Los Angeles, April 29 (IANS) Actress-singer Ariana Grande, who was earlier trolled during the ‘Wicked: For Good’ press tour, has announced the title and release date of her eighth studio album.

The album is titled, ‘Petal’, and is executive produced and co-written by Grande and Ilya. The song will hit the airwaves on July 31, reports ‘Variety’.

In the announcement, Grande describes the album as, “Something that is full of life and growing through the cracks of something cold and hard and challenging”.

As per ‘Variety’, Ilya (whose full name is Ilya Salmanzadeh) is a Swedish-Persian producer who worked extensively with hitmaker Max Martin, co-produced and co-wrote much of Grande’s 2024 album ‘Eternal Sunshine’ and has clocked hits with Taylor Swift and Sam Smith, among many others. The album will be released under the label of Republic Records.

The album has been long expected, as Grande has been teasing it with photos of herself in the studio and announced a summer tour launching in June.

The announcement comes on the heels of her three years of work around the film ‘Wicked’ and its sequel, as well as ‘Eternal Sunshine’ and its 2025 deluxe edition. While the tour was pegged to “Eternal Sunshine” when it was announced last year, it seems likely the new album will be a highlight of it. Ariana said that the tour could be her last “for a long time”.

She said on Amy Poehler’s ‘Good Hang’ podcast, “The last 10 or 15 years will look very different to the ones that are coming up. I don’t want to say anything definitive. I do know that I’m very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long, long time. I’m going to give it my all and it’s going to be beautiful”.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 29 (IANS) Jamia Siraj Ul-Uloom was declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) after 17 of its alumni joined terrorist ranks, police said, to put to rest speculations that the action had been taken against a Muslim seminary.

Officials said on Tuesday that Jamia Siraj Ul-Uloom in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district was declared an unlawful entity under the UAPA after its 17 alumni joined terrorist ranks and were later killed in separate encounters.

"As many as 17 former students of the institution joined terrorist ranks and were later killed in separate encounters, indicating a consistent pattern of indoctrination and recruitment," an official said without agreeing to be named.

On April 24, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued a two-page order based on a dossier presented by Shopian Senior Superintendent of Police, Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, pointing toward the alleged illegal activities at Jamia Siraj Ul-Uloom at Imam Sahib in the Shopian district.

According to the order, there was "credible input and evidence on record to indicated sustained and covert linkages of the institution with Jamaat-e-Islami", which the Centre banned in 2019.

The order said that individuals affiliated with the banned outfit had de-facto control of the institution, including their placement in key administrative and academic positions.

It said the institution, over time, fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation, with many alumni involved in terror activities.

However, Mohammad Shafi Lone, Chairman of the institute, said they had no links with Jamaat-e-Islami or any illegal outfit.

"We are a law-abiding institute and have nothing to do with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami. There are 814 students currently enrolled in the school, which is affiliated with the Board of School Education and Kashmir School Federation," Lone told reporters.

He said the institution had received a show-cause notice from the authorities last month, and duly replied.

"If the authorities still have any doubts, they should constitute a committee and investigate the allegations against our institution. If these allegations are found true, we will support the government in whatever action it decides to take," Lone added.

The official said security agencies have, over time, generated adverse reports suggesting the institution's involvement in activities prejudicial to the national security and integrity of the state.

"Input further indicated the existence of a support environment that enabled and encouraged unlawful and anti-national activities. Many close relatives of slain terrorists are holding key positions in the Jamia Siraj Ul-Uloom," Lone said.

The official said that to evade legal action, members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami were operating through proxies and covertly running their agenda.

Seminaries like the Jamia Siraj Ul-Uloom at Shopian have often been affiliated to the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Tuesday that there is a need to focus on delivering services to citizens in a more accessible, faster, and transparent manner.

He was speaking at a programme organised jointly by the General Administration Department (GAD) and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Service on the occasion of the Second Right to Service Day.

The Chief Secretary said that, taking inspiration from efficient systems like passport services, efforts are underway to enhance digital coordination among various government departments.

A system is being developed wherein, once results are declared, relevant information will automatically reach different departments and reports will be generated within a short time.

He emphasised improving G2G, G2C, and G2B services and highlighted the need to transition from traditional agent-based systems to digital and AI-based mechanisms.

He presented the concept of creating a profile for every citizen through DigiLocker and "Golden Data", so that required government schemes and services can be provided to them automatically.

The Chief Secretary also said that in the future, citizens will not need to use multiple apps (applications).

"AI-based agents will identify citizens' needs through their voice, complete the required processes, and deliver outcomes."

The state government is working with various companies in this regard, and the system is expected to be implemented in phases in the coming months.

Chief Commissioner of the Maharashtra State Right to Service Commission Manu Kumar Srivastava, in his presidential address, emphasised that innovative initiatives in governance must be encouraged and institutionalised.

He said that initiatives undertaken by various officers should not remain limited to individuals but must become part of the overall system, for which proper documentation is essential.

This will enable effective replication of such initiatives in other districts.

He added that successful initiatives in one district can be replicated across the state.

Efforts should be made in coordination with concerned departments to replicate such models.

Srivastava also appealed to officers to prepare detailed reports of their initiatives and submit them to the Commission or the concerned officials.

Concluding his address, he appealed to all officers to continue their excellent work consistently.

According to the government statement, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district secured the first position, where 91.41 per cent of services were delivered within the stipulated time under the leadership of former District Collector Dilip Swami and current Collector Vinay Goda.

Hingoli district secured the second position, where 90.60 per cent of services were delivered on time under the guidance of Collector Rahul Gupta.

Ahilyanagar district secured the third position, where 90.5 per cent of services were delivered on time under the leadership of Collector Pankaj Ashiya.

Beed district also delivered notable performance by providing 90.13 per cent of services within the stipulated time under Collector Vivek Johnson.

All these districts made significant contributions by implementing innovative initiatives to provide more accessible and faster services to citizens, and their work was specially recognised at the programme.

--IANS

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Patna, April 29 (IANS) A sensational murder in Bhagalpur has triggered outrage across Bihar after Executive Officer (EO) Krishna Bhushan Kumar was shot dead in broad daylight inside his office at the Sultanganj Nagar Parishad on Tuesday.​

The incident has left the victim’s family devastated. Krishna Bhushan, a resident of Madhubani and son of the late Ramchandra Sah, is survived by his wife, children, and relatives, who are inconsolable.​

His elder brother, Ajay Kumar, while demanding justice, alleged that the murder was part of a premeditated conspiracy.​

Speaking through tears, he said that if government officials themselves are not safe in Bihar, what will happen to common people?​

He termed the incident a serious lapse in security and demanded a high-level inquiry, along with the strictest punishment for the accused.​

CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the brazen nature of the attack, which occurred in a government office during working hours.​

According to an official, three armed assailants barged into his chamber and opened fire, killing him on the spot.​

In the same incident, Municipal Chairman Raj Kumar alias Guddu was also shot and is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.​

The incident has raised serious concerns over law and order and the safety of public officials in the state.​

The killing, carried out in broad daylight, has intensified criticism of the current administration, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to maintain security.​

Reacting sharply, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav targeted the state government led by Samrat Choudhary.​

In a strong statement, he alleged that such incidents reflect deteriorating law and order, and took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, even referencing remarks by PM Modi during past election campaigns.​

Tejashwi further remarked that under the current regime, criminals appear emboldened, turning governance into what he described as “Mangalraj”.​

The incident has become a major political flashpoint, further heating up Bihar’s already charged political climate.​

--IANS

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Guwahati, April 28 (IANS) The regional outfit in Assam, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, on Tuesday wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of misleading the people of the state and raising concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision to field a controversial candidate from the Sivasagar Assembly constituency.​

In the strongly worded letter, Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister had repeatedly used the term “Chitragupta” while referring to him during the ongoing election campaign.​

He described the remarks as politically motivated and said they were aimed at defending Bharatiya Janata Party nominee Jayanta Hazarika, popularly known as Kushal Duwari.​

The Raijor Dal leader said that the people of Assam, particularly Upper Assam, had not forgotten the traumatic phase of alleged “secret killings” that marked the late 1990s and early 2000s.​

He claimed that the period was remembered for fear, uncertainty, and violence, and continues to haunt many affected families.​

Gogoi further alleged that Hazarika’s name had surfaced in several criminal cases during that period.​

Referring to past reports and local accounts, he claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate had been linked to multiple murder allegations, though no court findings were cited in the letter.​

He also referred to specific incidents, including the killing of a family in Mahmora in 1999 and other alleged crimes in the Sivasagar region, saying that such episodes remain painful memories for local residents.​

Questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision, Gogoi asked on what moral grounds a person facing such allegations had been given a party ticket.​

He said that the move sends a wrong message to society and undermines public faith in democratic politics.​

In a direct criticism of the Chief Minister, Gogoi said people should not remain silent in the face of criminality and warned that empowering controversial individuals could weaken democratic institutions.​

He also claimed that speaking on such matters could put political opponents at personal risk, but asserted that the truth must be raised in the public interest.​

The Raijor Dal chief concluded by urging the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision and uphold democratic values in Assam.​

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Former Commissioner and founder Lalit Modi has advised the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council to appoint world-class match officials so as to have consistent decisions during matches.

Modi's advice to the IPL came following the latest incident of controversial decision-making when Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi was given out 'obstructing the field' in the match against Lucknow Super Giants recently.

Raghuvanshi slipped and fell while trying to make ground when sent back by his partner, and the throw hit his body, unintentionally. The LSG players appealed, and the third umpire gave him out for obstructing the field. The decision has generated huge controversy as many people felt that there was no intention on the part of Raghuvanshi to obstruct the ball and had changed the direction in attempting to get into the crease.

Modi told the IPL governing council that it can not afford sub-standard officiation as IPL is the most valuable cricket league in the world, and such controversies impact its value.

“The IPL is the most valuable cricket league in the world — it cannot afford sub-standard officiating. When decisions are rushed and inconsistent, it damages the credibility of the competition. The BCCI must take responsibility and restore the level of professionalism that once made the league the global benchmark,” Lalit Modi said on Tuesday.

In a post on social media, Modi also wrote how he had made it a point to get the best umpires to officiate in the IPL and expressed disappointment that the BCCI has now abandoned that rule to allegedly save money.

"In my time, I made it a point only to have the BEST GLOBAL UMPIRES FROM AROUND THE WORLD through the @ICC. It’s a shame that the BCCI has abandoned that rule now. Three things that were engraved into my running the @ipl were 1. ICC umpires. 2. ICC Anti-Corruption Team. 3. Management of the tournament by @IMG," Modi wrote in his post on X, formerly Twitter.

"All three things have been abandoned for a cheaper solution. For Heaven’s sake, we OWN THE WORLD'S MOST PROFITABLE SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LEAGUE - stop this nickel and dimming and get back on track. Do what’s good for the GAME and IMPROVE FAN EXPERIENCE. If I don’t call this out. No one else will. The fans and players and owners don’t deserve this," he said in his post.

He asked the BCCI and its administrators to wake up in time to avoid downgrading the game.

"The problem is that the people governing the game have no stake in the game. So, really don’t know what they are doing - very unfortunate. Cutting corners is a sure way of slowly downgrading the game. Wake up," said Modi.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, April 28 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that they blew up a massive Hezbollah terror tunnel on Tuesday.​

The Israel Defense Forces announced that they have destroyed Hezbollah tunnels built over nearly a decade.​

Netanyahu said in a post on X that they blew up a massive Hezbollah terror tunnel and are destroying their terror infrastructure, killing dozens of their terrorists, adding that there is more to come.​

The Israel Defense Forces stated that, as part of Division 36's operations in Qantara, southern Lebanon, it discovered the most significant underground route found so far in Lebanon.​

The tunnel is about 2 km long and reaches depths of up to 25 metres below ground, the Israel Defense Forces stated.​

It also stated that the tunnel was built with Iranian funding, and on Tuesday, it was destroyed with the help of 450 tonnes of explosives.​

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the tunnel was carved into a rocky granite bedrock, 25 metres deep, with 30 shafts leading into it, and its length spans more than 2 kilometres along two separate axes.​

Inside, among the 30 living rooms, there are showers, decorations in the corridors with pictures of the leaders of the ayatollah regime hanging, and decorated lamps.​

A large arsenal of weapons is hidden in the tunnels, which was used by hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists from Radwan's force who man the place, the Israel Defense Forces said.​

Lieutenant Colonel H from the 1st Infantry Division of the Hellenic Army, who has spent the last two years exploring underground tunnels in various locations, described them as something special, the Israel Defense Forces said.​

He stated that they went through bunker after bunker, room after room, and in every corner there was a weapon waiting for them, a well-equipped waiting room, or another winding tunnel.​

On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces stated that it had destroyed 14 kilometres of underground tunnels in the Northern Gaza Strip.​

Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces to vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) A Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed the interim bail plea of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) co-founder Vinesh Kumar Chandel, who is in judicial custody in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal pilferage case.

Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon of the Patiala House Courts rejected Chandel’s application seeking temporary release on medical grounds relating to the condition of his 74-year-old mother, who is stated to be suffering from dementia.

Holding that the grounds urged did not meet the threshold of urgency or exceptional humanitarian circumstances required for such relief under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the court said, “In view of the foregoing discussion, this Court is of the considered opinion that the applicant/accused has failed to make out a case for grant of interim bail. The grounds urged, though sympathetic, do not rise to the level of urgency or exceptionality required to justify such relief, particularly in the context of an offence under the PMLA.”

The court order added that interim bail in offences under PMLA cannot be granted as a matter of course and must be founded on “compelling, immediate, and exceptional circumstances”.

Chandel had sought interim bail pending adjudication of his regular bail plea, contending that his mother required his immediate presence as he was her sole caregiver. His counsel submitted that his brother was serving in the Indian Army and was away from home, while his wife was occupied with arranging legal assistance and preparing his defence.

The plea further stated that Chandel’s arrest and continued incarceration had caused severe emotional and medical distress to his mother, allegedly worsening her condition.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), while verifying the authenticity of the medical documents placed on record, opposed the plea, arguing that the grounds raised were neither exceptional nor substantiated enough to warrant interim bail in a serious economic offence.

Rejecting the plea, the court observed that while it was not insensitive to the medical vulnerability of elderly parents, the material on record did not disclose “any sudden or life-threatening medical emergency necessitating the immediate presence” of the accused.

“The condition of Dementia, as described, is a chronic and progressive ailment, and the documents annexed do not indicate any acute medical crisis of such immediacy that cannot be managed through appropriate medical care and assistance,” the judge said.

The court also recorded that no recent medical documents had been filed to substantiate the plea of urgent care and that there was no material to show that the mother’s needs could not be addressed through hospitalisation, professional care or support from other family members.

It further said that Chandel’s wife and brother were available family members and that no cogent material had been placed on record to demonstrate that alternative caregiving arrangements were not possible.

“Courts have consistently held that interim bail on medical or humanitarian grounds must be based on clear, proximate, and compelling necessity, and not on generalised assertions of hardship,” the order said.

“The plea, therefore, does not meet the threshold of exceptional humanitarian grounds warranting interim bail,” the court held.

Chandel was sent to 14 days’ judicial custody on April 23 after the expiry of ED remand in connection with an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered on March 28 on the basis of an FIR lodged by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW).

According to the ED, M/s Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd, through its directors, including Chandel, was allegedly engaged in the generation, concealment and laundering of proceeds of crime through structured financial transactions involving unaccounted cash components, bogus invoices and hawala channels.

The federal anti-money laundering agency has alleged that the company split receipts between formal banking channels and cash payments, including funds purportedly received from political parties, and used unaccounted money for election-related expenditure and influencing public perception.

The ED has also alleged that Rs 13.50 crore was introduced into the company’s books in the guise of unsecured, interest-free loans without commercial justification and that bogus invoices were raised to justify fund inflows.

--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, April 28 (IANS) Actor Vishal Vashishtha will be seen as a cop in the upcoming Netflix series "Glory", starring Pulkit Samrat as the lead.

Talking about the character, Vishal said that his role is extremely layered with a strong sense of justice.

He shared, “My character actually has a very strong sense of justice, loyalty, duty, definitely, and he’s driven by the fact that he wants to do the right thing. He’s a pretty much simple and straightforward person, at face value, and he’s a person who goes by the book.”

He went on to add that the character is not as simple as he appears in the beginning. Vishal added that as the story moves forward, various layers of his character are uncovered.

Vishal explained, “As we navigate through the story, we get to know that he’s fighting his own personal battles. He has a completely separate parallel storyline that is going for him. He’s dealing with his own securities and criticism.”

Vishal also spoke about the emotional conflict this character faces as the story progresses.

“What happens when these two worlds, his personal and professional worlds, collide and he has to do right by his values, for his job as a cop and also fight for justice for his friend," he added.

Shedding further light on his role, he added that this internal struggle makes it a deeply complex character. “So that makes it a very emotionally layered and complex character because now, decision-making is at its maximum stake,” he added.

Spilling his excitement about his next, he concluded. “I think that’s what makes Arvind a wonderful character to play with, and it’ll be absolutely a delight to watch him,” he added.

Created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, "Glory" also stars Divyenndu, Suvinder Vicky, Jannat Zubair, Ashutosh Rana, Sikandar Kher, Kunal Thakur, Sayani Gupta, Yashpal Sharma, and Kashmira Pardeshi in significant roles, along with others.

Directed by Karan Anshuman and Kanishk Varma, "Glory" will be out on May 1.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Actress Ananya Panday is a proud mom of not one, not two, but three fur babies.

Taking to her official Instagram handle on Tuesday, the 'CTRL' actress treated the netizens with a couple of adorable glimpses from her fun time with her furry friends.

The album has Ananya getting some much-appreciated kisses and cuddles from her four-legged friends. We could also see the pets enjoying a nap in a few pics.

"Mommy of three...only kisses and cuddles and sleeepy babies accepted (sic)", read the caption on the post.

Actress Shruti Haasan reacted to the post with two red heart emojis.

In February, Ananya introduced the two latest members of her family on social media - Honey and Lemon.

Taking to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle, she published a cute picture of herself posing with her two pets.

Ananya opted for a blue nightdress as she held Honey and Lemon in bed.

The text overlay on the adorable photo read, "Say hello to my little boys Honey and Thumper", accompanied by a red heart, evil eye, and flower emoji.

Ananya is also a pet mom to her fur baby, Riot.

In February 2025, Ananya shared snippets from the first birthday celebration of Riot on social media.

The video uploaded by the 'Kesari: Chapter 2' actress had her holding Riot and cutting the birthday cake with him.

The caption on the post read, “Happy 1st birthday to my baby jaan RIOT… thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world."

Shifting our focus to Ananya's professional commitments, she will soon be seen as the leading lady in the forthcoming romantic entertainer "Chand Mera Dil". She will share the screen with the 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' fame actor Lakshya in her next.

The project, slated to be out on May 22 this year, will mark the primary on-screen pairing of the lead couple.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 28 (IANS) Actress and comedian Rebel Wilson is standing her ground. The actress stuck to her assertion that she is a “champion of women” amid an explosive legal war with the star and producer of ‘The Deb’, which marks her directorial debut.

The lead actress Charlotte MacInnes is suing Wilson for defamation in Australia, and the ‘Pitch Perfect’ star gave evidence for the first time as part of a nine-day trial, reports ‘Deadline’.

Charlotte MacInnes alleges that Wilson damaged her reputation by claiming that she was a victim of “inappropriate behaviour” by ‘The Deb’ producer Amanda Ghost, and then colluded with Ghost to cover up what took place.

As per ‘Deadline’, Rebel maintained that Charlotte complained to her about Ghost’s conduct. The actress was softly spoken under cross-examination by Sue Chrysanthou, Charlotte’s barrister, during the hearing on Tuesday. Chrysanthou accused Rebel of bullying Charlotte and Ghost, and The Deb‘s writer, Hannah Reilly, despite claiming in her affidavit to be a “champion of women”.

She said, “That’s absolute nonsense. If you look over my 25-year career, you can see many evidence of me supporting women”.

Rebel also denied being involved in the creation of websites targeting Ghost with smears, which included calling the producer the “Indian Ghislaine Maxwell”.

Lawyers for MacInnes have accused Rebel of hiring Melissa Nathan, the American publicist of The Agency Group (TAG), to launch the websites. Charlotte’s case includes messages that originally emerged in the It Ends with Us dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, in which PR executive Nathan tells former colleague Katie Case that “Rebel wants” a “really harsh” website about “Amanda”.

Rebel has consistently denied this, telling a U.S. court last year that she “unequivocally” played no role in “conceiving, planning, registering, directing, creating, writing, or posting the content of the websites”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 28 (IANS) Actor Shreyas Talpade offered prayers at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh.

On Tuesday, Shreyas took to his official Instagram handle and dropped a video comprising glimpses from his religious visit.

Sharing his experience with his Instagram family, the 'Golmaal Again' actor said that the energy of the place is something to be experienced.

"Thank you so much Rishi Patel ji & Agarwal ji for this Divine Darshan of Mahadev Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. The energy of this place is something to be experienced. (sic)," read the caption on the post.

Shreyas added, "I consider myself extremely fortunate to have got this opportunity to offer my prayers here. May Bholenath bless us all. Har Har Mahadev."

Omkareshwar is the fourth Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva. We find its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Vayu Purana.

It is believed that after traversing the three worlds daily, Lord Shiva rests in Omkareshwar. Keeping this in view, special sleeping arrangements, along with Shayan Darshan are arranged in the Jyotirlinga.

On the professional front, Shreyas will next be seen in the socio-national drama, "The India Story", in which he will be seen sharing the screen with Kajal Aggarwal.

Made under the direction of Chettan DK, the project has been backed and written by Sagar B Shinde.

"The India Story" is slated to reach the cinema halls on July 24 this year.

Announcing the release date on social media, the makers wrote, "The poison was never in the fields alone. It was in the silence. #TheIndiaStory, Slow Poison in Progress. Coming in cinemas on 24th July 2026...Releasing in 3 languages #Hindi #Tamil #Telugu (sic)."

Backed by Sumit Bagade, Anita Jadhav, Vinayak Saidani, Kalpesh Shah, Devyani Khorate, and Prem Joshi, "The India Story" will be available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.

--IANS

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