Stavanger (Norway), June 6 (IANS) Grandmaster (GM) Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu on Friday night, scripting the greatest ever comeback in a Super Tournament to become the first Indian to win the title in the Norway Chess championship, beating Germany's Vincent Keymer in the 10th and final round of the classical chess event.

With this win, the 20-year-old from Chennai claimed the top prize of $100,000. In the third game in this round, World No.1 Magnus Carlsen defeated reigning World Champion D Gukesh of India to end his home tournament with victory.

Playing with white pieces, Pragg capitalised on some mistakes by Keymar in the middle-game to win on the 45th move to finish the tournament with 18 points from five wins, two losses, and two draws, both of which he won in the Armageddon game.

The former World No.4 finished a point ahead of overnight leader Wesley So of the United States, who drew with Alireza Firouzja in the final round and thus ended with 17 points from two wins and eight draws, winning six of them in Armageddon. Wesley So bagged 1.5 points to one by Firouzja in the 10th round.

Firouzja, the French player of Iranian origin, ended third with 15.5 points in this event with a special scoring format in which a win fetches a player three points while a draw gets each player one point, with an option of bagging a bonus point by winning the Armageddon game. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, who lost twice to Praggnanandhaa in this event, ended with 13 points from three wins, four losses, and three draws -- two Armageddon wins.

Keymar ended fifth with 11 points while reigning Classical World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju of India came sixth and last with eight points from one win, five defeats, and four draws -- with two Armageddon wins.

The focus on the final was on Pragg as he was trailing half a point behind overnight leader Wesley So. He jumped into the lead once Welsely So agreed to an early draw with Firouzja. He went on to convert the advantage he gained in the middle game into a clinical win over Keymar, who played some questionable moves, and won the title outright.

Pragg, who had slipped to No. 16 in the World Rankings in the last list released on June 1, came up with a brilliant performance in Norway Chess as he stormed back from the brink to win the prestigious title.

He was sixth and last in the standings after the sixth round but won four games in a row, including his second win over Carlsen and a penultimate round victory, and compatriot Gukesh, which propelled him into contention for the title. This was the first such winning streak in the event since Carlsen's in 2021.

--IANS

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Itanagar/Agartala, June 6 (IANS) On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Indian Army and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) organised a series of environment-centric activities across the Northeastern region, reaffirming the Forces' commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

A Defence spokesman said on Friday that the Spearhead Division of the Army under the Spear Corps, organised a series of environmental activities across Tuting, Boraroopak and Sigar in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming the Indian Army's commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, troops and members of the local community, he added.

A variety of activities, including tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and poster-making competitions were conducted to promote environmental awareness and encourage responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Army personnel joined hands with school children and teachers in a tree plantation and cleanliness drive, highlighting the collective responsibility of preserving the region's pristine ecological heritage.

The events served as a platform to spread awareness on environmental sustainability while strengthening the bond between the Indian Army and local communities.

Such initiatives reflect the Indian Army's enduring commitment towards nation-building, community engagement and preservation of the rich natural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

In Tripura, the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps, commemorated the World Environment Day with a comprehensive Swachhata Campaign and Mass Tree Plantation Drive, reaffirming the Indian Army's commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The programme commenced with a large-scale tree plantation drive across military stations and selected community areas.

A variety of native and climate-resilient saplings, including Neem, Peepal and Gulmohar, were planted to strengthen biodiversity and contribute towards long-term ecological sustainability.

The plantation drive symbolised a collective commitment to creating a greener and healthier future.

Simultaneously, personnel of the Brigade undertook an extensive Swachhata Campaign focused on cleanliness, waste management and environmental responsibility.

The drive included the collection and segregation of waste into recyclable, biodegradable and non-recyclable categories.

Special emphasis was laid on the elimination of single-use plastics and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices.

The collected recyclable waste was handed over to authorised recycling agencies for scientific disposal and processing.

The observance concluded with participants taking a pledge to adopt eco-friendly habits, reduce plastic consumption and contribute actively towards environmental conservation.

Through such initiatives, the Indian Army continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to nation-building, environmental protection and the creation of a sustainable future for generations to come, the Defence spokesman added.

The Border Security Force (BSF) also organised tree plantation drive at Frontier Headquarters of Mizoram and Cachar in Silchar (Assam), as well as at all sector headquarters, battalions and Border Out Posts located in the remote and border areas in the states of Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.

The BSF personnel along with their families participated wholeheartedly in the campaign and planted a large number of saplings of various indigenous species.

At the BSF Frontier Headquarters in Masimpur (Assam), the plantation drive was led by Ravi Kant, Inspector General of Mizoram and Cachar Frontier of BSF.

Officers and Bordermen along with their families, including children actively participated in the programme, demonstrating their collective resolve towards protecting and preserving the environment.

Ravi Kant highlighted the importance of environmental protection and emphasised that every tree planted today is an investment towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

He urged all ranks to continue contributing towards environmental preservation through regular plantation drives and responsible environmental practices.

This initiative reflects BSF's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to fostering a greener, cleaner and healthier future for generations to come, a senior official said.

Besides safeguarding the nation's borders, BSF remains committed to various social and environmental initiatives.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced an extension of the deadline for Class 12 students seeking verification and re-evaluation of their answer sheets.

The last date, which was earlier set as June 6, has now been extended by a day to June 7 midnight, CBSE officials said on Friday.

This decision has been taken in the interest of students, many of whom faced technical difficulties while accessing the portal, and also to accommodate the surge in applications following the declaration of results.

The verification and re-evaluation process is a crucial part of CBSE's post-result services, allowing students to ensure that their answer sheets have been correctly assessed.

The procedure begins with students applying for scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets.

Only after receiving these anwer sheets can they proceed to request verification of marks or re-evaluation of specific questions.

This system is designed to maintain transparency and give students confidence in the evaluation process.

This year, CBSE has introduced the On-Screen Marking system on a larger scale, aimed at reducing human error and improving efficiency.

However, several students reported issues such as blurred scanned copies and skipped markings, which led to a significant rise in re-evaluation requests.

More than seventy thousand applications have already been filed, reflecting the scale of demand and the importance of the extension.

The fee structure has also been revised to make the process more accessible.

Students are required to pay a nominal amount for verification and a per-question fee for re-evaluation.

Once the re-evaluation is completed, the marks awarded are final and binding, with no further appeal allowed.

The CBSE has urged students to take note of the revised schedule and submit their applications before the new deadline.

The Board has also activated its helpline to assist students and parents with queries, ensuring that the process remains smooth and supportive.

The extension is not just a logistical adjustment but also a reassurance to students that their concerns are being heard.

With results playing a decisive role in higher education admissions, the re-evaluation outcomes expected by July will be critical in restoring confidence in the new digital evaluation system and reinforcing CBSE's commitment to fairness and transparency.

--IANS

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United Nations, June 6 (IANS) Pakistan is abusing its temporary membership of the Security Council to peddle false narratives, and it should be mindful of its responsibilities on the body, India said on Friday.

“Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality” that “Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said.

He was responding to Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s references to the Union Territory during a discussion of the Council’s Annual Report to the General Assembly.

He said Pakistan was abusing its presence on the Council “through the circulation of several misinformed and misleading communications” and using “august UN platforms for their divisive political interests”.

Pakistan’s two-year term as an elected member of the Council, which it has used to attack India at any turn and with no relevance to the subject on the agenda, runs out at the end of this year.

“I would like to remind Pakistan that being a member of the UN Security Council is a huge responsibility. It is not a forum for peddling biased and false narratives," Harish said.

He mocked Pakistan’s illusions about the future of Kashmir.

“I would like to make it loud and clear, ‘Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India’," he declared.

“Any assertions to the contrary are baseless, devoid of and inconsistent with historical facts," he said. “Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality”.

--IANS

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Surat, June 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised Surat’s residents for their continued efforts to improve cleanliness and civic participation after inaugurating and launching major infrastructure and development projects worth around Rs 18,800 crore in the city.

In a post on social media platform X following his visit, PM Modi described Surat as “more than a city” and said its character was reflected in the energy and determination of its people.

“It is a delight to have been in Surat and to inaugurate key development works. I have always believed that Surat is more than a city…it is a spirit. This spirit is seen in the dynamism of the people here,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the city’s transformation over the years, PM Modi noted that Surat, once associated with a devastating plague outbreak, had become known nationally for its cleanliness standards. “A city that was once known for a massive plague is now known for cleanliness,” he said.

The Prime Minister said local efforts to improve sanitation had continued despite the city’s achievements in the field.

“What is noteworthy is that the recent strides in cleanliness have not made the people of Surat complacent. On the contrary, they are working even harder to boost Swachhata,” he wrote.

PM Modi said he had been informed that residents had participated in numerous cleanliness campaigns in the days leading up to World Environment Day.

“I was told that over the last few days, people of Surat took part in many cleanliness drives. I applaud all those who joined such efforts,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came after he inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for a series of projects spanning road connectivity, power infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial development in Surat.

The projects are valued at around Rs 18,800 crore and are aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth in South Gujarat.

Among the key projects launched during the visit were major packages of the eight-lane access-controlled Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of critical stretches of National Highway 56, a project expected to strengthen connectivity in tribal regions and improve access to the Statue of Unity.

Before attending the public function, the Prime Minister visited the Hazira industrial area in Surat, where he reviewed ongoing industrial operations and infrastructure projects.

PM Modi also referred to the recent local body elections in Surat, saying it was his first visit to the city since the polls in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory.

“This is also my first visit to Surat after the local body elections in which the BJP received a resounding mandate from the people. These continued blessings give us strength to keep working hard to fulfil people’s aspirations,” he said.

The Surat programme formed part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman on World Environment Day, during which he also inaugurated and launched development projects in Daman.

--IANS

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Daman, June 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 2,970 crore in Daman, unveiling a wide-ranging package of investments in healthcare, aviation, tourism, education, connectivity, and urban infrastructure that he said would increase growth across the Union Territory.

Addressing a public gathering in Daman, PM Modi said the projects marked a major step in strengthening public services and creating economic opportunities for residents, particularly young people.

Beginning his speech, the Prime Minister thanked the large gathering and reflected on the region's transformation in recent years.

He described Daman as "a living example of Mini India", noting that people from different parts of the country had made the Union Territory their home.

“Daman has become a living example of Mini India, where the residence of people from different regions provides a beautiful glimpse of the entire country,” PM Modi said.

Praising the administration of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, he said the Union Territories had witnessed significant progress through effective governance. “Every time I come here, I feel that compared to my last visit, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the newly inaugurated and proposed projects covered sectors including connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure, and would have a direct impact on quality of life.

“These development works will drastically make the lives of the people easier and successfully create new avenues for the youth,” he said.

PM Modi also referred to India's latest economic performance, saying recently released data demonstrated the strength of the country's economy despite global uncertainty.

"India achieved a growth rate of 7.7 per cent during 2025-26, while the quarter ending March 31 recorded growth of 7.8 per cent. The data released today clearly shows how strong the foundation of India's economy is,” he said.

He further added, “Even in this difficult phase of the global crisis, with the collective efforts of 140 crore countrymen, India is sustaining itself and striving to remain at the forefront.”

Linking development with environmental sustainability on 'World Environment Day', PM Modi highlighted Diu's achievement in powering all government buildings through solar energy.

He urged greater adoption of rooftop solar systems and household-level renewable energy generation.

“We have to take this further so that homes also get electricity from solar energy and families earn an income from the surplus,” he said.

The Prime Minister also praised public participation in cleanliness drives across the region. “This active public participation clearly shows how cleanliness has truly become a spirit among the people,” he said.

Referring to major infrastructure projects including Namo Airport and the Damanganga bridge, PM Modi said improved transport links would boost commerce, tourism, and investment.

Comparing the region's future potential to Singapore's development trajectory, he said infrastructure investments were laying the groundwork for long-term growth. “Through all such infrastructure, we are laying a rock-solid foundation for the great resolutions of the future,” he said.

He added that logistics facilities being developed in the region would strengthen economic activity. “Facilities like Transport Nagar will undoubtedly give a new and powerful momentum to our trade and logistics,” he said.

The Prime Minister also connected regional development to India's broader maritime strategy and blue economy ambitions. “All these targeted efforts driven by high-tech infrastructure will significantly increase the country's strength in the blue economy,” he said.

Healthcare featured prominently in his address.

He asserted the government's development approach prioritised poor families, tribal communities, marginalised groups, and the middle class through expanded healthcare infrastructure and welfare programmes.

“Today, even the poorest of the poor have the facility of an Ayushman card and the solid assurance of free medical treatment up to Rs five lakh rupees,” he said.

The Prime Minister said welfare measures had reduced healthcare expenses for millions of families. “Through the Ayushman card and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, around two and a quarter lakh crore rupees of the poor and middle class have been successfully saved,” he said.

Highlighting improvements in local healthcare services, PM Modi referred to the operational Namo Hospital in Silvassa and the inauguration of a similar facility in Daman.

He also noted the introduction of postgraduate medical education in the region. “The people of this region will now get the immense benefit of even better and highly advanced healthcare,” he said.

Citing findings from the National Family Health Survey, PM Modi said healthcare indicators had improved significantly over the past decade.

He noted that while a large proportion of births previously occurred outside hospitals, more than 90 per cent of deliveries in India now take place in medical institutions.

He also credited Mission Indradhanush with increasing child immunisation coverage. “Before 2014, only 60 per cent of children were fully vaccinated. Today, this statistic has climbed to nearly 90 per cent,” he said.

Referring to Ayushman Bharat, he added: “Today Ayushman Bharat has fundamentally changed those figures, and now more than 60 per cent of families are getting this vital security.”

PM Modi said women had been among the biggest beneficiaries of healthcare reforms. “If anyone has benefited the most from the government's sincere efforts in the health sector, it is undeniably the Nari Shakti of the country,” he said.

On education, the Prime Minister said investments in educational institutions had reduced the need for students to leave the Union Territory to pursue higher studies.

He highlighted the development of smart classrooms and the Swami Vivekananda Education Hub. “I am glad that the Union Territory is gradually and firmly coming forward in the highly critical field of education,” he said.

He also praised programmes supporting girls' education. “Schemes like the Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping the daughters here a lot,” he said.

PM Modi said the government was aligning education with emerging employment opportunities in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and drone technology.

“Our current targeted preparation in professional sectors will fundamentally strengthen India's future workforce,” he said.

He announced the foundation stone for the country's 18th National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus and highlighted the introduction of advanced technical courses at ITI Daman. “This premier institute will permanently connect the youth here with invaluable global exposure,” he said.

Turning to sports development, PM Modi said initiatives such as Khelo India had expanded opportunities for athletes from smaller towns and regions.

“Efforts like Khelo India have given a completely new platform for youth from smaller regions to show their incredible talent,” he said.

He also highlighted Diu's emergence as a destination for beach sports. On tourism, the Prime Minister said campaigns such as 'Dekho Apna Desh' were helping promote heritage, ecological, and adventure tourism while creating local economic opportunities.

“Our ultimate effort is that tourism consistently promotes local art and culture while connecting small places with massive opportunities,” he said.

According to PM Modi, tourist footfall in the region has increased tenfold in recent years due to improved infrastructure, clean beaches, and new attractions.

“Numerous spots like the Daman Night Market and Namo Path Sea-front are actively forging a brand new identity for this entire region today,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the industrial importance of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, describing it as India's man-made fibre capital.

He said the government continued to support micro, small, and medium enterprises to strengthen manufacturing activity.

“I am fully confident that in the times to come, this region will absolutely become a major hub for manufacturing,” he said.

PM Modi expressed confidence in the region's youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs and reiterated the Centre's commitment to supporting their aspirations.

“The central government will always stand shoulder to shoulder firmly with you to fulfil your dreams,” he said.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, June 5 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday watched the upcoming Bollywood film 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata', starring Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, during a special screening at a local movie theatre in Bhubaneswar.

The actress-turned-politician Ranaut, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, several Ministers and other senior BJP leaders also attended the special screening.

The special screening event was also attended by the entire team of the film 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata', several prominent personalities from the Odia film industry, a large number of media representatives, and cinema enthusiasts.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, saying her journey and success, achieved through sheer dedication and hard work, are a source of inspiration for aspiring newcomers.

Addressing mediapersons after the special screening, Ranaut formally requested Chief Minister Majhi to declare 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' tax-free in Odisha, saying the film carries a message that every Indian needs to see and absorb.

"We have requested the Chief Minister to make this film tax-free, and we have received assurance that it will be considered positively," she said.

She added that the film was not made for commercial gains alone, but as a tribute to the spirit of ordinary Indians who keep the nation running through their silent, daily service.

Elaborating on the theme of the film, Ranaut said that 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' is a tribute to India's invisible workforce -- nurses, watchmen, lift operators, electricity department workers, water department employees, weavers, and millions of ordinary government and private sector workers whose contribution to the nation often goes unrecognised.

The movie is set to hit the screens on June 12.

Earlier on Friday, on the occasion of World Environment Day, CM Majhi and actor-turned-MP Ranaut planted saplings at the Chief Minister's official residence under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Speaking to media persons, Ranaut emphasised that the campaign was not meant only for leaders and representatives but was a call to every Indian citizen to participate and plant a tree in honour of their mother.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has announced the appointment of senior leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Ajay Sharma as observers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections in Jharkhand. The decision was approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

The appointment of observers is a crucial step in the party’s preparations for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18, 2026.

Congress has so far announced seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections across ten states. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge filed his nomination today from Karnataka, accompanied by senior leaders, confirming his candidature.

The elections will fill twenty-four biennial vacancies, along with three by-elections in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. The nomination deadline is June 8; scrutiny will take place on June 9; the last date for withdrawal is June 11; and counting is scheduled for the evening of June 18.

The Congress list includes Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka, Pawan Khera also from Karnataka, Mansoor Ali Khan from Karnataka, Meenakshi Natarajan from Madhya Pradesh, Praveen Chakravarty from Tamil Nadu, Neeraj Dangi from Rajasthan, and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand.

Kharge’s current term ends on June 25, and the party is confident of securing three of the four Karnataka seats, given its Assembly strength.

The Rajya Sabha elections are conducted under proportional representation by single transferable vote, making alliances and legislative arithmetic crucial.

In Jharkhand, Congress is the second-largest partner in the JMM-led coalition government, holding sixteen MLAs in the eighty-one-member Assembly. Recently, the party set up a thirty-six-member political affairs committee to strengthen its organisational presence, including state chief Keshav Mahto Kamlesh and jailed former minister Alamgir Alam.

Congress has demanded one Rajya Sabha seat from the alliance, citing its numbers, and nominated Pranav Jha. While ties with JMM remain cooperative, Congress has asserted its independence on issues such as land acquisition, displacement, and mining.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 5 (IANS) Hollywood actor Kit Harington has shared he missed out on watching the final season of his fan-favourite series ‘Game of Thrones’.

The actor said that he went to rehab when the final season of Game of Thrones was airing, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The 39-year-old actor played Jon Snow in the HBO fantasy show and explained how he made the "good decision" to get treated for anxiety and alcohol addiction issues instead of doing press for the programme's conclusion in 2019.

Speaking in conversation with Game of Thrones co-star Peter Dinklage for ‘Variety’, Kit said, "I decided to go to rehab as Episode 1 (of the eighth and final season) was airing, and I was there for six weeks. I needed to get sober”.

He further mentioned, “I needed to get my head on straight. I was like, 'Wait a minute, there's loads of press that needs to be done. You need to be front and centre’. But it was a good decision to go, 'Actually, I'm checking out. I can't do this.' So I didn't see the last season’”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Kit Harington then took a year away from work, although the coronavirus pandemic scuppered his return to the spotlight.

The actor said, "Right as I'm going to re-engage with work, COVID hit. So it was this very strange period after the show ended. Massive society sledgehammers or personal sledgehammers. But it allowed me to figure out, not to be too w****, who I was. And whether I really wanted to do this anymore, talking bluntly. I spent a lot of Game of Thrones working from a place of pain. It was the character as well, I think”.

The actor also confessed that he often thinks about what critics will say about his work.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon marked World Environment Day on June 5, with a spiritual and nature-centric celebration.

Sharing a glimpse of her morning spent amidst cows, devotees and religious rituals, the actress took to her social media account and posted pictorial from the occasion and also highlighted the importance of protecting the planet, wildlife and forests for future generations.

In the picture, Raveena can be seen participating in a traditional gathering where a spiritual leader dressed in saffron robes is feeding and blessing cows on a lush green lawn.

Sharing the post, Raveena wrote, “What better way than to spend #environmentday with the blessings of Ma Gange , Pujya Swami ji , My soul sister @sadhviji ... Har Har Mahadev Save our Planet , Save our wildlife , Save our Forests . Secure our planet Earth for future generations.”

For the uninitiated, Raveena has often used her platform to advocate for wildlife protection and ecological awareness.

On the professional front, Raveena Tandon has enjoyed a successful career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry.

She rose to prominence in the 1990s with films such as ‘Mohra’, ‘Dilwale’, ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’, ‘Ziddi’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan”.

In recent years, she received widespread acclaim for her performances in projects like ‘Aranyak’ and ‘KGF: Chapter 2’.

On the personal front, Raveena Tandon is a proud mother to daughter, Rasha Thadani who also is an actress. She recently made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Azaad’ alongside Aaman Devgan.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, June 5 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Joe Jonas is getting candid about his experience of co-parenting their children with his estranged wife Sophie Turner after their legal battle for the kids’ custody.

The singer expressed his gratitude towards Sophie with whom he shares the custody of his two daughters. He spoke to his brothers Kevin and Nick on their podcast ‘Hey Jonas’, and said, "I'm a single dad and I co-parent with my children's mother. I'm grateful that I have a co-parent that I can balance even the bad days. I think being able to have good people around me to kind of help me navigate it is really special”.

He further mentioned, “They’ve really given me the reason to be alive, I would say. I think, in my saddest moments, I’m able to be reminded quickly that a hug from them can solve the world’s problems”.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner began their relationship in 2016 after connecting through Instagram direct messages. They were first publicly linked later that year and made several public appearances together in early 2017. In October 2017, the couple announced their engagement. They married in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony on May 1, 2019, shortly after the Billboard Music Awards, and held a second formal wedding in France in June 2019.

The pair welcomed their first daughter, Willa, in July 2020 and a second daughter, Delphine, in July 2022. Throughout their marriage, they generally kept family life private while occasionally appearing together at public events.

In September 2023, Jonas filed for divorce, stating that the marriage was “irretrievably broken”. The separation was followed by legal proceedings concerning custody and the children's residence. The divorce was finalized in September 2024, and both have since focused on co-parenting their daughters.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Music composer Sachin Sanghvi of Sachin–Jigar has shared how he brings order and rationality into the duo’s creative process.

Sachin–Jigar spoke with IANS during the promotions of their latest film album ‘Chand Mera Dil’. Sachin said that sometimes he is worried about his creative partner, as Jigar is someone who is highly self-critical, and easily gets consumed by the music making process.

Sachin told IANS. “We are two people. So, we are two sides of the coin. I think my job is to rationalize the chaos he has. He is a rebel. He doesn't sleep. Sometimes he wakes up with the fear that if I don't make a song today, then? There is a childlike hunger when he sees a new instrument. I feed off all these things. But, again, if I want to let's say compose a song, I cannot do that in front of an equipment. I don't want to get tied up inside the studio. I don't want to go on a terrace or I can't take the name of the place”.

He further mentioned, “I think just the whole acknowledgement of the fact that I am like this. We have learned to shed inhibitions. But, my job, I feel in this combination, lots of times my job is to tell Jigar that you have done an amazing job. Sometimes to rationalize him. To bring in the order basically in this process”.

He then revealed his obsession with video games, and said that he has the habit of picking up his phone and playing games even in the most serious situations.

“Yes, so in very dangerous situations. I pick up my mobile and play video games. I feel that if I steal a glance from him for 2 minutes then I get help from somewhere. But, for Jigar I think it works the other way. But, when I am chaotic, he calms me down. So, it is not a particular role but it is a balancing act”, he added.

The music of ‘Chand Mera Dil’ has been released under the label of Sony Music India.

--IANS

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