Washington, Sep 22 (IANS) Major US television networks suspended their shared pool coverage of President Donald Trump on Monday after the White House stopped CNN from carrying out an assigned trip, as CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the administration over a ban on their reporters.

Fox News, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News took the rare joint step after CNN was removed from the rotating television pool for Trump’s trip to New York ahead of the UN General Assembly.

“Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President,” Bryan Boughton, the Washington bureau chief at Fox News and current TV pool chair, wrote in an email to members.

“This follows the White House’s position preventing CNN from fulfilling its assigned pool duties,” he said.

The networks said the public had a direct stake in independent reporting about the government.

“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government,” the five television pool members said in a joint statement. “No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting.”

The television pool supplies video footage and reporting when space or travel limits prevent the full press corps from accompanying the president. Print and photo journalists did not suspend their pool coverage. Conservative television outlet Real America’s Voice was scheduled to travel with Trump to New York on Monday.

The dispute escalated as CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington. They are seeking a temporary order blocking enforcement of the ban and restoration of their reporters’ permanent White House credentials.

The case was assigned to US District Judge Timothy Kelly, whom Trump appointed. The lawsuit also names White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, chief of staff Susie Wiles and Secret Service Director Sean Curran as defendants.

The three outlets said they went to court to “protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes.”

Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., a lawyer representing the organisations, called the White House action “a direct assault on the First Amendment and a blatant violation of due process.”

“The president has been explicit that this ban is intended to punish reporting he doesn’t like and to intimidate journalists and news organizations covering him and his administration,” Boutrous said.

Trump rejected the charge that his administration was attacking press freedom.

“The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish,” he wrote on Truth Social on Monday. “It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America.”

Reporters for CNN, MS NOW and Politico said they were denied entry to the White House grounds early Saturday, and their credentials were deactivated or confiscated. Trump had announced the ban on Friday while attacking their coverage. He did not identify a specific report that prompted the action and said other outlets could follow.

--IANS

lkj/dan

Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (IANS) In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next couple of days due to a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department on Monday advised all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to remain fully alert and undertake preparations to deal with flooding, waterlogging and other rain-related contingencies.

According to an official statement, ULBs, particularly those in the southern districts, have been asked to maintain close vigil and take proactive measures to ensure citizens' safety and minimise disruption to normal life.

All Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers have been directed to keep Rapid Action Teams (RATs) ready for immediate deployment wherever required. The department said precautionary measures must be taken in advance in identified low-lying and waterlogging-prone areas, with continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations.

ULBs have also been advised to keep MPCS and other temporary shelters ready and facilitate timely evacuation from vulnerable areas to safer locations, if necessary.

The Department further directed ULBs to ensure operational readiness of dewatering pumps, essential equipment and machinery, and adequate manpower to enable prompt response to incidents of waterlogging or flooding.

Besides field-level preparedness, the department emphasised effective coordination among concerned teams and timely deployment of resources to facilitate immediate intervention wherever required.

The department also added that all ULBs must strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and instructions issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and the H&UD Department itself.

“They have also been advised to maintain close coordination with the concerned district administration and other line departments and remain prepared to respond promptly to any emerging situation,” the statement said.

--IANS

grm/dan

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan has shared that working with the Oscar and grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman was very difficult for him.

The lyricist recently appeared on film trade expert Komal Nahta’s ‘Game Changers: The Music Series’ podcast where he spoke about the creative challenges of his career, including his unique collaboration with maestro A.R. Rahman.

Talking about the same, he said, "I found it difficult to write for A.R. Rahman. I have only worked with him on one movie, The Legend of Bhagat Singh. If you listen to the songs, you'll understand how difficult they were to write. The movie has become a legendary film, and there were some lines taken from the original words of the 'Shaheeds'. Reimagining and writing them was very difficult for me. It was a fun memory”.

This edition shines a spotlight on celebrated singers, composers, and music maestros as they share their creative journeys, inspirations, and the untold stories behind the music that has shaped generations. The latest episode featured Sameer Anjaan.

Sameer is known for holding a Guinness World Record for writing the highest number of film songs, and is one of Hindi cinema's most prolific and iconic lyricists having ruled the 1990s.

He has written lyrics for numerous Bollywood films and collaborated with some of the industry's biggest music composers and singers. Sameer is particularly celebrated for his emotional, romantic, and melodious songs. He has received several prestigious awards, including Filmfare Awards, for his lyrical work.

His ability to express love, longing, and human emotions through simple yet powerful words has made him one of the most respected lyricists in the Indian film industry.

‘Game Changers Season: The Music Series’ is available on YouTube.

--IANS

aa/

Aizawl, Sep 21 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday said that the state would continue to need the support and cooperation of NITI Aayog to translate its development vision into reality.

The Chief Minister met NITI Aayog Member Dr Joram Aniya at his office in Aizawl on Monday, a senior official of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister and the NITI Aayog member discussed various important issues concerning the development of Mizoram.

Welcoming Dr Aniya to Mizoram, Lalduhoma expressed pleasure over his visit and wished him a pleasant stay in the state. The Chief Minister also expressed appreciation for the importance accorded by NITI Aayog to the issues raised by Mizoram and sought continued support and cooperation from the policy think tank for the state's development.

Dr Aniya assured the Chief Minister that NITI Aayog would continue to work closely with Mizoram in all initiatives aimed at accelerating the state's development.

The meeting also discussed ways to attract more tourists to Mizoram, effective utilisation of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) after its completion, strengthening ginger processing and value addition, and expanding Atal Tinkering Labs to more schools across Mizoram.

The KMMTTP is aimed at eventually connecting Mizoram with Paletwa and Sittwe Port in Myanmar, providing an alternative multimodal connectivity route for the landlocked Northeastern state.

Dr Aniya is currently in Aizawl to attend the NITI Aayog Regional Workshop on the Northeastern Region.

Mizoram was declared the “Ginger Capital of India” by NITI Aayog in 2025 in recognition of its large-scale ginger production and growing contribution to the sector. The focus on ginger processing and value addition assumes significance as the state government seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector and create greater economic opportunities through the processing and marketing of locally produced agricultural commodities.

Meanwhile, NITI Aayog Member Dr Aniya had earlier visited Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and other Northeastern states, where she held a series of meetings with Governors and Chief Ministers and discussed various development-related issues concerning the states.

The discussions with the state leaderships focused on development priorities and ways to accelerate economic and social progress in the Northeastern region.

--IANS

sc/uk

Nalagarh, Sep 21 (IANS) The body of a 21-year-old migrant worker was recovered from bushes near Chonkiwala in Nalagarh subdivision on Monday evening. The deceased, identified as Rajeev, had been missing for around three days. His family identified him based on his clothes and other belongings.

According to the information, Rajeev left his home after breakfast about three days ago but did not return. His family, which resides in Kripalpur and works as labourers, searched for him at several locations. A missing person complaint was reportedly filed at the Nalagarh police station.

The body was discovered after a woman noticed a foul smell emanating from the bushes near Chonkiwala. She alerted residents and the authorities, following which the police reached the spot and recovered the body.

Rajeev's father, Mahendra, said their family originally belonged to Lakshmipur in Uttar Pradesh and had migrated to the area for livelihood. He said Rajeev worked alongside the family and had been missing since leaving home three days earlier.

Mahendra expressed suspicion that unidentified individuals may have murdered his son and that his body could have been dumped in the bushes. He urged the police and administration to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and take strict legal action.

Rajeev's friend Bansi also confirmed that he had been missing for approximately three days. He said the condition of the body had deteriorated considerably and expressed suspicion that Rajeev might have been killed before his body was abandoned at the site.

The police have taken the body into custody and initiated an investigation. However, the suspected murder has not yet been confirmed. The exact cause of death will be established after the post-mortem examination and further investigation.

The bereaved family has appealed to senior police and administrative officials to ensure an impartial investigation, establish the circumstances surrounding Rajeev's death and bring those found responsible to justice.

--IANS

brt/dan

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

Hyderabad, Sep 21 (IANS) Actor Kartikeya Gummakonda, best known for his work in the Telugu film 'RX 100' and the Tamil film 'Valimai', has now turned director with his upcoming film 'Comeback'.

Kartikeya Creative Works, the actor's production house, announced the project on his birthday through a special glimpse video. The announcement has come as a pleasant surprise for audiences who have been waiting for Kartikeya to make a comeback for the past two years after 'Bhaje Vaayu Vegam'.

Kartikeya not only plays the lead in this film but also doubles up as its director. The dual responsibility has raised the stakes for this comeback film after a noticeable gap in his filmography. His wife, Lohitha Reddy, serves as the producer of this film. The family-led production will grace the big screens in 2027.

The glimpse video frames the story through a voiceover. We get to know that Kartikeya is a boxer who has been missing in action for over three years. The protagonist has been written off by many. Questions emerge over what he can achieve with his return after such a break, and that the move clearly carries risk because the intervening years remain unexplained. But unmindful of these disturbing, distracting voices is a boxer who is focused on nothing else but his preparation...

The glimpse video gives the impression that audiences can expect a boxing movie that favors grit and personal stakes over flashy excess. The training sequences showcased in the glimpse video feel real, highlighting effectively the mental and physical demands on a sportsman looking to make a comeback.

The film boasts of a fine technical team. Cinematography for the film is by Jagadeesh Cheekati and music is by the talented music director Vijay Bulganin. Editing for the film is by the gifted Kalyan Suryaprakash. Costumes for the film have been designed by Shilpa Tanguturu and Surya Akella is to serve as the creative director of the film. Sudheer Telaprolu is serving as the Executive Producer of the film.

--IANS

mkr/

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘King’, sought blessings from Lord Ganpati at the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.

On Monday, SRK was seen arriving at Lalbaugcha Raja with his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan and his manager Pooja Dadlani.

While the actor was dressed in blue ethnic wear, his wife opted for a yellow coloured traditional wear, and Suhana donned a green coloured outfit. SRK and Gauri’s sons Aryan and AbRam weren’t seen with the family.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK is awaiting the release of his upcoming film ‘King’ which practically stars the entire industry. Earlier, the megastar had confirmed the release date of the film as December 24 during his signature #AskSRK session on social media.

A user asked him, “Trailer he dikha do abhi”. SRK wrote, “Abhi sirf baat karunga Trailer baad mein.... film is 100 days away na...24th Dec bro”.

‘King’ also Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma, and Arshad Warsi in key roles. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, and is set to release on December 24, 2026.

Elsewhere during the session, the actor also gave a peek into his Ganpati celebrations, as he shared, “Wife does the Aarti and then the prayers and tonight will do the Visarjan. Kids and friends gather to hang around and laugh a lot. Very simple and family time”.

He also shared what in his daily routine gives him the “Kingly feelings”. One user asked the actor, “Be honest, what’s the most KING-like thing you do in real life? #AskSRK @iamsrk”.

Responding to the same, SRK shared, “Have three cups of coffee in bed before anybody can speak with me even if I am late for work!! Then of course on sets get shouted at for being late and have no Kingly feelings left”.

--IANS

aa/

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Singer Tulsi Kumar released her chill Afro-pop track ‘Raanjha Ve’ on Monday. Blending contemporary Afro-inspired grooves with an Indian melodic touch, the song explores separation, longing and the complicated process of letting go.

Composed by Abhijeet Srivastava, the lyrics for the track have been penned by Shayra Apoorva. Directed by Ranju Varghese, the music video follows Tulsi as she prepares for a concert. It captures her anticipation of performing on stage while carrying a lingering heartache.

Speaking about the song, Tulsi Kumar shared, “Over the past few months, I’ve been in a more reflective space, allowing myself to pause, observe, and connect more deeply with what inspires me creatively. The journey of ‘Raanjha Ve’ began back in January, with conversations around the sound, genre, and lyrical direction we wanted to take. I was closely involved in shaping the sound of the song, and after our last collaboration, Shayra and Abhijeet Srivastava have become collaborators who understand my vision and persistence, bringing it to life beautifully."

"With ‘Raanjha Ve’, I wanted to explore the feeling that exists between the urge to hold on and the simultaneous desire to let go. I didn’t want to approach this as a song that simply sits in heartbreak, but wanted it to carry a sense of strength and movement. Musically, we’ve given it an effortless, groovy quality that lets you sit with the feeling while also enjoying the music. Ranju and Kadambari beautifully understood this world and gave the music video the vision and justice it needed, bringing the emotion of the song to life visually. Some feelings find their way into songs, and ‘Raanjha Ve’ is one of them. I’m really happy to finally share it with everyone.”

Presented by T-Series and Bhushan Kumar, ‘Raanjha Ve’ is available on the T-Series YouTube channel and is also streaming across all major platforms.

--IANS

pm/

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Veteran actor Puneet Issar has reacted to actress Swara Bhaskar's 'I was ashamed as a Hindu' remark.

Speaking exclusively to IANS regarding the debate surrounding Swara Bhaskar’s comments related to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir verdict, Puneet Issar said that people should avoid getting involved in such controversies and focus on their work.

He added that being an artist, our job is simply to entertain the people of the country.

The 'Mahabharat' actor also said that one should not make such statements just because they are being supported and funded by someone.

He was asked, "Swara Bhaskar, who recently said that when Ayodhya was made, she wrote a letter to Shah Rukh Khan, Salman, saying, 'I feel sorry'. Do you feel that the actor is spreading her own discontent on social media? What is your opinion on this?"

Puneet Issar told IANS, "First of all, one should not get involved in such controversies. We are artists. We should take care of our 140 crore people. Your job is to entertain. You just entertain. You just perform. If you want to be a social activist, if you want to go into politics, then you should do that."

"Just to get into news, or if someone is supporting you, or if someone is funding you, and you follow someone for your personal gain, and give such a shocking statement, I think that is in a very bad taste. That should not be done," he went on to add.

During her recent appearance on a podcast, Swara Bhasker said that she felt "really ashamed as a Hindu" after the 2019 Ayodhya/Ram Janmabhoomi verdict.

The 'Tanu Weds Manu' actress added that she felt the verdict was unfair and even messaged many of her Muslim acquaintances, including Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, apologizing and expressing her disagreement with the Supreme Court's verdict.

--IANS

pm/