Washington, Oct 10 (IANS) The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has strongly defended the Green Card and H-1B visa programmes, calling them major drivers of American economic growth and innovation, even as the Trump administration moves to tighten scrutiny of legal immigration pathways.

The influential Washington-based organisation said on Friday that the programmes have helped generate $2.1 trillion in household income and contributed hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes to the US economy.

"The Green Card and H-1B programs are among the United States' most significant economic policy success stories, strengthening America's economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness," USISPF said in a statement.

The organisation said these immigration pathways have attracted some of the world's brightest minds, helping American companies expand, create jobs and maintain their technological leadership.

Citing an analysis of 2022 US Census Bureau data, USISPF said the legal immigration pathways had generated $2.1 trillion in combined household income.

The analysis, according to the organisation, showed that the immigrants covered had paid $382.9 billion in federal taxes and another $196.3 billion in state and local taxes. Their combined spending power stood at $1.6 trillion.

The statement came against the backdrop of recent action by the US Department of Labour concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, an important route for employment-based permanent residency.

USISPF expressed support for the administration's efforts to prevent misuse of immigration programmes but cautioned against overlooking their economic benefits.

"We fully support the administration's efforts to prevent fraud and abuse in legal immigration programs," the organisation said, adding that such abuse undermines the domestic job market.

It stressed that immigration pathways must operate with integrity and serve their intended purpose.

At the same time, the organisation said efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse should recognise the contribution of immigrants to American economic success.

The statement placed particular emphasis on Indian Americans, describing the community as an example of how legal immigration has strengthened the United States.

USISPF said Indian Americans account for just 1.5 per cent of the country's population but contribute six per cent of its gross domestic product.

It also described Indian Americans as highly educated and law-abiding, pointing to their role in building successful businesses and advancing American technology.

According to the organisation, Indian Americans co-founded 72 of the 648 unicorn companies in the United States in 2024.

These contributions, it said, have strengthened America's technological position while reinforcing ties between India and the United States.

USISPF also pointed to a recent White House ceremony at which President Donald Trump presented the National Medals of Science and the National Medals of Technology and Innovation to six leading innovators.

Five of the six recipients were born outside the United States, the organisation said, citing the ceremony as an example of the contribution of foreign-born talent to American scientific achievement.

"We share the administration's goal of helping the United States succeed as a global technology leader by attracting the best global technology talent while sustaining a strong domestic job market," USISPF said.

The H-1B programme allows American employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations, particularly in technology and engineering. Indian nationals have historically accounted for the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries.

The Green Card provides lawful permanent residency in the United States.

Employment-based immigration, including pathways involving H-1B workers and PERM certification, remains an important route for foreign professionals seeking to build long-term careers in America.

--IANS

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Washington, Oct 10 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has announced a major agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Moscow would supply millions of tonnes of diesel to the United States and global markets, saying the move would bring down fuel prices sharply.

Trump said on Friday that he had just concluded a telephone discussion with Putin and that Russia had agreed to begin supplying diesel immediately, with additional shipments scheduled for November and subsequent deliveries.

The announcement comes as Trump seeks to lower energy costs for American consumers, particularly farmers, ranchers and truckers, while maintaining his administration's position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

"I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

According to the US President, the two leaders agreed that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global markets.

Another 500,000 tonnes would be supplied during November, followed by an additional one million tonnes immediately thereafter.

Trump said Russia would subsequently deliver another three million tonnes of diesel, depending on the condition of its refining facilities.

The quantities outlined by Trump amount to more than 4.8 million tonnes of diesel across the different stages of the proposed arrangement.

The US President linked the Russian diesel agreement to what he described as American control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime passage for international energy shipments.

"Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!" Trump said.

His statement presented the two developments as central to his efforts to reduce diesel prices in the United States and international markets.

Trump placed particular emphasis on the impact of fuel prices on American agriculture and transportation, two sectors that rely heavily on diesel.

"Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," he said.

The US President described the agreement as a significant development in his administration's energy policy.

"This is a very big and important announcement," he said.

In the same statement, Trump reiterated his position on Iran's nuclear programme, connecting the energy announcement with his administration's broader regional security priorities.

"Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon!" he said.

He did not elaborate on whether the Iranian nuclear issue had figured in his discussion with Putin or whether any understanding concerning Tehran had emerged from the conversation.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced a time bound mission to clear 2.76 lakh pending e-files in government offices by December 31.

He also announced on Friday the plans to introduce a Bill providing legal safeguards for senior citizens in the Assembly session beginning on October 12.

A separate department for senior citizens will be established under the proposed legislation.

The state government will conduct a survey to assess the needs and circumstances of elderly people and ensure that they receive proper care and support.

Satheesan said the responsibility would not rest with the government alone.

Local bodies, volunteers and other groups would also be involved in caring for senior citizens.

He described the proposed legislation as a first-of-its-kind initiative globally and said several states had expressed interest in it.

The pending file clearance drive will begin on October 15 and conclude on December 31.

It will cover electronic and physical files awaiting action in government offices.

The state government will also study ways to prevent files from remaining unattended.

A dashboard will be developed to help the Chief Minister and other officials track the status of files at the click of a mouse, Satheesan said.

Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, he added that 568 of the 588 projects announced under the state government's first 100-day programme had been completed.

"Work on the remaining projects was also progressing, with around 90 per cent completion reported," Satheesan said.

The programme had given the state government confidence to take up new challenges, he said, congratulating officials and others involved in its implementation.

On the High Court's direction to register an FIR in the CMRL-Exalogic case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others, Satheesan said the state government had acted after legal scrutiny.

It had opted for a preliminary inquiry rather than rushing into the matter, he said, adding that he had always maintained that the law would take its course.

On the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Satheesan said the UDF had been the first to raise concerns about the process in Kerala.

He claimed that neither the CPI-M nor the BJP had initially raised similar objections.

Responding to criticism by UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash, Satheesan said policy decisions were taken in consultation with the party and alliance leaders.

He was open to criticism and would correct himself if he was wrong, the Chief Minister added.

He declined to comment directly on Prakash's remarks, adding that the party high command had not discussed the issue with him.

Satheesan also criticised sections of the media for circulating what he described as fake news.

He urged journalists to verify reports and protect their credibility.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) With the national capital bracing for fresh protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, multiple clerics have appealed to the Muslim community, particularly the youth, to refrain from joining the stir advising that this was not their demonstration and hence must not allow themselves to be "used".

Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, the head of All India Imam Organisation, on Friday said, "Several political parties have called for participation in the demonstration on October 10. I appeal to all Muslims and the imams of mosques that they should not join this demonstration on October 10. This is not our demonstration. These are those political parties that use us, but in return, we get nothing. We are not things to be used by anyone's hands. Until now, many political parties have only used Muslims."

In the video appeal, Ilyasi also added, "I want to appeal and request to Muslims across the entire country and especially to the imams of mosques. You all know what circumstances the country is going through at this time. Anti-national forces have become active, and a major conspiracy to spoil the atmosphere of the country is visible."

Maulana Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain said, "Regarding the appeal made by Chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi Sahib to Muslims, asking them not to participate in any programs or demonstrations that disrupt mutual brotherhood, peace, and order, it is true that no one should be part of such activities."

All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi supported the sit-in protest as everyone's legal right but raised concerns if the demonstration turns violent.

"Holding a sit-in protest is every person's right; it is our legal right. However, when a protest turns violent, no one can be allowed to resort to violence. I want to appeal to all Muslim youths living in Delhi or in the districts of Uttar Pradesh to stay away from the Cockroach Janta Party's upcoming sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and not participate in it under any circumstances."

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Berelvi added, "This is because violent incidents occurred during Cockroach Janta Party's protest in recent days. Muslims are a vulnerable section of society, and some Muslims who participated in that protest later had to face considerable difficulties."

--IANS

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Shimla, Oct 10 (IANS) Unseasonal rainfall, cold weather during the flowering stage and inadequate chilling hours have been identified as the key factors behind the decline in apple production in Himachal Pradesh this season, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said.

Addressing the media here, Negi on Friday added that 13,202.666 metric tons of apples had been procured so far under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) and Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited (HIMFED).

The Minister said that 1,23,34,739 apple boxes had reached markets during the current season so far, while adverse weather conditions had affected the state's apple crop.

Defending the state government's handling of payments under the MIS, Negi accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of misleading farmers and orchardists.

He said the present Congress-led state government had inherited outstanding MIS dues of Rs 114 crore from the previous BJP government.

According to Negi, the state government had not only cleared the liabilities inherited from its predecessor but had also paid more than Rs 262 crore to farmers and orchardists so far.

Highlighting reforms under the state government's Vyavastha Parivartan initiative, the Minister said the traditional registration process under the MIS had been replaced with an application-based system to improve transparency.

He said the revised mechanism had reduced the number of registered farmers and orchardists while ensuring greater transparency in the process.

Negi added that payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) had been made to 11,285 farmers and orchardists with fewer than 30 bags and 2,827 with fewer than 100 bags under the scheme.

Meanwhile, around 7,000 farmers and orchardists with more than 100 bags had been identified for verification.

Of these, around 2,000 cases had been verified, while land-related documents had been sought to complete verification in the remaining 5,000 cases.

The Minister also said the state government had announced a Re 1 increase under the MIS, a move expected to benefit thousands of farmers and orchardists across the state.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS) Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently spoke about how the perception of the Hindi film industry towards the length of the films has changed.

He recently appeared on the chat show ‘Shekhar Tonite’ hosted by actor Shekhar Suman, and said that the Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ has triggered the change in the industry. He lauded the film’s team for telling a riveting story.

Talking about the same, he said, “The context should be good. And today, I was watching a meme that in today's generation, where we see so many reels changing every second, there, you have shown for four hours and no one touched their phone. That was his conviction. Now, people's discussion has changed”.

‘Dhurandhar’ is written and directed by Aditya Dhar, and also stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. The film follows an undercover Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates Karachi’s criminal underworld to gather intelligence and prevent future terrorist attacks against India.

It is set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, gang rivalries and covert operations, the film blends espionage with gritty crime drama. Ranveer Singh essays the role of Hamza Ali Mazari, while Akshaye Khanna portrays gangster Rehman Dakait.

He further mentioned, “Wherever I go, they don't talk about time anymore. They have started talking about the story. They don’t say, ‘Make it short. Cut it for half an hour. One more song’. I have realized that if you have conviction it will land. The good thing about Aditya is that he only listens to himself, and nobody else”.

“The best part with Aditya is that whenever you meet him, he is so calm and so sure about himself that he doesn't change his opinion for someone else. He had so much conviction that if I want this, I want this. And hats off to Ranveer also. He gave life to that role and they both had such a combination. I saw that they were like 80s on set”, he added.

--IANS

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Abu Dhabi/New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revealed fresh details of an alleged plot to hijack a Dubai-Tel Aviv passenger aircraft and crash it into the terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport in a suicide attack inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.

According to the UAE Attorney-General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the alleged plot was planned by Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot who was aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. The suspect allegedly intended to seize control of the aircraft and carry out the attack on September 30.

The UAE state news agency WAM reported on Friday that Al Hammami had travelled to Tel Aviv on two previous flights to familiarise himself with the route and the airport before allegedly attempting to execute the plan.

The aircraft was being flown by Indian captain Smit Machchhar when the alleged attack unfolded inside the cockpit. According to the investigation details released by the UAE authorities, the suspect allegedly assaulted the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the plane.

The situation was brought under control after Machchhar resisted the assault, while a reserve pilot, a cabin crew member and passengers intervened to prevent the alleged hijacking.

With the captain under attack, the reserve pilot took control of the aircraft and managed to land it safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, averting a potentially catastrophic incident.

The UAE authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged conspiracy, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted hijacking and the suspect’s preparations.

Investigators are also looking into whether the accused had any accomplices or links to other individuals or organisations that may have been involved in planning the alleged attack.

The latest disclosure has highlighted the seriousness of the suspected plot and the role played by the flight crew and passengers in preventing the aircraft from being taken over.

--IANS

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In a statement, Delhi Police said people have the right to protest, but the authorities also have a responsibility to protect residents, workers, businesses, police personnel and important establishments, including the offices of constitutional bodies located in the national capital.

“We want to put the security precautions and restrictions in place in Delhi and around Jantar Mantar in proper perspective. People have a right to protest. At the same time, important establishments and the offices of the constitutional bodies are in New Delhi,” the statement said.

The police cited the experience of protests held at Jantar Mantar in July, claiming that permission had been sought for a one-day demonstration but the protest continued for a month. According to the statement, more than 200 police personnel were injured during the protests, while over 2,000 people with criminal antecedents participated, contributing to the violence.

“As the situation went out of control, there were clashes, and innocent students were injured too,” the statement said, adding that the authorities did not want a repeat of such incidents.

Delhi Police said the same group was seeking to gather at the same location again, making it necessary to address concerns over crowd management and security before granting permission.

The statement also flagged alleged incidents involving police personnel during protests over the past week, claiming that women constables had been molested and assaulted by protesters at Jantar Mantar.

“That is deeply troubling, and it has to be taken seriously,” the police said.

Highlighting the limitations of the protest site, Delhi Police said Jantar Mantar could accommodate only around 1,000 people at a time. It added that the authorities had to consider the city's capacity to manage large gatherings without disrupting daily life and economic activity.

“Delhi, being the capital of the fastest-growing economy of the country, cannot be brought to a halt every time there are protests,” the statement said, stressing that the police had to balance the interests of demonstrators with the well-being of citizens and the economic interests of the city.

Explaining the need for prior permission, the police said the process enabled authorities to estimate the expected turnout and make arrangements for traffic diversions, emergency access and safe movement of crowds.

“Seeking permission to protest is not anti-democratic,” the statement said, adding that advance planning was necessary to ensure that demonstrations could be conducted peacefully without affecting residents, workers, shopkeepers and businesses.

Delhi Police further alleged that the Cockroach Janta Party was proceeding with the proposed gathering without permission. It also referred to the Supreme Court's position on protests conducted without authorisation, stating that such demonstrations were unlawful and that participants could face prosecution.

The police said organisers had a responsibility to inform participants about the legal implications of attending a protest held without permission.

The restrictions being imposed ahead of Saturday's demonstration were temporary and intended to regulate the movement of people, prevent overcrowding, and protect everyone in the area, the statement said.

“People should be able to raise their concerns peacefully. Our responsibility is to create the conditions in which they can do that safely, while keeping the city functioning,” Delhi Police said.

--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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Los Angeles, Oct 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who is receiving a lot of positive response to his recently released miniseries ‘Carrie’, has opened up on his process to craft the miniseries.

The filmmaker spoke with IANS during the promotions of the series, and said that the process involved a lot of documentation, and a lot of back and forth. The series is based on author Stephen King’s eponymous novel.

He told IANS, “I laid the whole thing out. And I sent him a document that had the whole season written out. And he read it and he came back and he said, ‘Actually, this is very exciting’”.

He further mentioned, “And he had a bunch of questions. He said, ‘Oh, well, what about this character? What are we going to do with this? And this is all new’. That's kind of it. It's a whole new thing. And then he got excited and he wanted to do it. And once he was excited, then I said, ‘Yep, we'll go ahead and do this’”.

The series follows the socially isolated teenager as she navigates high school, bullying and the oppressive influence of her mother, Margaret, while discovering her telekinetic abilities. Flanagan updates the story for the social-media era, bringing cyberbullying, online humiliation and modern teenage pressures into the narrative.

Earlier, the filmmaker had shared that the team had screened for 1400 actors before they locked the casting for the titular role with Summer H. Howell. He said that the makers were intrigued by Summer’s ability to pull off the character considerably, who is younger to her in age.

He earlier told IANS, “Oh, well, this is the amazing thing about Summer. So we looked at 1400 actors to find Summer. It is a huge, huge casting. And Summer plays a 15 year old so convincingly that even I would look at her and think that it's like, yes, this is a teenager. Summer is a 22 year old woman. So, all of the tricks that I would typically use with younger actors, not at all necessary with Summer. So she would show me very often how the scene would need to go. Summer is so incredible”.

The series expands several characters and explores the psychological roots of cruelty, victimhood and revenge more deeply than earlier adaptations. While Brian De Palma’s 1976 film remains the iconic version, the series format gives the story considerably more room to explore its characters and themes.

The series is available to stream on Prime Video.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur played an alcoholic in his much-acclaimed drama, 'Aashiqui 2'. But did you know that he ended up getting so drunk on the set of the romantic entertainer that they had to wrap up the shoot?

As Aditya appeared on the popular chat show, 'Koffee With Karan,' with his 'Aashiqui 2', co-star, Shraddha Kapoor, host and filmmaker Karan Johar asked him if he really got drunk for a few scenes of the movie.

Answering KJo's question, Aditya said, "I tried my hand at it. It was the only right thing to do as an actor. I tried it; we packed up one day. Otherwise you are slurring your lines".

Taking a fun dig at Aditya, Shraddha added, "Fully slurring, but it was fun to watch".

Talking about 'Aashiqui 2', the project shows the turbulent love story between a singer, Rahul Jaykar (Played by Aditya), struggling to maintain his fame, and his protege, aspiring singer Aarohi Keshav Shirke (Played by Shraddha). It revolves around how Rahul's alcohol addiction and temperament affect the two.

The film is both an adaptation of the original 1937 version and the 1976 remake of 'A Star is Born'.

Backed by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt under the banners of T-Series Films and Vishesh Films, the movie is a spiritual successor to the 1990 musical film 'Aashiqui.'

Released on 26 April 2013, 'Aashiqui 2 ' turned out to be a commercial success at the box office despite being headlined by newcomers, and was also one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2013.

The movie was remade in Telugu in 2014 with the title 'Nee Jathaga Nenundali'.

Since its release in 2013, 'Aashiqui 2 ' has gained cult status among audiences.

Its melodious numbers also continue to rule the hearts of music lovers. It was also a breakthrough for the lead singer of the drama, Arijit Singh.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Oct 9 (IANS) Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain has spoken about the reaction that she received from strangers after her air transformation.

The actress shared that strangers treated her differently after she abandoned her trademark red hair for platinum blonde. She shared that some people were apparently surprised to discover her personality has not changed with her appearance.

The Oscar-winning actress, 49, discussed her transformation during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and shared that her new hairstyle has altered people’s expectations of her behaviour. Jessica debuted her new look at the US Open in September, and decided to dye her hair after wearing a blonde wig for her forthcoming Apple TV+ thriller ‘The Off Weeks’.

Jessica said, “When I’m a little bit sassier than normal, people look at me like, shocked. Like they expect me to be soft and demure”.

When the show host asked about her life as a blonde, the actress said, “I will say, we do have a lot of fun. No, I’ve always had a lot of fun. I just played a part where I had a very similar hair color in a wig, and so I guess I got to test drive the hair for a few months. And so I was like, alright, I’m going for it”.

The Apple TV+ production completed filming in the middle of 2026 and is undergoing post-production, although a release date has yet to be announced. The series marks another television project for Jessica, who previously starred in the HBO drama Scenes from a Marriage opposite Oscar Isaac, 47.

The actress also has ‘Other Mommy’ lined-up for release. The psychological horror film is directed by Rob Savage.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Playback singer Sona Mohapatra has come out in support of actress Tanushree Dutta, who was criticised for her remarks on the demise of actor Nana Patekar.

While the actress offered her condolences to the bereaved family of the actor, she said that the news of the actor’s death would affect her professional commitments.

On Friday, Sona Mohapatra took to her Instagram, and shared a video of herself talking to the camera. She defended the actress and her anger.

She said, in the video, “I've practically earned a PhD in being the most unpopular person in a room, not because I enjoy it, nobody does, but because I've never mastered the art of keeping quiet when something is deeply wrong. So here goes. Nana Patekar passed away yesterday. A celebrated actor, people are mourning him, understandably so, I have no issues with that. What's disturbing me is the way people are attacking Tanushree Dutta. Seriously, what do you expect from her? This woman spoke up about her sexual harassment on sets with this gentleman, fought an exhausting battle, faced public humiliation and professional consequences, and now she is expected to forget her experience and perform what for you? Grief. That'll comfort you”.

She further mentioned that some of the loudest voices attacking the actress are women influencers, content creators, “chasing their little moment in the sunshine”.

She shared, “Is humiliating another woman your idea of engagement? I was amongst the working artists at that point of time, during India's #MeToo movement. I was removed from a national television reality show because other working women who are really not wanting to have any say in the game, nobody wants to take any chances. Nobody really spoke up at that point. But after shooting nearly 19 episodes, I was thrown out. I know what speaking up costs a woman. And people ask, why didn't you go to court? Where is the proof? Do women go to work wearing hidden cameras in such situations? Does harassment conveniently happen before witnesses? #MeToo happened because power, fear, and retaliation made speaking up so difficult. And India, here is my question. Why do we associate old age with virtue and death with sainthood? Growing old doesn't make anyone morally infallible. Dying shouldn't erase uncomfortable chapters of someone's life. You can celebrate an artist's work, mourn his passing, and offer his family compassion”.

She went on, “But you cannot demand that a woman rewrite her own history to make your mourning uncomfortable. So you are entitled to your grief. Please go ahead and cry. Please put up your reels of all the great straight-forward stuff he has said because only men are celebrated for being downright rude, not women. Tanushree Dutta is entitled to her account of what happened. And if your compassion requires humiliating a woman who spoke up, perhaps, I mean, it's definitely not compassion”.

“It's hypocrisy. Death deserves dignity. So do the living. Please note. Guess what? In other news, Anu Malik is being platformed on big live stages. Some festival is by my own breath and people actually like, did not think twice, have amnesia. He is back in the industry in every possible way. So short memories, you all (sic)”, she added.

--IANS

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