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Chandigarh, Sep 3 (IANS) Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that the Ambala Cantonment administration has been placed on high alert following increased water flow in the Tangri river.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called in, and direction has been issued to the Deputy Commissioner for coordinating with the Army to remain on standby.

Responding to media queries regarding heavy rainfall, waterlogging and drainage in Ambala, Minister Vij said that senior officials, including the SDM of the cantonment and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, have been inspecting vulnerable areas.

Due to continuous rainfall, blockages often occur under culverts, and steps are being taken to clear them immediately.

He said that all councillors and officials formed teams early this morning and have been visiting their respective wards from 6 a.m. onwards to assess conditions and ensure swift remedial action.

Minister Vij further stated that the government had earlier constructed an eight-km-long permanent embankment on the Tangri River, which is today providing safety to Ambala Cantonment.

"Recently, when the river carried a flow of 38,000 cusecs, the embankment protected the cantonment area," he asserted.

The minister said that damage occurred only to those who had constructed houses within the riverbed of Tangri.

Despite repeated warnings to vacate, some people did not comply.

Later, they were rescued with the help of the State Disaster Response Force and the administration using boats, and arrangements were made for their accommodation and food.

He added that voluntary organisations have also been engaged to provide meals in the affected areas. Haryana has recorded its highest cumulative monsoon rainfall in 27 years. From June 1 to September 2, the state has received 498.4 mm of rainfall, against a normal of 357.3 mm - 39 per cent above average.

The government has directed all field officers to remain at their headquarters till September 5, with no leave allowed without clearance from the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary (Home).

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a speedy peace agreement in Ukraine made during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China's Tianjin, describing it as a significant development for Europe.

"For us in Germany and Europe, Russia's war of aggression remains right now the biggest challenge to our security policy. The fact that Prime Minister Modi, when he met with President Putin a couple of days ago, also pointed to the need for a speedy peace agreement in Ukraine has been important to us. We Europeans are doing our best working with our American and Ukrainian friends to ensure that this war ends soon and Ukraine finds peace as a sovereign state," Wadephul said while addressing a joint media briefing with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar following their talks in New Delhi.

"I spoke out in favour today that India uses its relations with Russia to point to the need to make peace return to Europe. I'm grateful for the open discussion we had today, and peace is the basis for security, freedom and prosperity. Security, anyway or generally speaking, is and will remain a challenge for the future, and we are pleased that in the vicinity of India too, a ceasefire has come to apply,” he added.

The German Foreign Minister further assured that Germany stands firmly on India's side in its fight against terrorism.

He also asserted that India and Germany are united by an objective to preserve the rules-based international order that includes the freedom of maritime trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

"China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific is a cause for concern for both our countries. More generally, we aim to further expand our cooperation in the areas of defence, security, and armaments. And we talked about this today. Be that through common exercises of our forces or speeding up the granting of export licenses process for the Indo-Pacific engagement," Wadephul emphasised

"Last year, a German frigate made a port call in India. Germany stands ready to enhance this cooperation. We also talked about the fact that security in the Indo-Pacific is closely linked to security in Europe," he added.

The German Foreign Minister expressed hope that the German Chancellor would visit India soon, highlighting the need to work together to tackle the shared challenges and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.

As a rising economic powerhouse and the most populous country and biggest democracy in the world, he said, India holds strategic significance in the global world order.

--IANS

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Varanasi, Sep 3 (IANS) As the 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, began in New Delhi, Professor Anoop Kumar Mishra, Head of the Economics Department at Varanasi's DAV College (affiliated to BHU) on Wednesday said that the government is attempting to use the domestic market to cushion the impact of global tariff wars on Indian exporters.

"Today’s meeting can be seen from two perspectives. First, the tariff war initiated by US President Donald Trump. Because of this, Indian exporters are facing difficulties. When our products go abroad, nearly 50 per cent additional duty is imposed on them," Professor Mishra told IANS.

The two-day Council meeting, scheduled for September 3-4, is expected to discuss rate rationalisation. Proposals on the table include eliminating the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moving towards a simplified structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, along with a 40 per cent slab for so-called "sin goods".

Mishra highlighted the second key context for the meeting - India’s approaching festive season.

“This 56th meeting is taking place just before festivals, when consumer demand traditionally rises. The government is trying to ensure that the losses exporters face from global tariffs can be compensated through the internal market. This is India’s answer to the tariff war,” he added.

He linked the strategy to the government’s push for ‘Vocal for Local.’

"India is promoting indigenous products. The Prime Minister has consistently stressed that self-reliance will come from strengthening local industries. The GST decisions under consideration aim to support that vision," he said.

Mishra added that rationalising GST could boost consumption and simultaneously support government revenue.

“With festivals approaching, consumer numbers will increase. Lower GST rates will make goods cheaper, encouraging demand. When demand rises, government revenue also deepens. It becomes a win-win situation for both consumers and the state. These decisions will be historic,” he added.

He also underlined the benefits for those unable to export their products abroad due to high tariffs.

“Such producers will now find opportunities in the domestic market. This will generate revenue, benefit consumers with lower prices, and allow exporters to reduce their losses. Everyone gains,” he told IANS.

The GST Council meeting brings together the Union and state Finance Ministers with the agenda of structural reforms in GST, including rate changes, simplifying compliance, and exploring new compensation mechanisms for states. A preparatory officers’ meeting was held on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for the key discussions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The upcoming changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), likely to be announced on Thursday, should trigger a decisive, consumption-led turn in India’s growth cycle, a report said on Wednesday.

This adds to earlier stimulus measures like welfare spending and monetary easing, and has secondary benefits like formalisation.

According to Emkay Global Financial Services' report, India’s earnings cycle is bottoming out, and this could be the catalyst for an upgrade cycle to kick in.

"We maintain our September Nifty target at 28,000 and stick to Discretionary as our biggest overweight. The best way to play the cycle is through the auto ecosystem – OEMs, ancillaries, and lenders," the report maintained.

"We expect GST 2.0 to be a game-changing reform and not just incremental adjustments," it added.

The benefits are three-fold -- an immediate boost to consumption, accelerated formalisation of the economy, and greater efficiencies from lower regulatory burden.

The 56th GST Council has begun its discussion on rates rationalisation and on proposals to cut levies on life and health insurance premiums, with rate notifications likely by the third week of September, according to reports.

Consumers and industry are closely watching as the GST Council takes up the long-pending issue of GST rate rationalisation, a move that could sharply reduce prices of daily essentials as well as premium products.

According to market watchers, in the near term, market sentiment hinges on the outcome of the GST Council meeting, with traction on consumption-oriented stocks and sectors.

The upcoming GST 2.0 reforms will boost consumer sentiment, spur demand, and simplify compliance.

According to Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, markets on Wednesday moved higher and gained over half a per cent, supported by optimism around the GST Council meeting.

"With participants awaiting clarity from the GST Council outcome, we continue to view the index as being in a consolidation phase. Any favourable announcements from the GST Council could act as a near-term catalyst," he mentioned.

--IANS

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Visakhapatnam, Sep 3 (IANS) With the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 well underway, a dedicated group of officials from ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ completed an intensive 12-day training camp that signals a significant transformation in kabaddi officiating.

Running from August 15 to August 27 in Hyderabad, this comprehensive programme welcomed 23 newcomers, taking the total number to 45 officials, creating a perfect blend of fresh talent and seasoned referees. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra led the representation with four referees each, reflecting the nationwide commitment to officiating in this league.

"Due to changes in some rules and formats this season, we have increased the number of officials in our training," explains E. Prasad Rao, Technical Director of the PKL. He highlighted how the rule modifications have necessitated an expanded preparation program. The selection process was thorough, beginning with online training before bringing the final cohort together for intensive face-to-face sessions.

What makes this training key is the response to PKL's new tiebreaker format, which has transformed every match into what officials describe as a ‘do or die’ situation. "Now every match is a whether you can say do or die match. Every match has to be decided by a tiebreaker rule," ‘Kabaddi’ Rao emphasised, underlining the heightened responsibility officials now carry.

The tiebreaker format introduced game-changing complexities: five raids per team, no player eliminations during tiebreakers, and the baulk line becoming the bonus line. "So many rules are changed in a tiebreaker," making the officials' role ‘very, very, very crucial,’ reiterated Mr. Rao.

The camp's methodology reflects PKL's evolution from sporting competition to precision-based entertainment. With multiple matches per venue, officials must execute decisions with accuracy. "How to go, how fast to collect information," he noted, emphasizing that every procedural element has been ‘calculated with time and methodology.’

Wednesday’s first match will see Puneri Paltan take the mat against Bengal Warriorz with the hopes of continuing their good form of two straight wins. Their task will be cut out, however, given the way the Warriorz – led by Devank Dalal – played against the defending champions Haryana Steelers.

The second match will see U Mumba and Haryana Steelers battle for supremacy. Reeling from their loss against the Warriorz in their last match, the Steelers will be facing off against an in-form U Mumba, who have two wins in two matches, led by the experience of Sunil Kumar.

--IANS

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Visakhapatnam, Sep 3 (IANS) With the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 well underway, a dedicated group of officials from ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ completed an intensive 12-day training camp that signals a significant transformation in kabaddi officiating.

Running from August 15 to August 27 in Hyderabad, this comprehensive programme welcomed 23 newcomers, taking the total number to 45 officials, creating a perfect blend of fresh talent and seasoned referees. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra led the representation with four referees each, reflecting the nationwide commitment to officiating in this league.

"Due to changes in some rules and formats this season, we have increased the number of officials in our training," explains E. Prasad Rao, Technical Director of the PKL. He highlighted how the rule modifications have necessitated an expanded preparation program. The selection process was thorough, beginning with online training before bringing the final cohort together for intensive face-to-face sessions.

What makes this training key is the response to PKL's new tiebreaker format, which has transformed every match into what officials describe as a ‘do or die’ situation. "Now every match is a whether you can say do or die match. Every match has to be decided by a tiebreaker rule," ‘Kabaddi’ Rao emphasised, underlining the heightened responsibility officials now carry.

The tiebreaker format introduced game-changing complexities: five raids per team, no player eliminations during tiebreakers, and the baulk line becoming the bonus line. "So many rules are changed in a tiebreaker," making the officials' role ‘very, very, very crucial,’ reiterated Mr. Rao.

The camp's methodology reflects PKL's evolution from sporting competition to precision-based entertainment. With multiple matches per venue, officials must execute decisions with accuracy. "How to go, how fast to collect information," he noted, emphasizing that every procedural element has been ‘calculated with time and methodology.’

Wednesday’s first match will see Puneri Paltan take the mat against Bengal Warriorz with the hopes of continuing their good form of two straight wins. Their task will be cut out, however, given the way the Warriorz – led by Devank Dalal – played against the defending champions Haryana Steelers.

The second match will see U Mumba and Haryana Steelers battle for supremacy. Reeling from their loss against the Warriorz in their last match, the Steelers will be facing off against an in-form U Mumba, who have two wins in two matches, led by the experience of Sunil Kumar.

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 3 (IANS)Actress Malavika Mohanan, who is delighted with the audience's reception to her recently released film Hridayapoorvam, has now penned an adorable note of gratitude to the core team of the film in which she has chosen to give Malayalam superstar Mohanlal a nickname.

Taking to her Instagram page, Malavika penned a lengthy note in which she thanked the director of the film, Sathiyan Anthikad, for giving her the character Haritha in the film.

She wrote, "Sathyan Sir, thank you for giving me Haritha. It has been a dream of mine since I began acting to work with you. Beyond my deep admiration for your films, what has always moved me most is the way you write your female characters- with such depth, nuance, and grace. They live, breathe, and linger long after the story ends."

The actress pointed out that the ace director had been so incredibly kind, sensitive, and thoughtful throughout the process of making the film.

She said the director had made the experience feel not just creatively fulfilling, but also deeply personal and nurturing. "This chapter will always have the most colourful bookmark in my journey," she told director Sathiyan Anthikad.

Malavika also thanked actor Mohanlal, who plays the lead in the film. She wrote, "...everyone already knows how incredible you are as an actor. It feels silly to state the obvious. But what’s stayed with me the most is the kindness and genuine care you’ve shown me, especially as a younger actor trying to find my way. You’ve been so patient and supportive, always encouraging me and making the set feel like a lovely, welcoming place."

The actress went on to say that Mohanlal always knew how to lighten the mood and make tricky, tough days feel a little easier.

"Honestly, I never imagined I’d get the chance to work alongside you in such a meaningful role, and it ended up being one of the most precious experiences of my life. I’m truly grateful- not just for the opportunity itself, but for the kindness and generosity you gave me at every step. It meant more than I can ever put into words," she wrote.

She ended the note saying, "Also you’re such a pookie and so adorable! Wasn’t pookie lal the perfect nickname for him?"

She signed off by asking audiences to watch the film in theatres if they hadn’t already watched it, saying, "I promise you it’ll steal at least a tiny bit of your heart."

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 3 (IANS)Actress Malavika Mohanan, who is delighted with the audience's reception to her recently released film Hridayapoorvam, has now penned an adorable note of gratitude to the core team of the film in which she has chosen to give Malayalam superstar Mohanlal a nickname.

Taking to her Instagram page, Malavika penned a lengthy note in which she thanked the director of the film, Sathiyan Anthikad, for giving her the character Haritha in the film.

She wrote, "Sathyan Sir, thank you for giving me Haritha. It has been a dream of mine since I began acting to work with you. Beyond my deep admiration for your films, what has always moved me most is the way you write your female characters- with such depth, nuance, and grace. They live, breathe, and linger long after the story ends."

The actress pointed out that the ace director had been so incredibly kind, sensitive, and thoughtful throughout the process of making the film.

She said the director had made the experience feel not just creatively fulfilling, but also deeply personal and nurturing. "This chapter will always have the most colourful bookmark in my journey," she told director Sathiyan Anthikad.

Malavika also thanked actor Mohanlal, who plays the lead in the film. She wrote, "...everyone already knows how incredible you are as an actor. It feels silly to state the obvious. But what’s stayed with me the most is the kindness and genuine care you’ve shown me, especially as a younger actor trying to find my way. You’ve been so patient and supportive, always encouraging me and making the set feel like a lovely, welcoming place."

The actress went on to say that Mohanlal always knew how to lighten the mood and make tricky, tough days feel a little easier.

"Honestly, I never imagined I’d get the chance to work alongside you in such a meaningful role, and it ended up being one of the most precious experiences of my life. I’m truly grateful- not just for the opportunity itself, but for the kindness and generosity you gave me at every step. It meant more than I can ever put into words," she wrote.

She ended the note saying, "Also you’re such a pookie and so adorable! Wasn’t pookie lal the perfect nickname for him?"

She signed off by asking audiences to watch the film in theatres if they hadn’t already watched it, saying, "I promise you it’ll steal at least a tiny bit of your heart."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 3 (IANS) Ever since actress Shilpa Shetty announced the shutting down of one of her iconic Bandra restaurants in Mumbai, a lot of speculations have been doing the rounds that the establishment is closing due to Shilpa and her husband, Raj Kundra's, financial fraud.

However, now, Shilpa's business partner clarified that the closing of the Bandra restaurant is not the end of the brand, but rather the beginning of something new.

”Bandra was our beginning, and while that chapter closes, two new stories are waiting to be written,” said Ranjit Bindra, the Founder & CEO of Bastian Hospitality.

He added that as they bid adieu to their flagship venture, they look forward to adding two exciting new chapters in their culinary journey.

Bindra informed that by mid-October, the iconic Bandra space will be transformed into Ammakai - a specialty South Indian restaurant.

With this, they wish to pay homage to the depth of South Indian culinary traditions, with recipes steeped in heritage, and enriched with regional flavours.

Not just that, they are also expanding their reach to the shores of Juhu with the Bastian Beach Club.

"Bandra was where Bastian’s journey began, and it will always remain close to us. As we evolve, it feels right to honour the depth of South Indian cuisine through Ammakai, while also bringing the energy and indulgence of Bastian to Juhu in a fresh new way. We’re closing one chapter, but two new stories are waiting to be written, and we can’t wait to welcome you into them," Bindra added.

For those who do not know, Shilpa and Raj were booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for allegedly defrauding a Mumbai-based businessman of INR 60.4 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal linked to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

According to Mumbai Police, a businessman named Deepak Kothari has accused Shilpa and Raj of cheating. He alleged that the money, given between 2015 and 2023 for business expansion, was used for personal expenses.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 3 (IANS) Ever since actress Shilpa Shetty announced the shutting down of one of her iconic Bandra restaurants in Mumbai, a lot of speculations have been doing the rounds that the establishment is closing due to Shilpa and her husband, Raj Kundra's, financial fraud.

However, now, Shilpa's business partner clarified that the closing of the Bandra restaurant is not the end of the brand, but rather the beginning of something new.

”Bandra was our beginning, and while that chapter closes, two new stories are waiting to be written,” said Ranjit Bindra, the Founder & CEO of Bastian Hospitality.

He added that as they bid adieu to their flagship venture, they look forward to adding two exciting new chapters in their culinary journey.

Bindra informed that by mid-October, the iconic Bandra space will be transformed into Ammakai - a specialty South Indian restaurant.

With this, they wish to pay homage to the depth of South Indian culinary traditions, with recipes steeped in heritage, and enriched with regional flavours.

Not just that, they are also expanding their reach to the shores of Juhu with the Bastian Beach Club.

"Bandra was where Bastian’s journey began, and it will always remain close to us. As we evolve, it feels right to honour the depth of South Indian cuisine through Ammakai, while also bringing the energy and indulgence of Bastian to Juhu in a fresh new way. We’re closing one chapter, but two new stories are waiting to be written, and we can’t wait to welcome you into them," Bindra added.

For those who do not know, Shilpa and Raj were booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for allegedly defrauding a Mumbai-based businessman of INR 60.4 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal linked to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

According to Mumbai Police, a businessman named Deepak Kothari has accused Shilpa and Raj of cheating. He alleged that the money, given between 2015 and 2023 for business expansion, was used for personal expenses.

--IANS

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