Farmers in Assam’s Doyang Rise in Defiance to Protect Ancestral Lands Amid Border Tensions with Nagaland

In a powerful grassroots uprising, hundreds of farmers and villagers from Doyang in Assam’s Golaghat district staged a mass protest today, demanding protection of their ancestral agricultural lands in the Merapani Seed Farm area from what they allege is ongoing “encroachment” by neighboring Nagaland. With slogans, placards, and unyielding determination, the protestors defied legal notices, administrative advisories, and what they called “political pressure and conspiracies” to silence their voices. The Merapani region, a long-disputed border zone between Assam and Nagaland, has once again emerged as a flashpoint in the broader inter-state boundary conflict. “For generations, our livelihoods have depended on these lands,” said one farmer, “but now, we are being forced to fight for our very existence.” Despite warnings from the Assam government and Golaghat district authorities—including legal advisories discouraging the gathering—residents marched on, united in their call for urgent action. Their demands center on: Protestors voiced their frustration at what they described as the “deafening silence” of political leaders and bureaucratic inaction over a conflict that has simmered for decades. In response to the mounting tensions, Golaghat’s Border Magistrate Ratul Roy and Additional Superintendent of Police John Das arrived on site and held talks with the demonstrators. After receiving assurances that their concerns would be escalated to senior state officials for swift resolution, the farmers agreed to temporarily suspend their protest. However, they issued a firm warning: if action isn’t taken soon, they will return with greater strength. This demonstration marks a significant moment in the ongoing Assam-Nagaland border dispute and underscores growing rural frustration over land rights, administrative inaction, and state accountability.

Imanvi Breaks Silence Amid Controversy, Denies Claims Linking Family to Pakistan Army

Imanvi, the debutant actress cast opposite Prabhas in the upcoming period war drama Fauji, has found herself at the center of a heated social media controversy following unverified claims about her family’s alleged ties to the Pakistan Army. The uproar began in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed nearly 28 civilians in Kashmir and has since reignited nationalistic sentiments online. Soon after the tragedy, rumors began surfacing online alleging that Imanvi—whose full name is Iman Esmail—had Pakistani heritage and that her father once served as a Major in the Pakistan Army before moving to the United States. The baseless speculation sparked a wave of outrage, with some social media users demanding her removal from Fauji. In response to the backlash, Imanvi issued a heartfelt statement on social media, where she not only condemned the Pahalgam attack but also denied all allegations connecting her family to the Pakistani military. “These are falsehoods fabricated by online trolls meant to spread hate and division,” she wrote. “No one in my family has ever had any association with the Pakistani military. These rumours are completely baseless and deeply hurtful.” Expressing disappointment over the irresponsible spread of misinformation, she criticized some media outlets and individuals for sharing the claims without verification. She went on to clarify her background, identifying herself as a proud Indian American born in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, she stated, immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and later became American citizens. Imanvi emphasized her deep-rooted connection to Indian culture, noting her fluency in Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English, and her long-standing passion for Indian cinema. After graduating from university in the U.S., she pursued a career in the arts as an actor, dancer, and choreographer, and described her Bollywood debut as a dream come true. “I hope to add to the incredible legacy of the trailblazers that came before me,” she said, underlining her vision to use art as a bridge for unity and healing, not division. Concluding her message with a plea for peace and compassion, Imanvi said, “As we mourn the tragic loss of life, let’s continue to spread love and uplift one another.” Her dignified response has since garnered support from fans and industry colleagues, who are rallying behind the actress amid the controversy.

PM Modi Launches ₹13,500 Crore Projects in Bihar, Flags Off Four New Trains on National Panchayati Raj Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bihar on Thursday, launched and inaugurated development projects worth approximately ₹13,500 crore. The event was marked by the inauguration of vital infrastructure projects and the launch of new train services aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting regional development. Among the key highlights was the flagging off of four new trains: Marking the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, the Prime Minister also inaugurated crucial rail infrastructure projects including: In a push towards energy and infrastructure growth, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for an LPG bottling plant with a rail unloading facility at Hathua in Gopalganj district. With an investment of around ₹340 crore, the plant is expected to enhance the efficiency of bulk LPG transportation and streamline supply chains in the region. The power sector also received a significant boost as the PM laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,170 crore and inaugurated multiple projects exceeding ₹5,030 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme in Bihar. Furthering rural empowerment, PM Modi distributed benefits worth around ₹930 crore under the Community Investment Fund to more than 2 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar as part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Additionally, he handed over sanction letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries under the PMAY-Gramin scheme and released instalments to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries across the country. He also conducted Grih Pravesh (house-warming) for 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-Urban houses in Bihar by handing over keys to selected beneficiaries. The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive development, infrastructure expansion, and rural empowerment in Bihar and across India.

Samsung Considers Shifting Manufacturing Base from Vietnam to India Amid Tariff Concerns

South Korean electronics giant Samsung is reportedly evaluating the possibility of relocating a portion of its smartphone and electronics manufacturing operations from Vietnam to India. The strategic move is aimed at mitigating risks arising from potential US tariffs on Vietnamese exports, according to a report by Moneycontrol. Sources familiar with the development revealed that Samsung has already initiated early-stage discussions with Indian contract manufacturing firms such as Bhagwati (Micromax) and Dixon Technologies. These talks are focused on assessing the feasibility of shifting parts of its production lines to India. “Yes, talks have begun with Indian EMS players, including their existing partners. Not just Samsung, all other companies with a base in Vietnam are exploring possibilities to shift some production to India,” a source privy to the matter told Moneycontrol on the condition of anonymity. “Samsung and partners are discussing production adjustments in favour of India.” Vietnam currently functions as Samsung’s largest global manufacturing base. However, with rising trade tensions and the looming threat of tariffs—especially from the US—the electronics major is looking at India as a strategic alternative to serve international markets more smoothly and cost-effectively. India has been aggressively promoting itself as a global manufacturing hub under its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and other government-backed incentives for electronics production. If Samsung proceeds with its plans, it could mark a significant boost for India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the country’s role in global supply chains.

Audit Flags Delay in Transfer of Kochi Corporation Employees’ NPS Shares

The Local Fund Audit Department has raised serious concerns over delays in the transfer of National Pension Scheme (NPS) contributions for employees of the Kochi Municipal Corporation in its audit report for the year 2023–24. The report points out that the civic body deposited ₹2.11 crore as its share and dues from regular staff and ₹3.81 crore from contingent staff in the account of the Director of Urban Affairs during the fiscal year. However, the audit observed that these transfers were not made in a timely manner as mandated. According to a 2014 circular, both the employee’s deducted contribution and the employer’s matching share must be transferred to a special pension account the day after the deduction is made. Details of the beneficiaries along with the transaction ID must then be forwarded to the NPS account. The audit report notes that Kochi Corporation has not adhered to this requirement and has sought an explanation for the delay. In response, the corporation stated that more than 700 of its employees are enrolled in the NPS. It explained that while regular staff salaries are processed using SPARK software, the transfer of pension-related data to the NPS database requires processing through Sthapana software. Only after generating a supplementary salary bill can data be transferred to the Sthapana system. The corporation added that this technical requirement causes delays, and data is usually ported only at the end of each month. The civic body also cited occasional shortages in its own funds as another reason for delays in transferring the NPS shares. The audit wing has directed the corporation to urgently resolve these technical and procedural issues. It warned that the ongoing delays are resulting in financial losses to employees. The audit department emphasized that the NPS contributions of all eligible staff should be transferred promptly to the designated account maintained by the Director of Urban Affairs to ensure compliance and protect employee interests.

India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Closes Wagah Border Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a strong response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, India on Wednesday announced the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing. The decisions were taken during a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms, offered condolences to the victims’ families, and reiterated India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. He confirmed that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which allocates western rivers to Pakistan and eastern rivers to India, would be suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends its support for cross-border terrorism. Though India, as the upper riparian state, cannot immediately halt water flow, the move is seen as a strategic warning. Experts say it could severely impact Pakistan, particularly its Punjab province, if the threat is carried through. In addition, India has ordered the expulsion of all Pakistani military advisors from its High Commission in New Delhi and will withdraw its own from Islamabad. All Pakistani nationals in India with SAARC visas have been given 48 hours to leave.

Twelve US States Sue Trump Administration Over Tariff Policy; California Files Separate Case

In a major legal challenge, twelve US states—including New York, Illinois, Arizona, and Oregon—have filed a federal lawsuit on April 23, contesting the tariff policies introduced by former President Donald Trump under the guise of a national emergency. The lawsuit alleges the tariffs were imposed unilaterally and illegally, without Congressional approval, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977. ⚖️ Key Points from the Lawsuit: “By claiming authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs… the President has upended the Constitutional order and brought **chaos to the American economy,” the complaint reads. The legal action comes in the wake of Trump’s declaration on April 2, where he announced reciprocal tariffs against multiple nations, arguing that the U.S. should match tariffs other countries place on American goods. 🌐 States Involved: 🇺🇸 Separate Lawsuit from California In parallel, California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a separate lawsuit in the US District Court for Northern California, claiming the tariffs would cause billions in losses for California—the largest importing state in the country. Arizona AG Kris Mayes slammed the policy as “insane,” calling it “economically reckless and illegal.” 🏛️ White House Responds White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration’s stance, stating: “The Trump administration remains committed to addressing this national emergency… with every tool at our disposal, from tariffs to negotiations.” The lawsuits mark a significant legal test for the limits of executive authority in trade policy and could have far-reaching implications for U.S. economic governance and international trade relations.

Jr NTR’s Body Double Eshwar Harris Rejects War 2 Offer Over Low Pay, Slams Bollywood Pay Practices

Eshwar Harris, the body double of Telugu superstar Jr NTR, has reportedly turned down an offer to work on the much-anticipated action film War 2, citing shockingly low compensation. The stunt double, known for his work in Telugu cinema, was approached to replicate Jr NTR in select scenes for the upcoming film, which is part of the high-profile YRF Spy Universe. However, Eshwar revealed that the pay offered was so minimal that it wouldn’t even cover his travel expenses. Expressing his disappointment, he remarked that despite Bollywood’s big production budgets, the compensation offered to on-ground talent doesn’t always match the scale. “I earn more in Telugu films,” he added, taking a subtle jab at the industry’s wage disparity. War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is the follow-up to the 2019 blockbuster War, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film continues the narrative of the YRF Spy Universe, which includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan. The sequel stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in lead roles, raising anticipation for an epic showdown between the two powerhouse performers. While the film itself remains one of the most awaited action thrillers in the pipeline, Eshwar’s revelation sheds light on the often overlooked issues surrounding fair pay in the film industry, especially for behind-the-scenes professionals and stunt performers.

Ananya Panday Spotted on Lunch Outing with Suhana Khan and Walker Blanco Amid Kesari 2 Success

Ananya Panday, riding high on the success of her latest film Kesari 2, was recently seen enjoying a casual lunch outing in Mumbai. The actress, who has garnered praise for her portrayal of Dilreet Gill—a departure from her usual bubbly roles—seems to be embracing both personal and professional growth. The film is performing well at the box office, approaching the ₹50 crore mark domestically, and marking a major milestone in Ananya’s career. To celebrate the film’s positive reception, Ananya stepped out mid-week for a laid-back lunch date. She was accompanied by her close friend Suhana Khan and her rumored boyfriend, Walker Blanco. Interestingly, the three did not arrive together. Walker entered and exited the venue separately, likely to keep the buzz around his relationship with Ananya under wraps. Despite the outing’s low-key vibe, it caught the attention of the paparazzi. Ananya kept things stylish yet relaxed in a light ganji paired with trousers, while Walker sported a casual white tee, brown cargos, and a baseball cap. Though briefly startled by the shutterbugs, he made a quick getaway, maintaining the couple’s discreet approach to public appearances. As Kesari 2 continues to climb the charts and Ananya embraces more nuanced roles, fans seem eager to see both her evolving film choices and her off-screen connections take center stage.

Rohit Shetty Confirms Simmba 2 and Sooryavanshi Sequel; Hints at Bigger Cop Universe with Deepika & Tiger’s Extended Roles

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has officially confirmed that his blockbuster Cop Universe is far from done expanding. In a candid conversation with Komal Nahta on the podcast Gamechangers, Rohit revealed that both Simmba 2 and a sequel to Sooryavanshi are in the pipeline. “Simmba ka bhi part 2 hoga, Sooryavanshi bhi aage badhegi… Aur bhi filmein banengi cop universe mein,” he said, assuring fans that more stars and stories are on the way in his action-packed cinematic universe. Reflecting on the origins of the franchise, Rohit shared that there was never an initial plan to build a shared universe when he directed Singham in 2011. However, the film’s massive success laid the foundation. The idea to connect the films took shape during the writing of Simmba (2018), which eventually paved the way for Akshay Kumar’s entry as Sooryavanshi, cementing the shared universe concept. Rohit also offered exciting insights into the evolution of Singham Again (2024), which featured a mega ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Deepika Padukone. He revealed that the seeds of this crossover concept were sown as early as 2019 during the making of Sooryavanshi. Both Deepika and Tiger’s characters have been carefully integrated with future storylines in mind, and will have significantly extended arcs in upcoming installments. With this announcement, the Cop Universe is set to get even bigger, promising fans a high-octane blend of action, drama, and powerful star-studded face-offs in the years to come.

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