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Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) Music composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan paid an homage to the late Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain at his house during the Ganeshotsav.

The composer took to his Instagram, and shared a video of the musical setting from his home. In the video he can be seen dressed in a pink coloured kurta pyjama. Fellow music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman can also be seen handling the orchestration of the song in the video.

They performed the song ‘Shringaar’ composed by Salim-Sulaiman. The video started off with Shankar Mahadevan rendering the Konnakol, the art of reciting percussion syllables vocally. Konnakol is a fundamental practice in South Indian Carnatic music that serves as a percussive language to express complex rhythmic cycles called taal. It is the spoken component of solkattu, a broader term that includes simultaneously counting the tala with hand gestures.

Shankar wrote in the caption, “Some moments stay with you forever. Singing Shringaar for the first time in our own home, in front of Bappa, with loved ones around us, was one such blessing”.

He further mentioned, “This song is a humble offering in memory of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. Do hear it and share your love”.

‘Shringaar’ is a classical pop song, and features the vocals of Shankar Mahadevan. It offers a heartfelt homage to their mentor, the late Zakir Hussain. Salim-Sulaiman wanted to pair the voice of Shankar Mahadevan with the artistry of Ustad Zakir Hussain. The universe, however, had other plans, as Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in December 2024. ‘Shringaar’ tells the story of a person expressing to his beloved that her natural beauty needs no adornment.

Earlier, Shankar Mahadevan had reflected that legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain were “walking encyclopedias”.

Shankar said one didn’t just learn music in his presence, one learned humility, camaraderie, teamwork, and the art of spreading positivity through music.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) South Africa’s rising batter Dewald Brevis said that, beyond MS Dhoni’s cricketing greatness, it was the former India skipper’s humility and personality that left the biggest impression on him during his time with the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Coming in as a replacement for injured Gurjapneet Singh in IPL 2025, Brevis amassed 225 runs in six innings, including hitting two fifties for CSK, who finished at tenth place in the points table.

“The one thing that I can just say from MS is his humbleness and who he is as a person that stood out for me. How he is basically off the field, the time he has for players, for people. His room door is always open. If he’s sleeping, that’s the only time it’s closed."

“I found myself a few times in his room just sitting there with whatever he’s busy like chatting to him about his hobbies, watching cricket, and that’s just amazing and just to see how what he does like off the field and like everyone knows what he does on the field and at training and yeah just it’s very special,” said Brevis on former South Africa batter AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel on Thursday.

Though CSK had a rough time in the IPL, Brevis said he was impressed with how the coaching staff was good to him. “I enjoyed my time there. Flem (head coach Stephen Fleming), all the coaches, I see, Eric (Simons, bowling consultant), everyone was really amazing, how they took me in, and their backing was amazing to just walk in and to almost like settle in first.”

“I didn’t play the first game, but I knew the plans that they’ve got for me and it was great. Like really enjoyed all of the other guys. Like, there’s a few great overseas players were fun to have there as well, and also the local guys,” he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called technology and innovation "strong pillars" of the partnership between India and Singapore as he announced that both nations have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies.

Addressing a press meet alongside his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong following their talks here, PM Modi called UPI and PayNow "successful examples" of digital connectivity. He announced that India and Singapore have decided to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner.

"Technology and innovation are the strong pillars of our partnership. We have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. The agreement in the space sector today is adding a new chapter to cooperation in the field of space science. We have decided to hold the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to connect our youth with their talent. UPI and PayNow are successful examples of our digital connectivity, and it is a matter of pleasure that 13 new Indian banks have joined them today," he said.

Extending a warm welcome to the Singaporean leader, PM Modi said: "I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Wong on his first visit to India since assuming office. This visit is all the more special as this year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our relations."

He recalled his visit to Singapore in 2024, during which the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and listed the sectors which will also become the focal point of cooperation between the two nations.

He called Singapore an "important pillar" of India's Act East policy and said that the two nations will continue to work together with the ASEAN to advance their joint vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Last year, during my visit to Singapore, we elevated our relations to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In this one year, our dialogue and cooperation have gained speed and depth. Today, Singapore is our largest trade partner in the Southeast Asia region. There has been a large-scale investment from Singapore in India. Our defence relations are continuously getting stronger. People-to-people relations are deep and vibrant. Today, we have prepared a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not be limited to traditional areas only. In keeping with the changing times, areas like advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil, nuclear and urban water management will also become the focal point of our cooperation," he said.

He noted that the relations between India and Singapore "go beyond diplomacy". "This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision of peace, progress, and prosperity."

"We have decided that the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN will be reviewed in a time-bound manner to accelerate mutual trade. Our states will also be important stakeholders in India-Singapore relations. (Singapore). When President Tharman (Shanmugaratnam) visited India in January, he visited Odisha. In the last one year, the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh have visited Singapore. GIFT City in Gujarat has become another new bridge to connect our stock markets. The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement, signed last year, has also given a new direction to research and development. The active participation of Singapore companies in the Semicon India Conference was a big thing in itself. Singapore will help in setting up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai. This centre will prepare skilled manpower in the field of advanced manufacturing," he said.

Expressing gratitude to Singapore PM for his government's support to India in the fight against terrorism, PM Modi said: "We have common concerns about terrorism. We believe that it is the duty of all humanitarian countries to fight terrorism in solidarity. After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I sincerely thank Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their condolences towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called technology and innovation "strong pillars" of the partnership between India and Singapore as he announced that both nations have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies.

Addressing a press meet alongside his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong following their talks here, PM Modi called UPI and PayNow "successful examples" of digital connectivity. He announced that India and Singapore have decided to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner.

"Technology and innovation are the strong pillars of our partnership. We have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. The agreement in the space sector today is adding a new chapter to cooperation in the field of space science. We have decided to hold the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to connect our youth with their talent. UPI and PayNow are successful examples of our digital connectivity, and it is a matter of pleasure that 13 new Indian banks have joined them today," he said.

Extending a warm welcome to the Singaporean leader, PM Modi said: "I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Wong on his first visit to India since assuming office. This visit is all the more special as this year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our relations."

He recalled his visit to Singapore in 2024, during which the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and listed the sectors which will also become the focal point of cooperation between the two nations.

He called Singapore an "important pillar" of India's Act East policy and said that the two nations will continue to work together with the ASEAN to advance their joint vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Last year, during my visit to Singapore, we elevated our relations to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In this one year, our dialogue and cooperation have gained speed and depth. Today, Singapore is our largest trade partner in the Southeast Asia region. There has been a large-scale investment from Singapore in India. Our defence relations are continuously getting stronger. People-to-people relations are deep and vibrant. Today, we have prepared a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not be limited to traditional areas only. In keeping with the changing times, areas like advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil, nuclear and urban water management will also become the focal point of our cooperation," he said.

He noted that the relations between India and Singapore "go beyond diplomacy". "This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision of peace, progress, and prosperity."

"We have decided that the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN will be reviewed in a time-bound manner to accelerate mutual trade. Our states will also be important stakeholders in India-Singapore relations. (Singapore). When President Tharman (Shanmugaratnam) visited India in January, he visited Odisha. In the last one year, the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh have visited Singapore. GIFT City in Gujarat has become another new bridge to connect our stock markets. The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement, signed last year, has also given a new direction to research and development. The active participation of Singapore companies in the Semicon India Conference was a big thing in itself. Singapore will help in setting up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai. This centre will prepare skilled manpower in the field of advanced manufacturing," he said.

Expressing gratitude to Singapore PM for his government's support to India in the fight against terrorism, PM Modi said: "We have common concerns about terrorism. We believe that it is the duty of all humanitarian countries to fight terrorism in solidarity. After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I sincerely thank Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their condolences towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Despite geo-political uncertainties and tariffs, India is expected to clock GDP growth of 6.5 per cent this fiscal and reforms like GST 2.0 will surely have a positive impact on the long-term growth rate, Dr Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, said on Thursday, adding that last five years have proved that the Indian economy is highly resilient to global shocks.

In an interaction with IANS here, the seasoned economist said the GST reforms are something he has personally worked on for a long time, and they will have a positive effect on the Indian economy.

“There were a number of positive measures announced in the Union Budget, and the income tax reforms were an important part, which the Parliament has passed. The GST reforms are also part of that big plan to simplify the compliance and bring ease of doing business,” he noted.

“Of course, simplification takes time for its kind of efficiency and positive tax effects and compliance effects to come in, but I am sure those results will come,” the economist said.

He stated that in anticipation of these, “markets will always say that this has already started having some effects”.

On the GDP forecast, he said that many experts, including him, “have been saying from the beginning that GDP for this year would be at around 6.5 per cent plus or minus, there is a large band of uncertainty”.

According to Virmani, the 50 per cent US tariffs came as a shock, but impactful reforms like GST are crucial on both the policy and institutional fronts. “Many such reforms have taken place and others are in process,” the economist added.

“So, on balance, I think we will still come out at 6.5 per cent growth this year. There is a huge range of uncertainty, so it can be plus or minus 0.5 per cent or even larger. The uncertainty has actually gone up,” he told IANS.

Economists have hailed the unprecedented GDP growth rate at 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1 FY26), surpassing projections of 6.5 to 6.7 per cent by the RBI and other institutions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) The GST 2.0 reforms were lauded by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry on Thursday, for bringing predictability and transparency to India's tax system, and correcting the inverted duty structure in several sectors.

The GST Council's newly-approved two-tier GST structure, effective from September 22, 2025, will benefit labour-intensive industries, households, and consumption-driven growth, the industry group said.

"GST 2.0 reforms are a consumer-focussed and growth-oriented reform that will bring transparency, predictability, and stability to India’s tax system," a release from FICCI said.

The correction of inverted duty structures in textiles, fertilisers, and renewable energy will reduce import dependence and improve the global cost competitiveness of Indian goods, it added.

The reforms will directly benefit households, labour-intensive industries, MSMEs, and critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and automobiles — reducing costs for consumers and boosting consumption-driven growth, the industry body said.

The reforms will reduce classification disputes, improve compliance and address anomalies on account of inverted duty structure, said Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, President, FICCI.

While he acknowledged that there are revenue implications for the government, the FICCI President added that the reduction in rates will boost consumption demand and contain inflation.

The reduction of GST rates on essential items and FMCG products such as soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, hair oil, bicycles, kitchenware, and packaged foods will ease household budgets and strengthen consumption.

Lower rates on goods related to agriculture will reduce costs for farmers, enhance rural incomes, and support food security. Similarly, rate cuts on capital goods and industrial inputs will bring down manufacturing costs, the industry body said.

The tax relief for labour-intensive sectors like handicrafts, textiles, leather, footwear, marble, granite, and toys will strengthen MSMEs, safeguard traditional livelihoods, and create new jobs.

According to FICCI, lower GST on cement, renewable energy devices, and construction materials will spur housing and infrastructure development, aligning with the government’s vision of housing for all.

--IANS

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Hangzhou, Sep 4 (IANS) The Indian women's hockey team is all set to take on Thailand as they kick off their Women's Asia Cup 2025 journey on September 5.

India, having last faced Thailand during the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in November last year, will be looking to continue their momentum and win their game with a good margin. The two teams have faced each other seven times in the past with India having won all the matches and only having conceded 1 goal in those 7 seven matches.

Talking about their upcoming match, Indian captain Salima Tete said, “Though Thailand is ranked much lower than us in the FIH Rankings, we are not looking at them or any team as an easy opponent, and we will go all out in every match. This will also be our very first match of the Asia Cup 2025, and it will thus set the pace for all the upcoming matches. We plan to test our strength and strategies and win with a good margin against them before we face Japan the next day."

India, along with Japan, Thailand and Singapore, have been drawn into Pool B and will face Thailand at 12 pm IST on Friday. The team will be looking to top their pool and make their way to the Super 4, taking one step closer to securing the trophy.

Talking about the upcoming matches, Harendra Singh, chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, said, “Our team has a good mix of youth and experienced players, and while we have had a few injury setbacks, I am still confident that the team will do well. The match against Thailand will help us test our strength and also give us a glimpse of what to work on before facing Japan the next day. The girls are confident and looking forward to the competition."

India have won the Women's Asia Cup twice, first in 2004 and again in 2017. In the last edition of the event, India had finished third in the tournament.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) The song ‘Marjaana’ from the upcoming film ‘Baaghi 4’ starring Tiger Shroff was unveiled on Thursday. The song bares the heart of the film where love, loss, and longing collide. It carries the weight of sacrifice, the ache of love, and the quiet resolve that keeps the lead characters going. It is crooned by B Praak and Siddhant Mishraa with lyrics furnished by Sameer Anjaan.

The video of the song features Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu and Sonam Bajwa. The track comes just a day ahead of the film’s release. The song follows the release of the track ‘Yeh Mera Husn’ from the film. ‘Yeh Mera Husn’ features former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu in a bold avatar against the breathtaking backdrop of golden sands and crashing waves.

Earlier, the trailer of the film was launched in Mumbai. The trailer begins with Tiger Shroff doing what he does best — beating the bad guys as he sets out in search of his ladylove, Alisha, played by Harnaaz Sandhu. What follows is a storm of blood, bone-crunching action and high-voltage drama as he is unable to find her and is told that she’s just a figment of his imagination.

The trailer also gives a fiery glimpse of Sonam Bajwa flaunting her action skills. The video ends with Tiger’s chilling one-liner, “Maine pehle bhi bola tha, jo tumhara torture hai… woh mera warm-up hai” which aligns with the “bloodiest love story” tag for the film.

‘Baaghi 4’ marks a bold new chapter, earning an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC, an audacious move that underscores its raw, unfiltered cinematic style for the first time for Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment's banner.

With story and screenplay penned by Sajid Nadiadwala, and helmed by director A. Harsha, Baaghi 4 promises bone-breaking action, explosive drama, and a showdown soaked in blood, fury, and chaos. Baaghi 4 is set to release in cinemas on September 5, 2025.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the relationship between India and Singapore goes beyond diplomacy and is deeply rooted in shared values and a common vision for peace and prosperity.

Addressing the joint press meet with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, PM Modi said, "I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Wong on his first visit to India since assuming office. This visit is all the more special as this year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our relations."

Calling Singapore an "important pillar" of India's Act East policy, he said that the two nations will continue to work together with ASEAN to advance their Joint Vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PM Modi recalled his visit to Singapore in 2024, during which the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and noted that the cooperation and dialogue between the two nations have gained speed and strength in the past year.

"Today, Singapore is our largest trade partner in the Southeast Asia region. There has been a large-scale investment from Singapore in India," he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the defence ties between the two nations are "continuously getting stronger", and hailed the people-to-people relations as "deep and vibrant."

"Today, we have prepared a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not be limited to traditional areas only. In keeping with the changing times, areas like advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil, nuclear and urban water management will also become the focal point of our cooperation," he said.

Highlighting the strengthening bilateral ties, PM Modi said, "Our relations go far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity."

He called technology and innovation "strong pillars" of partnership between India and Singapore and announced that both nations have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum and other digital technologies.

PM Modi said that UPI and PayNow are "successful examples" of digital connectivity between the two nations and also announced that 13 new Indian banks have joined them now.

He announced that India and Singapore have decided to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner.

Both leaders also jointly inaugurated Phase II of the JN Port–PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT).

He announced that sectors like advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil, nuclear and urban water management will also become the focal point of cooperation between the two nations.

The Prime Minister also said that Singapore will help in setting up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai. He emphasised the role of Gujarat's GIFT city in connecting the stock markets of India and Singapore.

Stressing that states of both nations will be "important stakeholders" in bilateral relations, PM Modi recalled, "When President Tharman visited India in January, he visited Odisha. In the last year, the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Telangana, Assam and Andhra Pradesh have visited Singapore. GIFT City in Gujarat has become another new bridge to connect our stock markets."

He also mentioned that the Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement, signed last year, has given a "new direction" to research and development.

"The active participation of Singapore companies in the Semicon India Conference was a big thing in itself. Singapore will help in setting up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai. This centre will prepare skilled manpower in the field of advanced manufacturing," he said.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) In a bid to ensure a safe and joyful experience for devotees, Adani Electricity, the power supplier for Mumbai's Western and Eastern Suburbs, has installed over 2,571 floodlights at 167 Lord Ganesh idol immersion locations across 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards.

In addition, the company installed 80 floodlights around the Mount Mary Church in Bandra for the upcoming Mount Mary Fair from September 5 to September 14.

"Our top priority is ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for our customers and all devotees during this festive season," an Adani Electricity spokesperson said.

"Our power warriors are fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and materials and are strategically stationed across the city to manage any emergencies during the Ganesh immersion days and the Mount Mary Fair," the spokesperson added.

To facilitate a seamless experience for organisers, Adani Electricity also streamlined the process for temporary electricity connections. This will ensure that pandals receive their connections within 48 hours of submitting their applications.

This year, close to 1,000 Ganesh pandals chose Adani Electricity to power their safe and joyous celebrations.

In August, Adani Electricity made temporary electricity connections available to Ganesh pandals at a residential rate.

The initiative ensured that pandals across the city have access to reliable power during the festivities.

“Last year, we successfully provided uninterrupted power to over 986 Ganesh pandals across the city. We've made thorough preparations to expedite connection approvals and maintain a reliable power supply throughout the festival. Our dedicated Quick Response Team is strategically deployed to address any issues swiftly,” the company spokesperson said.

Earlier, Adani Electricity also collaborated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Disaster Management Department to conduct essential electrical safety training for Ganesh Mandal volunteers across Mumbai.

The joint effort aimed to significantly improve emergency preparedness and reduce potential electrical hazards during the upcoming festivities.

--IANS

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