Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on the Union government to immediately withdraw the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) framework, alleging that the move unfairly targets Christian institutions, churches, and other minority-run charitable organisations.

In a statement posted on social media, CM Stalin criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the proposed changes linked to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). He described the amendments as a “direct assault” on minority communities, particularly Christian charities that depend on foreign funding for social and humanitarian activities.

The Chief Minister further alleged that the Centre’s approach reflects a pattern of interference in the affairs of religious minorities.

Drawing parallels with recent developments surrounding Waqf properties, he accused the government of attempting to exert control over institutions belonging to different faiths.

According to him, the latest move is aimed at restricting the financial lifeline of several charitable organisations that play a crucial role in education, healthcare, and welfare.

Stalin also expressed concern over what he termed a strategic retreat by the Centre in the face of mounting opposition. He claimed that the government is only temporarily stepping back due to protests from opposition parties and the political sensitivity of upcoming elections in states such as Kerala, where minority communities form a significant voter base.

Despite this apparent pause, Stalin warned that there are indications of the Centre planning to reconvene and push the amendments through Parliament, possibly via a special session.

He said such a move would undermine democratic processes and ignore the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

Calling the proposed amendments “unilateral and unjust”, CM Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate steps to withdraw them in full.

He emphasised that safeguarding the rights of minority institutions is essential to preserving India’s pluralistic fabric and constitutional values.

The issue is expected to intensify political debate in the coming weeks, with opposition parties likely to rally against the Centre’s proposal, framing it as a broader question of religious freedom and institutional autonomy.

--IANS

aal/dpb

New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Hanuman Jayanti greetings to the countrymen on Thursday and wished for the continued progress of the nation.

Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated on Chaitra Purnima, marks Lord Hanuman's birth as Rama's devoted devotee and symbol of courage, service, and intellect in Hindu tradition.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt greetings of Hanuman Jayanti to all my fellow countrymen. May this sacred occasion bring new energy and vigour into everyone's life."

"My wish is that Pavanputra Hanuman ji shower his abundant blessings of strength, wisdom, and knowledge upon all, so that the might of our nation may further increase. Jai Bajrangbali!"

The Prime Minister also shared a photo and a Sanskrit sholk dedicated to Lord Hanuman and said, "Lord Hanuman Ji are the unparalleled symbols of devotion, strength, and unwavering dedication. May the grace of the mighty one infuse courage and positivity into all his devotees."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, extending heartfelt greetings to all the citizens on the occasion, said, "May Lord Bajrangbali, the unparalleled devotee of Lord Shri Ram and the symbol of valour, devotion, and service, be prayed to remove the troubles of all fellow citizens and bestow upon them happiness, peace, and prosperity. Jai Shri Ram!"

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also took to X and wished people on the auspicious occasion.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the country on the occasion of 'Shri Hanuman Jayanti'. I pray to the Sankatmochan Bajrangbali Ji, the symbol of selfless devotion, boundless strength, and complete surrender, that He may bestow upon everyone strength, wisdom, discernment, and excellent health," Nadda said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post on X, extended Hanuman Jayanti greetings, stating, "On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram's devoted devotee, the crisis-averter Shri Hanuman Ji, 'Shri Hanuman Jayanti,' heartfelt congratulations and infinite best wishes to all devotees and the people of the state."

"May Pavanputra Shri Hanuman Ji be prayed to remove all crises from everyone's lives and infuse them with happiness, peace, strength, wisdom, and good health," he added.

--IANS

sd/

Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed across Chennai as part of extensive security arrangements for the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in the city on Friday to campaign ahead of the elections.

According to official sources, the Prime Minister is scheduled to land in Chennai at around 3.20 p.m. on Friday by a special aircraft. Soon after his arrival, he will proceed by helicopter to Puducherry, where he is expected to take part in key campaign programmes and public meetings aimed at mobilising voter support.

The Puducherry visit is seen as politically significant, as the BJP is seeking to consolidate its presence in the union territory as well as strengthen its influence in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Party leaders are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will energise cadres and boost campaign momentum in the final phase of electioneering.

After completing his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will return to Chennai by around 6 p.m. He is scheduled to stay overnight at a prominent five-star hotel in the Guindy area. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Modi will hold a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders, during which key electoral strategies and booth-level coordination plans are expected to be discussed in detail.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister will conclude his Chennai visit and depart for Kerala at approximately 1 p.m., where he will continue his campaign activities in the state.

Meanwhile, Chennai has been placed under a tight security blanket in view of the high-profile visit. Acting on directions from Police Commissioner Arun, security has been intensified across sensitive locations, including the airport, Guindy, and Meenambakkam.

Police personnel have been stationed at intervals of nearly every 10 feet along designated routes to ensure maximum vigilance, crowd control, and swift response in case of any contingencies. In addition, Guindy and Meenambakkam have been declared high-security “red zones”, with strict restrictions in place.

The use of drones has been completely banned in these areas as part of precautionary measures. Traffic diversions are expected in several parts of the city, and authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure smooth movement and safety during the Prime Minister’s visit.

--IANS

aal/dpb

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) The Mumbai Police have registered a case against a gas delivery worker for illegally storing commercial LPG cylinders in a public area. The accused, identified as Shahid Ali Imam Hussain Sayyed, was found in possession of 23 empty commercial gas cylinders and a tempo, all of which have been seized.

Based on a complaint filed by a rationing officer from the Govandi area, the police have invoked Sections 3, 7, and 8 of the Essential Commodities Act, along with provisions under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000.

According to officials, a rationing inspector noticed a suspiciously parked tempo near a public toilet in the Gautam Nagar area, close to the Deonar slaughterhouse. Suspecting illegal activity, the accused was called to the spot and asked to open the vehicle. Upon inspection, police recovered 23 empty commercial LPG cylinders of different capacities, including those belonging to Bharat Gas and Hindustan Gas.

Police stated that the accused had been illegally storing the cylinders for personal financial gain. The seized cylinders and the vehicle are collectively valued at Rs 93,800. Further investigation is underway.

Such cases have been increasingly reported in recent times.

In a similar incident in Delhi on April 1, the Delhi Police Crime Branch busted an illegal LPG cylinder storage and refilling racket in the Dabri area of the national capital, recovering 17 domestic gas cylinders of multiple companies.

Acting on specific and credible intelligence, officials carried out a coordinated raid at a shop in Seetapuri, where an unauthorised operation involving the storage and refilling of LPG cylinders was being run. The raid led to the seizure of 17 cylinders, including five of Bharat Petroleum, five of Hindustan Petroleum, and seven of Indane Gas.

Earlier, on March 30, an FIR was registered in Mumbai’s Kalbadevi area against two individuals for allegedly storing and using domestic LPG cylinders illegally for commercial purposes at a hotel. According to LT Marg Police, the accused -- Harish Mehta and Prakash Purohit -- were booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act.

--IANS

jk/dpb

Los Angeles, April 2 (IANS) English actor d is giving a peek into his “love language lately”. The actor, 49, made the statement on social media after going public with a new relationship following his split from 40-year-old singer Katy Perry.

The actor confirmed the end of his relationship with Katy last year, with the pair continuing to co-parent their daughter Daisy, five, reports ‘Female First UK’.

He is now reported to be dating Swiss model Luisa Laemmel, 28, after the pair were seen together during a recent trip to Switzerland. In a new Instagram post, Orlando shared images from a snow-filled getaway alongside moments with his daughter, including a beach walk and a clip of Daisy in his arms watching the sunset.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the post also featured a female hand with red nail polish, a photograph of Grape Hyacinths, and an image of Orlando in a bathtub with his back turned. The trip is understood to have included a stay at the The Dolder Grand, where rooms can reach £13,700 per night, during a visit linked to a promotional event for Porsche.

The actor wrote, “Love language lately”. The images prompted responses from followers, with one writing, “Looks lovely on all levels”.

Another said, “Life looks amazing in your recovery phase”. A third shared, “Oh, Orlando, what a man you are”.

Orlando, who rose to fame in epic franchises including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, was first linked to Luisa last month after being seen leaving the Super Bowl together. The pair were spotted at Levi's Stadium, where an onlooker said they were “touchy-feely” during a date night.

Luisa, who has modelled for Calvin Klein, also shared images from the event on her social media, showing her in white jeans and a tan jacket. Inside the stadium, Orlando was seen with friends including Jamie Foxx.

--IANS

aa/

Tokyo, April 2 (IANS) Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are expected to raise fuel surcharges sharply on international flights from June, due to rising oil prices amid the Middle East conflict, local media reported.

Fuel surcharges on flights to Europe and North America in June and July are planned to reach 55,000 yen (about 346 U.S. dollars) for ANA, up 23,100 yen from April and May, while JAL is expected to raise its surcharge by 21,000 yen to 50,000 yen, Kyodo News reported Wednesday.

For flights to China, ANA's surcharge is expected to rise by 4,900 yen to 14,300 yen, while JAL's will increase by 5,000 yen to 12,400 yen.

Surcharges to South Korea and Russia are likely to double for both companies from about 3,000 yen, marking the highest levels under the current pricing system.

The move is likely to hit the summer holiday season and dampen travel demand, the report said.

The airlines review surcharges every two months to cope with fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates, with prices in February and March reflected in surcharges for June and July, Xinhua news agency reported.

Aviation kerosene is produced by refining crude oil, with its price more than doubling on the Singapore market in March from levels before the conflict began in late February.

Fuel surcharges are calculated based on the average price of kerosene every two months, with prices in February and March reflected in surcharges for June and July.

Earlier on March 30, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had said that she would consider holding talks with the Iranian leadership at an "appropriate" time if it serves Japan's national interest as tensions in the Middle East remain high.

--IANS

jk/

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) It may have looked effortless on screen, but for Zeenat Aman, filming one of the most memorable scenes from the 1978 film Don came with its own set of challenges. The diva recalled how pushing megastar Amitabh Bachchan in a wheelchair during a crucial sequence wasn’t quite as smooth behind the scenes.

Zeenat took to Instagram, where she shared a scene from the action thriller film, which was directed by Chandra Barot.

Recalling the sequence where her character Roma cleverly outwits the police and escapes with an unconscious Don from a hospital, Zeenat revealed that while the scene looked smooth on screen, filming it was anything but easy.

“I presume there’s such a thing as vintage video Wednesday? Yes, this is THAT scene from (the original 1978) Don - Roma, ever enterprising and daring, dupes the police and escapes with an unconscious Don from a hospital room,” Zeenat wrote in the caption section.

Zeenat shared that she was completely at ease working on the film, having previously collaborated with much of the cast and crew.

“Now I had already worked with many of the cast and crew in previous productions, so I was at complete ease through the making of the film.”

She also expressed her fondness for her character Roma, describing the character as smart, daring, and effortlessly stylish.

“I also relished Roma’s character. She was smart, daring, and smooth. Who wouldn’t want to embody such a woman!”

However, the challenge came during the execution of the scene.

“Unfortunately being smooth on set that day wasn’t easy! Why, you ask.”

Calling the wheelchair a “relic,” Zeenat noted that keeping a poker face while struggling behind the scenes made the experience particularly memorable.

The actress added: “Because that relic of a wheelchair, with Mr. Bachchan’s dead weight to boot, was awfully difficult to manoeuvre. I had to keep my poker face for the part, while actually pushing with all my might!”

She also expressed interest in seeing another reboot of Don.

“I would be quite keen to watch another reboot of Don, as I very much enjoyed the last one too. What do you think?,” she concluded the post.

Don stars Amitabh Bachchan in dual role, alongside Zeenat Aman, Pran, Iftekhar, Om Shivpuri and Satyen Kappu in supporting roles. It was the third highest-grossing Indian film of 1978 and was classified a golden jubilee by Box Office India.

The film spawned the Don franchise with Farhan Akhtar creating a remake Don: The Chase Begins Again and its sequel Don 2, both starring Shah Rukh Khan.

--IANS

dc/

Kolkata, April 2 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report from the Director General of West Bengal Police on the incident of seven judicial officers, including three women, who were involved in the ongoing judicial adjudication of voters’ classified under the “logical discrepancy” category being gheraoed and held hostage at Kaliachak in Malda district by a group of voters whose names had been deleted in the process.

The seven officials were taken hostage on Wednesday. However, finally, at around 1 a.m. Thursday, a huge police contingent led by senior officials of the district police arrived at the spot, removed the protesters, rescued the judicial officers, and escorted them out to a safe location. They were rescued after remaining gheraoed for around nine hours.

There had been reports from the district that even while being shifted to a safe location after being rescued, there was an attempt to attack the convoy.

While the judicial officers were being held hostage, another group of protesters blocked the National Highways adjacent to Block-I of Kaliachak under the Sujapur Assembly constituency in Malda district. Finally, the administration was able to persuade the protesters to lift the blockade after convincing them that there would be an attempt to re-include the deleted names in the voters' list at the earliest.

As usual, a political slugfest has surfaced between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the incident.

Union Minister of State for Education and former state president of the BJP, Sukanta Majumdar, said that this harassment of the judicial officers is a result of the constantly provocative statements made by the Trinamool Congress leadership, including the Chief Minister, against the ECI over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

“SIR is a pan-India exercise. Such chaos over the exercise is not there in any other state, including the opposition-ruled states. West Bengal has been the only exception because the ruling party and the state administration have been attempting to disturb the exercise since the beginning,” said Majumdar.

Trinamool Congress, in its counter-reaction, has said that it was the duty of the ECI to ensure the security of judicial officers. Trinamool Congress’ state general secretary and the party candidate from Beliaghata Assembly constituency in North Kolkata, Kunal Ghosh, said that his party never believes in taking the law into its own hands.

“We, on behalf of Trinamool, want to clearly say that the entire responsibility for this incident lies with the ECI. We also want to say that Trinamool Congress does not support any attempt to take the law into its own hands. We are protesting against this mass deletion of voters’ names, but without creating any chaos. Those who are creating such chaos are two or three parties supported by the BJP,” Ghosh said indirectly, hinting at Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP), founded by erstwhile Trinamool Congress legislator, Humayun Kabir, and Asaduddin Owaisi-founded All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who are jointly contesting in several Assembly constituencies, mainly minority-dominated ones, without directly naming these two parties.

--IANS

src/dpb

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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday met leaders of several farm unions from across the country at the Parliament House.

During the meeting, the farm union representatives expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal and conveyed their deep concern over the potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits, and nuts.

The leaders told the Congress leader that they fear the agreement could open the door for agricultural imports, which may adversely affect domestic producers. Gandhi also reiterated his position, stating that the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and warned that many other crops could soon be impacted as well.

The discussion also focused on the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers.

The farm leaders who participated in the discussion included Sukhpal S. Khaira (All India Kisan Congress), Ranjit S. Sandhu (GKS Rajasthan), Adv. Ashok Balhara (Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, Haryana), P.T. John (KMM Kerala), Baldev (BKU Krantikari, Zira), R. NandKumar (Progressive Farmers Front), Amarjit S. Mohri (BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Akhilesh Shukla (All India Kisan Congress), Kedar Sirohi (Aam Kisan Union), Kiranjit S. Sandhu (Kisan Congress Punjab), Gurpreet S. Sangha (Rajya Sabha), Guramneet S. Mangat (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha - India), Hameed Malik (J&K Zamidara Forum), Tejveer Singh (KMM), Dharamvir Goyat (Haryana Kisan Sangarsh Samiti), Ishwar Singh Nain (Krishak Samaj), and Satbir Khatana (South Haryana Kisan Union).

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted he would not be deterred by any FIR, criminal case or privilege motion and asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers' rights.

In a video post on X, Gandhi had reiterated his opposition to the India-US trade deal, claiming it would severely impact Indian farmers. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "opened the doors" of India’s agriculture market to foreign players at the cost of domestic producers.

"I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you do not like the truth, that is a different matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. Let an FIR be filed, let a case be registered or bring a privilege motion. I and the entire party stand with farmers," Gandhi had said.

He had said any trade agreement that threatens farmers' livelihoods or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. Gandhi also claimed that corn, soybean, cotton and fruit growers would be the first to suffer, alleging that the government would eventually open the entire farm sector to foreign interests and corporate allies.

--IANS

jk/vd

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Actress Rinku Dhawan has expressed her desire to work in the OTT and web series space, after boasting of a elaborate career for over two decades in the GEC space.

The actress took to the comment section of a casting post on social media, to seek for work in the digital space of the entertainment industry.

The casting post, shared by a platform looking for fresh talent for a web series, caught the attention of several aspiring actors. Among them was the best established actress, Rinku Dhawan, who openly put forward her interest in being part of the digital entertainment industry.

She wrote, ‘… I want to work in web series.’

Interestingly, Rinku’s public appeal for work echoes a move made by veteran actress Neena Gupta, a few years ago, who had also taken to social media to seek roles.

Neena had taken to her social media account back then and written, ‘I live in Mumbai and am a good actor looking for good parts to play.’

A few months ago, actress Divyanka Tripathi had also shared a post expressing her interest in exploring opportunities in the voice industry. She wrote on her social media account, ‘Exploring voice work opportunities. Would love to collaborate and lend my voice to meaningful projects.’

Talking about Rinku, the actress has had a long and notable career in Indian television.

She is best known for her role as Chhaya in the iconic show Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and many more.

She was last seen in the hit show Anupamaa, where she portrayed an antagonist.

On the personal front, Rinku was married to actor Kiran Karmarkar, who essayed the role of Om Agarwal, her on-screen brother in the hit show Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.

The two reportedly fell in love during the shoot of the show and got married in 2001. After over 15 years of marriage, the couple parted ways and finalised their divorce in 2017. They have a son together.

Rinku was also seen in the reality show Bigg Boss 17, where she was appreciated for her outspoken, bold and strong personality.

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Television superstar Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya has opened up about practising ‘Garbha Sanskar ’ at home, sharing how she has been consciously connecting with her unborn child through positive thoughts, conversations and music.

Speaking about her experience, Divyanka said, “People have talked a lot about Garbh Sanskar, and I honestly don’t know if it works or not. I don’t know if it gives something or not.”

She added, “But I always feel that if someone is telling us to do something good, like speaking positively, giving good values, listening to the right kind of music, watching good content, and being in good company, and if that helps the growth of the child, then all these things are good, so why not adopt them?”

“Have been telling my baby to always be good to others and be very, very respectful. Whatever it is, first of all, you have to give respect and love to people,” the actress revealed.

“I feel that I do get a response,” she added.

Divyanka believes that such soft and positive interactions are part of Garbha Sanskar , a traditional practice that focuses on nurturing a baby’s emotional and mental well-being in the womb.

On March 19, on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Divyanka and her husband Vivek Dahiya announced their pregnancy through a social media post on their social media accounts through a joint post.

The couple is set to welcome their first child after 11 years of marriage.

Divyanka and Vivek met on the sets of their television show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, where the actress essayed the role of Ishita and Vivek played ACP Abhishek.

Their on-screen association soon turned into a real-life romance, and the two tied the knot in 2016.

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Bollywood actress Genelia D'Souza got emotional after her Masti co-star Vivek Oberoi praised her and called her “Maharani Saheba” and also the pillar of strength behind husband Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Taking to her social media account, Genelia reshared Vivek’s heartfelt note and wrote, “Touched my heart @vivekoberoi Thank you so much.”

Vivek shared the trailer of Ritesh and Genelia’s upcoming movie Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and penned a note.

It read, “Whenever anything about ‘Raja Shivaji’ shows up, it moves something deep inside me, and not just because it is the brainchild of my bhau @riteishd. We all have grown up with a deep-rooted admiration and respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!”

“But my bhau, kudos to you, because as the son of a stalwart, a great leader like Vilasrao Deshmukh ji, your commitment to the epic of Shivaji Maharaj is a combination of legacy and duty.”

Hello further added, “Through your own stage, you continue to carry your legendary father’s devotion to Maharashtra’s soil forward. Watching you on-screen and knowing the man behind this magnum opus is an honour I cherish every day, my brother.”

Praising Genelia, Vivek write, “And @geneliad, Maharani Saibai, you are the pillar of strength behind the scenes to bring this ‘70mm’ vision of Swarajya to life. Wishing the cast and crew of Raja Shivaji all the best for the release!”

Talking about the upcoming film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, helmed by Riteish Deshmukh, has been generating significant buzz.

The movie is set to release on the 1st of May. The project is based to be a grand historical spectacle based on the life and legacy of the Maratha warrior king.

Talking about Vivek, Genelia and Riteish, the trip share a long-standing association, having starred together in the 2004 comedy film Masti.

The movie also featured actors like Aftab Shivdasani, Lara Dutta, Amrita Rao and Tara Sharma.

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Actress Shubhangi Atre, most popularly known as Angoori Bhabhi from the show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, gave fans a glimpse into her serene and indulgent March moments, sharing a mix of travel, food, and self-love snippets on social media.

She wrote, “March recap

#life”

The photo carousel dump opens with a refreshing beach moment where Shubhangi is seen joyfully splashing in the sea.

Another striking click captures a dreamy self-date night setup on the beach, complete with candles lighting up a small table under the moonlit sky.

Adding a desi twist to her fun vacation, one of the pictures shows a plate of raw mango slices generously sprinkled with red chilli powder.

A cozy indoor shot features the actress relaxing on a couch with a book in hand, and in another scenic frame, she is seen standing with her arms wide open on a floating deck.

In another picture, Shubhangi is seen hugging her parents.

On the professional front, Shubhangi Atre has been a household name for years, especially for her role as Angoori Bhabhi in the hit show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai.

She stepped into the character in 2016, replacing Shilpa Shinde, and went on to become one of the most loved faces on Indian television. After being associated with the show for nearly eight years, the actress quit the show making way for Shilpa Shinde to take over the character of Angoori Bhabhi yet again.

Shubhangi was also the main lead in Ekta Kapoor's show Kasturi.

–IANS

rd/