Kolkata, March 27 (IANS) The second supplementary list for judicial adjudication cases in West Bengal was published on Friday at around 11.30 p.m.

The list is available on the websites of both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

However, details of the second supplementary list -- including the total number of cases processed and how many names have been found excludable -- were not immediately available, with no official figures shared with the media by the ECI.

At the same time, sources in the CEO’s office said that so far, around 37 lakh names out of the over 60 lakh cases referred for judicial adjudication have been cleared. However, no figures were available on what proportion of these 37 lakh names have been identified as excludable.

Those whose names are excluded during the adjudication process will have the option to approach any one of the 19 Appellate Tribunals constituted for the purpose. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already announced that the Trinamool Congress will provide legal support to those whose names are deleted during judicial adjudication and will also arrange legal counsel for them.

The first supplementary list was published around midnight on March 23.

To recall, the final voters’ list in West Bengal -- excluding the 60 lakh cases referred for judicial adjudication -- was published on February 28. It was decided then that supplementary lists would be released in line with the progress of the adjudication process.

Before the notification of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was issued for West Bengal in November last year, the total number of voters in the state stood at 7,66,37,529. In the draft voters’ list published in December last year, a total of 58,20,899 names were deleted. In the final voters’ list published on February 28, the deletion figure increased to 63,66,952.

After the first supplementary list was published around midnight on March 23, information suggested that the number of deleted voters had increased to roughly 77 lakh.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 27 (IANS) Hollywood actor Glen Powell, who is known for his work in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, is set to bring to life Fox McCloud in ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’.

Fox McCloud is the surprise Nintendo character joining the Mario Bros. Glen Powell posted a video on Instagram announcing the news on Friday, reports ‘Variety’.

He most recently starred in the thriller ‘How to Make a Killing’ this year, plus last year’s ‘Running Man’. Like Fox, a space pilot from the ‘Star Fox’ games, the actor took to the skies with his breakout role in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ in 2022.

As per ‘Variety’, Chris Pratt and Charlie Day are back as Mario and Luigi as they blast off into space in ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’. They’re joined by returning stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Beach, Jack Black as Bowser and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.

The sequel is also introducing Donald Glover as Yoshi, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Brie Larson as Rosalina.

The inclusion of Fox was a surprise, but eagle-eyed Nintendo fans spotted a glimpse of the character in a recent ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ trailer. He’s known as the main character in the “Star Fox” action video games and also as one of the original characters of Nintendo’s fighting game, ‘Super Smash Bros’.

Fox has been playable in every ‘Smash Bros’ game alongside Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong and Yoshi. Other ‘Mario’ characters, like Bowser, Peach, Diddy Kong, Rosalina and Bowser Jr., have also joined the rosters in later years. Fox’s ‘Star Fox’ co-pilot Falco Lombardi and the villainous Wolf O’Donnell both were added to later ‘Smash Bros’ games as well.

Fox isn’t the only ‘Smash Bros’ character to cross over into the ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’. A previous trailer featured a cameo from colorful Pikmin, the plant-animal hybrids used by ‘Smash Bros’ fighter Captain Olimar from the “Pikmin” Nintendo games.

--IANS

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United Nations, March 27 (IANS) As the world reels from the impact of the Strait of Hormuz chokehold, Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres on Friday announced a task force to address its humanitarian fallout.​

The group will develop a mechanism for moving fertilisers and related raw materials necessary to avert an agricultural crisis, Guterres’ Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.​

He explained that the “primary focus” of the group, led by Under‑Secretary‑General Jorge Moreira da Silva, is to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.​

The Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned that the disruption of the strait goes far beyond oil and has “significant implications for food security, agricultural production, and global markets.”​

“This is not only an energy shock. It is a systematic shock affecting agrifood systems globally,” said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero. ​

He noted that up to 30 per cent of internationally traded fertilisers pass through the strait, along with gas and oil required to process fertilisers.​

Dujarric said the task force will draw on the UN’s experience in establishing international structures to address crises such as those in the Black Sea, Yemen, and Gaza.​

He recalled that the UN was able to avoid famine in some countries when the Ukraine‑Russia war prevented food grains from passing through the Black Sea, thanks to a 2022 initiative involving Turkiye that ensured safe passage for ships carrying foodgrains.​

The mechanism the group will develop will be in close consultation with relevant member states, with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks, Dujarric added.​

He said Guterres has spoken with Foreign Ministers Abbas Araghchi of Iran, Adr Abdelatty of Egypt, and Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, as well as Permanent Representatives Michael Waltz of the United States and Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain.​

If successful, the UN initiative for the Strait “would also create confidence among member states on the diplomatic approach to the conflict and constitute a valuable step towards a wider political settlement,” he added.​

Meanwhile, on the political‑diplomatic front, Guterres’ newly appointed personal envoy for the Iran crisis, Jean Arnault, will continue his outreach to the parties in the conflict and will be supported by the task force, Dujarric said.​

--IANS

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Washington, March 27 (IANS) Donald Trump on Friday outlined a series of tax cuts, trade gains and regulatory rollbacks aimed at American farmers, while promising further relief and pressing Congress to pass a new farm bill.​

Addressing what he described as the largest gathering of farmers on the White House South Lawn, Trump said his administration had moved quickly to boost farm incomes and reduce costs.​

“In my first year back in the White House, farm income has soared by 20 per cent,” he said, crediting tax changes and deregulation for the increase.

He also highlighted a $12 billion relief package for farmers affected by trade disruptions, saying, “We gave you $12 billion in farm relief.”​

Trump pointed to trade deals as a key driver of growth. He said the United States is now exporting over $40 billion in soybeans to China, adding, “The American soybeans are now being shipped to China in record amounts.”

He also cited expanded markets for beef, dairy and biofuels across multiple regions.​

On taxes, Trump said his administration passed “the largest tax cuts in American history,” with nearly half of filers benefiting and receiving an average refund of about $5,000.

He added that farmers can now deduct 100 per cent of equipment costs in the first year, calling it “slightly better” than previous long-term depreciation rules.

A major focus of his remarks was regulatory relief. Trump said he repealed “ridiculous water restrictions” and moved to reduce environmental compliance burdens on farm equipment.

He argued that such rules had made tractors “too complicated” and costly, and promised to “cut out massive amounts of nonsense” to lower equipment prices.​

He also announced a new “right to repair” rule that allows farmers to fix their own equipment, which he said could save up to $30,000 on major repairs. Additional changes included easing requirements for diesel exhaust fluid and introducing new guidelines to reduce compliance costs.​

Energy policy was another priority. Trump said he had issued an emergency order to allow immediate sales of E15 fuel and was pushing for year-round approval. He also announced updated renewable fuel standards for 2026 and 2027, which he said would generate over $10 billion in rural economic benefits and create about 100,000 jobs.​

To support financing, Trump said the Small Business Administration would expand loan guarantees for farmers and food suppliers. He also promoted a new “product of the USA” food label to help consumers identify domestically produced goods.​

Trump repeatedly criticised the previous administration, saying farmers were “treated really badly” and that no new trade deals were negotiated during that period. He urged lawmakers to pass a new farm bill, calling it “vital to everything that we do,” echoing remarks from farmers at the event.​

He also said he would request additional farm relief in the next funding bill, adding, “We have you taken care of in both instances.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) The All India Football Federation, on Friday, opened the bids for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Commercial Rights Relating to Competitions and Properties Owned by AIFF. Rights for the Indian Super League (ISL), Federation Cup (formerly Super Cup), the Indian Women’s League (IWL), and the IWL 2 were bid on.

Bids were received from three organisations. FanCode and Genius Sports submitted bids for the commercial rights relating to the Indian Super League and the Federation Cup (or the Super Cup). Meanwhile, Capri Sports placed bids for the commercial rights of the Indian Women's League and the Indian Women's League 2.

The bids have been submitted for a 15-year term with a provision for an additional five-year extension, with the bidder having the right of first refusal. The proposal also includes a five per cent increase in value every year over the duration of the agreement.

The bid evaluation report will be placed before the AIFF Executive Committee, which convenes its meeting on Sunday, March 29, 2026; a decision is expected on the same day.

The Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Football League are currently being played at various centres across the country. The matches will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Sony Sports Network, and streamed on Waves and Sony LIV.

The bids are being called for after the AIFF's long-term deal for commercial rights of the Indian Super League (ISL), which were held by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a Reliance-owned company. The rights to commercially exploit Indian football were sold to IMG-Reliance in 2010.

The Master Right Agreement (MRA), signed in 2010, ensures that AIFF receives ₹50 crore annually from FSDL. It expired on December 8, and both AIFF and FSDL could not reach an agreement to extend it because of which the start of the Indian Super League was delayed for months. The 2025-26 season started last month following an order by the Supreme Court.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, March 27 (IANS) Terming the Centre’s move on fuel prices as an election gimmick, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday alleged that petrol and diesel prices would be increased again immediately after the elections.

Addressing the media at the KPCC office and later speaking to reporters at his residence, Shivakumar said: “As soon as the elections are over, the Central government will again raise petrol and diesel prices. They have done this before too. All of this is election gimmickry.”

“The Central government is collecting an additional Rs 1,000 crore in taxes every day. Who is this reaching? When fuel prices were raised earlier, we had launched the ‘100 Not Out’ campaign. Now they are doing a trial run to benefit companies of their choice,” he said.

Referring to the global situation, he said crude oil prices have risen at the international level, but alleged that the Centre has failed to ensure adequate supply of gas cylinders to consumers in the state.

“Two ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz and came to the country. Could they not have sent one of them to the south — to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu? Why did they go to Gujarat? Elections are currently underway in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Because they have no influence in the southern states, they are treating South India with contempt,” he alleged.

He further criticised the Centre over fuel pricing and public messaging. “Earlier, there used to be hoardings at all petrol bunks showing a Muslim woman thanking the government for providing gas. Why have all those been removed now? The Central government is picking the pockets of consumers every single day,” he said.

“From May 26, 2014 onwards, petrol and diesel prices kept rising. Petrol was being sold at Rs 71 and diesel at Rs 56 back then. Now it has reached Rs 103. Even when crude oil prices were low, why were prices still high?” he questioned.

Responding to a query on the Centre’s reduction in special additional excise duty on fuel, he said: “The Indian government is killing us. They have reduced oil prices only for the elections. The Nayara company has raised fuel prices.”

When asked whether the state government would reduce fuel prices, Shivakumar said, “We will talk about that later.”

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, March 27 (IANS) The Gujarat government has appointed 21 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers as in-charge secretaries for various districts, as part of a wider administrative exercise aimed at strengthening district-level governance.

In its order issued on Friday, the department said the appointments were made after taking into account vacancies arising from recent promotions, transfers and retirements, with the aim of ensuring that no district administration remains without oversight.​

Senior officers from different departments have been assigned charge of districts to facilitate quicker decision-making and smoother implementation of government policies.​

Among the key postings, M. Thennarasan has been assigned charge of Ahmedabad, Shalini Agarwal of Surat, P. Swaroop of Vadodara, Vinod Rao of Gandhinagar, Raj Kumar Beniwal of Kutch, Aarti Kanwar of Jamnagar, Ranjith Kumar J. of Mehsana and P. Bharathi of Vav-Tharad.​

Other appointments include Avantika Singh Aulakh for Anand, Pravina D.K. for Banaskantha, Sandhya Bhullar for Bharuch and Rajender Kumar for Morbi.​

According to the order, the in-charge secretaries will oversee administrative functioning and monitor development works in their respective districts, with a specific focus on developing talukas.​

The move was intended “to ensure that administrative functioning remains uninterrupted and that decisions at the district level are taken promptly.”

The appointments would “help strengthen coordination between departments and improve implementation of government schemes on the ground.”

Earlier this week, the state government transferred IAS officers at the district level, appointing new collectors in three districts.​

P. B. Pandya has been posted as Collector of Jamnagar, G. H. Solanki as Collector of Surendranagar, and Ravindra Khatale as Collector of Gandhinagar.​

Officials said these changes were part of routine administrative adjustments to maintain continuity in district administration.​

The reshuffle comes as the state prepares for local body elections expected next month, which will cover municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayats across the state.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 27 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday directed the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police to execute all pending non-bailable arrest warrants in the state within the next 10 days and take into custody all those against whom such warrants have been issued within that period.

At the same time, the Commission also directed the state police and the city police to dispose of all poll-related criminal cases from the previous elections at the earliest.

At the same time, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that the Commission has also reminded that with the Model Code of Conduct already in force, all state government employees are now on deputation to the ECI, and hence the Commission has the authority to take disciplinary action against them in case of any dereliction of duty.

As regards the execution of the pending non-bailable arrest warrants, the Commission has directed the Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and the Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to immediately prepare a list of absconding criminal elements and conduct special raid and search operations to track and apprehend them.

The officers-in-charge (OCs) and the inspectors-in-charge (ICs) have been instructed to immediately identify those pockets under their respective jurisdictions that are highly prone to criminal activities, and also identify those rowdy elements or history-sheeters who have records of involvement in poll-related violence.

The OCs and ICs have further been advised by the Commission to ensure absolute security for political campaign programmes irrespective of political affiliations, besides ensuring the safety and security of those engaged in election-related duties.

The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, polling will be held for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies. The results will be declared on May 4.

--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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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

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Veteran actor Raj Babbar decided to look back on his theatre days on World Theatre Day.

He took to his official Instagram account and dropped some throwback photos from his theatre days.

Raj Babbar called theatre a creative movement for the just.

Reflecting on his journey as an actor, he said that theatre gave him a grounding that he has cherished all throughout his life.

He wrote on the photo-sharing app, "On #WorldTheatreDay, my best wishes to all my fellow theatre artists! Theatre is a creative movement for the 'just' & credit goes to our artists for keeping the flag aloft. My journey in acting began with theatre and the grounding it gave me has ever been my prized possession. (sic)"

Quoting Shakespeare, he added, "When Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage," he perhaps mirrored society as a place where everyone resides not as individuals but as an Actor essaying his role!"

Raj Babbar stated that although several platforms, such as television, cinema, and OTT, are present for consuming content, theatre will always be the core.

"There is still so much to learn - So students and all those involved with Theatre - today let's again resolve to explore, imbibe and shine! Platforms for performances have acquired variety but Theatre will always be the Core," he concluded.

Talking about his cinematic journey, after getting trained at NSD, Raj Babbar made his film debut in the political satire "Kissa Kursi Ka," back in 1977, after which he went on to become a part of numerous projects.

Some of his prominent movies include "Nikaah", alongside with Deepak Parashar and Salma Agha, "Aaj Ki Aawaz" with Smita Patil, "Ghayal", "Prem Geet", and "Dehleez".

Raj Babbar entered politics in 1989 by joining the Janata Dal. Later, he became a part of the Indian National Congress in 2008.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 27 (IANS) Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that he only recently just watched the ‘Harry Potter’ movie franchise. The actor said that he’s aware it is a controversial decision given author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans views.

The Oscar nominee wouldn’t even say her name, referring to Rowling instead as “she who shall remain nameless” in an apparent nod to the villainous Voldemort, reports ‘Variety’.

The actor also noted that Daniel Radcliffe‘s performance is so great and the artistry on display so beautiful that one can’t just outright dismiss the films because of Rowling.

He said, “Daniel is so goddamn good. Honestly, I hadn’t watched the ‘Harry Potter’ movies until recently. He’s really good in those movies. Those ‘Harry Potter’ movies are really good. I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless, but the soul and spirit. The essence of the themes of those films and the kids and the artisans and the craft people”.

He further mentioned, “I’m working with a wonderful makeup artist, Claire, who worked on the creature, you can’t throw the baby out of the bathwater. There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists, and Daniel is great”.

As per ‘Variety’, ‘Harry Potter’ is currently being rebooted as an HBO television series, the first trailer for which debuted online this month to much fanfare.

Several of the actors in the show have been questioned about joining the franchise despite its creator’s anti-trans views. Dumbledore actor John Lithgow told The New York Times he nearly quit due to the backlash he received over being associated with Rowling.

He stayed on because the ‘Harry Potter’ books themselves were “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry”, something Garfield noted when he spoke of “the essence” of the franchise’s themes.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Singer Aditya Gadhvi will be returning to Mumbai on April 25th with a powerful performance.

Aditya will be returning to the maximum city after enjoying sold-out shows in the city last year.

Talking about the concert, Aditya shared, “Performing in Mumbai is always special. It feels like bringing our stories, our folk and our roots to a city that has welcomed artists from everywhere. With TribeVibe putting this concert together, I’m excited to share melodies, emotions and memories with fans that celebrate where we come from and where we’re headed together.”

Tickets for the event went live at 6 PM on March 24th exclusively on BookMyShow.

Aditya Live in Mumbai is presented by Skyline Infra Forge Developers and produced and promoted by TribeVibe Entertainment.

Shoven Shah, Founder & CEO, TribeVibe Entertainment, added, “Bringing back Aditya Gadhvi’s concert experience for a city like Mumbai is an incredibly proud moment for TribeVibe. Mumbai has always been a melting pot of cultures and this show captures our mission to create world-class live experiences that celebrate India’s most authentic voices.”

Refreshing your memory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Aditya and one of his most popular songs "Khalasi".

The song, released by Coke Studio India back in July 2023, turned out to be an instant hit. In fact, Prime Minister Modi retweeted a post where Aditya had talked about their first meeting, expressing his admiration for the singer and the song.

Some of his other notable tracks include "Rang Morla", "Sharato Lagu", "Hellaro", "Love Ni Bhavai", and the Gujarat Titans anthem "Aava De".

During IPL 2023, Aditya even performed the Gujarat Titans anthem 'Aava De' before the match at Narendra Modi Stadium.

With a rapidly growing fan base and millions of global streams, Aditya’s music continues to transcend boundaries.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 27 (IANS) Hollywood actress Lisa Kudrow is walking down the memory lane. The actress has shared that she still gets "a little emotional" remembering how her iconic sitcom ‘Friends’ impacted people after 9/11.

The actress, who essayed the role of Phoebe Buffay in the sitcom, understood that the series gave people a sense of escapism following the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,977 victims, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She told ‘Vanity Fair’, "After 9/11, I understood how important entertainment really is, and how important comedies are, and how important Friends was to people because we do need that escape”.

The actress, who portrayed the quirky and optimistic singer-songwriter and masseuse on all 10 seasons of ‘Friends’, recalled emotional meetings with fans after the events of September 11.

Lisa, 62, said, "I would drive home from the set, from Friends, and people, you're at a stoplight, and the car next to you, someone would look over and go, 'Ahh’. After 9/11, it still gets me a little emotional, I have to say. Someone would look over and just go, 'Thank you’, like, about to cry, and just say, 'Thank you’. And I fully understood what they meant”.

this proved to her just how much entertainment can impact people.

Lisa added, "That's when I think I really took it in, you know, what these shows do mean to us. And (I) felt very proud to be contributing to a break for people”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, she realised that people were getting a "mental health service" because of ‘Friends’, which ran from 1994 until 2004. But for Lisa, it was the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’ that provided her comfort in the aftermath of 9/11.

In 2023, she told ‘People’ magazine, "After 9/11, all I was doing was watching the news and every single thing I saw was someone who knew someone that was in one of the towers or something like that. I started watching Will + Grace, and I said, 'Oh, OK. Oh, I wonder, they're in New York. Oh God, they're in New York. I wonder who they knew in the buildings, if they knew anyone’. Then I went, 'Oh, no, wait, no, because they would've shot this before 9/11. You work in that TV, you know. Don't be an idiot’. Then I went, 'No, no. This is fiction. In this world, it didn't even happen’”.

"I just needed that break, and I was so grateful that there was something to watch where 9/11 hadn't happened at all. It was a break that I really needed”, she added.

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