Tehran, Aug 17 (IANS) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran reached the recent peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States with "dignity" and "power," while taking into consideration the principles outlined by former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

He made the remarks on Sunday at a meeting attended by Education Minister Alireza Kazemi, where the president defended the MoU signed between Iran and the United States on June 18 to end the war in the region, according to a statement released by his office.

"We pursued the recent agreement with strength and did not surrender to our enemies," Pezeshkian said, adding that the MoU was drafted after careful deliberation and in-depth discussions with experts, reports Xinhua news agency.

In remarks on Saturday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf described the peace MoU as proof of "Iran's glory and victory" and being in line with the consolidation of the country's victory in the field of diplomacy, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Under the MoU, Iran and the United States were scheduled to hold negotiations within a 60-day period ending on Monday to reach a final agreement. However, the fate of the talks remains uncertain following the escalation between the two countries in recent weeks.

Meanhwile, earlier on Sunday, US Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego has said that President Donald Trump's administration entered the Iran war without a clear plan, an exit strategy or a defined mission, leaving US military personnel to bear the consequences.

Gallego, an Iraq War veteran who served in the Marine Corps, said on Sunday that the conflict had exposed serious failures in planning and leadership at the Pentagon.

"This administration did not plan for this war. They did not plan how to get out of this war, did not really understand how this war was going to escalate," the Senator told ABC News.

The Arizona Senator was responding to reports of exhaustion, falling morale and mental health concerns aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

--IANS

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Aizawl, Aug 17 (IANS) Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd) described major infrastructure projects, including the recently inaugurated Bairabi-Sairang railway line, its proposed extension to Zorinpui and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, as potential game-changers that could transform the state's connectivity, trade and economic prospects.

The 51.38-kilometre-long Bairabi (near southern Assam)–Sairang (near Aizawl) section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Aizawl on September 13 last year (2025), officials said on Sunday.

The Bairabi–Sairang railway project is set to be extended further southward over 200 km to Zorinpui in southern Mizoram.

This extension will connect to the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project, eventually linking to Paletwa and the Sittwe Port in Myanmar.

Addressing a function in Aizawl on Saturday night, the Governor stressed the need for advance preparation so that the people of Mizoram can fully benefit from these developments.

Highlighting the state's tourism potential, he said: "Our beautiful landscapes, rich culture, music, food and warm hospitality have enormous potential to attract tourists. For this we must prepare better facilities, clean and attractive towns, trained hospitality personnel, guides, homestays and quality local products."

"Most importantly, we must establish strong market linkages so that our agricultural produce, processed foods, handicrafts, handloom products and other local products can reach markets across India. This is an ecosystem that we need to create," the Governor added.

Calling for a change in outlook and an end to remaining insular, Governor V.K. Singh urged the talented and hardworking Mizo youth to prepare themselves to compete at the national and global levels.

He stressed the importance of encouraging and supporting young people to enter Civil Services, IITs, IIMs, medical institutions, universities, defence services, scholarships and emerging professions.

"Our youth must have the confidence to go out, compete and succeed and bring their knowledge and experience back to Mizoram," he said.

At the same time, General Singh (Retd) cautioned that development must not come at the cost of what makes Mizoram unique.

"Our culture, community spirit, environment and social values are precious assets that we must preserve," the Governor added.

Referring to the Saturday's celebration of the 80th Independence Day, he stressed the importance of remembering the freedom fighters whose sacrifices made India's Independence possible.

The Governor particularly highlighted the exemplary contributions of Mizo leaders and heroes such as Lalnu Ropuiliani, Nikuala, Lianphunga Sailo, Zakapa, Khuangchera and others.

He noted that rapid development is now reaching even the remotest corners of the country.

"Mizoram too stands at the threshold of a new era. We must take full advantage of the opportunities before us and build a more developed state for the generations to come," he said.

The event featured cultural performances by students of Eklavya Model Residential School, Tlangnuam and Nuehof English Medium School in Aizawl, as well as local artists, who presented an engaging Independence Day programme that infused a sense of patriotism among the gathering.

Among the distinguished guests present in the event were Chief Minister Lalduhoma, former Chief Ministers Lal Thanhawla and Zoramthanga, state Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama, along with other invited dignitaries.

--IANS

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Patna, Aug 17 (IANS) The political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over 'Vande Mataram' has escalated, with BJP workers taking to the streets in Bihar's Begusarai to protest what they described as an insult to the national song.

The protest march was led by Union Textiles Minister and Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh.

Wearing black armbands and carrying BJP flags, party workers began the march from GD College and proceeded towards Hanuman Chowk at Harhar Mahadev locality.

Protesters raised slogans against Congress and Rahul Gandhi and burned an effigy of the Congress leader.

Addressing the gathering, Giriraj Singh accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge of collectively disrespecting 'Vande Mataram'.

He said the song was not merely a piece of music but represented India's self-respect, nationalism and national consciousness.

Referring to the freedom struggle, Singh said countless freedom fighters had raised the slogan while fighting British rule and making sacrifices for the country's independence.

The Union Minister accused the Congress of targeting symbols of national pride in its opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the BJP would continue to protest and claimed that similar demonstrations were being organised across the country.

Calling the issue one of national honour, Giriraj Singh said the alleged disrespect towards 'Vande Mataram' would not be tolerated and urged Congress to reconsider its position.

Singh also used the occasion to criticise Rahul Gandhi's conduct as the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, Giriraj Singh recalled Vajpayee's contributions as Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentarian.

He described Vajpayee as an example of democratic conduct and Parliamentary dignity.

Union Minister Singh said that while the Opposition has the right to question the government and oppose its policies, it must also maintain democratic decorum and responsible political language.

He suggested that Rahul Gandhi should learn from Vajpayee's conduct as Leader of Opposition.

He also criticised senior Congress leaders, alleging that they had failed to question Rahul Gandhi's statements and instead followed his political line.

--IANS

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Mehsana, Aug 17 (IANS) The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Gujarat Police raided an alleged gambling den being operated in an open field at Jilani Farm on the outskirts of Poida village in Mehsana district, arresting 16 people and seizing cash, vehicles and mobile phones worth Rs 39 lakh.

Police said on Sunday that 35 more people have been declared wanted in connection with the case.

The raid was carried out by a team led by Police Inspector P.P. Brahmbhatt and Police Sub-Inspector V.N. Jadeja under the jurisdiction of Modhera Police Station.

According to the police, Rs 4,79,860 in cash, 24 mobile phones valued at Rs 2.30 lakh, 11 vehicles worth Rs 31.90 lakh and other items valued at Rs 600 were seized.

The total value of the seized property was assessed at Rs 39,00,460.

The 16 people handed over to Modhera Police were identified as Moin Khan Sikandarkhan Pathan, Nazir Mohammed Valibhai Sandhi, Vishnubhai Govabhai Rabari, Isarkhan Abdul Khan Pathan, Sarfaraz Habibbhai Fakir, Jitendrasinh Pravinsinh Zala, Mehbubsha Huseinsha Diwan, Shahrukhbhai Haidarbhai Belim, Vasantbhai Kanjibhai Chauhan, Razakbhai Iqbalbhai Saiyed, Afridi Sabirbhai Luhani, Arhaan Mehbubbhai Qureshi, Mohammed Rafiq Siddiqbhai Mansuri, Sumitbhai Rajeshbhai Kriplani, Sagarbhai Jesingbhai Desai and Rahimmiya Radhumiya Sindhi.

Police have named Arif Abdulbhai Saiyed of Surendranagar district as the alleged main accused and operator of the gambling den.

Jilani Hanifbhai Sindhi of Poida, who allegedly provided the premises, has also been named as a wanted accused and alleged partner of Saiyed.

Several other identified persons, including Karansingh Kirtisingh Solanki, Ganeshbhai Parmar and Alpesh Amreliya, are wanted, while the owners or occupants associated with several seized vehicles and mobile phones are also being traced.

Police said one person identified as Savanbhai allegedly arrived in an SUV car and fled during the raid. Twenty unidentified people also reportedly escaped from the spot.

A case has been registered under Section 12 of the Prevention of Gambling Act and Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Further investigation is underway to trace the wanted accused and establish the full extent of the alleged gambling operation.

The raid comes amid continuing action against illegal gambling in Gujarat.

Earlier this month, the SMC raided an alleged gambling operation at Manpasand Gymkhana in Ahmedabad, where a large number of people were also detained.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Aug 17 (IANS) The Punjab government has ordered a significant administrative reshuffle in the state police department, transferring and reassigning 12 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.

The orders, issued by the Department of Home Affairs (Home-I Branch) on Sunday, take effect immediately on administrative grounds.

According to the release, V Neeraja, IPS (1994), has been posted as SAS Nagar Special Director General of Police (DGP). She moves from the post of Special DGP (Cyber Crime).

Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, IPS (1997), who was serving as ADGP with additional charge of ADGP (Jails), has been appointed ADGP (Cyber Crime) at SAS Nagar. He will continue to hold the additional charge of ADGP (Jails) in Punjab and Chandigarh.

Nanak Singh, IPS (2011), DIG (Ropar Range), has been posted as DIG (Internal Vigilance Cell) at Punjab and Chandigarh. He will also retain the additional charge of DIG (Ropar Range).

Among other key changes, Vatsala Gupta, IPS (2016), has been appointed AIG (Personnel-II) in Punjab and Chandigarh against a vacant post. She was earlier Commandant of the 27th Battalion of Punjab Armed Police (PAP) at Jalandhar, with additional charges of AIG (ANTF), Ludhiana, and AIG (ARP & SDRF), Jalandhar.

Pragya Jain, IPS (2017), previously Punjab AIG (Law and Order), has been posted as AIG (ANTF) (Ludhiana Range). She will also hold the additional charge of AIG (Internal Security) in Punjab and Ludhiana, relieving Vatsala Gupta of that responsibility.

In the Deputy Commissioner of Police rank, Arvind Meena, IPS (2020), SP (Headquarters) at Ropar, has been appointed DCP (Law and Order) at Ludhiana, against a vacant post.

Akarshi Jain, IPS (2020), Jalandhar ADCP, has been posted as DCP (Headquarters) at Amritsar against a vacant post.

Jasroop Kaur Batth, IPS (2020), Amritsar ADCP, has been transferred as Jalandhar DCP (Law and Order).

Aditya S Warrier, IPS (2020), SP (Investigation), Amritsar Rural, has been appointed DCP (City), Jalandhar.

Jayant Puri, IPS (2021), has been shifted from ADCP (Investigation), Jalandhar, to ADCP (Investigation), Amritsar, in place of Jagbinder Singh, PPS.

Ashok Meena, IPS (2022), ASP (SD North), Jalandhar, will look after the work of SP (Investigation), Sri Muktsar Sahib, in place of Manmeet Singh, PPS.

Dharavath Sai Prakash, IPS (2022), ASP (Intelligence), Punjab, has been assigned to look after the work of ADCP-III, Ludhiana, in place of Dev Singh, PPS (DR).

The officers concerned have been directed to join their new places of posting immediately.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 17 (IANS) The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway (ER) will extend an air-conditioned EMU local train service up to Bangaon from August 20.

The service that now runs between the Sealdah and Barasat stations will be extended up to Bangaon, officials said on Sunday.

This will provide a more comfortable journey for commuters.

Bangaon, in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is located along the border with Bangladesh. It is 79 km from Sealdah.

Being a border town with an Integrated Check Post (ICP), it is a major trading point.

"This move is aimed at making daily suburban travel cooler and far more comfortable. This upgraded air-conditioned service will run six days a week, from Monday to Saturday," an official said.

The train will start from Sealdah at 10:33 a.m. and halt at Barasat at 11:14 a.m. It will stop at all major stations along the route, including Bamangachhi, Duttapukur, Bira, Ashoknagar Road, Habra, Maslandapur, Gobardanga, Thakurnagar, and Chandpara and reach Bangaon Junction at 12:23 p.m.

On its return journey, the Down Bangaon – Sealdah AC EMU local will leave Bangaon at 12:35 p.m., make scheduled halts at intermediate stations, and finally terminate at Sealdah at 14:25 p.m.

Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager at Sealdah, said that passenger comfort and convenience remain the railway's highest priority.

"Extension of the AC local services to Bangaon directly addresses the growing demand from daily suburban commuters, ensuring that their everyday travel across North 24 Parganas is faster, more modern, and more pleasant," the official added.

The Sealdah Division started running AC EMU locals in August 2025. It now has two AC EMU rakes. All the coaches of these trains are fully air-conditioned.

The coaches are made of stainless steel and have straight side walls.

All the 12-coaches of the rake are end to end connected by sealed wider vestibule gangways.

All the AC EMU coaches have four electrically operated double leaf automatic sliding doors in each side. They also have wide and large double sealed glass windows providing panoramic view.

Three-seater stainless steel seats are provided in all the coaches.

Total seating capacity of the rake is around 1,100. All the coaches are covered by CCTV surveillance. The coaches have wear resistant rubber floor tops, aluminium extruded modular luggage racks and GPS-based LED displays for passenger information.

Announcement systems are provided in each coach of the rake to enhance passenger amenity and comfort.

The doors of the train are automatically operated and open only after the train stops at a station.

They close before departing from the stations and remain close while o­n the run for safety reasons.

The control of the doors remains with the motorman or conducting motorman.

ER is planning to get more air-conditioned EMU rakes for operations in other routes.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that nearly Rs 150 crore has been disbursed as interim relief to flood-affected people in the state, while directing officials to expedite the remaining compensation claims and restoration work.

In a post on Sunday on social media platform X, Sarma added that the remaining eligible relief claims would be cleared by Monday, underlining that the state government was working to ensure timely assistance reaches every affected household.

He said the assessment of flood-related damage across the state was about 75 per cent complete, with more than 1,000 surveyors deployed on the ground to complete the remaining assessment immediately.

The Chief Minister added that the administration was simultaneously focusing on restoring essential public infrastructure damaged by the floods.

"As many as 793 schools are currently under repair and will be made ready for the resumption of classes, while damaged roads and other public infrastructure are being rebuilt on priority," he said.

In Sivasagar, high-capacity pumps have been deployed and are operating round the clock to drain water from low-lying areas and accelerate the dewatering process.

The state government has also stepped up health interventions in flood-affected areas, with health camps being expanded and authorities maintaining close surveillance for any possible outbreak of water-borne or other diseases following the floods.

Chief Minister Sarma said the state government had also reviewed loan relief measures and insurance claims related to the flood damage and urged all eligible affected people to submit their claims by August 30.

The Chief Minister added that the administration was mapping compensation and other benefits to ensure that assistance reaches every affected household.

"My instructions to officials are clear: no one gets left behind, speed is non-negotiable, and there's zero tolerance for a lackadaisical approach," Sarma said.

The latest measures come as Assam continues its recovery and rehabilitation efforts following widespread flooding that affected several districts, damaging homes, roads, schools and other public infrastructure.

The Assam government has been focusing on immediate relief alongside restoration of essential services, damage assessment and financial assistance to affected families.

Sarma said the state administration would maintain a close watch on the relief and restoration process and ensure that officials move swiftly to complete pending assessments and deliver assistance to those eligible.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that investments worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore are being lined up in the state's power sector, with projects expected to generate more than 10,000 MW of electricity and create more than 30,000 jobs.

Sarma said on Sunday that the state government is working to remove bottlenecks affecting investment proposals under the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative and is tracking projects individually to ensure that proposals do not remain stuck in the administrative system.

"Just reviewed the Rs 5 lakh crore investment pipeline from Advantage Assam 2 in 2025. As much as 75 per cent is now at various stages of firming up," the Chief Minister said in a post on social media platform X.

He added that the focus of the latest review was on identifying and clearing bottlenecks so that investment proposals can move towards implementation.

"No proposal gets lost in the system. We track every single one," CM Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also chaired a meeting focused specifically on Assam's power projects, which he said represent more than Rs 1 lakh crore in investments and have the potential to generate more than 10,000 MW of power and create more than 30,000 jobs.

Sarma said the expansion of the state's power generation capacity is aimed not merely at meeting Assam's growing electricity requirements but at fundamentally changing its position in the country's power sector.

"Today, Assam depends on other states for power. In the next decade, we will reverse this -- become power surplus and supply electricity to the rest of India," he added.

The proposed investments are expected to play a key role in Assam's longer-term industrialisation strategy, with reliable and adequate power supply being critical for attracting large-scale industries and supporting existing businesses.

The Chief Minister's remarks also indicate that the state government is seeking to convert investment commitments announced through Advantage Assam 2.0 into projects on the ground by closely monitoring their progress and addressing regulatory and implementation hurdles.

The Rs 5 lakh crore investment pipeline reviewed by the state government includes proposals at different stages of firming up, with around 75 per cent having progressed to various stages, according to CM Sarma.

The Assam government is now focusing on faster execution and ensuring that major investment proposals translate into employment, infrastructure and increased economic activity in the state.

--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, Aug 17 (IANS) Veteran actor Anupam Kher has shared a heartwarming message for filmmaker David Dhawan on his 75th birthday. On Sunday, the actor took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared 2 pictures featuring him with the filmmaker.

He also penned a long note about their journey together, and the growth that they have seen together while working to reach the top in their respective domains.

He wrote, “Happy Birthday, my dearest, dearest David. I have known you for almost as long as I have known my career in cinema. You were the editor of my very first film, #Saaransh, and from there began a friendship and a cinematic journey that has lasted through 10 to 12 films. And so many wonderful years. I also remember those early days so vividly!! Your Lambretta scooter, your small flat on Carter Road, Lali’s egg bhurji and those special parathas, and above all, the warmth and love that surrounded it all”.

He further mentioned, “That feeling has stayed the same even today!! Touch wood. Working with you has always been a roller-coaster ride, but the joyful kind! You have this extraordinary ability to make shooting for your films look effortless. And perhaps your greatest gift is that you bring the same ease to life. Wherever you are, there is laughter, warmth, madness and joy. May you continue making films, telling stories, spreading happiness and remaining exactly the wonderful person you are. Love you, my friend. Happy Birthday. #DavidDhawan @Varun_dvn”.

Internet users took to the comments, and lauded their friendship. One user wrote, “When friendship is as deep as Saaransh and has lasted 40 years, the words reach straight to the heart. This style of yours and this respect for friendship is what truly makes you a legend, @AnupamPKher sir”.

Another wrote, “What a beautiful tribute to a friendship that has grown alongside a remarkable cinematic journey! David Dhawan’s warmth, humour, creativity and infectious energy have clearly made every chapter unforgettable. Wishing the legendary filmmaker a very Happy Birthday and many more years of laughter, love and incredible films”.

A 3rd user wrote, “the editor of your debut staying with you through film 10, 11, 12... that's the real success story”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS) The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has paid a tribute to actress Ananya Raj after she passed away on Sunday at the age of 27.

The body took to their X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note for the actress. They wrote, “With profound grief and a heavy heart, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) mourns the untimely demise of actress Ananya Raj, who passed away at the young age of just 27 on 15 July 2026. Her family has now made the news of her passing public, nearly a month after her demise. According to the family, Ananya had been battling health issues for the past year, during which she went through immense physical and mental challenges. Despite these difficult circumstances, her family remembered her as a strong-spirited girl who lived like a Queen”.

They further mentioned, “Ananya Raj was a part of several Bollywood films, including 7 Hours to Go (2016), The Final Exit (2017), and Ghost (2019). Her untimely passing has sent shockwaves across Bollywood and the entire Indian film industry. The loss of a young artist is not just a loss for her family, it is a loss for the entire film fraternity. A member of our extended film-industry family has left us far too soon. Her work, her presence and her memories will always remain a part of the Indian film industry”.

The actress had been dealing with physical and mental health issues for over a year and passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 15.

“The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. We pray that the departed soul finds eternal peace and that her family receives the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Ananya Raj will always be remembered. Her journey may have ended, but her memories will live on forever. All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)”, they added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS) The veteran actress once revealed that it was her husband, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who objected to her working in films after marriage.

An old clip from Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar’s chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ has resurfaced on the Internet, and is shows the host probing her in order to understand whose decision it was behind her choosing to stay away from films until her kids reached a certain age.

Karan asked her, “When you just stopped acting and you were at the peak of your career, you were a big big star and even super hits, a professional part of your life. Was that decision completely yours and you took it one day?”.

Responding to the same, the actress said, “He (Amitabh Bachchan) said that you know I don't want a 9-5 wife. What happened was that he got so busy I felt that it's very important that one parent should be home with the kids”.

She further mentioned, “I remember Shweta once telling me when I was getting ready for it. I was going for shooting and I you know I'd started doing my makeup at home. I'd try and spend a little more time and she said where are you going? I said I'm going for shooting. Don't go, let Papa go, you don't go”.

KJo said, “I mean and that's when you decided?”.

She added, “Yes, it was terrible”.

Big B and Jaya Bachchan married on June 3, 1973, in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. Their relationship began after they worked together in films. As per reports, Amitabh later recalled that they decided to marry after ‘Zanjeer’ succeeded. The couple has two children, daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda, born in 1974, and son Abhishek Bachchan, born in 1976, who followed his parents into acting.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS) Music composer Amaal Mallik, who has composed the song ‘Yeh Awarapan’ from the recently released Emraan Hashmi-starrer ‘Awarapan 2’, has shared how he deals with creative differences in the work environment.

The composer spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film in the BKC area of Mumbai, and shared that he doesn’t back down, and always puts his point firmly.

He told IANS, “Yes, there are creative differences. I don't back off. I don't say, ‘This is wrong’. It is the ability of the other person to make creative differences. Those who have a big ego remove me from the film. Those who have a good mind, work with me. Both ways are right. I don't say, their film won't run without me, and it’s not like it will make much of a difference for me if I miss their film. I am Amal Malik without their films. Even if you don't take Amal Malik, someone else can give you super hit music”.

“There is no iron clad rule. But I want to do it this way. That is my fight. There will be less work. There will be more enemies. People will say, ‘He takes risks. Why does he do this? Why does he do this?’ But, it is more important to make good music. People think I get privileges from the industry since I belong to the industry. They think insiders get a phone call easily. They get 3 movies in a night. 2-3 people call us and remove us from the movies as well. But, I want to stand with music”, he added.

Meanwhile, ‘Awarapan 2’ is a sequel to ‘Awarapan’, and sees Emraan Hashmi reprising his role of Shivam Pandit. While ‘Awarapan’ was dubbed a flop upon its release, the film gained a significant loyal following in later years, eventually attaining the cult-status owing to its music, and Emraan Hashmi’s performance. ‘Awarapan 2’ is currently playing in cinemas.

--IANS

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