Chennai, May 5 (IANS) The AIADMK will hold its first meeting of newly elected legislators on Wednesday, a crucial exercise aimed at shaping its post-election strategy after securing third position in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, party sources said on Tuesday.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, is expected to focus on navigating the immediate political landscape, including countering the rapid rise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), while also laying out a medium-term roadmap for organisational rebuilding.

AIADMK leaders are likely to deliberate on strengthening internal structures and preparing for future electoral challenges.

In the short term, the AIADMK has made it clear that it will not extend support to any government likely to be formed by the TVK, maintaining its position as part of the National Democratic Alliance.

This stance comes amid evolving alliances and political equations in the state following a fractured mandate.

Despite the electoral setback, the AIADMK's internal review indicates that it has retained a substantial core vote base.

With more than 27 per cent vote share and over one crore votes secured, the leadership sees scope for revival, even as it acknowledges the need to address organisational gaps and improve grassroots outreach.

One of the key concerns flagged ahead of the meeting is the party's connect with younger voters.

The success of the TVK has highlighted the growing importance of appealing to the Gen Z demographic, prompting discussions on promoting younger leadership and creating dedicated youth-oriented structures within the party.

Additionally, there is a recognition of the need to rebuild ties with Scheduled Caste communities, a segment considered vital to the party's traditional support base.

Strengthening representation and outreach among these groups is expected to be a priority in the coming months.

With Wednesday's legislators' meeting set to serve as a turning point, the AIADMK is expected to consolidate its strategy -- balancing immediate political positioning with long-term efforts to revitalise the party and reassert its influence in Tamil Nadu politics.

--IANS

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Bhopal, May 5 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday announced a two-pronged push for administrative accountability, ordering intensive departmental reviews from May 8–10 and making District Development Committee meetings compulsory in all districts before May 12.

At the core department-wise reviews, the Ministers and senior officials will present detailed reports on achievements, policy innovations, challenges, and future plans.

"Our priority is to ensure that the benefits of governance reach every citizen effectively. These reviews will help us evaluate progress at every level and strengthen implementation where needed," Chief Minister Yadav said while chairing a meeting on Tuesday.

In a parallel move toward decentralised governance, the Chief Minister directed that Ministers in-charge lead district-level meetings before May 12 to assess development works, resolve local issues, and improve coordination between departments and district administrations.

District Collectors have been told to prepare scheme-wise status notes with a focus on health, education, rural roads, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, according to a statement from Chief Minister's office.

Chief Minister Yadav also flagged capacity-building for newly appointed members of state corporations and boards.

He instructed Ministers to provide clear guidance and hold a one-day state-level orientation programme.

"It is important that all appointees are fully aware of their roles. A structured orientation will help bring uniformity and efficiency in their functioning," he said in a statement.

The initiative comes as the Mohan Yadav-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is completing two-and-a-half years in office and looks to reinforce its governance framework after a decisive mandate.

The BJP, which has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003 (except for 18 months), had won 163 seats in the 230-member Assembly in the 2023 state elections, while the Congress was reduced to 66 seats.

Mohan Yadav, who succeeded Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, is focusing on tightening administrative mechanisms and improving coordination across levels of governance.

Officials said the May 8–10 reviews will track outcomes, not just expenditures, with an emphasis on closing last-mile gaps.

Departments have been asked to bring beneficiary data, asset-creation details, and service-delivery timelines rather than only financial utilisation figures.

The Chief Minister's Office added that follow-up reviews will be held quarterly to ensure decisions taken in the May meetings are implemented on the ground.

--IANS

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Bhopal, May 5 (IANS) A spell of turbulent weather is set to grip Madhya Pradesh, with the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal warning of thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds across several districts over the next 24 hours.

Moderate thunderstorm activity with lightning and hail, accompanied by wind speeds up to 60 kmph, is likely to occur over Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Kanha, Dindori, Anuppur, Amarkantak, South Umaria, South Shahdol, East Gwalior, AP and Bhind.

Light thunderstorms with lightning are expected in Morena, West Gwalior, Datia, North Umaria, North Shahdol, Chhatarpur, South Sidhi and South Shahdol during evening hours.

According to the bulletin issued on Tuesday, gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph may strike parts of Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Betul, Barwani, Dhar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Rewa, Satna, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Panna, Sagar and other districts.

Winds of 40–50 kmph are also forecast in areas including Indore, Shajapur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Umaria, Dindori, Katni and Damoh. Hailstorms are likely in Khandwa, Khargone, Datia, Singrauli, Sidhi, Shahdol, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari.

The IMD bulletin highlights that hailstorms may damage standing crops, fruits, vegetables and fragile structures. Farmers have been advised to take protective measures such as covering crops or harvesting early where possible. Livestock should be sheltered, and vehicles kept under cover to avoid damage. Citizens are urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms, unplug electrical appliances, and avoid sheltering under trees or near power lines.

The synoptic situation shows a western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over Kashmir and adjoining areas, with troughs extending across Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These systems are expected to sustain storm activity across the state until May 9.

A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from May 10, which could further influence weather patterns in northern India.

With gusty winds, lightning and hail predicted in multiple districts, residents are advised to stay alert and follow official advisories. The IMD has stressed that precautions are essential to minimise risks to life, property and agriculture during this volatile weather phase.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval called on Vietnam's President To Lam on Tuesday, holding discussions on strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

"NSA Shri Ajit Doval called-on General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam. They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Mr. To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

Earlier in the day, President To Lam arrived in New Delhi on a three-day State Visit to India. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai welcomed the visiting leader at airport.

The MEA stated that President To Lam's visit to India will strengthen bilateral ties.

"Chao mung, Excellency! General Secretary, President of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. He was accorded a warm welcome and received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai," Jaiswal posted on X.

"This year, we are marking the milestone of 10 years of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations," he added.

President To Lam landed in Delhi after offering prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President upon his arrival in Gayaji.

To Lam, also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will be in India till May 7. This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last month.

During his visit, President To Lam will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with President To Lam across the spectrum of bilateral relations, along with regional and global issues of mutual interest.

President Droupadi Murmu will also hold a meeting with the visiting leader. Other leaders are also expected to call on President To Lam in New Delhi.

During his visit, President To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Mumbai. He will visit National Stock Exchange, meet Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor. He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in Mumbai.

"India and Vietnam share historical and civilisational ties, which have steadily deepened over the years. President To Lam’s visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam in 2016," the MEA stated earlier.

"The engagement between leaders is expected to provide fresh momentum to the robust bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam," it added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved an additional outlay of Rs 4,886.46 crore to buy sunflower and more gram at the minimum support price (MSP) to benefit farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Approving a proposal from the Karnataka government, Chouhan sanctioned the procurement of 9,023 metric tonnes of sunflower under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the Rabi 2026 season. The total MSP value of this approval exceeds Rs 69.66 crore. The decision is expected to ensure that sunflower farmers in Karnataka receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce, the statement said.

The move is particularly significant for farmers who often face the compulsion to sell their produce at lower prices due to unfavourable market conditions. With MSP procurement now approved, farmers will be better protected from distress sales. The decision is also expected to strengthen farmers’ confidence and contribute to greater stability in the agricultural sector.

In another major decision, the Union Minister approved a proposal from the Maharashtra government to increase the maximum procurement quantity of gram under the PSS to 8,19,882 metric tonnes for the Rabi 2025–26 season. The total MSP value of this decision exceeds Rs 4,816.80 crore, the statement said.

The government has also extended the procurement period for gram in Maharashtra by 30 days, allowing purchases to continue until May 29. This extension is expected to benefit farmers who were unable to sell their produce within the earlier deadline. It will enable a larger number of farmers to avail MSP benefits and avoid selling their produce at lower prices due to market pressure.

The decisions taken by the Centre are aimed at protecting farmers from distress sales and ensuring that they receive fair value for their produce. By expanding procurement operations and extending timelines, the government seeks to create a more secure and predictable environment for agricultural producers, the statement said.

Such measures are expected to not only provide direct financial relief to farmers but also reinforce their confidence in the procurement system. The increased procurement limits and timelines will help ensure that farmers are not forced into disadvantageous market transactions, the statement observed.

These steps are aimed at strengthening the agricultural economy by ensuring price assurance and reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations. The Central government has maintained that ensuring remunerative prices for farmers remains a key priority. By expanding MSP operations and providing timely support, it aims to enhance income stability for farmers and promote long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector. These decisions are expected to not only benefit farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra directly but also contribute to a broader sense of trust and stability in the agricultural ecosystem, the statement added.

--IANS

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Washington, May 5 (IANS) The United States has launched a military mission to break what it calls Iran’s blockade of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying warships and aircraft to escort vessels through one of the world’s most critical oil routes.

US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth said the operation, dubbed “Project Freedom”, was ordered by President Donald Trump to “restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He described the mission as “defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration, with one mission, protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.”

Hegseth said US forces would avoid entering Iranian waters or airspace, adding, “We’re not looking for a fight.” But he stressed that Iran “cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway.”

He accused Tehran of “harassing civilian vessels, threatening mariners from every nation indiscriminately and weaponising a critical choke point,” calling it “a form of international extortion.”

Two US-flagged commercial ships, escorted by American destroyers, have already passed through the strait, demonstrating that “the lane is clear,” he said, adding that “hundreds more ships from nations around the world are lining up to transit.”

Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said Iran had “repeatedly threatened and attacked commercial shipping” over the past seven weeks to “effectively cut off commercial traffic and damage the global economy.”

He noted that the strait carries “approximately one fifth of the global oil consumption,” underscoring its importance to global markets.

According to the Pentagon, more than 22,500 mariners aboard over 1,550 commercial vessels remain stranded in the region as a result of Iranian actions.

Caine said Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times since a ceasefire was announced, seized two container ships and attacked US forces more than ten times, though “all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations.”

The US has deployed over 15,000 personnel, along with guided-missile destroyers, helicopters and more than 100 aircraft, to establish a protected corridor for shipping.

Hegseth said the US had created a “red, white and blue dome” over the strait, providing round-the-clock protection for vessels, and warned that any attack would trigger “overwhelming and devastating American firepower.”

Despite recent exchanges of fire, he said “the ceasefire is not over” and urged Iran to act “prudently” to avoid escalation.

He also called on US allies to step in, saying, “The world needs this waterway a lot more than we do,” and that Washington expects partners to assume responsibility over time.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Parliament to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the apex court.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, enhancing the number of judges from the present 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

According to an official statement, the move is aimed at improving the efficiency and functioning of the Supreme Court while ensuring the expeditious delivery of justice.

"The increase in the number of judges will enable the Supreme Court to deal with cases more effectively and reduce pendency, thereby ensuring timely justice to litigants," the government said.

The financial implications arising out of the expansion, including salaries of judges, support staff, and related infrastructure, will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.

The proposal traces its origins to Article 124(1) of the Constitution, which provides that the Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Justice of India and such number of judges as Parliament may by law prescribe. The strength of the apex court has been revised periodically through amendments to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Initially capped at 10 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India), the number was increased to 13 in 1960 and further to 17 in 1977. The sanctioned strength was subsequently raised to 25 in 1986 and to 30 in 2008.

The most recent revision came in 2019, when the number was increased from 30 to 33.

The Bill is expected to be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament.

--IANS

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Banswara, May 5 (IANS) A boat carrying 10 people capsized in the Mahi river in Rajasthan's Banswara on Tuesday, leaving two persons, including an eight-year-old child, missing.

Eight people, including the boatman, managed to swim to safety, officials said.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near Bhaisau village under the Arthuna police station limits.

According to officials, the boat overturned nearly 200 metres from the riverbank.

The missing persons have been identified as 21-year-old Jayesh and eight-year-old Manav.

Rescue operations are underway, with teams from police, Civil Defence, and the State Disaster Response Force deployed at the site.

Local divers and villagers have also joined the search efforts.

As the rescue efforts intensified, Banswara Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi said that police personnel have been deployed and SDRF teams are actively searching for the missing individuals.

Officials added that a team of around 10 members is carrying out the search operation using two boats, which will continue till nightfall.

Efforts have also been intensified by involving local fishermen to assist in locating the victims and the submerged boat, which has not yet been recovered.

All passengers were residents of Bhano Ka Pada village and had visited the Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple for prayers.

After the visit, they went boating on the river when the accident occurred.

The boatman reportedly fled the site after the incident.

Preliminary information indicates that none of the passengers were provided with life jackets.

Officials suspect overcrowding may have contributed to the accident.

The accident site lies at a river confluence where the Mahi, Anas, and Jakham rivers meet.

The Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Banswara, remains submerged for nearly eight months every year due to water levels.

Authorities continue search operations amid growing concern among family members, who are anxiously awaiting updates.

--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, May 5 (IANS) Actress Rasika Dugal, who will be seen sharing screen space for the first time with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in "Kartavya" revealed what it was like working with him.

The 'Mirzapur' actress revealed that she found Saif extremely fun to work with.

She also expressed her appreciation for her co-star for sustaining a successful career for more than 3 decades in such a competitive industry.

Rasika said, “It's great to have a co-actor who has a super sense of humour and is so much fun to work with! I really admire how he has sustained a successful career for over three decades and constantly reinvented himself. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.”

Directed and written by Pulkit, the OTT project will also star Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi in key roles, along with others.

Produced by Gauri Khan under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt. Ltd., the drama will share the journey of a police officer, played by Saif, as he navigates the rising threats while grappling with the weight of his duty and the safety of his family.

Inviting questions such as morality and the true cost of justice, it explores topics such as power, guilt, and the consequences of silence.

"Kartavya" is expected to premiere on Netflix on 15th May this year.

Over and above this, Rasika will be seen reprising the role of Beena Tripathi in the film adaptation of the popular series, “Mirzapur". The film brings together the original cast from the show, including Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Divyendu Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, Shweta Tripathi, and Shriya Pilgaonkar, along with others.

Made under the direction of Gurmeet Singh and backed by Excel Entertainment, “Mirzapur" focuses on Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi (Played by Pankaj Tripathi), a crime boss and businessman, who is also the proverbial ruler of the Mirzapur district.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Director Vivek Agnihotri, who is known for ‘The Kashmir Files’, ‘The Tashkent Files’, ‘The Bengal Files’ and others, has reacted to the election defeat of Mamata Banerjee in the recently concluded West Bengal assembly elections.

On Monday, he took to his Instagram, and shared a note following the victory of BJP in the West Bengal assembly elections. He spoke about how Mamata Banerjee banned him from entering the state, and how ‘The Kashmir Files’ was not allowed to screen in cinemas.

He wrote, “NEVER AGAIN. For those who don’t know, @MamataOfficial cancelled me in Bengal after the release of #TheKashmirFiles. The film was taken out of cinema halls, and she said I would NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER Bengal”.

“Last year, she BANNED #TheBengalFiles completely in West Bengal. Our trailer launch was blocked. We were attacked and assaulted. Dozens of FIRs were filed against me. I was cancelled in Bengal. I couldn’t even go to receive my award from the Governor”, he shared.

“But we never gave up. During these elections, we ensured that #TheBengalFiles was shown to as many people as possible (underground) across Bengal. I am glad we didn’t give (up) and fought in our own little way”, he added.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee’s government had imposed a blockade on the trailer of ‘The Bengal Files’. The makers of ‘The Bengal Files’ wanted to launch the trailer of the film in Kolkata on August 16, 2025 which marked the 79th anniversary of the Direct Action Day, a dark chapter in the history of India when the state of Bengal was rocked by widespread communal riots. However, the makers weren’t allowed to screen the film or the trailer in West Bengal.

‘The Bengal Files’ is based on the Direct Action Day, which took place on August 16, 1946. It presents the events of one of the darkest chapters of India, when people were brutally killed following riots in Kolkata. The Direct Action Day riots sparked off several riots between Muslims and Hindus/Sikhs in Noakhali, Bihar, and Punjab.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Congratulatory messages have not stopped pouring in ever since TVK chief Vijay Thalapathy's impressive win in the recently held Tamil Nadu Assembly Election.

The fact that this is the actor-turned-politician's first election made the win even more special.

However, his 'Jana Nayagan' co-star Pooja Hegde claimed that she had predicted Vijay's win in advance.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, Pooja dropped a behind-the-scenes video from the set of "Jana Nayagan", where she was seen playfully suggesting that Vijay would win the election.

The 'Deva' actress pointed to a question on a whiteboard that read, "Who wins the elections?" Next, Pooja stood in front of Vijay and winked at him, suggesting he and his party would win the election.

This adorable gesture made Vijay blush. Embarrassed, he covered his face and walked away.

"Guess I called it before it happened? Here’s to dreams turning into reality, Vijay sir @actorvijay (sic)," Pooja captioned the post.

Before this, Pooja published a photo featuring herself with Vijay on her Instagram Stories, along with the text, "Congratulations actor Vijay sir. This Thalapathy Kacheri is just getting bigger and bigger. Onwards and upwards only. Party time. Let's gooo."

For the unversed, Vijay managed to win not one, but two constituencies where he chose to contest, Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East.

Besides Pooja, many members from the entertainment world decided to send their wishes to Vijay through social media posts.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh congratulated Vijay, saying, "The verdict is out !! Huge congratulations to @actorvijay on this incredible and monumental victory. May the force be with you, may you tirelessly work for the good of the people."

Keerthy Suresh added, "You don’t get here by just being loved, but by also being hated. Through the noise & all that hatred, you never gave up & always showed up. This is pure hard work, commitment and passion for the people. Like I’ve said before, you’re an emotion & this win is a testament to that very statement & the start of a new legacy!"

--IANS

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Los Angeles, May 5 (IANS) Hollywood actress Taraji P. Henson is not pleased with the stars who attended this year’s Met Gala. The actress joined social media influencer Meredith Lynch in criticizing the stars at the event.

The reason behind the same is the event being sponsored by honorary co-chairs Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

Meredith Lynch recently took to her Instagram, and shared a video in which she warned A-listers not to wear their “ICE Out” pins to the “Jeff Bezos-backed” Met Gala because “Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we’re in this f****** mess”.

She referred to Donald Trump’s presidency as a mess, which Bezos has supported. While she acknowledged that the “Met is a wonderful institution in New York City” that donates the funds from the gala to “a good cause”, she added that it is “wild to me that this event is sponsored by Jeff Bezos, who has backed Trump, who has slashed arts funding”.

Taraji P. Henson took to the comments section of the post, and wrote, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING? (sic)”.

She also took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and reshared a post that slammed Bezos for owning a $500 million superyacht while also having workers in Amazon warehouses that “face precarious conditions, low wages and high injury rates”. She wrote, “Enjoy the MET”.

The Met Gala 2026 was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, centered on the theme “Costume Art” with the dress code “Fashion Is Art”. Celebrities interpreted fashion as a form of artistic expression, often using sculptural silhouettes, body-focused designs, and experimental materials.

--IANS

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