Bengaluru, July 9 (IANS) Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, has urged the state government to immediately announce a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 50,000 for farmers affected by drought and floods and provide urgent relief to those facing severe distress across the state.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, Ashoka said that while several districts are reeling under drought, parts of North Karnataka and the Malnad region are grappling with heavy rains and floods, leaving lakhs of farmers, agricultural labourers and rural families in hardship.

He added that the state government should move beyond reviewing the issue of loan waivers and take an immediate decision.

"Farmers need action, not reviews. The state government should immediately announce a loan waiver of up to Rs 50,000 for every farmer affected by drought and floods and extend timely relief," he said.

Ashoka also criticised the resolution passed at the recent Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Body meeting demanding that the Centre release Rs 10,000 crore for drought relief, describing it as "irresponsible and unfortunate".

He alleged that the Congress government was attempting to divert attention from its administrative failures by passing political resolutions against the Central government.

"It is the responsibility of the state government to assess crop losses, utilise State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) resources effectively, provide interim compensation to farmers and submit a comprehensive report to the Centre. Instead of fulfilling these responsibilities, the government is trying to cover up its failures by blaming the Centre," he alleged.

Ashoka claimed that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government has provided record financial assistance to Karnataka for disaster relief over the past 12 years.

He said the state has received more than Rs 12,542.97 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), apart from Rs 3,806.30 crore as the Centre's share under the SDRF.

He added that NDRF assistance is released only after the state completes crop-loss surveys and submits detailed reports to the Centre, and accused the Congress of deliberately ignoring this process.

Recalling the BJP government's response to previous natural calamities, Ashoka said former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai had personally monitored relief measures and enhanced compensation beyond Central norms.

He also highlighted that during his tenure as Revenue Minister in 2022, the BJP government credited Rs 2,031.15 crore as crop-loss compensation to more than 14.62 lakh farmers and supplemented Central assistance with additional state funds.

Ashoka urged the state government to immediately implement a Rs 50,000 loan waiver, release interim relief through SDRF, constitute taluk-level task forces to monitor relief operations, provide emergency funds to district administrations, complete crop-loss surveys at the earliest and submit reports to the Centre for timely release of NDRF assistance.

He also called upon Ministers and In-charge Secretaries to visit affected districts and personally assess farmers' grievances.

--IANS

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Shillong, July 9 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reiterated that the state government remains firmly opposed to uranium mining in the state, asserting that its position has been consistently conveyed to both the people of the state and the Central government.

The Chief Minister's remarks on Wednesday came amid fresh concerns raised by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), which alleged that certain individuals had recently visited the uranium-rich Domiasiat area to persuade local residents to allow uranium mining.

The student body also claimed that several affluent individuals had been purchasing land in the region, fuelling apprehensions over the possible revival of mining activities.

Addressing reporters here, Chief Minister Sangma dismissed suggestions that the state government had altered its stand on the issue, saying that the state has consistently opposed proposals for uranium extraction.

"The government's position has always been clear. We have informed both the people of Meghalaya and the Government of India that we do not support uranium mining in the state," he said.

Chief Minister Sangma stressed that the state government's approach extends beyond the uranium issue and is guided by the interests and aspirations of the people.

Referring to the long-standing railway debate in the state, the Chief Minister said the state government has adopted a similar approach by taking into account public sentiment before making decisions.

He noted that proposals for uranium mining have been brought before the state government on multiple occasions in the past.

However, each time, the state government has refused to grant its approval, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public concerns.

"It is therefore incorrect and misleading for anyone to claim that the government is supporting uranium mining," he said.

Reacting to the KSU's allegations regarding the reported visit of certain individuals to the Domiasiat area, Chief Minister Sangma added that he would seek detailed information on the matter.

"If such activities are indeed taking place, the matter should be brought to the notice of the government. We will examine the facts and take appropriate action wherever necessary," the Chief Minister said.

The uranium mining issue has remained a politically and environmentally sensitive subject in Meghalaya for decades, with several civil society organisations and local groups opposing any move to allow commercial extraction in the state.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sohail Khan, who can be seen in the streaming reality show ‘Alliance’, reacted to his ex-wife Seema Sajdeh’s entry into the show.

The two shared an emotional moment after the show host Kunal Kemmu asked Sohail Khan how he felt seeing his ex-wife there. Sohail, who had entered the show a few days earlier, responded warmly as the former couple appeared under one roof as contestants.

The moment drew a strong reaction inside the house. Actor Kushal Tandon and other contestants whistled, clapped and hooted after Sohail spoke about Seema. The exchange quickly became one of the main talking points around Seema's entry into the show.

Kunal asked, "Sohail bhai, aapse poocchna chahenge ki aapko inko (Seema Sajdeh) ko yaha dekh kar kaisa lag raha hai (I would like to ask you how it feels to see Seema Sajdeh here)?".

Responding to the same, Sohail said, "Lovely, I have lived with this beautiful lady for 25 years. Let me admit on national television that if there was any mistake between us, I take the onus and the responsibility”.

The couple married in 1998 and parted ways in 2022. They co-parent their two sons, Nirvaan and Yohaan. Over time, however, they grew apart and reportedly began living separately before officially filing for divorce in 2022, ending a marriage of nearly 24 years.

Despite their separation, Sohail and Seema have maintained an amicable relationship and continue to co-parent their children. Both have publicly stated that there is no bitterness between them and have emphasised mutual respect and family as their shared priority.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 8 (IANS) Hollywood actor John Stamos recently turned the clock backwards, as he looked back at his time getting to know actor Bob Saget.

The actor, 62, recently reflected on his time on Full House, and shared how he looked forward to getting to work with Bob Saget and Dave Coulier on the family series because both of them had backgrounds in stand-up, reports ‘People’ magazine.

The actor recently made an appearance on ‘Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast’, and said, “I love stand-up comedy. I’m obsessed with stand-up comedy”.

He further mentioned, “I try to befriend any great comic out there. I can’t do it, but I’m fascinated by the structure, how you guys construct a joke, the science, the math behind the economy of words. I’m just fascinated by it. So getting to work with those guys was incredible from that standpoint”.

As per ‘People’, the actor had a harder time with the lack of focus on craft on the set, as he said, “All they really cared about was making the crew laugh. I was coming from, I just did a show with Jack Klugman, who’s a famous sitcom guy, and so I was coming to it with more of an actor’s point of view of these scenes and trying to work these scenes. And the guys were just trying to make the guys, the crew, laugh and whatever that was about”.

It particularly created frustrations for Stamos when it came to Saget, as he said, “It was distracting for a lot of it, and we didn’t get along at all for the first couple of years”.

That would eventually change in the show’s third year, after Stamos, Coulier and Saget were bonded by heartbreaking circumstances. “Bob’s sister got scleroderma, which he spent the rest of his life advocating and raising money for this horrific disease. Dave’s sister got cancer, and my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. And so all of a sudden, we weren’t three guys on a show. We were three brothers grieving our sisters”, he added.

Bob Saget was found dead at the age of 65 on January 9 in his hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in Florida.

--IANS

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Agartala, July 8 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday reiterated that the state government's primary objective is to strengthen healthcare services within Tripura so that people can access quality and affordable treatment without having to travel outside the state and incur heavy medical expenses.

Addressing the 69th edition of the "Mukhyamantri Samipesu" public outreach programme at his official residence, the Chief Minister said the government has been continuously upgrading the state's healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical facilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of the people.

"The improvement in Tripura's healthcare system is now clearly visible. Many diseases for which patients earlier had to travel to other states are now being treated in Agartala itself. If treatment is not available within the state, patients are being referred to reputed government institutions such as AIIMS, New Delhi. The telemedicine services at GB Hospital are also enabling better healthcare delivery and benefiting a large number of patients," Saha said.

He said the government's focus is not only on expanding healthcare infrastructure but also on ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of financial background, receives timely and quality medical care within the state.

Despite adverse weather conditions and recent natural calamities, a large number of people from different parts of Tripura attended the public grievance redressal programme, with the majority seeking financial and medical assistance for the treatment of critically ill family members.

Saha, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, patiently heard each case individually and directed officials of the concerned departments to take prompt and appropriate action to ensure that the applicants receive the required assistance without delay.

Among those who sought medical assistance were Rupali Namasudra of Ambassa in Dhalai district for the treatment of her child, the family of Bikash Debbarma from Dhanbilash village in Kailashahar, Abdul Hossain from North Tripura district for his wife's treatment, Prabir Barman from Khowai district for his son's complex eye disease, and Gayatri Bhattacharya from Unakoti district for treatment related to a serious digestive disorder.

In two particularly critical cases, the Chief Minister directed officials to make immediate arrangements for the patients to receive specialised treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Several residents of Agartala also approached the Chief Minister seeking financial and medical assistance for family members suffering from serious ailments, including cancer.

The Chief Minister directed officials to take appropriate steps to provide them with the necessary assistance.

Members of the Fish Traders Association also met Saha and apprised him of various issues affecting their livelihood and business activities.

The Chief Minister assured them that the government would examine their concerns sympathetically and extend all possible assistance.

During the programme, Saha handed over a cheque of Rs 3.90 lakh as financial assistance to the family of a person who lost his life in a recent natural disaster in Agartala, reaffirming the state government's commitment to providing timely relief and support to affected families during times of crisis.

The Chief Minister also extended financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the family of Shubhrajit Chowdhury, who died in a tragic explosion in Agartala's Ramnagar area a few days ago.

--IANS

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Washington, July 8 (IANS) India's chief negotiator for the landmark free trade agreement with the European Union on Wednesday described the pact as the country's "most ambitious agreement" to date, saying it would significantly expand market access, strengthen rules-based trade and open new opportunities for labour-intensive industries, services and technology cooperation.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Darpan Jain, Chief Negotiator from India's Department of Commerce, said the agreement reflected India's broadest liberalisation commitments yet across goods, services and trade rules, while carefully protecting sensitive sectors such as agriculture.

"It is one of the most ambitious agreements," Jain said. "India has liberalised almost the entire basket of goods... Similarly in services, the entire landscape of services has been committed."

He added that India had also undertaken its most extensive commitments on areas including sustainable development, digital trade and non-tariff measures.

The comprehensive agreement, concluded after negotiations resumed in 2022, he said, covers goods, services, investment, digital trade, supply chain diversification and intellectual property.

It connects economies representing nearly two billion people and around a quarter of global output, making it one of the world's largest bilateral trade agreements.

Jain said the agreement would create major opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in labour-intensive sectors where the country has long faced tariff disadvantages in the European market.

He identified textiles and apparel as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Although the European Union imports around 170 billion dollars worth of textiles and apparel from outside the bloc, India's share is only about 5.4 per cent. Bangladesh, benefiting from preferential access, accounts for around 17 per cent.

Similarly, India's leather and footwear exports have considerable room for growth. While Vietnam accounts for about 23 per cent of the EU's imports in the sector, India's share is only around six per cent. Jain noted that tariffs of up to 17 per cent had limited India's competitiveness and said the agreement would help narrow that gap.

Beyond merchandise trade, Jain said services represented another major growth area. He pointed to India's leadership in digitally delivered services and said the agreement would facilitate greater collaboration in research and development, global capability centres and technology-driven industries.

"The rules would provide the foundation of predictability," he said, adding that the agreement establishes mechanisms to resolve disputes involving technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, licensing and other non-tariff barriers that often disrupt international commerce.

Christophe Kiener, the European Union's chief negotiator, called the agreement "commercially very, very meaningful" and estimated that EU exporters would save about four billion euros in tariffs. He said the agreement also reflected a broader strategic partnership that now encompasses trade, security, defence, technology and mobility.

For Europe, he said, the agreement goes beyond tariff reductions by strengthening legal certainty through comprehensive chapters on digital trade, technical standards and dispute settlement.

Both negotiators stressed that the agreement was driven by long-term strategic interests rather than short-term geopolitical developments. Responding to a suggestion that recent shifts in US trade policy had accelerated the deal, Kiener said the agreement had been concluded because "there is a genuine and strategic and economic interest for the EU and India to come closer."

The agreement also addresses sensitive issues, including the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Jain said India and the EU had agreed on safeguards to ensure the mechanism would be applied non-discriminatorily, while establishing frameworks to recognise India's carbon pricing measures and to cooperate on verification systems. The broader partnership also includes collaboration on green hydrogen, renewable energy, clean technologies and financial support for India's low-carbon transition.

On implementation, Kiener said the legal review of the agreement is expected to conclude this month before it moves through the European Union's approval process. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would participate in the formal signing ceremony later this year and said the agreement could enter into force during the second quarter of next year.

Jain noted that India's ratification process is comparatively simpler, requiring approval by the Cabinet and the President rather than Parliament.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, July 8 (IANS) Captain Karun Nair produced another match-winning innings as Coastal Kings Mangaluru edged Gulbarga Mystics by three runs in the final league match of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

With the playoff spots already decided before the match, there was little at stake except final standings. But the contest delivered an exciting finish, with the Mystics falling just short in their chase of 170.

The Coastal Kings posted 169-9 before restricting the Mystics to 166/7, sealing their fifth win in 10 matches to finish second in the standings with 11 points. Bengaluru Blasters topped the table with 18 points, followed by Shivamogga Yodhas (10) and Mysore Warriors (9). Gulbarga Mystics finished fifth on six points, ahead of Hubli Tigers on net run rate.

The play-offs begin on Friday, with the Shivamogga Yodhas taking on the Mysore Warriors in the Eliminator before the Bengaluru Blasters face the Coastal Kings Mangaluru in Qualifier 1.

Nair once again anchored the Coastal Kings' innings with a superb 65 off 37 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes. Walking in after the early loss of two wickets with the score at 30-2, the experienced Karnataka batter steadied the innings through partnerships of 59 with Prajwal Pavan (35) and 50 with Suraj Ahuja.

His dismissal for 149-5 in the 18th over sparked a late collapse as the Kings lost four wickets for just 20 runs. Kranthi Kumar (3-38) and Suhas Purushotham (2-27) bowled impressive closing spells to restrict the total to 169.

Nair's third half-century of the tournament, and his highest score this season, took his tally to 294 runs from nine innings.

The Mystics made an aggressive start through openers Macneil Noronha and Aarav Mahesh. Noronha plundered 17 runs from the opening over as the pair raced to 58 without loss in the Powerplay before adding 70 for the first wicket.

Noronha top-scored with 44, while Aarav made 27. Dhruv Prabhakar (28) and Manish Pandey (23) revived the chase with a brisk 40-run stand for the fourth wicket, but their dismissals in quick succession shifted the momentum back in the Kings' favour.

Despite a late flourish from Kranthi Kumar (30), the Mystics were left needing seven off the final over and eventually finished three runs short.

The Mystics impressed in the field, with Noronha claiming three catches in addition to a wicket, while Thippa Reddy produced one of the catches of the tournament with a superb running effort.

Brief scores:

Coastal Kings Mangaluru 169/9 in 20 overs (Karun Nair 65, Prajwal Pavan 35; Kranthi Kumar 3-38, Suhas Purushotham 2-27) beat Gulbarga Mystics 166/7 in 20 overs (Macneil Noronha 44, Kranthi Kumar 30, Dhruv Prabhakar 28, Aarav Mahesh 27, Manish Pandey 23; Shreyas Gopal 2-36) by 3 runs.

--IANS

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Shillong, July 8 (IANS) Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said on Wednesday that the state has registered a significant improvement in school education, moving up two grades in the Union government's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2025-26.

The Minister added that the state's overall PGI score increased from 448 in 2024-25 to 525.7 in 2025-26, enabling Meghalaya to move from the Akanshi-3 category, the lowest performance band, to Akanshi-1 in a single assessment cycle.

According to Rymbui, this marks the first time Meghalaya has moved out of the lowest grading category since the introduction of the Performance Grading Index framework by the Union government.

He said that the state's progress has been consistent over the last four assessment cycles, with the overall score rising from 401.62 in 2022-23 to 417.90 in 2023-24, 448 in 2024-25 and 525.7 in 2025-26.

The cumulative improvement of more than 124 points reflects sustained efforts by the state government to strengthen the school education system, he added.

The Education Minister attributed the improved performance to a series of reforms undertaken by the state over the past few years.

These include the introduction of the Structured Pay Framework (SPF) for teachers, rationalisation of schools, implementation of the Chief Minister's IMPACT programme, infrastructure development under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and the Asian Development Bank-supported education project.

Rymbui said the state government has also focused on strengthening teacher capacity through the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy, improving digital governance in the education sector, and introducing targeted interventions aimed at enhancing foundational literacy, numeracy and overall school governance.

He added that the improvement in the PGI ranking demonstrates the positive impact of these reforms and reflects the collective efforts of teachers, education officials, school management committees and other stakeholders across the state.

Welcoming the achievement, the Minister said the state government considers it an important milestone rather than the final destination.

He asserted that the state would continue to focus on improving learning outcomes, strengthening governance, enhancing teacher capacity and ensuring that every child in Meghalaya has access to quality education.

--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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Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) In the latest episode of 'Lock Upp 2', contestant Pamela Serena was seen playfully teasing Ram Kapoor that Madhuri Grover fancies him.

In the latest episode of the reality show that was dropped on Netflix on Wednesday, Pamela was heard telling Ram Kapoor, "I know, like I 100% know, Madhuri Ji fancies you. She has a crush on you. At night, she comes and pretends to have a conversation."

In a light-hearted moment, she further pointed out that whenever Madhuri talks to Ram, she maintains eye contact.

When Pam asked Ram if he also felt something, the 'Bade Achhe Lagte Hain' actor denied.

However, Dheeraj Dhoopar also joined Pameela to tease Ram, saying that even he felt it too, and hence would sleep when Madhuri would come to their cell to talk to Ram.

However, later on, when contestant Varun Yadav pointed out that Madhuri was happily married to businessman Ashneer Grover, Pamela said that she was simply joking.

In another massive update from 'Lock Upp 2', Gaurav Khanna is expected to enter the show as a special visitor amidst the announcement of his separation from Akanksha Chamola, who is also one of the contestants on the show.

This will be Gaurav and Akansha's first meeting after the latter announced that they are headed for a divorce on the very first day of 'Lock Upp 2'.

As she was entering the 'Lock Upp', Akansha had revealed, “Gaurav Khanna and I are getting divorced. We have been living separately for the past one year. People don’t know about this yet. This is a decision we have both taken. We have been talking about it for the past one year."

In another shocking revelation during the show, Akanksha said that she is bisexual and even had relationships with females before getting married to Gaurav.

"Main shaadi se pehle bisexual thi. Mere relations rahey hain kuch ladkiyo ke saath. Bohot zyaada intimate relations nahi rahe hain but I have been in relations with a few females (I was bisexual before marriage. I have been in relations with females, but they were not intimate),” she shared.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) Actor Vicky Kaushal shared a fun incident of when he first met Hrithik Roshan during his appearance on the chat show 'Too Much with Kajol and Twinkle'.

Vicky said that when he learned that his father, Sham Kaushal, was working with Hrithik, he requested him to introduce him to the 'Koi Mil Gaya' actor.

However, his father told him that Hrithik only meets with those kids who can perform the hook steps to the 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' track from 'Kaho Naa....Pyaar Hain'.

Recalling the fanboy moment, Vicky was heard saying, "I am still such a huge fan of Hrithik Roshan. So, his first film, 'Kaho Naa....Pyaar Hain' had come out, and everybody, like every kid in the country, was mad about him. And I got to know that my dad is working with him, and I was like, 'Can I get to meet him?' And he played that trick on me. I don't know for what reason. He was like, 'He only meets with kids who can do the 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' steps'."

Vicky added that he ended up rehearsing the song for three days, thinking that Hrithik would ask him to perform and would later fall in love with him after seeing his performance.

When Vicky finally got to meet Hrithik, he found him to be extremely sweet, and he even ended up clicking pictures with him.

It must be noted that Vicky is yet to share screen space with Hrithik.

Talking about Vicky's professional commitments, he will soon be seen alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's eagarly awaited love saga "Love & War".

The drama is believed to be inspired by the Bollywood classic “Sangam”, which had Ranbir's grandfather Raj Kapoor, along with Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar as the lead.

Along with "Love & War", Vicky has also been roped in to lead the forthcoming mythological fantasy drama "Mahavatar: The Epic Saga", directed by Amar Kaushik.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) Actor Maniesh Paul remembered his late mother in a heartfelt post on Instagram. He shared that as he said his final goodbye to his mother on Wednesday, the world felt quieter.

However, he assured that he will be carrying the love, strength, and kindness left behind by his mother with him always.

Sharing some memorable pictures with his mom on Instagram, Maniesh wrote, "Today, the world feels quieter. This morning, I said goodbye to my mother—my first home, my greatest comfort, and the strongest woman I’ve ever known. (sic)."

"No words can truly capture what you’ve meant to me or the emptiness you’ve left behind. But I carry your love, your strength, your kindness, and every lesson you gave me. They will stay with me for the rest of my life. I hope you’re at peace now," he added.

"Thank you for loving me the way only a mother can. Until we meet again. Love you forever and ever (sic)", concluded the emotional post.

Maniesh's mother passed away at the age of 77 in Delhi on Wednesday.

The actor’s team shared the unfortunate news, saying, “With great grief, we regret to inform you that actor Maniesh Paul lost his 77-year-old mother today in Delhi. We request you to please pray for the departed soul. May she rest in eternal peace”.

Maniesh likes to keep his personal life away from the public domain. He is married to his childhood friend Sanyukta Paul. The couple has two children- a daughter, Saisha, and a son, Yuvann.

On Mother's Day this year, the actor shared a lovely Instagram post that included a photo of Maniesh with his mother. He further uploaded a still of his wife, Sanyukta Paul, and their children.

"Meri maa. Aur mere bachchon ki maa. Happy Mother's Day. And thank you for EVERYTHING," Maniesh had written.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan recalled his 'not too pleasant' first meeting with Kajol during their appearance on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'.

SRK remembered that they were shooting for 'Baazigar' on 1st January and he was absolutely hungover. On the other hand, Kajol, who is used to sleeping early, was extremely energetic, something which Shah Rukh found annoying.

He shared, "When I met Kajol, I met her on the set of Baazigar. It was 31st December and all of us were very tensed. We were shooting on the morning of the 1st."

"I have a rule. You must work on the 1st of January, whether you are capable of doing it or not. So I came on the set, but all of us were very tense. But Kajol sleeps very early. She is a very proper and good girl. And she was very energetic in the morning. She was very energetic."

After seeing that Shah Rukh is not talking much, Kajol had even asked one of the make-up artists, "Your hero is very quiet. Doesn't he talk?"

King Khan further revealed that he was so annoyed with Kajol that he had decided that he would never work with her again.

"And at that time. And I am telling you the truth. I swear on my bread and butter. I had decided, 'I will never work with this girl'," SRK shared.

Directed by Abbas–Mustan and produced by Venus Movies, 'Baazigar' is loosely based on the 1991 film 'A Kiss Before Dying', which itself was adapted from Ira Levin's 1953 novel of the same.

After 'Baazigar (1993)' Shah Rukh and Kajol have appeared together in many memorable classics such as, 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)', 'Karan Arjun (1995)', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)', 'My Name Is Khan (2010)', and 'Dilwale (2015)'.

--IANS

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