New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Uruguay counterpart Mario Lubetkin in New Delhi on Friday, with discussions held on advancing bilateral ties, including in trade, connectivity and culture.

EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Uruguay's support for deepening partnership with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and MERCOSUR.

"Delighted to welcome FM Mario Lubetkin in New Delhi today. A good conversation on advancing our ties, including in trade, connectivity and culture. Agreed on a focused roadmap to that end. Appreciate Uruguay’s support for deepening partnership with CELAC and MERCOSUR. Received Uruguay’s Instrument of Ratification to the International Solar Alliance," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Lubetkin arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit set to be held on September 12-13. He will represent the CELAC at the summit set to be hosted by India under its BRICS chairship.

While extending a warm welcome to the visiting minister, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote, "Pleased to welcome Foreign Minister of Uruguay, Mr. Mario Lubetkin ​as he represents the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. India and CELAC are partnering to boost trade, tech sharing, and strengthening partnerships across the Global South."

The BRICS Summit will bring together leaders of BRICS members, partner countries and outreach invitees. During the BRICS Summit, the leaders will exchange views on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation on common priorities and share perspectives on global and regional matters of mutual importance, according to a statement released by the MEA.

BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS partner countries are: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Last month, Secretary (West), MEA, Sibi George, attended Uruguay National Day celebrations and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

"MEA Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George represented India at the National Day celebrations of Uruguay. He conveyed warm greetings to the government and people of Uruguay and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening the India-Uruguay relationship," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Sep 11 (IANS) Dissident National Conference (NC) leader and Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday criticised his party for allegedly abandoning the fight against the amended Waqf Act and the imposition of stanzas of the Vande Mataram national song.

Ruhullah said on X that J&K needed to show greater sensitivity towards the concerns of the minorities.

The dissident NC Lok Sabha member criticised his party for allegedly abandoning the fight against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 and the imposition of stanzas of Vande Mataram, saying Jammu and Kashmir needs to show greater sensitivity to the concerns of minorities.

In his post, Ruhullah said he had opposed the Waqf amendment but later found that his party had “abandoned the fight” and could not even muster the courage to bring a resolution against it in the J&K Legislature.

He said Punjab and some southern states had taken such a step.

Ruhullah also said he had opposed the imposition of stanzas of Vande Mataram, terming it 'unconstitutional', but alleged that his party had instead “fallen in line with BJP & RSS in submission”.

"At a time when minorities are being pushed to the wall, let’s not normalise the communal onslaught of the RSS and BJP,” he said, urging people to stand up for the “legitimate concerns” of minorities across India.

Ruhullah said Jammu and Kashmir, being the largest Muslim-majority region in the Union of India, should be more sensitive to religious beliefs and concerns of minorities.

“Jammu & Kashmir has a historical opportunity to stand for what is right. Let’s not squander that chance,” he said, adding that the present circumstances called for statesmanship, sensitivity and courage and not another compromise.

Ruhullah has been sharply criticised by NC leaders, including the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, for getting elected to the Lok Sabha as the NC candidate and then acting against the party interests.

Dr Abdullah challenged Ruhullah to resign from the Lok Sabha and then get elected on his own political strength. Ruhullah has announced that he will resign from both the party and the Lok Sabha on November 3, a day when his father was killed by the terrorists in 2000.

--IANS

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Kanpur, Sep 11 (IANS) Amid a controversy over the demolition of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's state Vice President Maulana Aminul Haq Abdullah on Friday said that the organisation will approach the Allahabad High Court and, if required, even the Supreme Court, against the "injustice".

Speaking to IANS, the Muslim cleric termed the demolition of the mosque as "totally unconstitutional".

"Due procedure of the court has not been followed," he maintained.

A fresh political controversy erupted after an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team examined a nearly 20-foot-deep well discovered during debris removal at the site where the mosque was demolished inside the Saharanpur Collectorate premises.

Regarding the discovery of the well, Maulana Abdullah said: "In Islam, 'Wudu' (ritualistic purification) is performed before prayers, which involves washing the hands and face. Now submersible pumps, taps, etc., are available. In earlier times, wells were built in mosques for the ritual. People would draw water from the wells and perform 'Wudu'. Most mosques that are 100-150 years old will have a well."

"How has the presence of a well become proof that it was not a mosque?" he asked.

Abdullah claimed that the people there have the required documents for the structure.

"People whose ancestors owned the land have the required documents that serve as proof that the land was given by them for the construction of a mosque and for other purposes. Why were they not given the time and opportunity to submit those papers, and why were the arguments of the other side not heard? This is clearly injustice," he alleged.

"People cannot be fooled in the name of religion for a long time. The majority of the population in India have never accepted hatred and injustice in the past and will not do so in the future as well."

The Muslim cleric further said: "Our organisation and we will approach the High Court and if required, even the Supreme Court, regarding the matter."

"We are ready to fight against this injustice till wherever we can," he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Television actor Zain Imam revealed that he has removed Instagram from his phone.

However, the ‘Naamkarann’ actor clarified that he is not deactivating his account and will continue to maintain his presence on the platform whenever work or professional commitments require it. Sharing the update with his followers, Zain said that his Instagram profile will remain active, but he does not plan to be available on the platform every day. He shared a note that read, “Taking Instagram off my phone again — not deactivating the account, thanks to a few work and brand commitments that still need me to exist there. So yes, the profile will still be around... I just won’t be. At least not on a daily basis. I’ll make the occasional appearance whenever life, work or necessity calls for it.”

“Until then, And honestly, there’s a rather beautiful life happening beyond screens, feeds and notifications. Go live that one. It’s much more interesting. Thanks for you attention to this matter.”

Earlier, on September 1, Zain Imam had announced that he was taking a short break from social media.The actor had revealed that he would be deactivating his account for a few days to step away from the online world, disconnect, recharge and focus on life beyond the screen.

He had written, “Going off Instagram for a few days. Nothing to worry about — just taking a little time away from social media to disconnect, recharge, and focus on the things that matter away from the screen. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from the noise, disconnect for a bit, and spend some time being present in the real world.”

He added, “I’ll be deactivating my account, but I’m not unfollowing anyone or removing anyone, so please don’t misunderstand the silence. I’ll be back soon. Until then, sending good vibes your way. Thank you.”

Zain Imam is best known for his roles in popular shows such as “Naamkarann,” “Tashan-E-Ishq” and “Fanaa: Ishq Mein Marjawan.” He also participated in the ninth season of the reality stunt show “Khatron Ke Khiladi.”

--IANS

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New York, Sep 11 (IANS) World No. 3 Jessica Pegula heaped praise on Aryna Sabalenka following her loss to the two-time defending US Open champion in the semifinal and opined that this was the best level she saw from the Belarusian and wondered who pissed Sabalenka off for playing the way she did at the Arthur Ashe Stadium against her.

"I think that is probably the best match she's played this year. I thought her level was insanely high," Pegula said in the post-match press conference following her 5-7, 2-6 loss to Sabalenka.

"Maybe she felt a little bit off in the beginning. We both were playing well, serving well. And then, I don't know who pissed her off today. Hopefully it wasn’t me, totally; it might’ve been. I don’t know; she played insane. She played at a super high level. Honestly, I don't really know if there was much I could do today.

Pegula had her chances in the first set, but could not find the big points and the break points against the two-time US Open champion. "I had some chances, but she kept finding ways to hit some really good shots on big points. She made good second serves. I honestly don't know if she missed a backhand in the entire match. Maybe a few backhand returns in the beginning and then she just dialled in," she said.

"I didn't play bad. I think I've actually played worse against her before, but I think that level was the highest I've seen from her, considering I don't think I played bad at all," she added.

Pegula highlighted that Sabalenka might have come out in the semifinal with a clear goal of controlling the points as the former World No.1 set things up with her serve and return. 'Probably that's her game plan. She doesn't want to ever feel like the other person's really dictating. She's much better, I think, playing her first one-two strike tennis: serve, return, return, next ball. That's what she does best, and I think I've been playing pretty well.

"And I think I, maybe in the past, have been able to move her a bit more. But I think her goal, I don't know if it was today, but it was just to not let me control the points. And she did a very good job of that, especially off serve, return, first ball," she added.

Pegula emphasised she wasn't very upset about the loss as she felt Sabalenka was on another level and revealed the light-hearted time with Sabalenka's team after the game.

"I'm honestly not that upset, to be honest because I don't really think there was much I could have done today. I mean, we joked with her team. We're like, do you think, like, do you like us? Like, we're good people. Like, we're pretty nice to you guys. Like, do you think that maybe, like, one day she could be maybe off, like, a little bit, so I could just, like, get a chance?

"That was pretty much our attitude after the match. Because, as I said, she played an insanely high level. I think probably one of her better matches this year for sure. And, yeah, that was it. It just didn't feel like there was a lot. I mean, I, of course, tried to stick around to see if the level would go off. But it seemed like it just got better as the match went on," Pegula said.

She added that maybe her last win against Sabalenka in the Grass Court Championships Berlin, especially the 6-0 victory in the third set, may have made Sabalenka "pissed off at me today."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit set to be held over the weekend.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Guterres' visit to New Delhi reaffirms the shared commitment of BRICS partners to multilateralism and constructive dialogue in promoting peace, development and international cooperation. This is Guterres's fifth visit to India and his second this year after participating in the AI Action Summit in Delhi in February.

"Warm welcome to Secretary-General of UN, Mr. Antonio Guterres at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He was received by MoS Sukanta Majumdar at the airport. The visit reaffirms the shared commitment of BRICS partners to multilateralism and constructive dialogue in promoting peace, development and international cooperation," the MEA posted on X.

As BRICS chair in 2026, India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together leaders of BRICS members, partner countries and outreach invitees.

BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS partner countries are: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Guterres will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi with a message of support for the group that reflects the changed multipolar realities of today's world, according to UN Chief spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres is "expected to note that today's economic, demographic, and geopolitical realities are not those of 1945, and that countries represented at the summits speak for that changing reality" when he speaks at the summit on Sunday, he said on Wednesday (local time).

The present global political and economic systems, said Dujarric, are locked in the post-World War II framework created in 1945, when many international institutions were created.

In his speech on "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth", Guterres is "expected to underscore that multipolarity can help bring balance to global systems and institutions", Dujarric said.

"But this requires forming multilateral institutions, reforming multilateral institutions, including the Bretton Woods system, the Security Council, among others, to reflect today's realities", he is expected to say.

The Bretton Woods system serves as the foundation of the global monetary system and underpins the International Monetary Fund that was created under it, and other global financial organisations.

As the chair of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability' as the meeting's theme.

Guterres will also be holding a bilateral meeting with PM Modi and other leaders at the summit of the 10-member BRICS.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Actress and entrepreneur Preity Zinta gave a glimpse of her journey from across the globe as she made it in time for her twins Jai and Gia’s “First Day of School”.

Preity took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a series of pictures and videos documenting her journey.

Sharing a picture of herself during the flight along with a view from the aircraft window, the actress wrote: “Rushed across the globe to make it for ‘First Day of School’ Wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world! Ting.”

The actress also shared glimpses from her journey, giving fans a peek into the long travel she undertook to be present for the special day of her children.

Preity was in the news recently for her upcoming movie Vibe, which she was in India to promote.

Preity, who is known for maintaining a relatively private life with her family, is based in Los Angeles, California, where she lives with her American husband Gene Goodenough and their twins Jai and Gia.

The actress often is seen juggling between India and USA for work. She had recently spoken about how motherhood has changed her priorities and how she tries to be present for important moments in her children's lives.

Speaking to IANS, the Soldier actress opened up about balancing motherhood with her professional commitments.

Preity stated that while managing multiple responsibilities is not easy, having a strong support system has made it possible for her to pursue different things in life.

“Women are natural multitaskers. If you look at your mom or my mom, she might not have a job but her job is to look after my dad, three children, the household, so many things. So, women are natural multitaskers. Now women have become super women because there are a lot of women who are working and then they come home and they're still taking care of the kids,” she said.

Preity acknowledged that juggling a career and motherhood can be challenging, but said she considers herself fortunate to have the resources and support needed to manage both.

“I am very lucky and fortunate and I'm very grateful to God that I have a lot more means so I can have help. I couldn't have come here if I didn't have help.”

The Dil Se actress also stressed that while support can ease the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, it cannot replace a mother.

“Of course, no one can substitute for the mother but my mom is there, we have other people. So yes, it's not easy but then if you want different things in life then you have to put everything aside and see different things at different times. So obviously it's not easy but it's not that tough also when you have the means,” she added.

The Veer-Zaara actress also praised women who manage work and family responsibilities without the same resources.

“There are a lot of women who don't have the means and they are doing it. So when I look at those situations I say hats off to them and I'm very grateful to God that I do have those choices,” she said.

For the uninitiated, Preity had taken an eight-year hiatus from films before making her return to the silver screen with the period drama Batwara 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan Productions. The film, starring Sunny Deol, released in theatres on August 14, 2026.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Singer Suneeta Rao has revisited her May 1997 cover for a magazine launched by veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini. She recalled how the shoot reflected a time when women were finding new voices and making their presence felt across spheres of life.

She took to Instagram, where she shared the cover of the magazine featuring a young Suneeta.

In the caption, she wrote: “Cover Story #5! It was May 1997. I featured on the cover of a new magazine by the Bollywood Dreamgirl herself, Hema Malini, called “New Woman”.”

Suneeta said that she presented innocence and sensuality of “Paree” and the “inner strength of Dehka Dehka.”

“This time I presented an image which was a delicate blend of the innocence and sensuality of “Paree”, and the inner strength of “Dehka Dehka”. Women were finding new voices and and making their presence felt in all spheres of life,” Suneeta wrote.

She added: That year the Vishaka guidelines were issued and women were demanding accountability and preventive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace. A new woman was emerging and there was no looking back!”

Talking about Suneeta, she started her career with the song Suneeta Senorita in 1989. She became popular with the song "Paree Hoon main".

Suneeta released a Hindi pop album entitled Dhuan in 1991 with Gramophone Company India, which sold over 75,000 copies, with music by Lesle Lewis. The song and video of "Paree" from the album made Suneeta Rao a household name, leading the press to affectionately crown her the "Paree of the Masses".

Her early association with A. R. Rahman was "Adi Paru Mangatha", from the 1994 Tamil film May Madham.

Two videos that hit the screen were for the songs "Dehka Dehka" and "Kesariya", two folksy upbeat tracks that reinstated Rao at the top of the charts. She then released a new single and music video entitled "Chhoti Chhoti Baatein" as part of the Magnasound album A Reason To Smile on the occasion of 50 years of Indian Independence.

She also featured in a group song in the album called "Wajah Muskurane Ki".

--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, Sep 11 (IANS) Singer Suneeta Rao has revisited her May 1997 cover for a magazine launched by veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini. She recalled how the shoot reflected a time when women were finding new voices and making their presence felt across spheres of life.

She took to Instagram, where she shared the cover of the magazine featuring a young Suneeta.

In the caption, she wrote: “Cover Story #5! It was May 1997. I featured on the cover of a new magazine by the Bollywood Dreamgirl herself, Hema Malini, called “New Woman”.”

Suneeta said that she presented innocence and sensuality of “Paree” and the “inner strength of Dehka Dehka.”

“This time I presented an image which was a delicate blend of the innocence and sensuality of “Paree”, and the inner strength of “Dehka Dehka”. Women were finding new voices and and making their presence felt in all spheres of life,” Suneeta wrote.

She added: That year the Vishaka guidelines were issued and women were demanding accountability and preventive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace. A new woman was emerging and there was no looking back!”

Talking about Suneeta, she started her career with the song Suneeta Senorita in 1989. She became popular with the song "Paree Hoon main".

Suneeta released a Hindi pop album entitled Dhuan in 1991 with Gramophone Company India, which sold over 75,000 copies, with music by Lesle Lewis. The song and video of "Paree" from the album made Suneeta Rao a household name, leading the press to affectionately crown her the "Paree of the Masses".

Her early association with A. R. Rahman was "Adi Paru Mangatha", from the 1994 Tamil film May Madham.

Two videos that hit the screen were for the songs "Dehka Dehka" and "Kesariya", two folksy upbeat tracks that reinstated Rao at the top of the charts. She then released a new single and music video entitled "Chhoti Chhoti Baatein" as part of the Magnasound album A Reason To Smile on the occasion of 50 years of Indian Independence.

She also featured in a group song in the album called "Wajah Muskurane Ki".

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Actor and politician Ravi Kishan, who has been a rage across social media, has said that the music video of his latest song ‘Money Follows My Brother’ is a culmination of what people connect with him for his dialogues and his energy.

The actor has redefined virality on social media courtesy his iconic dialogues, instantly recognisable expressions, his candid moments, and larger-than-life personality.

One line in particular has become synonymous with his viral persona, “Money Follows My Brother”. What began as one of Ravi Kishan’s most loved and widely circulated lines has now been transformed into a full-fledged musical experience with ‘Money Follows My Brother’.

Talking about the song, the actor-politician said in a statement, “The kind of love I have been receiving from my fans recently has been truly overwhelming. I’m beyond grateful and thankful for it to my fans and Mahadev, and ‘Money Follows My Brother’ is my way of giving that love back to them”.

“Everything that people connect with me for, my dialogues, my energy, my relatability and my personality, has come together in this video. I hope they enjoy it and cherish it with the same love and excitement. Iss baar kuch special pesh ho raha hain (serving something truly special this time)”, he added.

‘Money Follows My Brother’ features vocals by Mellow D, Surjit Bindrakhia and Ravi Kishan, with lyrics penned by Mellow D and Shamsher Sandhu. The track is produced by Sangam Vigyaanik, while the music is composed by Mellow D, Sangam Vigyaanik and Atul Sharma. The music video is directed by Post Guru.

Presented by T-Series and Bhushan Kumar, ‘Money Follows My Brother’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, with the official music video on the T-Series YouTube channel.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Bollywood star Ranveer Singh was spotted at the airport late at night, and was seen meeting everybody around warmly.

The actor was seen stepping out of his car in a casual yet stylish black and white look, with his rugged appearance.

Before heading inside the airport, Ranveer took a moment to greet the people around him.

In a video circulating on social media, Ranveer is seen warmly shaking hands with airport staff, security personnel, police officers and his bouncers. He appeared to express his gratitude to them for their services before proceeding towards the airport, with a firm hand shake.

The actor also briefly interacted with people around him, taking a moment to acknowledge their presence before heading off.

The airport appearance comes days after Ranveer and his star wife Deepika Padukone, gave fans a rare glimpse of their family life. The couple recently shared a series of intimate black-and-white pictures from a maternity shoot, featuring their daughter Dua. The pictures were shared on September 8, on Dua's second birthday, and took the internet by storm.

The pictures featured Deepika flaunting her baby bump, with Ranveer seen lovingly posing with her. In another frame, their daughter Dua was seen between her parents in a rare public glimpse. Ranveer captioned the post, "Baby Dua and our hearts are getting bigger! Thank you for your blessings."

Ranveer and Deepika are expecting their second child. The couple had announced the pregnancy earlier this year and are now preparing to welcome another member into their family. They welcomed Dua in September 2024 and have largely kept her away from the public eye.

On the work front, Ranveer is currently gearing up for many projects. He is currently associated with Pralay, which is currently being filmed

–IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Amruta Khanvilkar has opened up about 15 years of her iconic Marathi song ‘Wajle Ki Bara.’

During her appearance on ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 5,’ she revealed that despite years of experience as a performer, she still gets nervous before stepping onto the stage. The actress and dancer will revisit the song’s memorable journey in the upcoming episode of Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 5’, which celebrates the spirit of ‘India Wala Dance’.

Amruta will join contestant Dipali Borkar for a special performance on her popular track. Reflecting on the song’s enduring popularity, Amruta spoke about the power of Marathi music and credit composer duo Ajay-Atul for taking it to audiences across India and abroad. She said, “I think I have been one of those lucky artists jinko bahut kamaal ke gaane mile hain. Aaj 15 saal ho gaye ‘Wajle Ki Bara’ ko, but phir bhi log aaj isi gaane pe thirakte hain. Aur mujhe aise lagta hai ki jo Marathi music ki power hai na, woh poore desh mein, videsh mein le jaane ke liye Ajay-Atul sir ka bahut bada haath hai.” (“I think I have been one of those lucky artists who have been fortunate enough to get some really amazing songs. It has been 15 years since ‘Wajle Ki Bara’, but even today, people continue to dance to this song. And I feel that Ajay-Atul sir have played a huge role in taking the power of Marathi music across the country and even abroad.”)

‘Wajle Ki Bara’ is a popular Marathi song from the 2010 Marathi-language drama film “Natarang,” directed by Ravi Jadhav. The film starred Atul Kulkarni and Sonalee Kulkarni in the lead roles, and the song went on to become one of the most recognized Marathi dance numbers.

Despite being an experienced performer, Amruta revealed that she still feels nervous when taking the stage, especially while performing in front of the judges. She opened up about the excitement and pressure that come with performing before a panel of experienced judges. She said, “But Terence Sir, Javed Sir, Karisma Ma’am, and Geeta Maa, aap logon ke saamne dance karna matlab, chahe gaana mera ho ya doosre ka ho, aaj bhi mere pet mein ek gud-gud si hoti hai. Toh once a contestant, once a dancer, always a dancer and a contestant!” (Dancing in front of Terence Sir, Javed Sir, Karisma Ma’am and Geeta Maa still gives me butterflies in my stomach, whether it is my song or someone else’s. So, once a contestant, once a dancer, always a dancer and a contestant)

Amruta also shared her experience of dancing with contestant Dipali Borkar, praising her energy and calling her a valuable part of the show. “I feel Dipali is such an asset to this show. I am so glad that I am dancing with her today. Her energy reminded me of my childhood.”

“India’s Best Dancer Season 5” airs every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television.

--IANS

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