New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for the revival of the Opposition INDIA bloc following the recently held Assembly election results, but alleged that the Congress, the largest constituent of the alliance, took a stand contrary to unity-building.

“The attitude of the Congress towards other opposition parties is not helpful in building the unity of secular forces in a united fight against the RSS-BJP, which is the need of the hour,” said a party statement issued on Monday after the Central Committee (CC) met in New Delhi from May 22 to 24 to assess recent Assembly election outcomes.

It condemned allegations that CPI(M) had a “deal” with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Kerala polls, calling them malicious and baseless.

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) alliance lost its last bastion in Kerala to the United Democratic Front (UDF), in which the Congress is the principal constituent.

The party’s Kerala state committee is gathering opinions across party levels to explain the setback.

“On the basis of these discussions, corrective measures for the identified weaknesses will be undertaken,” the statement said.

A similar exercise will also be undertaken in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, it added.

The party’s highest decision-making body after the Party Congress termed the “re-entry” of the CPI(M) into the West Bengal Assembly as “a positive development”, where one candidate won this time after the 2021 rout.

One party functionary also won from Mahe in Puducherry as an Independent, it noted.

CC members acknowledged the BJP’s growing footprint in the South, though they termed it a “nominal number of seats” in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while voicing concern over “their spread”.

The communique also accused the BJP of manipulating delimitation to reduce the influence of southern states.

It further criticised the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that lakhs of voters had been disenfranchised under “logical discrepancies”.

Despite government claims, the CPI(M) argued that the economy remains in crisis, with unemployment rising, MSMEs distressed, agriculture facing fertiliser shortages, and inequality worsening.

It also pointed to the rupee falling to historic lows, foreign exchange reserves depleting, and fuel prices being sharply increased post-elections, and pledged to mobilise people against austerity measures and fuel hikes.

The CC also opposed the new VBGRAMG Act, which would replace MGNREGA, arguing that it denies rural workers employment and relies excessively on digital systems.

It also condemned the immediate operationalisation of the new Labour Codes after the elections, urging state governments to amend them to protect workers.

The statement highlighted rising atrocities against women, Dalits and Adivasis, citing a gang rape in Delhi and alleging systemic failures under BJP rule.

It also claimed BJP leaders were behind the NEET paper leak and demanded the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and decentralisation of examination conduct.

The party further criticised CBSE’s mishaps with digital evaluation, urging immediate corrective measures.

Turning to global matters, the CC condemned US actions against Cuba, Iran, Palestine and Venezuela, pledging an anti-imperialist campaign in June.

The CPI(M) also pledged to campaign for women’s reservation, voting rights and against labour code notifications, the communique added.

--IANS

jb/dan

Patna, May 26 (IANS) Bihar Police carried out two major anti-narcotics operations in Supaul and Madhubani districts, recovering more than 455 kg of ganja and arresting five alleged smugglers.

The first operation was conducted by Pipra Police Station in Supaul district, where police recovered 427.95 kg of cannabis from a pickup vehicle during a special blockade operation.

Rajesh Kumar Jha, SHO of Pipra Police Station, said: “We received confidential intelligence that a large consignment of narcotics was being transported from the Bhutaha area of Madhubani towards Bhagalpur.”

Following the tip-off, a special police team led by Sub-Inspector Rajiv Kumar Singh launched an intensive checking drive near Singheshwar Road beyond the railway bridge at around 4 a.m. on Monday.

During the operation, police intercepted a suspicious pickup truck whose driver allegedly attempted to flee after spotting the blockade.

Police personnel chased and surrounded the vehicle before taking it into custody.

During the search, police discovered a concealed compartment built beneath the rear seating and cargo section of the vehicle.

The hidden cavity allegedly contained sacks filled with cannabis, which had been covered with empty plastic crates to avoid suspicion.

Police said the recovered narcotics weighed 427.95 kg and had an estimated international market value of around Rs 1.71 crore.

The arrested accused was identified as Upendra Kumar Yadav, a resident of Kopa village under the Dulhin Bazar Police Station area in Patna district.

According to police, the accused allegedly confessed during interrogation that the consignment had been collected from Bhutaha and was being transported to Bhagalpur.

Police have seized both the contraband and the pickup truck and registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Further raids are underway to identify and arrest others allegedly linked to the smuggling network.

In a separate operation, police from Narahiya Police Station in Madhubani district seized 28 kg of cannabis from a passenger bus during a raid at Bhutaha Chowk on NH-27.

Police officer Nilesh Kumar said police had received information that four youths travelling on a bus from the Araria side were carrying narcotics concealed inside bags.

Acting on the intelligence, police cordoned off Bhutaha Chowk and stopped a passenger bus named Maa Durga Bus bearing registration number BR06PF 3694.

During the search, officers recovered large quantities of cannabis from four bags kept by passengers seated in the sleeper section of the bus.

Police later weighed the seized narcotics in the presence of a magistrate and confirmed the total quantity at 28 kg.

The arrested accused were identified as Badri Kumar, Indrajit Kumar, Mukesh Kumar and Ashish Kumar.

Police said all four had been sent to judicial custody after cases were registered under the NDPS Act.

--IANS

ajk/pgh

Moscow, May 26 (IANS) The Russian Foreign Ministry is going to summon the head of the Czech diplomatic mission in Moscow in connection with the detention of Hilarion Alfeyev in Karlovy Vary, local media reported on Monday.

Hilarion Alfrey, a retired bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church residing in Czechia, was arrested on Sunday after Czech police found containers with an unspecified substance in the trunk of his car, according to a statement released by the Ministry.

"The Russian Embassy will continue to provide him with all necessary assistance. The head of the Czech diplomatic mission in Moscow will be summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry shortly, where a strong protest will be lodged against the Czech authorities' unacceptable, arbitrary actions," said the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Russia’s state-owned Tass news agency reported.

Alfeyev's place of service is designated as the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary.

The Ministry said he was arrested in the Czech Republic on “trumped-up charges.”

According to the statement, the police station conducted a personal search of Hilarion and his driver, and tested them for narcotics (with negative results).

“We regard this incident as a deliberate, orchestrated provocation, with the aim of denigrating both the Metropolitan himself and, through him, Orthodoxy in principle, which has recently been under attack in the Czech Republic,” noted the Ministry.

It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Hilarion Alfrey and the end of the “fabricated investigation”.

Hilarion categorically denied involvement in the illegal possession of prohibited substances and considers his arrest a provocation.

Hilarion also noted that he has received frequent anonymous threats, including threats of physical violence, over the past several months, demanding that he leave his place of service.

He is ready to cooperate with the investigation within the law and intends to defend his name, dignity and reputation by all available legal means, Hilarion added, according to his Telegram channel.

–IANS

ksk/pgh

Srinagar, May 25 (IANS) The massive rescue operation at Jammu and Kashmir’s ski resort Gulmarg, where nearly 300 passengers were stranded in cable car cabins on Monday, has been completed and all passengers have been brought down safely.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary rushed to Gulmarg, while Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP Javaid Mujtaba Gilani, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi and other senior police officers supervised the rescue operation.

The Deputy Chief Minister told reporters that he had reached Gulmarg on the instructions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and that the rescue operation was almost complete.

He said all passengers of the cable car project were safe. “There were 260 tourists, 63 cabins, and people were evacuated from all cabins. The Army, SDRF, local people and police played a crucial role in this. All people have been evacuated. The path there is very muddy, so people are coming down on foot from above.

“There is no need to panic. Everything is fine. All tourists are safe. I will submit a full report to the Chief Minister, and the government will take steps accordingly. What happened and how it happened will be known after the investigation,” he added.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had earlier said: “I’m monitoring the rescue operation for tourists stranded in cable car cabins following a technical fault in Gulmarg. I have directed the DGP to proceed to the site. Joint rescue teams of police, Army, SDRF, along with the DC and SSP, are conducting the operation to ensure the safety of all tourists.”

Managing Director of the Cable Car Corporation Syed Qamar Sajjad had earlier said there was no major issue and that it was only a technical glitch.

However, the manner in which rescue teams drawn from multiple agencies were pressed into service and the promptness with which the operation was supervised and completed indicated that a major accident may have been averted.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier assured that the government was closely monitoring the situation at the Gulmarg Gondola and that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the safe evacuation of tourists.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said all cabins remained intact and trained rescue teams were on the ground carrying out the evacuation operation.

“The situation is completely under control and there is no cause for panic,” he said.

Omar Abdullah is a keen skier and has frequently used the Gondola cable car at Gulmarg to reach the higher slopes.

He is acquainted with the terrain, the route and the general technical safety of the cable car project and, therefore, his assurance carried considerable weight and offered hope to people worried about the safety of those stranded.

--IANS

sktr/pgh

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) rectified its earlier mistake of sharing a different answer sheet for an evaluation review requested by an examinee, and provided the correct one on Monday.

“Attaching the correct answer sheet screenshots here for your reference. We will still apply for re-evaluation of this answer sheet after checking this sheet more closely, since they have slashed my marks even when the answer is correct,” student Vedant Shrivastava posted on his X handle.

The CBSE had earlier admitted to a serious error in its new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system after the Class 12 student was mistakenly sent another candidate’s Physics answer sheet.

The episode has raised broader questions about the reliability of CBSE’s digital evaluation process following serious flaws reported in the new system.

It has sparked a nationwide debate on transparency and fairness in digital evaluation, raising broader concerns about systemic reliability.

Vedant applied for a photocopy of his Physics answer sheet on May 19 after receiving what he believed were unexpectedly low marks.

Four days later, he posted on X that the sheet CBSE emailed him did not match his handwriting and was clearly another student's.

“I am a CBSE Class 12 student. After receiving unexpectedly low marks in Physics, we applied for photocopies of my answer sheets through the CBSE re-evaluation process. Today we received the copies. And I am shattered because the Physics answer sheet uploaded by CBSE is not mine,” he had shared in a social media post on Saturday.

The post went viral, garnering over 3.5 million views and 48,000 likes, sparking outrage among students and parents.

CBSE quickly announced that the matter was being handled on “top priority”, assigning a dedicated team to investigate.

On Monday, CBSE emailed Vedant his correct Physics answer sheet and confirmed that his result would be revised after re-evaluation.

The Board reached out to Vedant’s family, assuring them that the error would be corrected and that his marks would be updated.

Since OSM was introduced this year to digitise evaluation, where answer scripts are scanned and marked onscreen rather than manually, there have been complaints of lower marks than students’ performance in competitive exams like JEE.

Technical glitches were also reported on the website, including fluctuating fees for answer sheet photocopies.

There were also allegations of blurred scanned copies and portal crashes during re-evaluation requests.

The controversy has put CBSE’s post-result verification and re-evaluation process under fresh scrutiny, with questions over the reliability of document-sharing and evaluation procedures.

There were also reports that Vedant and his family faced online trolling after the issue was raised on social media.

However, the Board had promised to update both the photocopy records and Vedant’s marks.

CBSE is yet to issue an official public statement on the specific allegations at the time of writing.

--IANS

jayanta/dan

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar discussed various facets of cooperation between India and Japan with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, in New Delhi on Monday.

“Delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to New Delhi today. Held wide-ranging discussions on various facets of our cooperation, including economic security, trade, energy, supply chain resilience, shipping, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

Both sides also shared views on global and regional developments, including the situation in West Asia and its implications.

“Between India and Japan, of course, we have a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and that signals that our ties have a larger implication, larger importance, and larger impact. One example of that will be tomorrow when we meet in the Quad format to discuss how to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,” EAM Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during the meeting with Motegi.

EAM Jaishankar also recalled their previous meetings in France in March and in New Delhi earlier this year.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, and other officials were also present during the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Toshimitsu Motegi noted that the world is facing the most significant structural change in the post-war era, driven by shifts in the balance of power and escalating conflicts.

He recalled EAM Jaishankar’s remarks during the Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in January.

“Now, the world is faced with the most significant structural change in the post-war era, driven by shifts in the balance of power and the intensification of conflict and confrontations. And as Jai, you rightly pointed out, the security environment has become increasingly severe,” he said.

“At the outset of the Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in January, Jai stated that Japan and India not only have opportunities, but also share an obligation and responsibility to shape the international order. That was really encouraging,” Motegi added.

“As we approach the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, our Special Strategic and Global Partnership continues to deepen and diversify for mutual benefit,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after the meeting.

He also said he was looking forward to Motegi’s participation in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday.

--IANS

ksk/dan

Yaounde, May 25 (IANS) The Chadian parliament on Monday approved the extension of the state of emergency in Lake Province for a period of three months.

During an extraordinary plenary session of both the National Assembly and the Senate, lawmakers adopted the resolution with 237 votes in favour, zero against, and zero abstentions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Chadian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Limane Mahamat, said that the extension is necessary amid continued armed incursions, terrorist acts, and cross-border movements that threaten the stability of the Lake Chad Basin.

The measure aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the defence and security forces, facilitate requisitions, and tighten controls on movement to better respond to security threats in the region, he said.

"As part of the implementation of our measures in Lake Province, we have requested that herders not frequent the areas declared high-security zones," Mahamat added.

Chad has declared a 20-day state of emergency in the Lake Province on May 8, following terrorist attacks by Boko Haram militants on soldiers.

According to a statement released by the country's army, the emergency measure will run from midnight on May 7 to midnight on May 27.

The statement urged officials and security forces to take "all necessary measures" to ensure the safety of people and their property during the period

"Violations of measures taken under the state of emergency are punishable in accordance with applicable laws. The measures taken pursuant to this decree cease to have effect upon the termination of the state of emergency," the statement said.

Twenty-three Chadian soldiers were killed and 26 others injured earlier this month in an assault by Boko Haram militants on the Barka Tolorom island military base in the province.

"I express the nation's deepest condolences, and to the wounded soldiers receiving care, I wish a speedy recovery," Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said in a message posted on his social media platforms after visiting the injured soldiers in a hospital.

--IANS

ksk/dan

New York, May 25 (IANS) US President Donald Trump is pressuring Pakistan to recognise Israel and establish diplomatic relations with it as part of the Iran war settlement.

Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday that “it should be mandatory” for Pakistan to “sign onto the Abraham Accords”, under which Muslim nations recognise Israel.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, and Jordan are the other countries from which he demanded acquiescence to the Abraham Accords.

Trump presented his demand as a quid pro quo for essentially waging the Iran war, which had been initiated by Israel, and for his attempts now to end it, writing, “after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together”.

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which have also been drawn into the Iran conflict, had already signed the Abraham Accords launched in 2020 during Trump’s first term.

It is called the Abraham Accords because Muslims consider the God of the Jewish Prophet Abraham as their own supreme divinity, along with Christians.

Morocco and Sudan are also members of the Accord, while two other countries, Kazakhstan and Somaliland, are reported to have agreed to join it.

Pakistan has a deeply antagonistic relationship with Israel, dating back to its opposition to Israel’s founding and its military support to Arab nations during their wars with Israel.

As it seeks to project itself as a devout Islamic nation and a champion of Muslim countries, Pakistan remains a vocal critic of Israel, accusing it at the United Nations of “mass carnage” against Palestinians and war crimes.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has claimed that Israel used “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and that it may “constitute a war crime”.

Against the backdrop of attacks on Israel in international forums and domestic Islamist opposition to Israel, it would be difficult for Islamabad to agree to Trump’s demand.

Trump’s demand for a group of Muslim countries to join the Abraham Accords also complicates the Strait of Hormuz deal.

It introduces a new dimension by making the Accord part of the settlement with Iran, which has stalled over other issues.

“By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my Representatives to begin, and successfully complete, the process of signing these Countries into the already Historic Abraham Accord”, Trump wrote.

--IANS

al/dan

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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, May 25 (IANS) Television couple Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya are all set to welcome their first child soon.

Before entering the next beautiful chapter of their lives, Divyanka and Vivek decided to get a dreamy maternity shoot done.

Both of them were seen twinning in white in the photos, also placed against a white backdrop.

Divyanka chose to wear a white gown with open hair and light makeup, as she flaunted her baby bump.

Accompanying her, Vivek decided to keep it casual with cream trousers and a white shirt with a white T-shirt underneath.

Sharing her excitement about embarking on a new journey, the 'Yeh Hai Mohabbatein' actress wrote on social media, "From being each other’s home…to becoming a home for someone else. We don’t know what this journey will look like yet, but we already know it’ll be our greatest one. (sic)."

"PS: I am lucky, I get to Love You and the world you have created for me," she added.

Meanwhile, during an exclusive interaction with IANS, Vivek shared how he reacted after learning about his wife Divyanka's pregnancy.

He revealed, "Honestly, my first reaction was not overwhelming excitement. I actually felt nervous and a little stressed. When Divyanka Tripathi first told me the news, I suddenly realized that a huge responsibility was about to begin."

"That feeling slowly started sinking in over the next few days. Then I understood that this is a process, and every person reacts differently. It did not mean I was not happy because, deep down, this is something both Divyanka and I always wanted. It is a beautiful phase, but I will always remember that my first reaction was nervousness", he went on to add.

Divyanka and Vivek announced the news of their first pregnancy in March, on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, via a joint post on social media.

--IANS

pm/

Los Angeles, May 25 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus has shared that she likes to be "reliably unpredictable". The 33-year-old singer said that she's not "super into astrology".

The singer-songwriter has described herself as a "logical wild card", reports ‘Female First UK’.

The chart-topping singer, who will celebrate her next birthday in November, told ‘Variety’, "I’m a Sagittarius. My sisters are Capricorns. I love Scorpios, Sagittariuses and Capricorns, that whole trifecta. I’m not super into astrology, but I know, by the book, what that means. I’m kind of a logical wild card, if that makes sense”.

She further mentioned, “I like to do something bold but also do my own math about it. I want to know what I want before I make a choice. But anything I say could be out the window tomorrow. I like to be reliably unpredictable”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Miley emerged as a teen idol with her portrayal of Miley Stewart in the Disney series Hannah Montana between 2006 and 2011. And she has observed that "Hannah was like Mickey Mouse in her own way".

Asked what advice she'd give to her on-screen character, she said, "I mean, Hannah feels like she’s got it all figured out. I would tell her to definitely ditch the Season 1 wig and tell Disney that, you know, you get what you pay for! And then the other thing is, because I was her, I didn’t realise how important and how impactful she actually was. Hannah was like Mickey Mouse in her own way, she made people feel like they got this little piece of magic. I would want Hannah to ground into the Miley Stewart and know that that magic is from deep within. It’s not about the wig and the boots and the music. It’s about who you are underneath all that”.

Earlier this year, Miley revealed that she willed the Hannah Montana anniversary special "into existence". The singer started discussing the prospect of making a 20th anniversary special before being approached about the idea.

--IANS

aa/

Los Angeles, May 25 (IANS) Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage is of the opinion that many film directors "get their feelings hurt" when he turns them down.

The 62-year-old actor has previously rejected offers from the likes of David O. Russell, Sir Christopher Nolan, Woody Allen, and Paul Thomas Anderson. The actor has confirmed that only one of them has ever returned with another film opportunity, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Nicolas told The New York Times, "David O. Russell offered me a movie a million years ago. It was a good movie, and he offered it and I said no, and he’s the only director that I ever said no to who actually came back and offered me another movie”.

Nicolas, who plays John Madden in the new Russell-directed biopic Madden, suggested that some directors can be very sensitive when they're rejected.

He said, "Most of them, they get their feelings hurt and don’t call you back. It’s happened a million times to me. It’s happened with Christopher Nolan, it’s happened with Woody Allen, it’s happened with Paul Thomas Anderson. They don’t call me back”.

On the other hand, Nicolas is thrilled that he's now worked with David O. Russell on Madden, the upcoming biographical sports film.

The actor said, "Anyway, David did call me, and it showed a lot of class that he would call me back and invite me again, and I didn’t want to say no to him again because I have great respect for his talent. And it was a beautiful experience. I enjoyed working with David. I enjoyed working with Christian (Bale), John Mulaney”.

Meanwhile, Nicolas previously revealed that he has a student-like approach to his work.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the actor has achieved huge success during his time in the movie business, but Nicolas acknowledges that he's still learning about his craft.

The actor, who has previously won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, told Entertainment Tonight, "I certainly can't think in those terms like I've done it all. I've always had the mantra that I'm a student. I've viewed my path and film-making as a student. I would never call myself a master. I always have something to learn, always want to learn. So, 60 is coming up for sure, so my goal is to read more. I've been lagging in that department. I'd like to read a book a week”.

Nicolas became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood in the mid-90s. The actor has come under fire for some of his more-recent projects, but Nicolas previously insisted that he's fully committed to everything he does.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 25 (IANS) Actress Divya Dutta decided to relive some of her childhood memories with a recent train journey filled with friends, food, and fun.

In the clip uploaded by Divya on her official Insta handle, she was seen playing some card games in the train with fellow passengers and also enjoying the food served by the train authorities.

At the end, we could see her simply soaking in the view outside the window. She was also seen standing at the gate of the train during one of the stops.

Reminiscing about the good old days, Divya wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Bachpan se train mei safar karne ka apne ek mazaa tha...beautiful journey..achi company...stations pe rukna, chai peena kulhad mein,...wo train mei khaane peene ka samaan bechte log... this..was reliving all that...(sic)."

Keeping in tune with the vibe of the clip, Divya added the "Raah Pe Rahte Hain" track by Kishore Kumar as the background score.

Divya keeps on providing glimpses from her personal and professional life on social media.

Recently, she celebrated her precious 'Dostana' with fellow actress Sonali Bendre with another adorable post on Instagram.

She took to her official handle and published an adorable picture with Sonali. The 'Sarfarosh' actress had her hands around Divya's shoulders in the snap, which included the caption, "The most precious friendships are the ones when u are just beginning...the firsts...She is that!! When life here in the industry just started...she stood next to me with her arm around...and she continues to do that..love you @iamsonalibendre".

Work-wise, Divya has been receiving a lot of love and appreciation for her recently released web series, "Chiraiya", which was made under the direction of Shashant Shah.

Produced by SVF Entertainment, the show boasts a stellar cast with Sanjay Mishra, Siddharth Shaw, Prasanna Bisht, Faisal Rashid, Tinnu Anand, and Sarita Joshi in crucial roles, along with others.

--IANS

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