Bengaluru, March 23 (IANS) Four people were killed on the spot in a tragic road accident on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway near Sankalagere village in Channapatna taluk of Karnataka's Ramanagara district on Monday.

The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Mohammed Farhan and 45-year-old Sulfi from Kozhikode in Kerala, and 45-year-old Rasheed, a resident of Kalasipalya in Bengaluru, along with Saker from Annepalya in Adugodi.

According to police, a private bus operated by PK Travels, which was travelling from Calicut in Kerala to Bengaluru, lost control and crashed into roadside fencing around 4.10 a.m. Preliminary investigation suggests that the driver may have dozed off, leading to the accident.

The impact of the collision was severe, killing four passengers instantly.

Two others, identified as Abdul and Allen from Kannur in Kerala, sustained injuries and have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Police said the bus departed from Calicut late Sunday night and was carrying a total of 42 passengers at the time of the incident. The force of the crash was such that the bus continued moving for nearly 100 metres even after hitting the fencing.

Officials noted that the absence of a crash barrier could have led to even greater loss of life, but a major tragedy was narrowly averted.

Channapatna traffic police rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection, and registered a case. The driver, identified as Riyaz, has been taken into custody for questioning.

The bodies of the deceased and the injured have been shifted to the Channapatna Government Hospital. Further investigation is underway.

On December 25, 2025, in a major tragedy on Christmas Day, at least six persons, including a five-year-old girl, were burnt alive, and 21 others were injured after a sleeper coach caught fire following a collision with a container truck on National Highway 48, at Javanagondanahalli in Chitradurga district.

A total of 32 persons, including the driver and conductor, were travelling in the bus. Of these 28 had booked tickets in advance, while two passengers boarded the bus after the journey began. Several passengers managed to escape from the bus after it caught fire.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) The World Championship of Legends (WCL) announced the addition of the Bangladesh Champions for Season 3.

The WCL has already witnessed some of the biggest names in cricket history grace the tournament, including Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers, Brett Lee, Moeen Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Chris Gayle, and many more legends who have defined generations of the sport.

With the addition of the Bangladesh Champions, WCL 2026 promises even greater intensity and unforgettable matchups on a global stage.

Recognised as the second most watched cricket league in the world, WCL has rapidly redefined legends cricket by bringing together the greatest icons of the game on one global stage.

After two record-breaking seasons, WCL has delivered phenomenal global viewership:

Season 1 recorded over 325 million viewers worldwide, while Season 2 surged to an extraordinary 423.1 million viewers, cementing its position as one of the most followed cricket leagues globally.

Harshit Tomar, Founder & CEO, World Championship of Legends, said, “Over the past two years, we have consistently heard one question — why there is no Bangladesh Champions team in WCL. This year, we are proud to answer that demand by introducing Bangladesh Champions as a special treat for the fans.”

Yunus Hasan, Director, JCUK Sports Ltd representing Bangladesh Champions, shared, “The introduction of Bangladesh Champions into the World Championship of Legends marks a proud and historic moment for cricket fans across Bangladesh and the global diaspora. As a non-resident Bangladeshi based in the UK, this initiative is particularly close to my heart — it represents an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between two cricket-loving nations and their global fan bases."

The introduction of the Bangladesh Champions marks a major milestone in WCL’s journey, expanding the league to feature legendary players from seven cricketing nations, making WCL 2026 the most competitive and globally diverse season yet.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor turned cheerleader for her maternal aunt and actress Padmini Kolhapure, who showcased her vocal prowess on social media as she sang the song “Madhuban Khushboo Deta Hai.”

Padmini took to Instagram, where she shared a video of herself. In the clip, the actress is heard singing the song “Madhuban Khushboo Deta Hai” from her 1978 film “Sajan Bina Suhagan” starring Rajendra Kumar, Nutan, Vinod Mehra, Padmini Kohlapure and Shreeram Lagoo.

She captioned: “Just for you.”

Shraddha took to the comment section and wrote: “Such sweet sweeeeeeet singing.”

Padmini is considered as one of the leading actresses of the 1980s. In a career spanning over four decades, she has worked in over 75 films. She began her acting career in 1972 at the age of seven, and her early works include Zindagi and Dream Girl. She had her breakthrough with the film Satyam Shivam Sundaram, starring as the young Roopa.

Meanwhile, Shraddha, who is the daughter of veteran actor Shakti Kapoor, began her acting career with a brief role in the 2010 heist film Teen Patti. She bagged her first major role in the teen drama Luv Ka The End in 2011.

However, her fandom skyrocketed with her work in Mohit Suri's romantic musical Aashiqui 2 in 2013. She also featured in Vishal Bhardwaj's acclaimed drama Haider, Ek Villain, ABCD 2, Baaghi, Chhichhore, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Saaho, and the Stree franchise.

Shraddha is set to return with Stree 3. The third instalment in the popular franchise is scheduled to reach the audience by August 2027.

She has also been roped in for a biopic based on the legendary Marathi folk performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, and the forthcoming drama has been named Eetha. The project will chronicle the journey of dancer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, who was one of Maharashtra’s most prominent Tamasha performers of her time.

The actress will also be seen in the upcoming movie Nagin, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi.

--IANS

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La Paz, March 23 (IANS) Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira called on future subnational authorities to work with the central government to address the country's economic and institutional challenges.

Paz Pereira made this appeal after casting his vote in the southern city of Tarija on Sunday (local time), where elections are being held to choose more than 5,400 officials, including governors, mayors and local legislators for the 2026-2031 term.

"We will work with those elected by the will of the people," he said, adding that the elections offer an opportunity to strengthen democracy and encourage citizen participation.

He said the current situation requires coordinated efforts among the central government, regional authorities, and the legislature to pursue a common agenda for national recovery, reports Xinhua news agency.

The president also highlighted his administration's progress in economic management, international engagement, security and anti-corruption efforts.

More than 7.4 million eligible voters were expected to take part in the elections across more than 33,000 polling stations.

Around 250,000 personnel were deployed across the nation to ensure transparency and security in the subnational elections, in which more than 7.4 million citizens were to vote.

According to Carlos Alberto Goitia, a member of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the deployment covered all nine departments and 340 municipalities, where over 5,400 authorities will be elected for the 2026-2031 term.

The deployment includes more than 200,630 electoral jurors, who were assigned to more than 33,000 polling stations, along with temporary staff, police, military personnel and prosecutors.

About 18,000 candidates were running in the elections, reflecting the scale and complexity of the process. Around 17,000 temporary workers supported the preliminary results transmission system to provide early voting trends.

More than 32,000 police officers were deployed to ensure election security, while the armed forces will offer logistical support.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actor Ulka Gupta, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, has opened up about her journey from television to Bollywood- from her stint as Manikarnika in Jhansi Ki Rani to Ranveer Singh's on-screen sister in Simmba.

"From doing TV shows and after that cracking movies, to giving auditions for films like ‘Simmba’ and to show my acting craft, a lot of hard work has gone behind in where I stand today professionally” she added.

The actress, further reflecting on her journey, said that while the transition was not easy, her roots in TV have played a significant role in shaping her career.

In a conversation with IANS, Ulka said, “It was not easy to struggle from TV to reach a movie. I have been doing TV for many years.”

The actress credited television for laying the foundation for actors in the industry.

“I believe that all the success that I have achieved, and if I am a celebrity and a star today, all the credit goes to TV and all the audiences of TV. “

Talking about Ulka, the actress rose to fame with her portrayal of young Rani Lakshmibai in the television show Jhansi Ki Rani, which made her a household name

She has also been part of many other television projects over the years.

The actor was last seen in Kerala Story 2, which received a mixed response from both audiences and critics.

In the film, she essayed the role of Surekha.

Talking about how ‘movies are a reflection of society,’ Ulka had earlier opened up about her association with Kerala Story 2.

Sharing her thoughts on how films mirror real-life situations, she told IANS, “I feel that movies are a reflection of society. And whatever is happening in society at a given point of time, creators or makers want to show it or bring a solution to it.”

She added, “Sometimes I feel that a project or a story is of no use to society, but sometimes entertainment is also important.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actor-director-writer Adivi Sesh, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Dacoit’, has shared his experience of working with director-actor Anurag Kashyap in the film.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and called Anurag Kashyap, “India's best Hindi dialogue writer”.

Sharing his experience of working with Anurag Kashyap, he told IANS, “He constantly surprised me, surprised me with the first moment when I met him at his house, we were discussing the story for the first narration after me pitching it to him. He was so unfiltered and honest. And it was almost childlike because you don't see people with that level of honesty because there's always a certain amount of manicuring and diplomacy we all have in the world. And the fact that he didn't have it was so refreshing and it was beautiful. And it made me want to be authentic, my authentic self in front of him”.

He shared, “On a side note, what happened was us having him, India's best Hindi dialogue writer on set with us. And him giving us Hindi lines for free all over was fantastic. That was just good, that was a great moment. He's a very, very good actor”.

“It's so interesting that he never actually crossed the line into saying, he never directed us. Just one day after almost 90% of the movie was over, we had a few more days left. He came to me and said, ‘If you'll give me permission, I just want to tell you one thing in one scene’. I was like, ‘Sir, please’. That one hour was a masterclass for me. I think it's extraordinary, and just how amazing he is”, he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Devotees thronged temples on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri on Monday to offer prayers to Goddess Skandamata, the nurturing mother of Lord Kartikeya, marking an important day in the nine-day spring festival of Chaitra Navratri.

At Jhandewalan Mata Mandir in Delhi, a steady stream of devotees gathered for darshan. Pujari Ambika Prasad Pant said, “Today is the fifth day of the spring Navaratri. On this day, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, Skandamata, is worshipped. Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She represents a nurturing and loving form filled with maternal affection.”

Speaking to IANS, a devotee at the temple remarked, “Everything is well-organised -- you can come in a relaxed manner, stand in line comfortably, and have a peaceful darshan.”

Similarly, at Kalkaji Devi Mandir, devotees participated in prayers and celebrations.

One devotee said, “This year is very good -- crowds are smaller. Last time, there were too many people, but this time the system is better.” Another added, “The administration here is very good, everything is well managed. They are allowing smooth entry and exit, which is excellent.”

In Uttar Pradesh, large gatherings were observed at Vindhyavasini Dham. One devotee shared, “We consider ourselves fortunate. May the Goddess bless everyone and ensure the well-being of all.” Another noted, “The priest is providing great assistance to everyone. The priest is helping everyone a lot.”

In western India, devotees in Ahmedabad offered prayers to Goddess Skandamata. Devotees participated in rituals and aarti, praising the deity and seeking her maternal blessings.

Monday marked Panchami of Chaitra Navratri, a day dedicated to invoking maternal care, protection, and blessings through worship of Goddess Skandamata. Across the country, devotees celebrated with devotion, maintaining orderly arrangements to ensure a safe and serene darshan.

The fifth day of Chaitra Navratri highlights the nurturing and compassionate aspect of the Divine Mother, with devotees seeking strength, protection, and well-being for their families and communities.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Monday said the ongoing controversy surrounding Captain Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed "royal astrologer", has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political corridors.

While Kharat has been arrested following allegations of exploitation and fraudulent activities, the row has cast a harsh light on the numerous high-ranking ministers and officials who frequented his "court" seeking divine intervention for political gains. "The current political trajectory of Maharashtra, moving from the shores of Guwahati to the doorsteps of the Kharat Baba ashram, represents a disturbing shift where the state's progressive roots are being buried under a forest of superstition. The current political landscape in Maharashtra also exposes a shift from progressive values to superstition and 'godman' culture, the party said in its mouthpiece, 'Saamana'.

In a scathing editorial, the party claimed that the investigation into Kharat’s activities suggests a dark side to his "spiritual" guidance, including the alleged exploitation of several women under the guise of religious rituals and fortune-telling. Despite these grave allegations, a significant portion of the state cabinet remained devoted followers. "Kharat is not the only culprit; those who licked his feet and sought his advice are equally complicit."

The editorial said, “Prominent figures, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, have reportedly been associated with the 'Baba'.
Allegations have surfaced of Cabinet ministers participating in Aghori (occult) rituals intended to gain the power necessary to overthrow political rivals. Timely action against Kharat could have protected his victims.”

The Saamana editorial criticised the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission for allegedly washing the feet of a man who exploited women, saying that her resignation is an attempt to suppress a deeper systemic issue. Referring to other figures like Asaram Bapu and Ram Rahim, the editorial has questioned why the ruling party continues to support or associate with such individuals.

Further, the editorial highlighted a stark contrast between this surge in superstition and the teachings of Maharashtra’s iconic reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and the illiterate yet philosophically profound poet, Bahinabai Choudhari. While Bahinabai rejected the "lines on a palm" in favour of hard work and self-reliance, modern ministers are seen adorned with amulets and threads, seeking success through occultism rather than merit, it said.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena remarked that the smoke of the chilli Yagna finally opened Chief Minister Fadnavis's eyes to take action; it maintained that the damage to Maharashtra’s progressive image is severe.

According to the Thackeray camp, "when power is gained through money and conspiracies rather than hard work, such theatrics of superstition emerge. Those who have lost self-confidence are the ones who chase after rituals, forgetting that no 'royal astrologer' can prevent natural disasters or terrorist attacks".

--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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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday met leaders of several farm unions from across the country at the Parliament House.

During the meeting, the farm union representatives expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal and conveyed their deep concern over the potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits, and nuts.

The leaders told the Congress leader that they fear the agreement could open the door for agricultural imports, which may adversely affect domestic producers. Gandhi also reiterated his position, stating that the trade deal has opened the door for agricultural imports and warned that many other crops could soon be impacted as well.

The discussion also focused on the need for a large-scale national movement to oppose the deal and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers.

The farm leaders who participated in the discussion included Sukhpal S. Khaira (All India Kisan Congress), Ranjit S. Sandhu (GKS Rajasthan), Adv. Ashok Balhara (Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, Haryana), P.T. John (KMM Kerala), Baldev (BKU Krantikari, Zira), R. NandKumar (Progressive Farmers Front), Amarjit S. Mohri (BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Akhilesh Shukla (All India Kisan Congress), Kedar Sirohi (Aam Kisan Union), Kiranjit S. Sandhu (Kisan Congress Punjab), Gurpreet S. Sangha (Rajya Sabha), Guramneet S. Mangat (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha - India), Hameed Malik (J&K Zamidara Forum), Tejveer Singh (KMM), Dharamvir Goyat (Haryana Kisan Sangarsh Samiti), Ishwar Singh Nain (Krishak Samaj), and Satbir Khatana (South Haryana Kisan Union).

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted he would not be deterred by any FIR, criminal case or privilege motion and asserted that he would continue to fight for farmers' rights.

In a video post on X, Gandhi had reiterated his opposition to the India-US trade deal, claiming it would severely impact Indian farmers. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "opened the doors" of India’s agriculture market to foreign players at the cost of domestic producers.

"I have spoken the truth in Parliament. If you do not like the truth, that is a different matter. The country understands the truth. Do whatever you want to do. Let an FIR be filed, let a case be registered or bring a privilege motion. I and the entire party stand with farmers," Gandhi had said.

He had said any trade agreement that threatens farmers' livelihoods or weakens the country's food security is anti-farmer. Gandhi also claimed that corn, soybean, cotton and fruit growers would be the first to suffer, alleging that the government would eventually open the entire farm sector to foreign interests and corporate allies.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Actor-director-writer Adivi Sesh, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Dacoit’, has shared his experience of working with director-actor Anurag Kashyap in the film.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and called Anurag Kashyap, “India's best Hindi dialogue writer”.

Sharing his experience of working with Anurag Kashyap, he told IANS, “He constantly surprised me, surprised me with the first moment when I met him at his house, we were discussing the story for the first narration after me pitching it to him. He was so unfiltered and honest. And it was almost childlike because you don't see people with that level of honesty because there's always a certain amount of manicuring and diplomacy we all have in the world. And the fact that he didn't have it was so refreshing and it was beautiful. And it made me want to be authentic, my authentic self in front of him”.

He shared, “On a side note, what happened was us having him, India's best Hindi dialogue writer on set with us. And him giving us Hindi lines for free all over was fantastic. That was just good, that was a great moment. He's a very, very good actor”.

“It's so interesting that he never actually crossed the line into saying, he never directed us. Just one day after almost 90% of the movie was over, we had a few more days left. He came to me and said, ‘If you'll give me permission, I just want to tell you one thing in one scene’. I was like, ‘Sir, please’. That one hour was a masterclass for me. I think it's extraordinary, and just how amazing he is”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Punjabi singer Jasmine Sandlas has expressed her admiration for celebrated artiste Satinder Sartaaj, calling the opportunity to collaborate with him on the song ‘Jaiye Sajana’ a dream come true and her “biggest victory”.

The track “Jaiye Sajana” is from the latest blockbuster “Dhurandhar-The Revenge’ starring Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles. The track, which is sung by Jasmine and Satinder Sartaaj, is currently viral on social media

Taking to Instagram, Jasmine shared a video of herself from the launch and crooning the number.

She wrote: “It’s a dream come true to work with the one and only @satindersartaaj. I am such a big fan and I deeply adore his music. My mom is so happy and that is my biggest victory.”

Satinder Sartaaj gained fame with his song "Sai" and, since then has performed across the world. He made his film debut portraying Maharaja Duleep Singh in The Black Prince in 2017.

The music is given by Shashwat Sachdev, and Jasmine said he pushed her to her limits to write these songs.

“@shashwatology I love you bro. You pushed me to my limits to write these songs. The sleepless nights in the studio were all worth it. You’re a mad man walking the earth and your obsession to create beautiful music is unreal. You’ve changed my life. My concerts feel like festivals now,” she wrote.

Talking about the film’s director Aditya Dhar, Jasmine said that his “intention is as pure as a snowflake”

“@adityadharfilms Your intention is as pure as a snowflake before it touches the ground. Thank you for choosing me. I am forever grateful,” she concluded the post.

Talking about “Dhurandhar”, the first instalment of a duology released in 2025. It centres on a high-stakes covert counter-terrorism operation. The film follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi's criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan in an effort to dismantle a terror network targeting India.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge released recently. It follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who continues to infiltrate Karachi's criminal syndicates and Pakistani politics while avenging the 26/11 attacks and confronting bigger threats.

The film's storyline loosely draws inspiration from multiple real-life geopolitical events and conflicts in South Asia, such as Operation Lyari, 2014 Indian general election, 2016 Indian banknote demonetisation and various other events.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) As the acclaimed show “Delhi Crime” completed seven years since its release, actress Jaya Bhattacharya turned nostalgic and said that the journey continues to stay with her long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Jaya, who essayed the character of Sub-Inspector Vimla Bharadwaj in the show, took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures from the series and BTS moments with her cast members, including Shefali Shah and Rasika Dugal.

The actress wrote: “Some journeys stay with you long after the camera stops rolling. It’s been 7 years to Delhi Crime & I still carry a quiet gratitude for being a part of something so honest, so powerful & so deeply human. Playing Vimla Bhardwaj taught me more than I can put into words.”

She added: “Grateful to @castingchhabra and @richie.mehta for trusting me with this & to every single person who made this journey what it was. Thank you to this beautiful team for creating something so real. Forever grateful.”

Delhi Crime is an Indian police procedural crime drama television series written and directed by Richie Mehta. It stars Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain and Rajesh Tailang. The first season is set in the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. It was released in 2019.

The second season focuses on the Chaddi Baniyan Gang. The third season focuses on human trafficking and is inspired by the 2012 Baby Falak case.

Talking about Jaya, played minor roles in Bollywood films Devdas and Lajja. Her breakthrough came in 2000 when she portrayed the main antagonist Payal Mehra in Ekta Kapoor's blockbuster Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

She also had an appearance in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan. The actress was given a cameo appearance in the 2000s Hindi film Fiza, starring Karisma Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan.

Jaya has also worked in the film Jigyaasa where she played a filmmaker who wants to make a documentary on a controversial actress. This character was similar to the Alice Patten's role in the Indian movie Rang De Basanti. She has also acted in Kasamh Se as Jigyasa in 2007, in the same role.

She was seen in the avatar of Sakku Bai in historical series Jhansi Ki Rani. In 2018, she entered the hit show Badho Bahu.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 23 (IANS) Bollywood actress Divya Dutta has opened up on the growing trend of casting influencers in major Bollywood projects, specifically based on their social media following.

The actress, while talking to IANS, highlighted that the suitability of a role should remain the primary criteria, irrespective of the number of social media followers.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Divya said, “I do feel casting should be done if a person suits the role, influencer or not.”

Talking about feeling the pressure of being active on social media considering the social media boom, the Chiraiyaa actress added that she has always followed her own path and does not feel pressured to constantly stay active online.

“For me, the mantra is, whatever works for me, I will do that. I have always walked an opposite path. Whatever I post on social media, is something I genuinely enjoy. It’s a part of my work life and personal life. If I feel like sharing it, I do it,” she said.

Divya also spoke about her experience of being on a jury for social media and influencer-based awards recently, where she expressed how she was thrilled to witness how people from different walks of life are using digital platforms to carve their own identity.

“You realise you are very limited to your own world - your work, your shoots., it's all about you! But when you go beyond that, you see a housewife turning her cooking skills into a podcast, or a travel enthusiast becoming a blogger by just taking a step forward.”

She added, “It’s inspiring to see how people are using these platforms and thanking their families for supporting them.”

The Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat actress added that having support and encouragement plays a crucial role in helping individuals explore their potential. “You need somebody who gives you wings to fly, and this is the time for that,” she noted.

Filmmaker Shashant Shah, who is geared up for his OTT release Chiraiyaa, also shared his perspective, stating that while social media can be a useful platform, it should not override the essence of casting.

“Even if I have to find an actor who is not on social media, that is my primary job. And if I discover a new talent on social media, why not? It is a brilliant platform and opportunity. How people use it, that’s where the question of use or abuse comes in,” he said.

Talking about Divya Dutta, the actress has been receiving great response and reviews for her recently released OTT series Chiraiyaa.

–IANS

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