New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited FlyDubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame at Israel's next Independence Day ceremony, describing the Indian pilot who foiled a mid-air attack as a hero of India, Israel and the entire world, during a telephone conversation with him on Sunday.

"Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world," Netanyahu told the Captain.

"I wish you a very speedy and complete recovery," he added.

The Israeli Prime Minister said the honour was usually reserved for his country's own citizens.

"It's our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It's usually reserved for Israeli citizens. But I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you. They do now and they will then too," he said.

Netanyahu, who was told by the pilot how the attack unfolded in the cockpit, said he was amazed by his conduct.

"I'm amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions," the Israeli Prime Minister said, adding that what the Captain did was remarkable and that it bordered on the miraculous.

He said the pilot had saved more than the lives of those on board.

"You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil, however threatening, however violent. It's something that is being justly hailed around the world," Netanyahu said.

"You're a hero of Israel. You're a hero of India. You're a hero of the entire world," he added.

Netanyahu also sent his family's wishes to the pilot's family.

"Please also pass the best regards from me and my wife to your wife. I know you have a family and know that you're part of the family of nations. You're part of the family of nations and a heroic part. Please get well as soon as you can," he said.

Inviting the Captain again towards the end of the conversation, Netanyahu said: "So we hope to see you very soon in Israel. I look forward to seeing you here again. But under the circumstances, I think this will be a memorable and historic visit."

"Thank you for everything you did," the Israeli Prime Minister told the pilot.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey hailed the historic Asian Games campaign after both the Indian men’s and women’s teams won gold medals and secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying the achievement reflected the hard work of the players, coaches and support staff.

The men’s team retained its Asian Games title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday, a day after the women’s team defeated defending champions and Paris Olympics silver medallists China 1-0 to reclaim the gold medal. “Both teams had the same aim: to win the Asian Games and then qualify for LA. Both teams have done it. It is a very proud moment for us,” Tirkey told IANS after the men’s final.

The double gold also created history for Indian hockey, with the men’s and women’s teams winning the Asian Games title at the same edition for the first time.

Tirkey also pointed out the striking similarity between India’s last two men’s Asian Games final victories. India had defeated Japan 5-1 in the Hangzhou final and repeated the same scoreline against Malaysia in Kakamigahara.

“Both teams have performed very well. The women’s team played a very good game against China, who are a tough team, Olympic silver medallists and the last Asian Games champions. We beat them 1-0, and today we beat Malaysia 5-1,” he said.

Tirkey praised the entire men’s squad and coaching staff, with special mention for captain Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh. “The chief coach, supporting staff, captain Harman, Abhishek, Dilpreet, Manpreet and all the players performed very well. From the beginning, everyone played together, and everyone had the same aim,” he said.

With both teams now assured of Olympic qualification, Tirkey promised Hockey India would provide all necessary support in the build-up to Los Angeles. “The coach is very experienced, and everything happens according to his plan and programme. Whatever the team needs in the future, we will try to provide everything. Whether it is an exposure tour, a tournament in Europe or a coaching programme, Hockey India will try to provide all the facilities,” he said.

Hockey India has also announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for the players of both gold-winning teams, while members of the respective support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh each.

Tirkey stressed that Olympic selection would ultimately depend on performance and fitness, while urging players from Odisha and other states to continue working hard as competition for places increases.

“Those who play well will come into the team. Maintaining fitness and their game is the responsibility of the players. Olympic Games are the Olympics, and the competition in modern hockey has increased a lot,” he said.

He also highlighted Hockey India’s grassroots efforts in Odisha, particularly in Sundargarh, where turf facilities, academies and hostels have been developed across blocks.

“Every block in Sundargarh has a turf, academies and hostels. We are also organising grassroots programmes, and the government is doing a lot in other districts. But proper training programmes need to be organised on these grounds,” Tirkey said.

Tirkey said that greater emphasis is needed on fitness, technical skills, drag-flickers and goalkeepers to strengthen India’s hockey pipeline.

“Now we have to make this performance even better. We have to prepare the team in terms of confidence, fitness and future events,” Tirkey said.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Oct 4 (IANS) Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Indian Army's Udhampur headquartered Northern Command has chaired a comprehensive security review and coordination meeting in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city.

The Army's Northern Command on Saturday on social media platform X said, "Lietenant General Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCommandarNorthernCommand, chaired a comprehensive Security Review & Coordination Meeting at #Srinagar and reviewed inputs in presence of key stakeholders on the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and coordination mechanisms."

"#ArmyCommandorNorthernCommand reiterated the need for enhanced inter-agency #Synergy, real-time intelligence sharing and integrated coordination to strengthen operational readiness, facilitate rapid response and enhance the effectiveness of joint operations."

The Northern Command is a Command of the Indian Army. It was originally formed as the Northern Army of the British Indian Army in 1908. It was scrapped upon India's independence in 1947 and later re-raised in 1972.

At present, the XIV Corps (Leh), XV Corps (Srinagar), I Corps (Mathura) and XVI Corps(Nagrota) are under its control. Its present Commander is Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma.

In 1908, the four Commands were merged into two armies: Northern Army and Southern Army. This system persisted until 1920 when the arrangement reverted to four commands again -- Eastern Command, Northern Command, Southern Command and Western Command.

In 1937, Western Command was downgraded to become the Western Independent District.

In April 1942, the Western Independent District was absorbed into the Northern Command which itself was re-designated as North Western Army to guard the borders at North West Frontier during World War II. It controlled the Kohat, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Baluchistan and Waziristan districts.

In 1972, the Indian government decided to raise a separate Command to oversee operations in the northern borders with Pakistan and China.

Lieutenant General P.S. Bhagat was appointed as its GOC-in-C in June 1972.

Bhagat's main activities as Army Commander were the improvement of defence and the living and working condition of his troops.

Headquarters for the Command was established in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur.

--IANS

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New Chandigarh, Oct 3 (IANS) India skipper Shubman Gill expressed overall satisfaction with his team's 2-1 series-winning performance against the West Indies despite the five-wicket loss in the third and final ODI on Saturday, but admitted that fielding and death-overs bowling remain key areas that need immediate fine-tuning.

Opting to bat, India piled up 351 for seven, thanks to a dominant second-wicket partnership of 137 runs between Rohit Sharma (92) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57), followed by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 87-ball 129 - his career-best score in the format.

The total, however, proved insufficient as West Indies skipper Shai Hope played a monumental knock of 162 not out at a strike rate of 113.29, and guided the visitors to their highest-ever successful run chase in ODI history and secured their first win over India in the format since 2023.

“A lot of boxes ticked. I think there are still some areas that definitely need some fine-tuning. I was very happy with the total. I think the game was in control. But being behind four overs with this team and then in the last, I think they took the game away from us. Had we not been shortened the overs, the game might have gone to the last over.

"Death bowling as well. I feel, sometimes we are not really clear whether we are attacking or we are defending, especially when we are bowling the death overs. One day, such a game, if the opposition is five or six down, you are never really sure what fields to take, whether we are going for the death too early or we are still bowling kind of like middle overs. I think these are some areas which definitely we need to be better at,” Gill said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

He also shed light on his decision to hold back wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav's remaining overs, explaining that an injury scare to Gurnoor Brar forced a tactical delay.

"No, not really. We didn't know if Gurnoor was gonna come back and bowl with his cramps. So there was a bit of uncertainty there. And we knew the match was gonna go till the end. And he's a wicket-taker, and I wanted his couple of overs to be there in the end,” he said.

Speaking about his early dismissal to Jayden Seales, Gill said, "You're always disappointed whenever you get out early. But I think today, I don't think I could have done much that I would have done on that ball."

Looking ahead to upcoming assignments, including a five-game ODI series in New Zealand in November, Gill stated that the squad must lift its fielding standards and find greater tactical clarity when bowling in the final overs.

"Decently pleased, I would say, but as I said, I think there are still some areas. Our fielding could be much better. Overall in the series, I think we dropped around six or seven catches, which is not a good sign leading up to the World Cup. You want your fielding to be top-notch," he concluded.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Oct 3 (IANS) A three-member gang allegedly involved in snatching mobile phones from people out for walks at night and subsequently using credit card and bank account details stored in the devices to make online purchases has been arrested by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Ahmedabad Police, officials said on Saturday.

The LCB Zone-8 team recovered 15 mobile phones allegedly snatched by the accused and two two-wheelers used in the offences.

Police said the investigation also led to the detection of seven mobile-snatching cases registered with Ramol, Narol, Isanpur and Maninagar police stations in Gujarat.

The accused were identified as Harshil Vaghela, 19, a resident of Vatva; Mohammad Sharif alias Babu Mohammad Anish Sheikh, 20, also from Vatva; and Shahidkhan alias Sahu Imrankhan Pathan, 19, of Saiyedwadi in Vatva.

According to police, incidents of mobile snatching had been reported over the past one to one-and-a-half months in different areas under Zone-8 jurisdiction, particularly at night when people were out walking on public roads.

Investigators found that several incidents had taken place along similar routes.

Following directions from senior police officers to trace the accused and detect pending cases, LCB teams collected and analysed CCTV footage from the locations of the incidents.

They also gathered information about people previously arrested in similar cases.

Police said technical inputs and information from human sources indicated that suspects seen in CCTV footage from the snatching routes were frequently travelling in different vehicles between New Maninagar and Vastral RTO Road.

The LCB team subsequently intercepted three men matching the physical descriptions seen in the CCTV footage while they were travelling on two two-wheelers.

During searches of their vehicles and persons, police recovered 15 mobile phones of different makes, which were allegedly snatched.

During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to carrying out mobile snatching in different parts of Ahmedabad.

Police said further investigation revealed that the accused used credit card and bank account information available on the stolen phones to make purchases through the Flipkart Minutes app, which delivers groceries, daily-use items and other products.

"The three accused would ride a Burgman scooter or Splendor motorcycle at night and target people walking along public roads. They followed their targets before snatching mobile phones from their hands when an opportunity arose and fleeing from the spot," officials said.

The 15 recovered mobile phones have been valued at Rs 4.66 lakh. Police also seized a white scooter valued at Rs 50,000, and a black motorcycle valued at Rs 30,000.

The seven cases detected include four FIRs registered at Ramol, Narol, Isanpur and Maninagar police stations under Sections 304(2) and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, besides three e-FIRs registered at Ramol and Narol police stations.

Police said Mohammad Sharif also has a previous case registered at Narol police station under Sections 304(2) and 54 of the BNS.

--IANS

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Jammu, Oct 3 (IANS) General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps, Lt General Mohit Seth, on Saturday visited the line of control (LoC) in J&K’s Poonch district to review the operational preparedness of the formation.

In a post on X, White Knight Corps said, “FRONTLINE OPERATIONS: GOC #WhiteKnightCorps along with #GOC #AceOfSpadesDivision visited forward posts along the Line of Control in Poonch and Krishna Ghati Sectors to review the operational preparedness of the formation.

“The #CorpsCommander was briefed on the prevailing security environment, counter-infiltration measures, surveillance architecture and ongoing initiatives to further enhance operational effectiveness. Commending the troops for their unwavering commitment and operational excellence, the #GOC impressed upon all ranks to maintain highest standards of Vigilance, readiness and responsiveness. “We Serve We Protect!”

Lieutenant General Mohit Seth took over command of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps on Thursday from Lieutenant General PK Mishra. Lt-Gen Seth, an Infantry officer, served as Commandant of the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan before taking over command of the 16 Corps.

On assuming command, the new Corps Commander exhorted all ranks to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness, professional excellence and team spirit, while continuing to foster peace, security and stability in the region.

“Prepared For Today, Ready For Tomorrow. We Serve, We Protect,” White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the National Defence College, New Delhi, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Third Battalion of the Madras Regiment in 1991. Earlier, he commanded Counter-Insurgency Force Kilo, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) formation responsible for anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir.

The XVI Corps, or the White Knight Corps, is an army corps of the Indian Army raised on June 1, 1972, with Lieutenant General J F R Jacob as its first General Officer Commanding (GOC).

It has its headquarters at Nagrota Cantonment (Jammu district), Jammu and Kashmir. In 2005, IX Corps was raised in the southern part of the XVI Corps' area, taking over two of its divisions.

--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, Oct 3 (IANS) Actor Ranvir Shorey has revealed that he was rejected from a big-banner movie for being too 'vocal', 'anti-govt', and potentially 'controversial'.

Calling the world a 'crushing place', Ranvir said that here it is important to be your own light.

Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter) handle, the 'Khosla Ka Ghosla ' actor wrote, "With a heavy heart I’m sharing with you guys that I have finally got my first ever confirmation of not being cast in a film by a big mainstream studio for being “anti-govt”(?!), too “vocal”, and potentially “controversial” (sic)."

"I have always had an inkling about this, and it’s finally confirmed by a trusted source. The world is a soul crushing place, my friends. You have to be your own light. (sic)," he went on to add.

As soon as Ranvir shared the surprizing news on social media, many netizens expressed their support for the 'Singh Is King' actor in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, "Your identity is beyond the "big mainstream studio". The one's who know your talent will find you no matter what they say, So aekla cholo re !(sic)"

Another one penned, "Ranvir, thank you for sharing this. It must hurt, but your honesty is rare. Your work has always spoken for itself. Khosla Ka Ghosla, Titli and Bheja Fry are loved by many. No closed door can take that away. People remember actors who stand for something. Good roles will come from those who value your voice. Keep shining."

"Your identity is beyond the "big mainstream studio". The one's who know your talent will find you no matter what they say, So aekla cholo re !" read the third comment.

Most recently, Ranvir faced some massive backlash after he allegedly used abusive language while he responded to a social media user who criticized a viral reel featuring him with the 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2' cast.

Over the years, Ranvir has made headlines for his strong opinions on social media on a wide variety of issues.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 3 (IANS) The makers of director Bakkiyaraj Kannan's eagerly-awaited action thriller 'Benz', featuring actor Raghava Lawrence in the lead, on Saturday announced that the unit of the film had now commenced its fourth schedule of filming.

Taking to its social media timelines, Passion Studios, one of the production houses producing the film, wrote, "Here’s the update you’ve been waiting on. #Benz Fourth Schedule Begins."

The production house also shared some BTS pictures from the sets on the occasion.

The film has triggered huge interest among fans as it features actor Nivin Pauly in not one but two roles in the film. More significantly, Nivin Pauly plays the antagonist in the film.

It may be recalled that Nivin Pauly, had in November last year, dropped a hint to suggest that the film's third schedule had been wrapped.

Taking to his social media timelines, Nivin Pauly had posted a series of pictures of himself from the film and written, "Darkness Loading......⏳." He then tagged all the cast and crew members associated with the film and then went on to add "#ScheduleWrap #BenzMovie #Walter" as the hashtags.

Ace director Lokesh Kanakaraj, who is one of the producers of the film, had in July last year confirmed that the unit had completed the second schedule of the film and had expressed hope that the unit would complete the film in the next three to four months.

In a video interview to a media house, Lokesh Kanakaraj, who is producing the film along with Sudhan Sundaram, and Jagadish Palanisamy, had said, " Our next film is Benz. They have finished the second schedule if I am not wrong. Two schedules are done. Philo is the editor. I will check with him as to how the film is looking. He will give me some updates. Probably, they will finish it in another three or four months. We have other films in the pipeline."

The film has triggered huge interest for a number of reasons but the most important reason is that the film will feature actor Nivin Pauly as a villain for the first time.

While introducing his character in the film, director Bakkiyaraj Kannan, on his X timeline, had said, "Soft boy? That was yesterday. Nivin Pauly 2.0—our certified Baddie, Breaking hearts and Breaking rules & Breaking bad. Meet #Walter, @nivinofficial."

The character promo for Nivin Pauly's character which the makers released begins with sounds emanating from a room as if somebody is getting bludgeoned there. Soon, Nivin Pauly, with his body decked in gold ornaments and carrying a huge metal hammer from which blood seems to be dripping, walks out. He sports a smile only to reveal golden teeth.

He turns around to ask another character (also played by Nivin Pauly) the name of a person. The other character, which is busy eating and which comes across as a naive, uneducated individual, tells the villain it is 'Bens' and then after a while, corrects the spelling to say, 'Benz'. We then get to know that the antagonist's name is Walter. Walter says, "When a head inside a helmet itself is cut like the head of a goat, who..." and laughs suggestively. The character promo ends with Walter describing himself. He says," A dirty mind, a beautiful heart deadly combination. Love you Walter!"

Written and directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, the film has music by young music sensation Sai Abhyankkar‬. Cinematography for the film is by Goutham George and editing is by Philomin Raj. Art direction for the film has been done by Jacki while Pradeep Boopathi is serving as the creative producer.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) After Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla is the latest Bollywood celeb to 'salute' Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery and presence of mind.

Taking to her official X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle, Juhi wrote, "Incredible courage and presence of mind. Salute Captain Smit Machchhar. Such bravery in a moment of grave danger. Wish you get well very soon! (sic)"

Earlier today, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan penned an appreciation post for Captain Smit Machchhar, lauding him for his courage.

Wishing the Captain a speedy recovery, the 'Jawan' actor said that the entire country was extremely proud of him for how he was able to display massive courage during extreme circumstances.

He took to his X (Formerly known as Twitter) timeline and penned on the micro-blogging site, "Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most!! It’s not easy to stare adversity in the face and put one’s safety on the line… but you did just that to protect those onboard and showed us what being a Captain entails. A true display of courage and duty. Wishing you a speedy recovery, the country is proud of you…"

Additionally, Salman Khan also said that it would be a pleasure to fly with Captain Smit Machchhar.

Salman Tweeted, “Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar.”

For those who do not know, Captain Machchhar got seriously injured on Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers. His co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit.

Despite being seriously injured, the Captain somehow managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene, after which the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 3 (IANS) Actor Shiv Panditt, who has made a return to Tamil cinema with Jason Sanjay’s heist thriller 'Sigma', says the film marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in his Tamil cinema journey.

Shiv Panditt plays the role of Vincent, a character with grey shades, in the film.

The actor has always had a special connection with Tamil audiences, with his performance in 'Leelai' being fondly remembered even years after its release.

After making his presence felt in Tamil cinema once again with Vishnuvardhan’s 'Nesippayal', the actor has now returned in a full-fledged and strikingly different role with Sigma, directed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's son, Jason Sanjay.

Speaking about his journey and the experience of returning to Tamil cinema with Sigma, Shiv Panditt said, “I have been acting for about 18-20 years. I first faced the camera in 2002, but I actually began acting when I was a lot younger. I began acting in theatre when I was nine, participating in drama workshops and stage performances."

He went on to say,"Later, my experience as a radio jockey for two to three years taught me a lot about voice modulation, expression and communication. I never really thought I would become a mainstream actor, but eventually I made my debut with director Bijoy Nambiar's 'Shaitan'. The film was produced by Anurag Kashyap. I was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, and after that I went on to do several films and advertisements."

Talking about his connection with Tamil cinema, Shiv Panditt said, "Leelai was my first Tamil film, and although it did not get a major theatrical release at the time, the film eventually found a special place among audiences online. People discovered it years later, appreciated the songs and BGM, and it continues to have its own following. So, coming back to Tamil cinema in a substantial role has been particularly exciting for me.”

Explaining how he became a part of Sigma, the actor added, “Jason Sanjay noticed the buzz around me on social media, especially for Leelai and my other work, and felt that casting me in Sigma would be interesting. That is how Vincent came into the picture. Vincent is a very grey character. He is ambitious, owns a gambling club and gets drawn into certain nefarious activities through his friend Ezhil. I really enjoyed exploring that space."

Pointing out that Sigma was a very fast-paced action-adventure heist story, Shiv Panditt said, "I am extremely proud to be part of it. Jason has worked incredibly hard and is a very professional filmmaker and a wonderful human being. He has created the film with tremendous commitment, and I am very happy that he trusted me with Vincent. I have also had a wonderful experience working with Sundeep Kishan and the entire team. Jason has become like family to me, and that makes being part of Sigma even more special.”

--IANS

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