Guwahati, Aug 12 (IANS) The Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati has strengthened its rainwater harvesting and utilisation system, with harvested rainwater meeting around 28 per cent of the total water consumed at its newly built Terminal 2 in July this year, officials said on Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the airport’s broader sustainability agenda and its objective of becoming water positive by integrating rainwater collection, treatment and reuse across its operations. Guwahati receives around 1,800–2,200 mm of rainfall annually, providing significant potential for rainwater harvesting. The airport has already recorded around 1,320 mm of rainfall till August 9 this year, officials stated.

The airport has two large rainwater collection tanks with a combined capacity of 1,000 kilolitres. The harvested water is treated at the airport’s Water Treatment Plant and subsequently used for several operational requirements, including drinking water fountains, equipment cleaning and cooling tower make‑up water. For potable applications, the harvested rainwater undergoes multi‑stage treatment and purification to meet prescribed drinking water quality standards.

Officials said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on external water sources while making more efficient use of rainwater, particularly as passenger footfall increases and infrastructure development continues at the airport. The integrated water management system involves coordination between the Engineering and Maintenance, Environment, Social and Governance, Operations and Projects teams. This enables rainwater to be captured, treated and reused for multiple operational purposes.

The initiative is significant, as airports require substantial quantities of water for passenger facilities, maintenance, cooling, and other day‑to‑day operations. Greater reliance on harvested rainwater can help reduce pressure on conventional water sources while improving overall resource efficiency.

LGBI Airport has been pursuing a range of sustainability measures aimed at responsible resource management and environmental protection. Officials said its integrated approach to rainwater harvesting reflects a commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable airport ecosystem while meeting the growing water requirements associated with the expansion of aviation infrastructure in Guwahati.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Aug 12 (IANS) The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed that the appointment of 454 pharmacists advertised by state‑run Baba Farid University of Health Sciences will remain stayed till September 17, the next date for hearing the petition challenging the recruitment process.

Passing the order, Justice Sandeep Moudgil acted on a petition filed by Keshav Kamboj and others, who sought cancellation of the written examination conducted for recruitment over allegations that an organised inter‑state cheating racket vitiated it.

During the hearing, counsel pleaded that the appointment had been stalled because of the pendency of the writ petition. The petition sought the quashing of the written examination held on July 19 for recruitment of pharmacists (Group C) under the Punjab Department of Health and Family Welfare, relating to an advertisement of June 11.

The petitioners also prayed for quashing all consequential steps taken or proposed to be taken on its basis, including evaluation of answer sheets and preparation or declaration of the result. They argued that the examination had been vitiated in its entirety by the organised, hi‑tech, inter‑state cheating racket, as recorded in the press release dated July 19 and FIR dated July 20, “in complete negation of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.”

Meanwhile, state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains told the Assembly on August 3 that a Haryana‑based cheating syndicate used modified mobile phones, hidden wireless earpieces and other advanced gadgets to facilitate cheating during the Baba Farid University pharmacy examination.

Participating in the discussion on the censure motion in the House over repeated paper leaks across the country and atrocities against protesting students, Bains said Punjab had emerged as India’s number one state in school education. On how the racket operated in the university, he said this was not a paper leak but a technology‑driven cheating operation busted by Punjab Police. He alleged that for years the Haryana government looked away while the syndicate destroyed the future of thousands of students.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 12 (IANS) The YSR Congress Party will raise the issue of illegal mining at Panchadarla in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh in Parliament if the government fails to issue a permanent Government Order declaring the sacred hill a No-Mining Zone, its leaders said on Wednesday.

Rajya Sabha MP Golla Baburao, Araku MP Gumma Thanuja Rani, former minister Gudivada Amarnath, former MLA Karanam Dharmasri and YSRCP Anakapalli district president Boddeti Prasad met Union Ministers here and submitted complaints on the mining issue.

Later, addressing the media, Golla Baburao said leaders of the coalition government in the state were exploiting natural resources and destroying hills and temple surroundings across the erstwhile Visakhapatnam district. He said YSRCP would take the issue to the national level and raise the issue of illegal mining in Parliament until Panchadarla receives permanent protection.

Thanuja Rani said Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were briefed on the situation, and they had assured that a Central team would examine the mining activity and action would be initiated based on its report within 10 days.

She said official inquiries had found that mining and blasting vibrations were affecting the sacred water streams and that nearly two lakh tonnes of gravel had been extracted beyond the approved mining plan.

Gudivada Amarnath demanded a CBI inquiry into the role of Anakapalli MP C.M. Ramesh, stating that responsibility could not end with the suspension of lower-level officials. He said penalties of nearly Rs 250 crore were due under the rules for the illegal excavation and demanded Ramesh’s resignation and a comprehensive probe.

Karanam Dharmasri warned the agitation would continue until a permanent No-Mining Zone GO was issued, while Boddeti Prasad said the movement that began in Panchadarla had now reached Delhi and would intensify until action was taken against those responsible.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 12 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday said he had personally ordered the Central Crime Branch (CCB) raid on Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, during which more than 10 mobile phones were recovered, including one allegedly found in the barrack of former MP Prajwal Revanna.

Police said several OTT applications were found on the mobile phone recovered from Prajwal Revanna’s barrack.

Reacting to the recovery, Kharge said a raid of this nature required the approval of the Home Department and the Chief Minister.

“I got the CCB raid conducted. A raid requires the permission of the Home Department. I had visited Parappana Agrahara two weeks ago and noticed certain lapses. Therefore, after obtaining the Chief Minister’s approval, I ordered the raid,” Kharge said.

He said the action was initiated based on information provided by officials and that he had directed authorities to suspend officials who were found to have facilitated irregularities inside the prison.

“Based on information from the officials, I ordered the raid. I have directed that all officials who facilitated these irregularities be suspended,” he said.

Kharge added that similar operations would be conducted in all prisons across Karnataka and stressed that such inspections should be carried out regularly.

“This is not limited to Parappana Agrahara. Such operations will be conducted in all prisons across the state. They need to be conducted continuously. Some officials have not given up their old practices, and we are taking action against them,” he said.

He also said disciplinary action against prison officials had to follow established procedures and service rules.

“Such things may happen, but that does not mean people can immediately be hanged. I have taken charge of the department and, within two months, I have ensured that a raid was conducted and action was initiated. There are certain procedures and standards for taking action against officials, including dismissal from service, and we have to follow them,” Kharge said.

The CCB raid on Tuesday resulted in the recovery of more than 10 mobile phones from various parts of the prison, including the barrack where Prajwal Revanna is lodged. Chargers and other prohibited items were also reportedly seized.

Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar said Assistant Superintendent Eeranna had been suspended in connection with the lapses. At the same time, a show‑cause notice had been issued to Jail Superintendent Anshukumar seeking an explanation.

Kumar said a mobile phone and charger were recovered from Prajwal’s barrack and that several OTT applications were found on the device. He said officials would also examine whether the prison’s Wi‑Fi network had been used.

“VIP treatment should not be given to anyone. I cannot discuss all the items recovered during the raid at this stage. The raid itself is a message to the officials,” Alok Kumar said.

He said the seizure and mahazar procedures would have to be completed before further details could be disclosed. A comprehensive investigation would be conducted to determine how the prohibited items entered the prison and whether any officials or other individuals helped smuggle them inside.

Kumar said some mobile phones that had been supplied earlier were still believed to be inside the prison. He noted that searches conducted a few days earlier had not resulted in any such recovery.

Warning prison officials against colluding with inmates, Kumar said strict action would be taken if their involvement was established.

“If the involvement of any officials is established, they will be suspended without hesitation. If the government provides you with a job and food, you must remain loyal to your duty,” he said.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Aug 12 (IANS) Ahmedabad’s Geetamandir bus terminal has added a new North Block, with the inauguration of an ‘Iconic Busport’ equipped with 39 boarding and alighting platforms and dedicated passenger facilities.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Geetamandir Bus Terminal-2 (North Block) in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and flagged off newly built buses.

Minister of State for Transport Pravin Mali and Minister of State for Urban Development Darshana Vaghela were also present.

The terminal has been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and Hubtown Bus Terminal (Ahmedabad) Pvt Ltd.

The project is intended to provide modern facilities for passengers using the city’s major bus terminal. The newly constructed terminal has a total built-up area of 4,309 square metres and includes 39 platforms for boarding, alighting and other bus movements.

There are three enquiry offices and ticketing counters spread over 218 square metres, along with a 39.38-square-metre Tourist Information Centre, a concessionaire office, a 45-square-metre cloakroom, a water room, a public addressing system and a 333.50-square-metre store room.

Passenger waiting facilities include a general waiting hall with seating for 100 people, a ladies’ waiting hall with capacity for 75 and a deluxe waiting hall with 25 seats.

The boarding and alighting concourse also has 370 seats spread across 412 square metres. The terminal includes a canteen with seating for 130 people and a 71.57-square-metre parcel room. A 3,000-square-metre BTF parking area has also been provided.

Separate toilet and bathroom facilities have been constructed for men and women. The women’s facilities comprise 29 toilets and seven bathrooms, while the men’s section has 21 toilets, five bathrooms and 33 urinals.

Three special toilets, including bathrooms, have been provided for passengers with disabilities. A 255-square-metre rest room and dormitory has also been provided on the third floor for GSRTC drivers and conductors.

The inauguration was attended by city MLAs Amit Shah, Amit Thakor, Kaushik Jain, Amul Bhatt, Jitendra Patel, Alpesh Thakor and Dinesh Kushwaha, besides officials concerned.

The inauguration adds another facility to Geetamandir, which is an established hub for bus services connecting Ahmedabad with destinations across Gujarat and other states.

--IANS

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Shillong, Aug 12 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing rehabilitation of street vendors at the newly established Polo Vendors’ Market here and said cooperation among all stakeholders was essential to create safer and more inclusive public spaces in Shillong.

Interacting with vendors after inspecting the market, Sangma said the relocation initiative was aimed at ensuring that “the general public can walk freely”, while simultaneously protecting the livelihoods of vendors through financial and infrastructural support. He appealed to vendors and the public to cooperate with the government during the transition, adding, “This is the best way for us all to move together and move forward as a society.”

Acknowledging that relocation could create challenges for vendors, Sangma said solutions could be found only by cooperating and working with each other. He also indicated that similar support could be extended to people in other areas as the government continues its urban rehabilitation efforts.

Under the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant (CM ULG), vendors possessing a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) are eligible for assistance of Rs 20,000. This includes an immediate payment of Rs 10,000 followed by monthly support of Rs 2,000 for five months. A total of 65 CoVs have been issued for the vending zone opposite SBI, while 106 have been issued for the vending zone near Matri Mandir.

The Polo Vendors’ Market has been established on a 2,270‑square‑metre site, with the vending area covering 620 square metres. It has 132 stalls, of which 48 are earmarked for vendors relocated from Polo and 84 for those from Jail Road. So far, 72 vendors have taken possession of their allotted stalls.

Sangma also visited different sections of the market and interacted directly with vendors to understand their business conditions following the relocation.

The rehabilitation is being carried out under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023, with the government seeking to ease pedestrian movement, reduce traffic congestion and create safer public spaces in busy commercial areas.

The market provides basic civic facilities, including toilets, LED lighting in stalls and halogen lamps, with designated spaces for vendors selling vegetables, fruits, garments, fast food, fish, chicken and other goods.

--IANS

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Patna, Aug 12 (IANS) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will organise a march to the Raj Bhavan in Patna on August 19 to protest the alleged lathi‑charge and firing during student demonstrations over examination irregularities.

The march will be led by RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav, with party MLAs, MLCs and workers expected to participate. It will begin from the RJD office on Veerchand Patel Path and proceed towards the Raj Bhavan.​

Tejashwi announced the programme in Delhi after a meeting with RJD MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.​

Addressing the media, he questioned the government’s response to the students’ grievances and demanded clarity over the circumstances surrounding the alleged firing with an AK‑47 rifle in Siwan. He asked who was responsible for the decision that resulted in police using firearms during the protest.​

He criticised the authorities for suspending a lower‑ranking constable while, according to him, failing to establish accountability at senior levels. Tejashwi demanded answers from senior officials and questioned why the SP had not been suspended.

​

He said that the RJD delegation had met the DGP, who had assured them that action would be taken, but alleged that no adequate action had followed.

​

Tejashwi accused the government of allowing a “police raj” to prevail in Bihar and said his party would oppose any attempt to turn the state into a police state.

​

He also criticised the government’s response after students were injured, claiming that neither Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary nor the Deputy Chief Ministers visited the injured students or enquired about their condition. He called on the Chief Minister to apologise for the incident.

​

Tejashwi said Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav had also raised the issue concerning the students in Parliament. He added that the RJD had spoken to leaders of several opposition parties and urged them to visit Bihar and support the students’ demand for justice.

​

According to him, the incident should not be allowed to pass without accountability. He argued that establishing responsibility would be important to ensure that similar action is not taken against protesters in the future.

​

The August 19 march is expected to bring the issue back to the centre of Bihar’s political debate. Tejashwi said the people of Bihar were angry with what he described as an incompetent government. He insisted that the RJD would continue raising the students’ concerns until accountability is established.

​

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 12 (IANS) Police have foiled another drug smuggling attempt centred around Kaliachak in Malda district. Acting on specific intelligence, personnel of Kaliachak police station seized about three kilogrammes of high‑quality brown sugar early on Wednesday morning and arrested two smugglers.

Officials said the estimated market value of the recovered contraband is around Rs 4 crore. The arrested were produced before the Malda district court on Wednesday with a request for 10‑day police custody. Court sources said the Chief Sessions Judge ordered seven‑day custody.

Police said they had received information on Tuesday evening that a large quantity of drugs would be smuggled through the Haruchak Matiali area. Acting on this, plainclothes personnel were deployed across the locality. Around 1 a.m., officers became suspicious of two youths whose movements appeared unusual. They were detained and, after failing to provide satisfactory answers during questioning, were searched. A substantial quantity of drugs was found in their bag.

The two were taken to the police station and formally arrested after initial interrogation. Police identified them as Nur Alam (21) and Sariqul Sheikh (28), residents of the Srirampur area of Kismatpur village under Kaliachak police station. About 2 kilos and 850 grams of brown sugar were seized from their possession.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Police said custody was sought to trace the source of the drugs, the intended destination and other individuals involved in the racket.

Malda district Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said, “The police of Kaliachak police station have arrested two people with about three kilos of drugs. A police investigation has been started into the incident. The arrested were produced before the Malda district court today on a request for police custody. The district police are determined to stop the drug trade in this district. For that, police surveillance is going on across the district.”

--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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Chennai, Aug 12 (IANS) The makers of director Muthaiya's upcoming action entertainer featuring actor Arun Vijay in the lead on Wednesday announced that the film had now been titled 'Irulan', much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

The makers also released the first look motion poster of the film on the occasion.

Taking to his social media timelines to share the first look motion poster of the film, Arun Vijay wrote, "Presenting the first look motion poster of 'IRULAN' for you'll!!"

It may be recalled that Arun Vijay had been sweating it out in the gymnasium to sport a lean, fit look in this film. The actor, in an exclusive interview to IANS earlier, had that the film's plot was based on a real-life incident.

Some days ago, actor Arun Vijay had taken to his Instagram page to post a picture of him slogging it out in the gymnasium. He wrote, "All pumped up for the ongoing power packed action schedule for #AV38 !! #directormuthaiya #thirunalveli."

When IANS got in touch with the actor to ask about the look he sported in the film and the efforts he was making to acquire that look, Arun Vijay disclosed that he sported two looks in the film.

"I sport a period look and then I also sport a much younger look for which I need to have a toned body that looks fit and lean. Therefore, I am looking to shed weight at the moment," he had said with a smile.

The actor had disclosed that the film was based on a true incident and that it would be an entertainer that would appeal to everyone in a family. "We are shooting the film in the Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi belt. Already we have shot for around 25 days. The period portions in the film are over. We are now filming the present-day portions," he had then said.

Stating that the film would revolve around a passionate youngster's efforts to take up his family's ancestral profession much against the wishes of the elders in his family, the actor said the film was really shaping up well and that it would be high on family sentiment, action and drama.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 12 (IANS) As Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan turned 31 years old on Wednesday, her younger brother and actor, Ibrahim Ali Khan, marked the special day with a lovely post on social media.

Ibrahim took to his official Instagram handle and published a picture with sister Sara from one of their fun getaways.

He thanked Sara for being the 'Best Big sister' any brother could ask for.

Ibrahim wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Happiest birthday to my appa jaan (explosion emojis) love you the most and thank you for being the best sister ever @saraalikhan95 (sic)."

In addition to her brother, Sara also received a cheerful birthday wish from Kareena Kapoor, who provided an insight into Sara’s food preferences through her latest social media post.

Bebo took to her Insta Stories and dropped a still of herself with husband Saif Ali Khan, Sara and Ibrahim.

Wishing Sara on her birthday, Kareena wrote, “Happy birthday Sara darling…to more pumpkin sabzi and now yoghurts. May your plate always be full…” She further tagged Sara.

For those who do not know, after being in a relationship for some time, Kareena married Sara's father, Saif Ali Khan, back in October 2012.

Sara and Ibrahim are Saif’s kids from his first marriage to Amrita Singh, whereas Taimur and Jehangir Ali Khan are his sons with Kareena.

Work-wise, Sara will be seen sharing screen space with actor Ayushmann Khurrana yet again in the forthcoming drama “Udta Teer".

Sara was first paired with Ayushmann on screen in the recently released “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” which also saw Rakul Preet Singh and Wamiqa Gabbi in significant roles.

The project that marks the directorial debut of Akash A Kaushik was initially slated to be out in theatres on September 11 this year.

However, its release has now been pushed to October 9.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 12 (IANS) The makers of director Elan's upcoming comedy drama 'Pyar Prema Kalyanam', featuring Elan and actress Saanvee Meghana in the lead, on Wednesday released the trailer of their upcoming film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

The film, which is to be directly released on the OTT platform Netflix, is a wholesome family entertainer that flips one of marriage's oldest traditions on its head. It's story revolves around a bridegroom who chooses to stay in his wife's home along with her parents instead of the conventional practice of the wife having to stay with the husband's family.

Directed by and starring Elan in his acting debut, the film is slated to premiere on Netflix on August 21 this year.

The trailer introduces Pavi (Saanvee Meghana), a spirited influencer who refuses to leave the home she's always known. Instead, her husband (Elan) moves into her house, stepping into a new family where every day is a fresh experience. Between awkward first impressions, hilarious clashes and chaos, one question takes centre stage: Who said the bride is always the one who has to leave?

As expectations are turned upside down, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam serves up romance, comedy and heartfelt moments in equal measure, proving that marriage is about finding what works for you.

Apart from Elan and Saanvee Meghana, the film also features actors Radhika Sarathkumar, Yogi Babu, M.S. Bhaskar, Geetha Kailasam, Elango Kumaravel, Senthil and Maran among others. Complementing the laughter is Yuvan Shankar Raja's soulful soundtrack.

Sharing his excitement, director and debutant actor, Elan, said, "With Pyaar Prema Kalyanam, we wanted to tell a story that feels familiar yet refreshingly different. The trailer offers a glimpse into a marriage that challenges long-held expectations while celebrating the love, laughter and togetherness that make every family unique. Making my acting debut with a story so close to my heart has been incredibly special, and I can't wait for audiences across the world to experience it on Netflix."

Playing the feisty influencer Pavi, Saanvee Meghana said, "Pavi is confident, independent and unapologetically herself. She knows what she wants without ever losing sight of the people she loves, and that's what drew me to her. The trailer captures her spirit beautifully, and I hope audiences enjoy watching her redefine what love and partnership can look like."

Veteran actress Radhika Sarathkumar shared, "What I loved most about this film is how effortlessly it starts conversations about changing family dynamics without ever losing its humour. Every generation views marriage differently, and those differences create moments that are funny, emotional and deeply relatable."

Adding his trademark humour, Yogi Babu said, "The trailer is only a small taste of the fun we've had making this film. The comedy comes from everyday family situations, and that's what makes it connect. I can't wait for audiences to laugh along with us and enjoy it together with their families."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 12 (IANS) Actor and content creator, Aarush Bhola, who can be seen in the recently released season 5 of the gaming reality show ‘Playground 5’, has spoken up on his relationship with change.

Aarush spoke with IANS along with his fellow mentors on the show, Elvish Yadav and Tejasswi Prakash during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city.

When asked if change is always comfortable for him or if there is a sense of discomfort, he said, “If there is change in everything then I enjoy doing it. In the beginning, I used to do a lot of YouTube. People are used to seeing me. But gradually, you have to change your frequency, your content. Then I took this change. That I will share it for 3-4 days. After that, I decided to put some trip vlogs. Now I show some BTS vlogs. Some new opportunities have come. I did a reality show for that. But people didn't get a real personality because of me being a vlogger. As a vlogger, you record others more. you record your surroundings. So, people can’t ascertain your personality”.

He further mentioned, “On a show, a director, producer, all brains work, and that’s how your personality comes up. I wanted to show that to people. So for this change, I left all the vlogging. I went to that in my ‘Rise and Fall’. Then I came out of there. Then I saw the change. Now I do podcasts. All that should change only then the audience will enjoy”.

Talking about ‘Playground’, the show blends gaming, entertainment, competition and influencer culture into a single format. It is designed around a virtual playground, and brings together young creators, gamers and internet personalities who compete in a variety of challenges while navigating rivalries, friendships and team dynamics.

‘Playground’ season 5 is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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