New York, Aug 21 (IANS) Officials say they have thwarted an Islamic State terror plot to blow up the New York State legislature building in Albany and arrested a Muslim convert.

After her arrest on Thursday, Jessica Bowie, 35, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation and produced in a federal court in Albany, the state capital of New York.

A federal magistrate remanded her to custody.

In the complaint filed against her, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that Bowie, who adopted the "Kuniya" or honorific Islamic name, Aisha Saif, after her conversion five years ago, expressed support for the 9/11 attacks by al-Qaeda terrorists in 2001 in social media posts.

She also made several other anti-US statements and expressed support for terrorist organisations.

An FBI informant contacted her, and she expressed interest in carrying out a terrorist attack, according to the court filing.

Bowie allegedly told him, “Blowing kafirs' brains out is beautiful".

To prove her bona fides, she said that she had completed the "bayah", the traditional Islamic oath of allegiance, to the " Commander of the Faithful and the Caliph of the Muslims, the Mujahid Shairkh Abu Hafa al-Hashimi al-Quraishi".

He is the head of the Islamic State terror organisation.

She scouted several buildings in Albany, including the governor's office, before settling on the Capitol, the building housing the state legislature, according to the complaint.

The informant introduced her to two other informants, who pretended to support her cause and offered to help her.

She allegedly told them she wanted to “destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the (state) senators while they are meeting”.

She said for the risk she was taking, she did not want to kill one or two people but create greater damage.

FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli told reporters she "didn’t just want to kill lawmakers; she wanted a destruction of our government".

Bowie told the informants that she would like to escape after the attack and take a plane out of the country, although she was not sure it could be done, according to the complaint.

She threatened that she would come back and carry out more attacks, like one on New Year's Eve celebration at Times Square, and while she wanted to attack the White House, she thought it would be harder, the complaint said.

Planning the attack, she said that the explosive would be smuggled in as a food delivery and had procured a bag from a food delivery service.

After she bought the material that the informants said they needed to make the bomb, they fabricated a dud explosive, which they gave her along with a fake gun on Wednesday.

She was arrested on Thursday near the Capitol.

This was the second case in just over a month of a woman being arrested in New York State for allegedly being involved with Islamic terror organisations.

In Irondequoit, a town near the Canada border, Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, was arrested late June on charges of sending $30,116 in cryptocurrency to support the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), which the US considers a terrorist organisation, according to the Justice Department.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Aug 21 (IANS) Several Sikh religious and political organisations seeking the release of Sikh inmates, who have completed their prison terms, on Friday gave a statewide shutdown of Punjab till 2 p.m. amid heavy security buildup.

The impact of the shutdown was partial in the morning despite farmer organisations, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Waris Punjab De and others extending support. However, there was no report of violence so far, a senior police official told IANS here.

The shutdown call comes in the wake of the use of security forces on the Mohali border on August 15 to disperse demonstrators with the use of batons, tear gas and water cannons as they were forcefully making their way to Chandigarh to lodge their protest outside the residence of the Governor.

The march, led by members of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha, was also aimed at seeking parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in a case linked to the 1995 assassination of Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Organisers of the shutdown gave a call to stage sit-in protests on rail tracks, highways and toll collection centres and shut markets across the state. However, they have appealed to shopkeepers and traders to support the call, while urging protesters to maintain peace and not to hamper emergency medical services.

Students who are travelling for exams and those travelling for weddings, funerals or going abroad are exempted from the shutdown, amid activists of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha deployed on state and national highways to stop traffic movement.

Private bus operators in several cities and towns have extended support to the call. As a precautionary step, many private educational institutions announced that they will remain closed; besides, markets, factories, and commercial establishments in many cities and towns have decided to keep their establishments shut till 2 p.m.

However, government educational institutes are working normally, though the attendance of the students was thin.

The SGPC kept its offices and institutions shut to express solidarity, besides postponing its scheduled executive meeting.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said markets and institutions would be closed during the seven hours of shutdown call. Earlier, he had advised milkmen to distribute milk either before 7 a.m. or after the shutdown is over.

Legislator Manpreet Singh Ayali, now a supporter of Waris Punjab De, asked, “Why are the Sikhs being kept in jail despite completing their jail terms? They must be freed.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, August 21 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has shared a glimpse into his relentless work routine, and also reflected on the ‘time, knowledge and the importance of willpower’ in his latest blog post.

The veteran actor, who continues to remain professionally active despite his decades-long career in the Hindi film industry, said that his schedule is currently tightly mapped out, that has left him with little time for rest and other aspects of daily life.

“Work is relentless .. time is mapped out in 24 .. rest, food etc., is by passed,” Amitabh Bachchan wrote.

The actor also acknowledged that his blog has remained a constant in his life, while apologising to his readers for keeping his recent posts minimalist.

“This Ef Blog remains a mainstay .. regret the minimalist texts, but the heart in NOT minimalistic,” he added.

He added, “As time passes you discover how little you know .. and the desire to know increases,” he wrote.

The 83-year-old went on to describe his approach towards his professional commitments, further saying that he remains at work with the intention of learning more, pushing himself further, gathering knowledge and assimilating it.

“I am at work to learn more .. to push to, to gather, to assimilate .. and put to good use,” Bachchan wrote.

The actor ended his reflective note with a simple “Love”.

Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a close connection with his fans through his personal blog over the years. He frequently uses the platform to share his thoughts on work, life, family, cinema and his interactions with admirers.

The actor, while on Kaun Banega Crorepati, has been seen talking about a lot many experiences of his life.

He was seen revealing how during his initial days in the Hindi film industry he was height shamed and also asked to leave a film set because he arrived late.

–IANS

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Washington, Aug 21 (IANS) The Trump administration has approved a possible sale of KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar for an estimated $4.5 billion, the US State Department said in a statement.

Qatar has requested to purchase up to four KC-46A aircraft; eight PW4062 turbofan engines, including four spares, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems, and other equipment and support services, reports Xinhua news agency quoting the statement.

"Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the statement read.

It said that the proposed sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

“The proposed sale will increase Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its defense capabilities and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and reinforcing Qatar’s strategic role in regional security,” the department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said. “Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

The deal also encompasses missile warning sensors, cartridge-actuated devices, propellant-actuated devices; control interface units, user data module cards, electronic warfare database support, KIV-77 crypto module, KY-100M crypto terminals and other parts.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the US and Israel’s war against Iran, which began in late February and resulted in thousands of deaths. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases and assets across Gulf countries.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face "very Draconian sanctions" even as he played down the Strait of Hormuz's future importance, arguing that increased American energy production and new supply routes had reduced the world's dependence on the strategic waterway.

"We have things that we could sanction. We have very Draconian sanctions, and we'll see what happens," Trump said at the White House when asked about possible new measures against Tehran.

The President said vessels were moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and serves as a critical route for global energy shipments.

"Right now, the Strait is open; we've got a lot of boats coming through, people aren't reporting that," he said. "And that may slow down a little bit at some point, but right now a lot of boats are coming through."

Trump claimed that a US naval blockade against Iran had prevented ships from reaching the country. He did not provide supporting figures during his remarks.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The National Testing Agency (NTA) defended its answer key challenge system, saying it is designed to ensure fairness for all candidates and rejecting concerns that the process is “too expensive”.

In a post on X, the testing agency explained how its answer key challenge mechanism works and said a valid challenge raised by even one candidate can benefit every student who appeared for the examination.

“On the concern being raised that answer key challenges are "too expensive": a quick clarification for candidates.

The answer key challenge system is designed to be fair to every student, not just the one who challenges,” the NTA said.

Explaining the first part of the system, the agency said that if a candidate challenges a question and the subject experts accept the objection, the revised answer key is applied to all candidates who appeared for that examination.

“One challenge, everyone benefits. If even a single candidate challenges a question, and the subject experts accept the challenge, the revised answer key applies to every candidate who wrote the exam,” it said.

The NTA also clarified that the challenge fee is refundable when an objection is upheld. Candidates are generally required to pay Rs 200 for each question they challenge.

“Fee is refunded if you're right. The ₹200/question is refunded to the candidate whose challenge is upheld. The fee exists to discourage frivolous challenges, not to profit from genuine ones,” the agency said.

The NTA further urged candidates who believe they have identified a genuine error to raise an objection through the prescribed process, stressing that an accepted challenge can lead to a correction benefiting a large number of students.

“So if you have identified a genuine error and raised it, if found correct will not only be refunded but one accurate challenge from any candidate can correct the record for lakhs of others,” the agency said.

An NTA answer key challenge is an online process through which candidates appearing for examinations such as JEE Main, NEET or UGC NET can raise objections to questions or answers in the provisional answer key.

The clarification comes amid scrutiny faced by the NTA over examination-related controversies, including concerns surrounding the NEET-UG examination and reported issues linked to UGC-NET.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend a series of programmes in Siliguri on Friday as part of his three-day visit to West Bengal, with the day’s agenda focused on the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), border security and awareness about India’s new criminal laws.

Shah will visit the SSB Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri on Friday, where he will attend the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for various infrastructure projects of the force. He will also interact with SSB personnel during his visit to the headquarters.

As part of his engagement with the soldiers , the Home Minister will participate in a “Bara Khana” with SSB personnel. The traditional communal meal will be part of his interaction with the security force during the Siliguri programme.

The first major programme is scheduled at the SSB Frontier Headquarters at around 11:15 am.

Later in the day, Shah will attend an event at Kawakhali Ground in Siliguri linked to an exhibition on the country’s three new criminal laws. The programme is scheduled for around 2:30 pm and will include an exhibition and public programme focusing on the new legal framework.

The three new criminal laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). They came into force on July 1, 2024, replacing the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act.

Another programme listed for Friday is a meeting at Hotel Mayfair in Siliguri at around 4:20 pm, described as a review meeting regarding the helpline.

A key aspect of Shah’s three-day Bengal visit is the review of security arrangements around the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The narrow corridor is crucial for connectivity between the rest of the country and the northeastern states.

The Home Minister is also expected to chair a border-security review meeting on August 22.

Shah had arrived in West Bengal on Thursday evening. His Friday schedule places SSB infrastructure, interaction with security personnel, the new criminal laws and security-related meetings at the centre of his engagements in Siliguri.

--IANS

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Oslo, Aug 21 (IANS) Norway has raised concerns over US tariffs on Norwegian goods during talks with a senior US trade official in Washington, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik met Deputy United States Trade Representative Jeff Goettman on Wednesday and discussed the tariffs as well as an ongoing US investigation into global industrial overcapacity, the ministry said in a statement.

The United States announced new tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, including Norway and the European Union (EU), on July 24. Washington said the measures were partly based on concerns that the countries lacked adequate restrictions on imports of products made using forced labor, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We strongly disagree with the US's unilateral use of tariffs and the justification for them. Kravik emphasized in the meeting that there is no basis for treating Norway differently than the EU," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in the statement.

During the meeting, Kravik also challenged the basis of the US overcapacity investigation, which covers Norway, the EU and 14 other countries, Eide noted.

The possibility of a trade agreement between Norway and the United States was also discussed in the meeting.

"An agreement must be in Norway's interest. We will not enter into an agreement at any price," Eide said, adding that US tariff policy continued to create uncertainty even for countries that had already reached agreements with Washington.

After the meeting, Norwegian State Secretary posted on X: "Constructive meeting with Deputy @USTradeRep Jeffrey Goettman. We discussed the longstanding trading relationship between Norway and the US. I reiterated Norway’s firm opposition to the Section 301 investigations of Norway. I look forward to continuing our dialogue on this issue."

--IANS

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New York, Aug 21 (IANS) The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals that are "part of a network responsible for transferring cash" to Hezbollah.

The network utilises couriers travelling on commercial airline flights between Lebanon, Turkey, the UAE, and Iran to move up to hundreds of millions of dollars between jurisdictions, providing an avenue outside the formal financial system for Hezbollah to obtain foreign currency and evade sanctions, OFAC claimed in a press release posted on the website of the Department of the Treasury.

"The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating 10 individuals that are part of a network responsible for transferring cash to Hizballah. The network utilizes couriers travelling on commercial airline flights between Lebanon, Turkiye, the UAE, and Iran to move up to hundreds of millions of dollars between jurisdictions, providing an avenue outside the formal financial system for Hizballah to obtain foreign currency and evade sanctions," said the press release.

"OFAC is also re-designating Hizballah for service to the Iranian regime under the command of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)," it added.

"Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the United States’ counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended."

The release reiterates that the US Department of State designated Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 31, 2001, "for having committed, or posing a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States."

The Treasury Department also mentioned that Hezbollah and its allies exploit financing schemes including oil smuggling, illicit shipping, commodities sales, and bulk cash smuggling to generate and move funds across the region.

"The network targeted today, which was once associated with now-deceased IRGC-QF finance official Behnam Shahriyari, is one example of the methods used to funnel support to terrorist proxy groups throughout the region."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anna Faris has made a shocking revelation that she nearly hung up her acting boots in 2021.

The 49-year-old actress has shared that she reflected her future in the business, after appearing in the sitcom ‘Mom’ which ran from 2013 to 2021.

The actress recently appeared on the Dear Chelsea podcast, and shared, "I didn’t know what my ambition (was). I didn’t know where I stood, what opportunity there was”.

The actress is now of the belief that she was experiencing some mental health issues at the time. The actress said, "I was, in hindsight, I think pretty depressed, like, premenopausal depression without recognising it. I was just having a distant relationship with this city and my career and wondering if I had enough money to retire”.

However, all it took to reconsider her choice was an invitation to reprise the role of Cindy Campbell in the most-recent ‘Scary Movie’. She said that experience reignited her passion for acting.

The actress said, "Suddenly I had this rush of like, what if my destiny hasn’t quite forged itself in slow aging actress retirement? It was a very wonderful and heady year for me”.

Anna has rediscovered her sense of self-confidence and self-worth, too. She said, "I feel more confident in what I have to offer, which might not be, I don’t know, for a wide audience. But I feel more solid in my own ability. I wish I had realised that earlier”.

Meanwhile, Anna is set to star in the new comedy movie ‘Spa Weekend’ alongside Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, and Michelle Buteau.

And the actress previously described the Spa Weekend shoot as a "dream". She said that she particularly enjoyed the experience of working with the film's star-studded cast.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Ashley Judd has shared her fond memories of watching The King Elvis Presley perform and record with his signature aura.

On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures, and videos celebrating her step-father Larry Strickland’s induction in the Hall of Graceland Legends.

She also penned a long note in the caption, as she reminisced her childhood, and how being in the company of Elvis Presley was a regular affair for her given her step-father performed with The King.

She wrote, “Elvis Presley was a feature of my childhood, given my Pop (Mom’s partner since I was 11) sang bass with him for 6 years, a member of the iconic J.D. Sumner and the Stamps gospel quartet. Congratulations, Pop, on being inducted as a Graceland Legend this past weekend. I am proud of you. So glad to share the memories. At Graceland, Pop and I stood in the Jungle Room, and I played from the 2 albums Pop recorded with Elvis. Pop said, ‘I stood there, Elvis walked around and sang. Gosh, he was so prepared, he did ‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain’ in two takes’. Pop also sang along (to himself). How cool to watch someone I love have their memories”.

She further mentioned, “I am glad to be a part of the Elvis extended family. Hey, thanks to the Blackwood Brothers, equally legendary gospel quartet, for inviting me on stage to harmonize on “How Great Thou Art” for the finale. Elvis fans, what would you like to experience for the 50th anniversary in 2027? My ears are open, the fan Vanessa, from Texas, immediately shared with me, “Ann-Margret!” I am listening, so, from your lips to the event organizers”.

“Next, enjoy my Stories, where Pop reminisces about wearing overalls the first time he met Elvis, and Elvis making fun of him! And yeah, I grew up with an Elvis stage outfit under the bed. I enjoy his stories, and hope you will enjoy them too”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 20 (IANS) Haryanvi brother duo 'Banjaare' are consistently breaking regional barriers by delivering back-to-back chart-toppers with 'Bairan' and 'Barsaat'.

Their latest release, 'Barsaat' is not only enjoying love from music lovers in the country, but is also making its presence felt across global charts, including Spotify, YouTube, Billboard, Apple and Shazam.

'Barsaat' has turned out to be one of the biggest regional-language releases of 2026, recording more than 40 million streams across audio platforms, along with 35 million views on YouTube.

In addition to this, ‘Barsaat’ has also been used for the Indian promotional campaign for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.

Given the evocative sound and emotional storyline, the song is a good fit for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.

Reflecting on their recent success, Banjaare said the confidence that commenced with the success of 'Bairan', reached a new level with 'Barsaat'.

Banjaare said, “This moment feels surreal. ‘Bairan’ gave us the confidence that our sound could connect with audiences far beyond Haryana, but seeing ‘Barsaat’ reach No. 1 on Spotify India and featuring in global charts has taken that belief to another level. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us and made these songs their own. Sony Music India has been an important part of this journey, believing in our music and helping us take our sound to audiences across India and beyond."

They further shared that the association of 'Barsaat' with Spider-Man is something they could never have even imagined.

"Being associated with the Spider-Man: Brand New Day campaign is another milestone we could never have imagined. For us, this is not just about two successful songs, but a proud moment for us that the sound of Haryana is breaking regional boundaries and resonating with audiences on the global stage," they concluded.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 20 (IANS) The creators of the musical reality show 'Tamil Idol' on Thursday announced that well known actress and singer Andrea Jeremiah and playback singers Benny Dayal and Karthik would be the judges of the inaugural season of the eagerly awaited reality show.

For the unaware, the globally iconic Indian Idol franchise is to make its debut in Tamil this season. The show has been titled 'Tamil Idol'.

Sony, on Thursday, announced the names of the powerhouse trio, who, it said would mentor, critique, and champion the state's finest grassroots talent. The three judges, Sony said, would bring the perfect balance of technical mastery, stage-shattering energy, and modern musicality to the panel.

With A.R. Rahman leading the charge, 'Tamil Idol' will begin its first auditions in Chennai on August 23. Aspiring singers aged between 14 and 30 years of age can audition at Velammal Vidyalaya Annexure, Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai, for an opportunity to be part of this landmark talent hunt. The show is to be streamed on Sony Vizha and Sony Liv.

Sharing their excitement about joining the biggest musical reality show in the country, the judges conveyed their heartfelt wishes to the singers who would be coming for auditions.

Singer Karthik said, “Tamil Nadu has such a deep and diverse musical culture, and I am certain that 'Tamil Idol' is going to uncover voices that will surprise and inspire us. For me, the most exciting part of being a judge is not just listening to a great singer but recognizing potential and helping an artiste discover what they are truly capable of. With A.R. Rahman Sir guiding this journey, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a platform where new talent can really flourish. I cannot wait to hear what Tamil Nadu has to offer.”

Benny Dayal said, “I have had the opportunity to be part of the 'Hindi Idol' journey multiple times, and every time I walked onto that stage, I was blown away by the incredible talent that came forward. You realise that there are so many voices across the country with stories, dreams and an extraordinary musical instinct. To now be part of 'Tamil Idol' and have the opportunity to discover and work with talent from Tamil Nadu is something I am genuinely excited about. I have studied in Chennai, lived here for almost 10 years and built my career in Tamil music. So, to see the journey of Tamil music and the city evolve from then to now makes being part of 'Tamil Idol' even more special. I feel very happy and grateful to be part of this journey, and I cannot wait to see what the next generation of singers brings to the stage. This is going to be a very special journey.”

Andrea Jeremiah, for her part, said, “Music has always been an integral part of who we are as Tamilians, and I believe some of the most extraordinary voices are waiting to be discovered across the state. What excites me about 'Tamil Idol' is the opportunity to meet singers from different backgrounds, with different influences and stories, and watch them bring their individuality to the stage. I am really looking forward to this journey and to being part of a platform that gives these voices the opportunity to be heard, nurtured, and celebrated.”

--IANS

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