Washington, June 9 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President and CEO Dana White this week to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding sports diplomacy and supporting the global growth of mixed martial arts, the State Department announced.

The signing ceremony is scheduled for June 11 at the US Department of State and will mark what officials described as a new public-private partnership between the US government and the world's largest mixed martial arts organisation.

According to a State Department notice, the agreement is intended to "enhance sports diplomacy initiatives and collaborate on the global growth of mixed martial arts."

The announcement comes as the UFC continues to expand its international footprint and attract audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, turning mixed martial arts into one of the fastest-growing global sports.

The State Department said additional details of the partnership would be released after the signing ceremony.

The agreement reflects a growing effort by Washington to use sport as a tool of public diplomacy and international engagement. Sports exchanges have long been part of US diplomatic outreach programmes, helping to build people-to-people ties and cultural connections beyond traditional government channels.

In its announcement, the department highlighted UFC's global reach and influence, describing it as "the world's leading mixed martial arts organization."

"As an American-founded organization, the UFC has grown into a major global sports platform, reflecting US leadership in modern combat sports promotion, athletic performance standards, and international event production," the State Department said.

The department added that UFC events are "broadcast worldwide and contribute to the United States' broader cultural and sports influence through professional competition and athlete development."

The signing also underscores the growing commercial and cultural significance of mixed martial arts, which has evolved from a niche combat sport into a mainstream global entertainment property.

Sports diplomacy has increasingly become a feature of US foreign engagement, with the State Department supporting programmes involving athletes, coaches and sports organisations to foster international exchanges and leadership development.

--IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, June 9 (IANS) Democratic lawmakers, state officials and policy advocates welcomed a federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it a victory for employers, healthcare providers, universities and the US economy.

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the decision was “a welcome rejection of an unlawful policy that threatened America’s economic competitiveness and made it harder for businesses, hospitals, universities, and research institutions to attract the high-skilled talent they need to succeed.”

“The H-1B program drives innovation, strengthens American leadership in critical industries, and supports job creation here at home by helping companies grow and invest in the United States,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi argued that policymakers should address abuse of the programme without discouraging highly skilled workers from coming to the United States.

“Instead of imposing arbitrary barriers that push talent and investment elsewhere, we should focus on preventing abuse while ensuring America remains the best place in the world to build, innovate, and grow our economy,” he said.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the multistate lawsuit challenging the policy, described the ruling as a major victory against what he called an unlawful burden on employers and public institutions.

“The judgment is in! The Trump Administration’s unlawful and costly $100,000 tax has been struck down,” Bonta said.

“This tax was an attack on America’s ability to attract and retain the high-skilled talent that strengthens our economy and helps us meet critical workforce needs.”

Bonta said the fee created barriers for employers seeking teachers, physicians, nurses, researchers and other skilled professionals needed to address workforce shortages.

“California remains open for business, open to talent, and committed to ensuring our communities have essential services — from healthcare to education — that depend on a strong, skilled workforce,” he said.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) also welcomed the ruling, saying it would help restore certainty to the employment-based immigration system.

“We welcome the Massachusetts federal court’s decision striking down the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, which restores predictability and fairness to the employment-based immigration system,” said Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy & Strategy at FIIDS.

“This ruling is appropriate for preserving America's competitive advantage in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. Access to highly skilled global talent remains essential for the continued growth of the US technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors.”

Kand said the decision underscored the importance of ensuring major immigration policy changes are grounded in law and economic realities.

“The judgment reinforces the principle that major policy changes must be grounded in statutory authority and economic realities. FIIDS believes a balanced, merit-based immigration framework strengthens both American businesses and the broader economy,” he said.

Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia also praised the ruling, noting that hospitals and healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities had warned that the additional fee would make recruitment more difficult and expensive.

“The $100,000 fee for employers’ H1-B applications would have discouraged the best and the brightest from coming to America and helping our economy grow and to innovate,” Bishop said.

“While the bipartisan legislation that I introduced earlier this year applied only to health care professionals, the ruling by Judge Sorokin is a victory for every American concerned about attracting the world’s smartest talent to our country.”

The ruling came after US District Judge Leo T. Sorokin concluded that the Trump administration lacked authority to impose the fee and that Congress had not delegated taxing powers to the executive branch for H-1B petitions. The court subsequently vacated the policy nationwide.

The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in speciality occupations requiring highly specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The programme is widely used by technology companies, universities, healthcare systems and research institutions facing shortages of specialised talent.

Indian nationals receive the overwhelming majority of H-1B visas issued each year, making the programme particularly important for India and the Indian-American community.

--IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, June 9 (IANS) A federal judge struck down President Donald Trump's controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed what amounted to an unlawful tax without approval from Congress.

In a major setback for the administration's immigration agenda, US District Judge Leo T. Sorokin of Massachusetts sided with a coalition of 20 states challenging the policy and vacated it nationwide.

“The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress,” Sorokin wrote. “There are no statutory powers authorizing Defendants to implement a $100,000 tax on H-1B petitions.”

The ruling overturns a September 2025 presidential proclamation that required employers filing new H-1B petitions to make an additional $100,000 payment. The administration had argued that the H-1B programme was being exploited to replace American workers and suppress wages in key sectors, particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

The states contended that the measure would make it significantly more difficult for public schools, universities and healthcare systems to recruit skilled foreign professionals, worsening existing staffing shortages. The court agreed that the policy threatened to impede hiring in education, academic research and healthcare.

Sorokin rejected the administration's argument that broad presidential powers under immigration law allowed the fee to be imposed as a condition of entry into the United States.

“While the Executive has broad discretion over the admission and exclusion of aliens, . . . that discretion is not boundless,’” the judge wrote. He added that such discretion “may not transgress constitutional limitations” or “the statutory authority conferred by Congress.”

At the centre of the case was whether the fee was a legitimate immigration restriction or an unauthorised tax. Sorokin concluded it was the latter.

“Taxes are not ‘restrictions,’” he wrote while rejecting the government's interpretation of presidential powers under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The judge said Congress had never delegated its taxing authority to the President through the immigration statutes cited by the administration.

“These considerations preclude reading INA §§ 212(f) and 215(a) as delegating Congress’s exclusive power to tax,” Sorokin wrote.

Beyond the constitutional issues, the court found that federal agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act by implementing the policy without following the required notice-and-comment rulemaking process.

“Defendants issued a legislative rule without engaging in notice-and-commenting rulemaking,” the ruling said.

The court also found the policy arbitrary and capricious, saying agencies failed to adequately explain the unprecedented increase in costs imposed on employers.

“The administrative record is devoid of any indication that Defendants ‘reasonably considered the relevant issues and reasonably explained the decision’ to implement a $100,000 tax on H-1B petitions,” Sorokin wrote.

As a remedy, the judge declared the policy unlawful and vacated all agency actions implementing the payment requirement.

“The Policy implementing the Proclamation is declared unlawful and is VACATED in its entirety,” the ruling said.

The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in speciality occupations requiring highly specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Congress currently caps most new H-1B visas at 65,000 annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for holders of advanced US degrees. Universities, affiliated non-profit institutions and certain research organisations are exempt from those annual limits.

--IANS

lkj/rs

Los Angeles, June 9 (IANS) Hollywood actor Paul Rudd seems to be in love with New York, as he has called it the "greatest city in the world".

The 57-year-old actor has said that he loves the "energy and attitude" of the Big Apple, and he's obsessed with the city's history, reports ‘Female First UK’.

When asked what he loves most about living in New York City, Paul told ‘Variety’, "Well, it’s the greatest city in the world. I mean, God, if you know you know, right? "I’m a sucker for New York City history. Anytime there’s a documentary about New York or any book about New York history, I read it. When the Ken Burns documentary came out, I consumed it voraciously”.

He further mentioned, “I just finished reading a book about the Brooklyn Bridge. The city itself puts all of us in our proper place, the city is bigger than all of us. It’s good to live your life and feel a part of it and experience it but never feel bigger than it. This is a place where people from all parts of the globe from different backgrounds can come and do different things and be smushed together and somehow make it work. It creates an energy and attitude that really just clicks with me”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Paul is a huge fan of the New York Knicks basketball team, who have reached the NBA finals, and the actor would love to see them win the championship.

The Hollywood star, who plays Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, said, "It’s amazing, isn’t it? Obviously, this run that they’ve been on has just been incredible, the point differential and how dominant they’ve been playing. It’s so exciting that they’re here in the Finals. I’ve always wondered for decades, If the Knicks were to ever really win the whole thing, this place would go crazy”.

“And New York would go crazy in a way that’s different from the way they do with the Yankees or the Giants, I think they’d go crazy with the Mets or the Jets as well, but there’s something about the Knicks and New York City where I really hope we’ll see it come to fruition”, he added.

--IANS

aa/

Cardiff, June 9 (IANS) Ellyse Perry’s masterful 64 helped Australia secure a five-wicket warm-up win over ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 hosts England. The six-time champions chased down 158 with an impressive performance ahead of their opening game against South Africa on Saturday.

After choosing to bowl, Australia decimated England’s opening order with the returning Nat Sciver-Brunt departing for three runs to leave her side 19 for three in the fifth over. Alice Capsey and Heather Knight steadied England, with the former making 45 off 36 before being dismissed lbw by Megan Schutt.

Freya Kemp (41) and Danielle Gibson (27 not out) powered the hosts to a competitive total of 157 for six, but Australia always looked comfortable in the chase and scored runs freely.

Beth Mooney departed for 43 from 26, while Perry showed she is still an elite player, swiftly moving Australia above the run-rate. The legend departed for 64 just before Australia completed their chase with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier in the first match of the day, Radha Yadav took three wickets in an over to help India to a 26-run victory over the West Indies.

India are bidding to add the T20 crown to their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup win last year, and on this evidence, they are shaping up nicely for Sunday’s opening game against Pakistan.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma made a fast start, having been put into bat, with Mandhana departing for 39 from 23 balls inside the powerplay. Verma fell one over later for 29 with a strike rate of 223.07, and India were then reduced to 85 for three when Jemimah Rodrigues became the first of Afy Fletcher’s four victims.

The middle and lower order wobbled, but Bharti Fulmali top scored with 56 not out from 40 balls to set the West Indies 180 to win. Without skipper Hayley Matthews, who was not in the team in Cardiff, the West Indies made a strong start but tailed off.

Shemaine Campbelle retired on 25, and Deandra Dottin was dismissed one run short of a half-century. The middle order struggled for consistency, and their hopes of victory suffered a major dent when Yadav took three wickets in the 14th over, while Shreyanka Patil posted four for 36 as they fell 26 runs short.

Brief scores:

England 157/6 in 20 overs (Alice Capsey 45, Freya Kemp 41; Alana King 2/10, Megan Schutt 2/20) lost to Australia 158/5 in 18.2 overs (Ellyse Perry 64, Beth Mooney 43; Lauren Bell 2/22, Alice Capsey 1/4) by five wickets.

--IANS

bsk/

Odense (Denmark), June 9 (IANS) Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has issued a statement a few hours after collapsing on the pitch for a second time in recent years. Eriksen was taken to a hospital on Sunday night after he had a huge health scare during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine, after falling to the floor in the 65th minute as medical staff rushed to his aid.

The former Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Brentford, and Manchester United star's collapse came five years after the 34-year-old had suffered a cardiac arrest during the European Championship, although the midfielder confirmed that Sunday's incident was different.

In his message to his fans, Eriksen confirmed that the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), an ICD that gives the wearer a shock to either reset the heart if it stops beating, or to jolt it back into a regular rhythm if abnormalities are detected in his chest, had worked as intended.

“I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family,” Eriksen wrote in his Instagram story. “As you can probably imagine, receiving a shock from my ICD has had a major impact on both me and my family, but I want to reassure everyone that this was a different situation from what happened in 2021.

“I am feeling good, and my recovery has already started. In addition to being grateful for the support and assistance of all the players and the medical team on the field, I am also incredibly grateful to the doctors who have cared for me and my heart over the years. Thanks to their expertise, my ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it," said Eriksen.

“For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children,” he concluded his message.

According to reports, Denmark’s team doctor, Morten Boesen, had confirmed on Sunday that Eriksen had briefly been unconscious following the incident. The match was halted and abandoned.

--IANS

bsk/

Bhubaneswar, June 8 (IANS) The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved 10 major proposals of five departments, including the Tourism Department’s new “Land Bank for Hospitality Infrastructure” scheme aimed at creating a strong foundation for tourism-led economic growth and attracting large-scale investments in the hospitality sector across the state.

The decisions were taken at a State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

Among the key decisions was the Cabinet's approval for the Tourism Department’s new “Land Bank for Hospitality Infrastructure” scheme, intended to overcome land-related challenges faced by hospitality investors across the state.

“A major challenge in developing world-class tourism infrastructure has been the lack of readily available, contiguous, encroachment-free and investment-ready land parcels. To address this gap, the State Cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Land Bank under the Department of Tourism,” the state government said in an official statement.

Under the scheme, approximately 5,500 acres comprising both government and private land parcels will be identified and developed across major tourism destinations in Odisha, including Chilika, Konark, Puri (Shamuka), Dhauli, Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Deomali, the Buddhist Circuit, Jiranga, Talsari and Tampara-Aryapalli, among others.

These land parcels will be developed with infrastructure such as electricity, water supply and road connectivity, and kept ready for interested investors in the hospitality sector.

Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said: “We hope that this will be a big boost and will quicken the process of allotting land to such interested parties.”

Similarly, the state Cabinet approved a proposal of the Housing and Urban Development Department for the implementation of the ‘Waterfront Development Scheme’ with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore over five years.

The scheme aims to rejuvenate riverfronts and urban water bodies across selected cities and transform them into vibrant, accessible and environmentally sustainable public spaces.

Chief Secretary Garg said that, to promote the development of blue spaces in urban areas, waterfront development projects would be undertaken along the Mahanadi River in Cuttack and Sambalpur.

Similar projects will also be developed along the Daya, Gangua and Kuakhai rivers, the Budhabalang River in Baripada, the Baitarani River near Chandbali and the Brahmani River near Vedvyas in Rourkela, besides other locations to be taken up in phases.

“The idea is to restore and rejuvenate river ecosystems, enhance urban liveability and promote tourism. So, we are hoping that this will not only make our urban spaces more liveable but it will also generate potential for tourism,” Garg added.

The Cabinet also approved the construction of a women workers’ hostel at Kalibeti Industrial Estate in Khordha at a project cost of Rs 210.36 crore.

The industrial estate houses manufacturing units of several major textile and apparel brands, including MAS Holdings, EPIC and Indian Stitches.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR)-2022 aimed at attracting industries to 15 industrially backward districts of the state, among other proposals.

--IANS

gyan/pgh

Hyderabad, June 8 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Monday that he is ready for a debate on the performance of his government during the last 30 months vis-a-vis the performance of 10 years of BRS rule in the state and 12-years of the Modi government at the Centre.

Addressing a public meeting after laying foundation stones for Cyberabad Municipal Corporation and other development works, he dared both BRS and BJP to a debate.

Stating that Narendra Modi became Prime Minister once again, as Telangana gave eight seats to the BJP, he said, “What have these eight BJP MPs brought for Telangana. They are asking me what I have done in two years. What have you done? Let us discuss who secured funds for Telangana.”

CM Revanth Reddy accused Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and other BJP MPs from Telangana of stalling the release of Central funds for the development of the state.

“Why were the BJP MPs representing Chevella, Medak, and Malkajgiri and Kishan Reddy, who won as the MP from Secunderabad, not asking PM Modi for funds? Was not Kishan Reddy obstructing the flow of funds for Telangana's development? When Modi developed the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, everyone heaped praise, and now they are creating hurdles for the Musi project,” he said.

The CM also claimed that Kishan Reddy was meeting the Prime Minister and Union ministers soon after he submitted memoranda on state issues in New Delhi. The Chief Minister sought to know the reason behind Kishan Reddy’s instant meetings.

CM Revanth Reddy warned that people will give a mandate against the BJP if the Union Minister continues to obstruct the state's development.

The Chief Minister advised that former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and Kishan Reddy give suggestions to the state government and stop harming the people of Telangana with ‘corruption and arrogance’.

He announced the works of the international bus terminal in 100 acres at Gajularamaram would start in three months. The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government would focus only on development in Hyderabad and the State in the next 24 months, rising above politics.

He stated that Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad cities were driving the nation's economy. Delhi is facing a pollution problem, Mumbai is struggling with floods, and Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata are experiencing traffic woes, he said, adding that since Hyderabad is expanding rapidly, the city was divided into three corporations to ensure systematic development.

“We created 3 corporations to cater to the future needs of the expanding city and defined boundaries to ensure coordination between the police and municipal departments. Let us develop our city, rising above political agendas”.

The CM emphasised that boasting about a 'Global City' is not enough, and the development must actually align with that vision. Under the master plan, the government is taking up the second phase of the Metro rail and constructing 1 lakh houses for low-income and middle-income groups in the city limits.

Revanth Reddy also highlighted the breakfast scheme for students from the school level up to Intermediate, free bus travel for women on RTC buses, setting up of 150 stalls for women across three-and-a-half acres through the 'Indira Mahila Shakti' and empowerment of women by allotting them petrol bunks.

He said that Young India Residential Schools and Telangana Public Schools are also being established to provide quality education to poor students.

--IANS

ms/uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

sj/rad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

sps/svn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

na/vd

Chennai, June 8 (IANS) The makers of director Puri Jagannadh's eagerly awaited action entertainer Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road, featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, released a gritty and power-packed teaser on Monday, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

The teaser opens on a powerful note, with the protagonist speaking about the harsh and often overlooked lives of beggars while delivering a stern warning to those who exploit or mistreat them. What follows is a gripping montage of action, emotion, and mystery, introducing the film’s principal characters one after another. While the teaser offers several glimpses into the world of the film, it cleverly leaves its biggest question unanswered- is Vijay Sethupathi’s character genuinely blind, or is there a deeper secret behind his appearance?

Known for crafting distinctive character arcs and presenting stories in his own style, Puri Jagannadh has once again created a fascinating character for Vijay Sethupathi. The mystery surrounding the lead character instantly becomes the teaser’s biggest strength, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Vijay Sethupathi's commanding presence lifts the teaser to another level. He effortlessly slips into the skin of a visually impaired beggar who despite his loss of vision showcases strength and shows the ability to protect those who are helpless and vulnerable. His transformation and screen presence stand out as major highlights. Samyuktha plays the female lead, while Tabu makes a powerful impression as a police officer. Duniya Vijay appears in a menacing negative role, and the teaser also offers glimpses of key characters portrayed by Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh.

Technically, the teaser leaves a strong impression. Cinematographer Sam K Naidu lends a gritty visual texture and stylish presentation to the film’s world. National Award-winning composer Harshavardhan Rameshwar elevates the impact with a pulsating score that perfectly complements the intensity on screen. Editor Santosh Noozilla keeps the narrative crisp and engaging with sharp cuts, while the overall production values reflect the film’s ambitious scale.

For the unaware, the film, apart from Vijay Sethupathi, also features actors Samyuktha, Tabu, Duniya Vijay Kumar, Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh among others.

Having successfully wrapped up production, the film is currently in its final stages of post-production, with work progressing at a brisk pace for all versions.

Produced by Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur under the Puri Connects banner in association with JB Narayan Rao Kondrolla’s JB Motion Pictures, the film carries substantial expectations.

--IANS

mkr/

Los Angeles, June 8 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sophie Turner, who is known for her work in ‘Game of Thrones’, has shared that he had a "mini breakdown" in her 20s.

The 30-year-old actress, who has daughters Willa, five, and three-year-old Delphine with ex-husband Joe Jonas, is still close to the same group of friends she's had since her school days and they are all ready to embrace a new decade in their lives after overcoming turbulent times, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She told the Daily Telegraph newspaper, “All my best friends are my age and we went to school together and we’re having a year of 30th birthdays, we’re just so happy to be out of the mess of our 20s. Each of us has had a mini breakdown but we all feel really positive now. I was very ready to leave that decade of my life behind”.

Sophie shot to fame when she was just 13 years old, playing Sansa Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’, and she suffered a "big identity crisis" when the show ended in May 2019 after eight seasons.

She said, “I didn’t know who was Sansa and who was Sophie, and I was too young to read the books so I kind of just developed her over time. I had a big identity crisis when I let her go, I didn’t really know who I was or what I was doing. It was a strange, hard time”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Sophie is currently working on Tomb Raider, a new TV series based on the beloved video game series and she admitted her character Lara Croft is "so different" to her in her real life.

She said, “(Lara Croft) is so different from me and my personality, without giving too much away, there is an element of her that can be fairly toxic, but there is also an element of her that is so focused and determined, whereas I have ADHD and can’t complete a task without forgetting about it and doing something else. I am a total worrier and neurotic which she obviously isn’t, but we’re both obsessed with history”.

Sophie dismissed the idea of taking a method acting approach to her work, insisting being a parent means it is impossible for her to fully absorb herself in a role.

She added, “Kristen Stewart once said that only men are method actors”.

--IANS

aa/

Los Angeles, June 8 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anna Faris has revealed a joke on Donald Trump’s wife Melania Trump that was cut from ‘Scary Movie 6’.

The 49-year-old actress, who has returned as Cindy Campbell after two decades away from the horror comedy spoof franchise, has explained how in the latest movie she decided to play her character as a "classic MAGA" type, and she made a cheeky reference to the First Lady's 2018 Be Best campaign against cyberbullying, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She told Dexerto, “I was always pushing for Cindy to be classic MAGA rabbit hole. The kind of person that you saw outside of the Walmart during quarantine, that was raising some kind of crazy ass fuss. There was a moment where I’m getting just wasted, just so drunk, I’m in my truck, of course, and I look into the rearview mirror and I say, ‘Be best, Cindy Campbell. Be best’. That didn’t make it, but I liked my little winking there”.

Faris suggested there is a level of freedom that comes with playing Cindy in ‘Scary Movie’. She said, “You know, what are you gonna do? You gonna be mad at Cindy? I’m in a movie that is truly the most offensive movie ever made, and I’m the lead of it. And I participate in offensive ideas. I think I can kind of do anything. It liberated me”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Faris had a breakout role as final girl Cindy in the original 2000 classic, and she appeared in the 2001, 2003 and 2006 sequels, but missed out on the fifth film in 2013. But Faris previously admitted she was unsure about taking on the part once again.

In an interview with AMC Theatres, she said, “I thought if I were to return to Scary Movie, it would be a cameo, I would feel sad, I would definitely feel like an ageing actress in an ageing world. But when Marlon called me, and he was like, ‘The gang are back together!’”.

‘Scary Movie’ co-creator Marlon Wayans joked that he called Anna using the voice of Scream villain Ghostface, prompting Anna to immediately slip into some improv.

Marlon and brother Shawn co-wrote and starred in Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2, and Marlon insisted in the same interview that nothing was off limited when it came to the plot. He said, “Nothing didn’t get put in because we were afraid to put it in”.

--IANS

aa/

Los Angeles, June 8 (IANS) Hollywood actress Cara Delevingne has shared that she nearly had to cancel the first night of her tour as she was dealing with a dental drama.

The night before her gig in Berlin, Germany, on June 1, the 33-year-old model and actress had to undergo some "pretty gross dental work" that could have derailed her performance, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Speaking onstage at silent green, quoted by The Sun, she said, “I just wanted to say a little thank you to the German people, but also to the Berlin dentistry society and one specific person”.

She further mentioned, “I don’t know if he’s here, but his name is Dr Felix. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to do the show tonight because, I’m not going to go into it but I had some pretty gross dental work that had to be done very late at night. So, thank you. I’ll probably have to go and see him after this as well”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the run will also see Cara play London, Paris, Los Angeles and New York this month. Cara recently shared the debut singles I Forgot and Out of My Head, accompanied by a seven‑minute short film directed by Emmy winner Jessica Lee Gagne. The tracks mark the first preview of Cara’s debut album, due later this summer.

She co‑wrote ‘I Forgot with Trey Campbell’ and worked with producer BJ Burton, who is known for collaborations with Bon Iver, Nine Inch Nails and Charli xcx, to craft a sound that pushes her into darker, more experimental territory.

The song layers fragile vocals over jagged distortion and heavy synths, setting the tone for a project that leans into emotional rawness. The vulnerable lyrics touch on drug and alcohol addiction and mental struggle. Its companion track, Out of My Head, shifts into a trip‑hop pulse before erupting into drum ’n’ bass.

Jessica’s short film mirrors that sense of disorientation, placing Cara inside a series of staged scenes that repeatedly collapse to reveal the machinery behind them. As the walls fall away, she fights, dances and screams her way through the chaos, blurring the line between performance and reality.

--IANS

aa/