Popular
‘Makkal Kaavalan’ starring K. Manikandan to release on December 4
Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) The upcoming Tamil film ‘Makkal Kaavalan’ starring K. Manikandan is set to release in cinemas on December 4, 2026. The release of the film was unveiled on the occasion of the actor’s birthday, celebrating the actor and his journey of excellence in the industry.
The film is written and directed by Santhosh Kumar, and follows a simple man determined to live with dignity until a corrupt system leaves him with only two choices, surrender or resist. As the battle intensifies, the price of resistance mounts and the line between an ordinary man and a people’s protector begins to disappear.
K. Manikandan stars in the titular role alongside Vaagai Chandrasekar, A Venkatesh, R.K. Vijaymurugan, Shanmugam Muthusamy, Sabumon, Unni Maya, Divya Sripada, Jenson Dhivakar, Lallu, Gemini Mani and Raghu.
It is a story about the courage to dream beyond the limits imposed by the world, and the tenacity to keep climbing until those limits cease to matter.
The film also marks K. Manikandan’s next project following the commercial success of ‘Good Night’, ‘Lover’ and ‘Kudumbasthan’, a remarkable run that has established him as one of Tamil cinema’s most dependable and sought-after leading actors.
The film features Cinematography by Pratheepan Selvaratnam, Editing by Arul Moses, Production Design by Pappanadu C Uthayakumar, Stunts by Don Ashok, Sound Design by Anthony Jayaruban, Costume Design by Sureshkumar and Makeup by Ramachandran. In continuation of the winning relationship after Bison Kaalamaadan, Makkal Kaavalan is a Nivas K Prasanna musical.
The film is jointly produced by Birla Studios and Neelam Studios, and is set to debut in cinemas on December 4, 2026.
--IANS
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Tripura minister seeks higher central support for agriculture, horticulture sectors
New Delhi/Agartala, Sep 30 (IANS) Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday sought higher central support for the agriculture and horticulture sectors, including increased allocations under key schemes and changes in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) guidelines to cover local natural calamities.
Nath made the demands while addressing the second day of the National Agriculture Conference-Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi, attended by Union Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
On the second day of the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026, Union Minister Chouhan chaired a session attended by Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from various states of the country.
Minister Nath said the Centre had provided funds to Tripura as per the state's action plan this year and appreciated the support extended to farmers. He said that during the previous Rabi season, hybrid paddy was cultivated on 25,000 hectares, while Rabi pulses and oilseeds covered 9,500 hectares and 9,700 hectares, respectively.
During the current Kharif season, 37,500 hectares were brought under the Chief Minister's Integrated Crop Management Programme, including 27,500 hectares of hybrid paddy, 2,000 hectares of aromatic rice, 15,000 hectares of pulses, 8,000 hectares of oilseeds and 1,000 hectares of summer vegetables, the minister said.
He also informed the conference that the state government was working on the Farmer's Registry, Digital Crop Survey and National Framework for Fertiliser Sale.
Nath sought higher allocations under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) and Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) schemes to strengthen farm mechanisation and irrigation in the state. He said paddy-growing areas in Tripura frequently suffer crop losses due to inundation during heavy rains, but farmers often do not receive insurance benefits.
The minister sought the inclusion of “local natural calamities” in the PMFBY guidelines to cover crop losses caused by incidents such as localised flooding. Nath also sought 45,000 additional soil health cards for farmers in the state and an increase in the minimum allocation for the annual action plan under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the Area Expansion Programme from 20 per cent to 35 per cent.
He said Tripura had significant potential for cultivating exotic fruits such as avocado and rambutan, but the availability of quality planting material remained inadequate. The minister sought greater central support for research and the availability of quality planting material through recognised nurseries and research stations.
Nath further sought an increase in the central share for the Post Harvest Management component from 50 per cent to 75 per cent from the reserve fund to encourage private investment in the sector. On natural farming, he said Tripura currently has around 16,400 hectares under natural farming, involving around 38,000 farmers.
He stressed the need to promote bio-formulations as an important input for demonstrations under various schemes and sought support for Bio Input Resource Centres (BRCs) for marketing, packaging and branding.
Nath also proposed the formation of a Natural Seed Grower Consortium. He said the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme had been successfully implemented in Tripura and that the state had substantial organic produce exported to countries including Germany, Dubai and Bangladesh.
Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Ministers of various states and senior officials also attended the two-day conference in Delhi.
--IANS
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Gujarat seeks 40 pc MSP procurement limit for pulses, oilseeds at national agriculture meet
Gandhinagar, Sep 30 (IANS) Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani has urged the Centre to raise the procurement ceiling for pulses and oilseeds under the PM-AASHA scheme from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of total production and sought the inclusion of castor in the minimum support price (MSP) procurement framework.
Vaghani made the demands while representing Gujarat at the two-day National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The conference brought together agriculture ministers from states, senior officials of the Centre and states, and ICAR scientists to discuss preparedness for the Rabi season.
The Centre has identified pulses and oilseeds as key areas for the Rabi strategy.
Presenting Gujarat’s demands, Vaghani said the state should be allowed to procure pulses and oilseeds at support prices up to 40 per cent of total production, instead of the existing 25 per cent limit under PM-AASHA.
He also sought MSP coverage for castor, pointing out that Gujarat is the country’s leading producer of the crop, with production of 16 lakh metric tonnes, and said the move would be in the interest of castor-growing farmers.
"Gujarat currently had adequate seed stocks for the Rabi season," he said. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chouhan for ensuring an adequate, smooth supply of fertilisers to the state despite global circumstances.
The minister said the Gujarat government had increased its agriculture budget to more than Rs 17,000 crore for 2026-27 under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership.
The state also plans to launch ‘Kisan Suvidha Rath’ through EMRI-GVK in 53 talukas across 14 districts in tribal areas, providing farming-related services and guidance to farmers at their doorstep.
Vaghani said Gujarat is also promoting micro-irrigation to encourage efficient water use.
The Gujarat Green Revolution Company (GGRC) has brought 25.91 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation so far. In comparison, Rs 1,250 crore has been provided this year to bring another two lakh hectares under the system.
He further urged the Centre to replace old laws with new, stricter legislation to prevent adulteration. He sought early notification of a final protocol for testing nano-fertiliser samples.
Vaghani also sought permission to use the 'Special Central Assistance Fund' received under the AgriStack project in the coming years.
Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation scheme, he requested additional allocation so that all more than 9,000 farmers who had applied could receive benefits.
The conference also discussed crop diversification, natural farming, the Digital Agriculture Mission, Farmer Registry, Digital Crop Survey, AgriStack, PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and expansion of Kisan Credit Card coverage as part of the Centre-State strategy for the Rabi campaign.
--IANS
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DGMA notice to TS Chanakya over cadet’s death
Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) TS Chanakya, one of the country's oldest maritime training institutes, was served a show-cause notice by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on Tuesday over the death of a cadet in May this year.
TS Chanakya, a shore-based training institute located in Navi Mumbai, is now part of the Indian Maritime University (IMU).
The notice is based on an inquiry conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Mumbai, and the report submitted to the DGMA on September 10, 2026.
In this report, the MMD has stated that the cadets consumed alcohol with others inside a hostel room within the campus ahead of his death.
In its earlier order, the DGMA issued a total ban on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs on campus, and registered institutes, including government ones, are required to "strictly enforce abstinence therefrom, except for medicinal drugs prescribed for a current ailment". The order said that infringement shall be a serious misconduct by the candidate and the Institute.
The incident took place on May 28, 2026, and involves a first-year BSc (Nautical Science) cadet, accommodated in Hostel No. 2. On that day, he was also performing quartermaster duties.
During the inquiry, his roommate informed the MMD that the cadet went outside the campus after dinner on May 27, 2026, and returned at around 11 pm.
Between around 1.30 am and 3.30 am on May 28, 2026, he and three other cadets consumed alcohol in a hostel room at an informal farewell gathering.
The duty warden informed the MMD that hostel rounds were conducted between 10.30 pm and 11 pm on May 27 and around 4 am on May 28, but nothing unusual was observed.
The cadet was found lying injured at the rear of the hostel on May 28. He was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
The inquiry revealed that cigarettes and liquor had been supplied earlier through a broken bathroom window. It also came to light that gaps in the boundary wall allowed cadets to leave the campus and return undetected.
It was also noted that the rear of the hostel and the boundary wall were not covered by CCTV cameras.
The DGMA was also informed about the fall of another cadet from a height in the rear of the hostel in 2024. During the inquiry, the MMD learned that cadets could use the unsecured windows to reach the terrace.
Taking this on record, the DGMA has directed TS Chanakya to submit, within fifteen days of receiving its show-cause notice, all documents, material, and an Action Taken Report.
--IANS
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Top Stories
International
Antonio Guterres expresses ‘deep appreciation’ for India’s role at UN
United Nations, Sep 29 (IANS) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his "deep appreciation" for India's cooperation with the UN when he met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday.
At their meeting here, they "discussed multilateralism, India-UN cooperation, and geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East", Guterres' Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
"The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for India's cooperation with the UN," he added.
EAM Jaishankar said on X, "Our discussions focused on ongoing conflicts and the need to mitigate their impact, especially on the Global South".
In his speech at the General Assembly on Saturday, he paid tribute to Guterres' decade of service leading the UN through troubled times.
He said, "After a decade of service and dedication to the cause of multilateralism, we will soon bid farewell to Secretary General Antonio Guterres. India deeply values his many contributions, in particular, his personal support for Mission LiFE".
Mission LiFE is a campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote daily habits by people and institutions that protect the environment.
At the high-level meeting of the General Assembly, EAM Jaishankar spoke up for multilateralism, which Guterres has warned is under threat.
The meeting between Guterres and EAM Jaishankar took place on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where world leaders gathered to deliberate on pressing global challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change, food security and reform of multilateral institutions.
India has consistently advocated for reformed multilateralism, arguing that the current global governance architecture, including the UN Security Council, must reflect contemporary realities and give developing countries greater representation.
New Delhi has also pressed for greater say for the Global South in international decision-making, a position Jaishankar has articulated at various multilateral forums in recent years.
During his address to the General Assembly, EAM Jaishankar had underscored India's commitment to a rules-based international order and its readiness to work with all partners to address shared challenges, even as he flagged the disproportionate impact of ongoing conflicts on developing nations.
The discussions between Guterres and EAM Jaishankar also come amid continuing global attention on the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, both of which have dominated deliberations at the UN this year.
India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving such conflicts, while reiterating its support for nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity and the protection of civilians.
The meeting also allowed India and the UN to review ongoing cooperation across a range of areas, including peacekeeping, sustainable development, climate action and humanitarian assistance, officials said.
India is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions and has been a strong voice for developing countries' concerns at the world body.
--IANS
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India, UN agencies review e-KYC and Digital Identity Project in Malawi
Lilongwe, Sep 29 (IANS) India's High Commissioner to Malawi, Amararam Gujar, on Tuesday received a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to discuss the e-KYC and Digital Identity Project in Malawi, supported through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
UNDP Malawi Resident Representative Fenella Frost and UNCDF Regional Head in Nairobi, Rufaro Sekeso, led the delegation.
"Today, the High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr Amararam Gujar, received a delegation from the UNDP and the UN-Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) led by Ms Fenella Frost, UNDP Malawi Resident Representative, and Ms Rufaro Sekeso, the Regional Head, UNCDF, Nairobi, to discuss the e-KYC and Digital Identity Project in Malawi, supported through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund under the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)," the High Commission of India in Malawi said in a post on X.
"The project, implemented with key national stakeholders including the Reserve Bank of Malawi, is strengthening Malawi's digital identity ecosystem and advancing secure, efficient financial inclusion," it added.
"The meeting also discussed the project's achievements, key findings and transition, underscoring India's commitment to supporting digital transformation and inclusive development in Malawi," the High Commission said.
Earlier this month, another project supported by the same Fund was inaugurated in Sierra Leone: a rehabilitated Skills Training Centre in Kenema. The High Commission of India there joined the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP and the UN Country Team for the inauguration on September 18.
"The High Commission of India joined the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP and the UN Country Team for the inauguration of the rehabilitated Skills Training Centre in Kenema on 18 September 2026. Supported through a US$990,000 grant from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, the project is rehabilitating six skills centres across Sierra Leone, promoting vocational skills, entrepreneurship and economic independence for persons with disabilities," the High Commission had said in a post on X.
"India-Sierra Leone: Advancing inclusive development, together," it added.
--IANS
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India, South Korea reaffirm commitment to deepen defence industries, logistics cooperation
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) South Korea's Vice Minister for the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Kim Il Dong, called on Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on September 28, with the two sides reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
"Vice Minister, Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Republic of Korea, Kim Il Dong, called on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on September 28, 2026. The interaction reaffirmed India and the Republic of Korea's shared commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation further and deepen collaboration in defence industries and logistics. The RoK side reiterated its support for India's Make in India initiative," the Ministry said in a post on X.
Kim Il Dong is on a one-day official visit to India to attend the 10th India-RoK Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation, the Ministry added.
In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Seoul on a three-day trip as India and South Korea looked to deepen strategic military cooperation and expand bilateral engagement.
During the visit, Singh held bilateral talks with South Korea's Minister of National Defence, Ahn Gyu-back, and met the then Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration, Lee Yong-cheol, and chaired the India-Korea business roundtable.
"The Natural Alignment of India's 'Act East Policy' and Republic of Korea's 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' as well as shared values in the Indo-Pacific Region, have opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries," the Ministry of Defence had stated ahead of that visit.
India's contribution in the Korean War, when it deployed the 60 Parachute Field Ambulance of the Indian Army, is among the most significant chapters in the relationship. Serving for more than three years, the unit treated over two lakh patients and performed about 2,500 surgeries, in addition to treating civilians, according to the Ministry.
--IANS
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UN Security Council extends mandate of Haiti Gang Suppression Force
United Nations, Sep 29 (IANS) The Security Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti for six months.
Resolution 2829 was adopted with 12 votes in favour and three abstentions cast by China, Russia and Pakistan among the 15-member council.
The resolution decides to extend the mandate of the GSF until March 31, 2027, and requests the UN Secretary-General to continue to provide logistical and operational support through the UN Support Office in Haiti, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The resolution notes the agreement between the Haitian government and the GSF, signed in July 2026, confirming the legal personality of the GSF, as well as other arrangements extending to the GSF and its personnel the status and protections necessary for the continued independent exercise of their functions.
It says the Security Council encourages UN member states to take measures, as appropriate, to acknowledge the legal status of the GSF and accord to the GSF and its personnel the privileges and immunities necessary for the continued independent exercise of their functions.
In September 2025, the Security Council adopted a resolution to transition the then Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti to the GSF, authorising the GSF to adopt urgent temporary measures on an exceptional basis to assist the Haitian National Police in maintaining basic law and order and public safety, including through arrest and detention.
In April, Jack Christofides, special representative for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, said that the force is in an early phase of establishment.
"We are at a critical early phase of establishing the GSF," Christofides told the Security Council in a briefing on the situation in Haiti. "The GSF is being built as a disciplined, accountable, and partnership-driven mission, designed to deliver targeted security results while upholding the highest standards of conduct and full respect for Haitian sovereignty."
–IANS
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ShowBiz
‘Makkal Kaavalan’ starring K. Manikandan to release on December 4
Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) The upcoming Tamil film ‘Makkal Kaavalan’ starring K. Manikandan is set to release in cinemas on December 4, 2026. The release of the film was unveiled on the occasion of the actor’s birthday, celebrating the actor and his journey of excellence in the industry.
The film is written and directed by Santhosh Kumar, and follows a simple man determined to live with dignity until a corrupt system leaves him with only two choices, surrender or resist. As the battle intensifies, the price of resistance mounts and the line between an ordinary man and a people’s protector begins to disappear.
K. Manikandan stars in the titular role alongside Vaagai Chandrasekar, A Venkatesh, R.K. Vijaymurugan, Shanmugam Muthusamy, Sabumon, Unni Maya, Divya Sripada, Jenson Dhivakar, Lallu, Gemini Mani and Raghu.
It is a story about the courage to dream beyond the limits imposed by the world, and the tenacity to keep climbing until those limits cease to matter.
The film also marks K. Manikandan’s next project following the commercial success of ‘Good Night’, ‘Lover’ and ‘Kudumbasthan’, a remarkable run that has established him as one of Tamil cinema’s most dependable and sought-after leading actors.
The film features Cinematography by Pratheepan Selvaratnam, Editing by Arul Moses, Production Design by Pappanadu C Uthayakumar, Stunts by Don Ashok, Sound Design by Anthony Jayaruban, Costume Design by Sureshkumar and Makeup by Ramachandran. In continuation of the winning relationship after Bison Kaalamaadan, Makkal Kaavalan is a Nivas K Prasanna musical.
The film is jointly produced by Birla Studios and Neelam Studios, and is set to debut in cinemas on December 4, 2026.
--IANS
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Satya, Yogi Babu’s film titled ‘Golden Bhagyam’
Hyderabad, Sep 29 (IANS) The makers of director Pawan Basamsetti's eagerly awaited comedy entertainer, featuring two comical powerhouses Satya and Yogi Babu in the lead, have now announced 'Golden Bhagyam' as the title of their film.
Nagarjuna Reddy and Pawan Basamsetti are jointly producing the project under the banners of Dream Movie Makers and Nayavayu Chitralu.
The film marks the maiden production venture of both banners. The team on Tuesday unveiled the title with a video that offered viewers a glimpse at the unique concept.
Interestingly, this does not appear to be a conventional Telugu or Tamil film, but a ‘Telumil’ project that brings together Telugu and Tamil languages along with popular actors from both industries.
The glimpse video begins on a humorous note, with a Telugu man and a Tamil man enjoying their respective favourite foods while proudly claiming that their cuisine is the best. The Telugu character relishes biryani with a cool drink, while the Tamil character enjoys idli with sambar. Their light-hearted argument takes a fun turn when another person interrupts them and points out that there is a much bigger combination in store.
That leads to the stylish introduction of Satya and Yogi Babu, who appear in traditional white-and-white attire. The director then gives them an intriguing description of their story, revealing that it blends love with crime and action elements. The glimpse concludes with the title reveal, Golden Bhagyam.
Director Pawan Basamsetti seems to have attempted something unique by bringing together two of the most popular comedy actors from the Telugu and Tamil film industries for a bilingual crossover entertainer.
Adding to the fun, Telugu actor Satya is seen speaking Tamil, while Tamil star Yogi Babu is seen speaking Telugu. The glimpse also playfully presents them as a major Telugu-Tamil combination, with massive multi-starrer cutouts featured in the backdrop. Going by the glimpse, the film promises to be an out-and-out entertainer built around the unique chemistry of its lead actors.
Satya and Yogi Babu are expected to be the film’s biggest source of humour, with their individual comic styles and impeccable timing coming together for the first time in this setting. Sources close to the unit of the film say that Jayashree and Athiraj will play the female leads in the film. Vennela Kishore, Sudharshan, Kishore Tirumala, Rohini, Tanikella Bharani and Sunil Reddy too will be seen in pivotal roles in the film, they added.
The film also features an accomplished technical crew. Malayalam cinematographer Bablu Aju is handling the visuals, while Pawan CH is composing the music. Kamesh is in charge of the production design, with Ravi Teja Girijala overseeing the editing.
Adding another humorous touch to the announcement, the makers initially announced the film for a Sankranthi release, only to move it beyond Sankranthi and eventually announce its arrival simply within the year. The playful announcement perfectly matched the fun spirit of the project.
--IANS
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Nikkhil Advani says he purposely made Bagha Jatin’s character highly emotional
Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who is receiving a lot of good response to his work in the recently released streaming show ‘The Revolutionaries’, has said that he wanted to showcase the character of legendary freedom fighter Bagha Jatin as someone who is highly emotional, and spoke in monotone.
The filmmaker spoke with IANS along with Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Gurfateh Parizada during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the Andheri West area of Mumbai.
In the series, Bagha Jatin is portrayed by Gurfateh Pirzada, and the filmmaker said that he retrofitted the character as per the actor’s personality.
He told IANS, “I feel that there is so much silence in Gurfateh, and I have played him like that. I have played Bagha Jatin as this guy who is almost monotone. When he speaks,he is very clear that this is what we need to do. And he is very emotional, highly emotional. I showcased him as highly emotional”.
‘The Revolutionaries’ follows 4 freedom fighters, Rash Behari Bose, Pratibha Lahiri, Sachindra Nath Sanyal and Bagha Jatin, who locked horns with the British Raj. The series is inspired by true events and is set against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle. It also stars Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Jason Shah.
“I felt that that is the energy I was getting from when we were together. So, I think that it evolves from people that are around you. I mean, I don't approve. I mean, of course, there is lots of stuff in the script”, he added.
The show tells the story of Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. It was because of the sustained efforts of the aforementioned revolutionaries that the British empire had to shift its capital to Delhi from Kolkata.
The show is available to stream on Prime Video.
--IANS
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Meghna Gulzar: As a filmmaker, chaos has to be your best friend
Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, who has helmed the recently released film ‘Daayra’ starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan, has spoken up on her relationship with chaos.
The filmmaker spoke with IANS during the promotions of ‘Daayra’ in the Andheri West area of Mumbai, and said that she embraces chaos as an artiste.
She told IANS, “Chaos has to be your best friend because there is no film set without chaos. But, the good part is that we know how to overcome it as a team. And that's all that matters”.
She also spoke about the actors she has directed, and watching them navigating the emotions long after they have given the take.
She said, “I have actually experienced actors who, if they've had to break down in a scene and they have broken down and I have called cut, they have not stopped crying. They have continued to break down till they have relieved their emotional cycle completely. It has happened in several of my films”.
“And at that point, even though I'm completely objective and unemotional as a filmmaker on set, I've only wanted to go and hold my actor because then the human being in you takes over. I don't think any cinema, whether it is based on true life or it is fiction, you can't go through it without investing emotionally. You can't. It will show up in the director's work, it will show up in the actor's work”, she added.
Meanwhile, ‘Daayra’ is inspired by true events, and is a crime thriller. The film stars Kareena in a complex, morally conflicted role that explores justice, power, and systemic grey zones. The project blends Kareena’s inclination toward layered, content-driven characters with Meghna Gulzar’s restrained, issue-oriented storytelling style.
The film is currently playing in cinemas.
--IANS
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‘Rise & Fall’ host Virender Sehwag clear misconception about his playing style
Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who hosts the streaming reality show ‘Rise & Fall’, has cleared the misconception about his playing style when he used to open the innings with Sachin Tendulkar.
He spoke with IANS during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city, and said that he didn’t always play aggressively but tweaked his style as per the demand of the game.
He told IANS, “It's not that I always played aggressively in sports, I also played defensively there. I have also played with negative surroundings”.
Sehwag and Sachin were the most explosive opening pair in the world in their era, and have helped team India secure victories by contributing massively with the bat.
When asked how he would tackle the contestants in his show, he said, “I have a little experience in that as I have dealt with unruly players as the opponents. But the experience of people is that we meet everyday, somebody is aggressive, somebody is polite, somebody talks angrily. So, we have to handle that. So, I try not to import all the understandings, deal with them lovingly. There is a way that you can do it lovingly, you can do it by scolding, you can do it angrily”.
“So, I will identify how I can handle this. It's a little challenging. But if there is no challenge in life, then there is no fun”. He added.
Virender Sehwag took over the hosting duties from Ashneer Grover for the 2nd season of ‘Rise & Fall’. The reality series features 15 contestants competing over 42 days in a game built around power, strategy, alliances and shifting fortunes. The contestants are divided between the Rulers, who control the game from the Tower, and Workers, who live in the Basement and fight for opportunities to move up. Season 2 introduces an additional layer of audience participation, with viewers getting the power to influence who becomes a Ruler or Worker.
Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.
--IANS
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Lifestyle
SC questions inflated medicine prices, corporate hospitals’ in-house pharmacy practice
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the huge disparity between the maximum retail price (MRP) of medicines and the price at which they are supplied to retailers, asking the Centre why a uniform margin cap could not be prescribed for pharmaceutical products.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta raised particular concern over cancer medicines carrying an MRP of Rs 27,000 while their price to retailers (PTR) was around Rs 3,000.
The apex court also flagged the practice of corporate hospitals requiring patients to purchase medicines from their in-house pharmacies, observing that patients who procure medicines from outside may not be assured treatment.
"Corporate hospitals say you have to buy from our chemist. If you bring it from outside, we are not assuring treatment. If that patient is taking treatment under a government scheme, who reimburses? The taxpayer pays. Why not uniform criteria?" it asked.
The Justice Vikram Nath-led Bench further questioned the distinction between essential and non-essential medicines under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), asking why a uniform margin per cent could not be prescribed across pharmaceutical products covered by the Essential Commodities Act.
It also raised concerns over the impact of a large MRP-PTR gap on consumer trust, observing that a patient could even suspect a medicine to be spurious if a drug carrying an MRP of Rs 27,000 was offered by a chemist for around Rs 3,000.
"Suppose there is a medicine, the patient goes to the chemist; the chemist says MRP may be Rs 27,000, I will give it for Rs 3,000. Will the patient think it is genuine? He will think it will be a spurious one. Where does this huge chunk of money go?" the bench asked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the Union government would have to find a way forward while balancing the interests of all stakeholders.
"We will have to find a way out. Some way that balances equities. Let me sit with the officers and then respond," SG Mehta submitted, seeking an adjournment.
The Supreme Court has now posted the matter for further hearing on October 12. The proceedings arose from PILs concerning regulation of medicine prices, generic medicines, medical devices and prescription practices.
In the previous hearing on September 22, the Supreme Court had questioned why a cancer medicine bought by a retailer for around Rs 2,700 could carry an MRP of Rs 27,000, describing the ten-fold difference as "broad daylight dacoity".
"There are medicines, essential cancer medicines, whose MRP is 27,000 and the PTR is 2700. That's absolute dacoity, broad daylight dacoity," Justice Mehta had observed.
The apex court had also questioned why manufacturers should be permitted to fix MRPs substantially higher than the price at which medicines are supplied to retailers.
PIL litigant Kishan Chand Jain had submitted that there was no effective regulatory mechanism governing the initial price fixation of medicines outside the controlled-price list, arguing that manufacturers could initially fix the price at any level and were thereafter restricted mainly in terms of subsequent increases.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, had submitted that manufacturers were not responsible for the high prices ultimately paid by patients and that retailers were earning substantial margins.
--IANS
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