Kathmandu, Aug 29 (IANS) The death toll from the flash floods reached 616 on Saturday morning, while hundreds remain missing, local media reported, citing officials.

As of 6 a.m. on Saturday, police had recovered 233 bodies in Chitwan, 158 in Nawalparasi East, 48 in Gorkha, 47 in Nawalparasi West, 45 in Dhading, 41 in Nuwakot, 31 in Tanahun and 13 in Rasuwa, according to a leading Nepalese daily, The Kathmandu Post.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are underway across the affected districts of the Himalayan nation. Officials said that the police are coordinating with residents and other agencies to locate missing people and assist those stranded by the floods.

Rescued people are being taken from high-risk areas to safer locations. Additionally, the search and rescue officials are working to clear roads blocked by flood debris and landslides to reopen access and facilitate relief operations.

The massive flash flood that struck Nepal's Rasuwa on Wednesday originated in the Tibetan region of China. It swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, leaving a trail of destruction in the country.

The bodies are being recovered from the riverbanks in several downstream districts along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi (East) and Nawalparasi (West).

The officials said that the death toll is expected to rise as the search and rescue operations continue.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government has agreed to accept help from international search and rescue teams. Earlier, the Balen Shah government had rejected the help, stating that the Nepalese rescuers were capable of handling the search operations and that it would not allow rescuers from other nations.

However, according to The Kathmandu Post report, the decision could not hold even a day as the administration decided to seek limited international help from foreign expertise for rescue operations.

Indian nationals account for the highest number of missing people, according to the Nepal Tourism Board's latest records.

The third flight with assistance and an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team reached Nepal from India on Friday.

The flight was carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.

Additionally, India on Thursday handed over the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, medicines and food packets to Nepal to support the Himalayan nation in relief and rescue efforts following the deadly floods.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned for his two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on Saturday, and expressed confidence that this visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia.

He will first travel to Tashkent for a two-day bilateral visit at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "In recent years, India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has seen significant advancement. I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan."

The Prime Minister said that he will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, which he called "a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties" that bind India and Uzbekistan together.

This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan. He had earlier visited Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries in 2015, followed by visits in 2016 and 2022 to attend the SCO Summits.

India and Uzbekistan have maintained extensive and fruitful engagements both in bilateral and multilateral formats over the past many years. The Uzbek President visited India for a State Visit in 2018, and he also participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, marking 25 years of the organisation.

"India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond," he said in the departure statement.

"I also look forward to meeting President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, and to attending the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect," the Prime Minister said.

"I am confident that this visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen our civilisational connect with the region, and advance our shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, values that lie at the heart of India's engagement with the world," PM Modi added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone is over the moon as he celebrates his daughter Sophia Stallone’s engagement to boyfriend Michael Sheehan.

Stallone took to Instagram, where he shared two pictures. The first had the star posing with his daughter as she flaunted her ring. The other had the action hero posing with his wife Jennifer Flavin, daughter Sophia and to-be son-in-law Sheehan.

Sharing the happy news with his fans, the actor expressed his excitement and joy over the couple’s engagement as he wrote: “We are so ecstatic about the engagement of our daughter Sophia to Michael!”

The engagement news comes on the day of Sophia’s 30th birthday. The icon had earlier shared a birthday post for his daughter, celebrating three decades of pride in his “amazing daughter”.

“30 years of making us proud. Happy birthday to my amazing daughter Sophia!!! We love you always @sophiastallone,” Stallone wrote as the caption.

Sophia is the daughter of Stallone and model Jennifer Flavin. Stallone and Flavin met in 1988 and were in a relationship. In May 1997, Stallone and Flavin married.

The couple has three daughters, Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet. His daughters were chosen to share the role of Golden Globe Ambassador at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

Stallone’s biopic ‘I Play Rocky’ is set to arrive in Indian theatres on November 13, a week after its limited theatrical release in the US.

The film is a biopic on Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone, and traces his journey from being a nobody to becoming one of the greatest action stars of Hollywood owing to his work in the franchise.

Long before Rocky Balboa became a global cultural icon, Sylvester Stallone was a struggling actor with little money, few opportunities and one unwavering belief, that he could write and star in a story that would change his life. ‘I Play Rocky’ takes audiences behind the scenes of that extraordinary chapter.

The octogenarian made his screen debut in 1970 with "The Party at Kitty and Stud's". Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Stallone took on a few uncredited roles in films like Downhill Racer and Bananas.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Hollywood superstar Sandra Bullock has given her “Practical Magic 2” daughter Maisie Williams to “raid” her “closet anytime”.

The 62-year-old actress gave Williams a shoutout amid the promotions of their upcoming film, during which the 29-year-old actress recreated a motley of Bullock’s vintage looks from the 1990s and early 2000s.

Bullock took to Instagram, where she shared a gamut of side-by-side snaps of Williams’ recreations as well as a sweet video of her hyping up the young actress from the sidelines of the promotions.

She wrote as the caption: “My Antonia girl, you can raid Mama’s closet anytime. @dinobonacic you did a beautiful job bringing all of these looks back to life.”

The pictures featured Williams in a black off-the-shoulder dress that Bullock wore to the 2006 premiere of her movie “Infamous”. She had earlier appeared in a custom burgundy dress by that bore a resemblance to the two-piece ensemble Bullock wore to the 1999 premiere of “Forces of Nature.”

The “Game Of Thrones” actress also took inspiration from a lace-trimmed dress Bullock wears in the original “Practical Magic” film, wearing a similar style in black.

“Practical Magic 2” is a romantic fantasy directed by Susanne Bier. The film is based on the 2021 novel The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman. The sequel to Practical Magic.

The film stars Sandra, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing reprising their roles from the previous film, alongside new cast members Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod.

The first installment, which was released in 1998, had Bullock and Kidman play sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, descended from a long line of witches.

Raised by their aunts after their parents' death from a family curse, the sisters are taught the uses of practical magic as they grow up. Years later, they must use their magic to destroy the evil spirit of Gillian's abusive boyfriend before it kills them.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 29 (IANS) A Russian national living in Florida has been convicted of illegally exporting more than $900,000 in American aircraft components to Russia and its state-owned airline Aeroflot, the US Justice Department said.

A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida found Alexander Mamonov, 62, guilty on all 12 charges following a trial.

The charges included conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, illegally exporting controlled goods, conspiracy to commit smuggling, smuggling, submitting false export information and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

US District Judge Kathleen Williams scheduled Mamonov’s sentencing for November 20. The Justice Department did not disclose the maximum penalties he could receive.

Prosecutors said Mamonov, a former Aeroflot employee, moved from Russia to South Florida before joining the export scheme.

He worked with Ignat Vakorin, a Russian national who remains a fugitive, to obtain aircraft parts from suppliers in the United States and transport them to Russia, according to the department of justice.

The two men were charged together in April 2025.

The scheme began after the United States tightened controls on exports to Russia following Moscow’s expanded invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to court documents and testimony cited by prosecutors.

The Commerce Department had also issued a temporary denial order barring Aeroflot from receiving goods originating in the United States.

Prosecutors said Mamonov and Vakorin concealed the final destination of the parts by telling American suppliers that the components would be shipped to countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.

The aircraft parts were instead sent to Russia and Aeroflot, the Justice Department said.

“Mamonov illegally exported nearly one million dollars of aviation parts to Russia by lying to US suppliers about their destination, and this conviction on all counts holds him accountable,” said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division.

Rozhavsky said the FBI would continue prioritising enforcement of sanctions and export-control laws.

“Let this verdict serve as a warning to anyone considering smuggling US technology to our adversaries,” he said.

US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said the verdict demonstrated that efforts to evade export controls through third countries would still be prosecuted.

“Russia cannot evade American sanctions and export controls by routing its purchases through South Florida,” he said.

“You cannot put a fake destination on a shipping label and make American export laws disappear,” Quiñones added.

The prosecutor said Mamonov had used false destinations and financial transactions to conceal the export of nearly $1 million in aircraft parts.

Washington imposed extensive export restrictions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The controls cover aircraft, aviation components and other products that US officials say could support Russian military capabilities or strategically important industries.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS) Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has increased compressed natural gas (CNG) prices by Rs 3.89 per kg across Delhi-NCR, citing a sharp rise in the cost of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With the latest revision effective Saturday, CNG will now cost Rs 86.98 per kg in Delhi. Prices have been raised to Rs 95.59 per kg in Noida and Ghaziabad, Rs 95.47 per kg in Meerut and Rs 92.01 per kg in Gurugram.

The latest increase marks the fifth CNG price hike by IGL this year and the first since May. In May, the company had raised CNG prices by a cumulative Rs 6 per kg in four phases over 10 days as global energy prices climbed amid the West Asia conflict.

The fresh increase comes as international LNG prices have risen sharply following the renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia, which has disrupted cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said global LNG prices have nearly doubled since July compared with levels prevailing before the conflict.

The Asia-JKM LNG benchmark, a key indicator for spot LNG prices in Asia, has climbed from around $11 per million British thermal units (MMBTU) in February to $23.4 per MMBTU in August. European TTF gas prices have followed a similar trajectory, rising from around $11.3 per MMBTU to $23.3 per MMBTU during the same period.

The pressure on global gas prices has also been intensified by preparations for the winter season in Europe. European buyers are building up LNG inventories to meet higher seasonal demand, adding further competition for available cargoes and pushing prices higher.

The increase in CNG prices is likely to add to transportation costs across the Delhi-NCR region, where auto-rickshaws, taxis and a large number of commercial and goods vehicles rely on CNG. Previous increases in the fuel price have also had an impact on freight and passenger fares.

CNG prices differ across cities because of variations in state-level value-added tax structures. The latest hike therefore comes at a time when transport operators are already facing pressure from higher fuel and operating costs.

The continued rise in international gas prices could keep pressure on domestic CNG prices in the coming months, particularly if geopolitical tensions persist and global LNG markets remain tight.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh is turning heads with his latest look as he flaunts his muscular physique while gearing up for London Fashion Week.

The singer took to Instagram to share a glimpse of his preparations at the gym. In the clip, the rapper is seen showcasing his perfect pecs and his beefed-up biceps ahead of the fashion event, where he is set to make an appearance on September 19.

“Preparing for LONDON FASHION WEEK , 19th September @amoraimani @fido_dxb YOYO NAAM HEE KAAFI HAI #yoyohoneysingh #fashionweek @akankshabhakoo #london,” he wrote as the caption.

The hip-hop musical artist was born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He made his mark on the music scene with the release of his Punjabi album International Villager in 2011.

The album's track "Gabru", featuring J-Star, quickly climbed to the top of the Asian music charts, including the official BBC Asian charts. The Delhi-born musician’s collaborations with prominent artists, such as Diljit Dosanjh on “Lak 28 Kudi”, further cemented his position.

The 42-year-old rapper sang his first Hindi song in Mastan. His popularity surged on YouTube, with two of his videos, "Brown Rang" and "High Heels," ranking among the top-trending videos that year.

Following the success of "Brown Rang", Singh released "Angreji Beat" in collaboration with Gippy Grewal.

In 2024, Singh launched his album Glory, featuring 18 tracks, including "Millionaire", "Rap God", and "Jatt Mehkma". In December 2024, a documentary titled Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous was released on Netflix.

In May, the rapper shared that he made the beats for his song “Payal” featuring Nora Fatehi in 2007 and then used them in 2024.

“My beats makes generations move... M genius… Made this beat in 2007 at Rohini my guruji's flat In finally used in 2024 (sic),” he had written.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 29 (IANS) The makers of director Vimal Krishna's eagerly awaited upcoming Telugu film 'Anumana Pakshi' have now announced that their film will hit screens worldwide on September 18 this year.

For the unaware, director Vimal Krishna made a sensational debut with the superhit film 'DJ Tillu'. He is now making his return with another unconventional comedy entertainer titled ' Anumana Pakshi'.

The film features Rag Mayur in the lead and is being backed by Chilaka Productions. The film is being produced by Rajiv Chilaka, Rajesh Jagtiani, and Hirachand Dand.

Taking to it social media timelines, the production house Chilaka Productions wrote, "One Boy. Billion Thoughts. Zero Chill #AnumanaPakshi In Cinemas from September 18! Get ready for the Psych Chaotic Comedy ride!!! Watch #AnumanaPakshiTeaser."

The release date announcement came in the form of an eccentric poster that perfectly captured the film’s offbeat tone and the peculiar nature of its protagonist.

Rag Mayur is seen sporting a traditional outfit while holding a rifle. Beside him is a blackboard titled “Doubts Under Investigation,” filled with amusing questions about life, destiny, karma, and God’s plan. The tagline- “One Boy. Billion Thoughts. Zero Chill.”, further hints at the chaotic thought process of his character.

Sources claim that director Vimal Krishna, who earned recognition for his distinctive characterisation and humour in 'DJ Tillu', has explored another unconventional concept in 'Anumana Pakshi'.

Merin Philip plays the female lead in this film, which has triggered huge expectations. Apart from Rag Mayur and Merin Philip, the film will also feature a number of other actors including Prince Cecil, Raasi, Anannayaa, and Charith in pivotal roles.

The film boast of a sound technical team as well. The film has cinematography by well known cameraman Sunil Kumar Nama.

Music for the film has been composed by gifted music director Sri Charan Pakala. JK Murthy has led the team of art direction in this film, while Abhinav Kunapareddy has taken charge of the responsibility of editing the film.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 29 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan expressed his concern over the devastating floods in Nepal, describing the destruction as “unbearable to watch”.

Taking to his blog, Amitabh said that the fury of nature cannot be battled, but calls for divine intervention.

Big B wrote on his blog: “On a more serious note the devastation of the floods in Nepal are unbearable to watch… the fury of nature can never be battled with .. its respect needs the presence of the divine…we pray .. for that in itself is beyond all…(sic).”

It was on August 26 that Nepal suffered catastrophic flash floods. The Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had so far been recovered. In comparison, 1,924 people remained out of contact as of Friday evening.

The actor also shared a picture of his wrist filled with rakhis on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

“...may this bond of love, affection and care live eternally - the dedication of the relation between a sister and a brother, never to be broken or forgotten... its sacred thread tied to the wrist, is the symbol of perpetuity in the relationship… its auspicious presence fortifies its reason…”

Talking about work, Amitabh, the octogenarian, is currently keeping busy with the “Kalki 2898 AD” sequel, helmed by Nag Ashwin. The film is an epic mythological science fiction film that also stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani.

The first installment is set in a dystopian future in the year 2898 AD in the city of Kashi, the story follows a group on a mission to protect lab subject SUM-80's unborn child, believed to be Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu.

He will reportedly be seen in Nitesh Tiwary’s upcoming magnum opus “Ramayana: Part 1”, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol. The icon will reportedly play the character of Jatayu. Big B was last seen on screen in the action thriller film Vettaiyan, directed by T. J. Gnanavel.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 29 (IANS) Actor Silambarasan, who has showered praise on director Raja Karuppasamy's recently released Tamil rural comedy entertainer, 'Modha Rathri', has now urged producers to give an "extra push" to good small films in order to ensure they reached audiences.

Taking to his social media timelines to shower praise on the critically acclaimed film, featuring Anishma Anilkumar and Rishikanth in the lead, Silambarasan aka Simbu wrote, "Watched #ModhaRathri and really enjoyed it. We often discover small, beautiful films from other languages and celebrate them so much. When a Tamil film attempts something fresh with a new team, I feel we should give it the same love and support."

He went on to say, "A story unfolding over a single night, set around a village wedding, with so many characters and little moments that felt so real. The writing, the humour, the way people react to each other, and the characters were all handled really well. Really happy to see a new director and team make something so rooted and interesting. My appreciation to director #RajaKaruppasamy, the entire cast and crew and everyone who backed this film."

It was then that he made a request to producers. He wrote, "A small request to our producers too… films like these need that extra push to reach the audience. Good content deserves to be discovered."

The actor concluded the post by giving a shout out, asking his fans and film buffs to watch the film. "And to all my fans and everyone who loves cinema, do watch #ModhaRathri in theatres and support the team. Wishing the entire team lots of success. Keep making good cinema!"

For the unaware, the film hit screens worldwide on August 21 this year.

'Modha Rathiri' revolves around an ordinary village wedding that turns into an extraordinary rollercoaster of hilarious misunderstandings, unexpected twists and heartwarming emotions.

Set entirely over the course of a single night, the film keeps the laughs coming as one surprise leads to another. Rishikanth is debuting as hero through this film while actress Anishma Anilkumar, who won appreciation for her outstanding performance in ‘Sirai’ and ‘Youth’, plays the female lead.

Apart from Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar, the film also features actors Chetan, A. Venkatesh, Bucks, Abdool Lee, Shelly Kishore, Sangeetha Balan, Banupriya, Sumithra Devi L., Varshini Karmegham, Karthikeyan, Velan, and Kowshik Kabilan among others.

The technical crew comprises Surendran Paranjothi as cinematographer, Ashok Arjunan as editor, and Bharath Sankar composing the music. Poornima Ramaswamy has designed the costumes while Art direction has been taken care of by A. Balumahendra.

--IANS

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