Los Angeles, Oct 13 (IANS) Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage has a regret, and he doesn’t seem to get over it. The actor has shared that he regrets he never played golf with Sir Sean Connery.

The 62-year-old actor developed a "great relationship" with the late James Bond actor, who died in 2020 at the age of 90, after they starred together in ‘The Rock’, but he wishes he'd found the time to hang out with his friend on golf course.

The actor recently attended a spotlight panel at New York Comic Con. He said, “I was all about fishing (at the time), and I like being on my boat. And Sean wanted to get me on the golf course. He was somebody that I considered a friend. We were friends”.

He further mentioned, “I would visit him at his house. But I never went on the golf course because I just didn’t have time for that. “I just wanted to be on my boat. I just… when I had my free time, I wanted to go fishing. And I feel to this day that I should have taken him up on it and learned how to play golf”.

Prior to this, Nicolas Cage shared his opinion on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) taking a different trajectory. The actor said that the MCU is becoming a "well-funded and glorified WWE".

The 62-year-old actor has been a part of the MCU, as he has played the titular character in the recently released Marvel series ‘Spider-Noir’ and also played the Marvel superhero Ghost Rider in the 2007 film of the same name and 2012 sequel ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’. The actor believes the film franchise has lost its sheen in recent years and is too focused on action scenes.

--IANS

aa/

Gandhinagar, Oct 13 (IANS) Two FIRs have been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani within 24 hours over alleged confrontations with police during campaigning for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections, prompting the legislator to accuse the BJP-led Gujarat government of targeting him for raising allegations of a Rs 150-crore land scam involving the Thakor community.

In a video statement issued on Monday, Mevani alleged that no criminal case had been registered against a BJP leader who had allegedly used obscene and abusive language against his mother and sister, while two FIRs had been filed against him in the preceding 24 hours.

“For the past week, I have been speaking against a government broker who allegedly grabbed land worth Rs 150 crore belonging to the Thakor community. Since then, he has been so rattled that, instead of registering a criminal case against the BJP leader who used obscene and filthy abuses against my mother and sister, two FIRs have been registered against me in the last 24 hours,” Mevani said in the video.

Invoking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of cases filed against opposition leaders, Mevani said: “As Rahul-ji says, every FIR against us is a medal. These FIRs, too, are medals for me.”

He also challenged the authorities to take action against BJP leaders, asking whether they had ever registered an FIR against a BJP minister, MLA or MP.

Accusing the authorities of acting selectively, the Congress leader said: "He was not afraid of the police or the government and would continue to fight".

Mevani warned that he would intervene if Congress workers or members of the public were unlawfully taken to police stations.

“If the police target any Congress worker in this manner, or unlawfully take anyone from Gujarat's 6.5 crore people to a police station, I will go to get them released. I will fight. They can register as many FIRs against me as they want,” he said.

The two cases stem from separate incidents on October 8, two days before polling for the GMC elections, at Pethapur police station and the Sector-7 police outpost.

In the first case, registered at Pethapur police station, Mevani and seven others were booked for allegedly obstructing police personnel, creating a commotion and interfering with the recording of a Congress candidate's statement.

According to the complaint filed by Police Inspector A.M. Desai, Congress candidate Yunus Parmar, contesting from Ward 4, had been summoned for questioning following a complaint that he and his associates had threatened BJP campaigner Bhavesh Bhavsar at Sanjari Park in Pethapur around 10 p.m. on October 8.

The complaint alleged that Mevani and his supporters entered the police station while Parmar was being questioned, obstructed the inspector from performing his duties and prevented the candidate's statement from being recorded.

They allegedly used abusive language and later raised slogans outside the police station referring to the Thakor community.

The complaint also alleged that footage of the incident was recorded and circulated on social media, potentially aggravating tensions between communities.

Police further alleged that Mevani continued campaigning after the prescribed campaign period had ended.

The second FIR, registered at Sector-7 police station, relates to an alleged confrontation at the Sector-13 police outpost. According to reports, Munaf Pathan, a supporter of Parmar, was accused of threatening Nilesh Vishnu Panchal, who was campaigning for another candidate.

Panchal alleged that Pathan warned him against campaigning in the area. Pathan was subsequently taken to the outpost for questioning.

Police alleged that Mevani and a group of supporters arrived there, questioned officers about Pathan's detention, created a commotion and obstructed police personnel from discharging their official duties.

The complaint further alleged that Pathan was forcibly taken out of the outpost while questioning was underway.

The second case names Mevani, a person identified as Rathod, Memon and around seven unidentified people, according to reports.

The FIRs come amid heightened political activity surrounding the Gandhinagar civic elections, for which polling was held on Sunday across 11 wards comprising 44 seats.

--IANS

mys/uk

Mumbai, Oct 13 (IANS) Actor Ram Kapoor, who was recently seen in the streaming reality show ‘Lock Upp’, is tired but doesn’t back down from showing up.

On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture of himself from the inside of his car. In the picture, he looks sharper with a more defined jawline.

He wrote in the caption, “What up peeps? It's been a while. Hope I'm not looking as tired as I actually am”.

However, not everyone batted for his sharper look. His fans took to the comments section of his post, and advised him to go easy on himself.

One user wrote, “Mr Ram I loved your Golu molu face Don’t mind I may be your mother’s age God Bless and take care I have watched Bade Achae lagte hai end number of times Loved it”.

Some users wanted to know what he has next on his plate. Another user wrote, “Looking good. When are you doing another reality show. You are do cool and chilled to watch”.

A 3rd user wrote, “Looking great sir. PS: Please be more active here, we missed you”.

Another user wrote, “Damnnnn sir you look great not tired at all It's so good to see your face again hope you get some time to rest and recharge soon (sic)”.

However, his transformation journey hasn’t been a smooth sail. The actor’s dramatic 55-kilogram weight-loss transformation sparked speculation about his alleged use of Ozempic, a medication associated with weight loss. In February 2025, the actor denied using the drug, attributing his transformation to hard work and extensive physical training.

However, he did accept using another weight-loss drug. He argued that medically supervised weight-loss drugs should not attract social stigma, emphasising that people should not be judged for their treatment choices.

--IANS

aa/

Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (IANS) The Gujarat government has sealed four warehouses in Mehsana district after surprise inspections uncovered more than 1.58 lakh bags of suspected adulterated cottonseed cake, including a stock valued at Rs 25 crore at a warehouse in Linch, the state government said on Monday.

The inspections were conducted on October 11 in the Kadi area on the instructions of Animal Husbandry Minister Jitu Vaghani, following a specific complaint about possible adulteration in animal feed.

Samples of the suspected material have been sent to laboratories for testing, while officials are verifying the physical stock against warehouse records.

According to the preliminary investigation, approximately 63.41 lakh kg of stock at the Linch warehouse, estimated to be worth Rs 25 crore, was found to be expired and suspected to be adulterated.

The findings remain subject to further verification and laboratory analysis. The inspections covered four warehouses associated with the NCDEX group.

At Bhavya Warehouse in Aldesan, officials found 14,125 bags, while Shubham Logistics Warehouse in the same village had 5,090 bags.

Mahashakti Warehouse, also known as Amina Warehouse, in Nagrasan had 10,796 bags, and LTC Warehouse on the Linch-Ambasan Road had approximately 1,28,622 bags.

The combined stock of more than 1,58,500 bags was sealed late on Sunday night for counting and verification.

Joint teams from the Mehsana District Animal Husbandry Department, the Food and Drugs Control Administration, the Kadi Mamlatdar's office and veterinary services carried out the inspections under the supervision of the Mehsana Collector.

Officials collected separate samples of the suspected cottonseed cake using scientific methods and sent them to laboratories for urgent analysis.

On October 12, teams are also verifying the physical stock at the warehouses against the closing balances recorded in the stock registers.

The action comes after Gujarat enacted a new law to ensure the quality and safety of animal feed. The legislation has received the Governor's assent, and its implementation is expected to begin shortly, according to the government.

Vaghani had warned against adulteration in animal feed and cottonseed cake while addressing the annual general meeting of the Gujarat Cotton Seeds Crushers Association.

He said the government would not tolerate practices that endangered animal health or harmed livestock farmers.

“The priority of the government is to ensure that livestock farmers in the state receive pure, safe and quality feed for their animals,” Vaghani said.

He added that those violating the prescribed standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), or selling adulterated and unfit feed, could face legal penalties, cancellation of licences and imprisonment under the new law.

Further action is expected to depend on the findings of the laboratory tests and the verification of stock records.

--IANS

mys/uk

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

Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Beloved couple Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay. The 'Arjun Reddy' actor took to his Instagram handle and shared some pictures from the meeting.

In the first pic, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika posed with the Chief Minister for a happy pic. Following this was a still of the three indulging in a fun discussion.

In the last photo, the 'Liger' actor was seen hugging the actor-turned-politician, while Rashmika can be seen smiling at the two.

In the post, VD revealed that he and Rashmika discussed 'life, work and the world' with the CM.

"Had the most beautiful time with the dearest Thalapathy Vijay Sir. Even after a long day he received us with so much love and shared such personal insights into life, work and the world. One meeting and sir is already a favourite (red heart emoji) Until next time, My love and respect. Vijay Deverakonda :)," he published on the photo-sharing app.

Rashmika also treated the netizens to some more glimpses from the meet and expressed her admiration for Thalapathy Vijay.

Reflecting on her journey from being a fangirl to the 'Beast' actor to a co-star, she penned the caption, "After such a long time, went to meet @actorvijay sir. From fangirling him for longer than I can remember to having the opportunity to work with sir to today admiring him for the Chief Minister he is! His journey is nothing short of incredible! Biggest love and best wishes to you always sir! (sic)."

For those who do not know, Rashmika shared screen space with Thalapathy Vijay in the 2023 release 'Varisu'. Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, the project has been backed by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations and PVP Cinema.

On the other hand, Thalapathy Vijay and Vijay Deverakonda have not come together for a project.

--IANS

pm/

Los Angeles, Oct 12 (IANS) Actress Isabelle Huppert, who is known for her work in ‘The Bedroom Window’, ‘Amateur’, ‘I Heart Huckabees’, ‘Louder Than Bombs’, ‘Greta’ and others, doesn’t fear AI.

The actress has shared that she has yet to be pushed aside by AI. She recently attended the ongoing edition of the Busan International Film Festival.

She said at the press conference for Marc Fitoussi’s comedy ‘All About Corinne’ at the festival, “I didn’t know I spoke Korean. I just know how to say ‘annyeonghaseyo’ (hello)”.

‘All About Corinne’ is getting screened in the festival’s Gala Presentation section.

She further mentioned, “It really is me acting. So I haven’t yet been threatened, confronted with that admittedly grim prospect. So far I’ve seen that it’s still my face on screen, and I hope that continues”.

The actress shared that AI is a threat in theory, but compared it to fears that cinemas would disappear or that records would die out, only for vinyl to make a comeback.

She said, “Maybe I’m wrong to be optimistic, I don’t know”.

The actress also confirmed she will appear in a film by Dario Argentom, as she said, “I’m very happy about it. I think it will be some time next year”.

Isabelle Huppert is known for her fearless performances and extraordinary versatility across more than five decades. She has collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers including Claude Chabrol, Michael Haneke and Paul Verhoeven. She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama for ‘Elle’ and received an Academy Award nomination for the same film in 2017.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor will be next seen in the upcoming film ‘Lambodhara 2.0’ helmed by Simple Suni. The film is a bilingual social thriller, and will be released theatrically in both Kannada and Hindi on November 20, 2026.

Producer Mahaveer Jain has joined forces with the makers to present the film under his banner Mahaveer Jain Films.

Talking about the same, Mahaveer Jain said in a statement, “I am extremely impressed by Lambodhara 2.0 and its unique exploration of happiness and artificial intelligence. It is wonderful to see Kannada cinema experimenting with such ambitious ideas. The film raises an important question, are we becoming happier because of technology, or losing control over our own happiness? I strongly believe this film deserves to reach audiences across India, and we are happy to present it”.

The collaboration materialized after director Simple Suni met Mahaveer Jain to share the vision, scale, and making of the film. Blown away by its fresh theme and the integration of a real humanoid robot on screen, Jain immediately backed the project for a pan-India reach, encouraging a simultaneous Hindi dub.

Director Simple Suni shared, “We have made a high-concept science-fiction film exploring happiness, artificial intelligence, and the influence of technology on human life. One of its biggest attractions is JIA, a real humanoid robot playing a character in the film, which we believe is a first-of-its-kind attempt in Indian cinema. Mahaveer Ji was extremely impressed by the concept and encouraged us to release it in Hindi as well. We are delighted to have Mahaveer Jain Films present our movie”.

On Monday, Simple Suni took to his Instagram, and shared a picture with the film’s team. He wrote in the caption, “Lambodhara 2.0. Happiness Loading”.

Packed with suspense, sharp humour, and relatable emotions, the film touches upon the theme of the modern digital age. The plot revolves around a technology-driven 'happiness challenge' promising huge rewards while silently monitoring and shaping human feelings and actions. It holds up a mirror to today’s world of social media validation, digital addiction, AI interference, and the ultimate struggle for human free will.

The film is set to release in cinemas on November 20, 2026.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Actress Nushrratt Bharuccha is presently recovering from the massive spine injury she recently suffered in Bali. As part of her healing journey, the 'Dream Girl' actress was seen enjoying Shah Rukh and Kajol's 'Gerua' track from their movie, 'Dilwale'.

Nushrratt took to her official Instagram Stories on Monday and uploaded a clip of the 'Gerua' song playing on the television, with some giggles heard in the background.

Slowly, the camera pans to Nushrratt on the hospital bed, smiling as the medical staff helped her eat her food.

Nushrratt wrote alongside the video that such moments remind her that no matter what life throws at us, things do get better with time.

"And just like that, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol bring a smile to my face (red heart emoji) A reminder: things get better… little by little… they always do.

Healing slowly, dreaming endlessly… (Sparkles emoji) (sic)," she penned.

On Saturday, Nushrratt shared her first social media post after suffering an injury in Bali.

She dropped a photo of an empty reclining wheelchair with sunset visible from the window on her IG.

Giving insight into her undying fighter spirit, the 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' actress added the text, "Been chasing sunsets forever, And just like that.. my view changed. But, Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost."

For those who do not know, Nushrratt was in Bali for a work-cum-holiday trip when she suffered a fracture in her spine following an unfortunate accident. She was later airlifted to Mumbai for surgery.

Her team issued an official statement revealing that the actress was under medical observation.

“Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was in Bali for a work-cum-holiday trip, met with an unfortunate accident and suffered a fracture in her spine. At present, our immediate priority is her health and ensuring she receives the necessary medical care. We are currently making arrangements to bring Nushrratt back to Mumbai from Bali via an air ambulance, where she will undergo the surgery," read the statement.

--IANS

pm/