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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and with support from the European Union, released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India here on Wednesday.

Undertaken under the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, the feasibility study assesses the potential for producing and utilising drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. It evaluates domestic feedstock availability, viable production pathways, infrastructure and policy readiness and the enabling conditions needed to establish a robust domestic SAF market. Drawing upon international best practices and tailoring them to India’s socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides a roadmap for sustainable fuel adoption.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu underscored SAF’s critical role in advancing India’s sustainable aviation growth. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, targeting 1 per cent blending by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028 and 5 per cent by 2030 in line with the CORSIA mandate.

"SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonise the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional fuel," the minister said, further highlighting that with over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter.

The study is being deliberated at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, with participation from the ICAO, the EASA, the DGCA, industry partners, and multiple government departments, reflecting a whole-of-government approach towards SAF.

Naidu also highlighted the important milestones already achieved, including the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as the country’s first SAF certification body and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as India’s first SAF producer.

He emphasised that SAF production will not only reduce crude imports and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually, but also boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on track to become the world’s largest domestic aviation market. With a collaborative approach, we are committed to positioning India as a leader in green aviation," Naidu added.

Secretary, Civil Aviation Samir Kumar Sinha, underlined that global warming is a collective challenge and mitigating its impact is a shared responsibility. He reiterated India’s commitment to the UNFCCC framework and emphasised that India already operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets in the world. He also noted that 88 airports have already transitioned to 100 per cent green energy usage, setting benchmarks for global best practices.

The SAF Feasibility Report marks a significant step in the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to creating a robust SAF ecosystem in India. This vision is anchored in a long-term policy framework that supports both the production and utilisation of sustainable aviation fuels. With strong supply-side dynamics and significant sources of low-carbon-intensity feedstocks such as energy crops, agricultural waste and municipal solid waste, India holds immense potential to emerge as a global leader in SAF production, the statement added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and with support from the European Union, released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India here on Wednesday.

Undertaken under the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, the feasibility study assesses the potential for producing and utilising drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. It evaluates domestic feedstock availability, viable production pathways, infrastructure and policy readiness and the enabling conditions needed to establish a robust domestic SAF market. Drawing upon international best practices and tailoring them to India’s socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides a roadmap for sustainable fuel adoption.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu underscored SAF’s critical role in advancing India’s sustainable aviation growth. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, targeting 1 per cent blending by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028 and 5 per cent by 2030 in line with the CORSIA mandate.

"SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonise the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional fuel," the minister said, further highlighting that with over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter.

The study is being deliberated at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, with participation from the ICAO, the EASA, the DGCA, industry partners, and multiple government departments, reflecting a whole-of-government approach towards SAF.

Naidu also highlighted the important milestones already achieved, including the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as the country’s first SAF certification body and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as India’s first SAF producer.

He emphasised that SAF production will not only reduce crude imports and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually, but also boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on track to become the world’s largest domestic aviation market. With a collaborative approach, we are committed to positioning India as a leader in green aviation," Naidu added.

Secretary, Civil Aviation Samir Kumar Sinha, underlined that global warming is a collective challenge and mitigating its impact is a shared responsibility. He reiterated India’s commitment to the UNFCCC framework and emphasised that India already operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets in the world. He also noted that 88 airports have already transitioned to 100 per cent green energy usage, setting benchmarks for global best practices.

The SAF Feasibility Report marks a significant step in the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to creating a robust SAF ecosystem in India. This vision is anchored in a long-term policy framework that supports both the production and utilisation of sustainable aviation fuels. With strong supply-side dynamics and significant sources of low-carbon-intensity feedstocks such as energy crops, agricultural waste and municipal solid waste, India holds immense potential to emerge as a global leader in SAF production, the statement added.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Sep 3 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government has asserted its support for next-generation GST reforms proposed by the Centre.

Participating in the 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav stated that the State government fully supports the reforms being proposed by the centre.

He called it a measure taken in the best interest of the ‘poorest of the poor.’

The two-day meeting is expected to take up a major revamp of GST slabs, compliance simplification measures, and next-generation reforms.

Speaking about the Andhra Pradesh government’s stand, Finance Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Payyavula Keshav said the reforms were in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement of a “Diwali gift” for the people.

“As an alliance partner, the Andhra Pradesh government supports these reforms in the GST sector being proposed by the Government of India. Most of them are aimed at helping the common man and the poorest of the poor. They cover critical sectors such as food, education, health, steel, cement, and textiles,” Minister Keshav said.

Being a crucial NDA ally, he added, the TDP president and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also backed the reforms, calling them a significant step toward reviving the economy and improving people’s lives.

“The reforms are aimed at expanding the Indian economy while rationalising the tax rates on items of common consumption, reducing costs for households and providing relief to millions,” the Minister noted.

“The reforms are being suggested with the intention of ensuring benefits are passed on to the customer and end-consumers. From the Government of India to all participating states, including even opposition voices, there is a shared understanding that the consumer must benefit,” the Finance Minister emphasised.

--IANS

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Chennai, Sep 3 (IANS) The makers of director Athiyan Athirai's eagerly awaited film 'Thandakaaranyam', featuring actors Dinesh and Kalaiyarasan in the lead, on Wednesday disclosed the name of the character that actor Kalaiyarasan plays in the film.

Neelam Productions, the production firm of director Pa Ranjith, which is producing the film, took to its X timeline to announce the character's name. It said, "Gut-wrenching, yet full of grit. #Kalaiyarasan as Murugan in #Thandakaaranyam. ThandakaaranyamFromSept19."

It may be recalled that only a day ago, the unit had disclosed the name of the other lead character played by actor Dinesh.

Director Athiyan Athirai had, on his X timeline on Tuesday, disclosed that Dinesh played a character called Sadaiyan in the film.

A teaser which the unit released recently shows that the story of the film is told from a woman's perspective. A young woman living in a tribal hamlet on the fringes of a forest narrates a story. "Everytime a girl is born in this forest, along with her a root vegetable is also born. My grandmother Richiamma used to say that the man who finds that root vegetable and brings it to you is the one destined for you," she says. "The forest does not comprise of just trees and plants, it also included our love," she explains. "One day, my man made me stand under this tree and went in search of the root to present to me. He still hasn't returned."

From the visuals of the teaser, it is evident that the story narrated by the woman is just an allegory for a more intense story of oppression that is set in the forest lands.

It is evident from the teaser that the character of Murugan is a member of one of the uniformed services and that Sadaiyan is a tribal leader in the film.

The film, which has been produced by director Pa Ranjith's Neelam productions in association with Learn and Teach production, will also feature actors Rithyvika, Vinsu Sam, Muthukumar, Aruldass and Saranya Ravichandran in important roles.

It may be recalled that the film has already been cleared by the Censor Board for release with an U/A certificate and is scheduled to hit screens on September 19.

Actor Shabeer Kallarakkal, who impressed with his performance as 'Dancing Rose' in the sports drama Sarpetta Parambarai, will be seen playing a pivotal role in this film, which will also feature comedian Bala Saravanan in a prominent role.

On the technical front, the film will have music by Justin Prabhakaran and cinematography by Pratheep Kaliraja. Editing for the film will be by Selva while art direction has been handled by Tha Ramalingam.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that shooting for the film took place completely in forests and in villages situated in mountains. This apart, sequences were also shot in hilly regions.

--IANS

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Mumbai Sep 3 (IANS) Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh simply knows how to unwind even while at work.

The actress recently shared a video of herself turning her green room almost into a karaoke studio. The actress was seen singing along with her mobile playlist songs. From actress Kajol's "Awaara Bhanware" to Ahaan Pandey's latest hit, "Saiyaara, Rakul was seen singing them all.

The actress was seen getting ready. In the video you can see Rakul Preet's hairdresser setting her hair while Rakul was seen turning the hairbrush into a mic and singing. The 'Aiyaary' actress knows the game to unwind and never misses out on the moment to turn stressful moments into joyous ones.

Just a few weeks ago the actress was also seen enjoying a relaxing swimming session post-pack-up on day one of the shoot of an upcoming project. Rakul Preet took to her social media account in sharing a picture of herself posing in the pool. She wrote, "Day 1 of shoot... Managed a swimpost packup, along with a red heart emoji.

Rakul did not reveal anything about her movie, nor is it clear as to which project she was referring to in the social media story. Rakul, a few weeks ago, had announced her primary collaboration with ace designer Manish Malhotra.

The Bollywood fashion designer, back then, had taken to his official social media handle and shared a glimpse of the costume trail for their primary collaboration. Dropping a photo with Rakul, the designer wrote, “@rakulpreetsingh Costume trial. First film together".

Resharing the post, Rakul, who seemed thrilled, stated, “Yayyyyyy, so so happy to finally work on a film together... can't wait to bring your magic to the screen.”

For now, not much is known about Rakul and Manish's upcoming venture or project, but it has already managed to create a lot of buzz among moviegoers. On the professional front, Rakul will be seen reprising her role as Ayesha Khurana in the highly anticipated sequel, "De De Pyaar De 2". She will be seen paired opposite to Ajay Devgn for the second time, who will essay the role of Ashish Mehra yet again in the movie.

According to Buzz, R. Madhavan has also been roped in to play Dev Khurana, Ayesha's father, in the sequel. Helmed by Anshul Sharma, "De De Pyaar De 2" will star Tabu, Jimmy Shergill, Alok Nath, and Inayat Sood in important roles. Actress Tamannaah Bhatia and Bollywood villain Prakash Raj will be seen in cameo appearances.

"De De Pyaar De 2" is slated to hit the theatres on 14th November 2025. Rakul is also busy as a bee with her upcoming projects, "Pati Patni Aur Woh 2", opposite Ayushmann Khurrana, and Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus "Ramayana", alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

--IANS

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London, Sep 3 (IANs) England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was called up to the England squad for the first time in six years, after having last played for the Three Lions in 2018, after Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton suffered an injury.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who worked with the midfielder during his time at Chelsea, was key to Loftus-Cheek’s call up and the 29-year-old believes the German knows him as a player.

"When Tuchel came to Chelsea, I was still on my loan at Fulham and this was the year after my injury. I had a year to feel myself again. I didn’t know too much about him (Tuchel) as a manager when I came back. I did pre-season with Chelsea and that’s when we spoke about playing wing-back. I also played centre-back for one game and right-wing back so a number of positions for him.

"After working with him, I know that he knows me as a player so I thought that if I was doing well, I would have a chance. I knew the manager would be keeping tabs on the players playing abroad so I thought I might get a shout. I was notified before the weekend to just be ready, but I wasn't in the first squad," he said.

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek last appeared for the Three Lions in November 2018 and has 10 caps to his name.

England continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with the visit of Andorra to Villa Park on Saturday, September 6 and a trip to face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday, September 9.

When asked where he was when he got the call up, Ruben replied, "It was a text first (from Ruth, not Thomas Tuchel) saying ‘where are you?’ I said I was in England and she said perfect. I was actually at my mum's house, so it was a good feeling."

--IANS

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London, Sep 3 (IANs) England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was called up to the England squad for the first time in six years, after having last played for the Three Lions in 2018, after Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton suffered an injury.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who worked with the midfielder during his time at Chelsea, was key to Loftus-Cheek’s call up and the 29-year-old believes the German knows him as a player.

"When Tuchel came to Chelsea, I was still on my loan at Fulham and this was the year after my injury. I had a year to feel myself again. I didn’t know too much about him (Tuchel) as a manager when I came back. I did pre-season with Chelsea and that’s when we spoke about playing wing-back. I also played centre-back for one game and right-wing back so a number of positions for him.

"After working with him, I know that he knows me as a player so I thought that if I was doing well, I would have a chance. I knew the manager would be keeping tabs on the players playing abroad so I thought I might get a shout. I was notified before the weekend to just be ready, but I wasn't in the first squad," he said.

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek last appeared for the Three Lions in November 2018 and has 10 caps to his name.

England continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with the visit of Andorra to Villa Park on Saturday, September 6 and a trip to face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday, September 9.

When asked where he was when he got the call up, Ruben replied, "It was a text first (from Ruth, not Thomas Tuchel) saying ‘where are you?’ I said I was in England and she said perfect. I was actually at my mum's house, so it was a good feeling."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) Deadline Day signing Brian Brobbey has spoken of his excitement after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with Sunderland AFC. Brobbey joined the club after Marc Guiu returned to Stamford Bridge following the injury to Liam Delap and the departure of Nicolas Jackson.

The Dutch forward was one of 15 players to arrive at the Club during a busy summer transfer window, joining from Ajax with a growing reputation as a powerful striker. Still only 23, he has already made eight appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring once at senior international level.

Speaking after his move was confirmed, Brobbey shared his first impressions of life on Wearside.

“It feels really good to be here. I’m with my whole family and we’ve already been to the stadium – it’s a really nice ground, really big, and it felt amazing to see it. I chose Sunderland because it’s a really nice club, and of course, the Premier League is the biggest stage for the biggest players. That’s why I wanted to come here,” said Brobbey.

The forward outlined what supporters can expect from him in red and white. “I’m a team player. I like to hold the ball so that my teammates can get involved, and of course, I want to score goals. I’ve played at the highest level in Europe and internationally, and I want to bring everything I’ve learned to Sunderland. I will give full energy to this club.”

Looking ahead to walking out at the Stadium of Light, Brobbey said the passion of the supporters will play a huge role.

“I’m looking forward to scoring many goals, but first of all, it’s about the energy. If the energy is right, then everything will come.

“In a sold-out Stadium of Light, I know I can take a lot from the supporters – their energy will push me when I’m in front of goal.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India greatly values the understanding shown by Germany regarding its fight against terrorism. The EAM highlighted that Germany 's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has been explicit regarding India's right to defend its people against terrorist attacks.

While speaking to reporters alongside Wadephul following their meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar also recalled how Germany warmly received India's parliamentary delegation in June following the decisive Operation Sindoor.

"During the day today, we've had detailed discussions on various aspects of our ties. This includes our political cooperation, security and defence, economic relations, research and future technologies, climate and energy as well as education, skilling, mobility and people-to-people exchanges. So, let me share with you some key points which came out of today's discussion. One, we greatly value the understanding that Germany has shown with regard to India's fight against terrorism. Minister Wadephul has himself been explicit about our right to defend our people against terrorist attacks. A parliamentary delegation that visited Germany in June after Operation Sindoor was also warmly received," he said.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, following the heinous April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in a punitive strike across the Line of Control and deeper into Pakistan-occupied territories, aiming to dismantle terror infrastructure at its roots.

EAM Jaishankar emphasised that there has been an uptick in India-Germany defence and security partnership and recalled the participation of Germany in the Tarang Shakti exercises. The External Affairs Minister said that he and Wadephul agreed for continuation and expansion of such participation.

"There's been an uptick in our defence and security cooperation. Germany participated in the Tarang Shakti air exercises last year and its ships made port calls to Goa. Today, we agreed that such participation should be continued, indeed even expanded. In the past, we have had significant export control difficulties in the defence and security domain. I would like to express my appreciation today for the smoothening of these processes and more expeditious clearances. We also spoke about greater industry collaboration between our two countries in this context."

On his discussion with Wadephul, Jaishankar said, "We have just completed a very productive discussion on India-Germany cooperation, on our relationship with the European Union and we have exchanged views on regional, global and multilateral issues. Now, before I come to those subjects, let me again first publicly welcome my friend Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul who is here for the first time in his current capacity. I had the honor of being his guest this May and between May and now we have actually been regularly in touch in this intervening period. Now, I first got to know him when we met at the Munich Security Conference which was well before he became the Foreign Minister. And, I must say even then I was impressed by his commitment to advancing the India-Germany strategic partnership. I'm very confident that that enthusiasm will now be applied by him fully in his new role."

"Held detailed discussions on our bilateral agenda as we prepare for the next round of Inter-Governmental Consultations to be held in India. Explored greater collaboration in furthering industry linkages, talent mobility, digital, semiconductors and critical technologies. Appreciate Germany’s strong advocacy for closer India-EU ties and proactive push in concluding the FTA. Also exchanged views on our multilateral cooperation and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, situation in Middle East/West Asia and the Indo-Pacific," the EAM posted on X following his discussions with the visiting German Foreign Minister.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 3 (IANS) Veteran actor Anupam Kher enjoyed a magical encounter with not one, but two musical legends, singer Shreya Ghoshal and composer M M Keeravani.

The video dropped by 'Tanvi: The Great' maker on his IG opened with Kher expressing his excitement at being joined by these two.

Talking about the composer, Shreya said: "Keeravani sir's songs sound the most beautiful in his own voice." She further revealed that her favorite song of the composer is 'Awarapan Banjarapan' from "Jism" (2003).

As she begins to croon the beautiful track in her melodious voice, Keeravani joins in, making it a memorable moment.

However, the 'Baahubli' composer pointed out the contradiction that while 'Awarapan' means loneliness, two people are singing the track.

Correcting him politely, Kher said, "Sir, Awarapan is not loneliness, but a kind of freedom, abandoning. Over here, it is used as a very, very free approach to life."

"MAGICAL ENCOUNTER: I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting two magicians from the world of music - @mmkeeravaani sir and dearest @shreyaghoshal! Even their casual humming can transport one to a world of peace and tranquility! The meeting happened few days back. But its impact will remain for a long long time! Loved the encounter! Jai Ho! #Music #MMKeeravani #Shreyaghoshal" Kher captioned the post.

On Monday, Kher offered prayers to the famous Lalbaugcha Raja without any VIP arrangements.

Sharing a string of photos and videos from his religious visit, he penned a note that read: “Aaj Lalbaug ke Raja ke darshan ka saubhagya prapt hua. Bina kisi VIP darshan ke intazam ke gaya tha. To kuch aur accha laga. (Today I got the opportunity to visit the king of Lalbagh. Went without any VIP visit. So it felt even better.)"

“Woh baat alag hai bhakton ka pyaar aur organizers ki daya bhavna bani rahi. Lakhon ki taadaad mein log aate hain. Lekin kamaal ka anushasan aur vyavastha dekh kar garv hota hai. Bhaktjanon ki Ganpati ke prati bhavnaayein atoot hain. Ganpati Bappa Morya! (What stood out was the love of the devotees and the kindness of the organizers. Despite lakhs of people coming, the discipline and management were truly commendable. The devotees’ devotion towards Ganpati is unwavering. Ganpati Bappa Morya!)," Kher further added.

--IANS

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