Bengaluru, March 17 (IANS) Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader on Tuesday said the government had taken serious note of delays in providing answers to legislators’ questions. ​

He stated that directions had been issued to the concerned ministers and officials to ensure replies are submitted promptly.​

The issue surfaced a day after the Speaker adjourned the Assembly on Monday, sharply criticising the Congress-led government for failing to provide answers to unstarred questions despite repeated warnings from the Chair.​

Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the House that out of 221 questions listed for the day, answers to only 58 would be placed before the Assembly. He said the government had already discussed the matter and taken corrective steps.​

Parameshwara added that the government had treated the matter seriously on Monday (March 16) and had issued instructions to ministers and the Chief Secretary. He said the Chief Minister had warned that suspensions could be ordered if answers were not provided, and expressed confidence that the situation would improve from the next day.​

Speaker Khader also detailed the status of responses from various departments, noting that several ministries had failed to submit responses to a large number of questions.​

According to him, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) had received 23 questions but answered only six. The Finance Department had responded to six out of 33 questions. The Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department had not submitted replies to any of the nine questions asked, and the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department had also failed to answer any of the 10 questions addressed to it.​

Similarly, the Cooperation Department had not answered any of the 12 questions, while the Water Resources Department had responded to only four of the 33 questions. The Urban Development Department had answered 8 of 21 questions, and the Tourism Department had submitted only 1 reply out of 25. In contrast, the Minor Irrigation Department responded to 8 of 13 questions.​

Khader said the matter had been discussed on Monday and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had issued directions to ensure answers were provided. He acknowledged that preparing responses might take two to three days but stressed that officers must take the issue seriously.​

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi expressed displeasure over the Chief Minister’s Office seeking additional time to provide answers to his questions. He said that by the time replies were received, the Assembly session might already be over, asking what use the answers would be after the session ended.​

Intervening, Speaker Khader said the MLA was known for punctual attendance and that it was natural for him to feel disappointed. He assured Tenginakayi that he would speak to the Chief Minister and ensure the answers were provided.​

On Monday, Khader had expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the government had been warned several times to ensure replies were prepared in time. He had questioned how MLAs could be expected to attend the Assembly if their questions were not answered, noting that he had issued strict orders four times and that this was the fifth.​

Stating that there had been no improvement, the Speaker had asked how the House could function smoothly if such lapses continued. He had declared that proceedings would not continue until ministers and officials explained the reasons for the delay, and subsequently adjourned the House.​

Khader had also convened a meeting on Monday with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and senior Congress leaders regarding the unanswered questions, which had earlier led him to adjourn the House.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and accused the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT of triggering panic by spreading rumours of fuel and gas shortages.

He warned that such misinformation only benefits black marketers and hoarders.

He compared the current Opposition tactics to their behaviour during 'Operation Sindoor', alleging that their statements are often used by Pakistani media to target India.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties.

He described the act of "politicising a war-like situation" as unfortunate and anti-national.

"It is deeply regrettable that some are spreading false propaganda in India to create headlines in Pakistan. For Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, it was always 'Country First, Politics Later'. We are moving forward with those same values," Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said.

He added that the discussions with Prime Minister Modi primarily focused on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, domestic security, and various development issues concerning Maharashtra.

Reiterating the Shiv Sena's unwavering stance as an NDA ally, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde assured the Prime Minister that Shiv Sena stands firmly with the Central government's decisions during this global crisis.

He updated PM Modi on the successful return of Maharashtra residents, who were stranded in Kuwait, Dubai, and Muscat, due to the escalating tensions in the Gulf.

He expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's diplomatic efforts, noting that India's strong relations with Gulf nations ensured the safe passage of two Indian oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also said that detailed deliberations were held regarding ongoing developmental projects and administrative matters in Maharashtra.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also lauded the unopposed election of Shiv Sena Spokesperson Jyoti Waghmare to the Rajya Sabha.

Describing Jyoti Waghmare as highly educated and rooted in the struggles of the poor, Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the former would effectively represent the common man's voice in the Parliament.

He also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his Parliamentary office.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday announced in the Legislative Assembly that the deadline for ‘e‑Pik Pahani’ (electronic crop inspection) for the 2025–26 Rabi season has been extended to 31 March 2026.​

He said that registration for e‑Pik Pahani at the assistant level had begun on 25 January 2026, but only 55.69 per cent of Rabi crop registrations had been completed so far. Nearly 45 per cent of farmers were still outside the process. ​

The government, he added, had therefore extended the deadline to ensure full registration, as e‑Pik Pahani is essential for accessing government schemes, including crop insurance.​

Bawankule informed the House that the administration had been instructed to expedite the registration of data in ‘AgriStack’ through better coordination between the Settlement Commissioner and the Agriculture Commissioner. ​

He emphasised that special attention would be given to ensuring accurate and timely crop inspection verification.​

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar said the state government was positive about prioritising women’s cooperatives for labour society projects. ​

He noted that various agencies across Maharashtra assign projects to Labour Contract Cooperative Societies, including works valued at less than Rs 10 lakh, projects secured through e‑tendering, and tasks allotted by Zilla Parishad authorities.​

He stated at a meeting held at Mantralaya that although many government agencies award projects to labour cooperatives through e‑tendering, the Cooperation Department currently lacks a centralised system to track this information.​

Dr Bhoyar directed that data on works assigned through e‑tenders and Zilla Parishads must be compiled at the District Deputy Registrar level.

​He instructed officials to develop an online registration portal and suggested a mechanism under which payments for projects would not be processed unless the relevant department records the work on this portal.​

According to the minister, a committee will be set up to oversee projects assigned to labour cooperatives by various departments. ​

The committee has been tasked with submitting a report soon on prioritising women’s cooperatives for this labour work. ​

Further action will be taken based on its recommendations.​

--IANS

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Shimla, March 17 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh Government on Tuesday said here that the government has decided to withdraw the status of 'Cabinet Rank' presently accorded to various authorities, including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Deputy Chairman of Boards, Corporations and Commissions, as well as Principal Advisors and Political Advisors.

A government spokesperson said that the decision has been taken as part of efforts to streamline administrative protocol. He further informed that in addition, 20 per cent of the salary and monthly emoluments of the authorities concerned will stay deferred till September 30, 2026.

The spokesperson added that necessary directions have been issued to all Administrative Secretaries to take prompt action in this regard.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a one-day Principal's Conference on reforms in higher education in Shimla, said that despite financial challenges, the budget for the education and health sectors would not be curtailed.

He said education is a top priority for the state government and that focused efforts are being made to provide quality education to students, even in far-flung areas.

Sukhu said, “To boost self-confidence that is of paramount importance so that students can effectively take on future challenges, the role of teachers and education is vital.” He said the state government has undertaken numerous initiatives to transform the education sector.

He stressed the opening up of new specialised colleges such as science, commerce and fine arts colleges. He said a science college is being set up at Hamirpur spanning 50 bighas, and the state government has released Rs 20 crore for this college. Additionally, commerce and other specialised colleges would be set up across the state.

The Chief Minister further said that efforts are being made to bridge existing gaps and introduce meaningful reforms in higher education. Recruitment processes are ongoing to fill 400 posts of Assistant Professor and 400 posts of Junior Assistant Professor. He also directed the introduction of new-age courses and additional language programmes in colleges to enhance employability for students.

To ensure quality education, a college ranking system has been introduced on the lines of school rankings, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the health sector is also a key priority of the government, and reforms are being undertaken in this area as well. He stated that due to the government’s efforts, high-end MRI machines have been installed in medical colleges, and the response to robotic surgery has been encouraging.

He stated that the Revenue Deficit Grant to the state has been discontinued, and financial assistance amounting to Rs 1,600 crore has been denied, which has been attributed to the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees.

He asserted, “OPS was not a politically motivated decision, but the state government's commitment towards ensuring social security for employees in their old age.”

--IANS

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Visakhapatnam, March 17 (IANS) The CBI Court, Visakhapatnam, convicted and sentenced two persons, including a former bank employee, to imprisonment for five years in a bank fraud case.

Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu, the then clerk-cum-cashier of Andhra Bank at Cheepurupalli in Vizianagaram district, who was dismissed from service and a private person, namely, Mahanthi Ramana of Nadipaina Peta have been sentenced to imprisonment.

The CBI Court, in its order pronounced on Monday, also imposed a total fine of Rs. 1,71,42,000 on the convicts, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in a release on Tuesday.

The CBI had registered the instant case on June 13, 2018 against the accused. It was alleged that the accused Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu, the then clerk-cum-cashier entered into a criminal conspiracy with Mahanthi Ramana and thereby committed criminal breach of trust and misappropriated an amount of Rs. 1,71,41,162 entrusted to him, which was to be deposited into the account of Cheepurupalli Rural Electric Co-operative Society Ltd.

The Cheepurupalli Rural Electric Co-operative Society Ltd was entrusted with the job of collecting power consumption charges from remote consumers in Vizianagaram district.

After completion of its investigation, the CBI filed the chargesheet on January 10, against Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu and Mahanthi Ramana.

After the trial, the CBI Court convicted and sentenced the accused accordingly, the Central agency said.

In December, 2025, the CBI Court had sent a former official of the Steel Authority of India Limited to three years' imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case.

The court convicted and sentenced Ragam Kishore, the then Regional Manager, Branch Transport and Shipping, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), Visakhapatnam, to undergo three years' imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case.

The CBI had registered the instant case on July 17, 2001. It was alleged that during the period from January 1, 1988, to April 19, 2000, the accused R. Kishore, while functioning as a public servant in different capacities in SAIL, was in possession of movable and immovable properties in his name and in the name of his family members, disproportionate to his known sources of income.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honoured India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this month.

Vijayan hosted the World Cup champion at his official residence, Cliff House, on Monday (March 16), to acknowledge his achievements.

The 31-year-old Samson came dressed in traditional attire for the ceremony, during which Vijayan handed him a commemorative memento bearing the message, “We salute Sanju Viswanath Samson.”

The keepsake also highlighted his crucial contributions during the tournament’s knockout phase, including a 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage, an 89 off 42 in the semifinal against England, and another 89 off 46 in the final versus New Zealand.

Sharing the moment on X, Vijayan wrote, “Had the pleasure of hosting India's pride and Kerala's own, Sanju Samson, at Cliff House yesterday. Conveyed the profound love and joy of the people of Kerala. May he draw strength from his recent achievements and continue to scale new heights. Wishing him the very best!

Samson’s journey in the tournament was not without challenges. He had initially been left out of India’s playing XI for their opening match, with the team management opting for Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper alongside opener Abhishek Sharma. His place in the squad had also come under scrutiny after he managed only 46 runs across five matches in a home T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the global event.

Despite the early doubts, Samson turned the narrative around with a string of match-winning performances, emerging as one of the standout players in India’s successful campaign.

Following the celebrations, the Kerala batter has now turned his attention to the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, where Samson will make his debut with Chennai Super Kings, five-time champions of the tournament.

They will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Samson’s former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, to whom they traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, in Guwahati on March 30. The side will then face Punjab Kings at home on April 3, travel to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, and return home to play Delhi Capitals on April 11.

Chennai will be looking to bounce back strongly this season after finishing at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025 with just four wins from 14 matches.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Nearly 3 lakh metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is currently stranded at the Strait of Hormuz, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said on Tuesday.

During a key briefing, the senior government official said that multiple vessels carrying LPG are unable to move due to the situation in the crucial shipping route.

He explained that six ships are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with each vessel carrying around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG.

“Six ships are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with each vessel carrying around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG,” Sinha mentioned.

Together, this accounts for roughly 3 lakh metric tonnes of fuel that is yet to reach its destination.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy supplies, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

Any disruption in this narrow passage has a direct impact on global energy trade and supply chains.

Meanwhile, the second Indian‑flagged LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' arrived at Vadinar Port in Gujarat during first half on Tuesday.

A day back on Monday, the first Indian-flagged 'Shivalik' docked at Mundra Port in Gujarat.

Officials said that the LPG carrier Shivalik arrived at the Mundra Port, carrying a total cargo of about 46,000 metric tonnes (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with 20,000 MT set to be unloaded at Mundra and the remaining 26,000 MT to be discharged at Mangaluru.

Both vessels were transporting critical LPG supplies to India following an unusually hazardous passage through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.

However, While Nanda Devi and Shivalik have arrived, another ship, 'Jag Laadki', carrying nearly 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, is en route to India.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 17 (IANS) The National Basketball Association (NBA) is reportedly set to take a significant step toward expansion, with team owners expected to vote next week on whether the league should formally explore adding two new franchises.

"It's not a secret, we're looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told the press last December. Since then, expansion has remained a focal topic, with multiple local media outlets reporting that the issue will be discussed by the league's Board of Governors.

If approved, the process would begin immediately, with the league targeting the 2028-29 season for the debut of both new teams, reports Xinhua.

The vote is scheduled to take place during the NBA's Board of Governors meetings from March 24 to 25. Sources familiar with the discussions said support among owners has been growing, potentially paving the way for the league to solicit and evaluate ownership bids in both cities.

While the initial vote would not formally award franchises, it would represent the first concrete step toward expanding the league to 32 teams. Any such decision requires approval from 23 of the NBA's 30 owners.

Industry executives expect the bidding process to draw strong interest from wealthy investors and ownership groups. Early projections suggest expansion franchises could sell for between 7 billion U.S. dollars and 10 billion U.S. dollars each, potentially placing both teams among the most valuable in the league.

The appeal of the two markets, combined with the NBA's current collective bargaining agreement designed to promote competitive balance, is expected to fuel an aggressive bidding environment. Meanwhile, expansion has become increasingly attractive to owners, driven in part by the league's rapidly rising franchise valuations.

In 2022, Mat Ishbia purchased the Phoenix Suns for 4 billion U.S. dollars, setting a record at the time. That mark was quickly surpassed. In 2025, the Boston Celtics were sold to Bill Chisholm for 6.1 billion U.S. dollars, before the Los Angeles Lakers were acquired by Mark Walter in a deal valued at 10 billion U.S. dollars, the highest price ever paid for a U.S. professional sports franchise. The Portland Trail Blazers also changed ownership in 2025, when Tom Dundon purchased the team for 4.25 billion U.S. dollars.

Despite strong financial incentives, some owners remain cautious. Expansion would dilute existing ownership stakes by increasing the number of teams from 30 to 32, reducing each franchise's share of league equity. As a result, some owners are seeking clarity on final bid valuations and franchise fees before committing to the plan.

Nevertheless, momentum appears to be building within the league office and among team governors. Both Las Vegas and Seattle are widely viewed as attractive markets capable of generating substantial revenue, with Seattle long considered one of the most viable candidates for NBA expansion.

Seattle lost the SuperSonics in 2008 when the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder following a dispute over arena funding. The SuperSonics had been part of the NBA since 1967 and maintained a strong fan base in the region.

If franchises are ultimately awarded to Seattle and Las Vegas, both teams would likely be placed in the Western Conference, creating a potential imbalance between the two conferences. To maintain parity, one existing team would need to shift to the Eastern Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies viewed as the most likely candidates.

Beyond geography and ownership considerations, expansion would also involve a series of logistical steps. The league would conduct an expansion draft, allowing the new franchises to build initial rosters by selecting players from existing teams. Current NBA clubs would be permitted to protect at least eight players. Each expansion team would be required to draft a minimum of 14 players and could select no more than one player from any single franchise. They would also receive picks in the annual NBA Draft.

The addition of two new franchises would create dozens of roster spots, as well as coaching and front-office opportunities across the league. It could also lead to the establishment of new developmental teams in the NBA's minor-league system.

The league typically allows roughly a year and a half between awarding a franchise and the team's inaugural season. Based on that timeline, expansion teams would need to be formally approved by spring 2027 to meet the NBA's target launch date of the 2028-29 season.

--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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Jaipur, Feb 13 (IANS) In a significant development in the mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has submitted its viscera examination report to the police, ruling out poisoning or any unnatural cause of death.

The report, received late Thursday night, has brought a major twist to the case that had sparked widespread speculation and controversy.

According to sources, the FSL analysis found no traces of poison or toxic substances in Sadhvi Prem Baisa's body. This has dismissed earlier suspicions of foul play or forced poisoning.

However, the final cause of death will be determined by the medical board after a detailed review of the forensic findings. Investigators revealed that Sadhvi Prem Baisa had been suffering from asthma and had developed severe breathing difficulties after catching a cold on January 28.

As her condition worsened, she contacted a male nurse, Devi Singh, who administered Dexona and Dynapar injections.

Doctors at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital will now analyse whether these medications or underlying health conditions contributed to her death.

Sadhvi Prem Baisa fell seriously ill at the Aarti Nagar Ashram in Pal village under Boranada police station limits on January 28.

She was taken to a private hospital on Pal Road but was declared dead on arrival.

Following a complaint filed by her father, Biramnath, the police registered a case and conducted a post-mortem examination on January 29 through a medical board. Her viscera samples were sent to the FSL on February 2, and the forensic investigation was completed within 11 days.

During the investigation, compounder Devi Singh stated that the injections were administered based on a prescription allegedly given by a private hospital doctor.

Police are now examining who prescribed the injections and whether proper medical protocols were followed.

While the FSL report has ruled out poisoning, authorities say the case is still under investigation, and all aspects, including medical treatment, circumstances at the ashram, and statements of witnesses, are being scrutinised.

Officials said more clarity will emerge after the medical board submits its final opinion.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Actress Mrunal Thakur took Bappa's blessings during her visit to Pune. The 'Jersey' actress offered prayers at the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir on Tuesday, the glimpses of which have also been published on her official social media handle.

Posing in a red ethnic attire with minimal makeup, Mrunal was seen facing the camera with folded hands.

"If I came to Pune and did not have a darshan of Bappa, then what did I do?", the 'Sita Ramam' actress wrote in the caption.

Mrunal is one of those celebs who like to share every aspect of her life with the netizens, and her feed is proof.

Recently, Mrunal, who started her acting journey with television, got together with her former co-stars from the popular show "Kumkum Bhagya".

Actress Supriya Shukla, who played Mrunal’s mother in the show, took to her official handle and posted a string of pictures with several members of "Kumkum Bhagya".

Sharing a nostalgic note for veteran actress Madhu Raja on her birthday, Supriya wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Aap jeeyo hazaaron saal. Aur hum hamesha yoonhi.. milte.. khilkhilate rahein…Aur golgappe.. chaat pakori khate rahein.. khaaskar hamari pyaari chatoree Madhu aunty.”

Showering Mrunal with immense love and affection, she added, “Mrunal… apne pyaare se ghar mein der saara pyaar… mazedaar khaana.. meetha.. aur baatein… hum sab phir se wahin chale gaye jahaan se shuru hua tha ye rishta… yoonhi tarakki karti raho pyaari ladki.”

"Yeh geet tumhare pyaare parivaar.. aur pyaar se bhare ghar ke liye tumhari taraf se meri aur se…", her post concluded.

Work-wise, Mrunal will be seen as the leading lady in the forthcoming action entertainer, "Dacoit", in which she will share the screen with Adivi Sesh.

Helmed by Shaneil Deo, the highly-awaited film will have Anurag Kashyap in a key role, along with Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla as the ancillary cast.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 17 (IANS) Actor Ryan Gosling, who plays the lead in directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's eagerly awaited sci-fi entertainer 'Project Hail Mary', has now disclosed that he got the manuscript of the film at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, when productions across the world were shutting down, and theatres were going dark, creating deep uncertainty about the future of large-scale filmmaking.

Sources close to the actor said that in early 2020, author Andy Weir, best known for his bestselling novel 'The Martian', shared an early draft of his new book with Ryan Gosling. The request was straightforward but ambitious -- Weir wanted Gosling not only to star in the film adaptation but also to come on board as a producer.

Gosling reportedly read the manuscript in one sitting and was immediately drawn to the story's scale and the humanity of its central character.

Gosling recalls the moment vividly. Says the actor, "Here I was getting this opportunity to make the most epic theatrical experience of my life, and theatres were closed." Yet he felt the story's message resonated powerfully with what the world was going through.

Reflecting on the role, Gosling says, “It’s such an epic journey. And Ryland Grace is not stoic in any way. He's not brave in any traditional sense and he doesn't have any illusions about being a hero. But he keeps trying.”

Based on Weir's bestselling novel, the film follows a lone astronaut who awakens aboard a mysterious spacecraft with no memory of who he is or the mission that brought him there — only to discover he may be humanity's last hope to save Earth.

Bringing the ambitious sci-fi story to life is acclaimed filmmaking duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who promise a thrilling blend of science, spectacle, and heartfelt storytelling. The film also features a stellar supporting cast, including Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub, bringing further depth to the high-stakes adventure.

Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures International Releasing, Project Hail Mary is to release in India on March 26 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 17 (IANS) Director Bharat Krishnamachari, whose eagerly awaited pan Indian period film 'Swayambhu' is gearing up to hit screens this summer, has now disclosed that the story of the film is set at a time that just precedes the period considered to be India's golden era.

Says Bharat Krishnamachari, “India was an economically flourishing, rich superpower at one time. Our story is set in a period that just precedes this golden period, a time when we went on to become a naval superpower."

"The whole of India was flourishing during the golden era. Our trade with the east-- with countries like China and the West - with kingdoms like Rome and Greece was flourishing. We conquered southeast asia. Seeing our economic growth and technological superiority, several countries across the globe began to make attempts to find a way to trade with us. We were the superpower at that time. This film talks about the start of the superpower era," he explains.

'Swayambhu', which is among the most eagerly awaited films of the year, will feature Telugu star Nikhil Siddhartha in the lead along with actresses Nabha Natesh and Samyuktha. It is being produced by Bhuvan and Sreekar under the banner of Pixel Studios and presented by Tagore Madhu.The film has triggered huge interest not just in fans but also film buffs for a number of reasons.

It is an already established fact that young hero Nikhil Siddhartha went to Vietnam to train in martial arts for the film. In fact, the young actor became so proficient in the use of swords that he could fight with a sword in either hand.

Sources had disclosed to IANS that it was not just Nikhil Siddhartha who received training in sword fighting and that even the supporting cast received training in sword fighting from experts.

A source had told IANS that a team of Vietnamese sword fighting experts were flown in to train the stunt artistes here who shot for the film. Several hundred artistes were part of the enormous climax sequence that was shot over a period of 60 days at the Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad.

It may be recalled that the makers had, in November last year, confirmed that the monumental production had officially wrapped its shoot. After an intense two-year journey and 170 days of extensive filming, the team proudly announced the completion of the film.

Rooted in India’s cultural heritage, 'Swayambhu' will delve into untold chapters of the past - stories that extend far beyond traditional tales of kings and wars. At its heart lies the saga of a formidable warrior whose valour shaped an era.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 17 (IANS) The makers of director B. Unnikrishnan's political thriller 'Prathichaya', featuring actor Nivin Pauly in the lead, have now announced that their eagerly awaited film will hit screens worldwide on March 26 this year.

Nivin Pauly, who took to his social media timelines to announce the film's release date, wrote, "A father’s legacy. A son’s destiny. #Prathichaya arrives in cinemas on March 26.Written & Directed by Unnikrishnan B. Produced by Sree Gokulam Movies & RD Illuminations LLP. #UnnikrishnanB #SreeGokulamMovies #RDIlluminationsLLP."

The film has caught the attention of fans and film buffs, ever since the makers released a gripping trailer a few days ago.

The trailer begins with Nivin Pauly's voice over. We hear him saying, "You are all waiting to hear about my success story. But am I successful? Success can sometimes be defined by your designation or pay package. But is that really it? Were Gandhiji, Nehru, EMS and AKG successful men? Or were they failures?" Even as this voiceover continues, we are shown images of protests, political speeches and politicians.

Soon we see Nivin Pauly addressing a number of delegates. From the visuals shown in the trailer, it is evident that Nivin Pauly plays the role of a political strategist and that he is part of a politician's think tank. He understands the essence of politics as he explains, "Cabinet formation is a web of equations. Caste, religion, powerful alliances with interests -- our positions are determined by these very dynamics. Icons are built and destroyed based on market demands."

We get to know that Nivin Pauly's character in the film is also corrupt. A politician is seen complimenting him, "You are a corrupting force." To this, Nivin Pauly's character replies, "Like you have nothing to do with corruption."

The trailer also shows that the film will revolve around the struggle for power. One politician in power says, "There is talk that I'll be kicked out of the chair today."

However, the film also showcases some honourable characters that believe in integrity. One such character says, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. The world isn't outside us. It's within. "

The trailer also shows that there is a woman who wants to record a 164 statement before the court. It is evident that there are powerful minds taking on each other in their struggle for power. An interesting dialogue in the trailer gives a comprehensive idea of what the film is all about. The dialogue goes, "There are no individuals in politics, only images."

Apart from Nivin Pauly, the film features Sharf U Dheen and Balachandra Menon in pivotal roles among others.

Written and directed by Unnikrishnan B, the film has been produced by Gokulam Gopalan and Rd Illuminations LLP.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj and music by Justin Varghese. Editing is by Manoj and production design is by Shajie Naduvil. Aji Kutiyani has taken on the responsibility of heading the art direction department, while Shaji Padoor has co-directed the film.

--IANS

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