Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. had an excruciating experience while filming ‘Iron Man 3’. The actor recently reflected on the time he broke his ankle while shooting for the film.

The actor, 61, recently sat down for a chat with the author Ayad Akhtar about Akhtar’s new novel, ‘The Radiance’. During the event, the actor spoke about his on-set injury in 2012 after Akhtar, 55, asked him about the moments in life that bring “unexpected joy or pleasure on the other side of an experience that you think would not be a good experience”.

Responding to the same, the actor said, “I’ll build on that because I remember I was once doing a wire jump, and I landed wrong and I just shattered my ankle. In the moment that it happened, all these realizations occurred where I realized, ‘Oh my God, this rest of the shoot just got really different.’ I thought not only about the ramifications, but the pain was so great that after a few seconds I kind of blacked out from it”.

“Then I remember saying to the crew once I could finally speak, because usually they’ll say, ‘That’s lunch, one half hour,’ I said, ‘That’s lunch, roughly six weeks’”, he added.

When Akhtar asked if the ensuing delay wound up costing the production six weeks, the actor said, “No, it was much longer. I am a delicate flower”.

‘Iron Man 3’ was the third solo movie in which he portrayed the title character during his run as Tony Stark. The movie was also his first appearance in the franchise after 2012’s ‘The Avengers’, which shot the superhero movies into the space of mega-blockbusters.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah on Wednesday said they were closely monitoring the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was injured after helping avert a major in-flight crisis that led to the aircraft being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said both Indian missions in Saudi Arabia had been following developments related to Captain Machchhar's medical condition.

According to the embassy, the pilot is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical treatment.

The mission said it was awaiting a detailed update on his health, but initial reports indicated he was stable.

“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest,” the embassy stated.

The Indian mission also said it was in touch with Captain Machchhar's family and assured them it would extend all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.

“We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being,” the statement added.

The embassy's update came hours after senior Israeli leaders lauded Captain Machchhar's role in preventing what they described as a potentially catastrophic incident aboard the aircraft.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a “true hero” and praised his “extraordinary bravery”.

In a statement issued through the Prime Minister's Office on X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but fought back and continued to act to protect those on board.

According to Netanyahu, the pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant, thereby preventing a major mid-air disaster.

“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.

Joining the praise, Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said he was praying for the pilot's recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted aviator.

Referring to Flydubai flight FZ1073, Azar said Captain Machchhar's courage, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save everyone on board.

“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” Azar said.

He also called for a united stand against terrorism.

The statements from Indian and Israeli authorities came amid growing international recognition for Captain Machchhar, whose actions during the emergency have drawn praise from governments and passengers alike.

While Indian officials focused on his medical condition and welfare, Israeli leaders highlighted his role in helping avert a potentially devastating tragedy and safeguarding the lives of those on board the diverted Flydubai flight.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a direct phone conversation on Wednesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor offered a brief reaction the same day.

On his X account, he called the conversation “very good,” writing, “A very good call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi!”

Both leaders covered practical areas of joint work, including trade flows, defence arrangements, energy supplies, and critical technologies. They also shared views on broader regional developments and steps to support global stability.

After the talk, PM Modi posted a brief note on X describing the exchange as productive. He listed the same sectors and noted that both sides would keep talking regularly to build on the existing comprehensive global strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister’s Office later released a matching summary, adding that the two leaders planned to stay in contact.

This latest contact sits against a larger backdrop of steady expansion in the relationship. Senior figures in the current US administration have already sketched an ambitious set of next steps.

They have indicated that a presidential visit to India is under active consideration for early next year and have described New Delhi as one of Washington’s closest strategic partners.

The ambassador’s quick public endorsement and earlier signals from senior officials suggest ongoing high-level contact. Practical cooperation across multiple domains continues to take centre stage, while both capitals keep an eye on broader international matters.

The conversation appeared straightforward and focused, with both leaders emphasising the need to keep the channels open for further discussion.

Back in June, both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Gor gave exclusive interviews to IANS at the White House. Each portrayed the ties as stronger than ever. They pointed to rising activity across trade, defence, energy, advanced technologies and Indo-Pacific coordination. Rubio confirmed that work was under way to arrange Trump’s trip to India in the coming year.

"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio had said.

While Gor had described the relationship between the two leaders as "one of the big anchors" of India-US ties.

"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead," he had said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery” in preventing what he described as a potential mid-air catastrophe after the pilot was allegedly attacked during a flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew.

In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar displayed exceptional courage despite being seriously injured.

“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident. However, he fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant.

Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster.

“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” the Israeli Prime Minister stated.

Expressing concern for the injured pilot, Netanyahu wished him a “speedy and full recovery” and described him as “a true hero”.

The remarks came amid growing international recognition of Captain Machchhar’s role in averting the threat aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.

Joining the praise, Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralise the threat.

In a post on X, Azar said he was praying for Captain Machchhar’s recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted pilot.

“Together with nations, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073,” Azar wrote.

The Israeli diplomat said the courage shown by the pilot, along with that displayed by Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save all those on board the aircraft.

“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” he said.

Azar also used the occasion to call for unity against terrorism, declaring: “United against terrorism.”

The statements from senior Israeli leaders highlight the international attention generated by the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and the widespread praise being directed at Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.

Netanyahu’s remarks focused on the pilot’s role in ensuring that passengers and crew were able to regain control of the situation despite the alleged attack, while Azar praised the collective efforts of the pilot, passengers and crew in preventing loss of life.

The messages also underscore the presence of Israeli citizens among those whose lives were allegedly saved during the incident.

As Captain Machchhar continues to receive treatment for his injuries, messages of support and appreciation have continued to pour in from across countries, with Israeli leaders describing him as a symbol of courage in the face of danger and crediting his actions with preventing a far more serious tragedy.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth is a proud father, and he doesn’t shy away from lauding his daughter’s achievements publicly.

On Wednesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared 2 videos of his daughter, India Rose Hemsworth’s bull riding.

He also penned a heartfelt note for his daughter in the caption, as he wrote, “Just wanna say my daughter is a savage. Only girl in the comp and took home the win. Proud moment (sic)”.

His followers, however, had different reactions to the videos. One user wrote, “The poor bull. Animal abuse should not be entertainment”.

Another user wrote, “Is this the "wonderful" tradition where they tie the bull's balls with a rope and everytime they kick in the air they pull on them harder? i really hope not”.

A 3rd user wrote, “Please do not promote this”.

Another user wrote, “Shouldn't you be worrying about defeating Doctor Doom”.

Chris Hemsworth married Spanish actress and model Elsa Pataky in December 2010, after they began dating earlier that year. Their relationship developed quickly, and they have now been together for more than 15 years. The couple have three children: their daughter, India Rose, born in 2012, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, born in 2014. India Rose is the eldest of the Hemsworth children and has occasionally appeared alongside her father in films, including ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Hemsworth has spoken warmly about fatherhood, saying that having children changed his priorities and made him value time at home even more.

The family lives in Australia, where Hemsworth and Pataky have focused on giving their children a relatively grounded upbringing away from Hollywood.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Two Indian nationals have been found guilty by a jury in the United States for their role in a cargo theft conspiracy that involved fraudulently obtaining shipping contracts, stealing freight worth millions of dollars and failing to deliver the consignments to their intended destinations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were convicted after a seven-day trial of participating in a scheme that targeted warehouses and shippers across Southern California and other parts of the United States.

The jury found both men guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate or foreign shipments. Arshpreet Singh was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Vikramjeet Singh was acquitted of the wire fraud conspiracy charge.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Arshpreet Singh and his co-conspirators operated the scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 by purchasing or fraudulently using legitimate trucking companies to bid for authentic freight contracts.

After securing the contracts, the conspirators allegedly took possession of cargo shipments but failed to deliver them to their destinations, instead stealing the goods.

Prosecutors said the stolen freight largely consisted of high-value consumer products, including televisions, laptops, household appliances and other electronics. Other items stolen during the conspiracy included vacuum cleaners, LED lights, footwear and tyres.

Authorities estimated losses resulting from the thefts at no less than $2 million.

The thefts were carried out across multiple locations in Southern California, including Fontana, Vernon, Santa Fe Springs, Perris, City of Industry, Long Beach, Compton, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Chino and Moreno Valley. Investigators also linked the scheme to activity in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Court records showed that the accused acquired established trucking companies to facilitate the operation.

In one instance cited during the trial, Arshpreet Singh met in March 2024 with the owner of Texas-based carrier Z&F Transportation LLC and agreed to purchase the company for approximately $22,000.

Later that month, a co-conspirator acting on behalf of Z&F Transportation LLC collected a shipment of televisions in Fontana. The cargo was never delivered to its intended destination in Florida.

Prosecutors further alleged that in May 2024, co-conspirators purchased another carrier company, Skyways Trucking LLC, and subsequently used it to steal shipments that included laptops, televisions, solar panels and other merchandise.

The conspirators allegedly booked freight loads through brokers, including Uber Freight, collected the consignments and then failed to transport them to the customers.

United States District Judge Anne Hwang has scheduled sentencing hearings for January 20, 2027.

Arshpreet Singh faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while Vikramjeet Singh faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Inland Violent Crime Suppression Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Fontana Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Worth Police Department in Texas.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Chang of the Transnational Organised Crime Section and Lloyd Masson of the General Crimes Section.

--IANS

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Nagoya (Japan), Oct 1 (IANS) China's Mu Xinyue became the first female athlete to win an Asian Games esports gold medal after China defeated Japan in the Identity V Asian Games Version final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Wednesday.

Asian Games esports events are open to both male and female athletes, but men continue to make up the overwhelming majority of registered athletes. According to registration data for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, more than 500 athletes were registered for esports, with only 14 of them women.

"When I first started competing, I never imagined that I would be able to win a gold medal on the Asian Games stage," Mu said. "When the national anthem was played, and the gold medal was around my neck, I was so excited and happy. I think this may be the happiest moment of my life."

Identity V is an asymmetrical competitive game in which each round consists of two halves, with the two teams taking turns playing as survivors and hunters. Four players compete on the survivor side while one plays as the hunter, with points awarded based on the number of survivors who escape and the hunter's eliminations, reports Xinhua.

China's Identity V squad consists of hunters Shi Xiangwei and Sun Le, and survivors Lu Shujia, Chen Mingming, Lu Yahui, Fan Siqi and Mu. Mu, whose in-game ID is "Tao Wan'an," is the only female member of China's esports delegation at the Games.

The final was tightly contested. The two sides tied the opening two rounds 4-4 and 5-5 before China took the third round 7-2 to gain the upper hand. The fourth round ended in another 4-4 tie, sending the match into a decisive fifth round. China took a 3-1 lead in the first half of the fifth round, which was enough to secure the victory.

Shi, whose in-game ID is "Nianjin," said competing at the Asian Games carried a different sense of responsibility from playing in a professional league.

"First of all, there is a change of identity, and there is also greater responsibility on your shoulders," Shi said. "You can be nervous, and you can feel pressure, but you shouldn't let the pressure and nerves affect your performance in the game. Accept the nerves and the pressure, face them naturally, and just play your normal game."

The final was interrupted by a technical issue between the two halves of the fourth round, with play suspended for nearly 30 minutes before competition resumed. The interruption was caused by an on-site network cable issue.

Mu said she remained calm during the unexpected stoppage. "I didn't really have any emotional fluctuations at that time," the 20-year-old said. "We just waited to see what the referees and the organisers would decide. All we needed to do was wait patiently."

Esports made its Asian Games debut as a demonstration sport at Jakarta 2018 before becoming an official medal sport at Hangzhou in 2023. The number of medal events has increased from seven in Hangzhou to 11 at Aichi-Nagoya, with Identity V Asian Games Version making its Asian Games debut.

China entered four of the 11 esports events at Aichi-Nagoya -- Naraka: Bladepoint, Honour of Kings, Game for Peace Asian Games Version and Identity V Asian Games Version. China won gold in Naraka: Bladepoint and Honour of Kings and silver in Game for Peace Asian Games Version before adding the Identity V gold on Wednesday, concluding its esports campaign with three gold medals and one silver.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly thrown his support behind the club after an independent commission found the Premier League side guilty of serious financial-rule breaches, saying he remains firmly behind the players, staff, ownership and supporters.

Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season after a decade in charge, posted his first reaction to the verdict on social media on Wednesday.

“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all,” he wrote.

The independent commission of the Premier League found City guilty of serious breaches of financial regulations during the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. Among its findings were allegations involving commercial agreements that the commission described as part of a disguised funding arrangement.

The findings stated in an official statement said the arrangements significantly inflated the club’s reported commercial revenue. City have rejected the conclusions and maintain that they have evidence supporting their position.

The club has confirmed that it will appeal the commission’s decision. City said in its response that it was “disappointed and surprised” by the findings and argued that the commission’s opinion contained errors of law, principle and fact.

The club also maintained that it had followed due process throughout the lengthy proceedings and said it would pursue the available appeal and legal routes.

Guardiola’s message comes after a hugely successful spell at the Etihad Stadium. He took charge in 2016 and guided City to six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships, as well as three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League.

Under Guardiola, City also completed a historic treble in the 2022/23 season, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

He left the managerial position after the 2025/26 season, with former assistant Enzo Maresca taking over as City’s head coach.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Motion Picture Association (MPA), India, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Kerala, E-Sports Games Federation (ESGF), RioWood and Warm Up Ventures.

These MoUs were signed on the second day of FICCI FRAMES 2026, which took place on September 29 and September 30 at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

The MoUs that were signed in the presence of Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, AI & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, and other senior representatives and stakeholders, are expected to strengthen the engagement between the industry and academia. It will also focus on creating an AVGC-XR ecosystem with the help of exchange of knowledge, industry exposure, and establishing the Kerala State Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Thiruvananthapuram.

Talking about the latest collaboration, Ashish Shelar said, “India is uniquely positioned to lead the next transformation in media and entertainment."

“The real opportunity lies in building an ecosystem—one that creates professional talent, content creators, broadcasters, developers, technologists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The future belongs not just to those who consume entertainment, but to those who build the intellectual, creative, and technological ecosystem around it.” he went on to add.

Ashish Kulkarni, Founding Director, IICT, stated that these partnerships help to reinforce IICT’s commitment to building a future-ready creative technology ecosystem.

Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, added, “IICT is focused on building meaningful connections between education, industry and technology. These partnerships will provide our students and emerging creators with greater exposure to international practices, industry-led learning and real-world opportunities.”

Urmila Venugopalan, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Motion Picture Association, shared, “We are especially pleased to bring to life a shared ambition that took shape during a fireside chat between MPA Chairman and CEO Charlie Rivkin and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which launched the Creative Economy track at the start of the AI Impact Summit in February this year. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting India’s creative economy and ensuring that emerging talent has meaningful opportunities to engage with the global film, television and streaming industry.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Actor Ranvir Shorey has reacted to Rahul Bhatt’s clarification over hitting the actor. On Wednesday, the actor took to his X. formerly Twitter, and penned a note, as he said that the truth is finally out.

During a recent podcast, Rahul said that he had hit Ranvir after he had an altercation with his sister Pooja Bhatt. He said that he stepped in, and physically assaulted the actor, and broke the glass of his car.

Reacting to the same, Ranvir said that the “propaganda and slander” have been defeated by the truth.

The actor wrote, “I’m glad over 20 years of malicious propaganda and slander has finally given way to some truth. Let me add the missing piece, so it can finally rest now, defending yourself against violence to escape someone toxic is not ‘hitting’”.

Rahul said that he regrets hitting the actor, and praised him for not holding grudges, and handling the situation very well.

Pooja and Ranvir were in a relationship in the early 2000s after becoming close while working together on the film Jism. The two eventually began living together, but their relationship ended on a bitter note in 2002. Both the actors have been public about the fallout, and have presented conflicting accounts of what transpired between them.

Earlier, Ranvir had alleged that Pooja's family had portrayed him as an alcoholic and abusive partner and claimed that her brother, Rahul Bhatt, assaulted him following their argument. Pooja later married VJ-turned-restaurateur Manish Makhija in 2003, while Ranvir married actor Konkona Sen Sharma in 2010. Both marriages eventually ended in separation.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Sep 30 (IANS)Commending actor Fahadh Faasil for his fine work in director Shashank Yeleti's upcoming fantasy entertainer 'Don't Trouble The Trouble', Telugu star Mahesh Babu on Wednesday called Fahadh Faasil "a stupendous actor".

Taking to his X timeline to write a lengthy post on the film and what a beautiful experience it was, Mahesh Babu wrote, "Just watched the #DontTroubleTheTrouble Movie!!!What a beautifully complete experience this is. Such a well crafted and happy film… Thoroughly entertaining and deeply moving at the same time. The film carries such a rare sense of warmth throughout!"

He then went on to praise the film's lead actors -- Fahadh Faasil and child artiste Ssara.

He wrote," Fahadh sir - you are a stupendous actor. Watching you evolve, experiment and reinvent yourself is truly inspiring. Fahadh sir and our lil cute Ssara are simply brilliant together! You can see the characters living, breathing and feeling every moment!!!"

Mahesh Babu then told the film's producer S S Karthikeya, "Karth - you couldn’t have asked for a more special beginning. After everything you have poured into this film, you can finally breathe easy.You and Shobu have created something truly special and I couldn’t be happier for you both. Shashank you have done a fantastic job.The way you have brought this beautiful world together is truly commendable…."

He concluded the note saying, "Sending all my love and best wishes to the entire team. You have a gem on your hands. October 2nd… everyone should experience this magic! #FahadhFaasil #SsaraPalekar @ShashankYeleti @kaalabhairava7 @ssk1122 @Shobu_ #PrasadDevineni @ArkaMediaWorks @SBbySSK."

For the unaware, acclaimed producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni have joined hands with SS Karthikeya to produce the exciting, content-rich film that is being presented by none other than ace director S S Rajamouli.

The film, which is a fantasy entertainer, has three legends of the Indian film industry -- Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal and Balakrishna-- lending their voices for a voiceover in the film's Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu trailers respectively.

The film, which has been written and directed by Shashank Yeleti, has been co-written by Hamza Ali. It has music by Kaala Bhairava and cinematography by Australian cinematographer Brad Francis. Editing for the film is by Praveen Anthony.

'Don't Trouble The Trouble' is slated to hit screens worldwide on October 2 this year.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Actress Yami Gautam said that her character Mohini from her upcoming entertainer 'Nayyi Navelli' is 'never quite what you expect', and that is what drew her towards the role in the first place.

As makers Amazon MGM Studios and Colour Yellow unveiled the trailer of 'Nayyi Navelli' on Wednesday, Yami talked about playing Mohini, saying, “What drew me to Mohini is that she is never quite what you expect. There’s a warmth and familiarity to her, but also a mystery that slowly reveals itself."

"Nayyi Navelli gave me the opportunity to explore a character that moves seamlessly between family, humour, emotion, fantasy and action, while still staying rooted at heart. It was a wonderful experience working with Balaji sir, Aanand sir, Himanshu, the team at Colour Yellow and Amazon MGM Studios. I’m really excited for audiences to meet Mohini this Dussehra and discover her for themselves," she went on to add.

Set in Meerut, the film revolves around a seemingly perfect new bahu, an eccentric family, and an unexpected secret.

We are introduced to the world of the Awasthi family, where the arrival of their new bahu, Mohini (Played by Yami), begins to raise some questions. What starts as some simple wedding rituals soon gives way to something much harder to explain.

“What makes Nayyi Navelli special to me is that it starts with a family that feels instantly relatable, with all the quirks, opinions and madness you’d recognise from any family, and then takes things somewhere completely unexpected that will leave you pleasantly surprised,” the director of the movie, Balaji Mohan, added.

Backed by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, 'Nayyi Navelli' is touted to be India’s very own fantasy family entertainer.

Written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma, G. V. Prakash Kumar, has scored the tunes for the film.

'Nayyi Navelli' is set to arrive in theatres on October 16, 2026, ahead of Dussehra.

--IANS

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