‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ cast & crew receive surprise from ‘Mumbai Cha Seth’
Mumbai, Sep 2 (IANS) In a first, devotees are not visiting Ganpati Bappa; instead, he is traveling across the city on a special open double-decker bus to bless everyone. During his trip, ‘Mumbai Cha Seth’ also made a stop at the famous Gokuldham society from "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah", leaving the cast and crew pleasantly surprised.
Elated after the darsham, maker Asit Kumarr Modi exclusively told IANS, "We felt really nice as Ganpati Bappa visited our Gokuldham society, and has been giving darshan throughout Mumbai, he is a moving Ganpati. He is the Seth (Capitalist magnate) of Mumbai - Setho ke seth. We felt really blessed to perform his arti."
Actor Dilip Joshi, who essays the role of Jethalal on the show, added, "We should be going to meet the Seth, but this Seth is unique - he came here to bless us with his darshan."
Pitching in, Asit shared, "He has come for those who are devoted to Bappa, but are unable to visit him."
Tanuj Mahashabde aka Iyer also praised the unique concept, keeping in mind the traffic issues of Mumbai.
"I have seen such a concept for the very first time, it should be carried out everywhere, especially in Mumbai, where there happens to be a lot of traffic during Ganapati.
Praising the Mumbai police for their dedication, he added, "We are thankful to the Mumbai police for handling such a grand festival so easily. I feel such a concept should be executed at every place, every time."
In the meantime, interacting with IANS, Dilip was asked, "Is there any problem that Ganpati Bappa has solved for you?"
Not spilling any beans, Dilip shared, "How can we share our personal problems on live television like this? We have told our issues to Bappa, in the ear of his mousal (His vahan)."
Adding on, Asit said cheekily, "Daya Bhabhi should come now, we have told that problem to Bappa."
--IANS
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Mahanaaryaman Scindia assumes charge as Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association chief
Indore, Sep 2 (IANS) Mahanaaryaman Scindia, son of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, assumed charge as the president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) on Tuesday.
At 29, Mahanaaryaman, who also served as vice-president of the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA), became the youngest ever MPCA president since its establishment in 1957 after he was unanimously elected for the post. In the MPCA polls, all the office bearers were elected unanimously.
Mahanaaryaman was made a lifetime member of the MPCA in 2022 and also serves as president of the Madhya Pradesh T20 League (MPL), whose first edition took place in Gwalior in 2024.
"This is an example that MPCA is a family that takes decisions unanimously. MPCA is the only state cricket association in the country where elections are conducted in a warm, family-like atmosphere," Mahanaaryaman told reporters on Tuesday.
Mahanaaryaman became the third-generation member from the Scindia family to take charge of MPCA. His grandfather, late Madhavrao Scindia, and father Jyotiraditya have both served as MPCA presidents.
"This is a very emotional moment for me because my late grandfather Madhavrao Scindia and my father Jyotiraditya Scindia have also shouldered the responsibility of MPCA president," he said.
The newly elected executive was finalised in the MPCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Tuesday.
Besides Mahanaaryaman, vice-president Vineet Sethia, Sudhir Asnani, a former international umpire, took charge as the secretary. Former India women’s cricketer Arundhati Kirkire assumed her new role as the joint secretary, while Sanjeev Dua took over as the treasurer.
"Our vision has always been to promote cricket at the rural level and to encourage women's participation in the sport. Just like former President Abhilash ( Abhilash Khandekar) ji and his team worked with dedication and love, we too will move forward with the same spirit and commitment," Mahanaaryaman said.
Before assuming charge for his new role, Mahanaaryaman with his father Jyotiraditya Scindia, offered prayers at the famous Khajrana Ganesh temple here.
The first major assignment for the Scindia-led MPCA will be to finalise all the necessary arrangements for Holkar Stadium to host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup matches.
The venue is supposed to host five league stage matches – three of which will feature defending champions Australia. It will also stage India’s match against England on October 19.
--IANS
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Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films tenders apology to people of Karnataka for dialogue from ‘Lokah’; promises to have it removed!
Chennai, Sep 2 (IANS) Tendering an apology for a dialogue in director Dominic Arun's woman superhero film 'Lokah', Dulquer Salmaan's production house Wayfarer Films on Tuesday said that it would remove the dialogue in question at the earliest.
Taking to its X timeline, Wayfarer Films put out a statement, tendering an apology. The statement read, "It has come to our attention that a dialogue delivered by the one of the characters in our film Lokah: Chapter One has unintentionally hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka.
"At Wayfarer Films, we place people above everything else. We deeply regret this oversight and assure you that no offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest. We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused and humbly request you to accept our apology."
It may be recalled that Dulquer Salmaan's production house, Wayfarer Films, is producing the superhero series.
The film, which released on August 28 this year, has taken a strong opening in all parts of south India, with the production house claiming that on August 31 that 300 additional shows of the film had been added all over Kerala.
The success of the film has pleased the lead actor of the film, Kalyani Priyadarshan so much, that she took to Instagram to express her happiness. She wrote, "Don’t think I’ve fully processed what’s happening… but this is the happiest Monday I’ve ever had. And a happy happy onam, everyone."
Written and directed by Dominic Arun, the film has cinematography by Nimish Raviand and editing by Chaman Chakko. Music for the film is by music composer Jakes Bejoy. The film has action sequences choreographed by one of the best in the world, Yannick Ben. Additional Screenplay and dramaturgy for the film have been done by Santhy Balachandran, while art direction for the film is by Jithu Sebastian.
Melwy J, Archana Rao were roped in as costume designers for the film, which had Sasikumar, MuRi and Zeba Tommy as its lyricists.
--IANS
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Govt to host 3-day expo to showcase India’s MedTech strength, innovation
New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The Department of Pharmaceuticals is set to host the second edition of the India MedTech Expo 2025 to showcase the country’s strength and innovation in medical technologies, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said on Tuesday.
The three-day expo will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, here, from September 4-6, as part of the larger Bharat Health 2025 initiative.
“India MedTech Expo has emerged as a premier platform to highlight India’s capabilities and growth in the medical technology and devices sector. The 2025 edition will once again bring together policymakers, global business leaders, innovators, investors, and healthcare stakeholders, reinforcing India’s position as a hub for precision-driven, yet affordable, MedTech solutions,” the Ministry said.
The expo, themed as ‘India: Global MedTech manufacturing hub, precision engineering yet affordable’, will feature an expansive exhibition showcasing MSMEs, start-ups, research institutions, future innovation pavilions, state showcases, and government initiatives.
It will also include thematic conferences, CEO roundtables, fireside chats, and state-focused sessions, with the participation of Union and State Ministers. Experience zones and networking opportunities such as B2B meetings, reverse buyer-seller meets, and regulator open houses will further enable collaborations across the med-tech value chain.
“India’s medical devices sector has grown to a market size of nearly $15 billion and is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. With more than 800 MedTech start-ups, strong R&D capabilities, and a fast-growing manufacturing base, we are positioning India as not just a consumer market, but as a global innovation and export hub,” said Praveen Kumar Mittal, Executive Director, Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD).
“India MedTech Expo 2025 will be the catalyst to showcase this growth story and enable collaborations that can transform healthcare access both in India and worldwide,” he added.
The event will witness participation from over 150 international buyers representing more than 30 countries, offering a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to explore partnerships and investments in India’s rapidly expanding MedTech ecosystem.
The Expo will bring together over 350 exhibitors across specialised pavilions and host conference sessions to foster innovation and advance India’s Vision 2047 in the global MedTech sector.
Key highlights of the expo include India’s largest medical device exhibition with more than 500 companies showcasing products and services, and 150+ delegates from 30+ countries across ASEAN, Africa, CIS, the Middle East, and OCEANIA.
--IANS
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Govt to host 3-day expo to showcase India’s MedTech strength, innovation
New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The Department of Pharmaceuticals is set to host the second edition of the India MedTech Expo 2025 to showcase the country’s strength and innovation in medical technologies, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said on Tuesday.
The three-day expo will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, here, from September 4-6, as part of the larger Bharat Health 2025 initiative.
“India MedTech Expo has emerged as a premier platform to highlight India’s capabilities and growth in the medical technology and devices sector. The 2025 edition will once again bring together policymakers, global business leaders, innovators, investors, and healthcare stakeholders, reinforcing India’s position as a hub for precision-driven, yet affordable, MedTech solutions,” the Ministry said.
The expo, themed as ‘India: Global MedTech manufacturing hub, precision engineering yet affordable’, will feature an expansive exhibition showcasing MSMEs, start-ups, research institutions, future innovation pavilions, state showcases, and government initiatives.
It will also include thematic conferences, CEO roundtables, fireside chats, and state-focused sessions, with the participation of Union and State Ministers. Experience zones and networking opportunities such as B2B meetings, reverse buyer-seller meets, and regulator open houses will further enable collaborations across the med-tech value chain.
“India’s medical devices sector has grown to a market size of nearly $15 billion and is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. With more than 800 MedTech start-ups, strong R&D capabilities, and a fast-growing manufacturing base, we are positioning India as not just a consumer market, but as a global innovation and export hub,” said Praveen Kumar Mittal, Executive Director, Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD).
“India MedTech Expo 2025 will be the catalyst to showcase this growth story and enable collaborations that can transform healthcare access both in India and worldwide,” he added.
The event will witness participation from over 150 international buyers representing more than 30 countries, offering a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to explore partnerships and investments in India’s rapidly expanding MedTech ecosystem.
The Expo will bring together over 350 exhibitors across specialised pavilions and host conference sessions to foster innovation and advance India’s Vision 2047 in the global MedTech sector.
Key highlights of the expo include India’s largest medical device exhibition with more than 500 companies showcasing products and services, and 150+ delegates from 30+ countries across ASEAN, Africa, CIS, the Middle East, and OCEANIA.
--IANS
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Fight against terrorism should remain SCO priority, says Foreign Secretary Misri in Tianjin
Tianjin, Sep 2 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has reaffirmed India's stance that fight against terrorism should remain an important priority of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In his address at the SCO-plus meeting in Tianjin, Misri also highlighted India's readiness to share its expertise and initiatives for sustainable development with the SCO partners.
"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended and delivered his remarks at the SCO Plus Meeting in Tianjin on 1 Sept 2025. He stressed on the need for UN reform, reaffirmed that fight against terrorism should remain an important priority of the SCO and highlighted India’s readiness to share its expertise and initiatives for sustainable development with the SCO partners," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X on Tuesday.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also underlined the need for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalization.
Highlighting India’s approach to strengthening cooperation under the SCO framework, PM Modi noted that India seeks greater action under three pillars – Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. Emphasising that peace, security and stability remain key to progress and prosperity, he called upon member countries to take firm and decisive action to fight terrorism in all its manifestations.
Thanking member countries for their strong solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism and urged the group to hold countries who perpetrate and support cross-border terrorism accountable.
PM Modi also stressed on the important role of connectivity in fostering development and building trust. India, he said, strongly supports projects such as Chabahar port and International North-South Transport Corridor.
The Summit witnessed productive discussions on SCO development strategy, reform of global governance, counter-terrorism, peace and security, economic and financial cooperation, and sustainable development.
The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation established in Shanghai on June 15, 2001. The SCO member states are: China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. The SCO has two observer states — Afghanistan and Mongolia and 14 dialogue partners - Turkey, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, the Maldives, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates.
--IANS
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Williams, Taylor return as Zimbabwe name squad for Sri Lanka T20Is
Harare, Sep 2 (IANS) Zimbabwe have announced a 16-man squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting on Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
The other two fixtures are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the same venue, with all matches starting at 1.30 pm local time.
Zimbabwe faced a 2-0 clean sweep in the ODI series against Sri Lanka after suffering a five-wicket defeat in the second match on Monday.
Sikandar Raza will continue to lead the side in the T20I format as Zimbabwe will be buoyed by the return of veteran all-rounder Sean Williams, who last featured in the format against Bangladesh on May 12, 2024.
Also making a comeback is experienced wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor, recalled to the T20I side after a lengthy absence from the shortest version of the game.
Brad Evans and Tadiwanashe Marumani are the other inclusions, while Newman Nyamhuri, Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa and Tafadzwa Tsiga miss out from the squad that contested last month’s triangular series against New Zealand and South Africa.
The series presents another key step in Zimbabwe’s preparations to establish a consistent core ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, set to be staged in Harare later this month.
Zimbabwe failed to win a single match in the T20I Tri-Series, involving South Africa and New Zealand as the other teams in the tournament in July. However, they will look to turn their fortune when they take on Sri Lanka in the shortest format.
Zimbabwe squad for T20Is against Sri Lanka: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.
--IANS
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Assam govt expresses ‘serious displeasure’ over death of newborn baby in GMCH
Guwahati, Sep 2 (IANS) The Assam government has conveyed its “serious displeasure” to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) authorities over last month’s tragic incident in which a newborn died and three other babies were injured inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In a strongly-worded letter, Siddharth Singh, Commissioner and Secretary to the Assam Government on Tuesday pulled up GMCH Superintendent Dr. Achyut Baishya and Additional Superintendent Dr. Pradip Kumar Das, asking them to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
“This includes, but is not limited to, strengthening supervision, ensuring strict adherence to all safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures. You are also directed to be careful in the future and ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” the letter stated.
The hospital has been asked to submit a compliance report to the Health Department at the earliest.
The GMCH administration has already suspended multiple medical personnel following an internal probe.
Those facing indefinite suspension include Dr. Anupama Deka, HoD of Pediatrics, and Associate Professor Dr. Dipankar Hazarika. Both will remain headquartered in Guwahati during the suspension period and are barred from engaging in private practice or professional work until further orders.
In addition, Nurse In-Charge Gomati Devi, staff nurse Chandana Nath, and NICU technician Ishan Jyoti Talukdar have also been suspended.
Two more doctors – Dr. Hrishikesh Thakuria and Dr. Puja – were suspended for six months based on complaints filed by families of the affected infants.
The incident occurred in the labour and delivery wing of GMCH, where four to five newborns were allegedly kept on a single NICU bed, raising questions about the hospital’s safety and capacity.
One baby died while three others sustained serious injuries after reportedly falling from the NICU bed.
Families of the victims accused the hospital of negligence and cited repeated lapses in supervision. The case escalated after police detained an on-duty nurse, while the state government replaced the hospital superintendent.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also intervened, directing strict accountability and stronger safeguards to prevent recurrence of such tragedies at the state’s premier medical institution.
--IANS
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Fulham sign Jonah Kusi-Asare on loan from Bayern Munich
London, Sep 2 (IANS) Fulham FC have signed forward Jonah Kusi-Asare on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, with the club holding the option to make the move permanent.
“I’m really excited to join Fulham. It’s a fantastic club with great supporters, and I can’t wait to get started, work with my teammates and give everything for the club," said Kusi-Asare after joining the club.
An imposing striker, Kusi-Asare stands at 6’5”, despite only turning 18 in July, but is more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.
He became the youngest player to play in the Swedish top flight when at AIK, featuring shortly after his 16th birthday in 2023.
In February 2024, he earned his move to Bayern and made his Bundesliga debut as a substitute for Harry Kane this April.
He has represented Sweden at various youth levels, most recently winning four caps for the Under-21s, who he will be meeting up with this international period.
Tony Khan added, “I’m thrilled to welcome Jonah Kusi-Asare to Fulham. He is a talented young striker, we’re excited that he’s joining our team on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, and we’re very happy that this deal includes a Club option to bring Jonah on a permanent transfer!"
Christoph Freund, FC Bayern sporting director said, “Jonah has developed very well with us over the past year and a half and was able to make his professional debut in his first full season in Munich. He has outstanding potential and should now gain further valuable experience at the highest European level. We will be closely monitoring him and are convinced that he will take the next steps in his development and continue to mature at Fulham.”
--IANS
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Deepak Mittal appointed India’s new Ambassador to UAE
New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) Deepak Mittal has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday.
A seasoned diplomat belonging to the 1998 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) who is currently serving as an Additional Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), he is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Having also served as India's Ambassador to Qatar, Mittal played a crucial role in holding first discussions with the Taliban regime after the United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021.
As the Indian envoy to Doha, Mittal met Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Head of Taliban’s Political Office in Doha on August 31, 2021. The meeting, which had taken place at the Embassy of India in Doha on the request of the Taliban side, focused on the safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan.
Before arriving in Qatar, Mittal served as Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan Iran (PAI) Desk, at the ministry.
He will succeed Sunjay Sudhir (IFS 1993) as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates.
The traditionally strong bilateral relations enjoyed by India-UAE have gained a new momentum ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country - the first by an Indian PM in 34 years - in 2015.
On Monday, both countries agreed to strengthen their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with a target of $100 billion target for non-oil bilateral trade amid changing dynamics in world trade triggered by the sharp hike in US tariffs announced by the US President Donald Trump.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, with Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, last week on further deepening the partnership, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
The ministers reviewed the progress made under CEPA and reaffirmed the shared vision of expanding bilateral trade towards the target of $100 billion non-oil, non-precious metals trade by 2030. Discussions included collaboration in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and healthcare.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of working closely in the current global scenario to strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Goyal highlighted the resilience and inherent strengths of the Indian economy which have enabled it to surge ahead during challenging times. The Ministers agreed on the importance of working with diverse partners for mutual benefit.
--IANS
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