Hyderabad, Aug 7 (IANS) All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Naveen Pettem as the chairperson of social media department of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.

According to AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the appointment of state chairperson, convenors, coordinators and co-coordinators of the social media department of TPCC.

Naveen Pettem was earlier the coordinator of the social media department. He is also a member of the State Transport Authority.

K. Ujwal Reddy and P. Vamshi Krishna have been appointed as convenors of the department.

Ambala Sive Kumar, Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Veerapuram Ram Laxman, Geetha Ainala, MD Abid Ali and Susheel Kumar have been named as the coordinators.

According to the AICC statement, M. Bhargav Naidu, S. N. Dinesh and Fareeduddin will be the co-coordinators.

The AICC president has also approved the appointment of Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy as the state chairperson of the media and publicity department of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.

Kiran Kumar Reddy is the Member of Parliament from Bhongir constituency.

He took to X to thank Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, K. C. Venugopal and AICC leaders for entrusting him with the responsibility of state chairperson of the Media & Publicity Department of TPCC.

“I pledge to work tirelessly with TPCC leadership to effectively articulate our governance, fulfil our promises, and strengthen the party's voice across Telangana,” he said.

Meanwhile, Geetha Ainala has declined to accept her appointment as one of the coordinators of the social media department.

Geetha, who is the state convenor of TPCC Media and Communications, while thanking for the appointment, posted on X that she was not accepting this. She requested Naveen Pettem to remove her name from the list.

The reasons for her refusal to accept the appointment were not immediately known.

Meanwhile, supporters of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have criticised the Congress party for Naveen Pettem’s appointment as the chairperson of the social media department of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 7 (IANS) Guwahati Royals secured a five-wicket win with nine balls to spare, overcoming Nagaon Rangers' total of 151/7 in the second match of the day at the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on Thursday.

Skipper Rishav Das led the chase with a fine 60 and was ably supported by Sanjay Kumar Singh’s 31-ball 45. Deepak Gohain and Bastab Roy starred with the ball, scalping three wickets each to restrict Nagaon Rangers to 151/7.

Batting first, Nagaon Rangers endured a difficult start, losing Ruhinandan Pegu in the first over. Deepak Gohain then ran through the middle order, dismissing Jitu Ali, Abhijot Singh Sidhu and Bishal Roy to finish with excellent figures of 3/19, while Bastab Roy also registered figures of 3/29.

He got the prized scalp of Anurag Talukdar in the 7th over, which set their opponents back significantly. Rangers continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, and were soon reeling at 85/6 in the 12th over.

The innings was rescued by a superb late charge from Bhargav Dutta, who smashed an unbeaten 42 off just 32 balls, including two fours and four sixes, in an important stand with Dhruv Raaj Borah, who chipped in with 23. Dutta's late flourish helped Nagaon Rangers add 51 runs in the final five overs to post a fighting total of 151/7.

In response, Guwahati Royals lost opener Rohit Sen as he was trapped lbw by Rahul Singh in the second over. Sanjay Kumar Singh and skipper Rishav Das then put the chase back on track with a fluent stand, with Das striking the ball cleanly to race to 60 off just 33 balls, studded with eight fours and a six. Meanwhile, Singh made 45 off 31 deliveries as the two tailored a 97-run stand to keep the required run rate in check.

However, the breakthrough triggered a flurry of wickets as Royals lost four wickets in a span of five overs. That briefly slowed the momentum, with Akshay Kumar Deka picking up three wickets in the middle overs to keep the Rangers in the contest.

The middle-order of Royals ensured there were no further hiccups. A composed unbeaten 17 from Gunjan Jyoti Deka, along with Nipan Deka's unbeaten 11, saw Guwahati Royals coast home comfortably, finishing on 152/5 in 18.3 overs to complete a five-wicket victory.

Brief scores:

Nagaon Rangers 151/7 in 20 overs (Bhargav Dutta 42*, Dhruv Raaj Borah 23, Bishal Roy 21; Deepak Gohain 3/19, Bastab Roy 3/29, Mrinmoy Dutta 1/29).

Guwahati Royals 152/5 in 18.3 overs (Rishav Das 60, Sanjay Kumar Singh 45, Nibir Deka 14; Akshay Kumar Deka 3/37, Rahul Singh 1/21).

Result: Guwahati Royals beat Nagaon Rangers by 5 wickets.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 7 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed issues related to the state's development and public welfare.

During the meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister on the progress of key development projects and welfare schemes being implemented by the state government.

He also expressed gratitude to Union Minister Amit Shah for the Yamuna Water Agreement.

The two leaders discussed strengthening the cooperative sector in Rajasthan, accelerating the holistic development of border areas, and enhancing security arrangements.

Chief Minister Sharma shared pictures of his meeting with Union Minister Shah on his official X account and said, "Today, I met with the Union Home and Cooperation Minister @AmitShah ji in New Delhi and expressed my gratitude for the Yamuna water agreement. During this time, I received valuable guidance on various topics related to the overall development of Rajasthan, making good governance even more effective, issues concerning public interest, as well as the empowerment of the cooperation sector, internal security, strengthening of border areas, comprehensive development of border districts, and making security arrangements even more effective."

"Under the visionary leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister @narendramodiji, the double-engine government is continuously working with full commitment to realise the resolve for the overall, inclusive, and rapid development of Rajasthan," he said.

Chief Minister Sharma also met Union Minister for Labour and Employment, and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.

The discussions focused on expanding opportunities for Rajasthan's youth in skill development, employment, innovation, and sports.

The two leaders also deliberated on strengthening the state's sports ecosystem, developing world-class infrastructure for athletes, and promoting youth leadership through the MY Bharat initiative.

The Chief Minister later called on Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed expanding air connectivity across Rajasthan, including improving links between major cities in the state and domestic as well as international aviation networks. They also reviewed opportunities to strengthen the state's aviation infrastructure to support tourism, trade, and economic development.

"Today, in New Delhi, I met with the Union Civil Aviation Minister @RamMNK Ji and held detailed discussions on important topics such as expanding air connectivity in Rajasthan, constructing new airstrips, and connecting the state's major cities to international-national air networks. In line with the vision of the esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji's 'Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik' (UDAN), our government remains steadfastly committed to developing modern aviation infrastructure in the progressing state of Rajasthan," Chief Minister Sharma said on his X account.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 7 (IANS) A 28-year-old medico was declared brain-dead after she was allegedly run over by a car at a mall in Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district.

Police have arrested two youths, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred on Tuesday but came to light on Thursday after CCTV visuals were widely circulated on social media.

Priyanka, a postgraduate student at GSL Medical College, was riding pillion on a scooty as she was coming out of the mall with a friend. The car hit the bike from behind near the main gate.

Even as the rider and security guards at the gate tried to react, the car rammed into the bike again and ran over the young woman, causing severe head injuries. The vehicle sped away even as guards and passersby raised an alarm.

The critically injured medico was admitted to a local hospital and later shifted to Hyderabad, where doctors declared her brain-dead.

Police identified the arrested youths as Suravarapu Daswant, who was driving the car, and Andrew Joseph Edwards. Both are students at an engineering college in Namavaram, near Rajamahendravaram.

According to police, the duo had come to the mall to watch a movie but were denied entry as they were drunk. They allegedly misbehaved with mall staff before leaving, and later ran over a medico near the gate.

Deputy Commissioner of Police A. Subhash said both youths were arrested and a case registered against them. Another case was filed for their rude behaviour with the mall staff.

--IANS

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Toronto, Aug 6 (IANS) No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek conceded just three games on her way to a commanding victory in the Canadian Open, out-performing Viktorija Golubic in the third round on Thursday.

The Polish former World No.1, a semifinalist in the event in 2023, advanced to the fourth round, beating Golubic 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes.

Golubic occupies a rare place in Swiatek's career lore: she's the only player who has ever defeated the Pole in the first round of a Grand Slam. But that was back at Wimbledon 2019, when Swiatek was just 18 years old. The former World No. 1 has not lost to Golubic in three matches since, and conceded just five games to her in their last two encounters.

"For sure it was a good day, and I'm really happy with the way I played," Swiatek said in her on-court interview. "Even though the first game wasn't super smooth, I knew I could start from the beginning, and then it went my way, and I could find my rhythm."

Swiatek will next face either No. 10 seed Marta Kostyuk or No. 19 seed Madison Keys as she bids to reach her second quarterfinal in Canada.

Eala powers into third round

Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala continued her impressive run in the North American hard-court circuit as the No. 25 seed defeated Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the third round in Toronto.

Fresh off capturing her first singles title on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington on Monday, the 20-year-old Filipina needed just two days to switch venues and return to winning ways in her Toronto debut.

Eala dominated the opening set, reeling off five consecutive games from 1-1 to take it 6-1. She did not face a break point on serve during the set and consistently pressured Parks from the baseline.

Parks responded in the second set. After surviving two difficult service games early, the American saved four break points to hold for a 3-2 lead. She then broke in the 10th game to claim the set 6-4 and force a decider.

After the players traded early breaks in the third set, Eala secured the decisive break in the fifth game to move ahead 3-2. She maintained control from there, winning the next three games to complete the victory in 1 hour, 51 minutes.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Aug 7 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission has asked election officials to ensure error-free conduct of polls, saying even a minor lapse in the election process can undermine public confidence.

Addressing a state-level training workshop for Deputy District Election Officers and Master Trainers here on Thursday, State Election Commissioner Manoj Shrivastava said maintaining the credibility of elections was the foremost responsibility of poll officials.

"Even a small lapse in election-related work can become a cause of distrust. Resolve all your doubts during the training workshop and share your valuable suggestions," he added.

Shrivastava said local body elections are comparatively more sensitive as they are held at the grassroots level, making the role of election officials even more crucial.

He said the Commission is also examining measures to strengthen the election process, including webcasting of polling stations and simultaneous voting through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

"The Commission is considering webcasting of the polling process. Detailed discussions are also underway on conducting polling simultaneously through Electronic Voting Machines. While adopting the latest election technologies, officials must ensure that voters have complete confidence in these systems because they always remember the sanctity of the voting process," he added.

Calling local body elections the "laboratory of democracy", Shrivastava said Madhya Pradesh has introduced several innovations in election management, including 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies.

He also directed officials to ensure real-time reporting through mobile applications during polling to improve monitoring.

Referring to cooperative federalism, the State Election Commissioner said Madhya Pradesh has provided EVMs on rent to Tripura, Sikkim, Maharashtra and Rajasthan for conduct of local body elections.

State Election Commission Secretary Dinesh Shrivastava said the Commission has emerged as a leader in electoral innovation and asked officials to take the training seriously, saying even a minor procedural error during elections is unacceptable.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Aug 6 (IANS) The state Mission Shakti Department on Thursday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Research in Schemes and Policies (CRISP) and the NSE Foundation to implement Project BLESS, a three-year initiative aimed at preventing distress migration by strengthening livelihood opportunities, skill development and entrepreneurship among vulnerable rural families.

The department, in an official statement, said the MoU was signed at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Mission Shakti Secretary Manasi Nimbhal.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM). “Project BLESS seeks to identify families vulnerable to migration before they leave their villages and connect them with sustainable livelihood opportunities, skill development programmes, financial services and government welfare schemes. The initiative aims to address the root causes of distress migration by creating long-term livelihood opportunities in rural areas,” the department noted.

It added that the project will cover 69 blocks across eight districts—Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Rayagada—benefiting around 8.81 lakh rural families and 86,468 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Around 550 Jeevika Sakhis selected from SHGs will support implementation at the grassroots level.

The programme will be executed through SHGs, Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) and Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs). Under the project, a mobile application-based vulnerability assessment will be conducted at the household level.

The initiative will also focus on strengthening community institutions, preparing family-specific livelihood plans, providing market-driven skill development training, developing digital market platforms and extending support services for migrant workers at destination locations. Vulnerable families will be linked with livelihood opportunities, skill enhancement, credit facilities and government welfare schemes based on their specific needs. In cases where migration remains unavoidable, workers will be supported with access to fair wages, legal assistance and social security benefits.

The project will also ensure continuity of nutrition, healthcare and pre-primary education services for children of migrant families while further strengthening SHGs and their federations to enhance women’s economic empowerment.

--IANS

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Panama, Aug 6 (IANS) Ambassador of India to Panama, Sumit Seth, on Thursday met President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, for a farewell call-on meeting and discussed ideas to further boost the bilateral relationship.

"Ambassador Sumith Seth met Hon’ble President of Panama H.E. Mr Jose Raul Mulino for a Farewell Call-on Meeting and conveyed greetings of Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu and Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Indian Embassy in Panama wrote on X.

According to the Embassy, they discussed the recent visit of the Foreign Minister of Panama, Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez, to India, an increase in Scholarship Slots for Panama, Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) and Ideas to further boost the bilateral relationship.

Last month, the Foreign Minister of Panama held discussions with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in New Delhi.

During the discussion, EAM Jaishankar expressed India's willingness to have closer ties with Panama as it offers a strategic location and enormous economic stability for a partner like New Delhi.

In his opening remarks during a meeting with the visiting Panama counterpart in New Delhi, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the willingness from both sides to deepen the partnership. He expressed hope that Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez's visit will further strengthen ties between the two nations across all domains.

He noted that India and Panama work closely in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. India, said EAM Jaishankar, values Panama's interest in collaborating across several sectors, including education, scholarships, pharmaceuticals, technology and trade.

According to EAM Jaishankar, Panama serves as a natural bridge for global trade routes as a gateway for the wider Latin America region and, anchored by the Panama Canal, Panama’s logistics infrastructure sets a global landmark.

"We value your interest in collaborating across a wide array of domains from education, scholarships, pharmaceuticals, technology, and, of course, most important, trade," stated the EAM.

–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, Aug 6 (IANS) Actor Piyush Mishra took a dig at Bollywood celebs for not supporting Jharkhand students’ peaceful protest.

He shared a video expressing his support for the students protesting in Ranchi, against the alleged paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.

In the video, the 'Gulaal' actor revealed that he feels embarrassed by the fact that no one from Mumbai has become a part of their peaceful movement; however, he plans to join them at the protest site.

Piyush was heard saying in the video, "My name is Piyush Mishra, and I am an artist. I am speaking from Mumbai. I feel a little embarrassed that no one from Mumbai has been part of your movement."

"I am coming to sit among you. What difference will it make if I come? We will have a few conversations, I will sing a few songs. We will try to the best of our ability to provide you with whatever help you need - whether medical assistance, financial support, food, or mattresses. I have also asked my colleagues to contribute as much as they can," he went on to add.

Piyush further urged students to continue their agitation in a peaceful manner, keeping it free from abusive language, misconduct, and political interference.

He went on to say, "Keep the movement exactly like this. There should be no misbehaviour, no abuse, and no political interference. You people, are very good, you are the future of the country, and we are with you. The entire Mumbai is not wrong. There are some very good people in Mumbai, and they are with you."

The students have been protesting in Ranchi since July 29, demanding a CBI and Enforcement Directorate investigation into alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations.

Before Piyush, other members from the entertainment industry, such as Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Imran Khan, and Bhumi Pednekar also used social media to show their support to the students.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 6 (IANS) The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now cleared director and actor Vishal's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Magudam' for release with an 'U/A' certificate.

Taking to his X timeline to confirm the development, actor Vishal, who is turning director with this film, wrote, "#Magudam Certified U/A. #DirectorVishal #MagudamCertifiedUA #MagudamTrailerFromAug7th #MagudamReleaseOnAug14th #SGF99."

The film, the shooting of which was wrapped up in June this year, was originally expected to hit screens in July. However, the makers chose to postpone the release to August 14 this year.

In June this year, Vishal had taken to his X timeline to announce the completion of the film's shoot. He had said, "And it’s a wrap !! Simultaneously post production under way ! Magudam/Makutam worldwide in theatres in July, God Bless. #Magudam #Makutam #SGF99 #DirectorVishal."

The actor also posted a brief video clip on his timeline in which he appeared in a few of the getups he would be seen in the film. The actor said, " From today, this character is over. Shooting has been wrapped up. Moving on! Post production in full swing."

The makers of the film had completed filming a massive climax sequence in November last year.

Taking to his X timeline, the actor, who had shared a video clip that gave glimpse of the humongous amount of work that had gone into shooting the climax, wrote, "Climax Sequence: DONE. 17 days. Non-stop. High-voltage action. #Magudam / #Makutam enters its next phase."

Vishal Film Factory, the production house of the actor, had released a video clip that gave a glimpse of the unit shooting the intense action sequence.

The production house had also gone on to say, "Vishal’s’ Directoral Debut movie Magudam/Makutam climax goes massive. Intense action at its peak with 100 stuntmen and 800 crew members."

For the unaware, well known director Ravi Arasu was directing this film in its initial stages. However, a difference of opinion between director Ravi Arasu and actor Vishal resulted in Ravi Arasu opting out of the film half way through and Vishal taking over as director of the film. Vishal while confirming that he had taken over as the director of 'Magudam' had said the decision to direct this film was not made out of compulsion but out of responsibility.

-IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 6 (IANS) The makers of director Srikanth Odela's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'The Paradise', featuring Telugu star Nani in the lead, have now released the much-awaited teaser of the action entertainer, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

More significantly, the makers have announced that the film will now hit screens on September 24 this year.

'The Paradise', which is backed by SLV Cinemas, was originally set for a grand release on March 26, 2026. However, its makers chose to postpone the film's release to August 21. Now, the makers have chosen to further push the release date to September 24.

Taking to its social media timelines to release the teaser, SLV Cinemas, which is backing the film, wrote, "Jadala Zamana Shuru. #TheParadiseTeaser out now! Grand release worldwide on 24.09.26. Natural Star @NameisNani in an @odela_srikanth cinema. An @anirudhofficial musical."

The teaser released begins with a voiceover asking, "Henceforth, to whom does this place belong?" Nani then announces his arrival in quite a dramatic manner, performing an acrobatic stunt. Sporting two plaits and drenched in blood, he walks slowly sipping what appears to be a beverage.

We then see Mohan Babu, who plays the antagonist, referring to the people as "My beloved people of Paradise."

As a series of action sequences follow with blood being spilled quite generously, we hear a woman asking, "Is the government meant for your feudal lords or for the people?"

After this, we hear a man saying, "Our oppressed race must rise in rebellion. The very black they spat on in disgust will be the colour of our flag and the crow will be our emblem. Let's show them what will happen when the crows they spat on draw their swords!"

Soon cries of "Whose land is this? Ours! Whose country is this? Ours!" are heard. The teaser ends with Nani, soaked in blood and carrying a chain made of blades and sitting on a pile of bodies, wards off the evil eye.

In all, the teaser gives the impression that Paradise will be a grim, intense action thriller that will revolve around Nani leading the oppressed in rebellion against tyranny!

The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs and the teaser has only added to the excitement. It is expected to release in eight languages namely Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English, Spanish, Bengali, Kannada, and Malayalam.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 6 (IANS) Shreya Kalra, who won the 2nd season of the streaming captive reality show ‘Lock Upp’, has credited her victory to her rivals, who “cornered” her.

She spoke with the media after claiming the title, and said that her rivals in the show, which practically includes everyone except Madhuri Jain Grover and Shilpa Shinde, are at fault for making her the winner.

She told the media, “I was never one versus all, they made it, and that is their fault. I have said this that they have cornered me and made me a finalist and gave me a trophy. That is their fault. They did not want to be friends with me. I have tried so many times. I offered food when I got the chance. I have won tasks for them. When I was becoming a gang leader, I cheered for Shivangi when we had a fight the day before. I have given a premium plate to Shivangi Harshad when I could have eaten it myself”.

She further mentioned, “I have tried to be their friend, but they never tried enough to even know me. They used to sit and tell only about themselves that I have done this, I have done this show, I have done this here, I have had such a journey. You can ask the interviewers how much they know about me”.

Shreya walked away with the coveted trophy and a whopping Rs 1 crore cash prize. Shivangi Joshi finished as the first runner-up, while the other finalists were Ram Kapoor, Shilpa Shinde and Yogesh Rawat. Ahead of the finale, Varun Yadav and Akanksha Chamola were eliminated from the competition. Akanksha was evicted after Yogesh, Shreya and Varun unanimously voted her out when host Riteish Deshmukh asked them to take a collective decision.

--IANS

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