Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested Kolkata-based businessman Joy Kamdar after conducting raids against him and Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged criminal-linked syndicate.

Kamdar, Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, was taken into custody after four hours of questioning, an ED official said.

He was detained from his residence in the Behala area of south Kolkata during raids early in the morning and brought to the ED office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake. After questioning, he was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He will be produced before a court, where the agency will seek his custody for detailed questioning, officials said.

However, on the way to a hospital for a medical check-up, the businessman fell ill. He was then taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for further check-up. It is not clear whether he would be produced before a court on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, ED officials conducted a raid at his residence in Behala. The ED also raided two premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in the Ballygunge area of south Kolkata as part of the same operation.

“ED is raiding Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas’s residence in Ballygunge and Sun Enterprise Managing Director Joy Kamdar’s residence in Behala. So far, two premises belonging to Shantanu Sinha Biswas and one belonging to Joy Kamdar have been raided in connection with Sona Pappu and Joy Kamdar in a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002,” said a statement issued by the ED earlier in the day.

Locals claimed that Kamdar is mainly involved in the business of promoting (real estate development) and construction. His house had been searched earlier as well. His name came up during the search of Sona Pappu’s house earlier this month. The central investigation agency had recovered cash from his house in Behala. The ED had also summoned the businessman twice for questioning. However, he avoided appearing on both occasions. After that, ED officials went to his house again on Sunday.

The raid was conducted to investigate a money laundering case against Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion, an ED official said.

Sona Pappu allegedly runs syndicates in the south Kolkata areas of Kasba and Ballygunge and has several FIRs against him over various allegations. He is also a prime accused in the Golpark clashes that took place in February. He is at present absconding and from time to time has gone live on social media to target the central investigation agency for allegedly harassing his family members.

Officials have alleged that Pappu used to extort crores of rupees from construction companies, which would be rerouted to influential people. The ED conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.

The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore, apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh, and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.

The investigation stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against Pappu for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and Arms Act violations.

The accused, including Pappu, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in West Bengal and generated funds illegally through syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9. The ED had issued summons to Pappu, but he has failed to appear before its officials so far.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, April 19 (IANS) In a landmark achievement, the IIT Gandhinagar has developed a hydrogel-based technology with potential of spurring further innovations -- thereby resulting in "simplification" of surgery for colon-related tumours.

The hydrogel-based technology uses biocompatible polymers to provide localised, controlled, and intelligent drug delivery, leading to treatment efficacy while minimising systemic toxicity.

According to Harshil Dave, the young scientist from Mehsana, who is reported to have achieved the breakthrough in the field of medical science explained the tech-oriented leap in treating patients with colon tumour.

Notably, the hydrogel-based technology aids in the surgical removal of colorectal polyps -- tumors that carry the potential to evolve into cancer.

Research scholar Harshil noted that the hydrogel he created possesses a unique "shear-thinning" property.

This means that when pressure or force is applied to it, it transitions into a liquid state; conversely, once the force is removed, it reverts to its solid (gel) form.

Due to this, doctors can easily inject the substance using a long catheter or an endoscope. Once injected, the substance creates a cushion beneath the tumor, facilitating the doctor's ability to easily lift the tissue and remove it with greater precision.

During the endoscopic surgery, saline solution or dextrose is injected beneath a colon tumor to elevate it, however, this liquid tends to dissipate quickly.

In contrast to this, the new hydrogel-based technology causes the tumor to remain elevated and stable, thereby significantly simplifying the surgical procedure.

Mukesh Danka, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar, backed his findings and said, "Harshil began his research on this subject three years ago. We procured DGMS molecules from plant sources. Upon dissolving them in water to analyse their properties, we observed that they formed a nanofibrous hydrogel. Harshil subsequently commenced his work on developing this material."

He noted that small cancerous tumors often develop within our gastrointestinal tract.

Harshil Dave's research has been published in an acclaimed international journal, and he has also been honoured with the 'Vikram Sarabhai Young Scientist Award 2026' for this work.

At present, the technology has successfully undergone pre-clinical trials and testing on large animals.

Preparations are underway to advance this technology to the clinical trial stage, with the aim of facilitating its widespread application in the treatment of colon cancer in the future.

--IANS

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Quetta, April 19 (IANS) Officials of the National Highway Authority (NHA) have stated that Pakistan's Balochistan province was given only Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 20 million from the national annual revenue pool of PKR 130 billion despite the province having over 4,000 kilometres of national highways, local media reported.

NHA officials made the statement during an interactive session with office-bearers and members of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where National Highway Authority General Manager Agha Inayatullah and Director Maintenance Raheel Ahmed Baloch informed participants on revenue, maintenance, and development initiatives, Pakistan-based Daily Independent reported.

They mentioned that approximately PKR 15 billion is needed annually for maintaining highways in Balochistan, a cost currently being met through revenue generated from other provinces. The NHA officials stressed that the support from the local business community is crucial for improving revenue generation and road infrastructure, stressing that nearly 95 per cent of business activity in Balochistan depends on highways managed by the authority, Daily Independent reported.

During the event, representatives of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce welcomed the NHA's development initiatives. However, they voiced concern over the dismantling of already operational roads, stating that such practices put additional burden on the people due to the geographical challenges of Balochistan. They demanded the timely completion of delayed projects and expressed concerns about road safety and the quality of infrastructure.

Earlier in March, a report claimed that the pattern of resource extraction from Pakistan's Balochistan without meaningful participation of local residents will continue to fuel resentment, militancy, and human rights crisis. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by area and holds a disproportionate share of Pakistan’s minerals, energy reserves, and strategic coastal infrastructure. However, the local residents of Balochistan have not been included in decision‑making, benefits, and basic development.

"In recent years, the expansion of extractive projects, security‑driven mega‑infrastructure schemes, and a heavy‑handed state response to dissent have intensified grievances over land, livelihoods, and political autonomy, pushing questions of indigenous rights to the centre of Balochistan’s crisis," a report in the European Times detailed.

Balochistan possesses roughly half of Pakistan’s discovered mineral wealth, with more than 50 minerals identified and around 39 actively exploited under more than 1,600 licences. Balochistan hosts about 90 per cent of Pakistan’s copper reserves, substantial gold, sizable coal deposits, chromite, barite, marble, and other industrial minerals.

Despite having resources, the people of Balochistan remain among the poorest in Pakistan. The Baloch Board of Investment and Trade stated that Balochistan produces key minerals like coal, copper, and lead‑zinc barite; however, revenue and employment from these sectors largely flow to federal structures and private or foreign companies instead of local residents.

International and local human rights groups have repeatedly said that major projects, including the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and port‑city development in Gwadar, focus on national and foreign strategic interests over the consent of local residents and equitable benefit‑sharing.

"The connection between resource exploitation and indigenous rights is visible in Gwadar. The port city, heavily promoted as a CPEC flagship, lacks basic services such as clean drinking water and reliable electricity despite hosting multi‑billion‑dollar infrastructure. Local fishermen, who have relied on the sea for generations, report harassment, restrictions on access to traditional fishing grounds, and loss of livelihoods as commercial and security‑related projects expand. Simultaneously, Baloch activists and civil society documentation highlight that jobs and contracts around Gwadar and other CPEC corridors are often awarded to non‑Baloch workers and firms, reinforcing perceptions of economic exclusion and extraction," the report in European Times stated.

--IANS

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Patna, April 19 (IANS) In a bid to impress upon the people of Supaul district in Bihar, on the momentous possibility of solar power in lighting up and powering homes, a grand solar fair is being organised on Monday.

The one-day solar fair, beginning at 10 a.m., will be organised at the Electricity Office premises located at Degree College Chowk, where the people as well as beneficiaries will be informed about the benefits of solar energy and also sensitised on how to utilise the renewable energy to unburden them with inflated electricity bills.

“The primary objective of the fair is to raise public awareness regarding solar energy and to provide information on measures to help citizens find relief from electricity bills,” said an official.

According to departmental officials, consumers can significantly reduce their electricity expenses by installing solar panels on their rooftops.

With enough subsidies being offered by the government, installing a solar system has become more affordable and accessible compared to the past.

A team of experts from the solar energy sector will be present at the fair to educate the people in simple terms— on why one should subscribe to it and also motivate others to join the scheme. People will also be briefed about the steps for availing the subsidies under the scheme, and also the procedure of application of licence.

A key highlight of the event is that interested consumers will be able to apply for the scheme on the spot, right at the fair. Information regarding the necessary documents required for the application will also be provided at the venue.

The Electricity Department has appealed to all electricity consumers in the district to participate in this Solar Fair in large numbers and to take advantage of this scheme.

The initiative not only helps reduce people's electricity bills but also leads to a substantial shift in promoting clean and green energy.

Electricity department official Alok Kumar Ranjan, speaking to the news agency IANS, said, "A Solar Fair is being organised to promote the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.' At this fair, consumers will be made aware of the scheme. Detailed information regarding subsidies will be provided, and consumers will also have the opportunity to apply on the spot."

--IANS

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Shimla, April 18 (IANS) Days after the salary cuts of the lawmakers, comprising Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, now 30 per cent pay cut has been made temporarily for senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta and the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari, on Sunday.

The Congress government has taken a major decision to address financial crisis in the hill state.

The state government has issued an order temporarily suspending a portion of the salaries of senior officials for the next six months.

According to a notification issued by Finance Department Secretary Ashish Singhmar, a monthly amount of Rs 1.10 lakh of the Chief Secretary's salary, Rs 1.05 lakh of the Additional Chief Secretary's salary, Rs 97,500 of the Principal Secretary's and Rs 60,000 of the Secretary's salary will be suspended for six months.

This arrangement will be effective from the April salary, which will be received in May.

According to the state government notification, this step has been taken to address the state's weak economic situation and strengthen financial management.

The state government has also directed boards, corporations, universities and grant-receiving institutions to implement this decision.

The state government has clarified that this move is temporary and part of a collective effort to improve the state's financial situation.

According to a notification, department heads promoted from the Himachal Administrative Service rank receive a monthly salary of Rs 3.10 lakh, while IAS officers receive a salary of around Rs 3 lakh.

The state government has nearly 60 department heads, and around 200 officers will be affected by the temporary salary freeze.

Their salaries will likely be cut by nearly Rs 1 crore per month.

Senior officers like Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary have also been included among the officers whose salaries have been cut by 30 per cent.

--IANS

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Guwahati, April 19 (IANS) The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment towards ensuring passenger safety and security through a series of successful operations conducted across different locations, officials said on Sunday.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that a team from Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS), Rangiya, apprehended one individual, onboard a train on April 13, for involvement in theft of passenger belongings. A stolen mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 40,000 was recovered from his possession. The accused, along with the recovered item, was handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), Rangiya, where a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered.

In another operation on April 14, the RPF, Katihar (East) personnel apprehended one person at Katihar Railway Station. A stolen mobile phone worth approximately Rs 15,000 was recovered. The accused was subsequently handed over to GRP, Katihar, which registered a case under the appropriate sections of BNS.

On the same day, RPF personnel from CPDS, Guwahati, successfully apprehended one person at Guwahati Railway Station. The team recovered a stolen mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 15,000. The accused was handed over to GRP, Guwahati, where a case has been registered under relevant provisions of BNS.

Sharma said that, further continuing its crackdown, on April 16, RPF Post, New Bongaigaon, apprehended one person at Bongaigaon Railway Station with a stolen mobile phone worth approximately Rs 10,000. The accused was handed over to GRP, New Bongaigaon, for further legal proceedings.

These successful operations highlight the alertness and prompt action of RPF personnel in safeguarding passengers and their belongings. The NFR reiterates its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure travel environment and urges passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to railway authorities, the CPRO said.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Rinku Singh credited a calm and calculated approach for his match-winning knock, saying his focus was always on taking the game deep as the side finally registered their first win of the IPL 2026 season by defeating Rajasthan Royals by four wickets at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Coming in at a tense phase of the chase, Rinku anchored the innings and held one end firm despite wickets falling around him, eventually steering KKR home with a composed half-century.

Reflecting on his on-field intensity, Rinku said it stemmed from the situation rather than any frustration.

“Sometimes it happens like that when a few things don’t go your way, so you feel that intensity. But it wasn’t like I was hesitating or unsure about playing my shots. My mindset was to take the game till the end because I had conversations with the coach and also with my batting partner. The idea was to take it deep since the match was in a tricky situation,” he said after the game.

The left-hander also survived an early scare in his innings, a moment he admitted could have gone either way as he said, “That’s what happens sometimes, sir. In that moment, the mind doesn’t work properly and you end up playing such shots. But thankfully, luck was on my side and we eventually won the match.”

Having endured a string of low scores earlier in the season, Rinku acknowledged the importance of this innings for his own confidence.

“I had played quite a few innings and was waiting for a big one. This was a very good innings for me and also very important for my confidence,” he stated.

Rinku’s knock came at a crucial juncture for KKR, who were under pressure after a string of defeats and a shaky start in the chase. His partnership with Anukul Roy proved decisive, as the duo absorbed pressure before accelerating in the death overs.

Speaking about his batting role, Rinku emphasised flexibility and team-first thinking saying, “There’s nothing like a fixed position for me. I can bat at number five, lower down the order, or even at number four. Wherever the team needs me, I’m ready to bat in that position.”

The victory marked a turning point for KKR, who had endured a winless run prior to this game. Rinku expressed hope that the result would spark a turnaround in their campaign. “This will give us a lot of confidence because this is our first win of the season. From here, we will carry this momentum forward,” the 28-year-old concluded.

KKR chased down the target in a tense finish, with Rinku’s unbeaten 53-run knock proving to be the difference in a game that swung both ways before the hosts held their nerve at the death.

--IANS

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Imphal, April 19 (IANS) Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said on Sunday that additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) would be deployed in the state after the conclusion of elections in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Around 88 companies of central forces had earlier been withdrawn from Manipur for Assembly election duties in states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, the Home Minister told the media.

He added that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had planned to withdraw more forces from the state, but following the intervention of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the MHA assured that no further companies would be withdrawn.

The Home Minister appealed to civil society organisations and the public to reconsider and withdraw the proposed five-day total shutdown in the interest of public welfare and the normal functioning of the state.

Various organisations have called for a five-day shutdown in Ukhrul district and adjoining areas to protest the killing of two Naga civilians in the district on Saturday by suspected Kuki militants.

Highlighting the hardships caused by prolonged shutdowns, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said daily wage earners, farmers, and students were among the worst affected, particularly as educational institutions remain closed.

He assured that the state government is taking public concerns seriously and actively addressing the issues raised.

The Home Minister said that most demands put forward by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) related to the April 7 Tronglaobi incident (in Bishnupur district) in which two children were killed, have been accepted by the government.

Following a meeting with Mangal Singh, father of the two children who died in the incident, the state government offered Singh a suitable government job equivalent to his current position in the Border Security Force (BSF).

Additionally, the state government has offered employment to the children's mother, a trained nurse, in the state health services.

However, the family requested time to consider the proposals.

Subsequently, the decision to call a five-day shutdown was taken, which the Manipur Home Minister described as "highly unfortunate".

Referring to Saturday's incident at T. Kasom village in Ukhrul district, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh termed it "highly unfortunate" and reiterated that the state government has strongly condemned the act.

He told that the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) had submitted a memorandum outlining various demands.

These were discussed during a joint meeting with TNL leaders and Naga MLAs, led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.

The Home Minister assured that compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased as per government norms, and medical assistance will be extended to those injured in the incident.

Calling for cooperation, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh urged all communities to maintain peace and resolve issues through dialogue.

He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to addressing public grievances.

Providing details on security deployment, the State Home Minister said that out of 272 CAPF companies earlier stationed in Manipur, 88 companies have already been withdrawn for election duties, with another 15 initially scheduled for redeployment, making a total of 103.

However, following the Chief Minister's request, 184 CAPF companies will remain in the state to ensure security and stability.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh also announced the induction of advanced security equipment, including mine-protected Vehicles and bullet-proof vehicles, to enhance public safety.

"We appeal to all communities to cooperate with the government. Our commitment is to protect the life and property of every citizen. Following a period of President's Rule, this government, though new in its tenure, is dedicated to restoring peace and normalcy. We request the public to give us some time," the State Home Minister said.

--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, April 19 (IANS) Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon shares the same opinion with actress Sandra Bullock on AI. With the AI discourse spreading in Hollywood, Reese Witherspoon seems intent on making a seat for women at the table.

The Oscar-winning actress recently took to her Instagram, and explained why she has made it a point to learn about AI. She claimed that women’s jobs are three times as likely to be automated by AI.

She wrote in the caption, “Well…I’ve decided it’s TIME. The AI revolution has begun, and I need to learn as much as I possibly can about AI and share it with all of you. Also, FYI: the jobs women hold are 3x more likely to be automated by AI, yet women are using AI at a rate 25% lower than men on average. We don’t want to be left behind. So…do you want to learn with me?”.

She said in the video, “I think it’s time to learn about AI. I was with about 10 women at a book club yesterday, and I said to the 10 of them, ‘How many of you guys use AI?’. And only three of them used AI. And then, I said, ‘How many of the three of you feel like you really know what you’re doing or they’re using it the right way?’ And there was only one person. So, if three out of 10 women are the only ones using AI, that means 70% of that group is not keeping up”.

She further mentioned, “The thing I’ve learned about technology is, if you don’t get a little bit of understanding from the very beginning, it just speeds past you. So, you have to have little bits of learning just to keep up. And let’s get real, our kids are all using this every single day. I think we should learn the basics together, and learn some really good tools that are going to make our everyday lives easier and better. Do you want me to share what I’m learning with you? It’s time, people”.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 19 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo joined Addison Rae at the final act of her Coachella 2nd weekend set.

During the set, Addison paused to ask the audience if they had heard “any new music this week”. Olivia Rodrigo emerged from the back of the stage, joining the singer, reports ‘Variety’.

Olivia Rodrigo first sang with Rae on the latter’s single ‘Headphones On’, trading off lines and joining together on the chorus.

“Coachella, how much do we love Miss Addison?”, Rodrigo asked after the song’s completion. “Oh my god, I might just drop dead”, Addison Rae said, giving a nod to Rodrigo’s new single ‘Drop Dead’.

“Can we make some noise?” Rodrigo then gave the live debut of her freshly released single, strutting to the front of the stage with Rae and singing the tune as a duet.

As per ‘Variety’, ‘Drop Dead’ arrived early Friday morning along with a music video directed by Petra Collins. In the clip, Rodrigo wanders through the Palace of Versailles, running from room to room before strapping on a pink guitar and rocking out.

The single marks the first taste of her third album, ‘You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love’, releasing on June 12 via Geffen Records.

She recorded the album with producer Dan Nigro, her longtime collaborator who worked on her first two albums, ‘Sour’ and ‘Guts’. Ahead of the album’s release, Rodrigo will be pulling double duty as both host and musical guest on ‘Saturday Night Live’ on May 2. She will be making her hosting debut, though she previously appeared on the show as a performer alongside host Keegan-Michael Key in 2021 and Adam Driver in 2023.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 19 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock is quite "excited" to join Instagram, and is looking forward to her time on the content-sharing app.

The 61-year-old actress recently joined the platform, gaining more than five million followers within days, reports ‘Female First UK’.

However, the actress shared that she's still learning how to use Instagram. She said at CNBC's event, "It didn't feel like it would ever be my thing. I do have two kids, and I was like, I need to figure this out. So I'd been on social media, but quietly, just to learn and shop”.

Sandra wanted a plan before launching her Instagram account and admitted she is far from spontaneous when it comes to social media.

She said, "I'm not spontaneous. I need to think about it. How does that affect what I can contribute? How badly can I f*** it up? Which, that will come, and I'm just going to lean into that”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the actress also asked for advice on how to post during a visit to the studio, making clear what kind of content fans should not expect from her.

She said, "OK, talk to me, tell me what you see, because if I need to be able to make myself look like an idiot and have fun, I will not be doing selfies or makeup tutorials”.

Meanwhile, Sandra previously warned fans of the threat posed by social media scammers. The actress' image was being used as part of a bogus campaign on social media platforms, and Sandra engaged with the police in a bid to tackle the problem.

She told ‘People’ magazine, "My family's safety, as well as the innocent people being taken advantage of, is my deep concern, and there will be a time when I will comment more, but for now our focus is helping law enforcement handle this matter”.

“Please be aware that I do not participate in any form of social media. Any accounts pretending to be me or anyone associated with me are fake accounts and have been created for financial gain or to exploit people around me”, she added.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 19 (IANS) Hollywood actor Miles Teller has said that he is here to stay, and is "not retiring from acting anytime soon". The actor said after he cashed out on a drinks brand.

The 39-year-old actor had a "minority stake" in a beverage company, and he is now set to pocket a big chunk of cash, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Speaking about the payout, the actor refused to say how much he will take home, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "I don’t really talk numbers. I was always taught that’s not in good taste. All I’ll say is that I’m not retiring from acting anytime soon”.

However, the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star said the sale, which he regards as "an opportunity to continue to scale", may influence him to produce and fund films about "underdog stories".

He said, "I really like chip-on-the-shoulder characters, odds stacked against you, a person or a community. This gives me a lot of confidence to trust my instincts. I’ve been producing for the last several years. Certain actors can get movies made on different budgets. If you can say, 'Hey, I’m attached to this thing, let me find a director, and what actors do we like for this, do I have relationships with them?'. So, it certainly helps”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, ‘Deadpool’ star Ryan Reynolds found himself in a similar situation to the actor with the buyout of his liquor brand to Diageo for up to $610 million in August 2020.

Asked if Ryan, 49, reached out to congratulate him on the acquisition, the actor said, "That first wave of guys with Ryan and Clooney and Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, it kind of started it all off, where you had a lot of these celebrity copycats come in and say, 'Oh man, look at this cash grab’. But anyone in the industry will tell you that’s just not how it goes. If you do the research on the celebrity brands, a lot of times it doesn’t work out. It’s tough to build a business, in general. I can tell you, I’ve had a lot of texts from various friends and people who have built companies and had companies fail, and they said, 'Miles, this is a huge, huge win. It doesn’t happen very often, it’s extremely rare’”.

"I’m sure it’s less than one per cent of people who start companies who end up selling it for any kind of profit. It feels good because it was a new arena for me and I’m really proud of it”, he added.

--IANS

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