Hyderabad, July 22 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday claimed that the BJP was conspiring to delete the names of the voters belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority communities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP and BRS plotted to backstab him by deleting a huge number of votes of Congress sympathisers in Kodangal Assembly constituency, which he represents.

Addressing a meeting of the Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of the Congress party in Kodangal, the Chief Minister remarked that despite having different names, the BRS and BJP are two sides of the same coin.

He alleged that the two opposition parties hatched a conspiracy to undermine his political grip on Kodangal to weaken his stronghold at the state level.

CM Revanth Reddy cautioned the Congress leaders that opposition parties were trying to remove the votes of Congress sympathizers in Kodangal. He said that, unable to face him directly, the two parties plotted a backstab attack.

The Chief Minister remarked that the responsibility of burying the opposition lies with Kodangal people. He appealed to BLAs to complete the enrollment of all voters before the SIR deadline of August 3.

He noted that so far, 1,96,620 voters in the constituency submitted SIR applications while 54,635 people have not yet been registered. Registration is still pending for 22 per cent of the total voters.

He cautioned the BLAs against the deletion of Congress votes. He stated that the responsibility of registering names rests with all BLAs. “Losing one's vote means losing the identity,” he said, and asked the party workers to go door-to-door and ensure voter verification forms are filled.

The CM instructed the BLAs to complete the 100 per cent enrollment by July 30, ensuring not a single eligible person loses their vote. Revanth Reddy thanked Kodangal people for what he called unwavering support and blessings to lead the state as Chief Minister.

--IANS

ms/skp

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) India’s installed data centre capacity has grown from about 375 megawatts in 2020 to around 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 and is projected to reach 6.5 GW by 2030, more than four times current levels, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from Rubix Data Sciences said capacity additions accelerated sharply, with India adding 387 megawatts of IT capacity in 2025, marking a 103 per cent year‑on‑year increase from the 191 megawatts added in 2024.

India ranked seventh globally by number of data centres in June 2025. As of January 2026, 271 facilities in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Chennai, together accounted for nearly 65 per cent of the total, the report added.

The sector's investment pipeline currently stands at around $90 billion, about six times the $13–15 billion invested between 2020 and 2024, driven by commitments from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google.

The government has projected that AI‑driven digital infrastructure, including data centres, could catalyse up to $200 billion in investment in the years ahead.

Water and power availability are emerging as critical constraints, with data centre electricity demand projected to rise from around 1 GW today to 13.56 GW by 2031–32.

States including Gujarat and Maharashtra have introduced dedicated policies to extend data centre growth beyond traditional metro hubs.

The data centre industry is becoming a key indicator of India's digital and economic momentum, with industry trends having implications across technology, real estate, power and energy, finance, policy, and sustainability, the report noted.

Data centres emerged as the second‑largest recipient of institutional investments in India’s real estate sector, accounting for 40 per cent of Q2 2026 investments, another report said.

The sector's growing share reflects increasing investor interest in digital infrastructure assets, supported by rising demand driven by rapid AI adoption, cloud expansion and data localisation requirements.

—IANS

aar/pk

Bhopal, July 22 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed noisy protests by Congress legislators on Wednesday after Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar rejected a notice for an adjournment motion, moved by Congress members, seeking discussion on the NEET paper leak issue.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar moved the motion, highlighting the involvement of lakhs of students from the state and describing it as a serious national concern that demanded immediate debate in the House.

Singhar urged the government to schedule time for discussion, even suggesting the following day.

However, Minister Rakesh Singh pointed out that the House functions as per laid-down rules.

After hearing both sides, Speaker Tomar reserved his ruling and allowed proceedings to continue for some time.

Later, he rejected the adjournment motion, stating that the NEET paper leak matter did not pertain to the Madhya Pradesh government and therefore could not be taken up for discussion in the state Assembly.

The decision triggered sharp reactions from the Congress benches. Umang Singhar criticised the Speaker’s ruling, pointing out the inconsistency in allowing discussion on the Uniform Civil Code while refusing to deliberate on an issue affecting the future of lakhs of students.

He accused the government of neglecting students’ concerns.

Congress members raised slogans and created uproar in the House, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings for 15 minutes.

During the protest, BJP members accused the Congress of disrespecting the Chair and violating the Speaker’s directive.

Singhar hit back, alleging that students protesting against the paper leak had been labelled as “insects” and “anarchists” by the government.

He contrasted the Chief Minister’s keenness to discuss the UCC with the refusal to address the students’ future.

Earlier during the morning hours, Congress MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, entered the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly wearing black armbands to protest against the police lathi-charge on Rahul Gandhi and the alleged atrocities committed on students in Delhi.

Singhar strongly criticised the BJP government, stating that students peacefully fighting for their future were brutally lathi-charged in the national capital. He demanded an urgent discussion on the issue in the Assembly, but alleged that the government deliberately evaded a response.

--IANS

sktr/dpb

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) The Congress party on Wednesday slammed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his remarks on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and said that the former has "no moral right to even comment", while demanding his resignation from the Union Ministry.

This came a day after Pradhan sharply criticised Gandhi and the Congress party for allegedly using students as "political tools" during the ongoing protests over the NEET paper leak.

Reacting to this, Congress MP Jebi Mather told IANS, "Dharmendra Pradhan has no moral right to even comment. Dharmendra Pradhan has the audacity to make such statements when he is the main person responsible; when he is the culprit for this kind of mismanagement of the education system, of paper leak."

"Instead of stepping down, he is making big speech. He has to immediately resign, and we will go to any extent protesting and demanding that," she added.

Congress MP Pawan Khera, speaking to IANS, said, "They (the government) are playing politics against the students. Tell Dharmendra Pradhan not to give such long speeches. He should simply resign. We do not want his speeches; we want his resignation."

The Congress has been demanding a thorough probe into the NEET-UG paper leaks and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Pradhan's remarks had come hours after LoP Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders, staged a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding the Education Minister's resignation.

In a post on X, Pradhan wrote: "LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi and INC India (Indian National Congress) continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament."

He added that LoP Rahul Gandhi and INC India chose to stage a dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence, causing inconvenience to the public and disregarding established security protocols.

The Minister further claimed that even after the Government conveyed its readiness for a comprehensive discussion, the Congress chose political spectacle over democratic debate. "Their objective was never solutions for students; it was disruption for political headlines," Pradhan remarked.

He continued that for Rahul Gandhi, the issue was not about students but about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion had been opened. "Our Government remains 100 per cent committed to discussing NEET and addressing every genuine concern of our youth on the floor of the House," he said.

The Education Minister concluded his post by saying that the students of India deserve far better than being treated as props in a political campaign. "They deserve certainty over chaos, solutions over slogans and responsibility over disruption. We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our Government remains committed to delivering," he claimed.

--IANS

sd/rad

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) India’s auto and auto‑ancillaries sector is expected to see operating revenue to grow by around 8 per cent in FY27, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from Brickwork Ratings said the sector is entering a new investment cycle with Rs 703 billion of projects scheduled for commissioning between FY27 and FY29.

The investments are supported by a pipeline of 184 projects worth Rs 4.76 trillion and 70 projects already under implementation.

The investment momentum is backed by Production Linked Incentive schemes, FAME‑III incentives and sustained capacity expansion by original equipment manufacturers and Tier‑I suppliers.

The ratings agency expects the sector to maintain a stable credit outlook through FY27. Strong domestic demand, rising exports and prudent balance-sheet management continue to underpin the industry’s resilience, the report said.

It forecasted EBITDA margins to improve slightly to about 14 per cent in FY27 from roughly 13 per cent in FY26.

“The sector's leverage profile is expected to improve further, supported by internal accrual-led funding. Debt servicing is also expected to remain strong, reinforcing the sector's stable credit outlook despite ongoing investments in capacity expansion and electrification,” it said.

"India's auto and auto ancillaries industry is transitioning from a volume-driven market to a technology-led manufacturing ecosystem. Policy incentives, localisation initiatives and expanding export opportunities are encouraging long-term investments despite elevated capex requirements for electrification," said Niraj Rathi, Senior Director – Ratings, Brickwork Ratings.

Healthy balance sheets and strong internal accruals should enable most organised players to navigate this transition while maintaining stable credit profiles, Rathi added.

India is estimated to have recorded 30.2 million domestic vehicle sales and 7.1 million vehicle exports in FY26, while EV penetration is estimated to have reached 8.6 per cent in FY26, up sharply from 0.8 per cent in FY20.

The country's expanding supplier ecosystem, comprising over 40,000 component manufacturers, continues to benefit from strong SUV demand, accelerating EV adoption and improving export competitiveness across passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

—IANS

aar/pk

Bengaluru, July 22 (IANS) Karnataka BJP leaders marching towards the KPCC headquarters in Bengaluru to protest against Congress for playing politics over the NEET row and ignoring the state's issues were detained by the police on Wednesday.

Congress workers had gathered in large numbers and targeted a senior BJP MLA, B.P. Harish, who arrived directly at the KPCC office. As soon as he stepped out of his vehicle, Congress workers surrounded him and raised slogans against the BJP.

Even as the police rushed to rescue him, Congress workers allegedly hurled eggs at him. The police escorted him to a nearby lane and diverted the protesters.

On the other hand, BJP MLAs and MLCs, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, took out a march from Vidhana Soudha to the KPCC headquarters.

The police stopped them midway near the Cantonment area and detained them.

Addressing the media, R. Ashoka stated that the BJP was staging a protest in front of the Karnataka Congress office in Bengaluru against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, accusing them of indulging in "political drama" over the NEET issue while ignoring pressing concerns in Karnataka.

Ashoka further said the Congress leadership was focusing on protests in Delhi instead of addressing the severe drought affecting large parts of Karnataka.

He alleged that the state government had failed to respond adequately to the crisis, and accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, ministers, former ministers and legislators of being preoccupied with political activities in the national capital.

"Nearly the entire state is facing drought. Already, 175 taluks have been affected, and only a few districts remain unaffected. But there is no government in Karnataka today. The government must immediately declare drought and allocate Rs 20 crore each for drinking water works in every Assembly constituency and taluk," he said.

Ashoka also demanded the constitution of taluk-level drought task forces to monitor and address the situation on a war footing.

Targeting Congress over its protest in Delhi on the NEET issue, Ashoka claimed that the party was attempting to gain political mileage.

He criticised Rahul Gandhi for participating in the demonstrations and alleged that the Congress party was ignoring issues affecting Karnataka.

"The Congress is staging protests near the Prime Minister's Office over NEET. This is a restricted area, and the protest is purely political. Rahul Gandhi has time to participate in these protests but has no time to speak about the 11 innocent people who died during the RCB celebrations in Bengaluru," he said.

--IANS

mka/dpb

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) The government on Wednesday said that total primary energy supply (TPES) of India during 2024-25 was estimated at 39,055 Petajoules as compared to 37,936 Petajoules in 2023-24.

Total renewable energy potential was estimated at 4,704,043 MW (as on March 2025) as compared to 2,109,655 MW (as on March 31, 2024), said Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh in the Lok Sabha.

One petajoule is 1,015 joules (1 million billion) or 278 gigawatt hours.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has put in place well-defined mechanisms to ensure timely collection and publication of official statistics.

Primary data collection for National Sample Surveys (NSS) is carried out on digital platforms such as Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) and the e-SIGMA system, incorporating in-built validation checks, real-time data monitoring, AI-enabled chatbots, and multilingual interfaces, informed the minister.

“Use of such digital platforms ensure consistency at the stage of data collection and facilitate real-time submission and validation of survey data. Further, the practice of physical scrutiny and inspection by higher-level officers is continuously undertaken as per fixed norms along with regular training for field staff to ensure the quality of the data collected,” he mentioned.

These initiatives have substantially improved data quality and led to reduction in time lag in release of survey data from 8-9 months to 45-90 days. Annual Survey Results are now released within 90-120 days; quarterly results within 45-60 days and monthly results within 15-30 days of completion of surveys.

To promote transparency and public accountability, anonymized unit-level survey data are made available through MoSPI’s revamped Microdata Portal, enabling researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to access, analyze, and utilise official statistics for evidence-based research and policy making.

Singh further stated that MoSPI has undertaken comprehensive base revision exercises for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), All India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure that these macroeconomic indicators adequately reflect the evolving structure of the economy and align with international statistical standards.

Accordingly, the base year of GDP has been revised from 2011–12 to 2022–23 based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS); the base year of IIP has been revised from 2011–12 to 2022–23 under the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee on IIP; and the base year of CPI has been revised from 2012=100 to 2024=100 under the guidance of an Expert Group constituted for the purpose.

--IANS

na/

Seoul, July 22 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will embark on a five-nation trip this week that will also take him to three South American nations for talks with their leaders, the presidential office said Wednesday.

The President will depart Friday first for San Francisco where he will make a two-day visit for a meeting with the heads of global tech giants, including OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman and Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, according to presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Yong-beom, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"Through meetings with tech giant CEOs, the president will emphasise South Korea's full commitment to investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and related global cooperation," Kim said.

The President will also attend a high-level AI meeting in San Francisco that will bring together Altman, Huang and other tech giant chiefs with heads of South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung.

During the event, participants will discuss the Lee administration's "megaprojects" initiative aimed at establishing a semiconductor production cluster and AI-related facilities, with a number of agreements expected to be signed between South Korean and global companies, according to the Cheong Wa Dae official.

Lee will also issue a "San Francisco AI declaration," outlining South Korea's vision to become an AI leader and enhance global cooperation in the field.

From Sunday through next Wednesday, Lee will pay a state visit to Brazil for a summit with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, followed by visits to Chile and Argentina through August 1 for summit talks with their respective leaders, President Jose Antonio Kast and President Javier Milei.

Lee's visit to the South American countries is expected to expand trade and investment between the two regions while further advancing South Korea's diplomatic reach in the region, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said.

Lee will wrap up his trip in Frankfurt, Germany, where he will hold a meeting with South Korean residents there before returning home on August 3, according to Cheong Wa Dae officials.

--IANS

akl/as

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, July 22 (IANS) The makers of the iconic film ‘3 Idiots’ have quashed the reports of the film’s re-release. On Wednesday, the production house behind the film took to social media, and clarified that the film is not making its way to theatres for its re-release.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films has issued an official clarification in response to recent media reports about the re-release on September 4, 2026.

They wrote, “With reference to recent media reports claiming that ‘3 Idiots’ will be re-released on 4th September, Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films would like to clarify that these reports are false and factually incorrect. We request members of the media and fans to rely solely on official announcements made through Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films’ verified channels. We urge media publications to refrain from publishing or circulating unverified information”.

The reports emerged during the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in the early hours of July 18 after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike. The strike was called with regards to the overhaul of the education system, and to curb the paper leaks.

In pop-culture, Sonam Wangchuk has often been cited as the inspiration behind Aamir Khan’s character in ‘3 Idiots’. However, Aamir recently clarified that the character is not in fact based on Sonam Wangchuk but a figment of imagination of the writers.

‘3 Idiots’ largely spoke about the reforms in the education system, and focusing on the application of knowledge beyond exam papers. The film became a landmark in Indian pop culture by redefining mainstream Bollywood entertainment with a strong social message. The film challenged conventional ideas of academic success, parental pressure and career choices through humour and emotion.

It also sparked widespread discussions on India's education system and student mental health. Its influence transcended borders, making it one of the most celebrated and globally recognised Hindi films of all time.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, July 22 (IANS) Actor Vivaan Shah has addressed the viral video of his father, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, that sparked discussions over his alleged presence at the CJP protest.

Clarifying the situation, Vivaan said that the video was old and that there was a misunderstanding. Speaking about the matter, he revealed that both he and his father wanted to attend the protest and extend their support to the students’ movement. However, Naseeruddin could not be present as he had to travel to Chennai for a shoot.

Vivaan stated, “My father and I both wanted to go to the protest. He couldn’t go because he had to travel to Chennai for a shoot today. Yesterday was his birthday, but that video was an old video, and there was a misunderstanding. We wanted to be there and show our support and solidarity with the students’ movement. Our hearts are always with them, and we want to give them support, solidarity, strength, and love.”

“However, that video created a misunderstanding that we were present there. Although we wanted to go, we couldn’t make it. We will try to be there.”

A video claiming to show Naseeruddin Shah standing in solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi went viral on social media. Several users claimed that the actor had joined the demonstration along with his sons, Imaad Shah and Vivaan Shah.

However, the viral videos were found to be selectively edited, with the original footage showing that Naseeruddin was attending a theatre event and was not present at the Jantar Mantar protest.

Naseeruddin Shah shared a video on his Instagram handle expressing solidarity with the student protesters. In the video, he said, I would like to say two things to all of you. First, if an ignorant person were to lead this country, they would want the entire nation to become just like them — ignorant, unaware, incapable, and ruthless.”

“Despite completing two separate acting courses at the National School of Drama and the Pune Film Institute, the most I have learned about acting has been from the students I have tried to teach. I stand in complete solidarity with them. I offer them my heartfelt blessings with every breath and salute them on every Teachers’ Day,” Shah added.

--IANS

ps/

Mumbai, July 22 (IANS) Actress Indira Krishnan says portraying Durgawati in 'Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan' has been one of the most enriching experiences of her career.

She further added that bringing to life a fearless woman who stands by her convictions has been immensely rewarding as an actor.

Speaking about her character, Indira shared, "Durgawati has been one of the most layered and emotionally enriching characters I have had the privilege to portray. In many ways, she has also been one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles of my career because she constantly pushes me as an actor to explore strength, vulnerability, and conviction in equal measure."

She added, "Her journey isn't just about being strong, it's about standing by her beliefs even when the world chooses to misunderstand her. What makes her so special is that her story continues to shape the emotional core of the narrative, with every decision creating a ripple effect in the lives of those around her."

Calling the role particularly satisfying, the actress said, "As an actor, it's incredibly rewarding to bring to life a woman who is unapologetically fearless, resilient, and complex. I truly believe characters like Durgawati reflect the evolving storytelling on television, where women are no longer confined to stereotypes but are driving narratives with depth and purpose."

Talking about the show, the upcoming episodes of 'Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan' will see Durgawati facing one of the toughest phases of her life after she is accused of attempting to take Ganga's (Shubhangi Latkar) life.

The allegations also create a rift between her and her son Siddhu (Sheizaan Khan), who begins to question her innocence.

–IANS

rd/

Mumbai, July 22 (IANS) Actress Shweta Tripathi, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Mirzapur: The Film’, has spoken up about the journey of her character in the franchise.

The actress shared that her character has covered a great deal of arc as she evolved from someone who believes in doing the right thing to navigating power, grief, revenge and ambition.

What began as a gritty crime drama on streaming has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with characters, dialogues and moments becoming deeply embedded in popular culture. The streaming show has further expanded to cinematic canvas, and is waiting in the wings for the release.

Reflecting on the journey of the show, Shweta said, “When we started shooting Mirzapur almost eight years ago, none of us could have predicted the journey it would take. As actors, you hope your work connects with people, but very rarely does a show become part of everyday conversations, memes, celebrations and even the language people use. Mirzapur did that. It made us their Guddu Bhaiya and Golu Didi. Today, people don’t just watch the show, they care about the characters and root for them”.

For Shweta, the transition is a testament to the enduring love audiences have shown the series over the years and the emotional investment they’ve made in its characters.

She further mentioned, “That’s why Mirzapur becoming one of the first major Indian streaming franchises to make the leap to the big screen feels so special. It’s not just a film adaptation. It’s the result of years of audience love. Every season ended with people wanting more, revisiting the show, discussing theories and carrying these characters with them. In many ways, this film belongs to the fans as much as it belongs to us”.

The actress also said that the film also represents the continuation of her character, Golu Gupta’s deeply layered journey, a character she has inhabited for nearly a decade.

“What makes me particularly emotional is Golu’s journey. I’ve lived with her for years. She began as a young woman who believed in doing the right thing and gradually transformed into someone navigating power, grief, revenge and ambition. Watching audiences grow alongside her has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Even today, I meet young women who tell me they connected with her resilience, her flaws and her refusal to fit into expectations. That’s incredibly moving”, she added.

--IANS

aa/