New Delhi/Chandigarh, June 7 (IANS) Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will on Monday address the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II North Zone Conference in Chandigarh, said an official.

The conference themed "Role of Aware Society and Legislators in Realising Future Challenges and the Goal of Viksit Bharat 2047" is scheduled to take place from June 8–9 at the Haryana Legislative Assembly, said the official in a statement.

The two-day regional conclave will bring together Presiding Officers, Speakers, and legislators from across northern India to brainstorm on aligning legislative efforts with this long-term national roadmap.

The conference serves as a vital collaborative forum to deliberate on strengthening parliamentary institutions, improving modern legislative practices, and promoting seamless democratic cooperation across the region, said the statement.

By gathering key decision-makers under one roof, the event aims to create an actionable dialogue between elected representatives and the public. Participants will analyse upcoming socio-economic hurdles and design proactive governance frameworks to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly developing nation, it said.

Representing the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Gupta will actively participate in these high-level sessions to share insights on empowering citizens and expanding public participation in the legislative process.

Through a constructive exchange of parliamentary best practices, the attending dignitaries aim to establish a stronger roadmap for lawmakers to effectively address regional issues, ultimately ensuring that both a vigilant society and dedicated legislators work in tandem toward the vision of a transformed India by 2047, said the statement.

Earlier, Gupta joined Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in launching the inaugural issue of 'Vidhan-Chetna’, a quarterly journal of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, along with the momentous release of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924-1930) published in 89 volumes.

The Delhi Speaker said the landmark event represented a vital bridge between India's rich parliamentary legacy and its contemporary legislative evolution.

Gupta, who chaired the event, said the ceremony underscored a deep commitment to preserving institutional history while fostering modern democratic discourse.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) To mark the completion of 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government, the Delhi BJP on Sunday kicked off from Karawal Nagar its public outreach programme, Seva Samarpan Pakhwada (fortnight of service and dedication), for all 70 Assembly constituencies, a party leader said.

The Seva Samarpan Pakhwada is being observed on the call of PM Modi, and through these programmes, BJP workers will present the achievements of both the Central government and the Delhi government before the public, said a statement.

The first public meeting as part of the drive was held in the Karawal Nagar Assembly constituency. The gathering was addressed by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra in the presence of local MLA and Delhi Government Minister Kapil Mishra.

On the occasion, a Rs 138-crore sewer development project was announced for Karawal Nagar.

MP Manoj Tiwari, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, MLA Ajay Mahawar, and North-East District BJP President Dr U.K. Chaudhary also addressed the gathering.

Delhi BJP President and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said that despite the BJP being in opposition in Delhi for 11 out of the last 12 years, PM Modi consistently delivered major infrastructure projects to the city.

He highlighted the development of roads, Metro networks, the Delhi–Meerut rail corridor, Bharat Mandapam, and the new convention complex in Dwarka, which have strengthened Delhi’s status as a world-class destination for international events and conferences.

Malhotra said it was a matter of pride that, together with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government had launched a Rs 138-crore sewer development project for Karawal Nagar and had also succeeded in substantially improving the cleanliness of the Yamuna River stretch between Sonia Vihar and Wazirabad.

Chief Minister Gupta stated that Karawal Nagar had long struggled with issues related to drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply, and basic infrastructure. She said the Delhi Government is committed to providing permanent solutions to these challenges, and the foundation of the new project marks a major step in that direction.

She emphasised that the government's objective is not merely to make announcements but to deliver tangible results on the ground. Accordingly, large-scale development works have been initiated to expand the sewer network, strengthen drainage systems, and improve civic amenities in the constituency.

The Chief Minister noted that development projects worth more than Rs 300 crore have been approved for Karawal Nagar over the past year through various funding mechanisms, including the Chief Minister’s Development Fund, MLA Fund, and the Yamuna Paar Development Board.

--IANS

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Dehradun/New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) Himanshu Dhillon of Haryana clinched a last shot win over Parth Rakesh Mane of Maharashtra in the men’s 10m air rifle final, even as Uttar Pradesh’s Deeksha Vaishya and Madhya Pradesh’s Suraj Sharma won their respective matches, as the first finals of the T4 national selection trials for Rifle and Pistol shooters, unfolded at the Trishul Shooting range of the Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun on Sunday.

Himanshu was 0.2 behind Parth ahead of the 24th and final shot of the men’s air rifle final and a 10.6 to the latter’s 10.3, sealed the win by the narrowest of margins as Himanshu ended with 252.2 on the board. Delhi’s Parth Makhija took bronze.

In the women’s air rifle, Deeksha began strong, going into the lead in the second five-shot series and despite a strong field chasing her, held strong to ward off Ashi Chouksey by 1.2, finishing with 252.7. Railways’ Sonam Uttam Maskar took bronze.

In the third final of the day, Suraj Sharma took the win with a score of 29 in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol (RFP) final. Ankur Goel of Uttarakhand was second with 27, while Bhavesh Shekhawat was third with 25 hits.

In the national rankings however, Parth took top spot while Himanshu came in second. After the T4 women’s air rifle, Sonam Maskar benefitted most, going up to second behind Elavenil Valarivan, while Navy veteran Omkar Singh took second spot behind Anish in the domestic men’s RFP rankings after the day’s results.

The T4 Rifle/Pistol trials are important from the upcoming Asian Games perspective, where 15 men and 15 women shooters will participate in the 28 shooting events. The 12-member Shotgun team has already been announced while the Rifle and Pistol teams will be announced after these trials.

--IANS

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Rajouri, June 7 (IANS) The impact of Central government-aided poultry farming under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is becoming increasingly visible.

A resident in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, who set up a poultry farm with government assistance sometime ago, has built a flourishing enterprise giving employment to local residents and inspiring others to follow his footsteps.

In fact, Ehtesham is not alone. Many unemployed youths are farmers here are turning to poultry farming as a reliable source of income.

Ehtesham's success story is from Tandwal-Mubarakpura area, where he established a poultry unit with the support of the Animal Husbandry Department and is now earning about Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per month.

The venture has created employment opportunities for local residents, demonstrating how government-backed initiatives are contributing to economic development at the grassroots level.

The beneficiary credited his success to government aid and expressed gratitude to the Centre for guiding unemployed youth with monetary assistance, subsidies, and technical guidance, thereby helping them transform their dreams into reality.

Dr. Khalid, the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer of Rajouri, said that poultry farming has emerged as a promising livelihood option in the district, as dozens of units are operating successfully under various government schemes.

He added that the department is making every effort to ensure that beneficiaries receive proper guidance, training, and support to establish and expand their ventures.

According to Dr. Khalid, these schemes are particularly benefiting educated, unemployed youths who are seeking self-employment opportunities close to their homes.

Ehtesham told IANS, "We started a poultry farming venture where we raise chickens and sell eggs. This initiative was launched under a scheme by the Central government's Department of Animal Husbandry. My father learned about this scheme some time ago; prior to this, we had no employment or source of income to run our household."

"After learning about the animal husbandry scheme that provides employment opportunities, my father applied for it. The Department of Animal Husbandry provided the chicks to start the poultry farm and facilitated both training and a loan," he added.

He also said, "Before starting this venture, life was very difficult, and we had to take on debt to manage household expenses. Currently, in the initial phase, we are earning between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000 from the poultry farm. We have also provided employment to five people at the farm."

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 7 (IANS) Before coming to power, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said that he would stand by the BJP workers who were killed in the post-election violence in the state in 2021. After taking oath as the Chief Minister, he had promised jobs to the families of the deceased.

On Sunday, Adhikari made a major announcement at a meeting at the New Town Convention Centre, stating that a member from each of the families of 315 deceased party workers would be given an appointment letter by the end of June. In addition, a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The BJP had made an all-out bid to come to power in West Bengal during the 2021 Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the state repeatedly for campaigning and had set a target of winning 200 seats. However, that goal remained unfulfilled.

Far from reaching the 200-seat mark, the BJP could not even cross the 80-seat threshold. The Trinamool Congress returned to power with an absolute majority.

Following its electoral victory, Trinamool Congress workers were accused of unleashing a wave of violence against BJP workers across the state. Houses of BJP workers were vandalised, and it was alleged that 321 BJP workers were killed. Legal battles relating to these incidents yielded little result.

In the 2026 Assembly elections, the people of West Bengal gave the BJP an absolute majority. Consequently, the families of the victims and the deceased hoped for justice, and those expectations are now being addressed by the new BJP government.

Following the political change, Adhikari visited Falta during the election campaign and announced that he would provide government jobs to family members of party workers killed in post-poll violence. He also assured support for those who had been attacked.

Naturally, this promise offered a glimmer of hope to the families of the deceased, although doubts remained regarding the timeline for the promised jobs.

Now, Adhikari has made a fresh announcement that appointment letters will be handed over to a family member of each deceased victim within this month. Additionally, a one-time financial grant of Rs 5 lakh will be provided.

The announcement has brought relief to the families of the deceased.

--IANS

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Islamabad, June 7 (IANS) The latest spell of storms in Pakistan, despite being predicted in advance have once again exposed the gap between preparedness and response. The recurrence of disruption under predictable conditions showcases a cycle that will continue to occur without meaningful intervention, a report has stated.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had predicted the latest spell of rains and thunderstorms in advance and placed several regions on alert. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan were all classified as vulnerable zones between April 12 and 17. The warnings were issued timely and were district specific, yet the disruptions that followed showcases that only the presence of information cannot translate it into preparedness, according to the report in ETRUTH MV.

Vulnerable areas, including areas like Chitral and Swat and densely populated regions like Lahore and Rawalpindi, were identified well in advance. These predictions provide information about expected rainfall intensity, wind patterns, and potential hazards and allow authorities to mobilise resources, coordinate responses, and mitigate risks before they materialise. However, the recurring disruption in Pakistan caused by seasonal storms suggests that these opportunities are not being fully used. The agencies issue warning, but there is absence of timely and effective action, as per the report.

Even moderate rainfall can cause significant disruption in the major cities of Pakistan. Flooded streets, traffic jams, and power outages occur in Pakistan due to weather events that are neither extreme nor unexpected. The risks linked to storms are different but foreseeable for the northern and mountainous regions of Pakistan. Landslides, road blockades and temporary isolation of regions occur in Pakistan during periods of heavy rainfall.

"Pakistan’s experience with seasonal storms illustrates a broader challenge in governance: the ability to translate information into action. The forecasts are increasingly precise, the risks are well understood, and the institutional frameworks are in place. Yet the outcomes remain largely unchanged," the report in ETruth MV stated.

"The latest spell of storms, despite being clearly anticipated, has once again exposed the gap between preparedness and response. The recurrence of disruption under predictable conditions highlights a cycle that continues without meaningful interruption. As the country moves through another season of weather-related challenges, the pattern remains consistent. Warnings are issued, impacts follow, and the underlying issues persist—unchanged, unaddressed, and increasingly difficult to ignore," it added.

Earlier in May, at least two people were killed, and 11 others were injured in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed parts of the province.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that fatalities were reported from Mardan in rain-related incidents, while injuries were reported in Battagram, Swat and Mardan, Pakistan's daily The Express Tribune reported.

According to the PDMA report, four people were injured in Battagram, one in Mardan and six in Swat. Houses and infrastructure have also suffered damage due to severe weather conditions in several districts.

As per the report, three houses in Shangla and one house in Battagram were completely destroyed while another 27 houses suffered partial damage, including five in Torghar, two in Swat, one each in Upper Dir and Mardan, The Express Tribune reported. A school in Shangla also suffered damage due to adverse weather conditions.

--IANS

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Riyadh, June 7 (IANS) An Indian classical music performance was organised by the Embassy of India in Riyadh, highlighting the strong cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

The Indian Embassy, along with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia (RCRCSA), organised an Indian classical music concert ‘Desert Harmony’ with the internationally acclaimed Indian Musician Shujaat Husain Khan.

“An unforgettable evening in Riyadh! Desert Harmony – Sitar Melodies, presented by the Embassy of India with (RCRCSA), brought the soul of Indian classical music to a captivated audience comprising Saudi Government officials, diplomats, the Indian community, and music lovers,” the embassy wrote on X on Sunday.

“Grateful to the legendary Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan for a truly mesmerising performance. The evening highlighted the strong cultural ties between India & Saudi Arabia and the shared appreciation for music that brings people together,” the embassy added.

Earlier this week, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Suhel Khan, welcomed Hussain Khan to Riyadh.

“Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan warmly welcomed the internationally acclaimed Sitar Maestro Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan to Riyadh today,” the Embassy said on Friday.

The embassy further emphasised that the event promises an unforgettable evening of musical excellence and cultural exchange, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and appreciation between India and Saudi Arabia through the universal language of music.

The event was held at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, on Friday.

Last year, India and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU on Cultural Cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Culture, “the MoU aims to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries by fostering cooperation across a wide range of cultural fields, including arts, heritage, music, and literature. It focuses on promoting cultural exchanges, sharing regulatory and policy experiences, and facilitating participation in festivals and events.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon, during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence here on Sunday, apprised him that drug trafficking is destroying the youths, and gangsterism is flourishing.

“The wide-ranging meeting covered the alarming spread of drugs in the state, the deteriorating internal security environment under the Aam Aadmi Party government, cross-border smuggling of narcotics and weapons, and the overall ground situation in the border state,” the BJP said in a statement in Chandigarh.

“In a gesture rich with cultural and historical significance, Dhillon presented Home Minister Amit Shah with a book on Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh -- the great Sikh emperor who unified Punjab and symbolises its glory, valour, and sovereignty -- along with a portrait of the Maharaja. The gesture is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the BJP’s deep reverence for Punjab’s heritage and its commitment to honouring the state’s illustrious history,” it said.

Speaking to the media here after the meeting, Dhillon said: “I am grateful to Home Minister Amit Shah for his time and his deep concern for Punjab. Punjab is a border state with immense strategic importance, and the AAP government has utterly failed its people. “Drug trafficking is destroying our youth, gangsterism is flourishing, and law and order has collapsed. I apprised the Home Minister of the ground realities and urged the Central government’s continued support in ensuring the safety and security of every Punjabi.

“I also had the honour of presenting him a book and portrait of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji -- a reminder of the greatness Punjab is capable of, and the greatness we must restore.” Dhillon further emphasised that the BJP would leave no stone unturned to expose the AAP government’s failure to protect Punjab’s citizens and would work in close coordination with the Central government to ensure that the voices of Punjab’s people reach the highest levels of authority.

The meeting was part of Dhillon’s ongoing engagement with senior Union Ministers following his assumption of charge as the Punjab President, reflecting the party’s commitment to placing the state’s concerns squarely on the national agenda.

--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, June 7 (IANS) One of the most popular names in the television industry, Ankita Lokhande, wished television and film producer Ekta Kapoor as she turned a year older on Sunday.

Taking to her Insta Stories, Ankita wished the television mogul happiness, good health, and success in the post that read, "Happy Birthday @ektarkapoor Heres to the woman who changed my life!

Wishing you endless happiness, good health, and all the success in the world. May this year bring you even more love and beautiful memories. Love you Mam. (sic)"

For the unversed, Ankita played the lead in Ekta's hit television serial, "Pavitra Rishta," which also starred Sushant Singh Rajput.

The show established Ankita and Sushant as household names, lovingly referred to by their character names Archana and Manav. It is the third-longest-running Indian television series on Zee TV.

Apart from Ankita, another popular television actress, Krystle Dsouza, also used social media to wish Ekta on her special day.

She expressed her gratitude to Ekta for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to play the lead in the show, "Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai", co-starring Nia Sharma.

Krystle shared on Instagram, "Happy Birthday to the woman who somehow ended up being my sister, mother, therapist, emergency contact, life coach and best friend all in one person. A lot of who I am today exists because you believed in me before I believed in myself (sic)."

"I love you more than words, and thank you for loving me through every version of me...Forever your favourite problem," she added.

Sharing the heartmelting tale of two sisters, "Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai" aired on StarPlus from October 2011 to September 2013. It is also digitally available on Disney+ Hotstar.

Many others from the fraternity wished Ekta on social media.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 7 (IANS) Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta reflected on what is killing the movie experience in theatres via his latest social media post.

The 'Kaante' maker revealed that contrary to popular opinion, platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime, and Hotstar are not responsible for the present situation of the industry, but the bad stories, inspired writing and predictable acting of the stars are what have forced the audience away from the cinema halls.

Sanjay further pointed out that another reason is the hiked prices of the theatre food, stopping people from enjoying the wholesome theatre experience with their loved ones.

Taking to his X (Previously known as X) timeline, Sanjay wrote, "YouTube, Netflix, Prime, Hotstar, Satellite TV aren't killing movies. 700 rupee popcorn tubs and 450 rupee cold drinks aided by bad stories, lazy writing and stars who stopped surprising us are. The audience hasn't left. They've been abandoned. (sic)."

In the comment section, many shared their own views on why movies have stopped working in the cinema halls.

One of the X users wrote, "You've missed one more point Greed of producers and actors to hike ticket rates."

Another one penned, "Also don't forget The cancerous woke culture and The biiggest cancer of all 'Political Correctness'".

The third comment read, "#Bollywood died because of #Multiplex culture. It forgot to protect it's single screen theatres. It mocked its most loyal patrons, the labourers, the common man, the idealist. It also died because of #OTT & #Nepotism & unchecked greed to make a quick buck by costly tickets."

Starting his career with 'Aatish: Feel the Fire' in 1994, Sanjay later wrote and directed films including 'Ram Shastra', 'Khauff', and 'Jung'.

Some of his most noteworthy projects include, 'Kaante', 'Kaabil', 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', 'Shootout at Wadala, Jazbaa', 'Karam', 'Zinda', and 'Mumbai Saga', along with others.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 7 (IANS) British actress Emilia Clarke was fuming upon learning Daenerys Targaryen's fate in the fan-favourite series ‘Game of Thrones’.

The actress recently recalled being "absolutely livid" when she was told about the same. The 39-year-old actress played the Mother of Dragons in the hit HBO fantasy series, between 2011 and 2019, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She still feels "bummed" that her alter ego's love interest Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington) killed her in the final episode in a bid to protect the realm from her tyrannical ways. Emilia recalled Daenerys' last words to Jon were, “We break the wheel together”.

She told ‘Variety’, “That is the last thing I say before the cheeky little s*** stabs me. F****** outrageous. I was so p*****. I was absolutely livid. Outside of the controversy around her actions, him killing me really bummed me out. Kinda rude. I gave that man everything, burned cities to the ground for him, for us. I'm over it, clearly. I'm so over it, it's unreal. Livid”.

Emilia recalled how she spent hours in a "daze" after first reading the scripts for the final season and discovering Daenerys' final arc.

She said, “I just landed from a holiday and turned my phone on, and it went ‘Bing’. Of course, there it is. Went home, sat down and did what I always do, which is read them all the way through, and then found myself walking out of the house in a daze, forgot my keys, forgot my phone, forgot everything, and just walked for hours to try to assimilate what it was that I had to do that season”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the actress had an "existential crisis" after the show ended and it took her "years" to process the impact of the show.

She said, “You always get a bit emotional at the end of every single shoot. But this was like, ‘I don't know what's happening to me’, kind of crying. It was such a significant part of my life that was the entryway to my career, that ending it and then Covid happening, existential crisis here I come”.

“It's taken me years to comprehend what it was. It's taken me years to comprehend what it meant. I meet as many people who haven't watched it as who have. So, I'm just grateful that it happened. But I still can't quite wrap my head around it, if that makes sense”, she added.

Emilia will always feel "grateful" to her character. She said, “I'm grateful to her. She taught me a lot”.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 7 (IANS) Hollywood actress Jodie Foster is looking back at her days on the sets of the cult-classic ‘Taxi Driver’.

The actress recently spoke about her time playing 12-year-old sex worker Iris in ‘Taxi Driver’ alongside Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Paul Schrader during the film’s 50th anniversary reunion at the Tribeca Festival, reports ‘Variety’.

One memory that remains “seared in (her) memory” is arriving on set and finding Scorsese and Robert De Niro unable to stop giggling as they tried to explain how to unzip Robert De Niro’s pants for a provocative scene.

“Marty was trying to explain to me how I was supposed to pull down (Robert De Niro’s) fly. They couldn’t stop giggling, and Bob’s like, ‘I’m gonna tell her’. He would try to tell me what to do, and then he would start giggling”, Foster recalled Friday night at the OKX Theater in lower Manhattan. “They couldn’t give me a note because they were just so nervous that I was so young”.

As the laughter continued, Foster took matters into her own hands. “And I was like, ‘Well, you just want me to, okay, fine! First I pull down the fly, then I do this and I walk over there. What’s the big deal?’”.

Half a century later, Foster’s confidence and command of a room remain intact. One of the night’s biggest laughs came when she politely (and directly) called out Schrader for beginning to answer a question without using his microphone.

“He might be sitting on it”, Scorsese quipped. This self-assurance is what impressed Scorsese the moment they met in his office before production began on the 1974 comedy ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’.

As per ‘Variety’, Foster was just 11 years old and still wearing her school uniform, but she made it clear that she already had eight years of acting experience under her belt.

“You just sat down (and said), ‘Yeah, I can do that. Okay, I got it. No problem’”, Scorsese recalled, mimicking her matter-of-fact attitude. “What are you doing next?'”, he asked, to which she said, ‘Oh, I’m doing this other thing over at Disney’”.

Foster giggled beside him, scrunching her shoulders and squirming in her seat as if she was transported back to Scorsese’s set all those years ago.

“She had an authority, I’m not kidding, an authority. She was really quite supportive, if you could put it that way, because it was a hard shoot”, Marty concluded.

--IANS

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