Economic empowerment of women national agenda: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Mumbai, Sep 5 : Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who often supports various social causes, says that economic empowerment of women is a national agenda.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was addressing 31st Women Entrepreneur's Exhibition organized by Indian Merchants Chamber's (IMC) ladies wing along with Minister of Textiles Smirti Irani and member of the Rajya Sabha Poonam Mahajan along with Rashmi Thackrey, Sonu Nigam, Ronit Roy, Juhi Chawla, Amrita Raichand and Shabana Azmi on Wednesday here.
Speaking about the importance of economic empowerment of women in the country, Aishwarya said: "Economic empowerment of women is a national agenda, and by supporting this exhibition, I have the honour in supporting the economic empowerment of our women.
"For more than 30 years, the Women Entrepreneurs' Exhibition hosted by IMC Ladies' Wing has positioned itself as a prime destination for fresh, new talented entrepreneurs who need a platform to launch them."
The two-day exhibition is being hosted at NSCI, featuring 240 participants. It exhibits fine jewellery, fashion, lifestyle and gourmet foods, making it a delight for shoppers of all kinds.
"I am honoured and privileged to be invited as the Chief Guest here to represent the women of our times, the burgeoning entrepreneurs and future powerful and promising stalwarts. IMC Women's wing has evolved as one of the most prestigious platform of recognition for Women Entrepreneurs," Aishwarya said.
"The IMC ladies' Wing's Women Entrepreneurs' Exhibition over the years has created a niche for itself as it has served as a huge stepping stone for women attempting to set up and establish their businesses. It is indeed a very credible platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products," she added.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was last seen on-screen in "Fanney Khan" along with Rajkummar Rao and Anil Kapoor.
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Ladakh leaders welcome Wangchuk's release, demand others' freedom
New Delhi (PTI): Leaders from Ladakh on Saturday welcomed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's release from Jodhpur jail and demanded the release of remaining detainees.
Wangchuk was released from prison on Saturday after the Union government revoked his detention with immediate effect.
Ladakh MP Mohamad Hanifa hailed his release and urged the government to accept their demands for statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
"We welcome the release of Sonam Wangchuk. But others also need to be released, and the government should also take back the cases filed against people who participated in the protests," Hanifa told PTI.
The Union Home Ministry, in its statement, commented on the law and order situation in the Union Territory.
"... prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists and overall economy," it said.
Hanifa, however, said protest is a Constitutional right, and urged the government to resolve the issue through dialogue.
"If our voice is not heard in any other way, then there is another way to protest. We have always protested peacefully from day one, and we believe in peaceful protests. This is to make our voice reach the government," he said.
"We have always said that we want a solution to these issues through dialogue," he said.
Kargil-based politician and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) member Sajjad Kargili, in a post on X, demanded the immediate release of Deldan Namgial and Smanla Dorjey, and appealed to the government to drop all charges against other detainees unconditionally.
"The revocation of NSA against Shri Sonam Wangchuk is a welcome move. However, our struggle of our legitimate rights continues," he said.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh.
More than 45 people, including 22 policemen, were injured in the protests.
