United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday called for an end to hostilities in the Gulf and Ukraine, warning that the conflicts were “threatening progress and retarding development” far beyond their immediate regions.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, he said India was prepared to do everything possible to help improve the situation, particularly on food and energy security.

“We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” he noted, stressing the need to ensure the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted shipment of energy and foodgrains.

On the Gulf, EAM Jaishankar said the conflict was exacerbating an already difficult situation.

“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” he stated.

Turning to Ukraine, he emphasised the urgent need to safeguard seafarers and maintain supplies of foodgrains and energy. “India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace,” he added.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Jaishankar said: “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, endless war must give way now to an end to war.”

On West Asia, he reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace as sovereign states.

He underlined that this was essential for durable peace.

“India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people,” he said.

--IANS

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United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS) The Global South faces mounting threats to its food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance security, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly on Saturday, warning that shortages and trade barriers were putting development gains under pressure.

“The predicament of the global South is particularly acute,” he said. “It faces a 4F crisis of the security of food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance.”

EAM Jaishankar cited a super El Niño, worsening fertiliser shortages and obstacles to grain movements as causes for alarm. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals was also under strain, he said.

He argued that non-market practices and restricted access to markets were making it harder for developing countries to industrialise. Technology, once a source of hope, was creating new anxiety. The misuse of artificial intelligence was sharpening bias and weakening mutual respect, he said.

The pressures came amid a wider loss of trust between nations, EAM Jaishankar said. Countries were trying to reduce their exposure to risks and diversify their economic ties as competition disrupted supply chains and access to technology.

Against that backdrop, he presented India’s domestic progress as a contribution to global development. Better delivery of health care, nutrition, education, drinking water, electricity, roads and housing had improved the prospects of one-sixth of humanity, he said.

India’s digital public infrastructure was helping deliver social and economic benefits, he added. Improvements in infrastructure, business conditions and innovation had also contributed to the country’s growth.

EAM Jaishankar said India wanted to share approaches that could work elsewhere. He pointed to 600 major Indian development projects in 78 countries, covering infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology and training.

“Even as India progresses, we are conscious of our global responsibilities,” he said. “We know that many of our experiences and achievements are replicable elsewhere.”

Climate projects were part of that work, he said, citing clean energy and water, sustainable agriculture and the sharing of technology and practical knowledge. African nations and small island developing states had been preferred partners.

He also named the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance as initiatives that were making progress.

India had provided medical supplies to conflict zones and places affected by epidemics and natural disasters, EAM Jaishankar said. He cited its early response to flash floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Venezuela.

He said Indian programmes had also helped address shortages of food, medicine, energy and fertiliser, while supporting livelihoods. Training and the sharing of experience had made a difference across the Global South, particularly in Africa.

EAM Jaishankar’s remarks placed the needs of developing countries at the centre of his address. He said the international climate was becoming less predictable even as those countries faced pressure to meet their development goals.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals cover areas including poverty, health, education and clean energy. They provide a common framework for countries to measure progress, though governments decide how to pursue them.

India has used forums including the UN to seek a greater voice for developing nations in decisions on finance, technology and development. EAM Jaishankar’s speech linked that demand to the practical pressures he said those nations now face.

--IANS

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Indore, Sep 27 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh is seeking to expand its industrial and economic base by developing emerging sectors such as religious and medical tourism while strengthening energy and land infrastructure for investors, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Saturday.

Addressing the launch of the Indore chapter of the Hindu Economic Forum, Yadav said the state had the basic resources required for industrial expansion, including surplus electricity and an adequate land bank.

“Madhya Pradesh currently leads in sectors most essential for industries. The state has surplus electricity and an adequate land bank, and continuous efforts are being made to provide all necessary facilities to industries,” he stated.

He added that the government was exploring new avenues in the energy sector, including solar power generation over water bodies, while strengthening hydropower sources. Yadav said the state was working to develop new industrial sectors and create a favourable environment for investment, with employment generation as a key objective.

Highlighting growth in Madhya Pradesh’s per capita income, he noted it had risen from around Rs 11,000 in 2002-03 to Rs 1.40 lakh in 2022 and Rs 1.67 lakh in 2026. “Within a period of 10 to 12 years, the wheels of development have accelerated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accelerated the country’s economic growth, and Madhya Pradesh is successfully translating MoUs signed for industrial development into ground-level reality,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that entrepreneurs had an important role in the country’s economic progress, with expanding economic activity creating employment opportunities.

Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India V. Anantha Nageswaran said India was progressing rapidly with a growth rate of 7.8 per cent, expected to rise further. He noted that India’s trade with foreign countries was steadily expanding.

The event also featured a presentation on the World Hindu Congress, whose three editions were held in New Delhi (2014), Chicago (2018) and Bangkok (2023). The fourth edition is scheduled in Mumbai from December 18 to 20, 2026. The event screened a documentary showcasing the World Hindu Congress's activities.

--IANS

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United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS) Indian contingents are serving under nine of the UN’s 11 peacekeeping mandates, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the General Assembly on Saturday, placing their work at the centre of India’s contribution to international peace.

“Right now, our contingents are present in 9 out of 11 mandates,” he said. Indian troops had carried out their duties firmly and professionally, including under pressure.

EAM Jaishankar also highlighted an Indian woman combat helicopter pilot who received the UN’s 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award. He did not name her or identify the mission in which she served.

The minister described peacekeeping as part of a wider effort to help other countries through conflict and crisis. India had sent medical supplies to conflict zones, areas affected by epidemics and places struck by natural disasters, he said.

He cited India’s early response to flash floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Venezuela. Indian programmes also helped address shortages of food, medicine, energy and fertiliser, while limb fitment camps assisted people in other countries.

“Given the state of the world, each member of the UN must ask themselves what they can do,” Jaishankar said. India’s development projects, emergency assistance and peacekeeping deployments were among the contributions he set out in response.

EAM Jaishankar warned that peace could not be measured solely by the absence of war. Stability, security and predictability were also necessary, he said, and weakening any of them would make peace harder to sustain.

He urged countries to approach peace as a continuing commitment. At the close of his speech, he invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”

UN peacekeeping missions operate under mandates set by the Security Council. The duties assigned to each mission vary by conflict and by the terms approved by the council.

India has contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping for decades. EAM Jaishankar’s remarks highlighted the extent of its current participation and the recognition of an Indian woman serving in a combat aviation role.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday accused the Opposition of deliberately misleading the public on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and targeting constitutional institutions.

In a detailed post on X, Nabin said the Opposition had once again been exposed for spreading falsehoods about the SIR. He pointed out that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had clearly stated that the full Commission took every decision relating to the SIR unanimously.

Despite this clarification, he alleged, “the Congress chose to build its entire narrative around a manufactured lie and launched attacks on the country’s constitutional bodies.”

Highlighting what he described as the Opposition’s double standards, Nabin wrote that when the same electoral process delivered victories to Congress and its allies in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, its credibility was accepted. “But when the people’s mandate goes against them elsewhere, they question the very institutions that conduct those elections. Democracy cannot be respected selectively,” he said.

He emphasised that wins and losses are inherent to democratic politics, but resorting to malicious propaganda to discredit respected institutions was “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable.” Nabin asserted that those who repeatedly undermined India’s democratic framework for political survival owed the nation an honest reckoning and a public apology.

His remarks come at a time when the ECI's SIR exercise has become a subject of intense political debate. Opposition parties, particularly Congress, have raised questions over the process, while the BJP has consistently defended the poll body’s independence and transparency.

Nabin’s statement is being viewed as a sharp rebuttal to the Opposition’s allegations. His post has drawn significant attention in political circles as the ruling party continues to counter claims that cast doubt on the integrity of electoral processes and constitutional institutions.

--IANS

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Dublin, Sep 27 (IANS) The Republic of Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel will go ahead after the players discussed the issue and a majority voted in favour of playing the matches, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed on Saturday.

The decision came after uncertainty surrounded Monday’s first meeting between the two teams, which is scheduled to be played in Debrecen, Hungary.

A pre-match press conference involving the Irish team was delayed on Saturday, while the players also missed their scheduled training session at the Nagyerdei Stadium. A group of players was understood to have met at the team hotel to discuss the situation.

The FAI later confirmed that the fixture would take place after consulting the players.

“The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played,” the FAI said in a statement.

“The Association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures.”

The delay had led to speculation that the match could be called off, with reports suggesting that the players were considering issuing a statement. There was also speculation that one player had been unwilling to take part in the fixture.

The Republic of Ireland began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday.

Following that match, Ireland midfielder Jason Knight had expressed his concerns about facing Israel.

“It’s difficult. I don’t think the game should be going ahead, but it is going ahead. We’ll have a deeper talk about it, and what that means, we’ll get our thoughts as a group and go from there,” Knight said to the BBC.

Knight added that he would try to concentrate on football while also making his views known when he felt it was appropriate.

“None of us have gone through this scenario before, but I’d like to think I’m experienced, thick-skinned and I can get through most things and that is what I will try to do,” he said.

The Republic of Ireland will now face Israel in Debrecen on Monday, with the fixture forming part of their Nations League campaign.

-IANS

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Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) The BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party stepped up their preparations for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Saturday as the deadline for filing nomination papers ended, with the three parties announcing candidates for the remaining wards of the 44-seat civic body.

The BJP completed its candidate list by announcing candidates for the remaining seats after initially naming 32 candidates for eight wards. The party has now announced candidates for all 44 seats across the 11 wards.

The Congress also released its remaining candidates on the final day for filing nominations, completing its list for the civic contest.

AAP, which had earlier announced 29 candidates, said on Saturday that 41 of its candidates had filed their nomination papers.

The party said its candidates included doctors, lawyers, engineers and social workers and that it had given priority to young leadership and workers who had been associated with the organisation for several years.

The AAP candidates filed their nominations under the leadership of Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai, state president Isudan Gadhvi and state organisation general secretary Manoj Sorathiya.

The party said its candidates had been raising civic issues concerning Gandhinagar, and its workers were campaigning across the city. The BJP has also fielded a former Congress corporator from Ward 3.

The corporator had been among the two candidates elected on Congress tickets in the 2021 GMC polls. Both Congress councillors subsequently resigned from the party in March 2024 and joined the BJP, according to reports.

The latest candidate announcements come as the three parties prepare for a contest in the state capital, where the BJP had won 41 of the 44 seats in the 2021 GMC elections.

The Congress had won two seats and AAP one. Both Congress councillors later joined the BJP, taking its tally in the civic body to 43. The GMC election covers 44 seats across 11 wards.

The Gujarat State Election Commission issued the election notification on September 21, with September 26 set as the last date for filing nominations.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on September 28, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 29.

Polling will be held on October 11 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting scheduled for October 13. Re-polling, if required, will be held on October 12. The election will be conducted through electronic voting machines.

With the nomination process now closed, the scrutiny and withdrawal stages will determine the final list of candidates before campaigning intensifies for the election.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The India U17 women’s team lost 2-4 to the Philippines in the first of two closed-door friendly matches at the Vagator Football Ground in Anjuna, Goa, on Saturday.

Anushka Kumari (85') and Joya (89') scored for the Young Tigresses. The visitors scored in the 47th, 50th, 68th and 79th minutes.

India will meet the Philippines again on Tuesday.

The Young Tigresses are preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11.

Earlier, the Indian U17 women's team drew 0-0 in both friendly matches against Uzbekistan last week, and while on paper the scoreline might suggest two quiet evenings in the Uzbek capital, the Young Tigresses' Tashkent trip was anything but uneventful.

There were no goals to celebrate at the UFA National Football Centre, but for head coach Joakim Alexandersson, there was much more to look for than the numbers.

With the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers scheduled to be held from October 5 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the two friendly fixtures against the Central Asian side offered a glimpse of the new U17 batch beginning to find its shape and foundation.

Before that, the India U17 women’s team ended their second friendly against Uzbekistan in a 0-0 draw at the UFA National Football Centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on August 30.

Both sides had also played a goalless draw in the first friendly on Thursday.

The Young Tigresses will now return to Goa to continue their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. They will play two friendly matches against the Philippines on September 26 and 29. The Asian Cup qualifiers will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 5 to 11.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Famous American YouTuber MrBeast attended a Mumbai event for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, and Namit Malhotra.

During the event, one of the paparazzi said, "Jai Shri Ram, Mr Beast." As the YouTuber got confused what he should say, Ranbir told Mr Beast to reply by saying, "Jai Shri Ram." The YouTuber quickly chanted "Jai Shri Ram."

Ranbir, who will be seen as Lord Ram in the highly anticipated project, also went on to explain the meaning of Dharma during the event.

He said, “Ramayana and Shri Ram are deeply etched in our subconscious mind. Lord Rama never tried to be a hero; he is called Maryada Purushottam, which means ideal man. He was born as a prince and could have had everything, but he sacrificed it all to fulfil his father’s promise and his duties. There is a term called Dharma, which means duties. He is the perfect man, and I hope through this film, you could have a brief introduction to our culture and history.”

As the event ended up getting delayed for several hours, a lot of the members from the media decided to boycott the event.

During the event, Ranbir even lifted a Shiv Dhanush, offered prayers, and then placed it back.

Along with Ranbir as Lord Rama, the project has Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, and Adinath Kothare as Bharat.

'Ramayana' is a two-part franchise with the first part expected to be out in the cinema halls on November 9 this year, during Diwali. The second part, which is still in production, is scheduled for a 2027 release.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) As Nitesh Tiwari's highly awaited mythological drama 'Ramayana' gears up for release this Diwali, the team kickstarted the promotions with a special event in Mumbai, with the famous YouTuber MrBeast also in attendance.

As one of the highlights of the event, Ranbir Kapoor lifted a Shiv Dhanush. He folded his hands before lifting the Dhanush, offered prayers, and then placed it back.

Others from the core team, including Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Namit Malhotra, were also present during the event.

While the event was delayed for around 4 hours, a lot of the media decided to boycott the event.

Talking about the movie, while Ranbir will be seen as Lord Rama, the project has Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita. 'KGF' actor Yash is making his Bollywood debut as Ravana from 'Ramayana'. Along with them, the film will feature Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Kunal Kapoor is Lord Indra, and Adinath Kothare as Bharat.

Ramayana is a two-part franchise. The first part is expected to reach the audience on November 9 this year, during Diwali. The second part, which is still in production, is scheduled for a 2027 release.

'Ramayana' will be made available in major Indian languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.

Over and above this, Ranbir will also be seen sharing screen space with wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in 'Love & War' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

On September 24, the makers shared Ranbir's first look poster from the love saga, which showed the actor in a rugged avatar, with a blood-stained sleeve and a bullet mark on his shirt.

“Woh rutba, woh raub, woh junoon!Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War on 21st January 2027 See you at the movies! #LoveAndWar @saregama_official #RanbirKapoor @vickykaushal09 @aliaabhatt," they captioned the post.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Sep 26 (IANS) Actor Raghav Juyal, who plays one of the antagonists in director Srikanth Odela's just released film 'The Paradise', has now penned an emotional and heartfelt note of gratitude to his co-star and the film's hero, Nani, in which he has pointed out that Nani never made him feel small for being confused or emotional.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen the post, Raghav Juyal said, "There are very few people in life who become your safe place without even knowing it. For me, Nani dada is one of those people. "

Stating that he had tried many times to put into words what Nani meant to him, Raghav Juyal said, "Honestly, I still don’t think words will ever be enough."

"I genuinely love you and admire you so much— not just as an actor or an artist, but as a human being. In this industry, where things can sometimes feel uncertain and noisy, there have been moments when I’ve felt completely lost. And somehow, whenever I’ve been at one of those crossroads, you’ve always been there, Nani Dada," he told the Telugu star.

"Dada, you’ve sat me down and spoke to me for hours. About cinema, about my career, about life, and sometimes about nothing in particular. You’ve heard me and understood me. You’ve never made me feel small for being confused or emotional. And somehow, after talking to you every time, the weight on my heart feels a little lighter," confessed Raghav Juyal.

Expressing his appreciation for the way Nani had always made space for him, listened to him, and just been there for him, Raghav Juyal said, "Some people give you advice, but very few people make you feel understood and give you perspective. Nani dada you gave me both."

"You helped me understand what kind of films I want to be a part of, what choices are worth making, and more importantly, what kind of person I want to remain while making them," Juyal told Nani and added, "I admire your craft, your mind, your honesty, your kindness and, more than anything, the person you are when nobody is watching. But beyond all of that, I’m just incredibly grateful that life gave me someone like you during a time when I needed that kind of person."

He went on to add, "Nani dada, I hope you know how much you mean to me.

Thank you for picking up the phone. Thank you for listening. Thank you for talking to me for hours when I’m lost. Thank you for reminding me who I am when the noise around me gets too loud.Some people mentor your career. Some people quietly hold your heart together.You have done both for me. I love you, Nani dada. More than I probably ever say."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Actress Archana Puran Singh received a sweet surprise from her mother on her birthday.

On Saturday, Archana and Parmeet Sethi's son Ayushmaan Sethi posted an adorable video of his Nani giving his mother a special surprise on her birthday.

The video opened with her mom walking towards Archana, who was starting her birthday by sweating it out in the gym.

As soon as she saw her mother, Archana greeted her with a warm hug.

"So, I am beginning my new year by working out," she proudly told her mother.

After this, Archana received some beautiful flowers from her mother on her birthday.

Touched by the gesture, Archana expresses her gratitude. "Thank You, Thank You," hugging her once again.

Wishing her mother on her special day, Ayushmaan wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Happy birthday mom, may you live to be as healthy and as long as naani!!! (sic)," followed by teary eyes and white heart emojis.

Archana is extremely active on YouTube and regularly uploads vlogs that give insight into her time with her family members.

On the professional front, Archana will be seen in season 5 of the popular "The Great Indian Kapil Show".

With Kapil Sharma as the host, the show will also see Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Returning after a break of six months, the latest season is slated to premiere on Netflix on September 26 at 8 pm.

The first episode of the show will have the cast of the much-awaited thriller 'Drishyam: The Conclusion' as guests.

The season premiere will see Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav and Jaideep Ahlawat, along with director Abhishek Pathak, joining host Kapil Sharma for some candid conversations.

New episodes of "The Great Indian Kapil Show season 5" will stream every Saturday at 8 pm on Netflix.

--IANS

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