The announcement has sparked speculation within political circles in Delhi, particularly because the meeting has been described as an “Emergency Meeting.” The mobilisation of senior organisational functionaries from across districts, Assembly constituencies and wards indicates that the party leadership wants to discuss the matter urgently and coordinate its response at the grassroots level.

Bharadwaj’s warning comes amid continued political confrontation between the AAP and the Central government. The Delhi unit has frequently accused the Centre of using its agencies and administrative powers against opposition leaders and parties, allegations that the government has rejected.

The meeting is expected to provide greater clarity on what Bharadwaj meant by his assertion that “something big” was being planned. Party leaders and workers are likely to discuss the possible political implications and decide on the next course of action.

For now, however, Bharadwaj has not publicly disclosed any specific details about the alleged plan. The emergency gathering at noon is therefore likely to be closely watched, with the AAP leadership’s discussions potentially shedding light on the basis of the warning and the party’s proposed response, said analysts.

The AAP has also raised several issues against the BJP government in Delhi.

--IANS

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London, Oct 4 (IANS) England will look to carry the momentum from their emphatic 7-0 demolition of Croatia into their next UEFA Nations League encounter against the Czech Republic, with head coach Thomas Tuchel bolstering his squad by calling up Manchester City defender Rico Lewis.

Lewis has been promoted from the England Under-21 squad after City teammate Nico O’Reilly was forced to withdraw from the senior setup with an injury.

Lewis’ return provides further depth to an England squad that has been strengthened by the team’s recent run of results. The Manchester City defender has five senior caps but has not played for the Three Lions since November 2024, when he featured in the 3-0 win over Greece.

England produced one of their most convincing performances of the campaign against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday, scoring seven times without reply.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet as England dominated from the opening whistle.

Kane opened the scoring inside eight minutes before Bellingham doubled the advantage in the 21st minute. Gordon added a third six minutes before half-time, with Saka making it 4-0 on the stroke of the interval.

Kane completed his brace after the break before Saka struck again, while Rogers rounded off the rout late in the game.

The result gave England their second win of the Nations League campaign and continued their strong start under Tuchel. The Three Lions currently have six points from three matches and sit second in the group, behind leaders Spain, who have a perfect nine points.

England are also six points clear of the Czech Republic, who are yet to register a point. Tuchel’s side had already defeated the Czechs 2-0 in Prague on September 29, with Gordon and Kane finding the net.

O’Reilly, meanwhile, has returned to Manchester City for further assessment after picking up a knock. The midfielder was part of England’s squad during the international break and featured in the 3-2 defeat to Spain.

--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, Oct 4 (IANS) Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has strongly reacted to her sexually explicit deepfake video doing rounds on the Internet.

On Sunday, the actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and penned a long note in which she criticised those who made the deepfake video. She lashed out at them for their lack of understanding on the concept of consent, and called the content bordering on sexual assault.

She wrote, “The criminal misuse of technology to objectify women and circulate fictionalised content without consent is deeply violating, bordering on sexual assault. Almost every woman in my industry has faced some version of this, and women everywhere are increasingly being subjected to it. Consent, choice and respect for a woman's body should be among the most basic notions of humanity. Yet somehow, they continue to be treated as complicated. They are not. It is surprising that it still seems too nuanced for some people to understand that even if a woman says yes five days in a row and no on the sixth, that no must be respected”.

The clip in question is a doctored clip from her film ‘Devara’ in which she starred opposite NTR Jr.

The actress further mentioned that if a woman happens to wear a miniskirt, it does not give anyone permission to put a camera up her skirt, capture violating angles or visually exploit her body.

She continued, “What a woman is comfortable with, where she draws the LINE and what she chooses to do with her body are decisions that belong exclusively to her. This is basic. This goes far beyond the AI videos I have dealt with over the last few days, or anything I have personally experienced throughout my career. It is about the larger reality of being a woman, the gaze, the judgement, the constant negotiation for safety, and the feeling that our boundaries somehow remain open to interpretation”.

She went on, “That threat has now expanded into the digital sphere, when we have not even adequately addressed the very real, physical fear that continues to disrupt the lives of women every day. The answer cannot simply be to "Protect your daughter." We also need to undo the conditioning that makes people believe they are entitled to violate somebody else's boundaries in the first place. And part of that change will come from exemplary men with the moral compass and the spine to say clearly what is right and what is wrong”, she added.

The actress expressed her gratitude to her co-actor, NTR Jr for standing up for her.

“I am deeply touched by ntr sir for taking such a strong stand and condemning this violation. Thank you, sir. When someone whom millions look up to speaks up about something that may not directly concern him, it makes a difference to every woman who has experienced some degree of this behaviour. Thank you also to chiranjeevi sir, Vijay and khushbu ma'am for amplifying that sentiment and calling for action against this mentality and these immoral practices. I hope everything unfolding around us right now forces those who participate in any form of harassment to introspect. Is it really too much for a woman to ask to simply be treated and seen as a human being? Her body. Her image. Her boundaries. Her choice”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who was recently seen in the Marathi biopic ‘Raja Shivaji’, has issued a clarification with regards to his recent statement about the diminishing levels of peace in the country, of late.

On Sunday, the actor took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note, as said that his statement was part of a scripted show, and has been taken out of context.

He wrote, “I would like to clarify that it was never my intention to hurt, offend, or disrespect the sentiments of any individual, community, or institution”.

He further mentioned, “My remarks were made in the context of a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous. The spirit behind them was similar to the humour and satire seen in films like Munna Bhai, particularly the concept of 'Gandhigiri’, which was intended to convey a message of love, warmth, togetherness, and goodwill. Unfortunately, my words were interpreted outside of that intended context”.

However, the netizens were in no mood to believe him. One user wrote, “I liked that sanju baba more. This one feels scripted and out of context”.

Another user wrote, “Stupid explanation. You meant every-word you said. You should have suffered in jail like every terror supporter but since congress was behind you life gave you undeserving chances but once an asshole is always an asshole. Bomb-blast from 1992 to 2006 was a peaceful time for you”.

A 3rd user wrote, “‘Scripted conversation’. So, is Shekhar Suman telling his guests what answers to give on the show?”

The actor recently found himself embroiled in a controversy after his comments on Shekhar Suman’s chat show ‘Shekhar Tonite’ sparked backlash on social media.

During his appearance on the show, the actor had said, “The people of this country are so lovely. There should be peace here. I can’t feel that peace in our country anymore. We Indians are large-hearted people and we are hospitable. We have given so much, and we should always remain that way. I pray to Shivji that those days come back soon”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni recently met celebrated singer Nitin Mukesh and his family.

On Sunday, Nitin shared a picture with Dhoni on his official Instagram handle. He revealed that the former Indian cricket captain loves his father Mukesh's popular track, 'Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon' and not just that, he sings it passionately as well.

Calling Dhoni a 'National Treasure', Nitin Mukesh wrote the caption, "I HAVE TWO REASONS TO BE PROUD OF TODAY : FIRSTLY , THAT I MET THIS ILLUSTRIOUS , LEGENDARY SON OF INDIA…SECONDLY , HE LOVES THE SONG “MAIN PAL DO PAL KA SHAYAR HU“ AND THAT HE SINGS IT TOO… WITH THE SAME PASSION…YOU ARE A NATIONAL TREASURE , MS DHONI SIR…“THALA” FOR A REASON….(sic)"

In another cute coincidence, both Dhoni and Nitin Mukesh were seen twinning in blue.

Nitin Mukesh loves to share such memorable updates from his life on social media.

Recently, Nitin Mukesh remembered legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary on September 28.

Paying her an emotional tribute, he dropped a photo of the late singer alongside his younger self.

“Each living moment I long to hear you in person... Till we meet once again, let the Gods rejoice with your music," he captioned the post.

Nitin Mukesh stepped into singing in the 1970s.

Some of his most noteworthy tracks include "Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi" – (Kranti), "Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja" – (Noorie), "So Gaya Yeh Jahan" – (Tezaab), "My Name Is Lakhan" – (Ram Lakhan), "Tu Mujhe Suna" – (Chandni ), "Zindagi Har Kadam Ek Nai Jung Hai" – (Meri Jung), "Wafa Na Raas Aayee" – (Bewafa Sanam), "Woh Kehte Hain Humse" – (Dariya Dil) and "Is Jahaan Ki Nahin Hain Tumhari Aankhein" – King Uncle.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Veteran actress Zeenat Aman once opened up about associating fame with self-worth as she interacted with filmmaker Karan Johar during his popular chat show, 'Koffee With Karan'.

Sharing her views on the matter, the 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' actress pointed out that fame is a very fickle thing, and hence it might not be wise to base one's sense of worth on it. Zeenat Aman added that people's emotions change towards you according to where you are on the social ladder.

Talking about how fame works, she told KJo, "Fame is such a fickle thing, and you cannot hinge your sense of self-worth, you know, on that because one day you're loved, the next day you're disliked, the third day you're hated, the fourth day you're pitied, and a few days down the road they will resurrect you again. So, why would you base your sense of self-worth on something as fickle as that?"

One of the most bankable actresses of her time, Zeenat Aman won the Femina Miss India and the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant back in 1970. After this, Zeenat Aman stepped into Bollywood with the 1971 release 'Hulchul'.

However, she rose to fame with Dev Anand's 'Haré Rama Haré Krishna', where the two were seen as brother and sister.

During her career, she went on to star in several memorable movies such as 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)', 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)', 'Ajanabee (1974)', 'Warrant (1975)', 'Chori Mera Kaam (1975)', 'Dharam Veer (1977)', 'Chhailla Babu (1977)', 'Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)', and 'The Great Gambler (1979),' to name just a few.

Talking about her personal life, Zeenat Aman married actor and director Sanjay Khan in the late 1970s. However, they got separated within about a year. After this, she married actor Mazhar Khan in 1985 and was married to him until his death in 1998.

--IANS

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