Gandhinagar, June 9 (IANS) Gujarat has set an ambitious target to extend the concept of 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) panchayats to all its more than 14,000 local bodies, with state and Union government officials calling for greater efforts to generate independent revenue sources and reduce dependence on government grants.

The vision was outlined at a one-day state-level outreach workshop on the Centre’s 'Atmanirbhar Panchayat' Programme held in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, where officials from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Gujarat government, NABARD and HUDCO discussed strategies to strengthen the financial sustainability of rural local governments.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Vivek Bharadwaj, said the next phase of India’s self-reliance journey must be driven at the grassroots level through financially empowered panchayats capable of creating their own sources of income.

“Panchayats must now work towards becoming self-reliant by creating revenue-generating opportunities through various local projects and initiatives. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will provide technical guidance to help implement such projects,” Bharadwaj said.

He added that the programme aims to make panchayats “financially self-sufficient, innovative, and development-oriented”.

Recalling India’s progress since independence, Bharadwaj said the country had overcome the challenges of Partition, wars, droughts, and food shortages that had once made it dependent on foreign assistance.

He noted that India eventually moved towards self-sufficiency and, by 2003, had largely stopped accepting foreign aid, while also waiving the debts of some African nations.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said India had not only met domestic requirements but had supplied vaccines to nearly 96 countries under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative.

“To carry forward the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Panchayats must now become self-reliant by launching local projects and initiatives,” he said.

Bharadwaj urged local bodies to identify and utilise their unique resources and geographical advantages.

Citing examples such as the Indian Standard Time Line, the Tropic of Cancer, coastal regions and the Statue of Unity, he said innovative planning could create substantial employment and revenue opportunities through tourism and related economic activities.

“In this way, Panchayats can become self-reliant and prosperous based on their own resources rather than depending solely on government grants,” he said, noting that several gram and block panchayats across the country were already generating significant revenue through such initiatives.

Principal Secretary of Gujarat’s Panchayat Department, Dhananjay Dwivedi, said the selection of 71 panchayats from the state under the Ministry’s Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme was a matter of pride, but stressed that the state should not restrict its ambitions to those villages alone.

“It is a matter of pride that 71 Panchayats from Gujarat have been selected as ‘Atmanirbhar Panchayats’ under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s programme. However, Gujarat should not limit itself to these 71 Panchayats,” Dwivedi said.

He further added, “Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, joint efforts must be made to transform all 14,000-plus Panchayats in the state into Atmanirbhar Panchayats.”

Dwivedi said the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047” could not be achieved solely through the efforts of the Union and state governments.

“District, Taluka, and Gram Panchayats must participate in this mission with equal enthusiasm and energy,” he said.

Describing panchayats as “vibrant institutions of democracy”, he said they played a role far beyond administration and service delivery.

“Leadership nurtured at the village level progresses to the state and national levels and contributes significantly to nation-building,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to improve rural living standards. “Today’s rural citizens have high aspirations and expectations, and they seek the same quality of life and amenities that are available in developed cities such as Ahmedabad,” he said.

Dwivedi drew a distinction between administration and leadership, stating: “Working only within the limits of government grants is the role of a manager, whereas stepping beyond those limitations and making a village self-reliant is the role of a leader.”

He noted that the initial phase of the programme selected panchayats based on criteria such as a gram panchayat income of Rs 50 lakh or a taluka panchayat income of Rs one crore, but said the concept should not remain confined to those thresholds.

“A Panchayat currently generating Rs 49 lakh or Rs 95 lakh can achieve the target with a little more effort,” he said, urging officials to spread the message of self-reliance across all panchayats in Gujarat.

Dwivedi added that the initiative should be viewed not merely as a government programme but as a long-term movement.

“After 20 years, when India marks its Amrit Kaal by completing 100 years of independence, every Sarpanch, Talati, and official should be able to proudly say that their village and region made a valuable contribution to nation-building,” he said.

Additional Development Commissioner Gaurav Dahiya said the programme had been launched to financially strengthen gram panchayats by increasing their own revenue and reducing their dependence on central and state government grants.

“The primary objective is to increase the Panchayats’ own revenue and reduce dependence on Central and State Government grants,” Dahiya said.

He said 71 gram panchayats in Gujarat had been selected in the first phase and that the long-term goal was to make all 14,650 gram panchayats in the state self-reliant.

Comparing the initiative with the functioning of urban local bodies, he said efforts were being made to strengthen budgeting and financial management systems in rural local governments.

“The programme will establish a new direction for rural development and play an important role in making local self-government institutions stronger, more accountable, and development-oriented,” he said.

NABARD Regional Manager Dr. Pradeep said the institution had consistently worked to strengthen rural infrastructure, agriculture and the rural economy.

He highlighted NABARD’s contributions to roads, markets, water facilities and other infrastructure, as well as initiatives supporting modern farming technologies, irrigation and water conservation.

To support the Atmanirbhar Panchayat initiative, he said NABARD had prepared development plans and detailed project reports to help panchayats establish sustainable income sources.

“Models such as rural haats, filtered drinking water facilities, storage and processing of agricultural produce, small-scale industries, warehouse construction, and commodity-based enterprises are being promoted to make Gram Panchayats self-reliant,” he said.

He further said, “Through such revenue-generating initiatives, Gram Panchayats can accelerate development activities using their own resources rather than depending solely on government grants and can establish a new model of holistic rural development.”

HUDCO official Vimal Kumar Sharma said the organisation would provide infrastructure support, technical expertise and financial planning assistance to gram panchayats seeking to become self-reliant.

“HUDCO is fully committed to supporting Gram Panchayats with infrastructure facilities, technical guidance, and financial planning required to make them self-reliant,” Sharma said.

He said the organisation would assist panchayats in designing revenue-generating projects, assessing technical feasibility, preparing project reports and obtaining funding from financial institutions.

HUDCO will also organise workshops and training programmes focused on technical, financial and project management aspects.

During the workshop, participants received detailed presentations on the programme’s vision, objectives, implementation roadmap and expected outcomes.

A live demonstration of the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Portal was conducted, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.

The event was attended by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Joint Secretary, Mukta Shekhar, ministry officials, District Development Officers, Taluka Development Officers, Talati-cum-Mantris, Sarpanches, and NABARD representatives.

The programme was conducted in a hybrid mode, with elected representatives and officials from gram and taluka panchayats across Gujarat joining through video conferencing.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, June 9 (IANS) Frequent interruptions and disruptions in the Houses pose a serious challenge to democratic institutions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the second Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone), the Speaker underlined that the solution to this problem “lies within the legislative institutions themselves by promoting conduct aligned with public expectations, dialogue, and meaningful discussion.”

“Strengthening public trust is the greatest responsibility of all public representatives today,” he said, calling upon legislators to ensure exemplary conduct so that the welfare of the last person in society can be secured.

Birla emphasised that society is shaped by the conduct and behaviour of its leadership. “The public has elected and sent us here; our conduct has a direct impact on society,” he noted, expressing hope that legislators would assimilate these resolutions in their respective states and institutions.

Expressing happiness over the successful organisation of the two-day conference, Birla said public representatives and policy-makers from various states shared their experiences, perspectives, and innovations. The conference concluded with four important resolutions aimed at making legislative institutions more effective, accountable, and people-centric.

He said the dream of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat) is anchored on strong parliamentary and legislative institutions. To achieve this, it is essential to increase public participation, maximise the use of technology, enhance legislators' capacity, ensure citizen involvement in the framing of policies and laws, and raise awareness of the Constitution and constitutional institutions.

Birla added that all resolutions passed at the conference formed a strong foundation for the future, through which legislative and democratic institutions would progress with public cooperation. He stressed that “our objective is to build a participatory democracy that accords special importance to the development of states, as the dream of a Developed India will only be realised through the holistic development of the states.”

He said that in India’s federal structure, the states and the Centre can fulfil the aspirations of the people only by working together through schemes, laws, and policies. Transformation with new perspectives and fresh ideas is the need of the hour, he added.

Birla expressed satisfaction that nearly 40 speakers gave meaningful suggestions during the conference and voiced confidence that “if we act promptly on these ideas, both public participation and trust in the country’s democratic institutions will increase.”

Presiding officers from the legislatures of 12 states participated in this two-day CPA India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference. In addition to the member states of CPA Zone-II—Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi—Presiding Officers from other state legislatures, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and West Bengal also participated.

--IANS

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Bhopal, June 9 (IANS) Ending a 23-year-old restriction, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday ordered the withdrawal of the two-child norm for government jobs in Madhya Pradesh, a move that will lift the ban on thousands of aspirants and serving employees facing action under the clause.

The Chief Minister directed the General Administration Department (GAD) to scrap the draft provision from the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services Rules that declared candidates with more than two children ineligible for direct recruitment and departmental appointments. The state government said the current draft will be removed from the official portal immediately.

The norm was introduced in 2001 by the then state government as part of population control measures. It stated that candidates having more than two living children on or after January 26, 2001, would be deemed ineligible for government service under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (General Conditions of Service) Rules, 1961. The restriction applied to all direct recruitment and departmental promotions.

The rule had a wider impact on serving employees as well. Under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, having more than two children was classified as misconduct, exposing government servants to disciplinary proceedings if they had a third child after the cut-off date.

Taking note of the long-standing provision, Chief Minister Yadav instructed the GAD to immediately scrap the proposed draft and delete the clauses on ineligibility based on family size. “The revised draft will be republished in accordance with due procedure,” the state government said in a statement.

The decision comes as a major relief for job seekers who were unable to apply for state vacancies despite being otherwise eligible. Employee unions had also been demanding a review of the Conduct Rules, arguing that the provision was outdated and led to unnecessary hardship for families.

Officials said the draft has already been removed from the portal to prevent confusion during ongoing and upcoming recruitment processes. The revised rules will be prepared after examination and placed in the public domain for suggestions before final notification.

The scrapping of the two-child bar marks one of the most significant service-rule amendments in the state in over two decades. Since 2001, the clause had been a mandatory condition in every government appointment advertisement and was routinely cited in eligibility criteria.

The government clarified that until the new rules are formally notified, the withdrawal of the existing draft will ensure that the two-child restriction is no longer enforced.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, June 9 (IANS) Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday inaugurated the technical and intelligence facilities, including the state-of-the-art Special Intelligence and Technical Unit (SITU) at the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station in Mohali, officials said.

The DGP also inaugurated the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) room, interrogation room and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police at the ANTF police station.

The ANTF police station building, inaugurated by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in August 2024, has now been developed into a modern investigation and intelligence centre that is serving as a key hub for anti-narcotics operations.

DGP Yadav said the facilities would drastically enhance scientific investigation, digital evidence analysis, intelligence gathering, technical surveillance, and access to criminal databases, further improving the quality and effectiveness of narcotics investigations.

Highlighting the rapid infrastructure development, the DGP added that the state-of-the-art ANTF office complexes in Patiala, Jalandhar and Bathinda are already operational, while new facilities in Ludhiana and Ferozepur are currently under construction, and plans for establishing a dedicated ANTF facility in Amritsar are progressing smoothly with the space already finalised.

"To build this technology-driven anti-drug enforcement framework, the state government has invested Rs 11.5 crore each in 2024-25 and 2025-26 towards upgrading technical infrastructure by upgrading surveillance systems, communication infrastructure, cyber intelligence capabilities and digital investigation tools across ANTF headquarters and range offices," DGP Yadav said.

He added that an additional Rs 14.16 crore has been allocated to further enhance and augment ANTF's technical strength.

DGP Yadav also said that ANTF Punjab has been designated as the state NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Secretariat.

In this capacity, ANTF will serve as the nodal agency for coordination among various departments and enforcement agencies, intelligence sharing, and monitoring of anti-drug initiatives across the state.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) The ECI has decided to meet a Congress delegation on June 10 to address concerns over the rejection of party candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh on June 18, an official said.

The meeting between officials of the Election Commission of India and Congress leaders is scheduled for noon at Nirvachan Sadan, the official said.

In a letter addressed to the Congress president, ECI Secretary Ashwani Kumar Mohal said, “…The Commission has… decided to give an appointment to the delegation of Indian National Congress for an interaction at 12 noon on June 10 (Wednesday) at Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi”.

While accepting the Congress's request for the meeting, Mohal also sought the names of the delegation members likely to visit the ECI office on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Returning Officer for the June 18 biennial elections in Madhya Pradesh rejected Natarajan's nomination papers, the lone candidate from Congress.

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath accused the BJP of attempting to capture a Congress Rajya Sabha seat through what he termed “undemocratic tactics.”

He alleged that the ruling party was trying to derail the Congress campaign through administrative and procedural manoeuvres.

Kamal Nath alleged that BJP leaders intentionally challenged Natarajan’s nomination before creating a commotion within the Assembly premises.

“The BJP is bent on violating all political norms to snatch the Congress party’s Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Congress will not be intimidated by such tactics, and the BJP will face a humiliating defeat,” Nath said.

The BJP had raised an objection regarding Natarajan’s nomination form, alleging that she had concealed information about a case pending in a Telangana court.

According to the objection filed, former corporate executive A. Srilatha has petitioned the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s court against Natarajan, alleging that she provided political patronage to Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy, against whom Srilatha has levelled serious charges, including molestation and death threats.

Defending herself, Natarajan described the situation as a “political conspiracy” and opposed Srilatha’s petition in the Hyderabad court, terming it an attempt to tarnish her image.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha disputed the grounds cited for the BJP's objection, alleging that misinformation was being spread about Natarajan’s candidature.

Clarifying the issue, Tankha said no criminal case had been registered against Natarajan.

He explained that the matter related only to a notice asking why proceedings for recovery of Rs 10 crore in compensation should not be initiated against her and several others.

According to him, Natarajan’s lawyer had already submitted a reply to the notice at the election office, and no FIR had been lodged in the case.

“Confusion is being deliberately created about Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination. There is no registered criminal case against her. A notice was merely issued seeking an explanation, and a response has already been filed. No FIR has been registered,” Tankha wrote on X.

--IANS

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Washington, June 9 (IANS) Several Indian-American students were among the national champions honoured at the White House on Tuesday as First Lady Melania Trump recognised winners of the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide competition that drew more than 20,000 participants

The Indian-origin winners included a five-member team from Aldie, Virginia, whose "Friendzone Chatbot Bullying Prevention App" won the Elementary School Track 2 category. The team comprised Aarna Jaiswal, Eshani Khatri, Riva Madda, Samhitha Pinnamareddy and Sanuli Rathnayake.

Another winning team included Viha Iyer, Arya Pratap and Shrimayi Shetty of NorthStar Middle School in Sammamish, Washington. Their project, "SkillUp", won the Middle School Track 1 category.

In the high school division, Khandakar Mahin of Upper Darby Senior High School in Pennsylvania captured the national title in Track 1 for his project, "Utilising Computer Vision for Hotel Room Identification in Criminal Investigations". Organisers said Mahin will graduate from high school this week and attend Harvard University in the autumn.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the First Lady praised the students and described them as America's future innovators.

"It is wonderful to see this very impressive group of innovators at the White House. I'm proud that you represent the best of America. You are our future," she said.

The Presidential AI Challenge attracted entries from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Department of Defence schools overseas.

"The first Presidential AI Challenge was broadly welcomed across our nation. More than 20,000 students participated across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 49 Department of War schools in 10 countries around the world," Melania Trump said.

The First Lady said the competition was designed to encourage innovation and help young people explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

"Today is about opening doors. When new doors open, passions flow, courage blossoms, and dreams are realised. AI inspires," she said.

She urged participants to "continue to build boldly" and help "safeguard America's leading position in the world of technology".

According to the White House, winning projects addressed a wide range of challenges, including education, bullying prevention, criminal investigations, accessibility for visually impaired people and urban development.

The event also recognised two educator champion teams from North Carolina and New Jersey. Following the ceremony, participants attended a reception in the White House Rose Garden.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a major focus of US education and technology policy as Washington seeks to maintain its competitive edge in advanced technologies. Policymakers have increasingly encouraged AI literacy and innovation among students.

Indian-Americans have long been prominent in the US technology sector, leading major companies, research institutions and start-ups. Their strong representation among the winners reflects the growing role of Indian-origin students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education across the United States.

--IANS

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Bonn, June 9 (IANS) At the UN June Climate meetings in Bonn, Germany, COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum on Tuesday launched a new global electrification target as a flagship initiative of the COP31 Presidency’s Action Agenda, calling for a major acceleration in the shift from direct fossil fuel use to clean electricity across buildings, transport and industry.

This comes as part of a wider package of non-negotiated Action Agenda initiatives and targets announced by the COP31 President-Designate.

Speaking to delegates at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, Kurum, who is Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, proposed a collective global goal to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20 per cent today to 35 per cent by 2035. The COP31 Presidency also committed to building a global coalition to implement actions towards achieving this target.

The target is based on analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and is designed to support implementation of the Paris Agreement and help keep the world on a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.

During a presentation on the Presidency’s Action Agenda, Kurum also announced additional targets, including a goal to halve global waste growth by 2035. This ambition is part of COP31’s thematic focus on achieving zero waste. Food waste in particular accounts for 10 per cent of global emissions, primarily through methane, which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

The COP31 Presidency also introduced a new global target under its Resilient Cities priority, to reduce energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25 per cent by 2035. This is an important step in protecting families and businesses from rising energy costs.

In addition, Kurum shared details on new initiatives and targets being developed by the Presidency. These include critical topics such as food security, circular materials in manufacturing and climate education. He also shared further details on the Climate Implementation Bridge, which will support countries by improving the link between national climate, economic and development priorities, helping finance reach the ground more rapidly and with greater impact.

In support of the electrification target, the COP31 Presidency, in partnership with Australia, has commissioned the IEA to deliver special reports mapping pathways to achieving the “35x35” target and analysing the benefits of halving waste growth and boosting circular waste management systems. This follows the COP31 Presidency’s existing work with IRENA to identify how electrification can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

--IANS

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New York, June 9 (IANS) Austria are set to establish a new record at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for having the tallest player ever to play in the 96-year history of the tournament.

Austrian goalkeeper Florian Wiegele, who plays his club football for Viktoria Plzen in the Czech first division, stands at an impressive two meters and five centimetres in height, which is six feet and nine and a half inches tall.

That means that although he is not exactly head and shoulders above Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert (2.03 metres), who was at the Qatar World Cup and the previous tallest player in a World Cup squad, he is still taller, while other tall footballers, such as England's Peter Crouch at 2.01 metres and Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 1.95 metres, are basically in his shadow, reports Xinhua.

Wiegele, whose only international appearance was against Ghana in a March friendly game, is the third-choice goalkeeper in the Austrian squad behind Alexander Schlager and Patrick Pentz.

Austria are placed in Group J in the expanded 48-team World Cup along with defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship, which will be played from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 introducing a new 48-team format, the group stage has become more fascinating than ever. Twelve groups, 72 group-stage matches, and eight third-placed teams also advancing means every group has its own unique narrative, pressure points, and potential surprises.

Unlike previous World Cups, the expanded 48-team format means every group-stage result carries additional significance. A slow start or a poor result in one match can immediately increase pressure heading into the next. For several title contenders, the challenge isn't just who they play, it's who they play next too.

--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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Los Angeles, June 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Ari Aster has shared that he has already written the prequel to his cult film ‘Hereditary’. However, the director has said that he didn’t quite get the opportunity to make it.

The director revealed that he never feels that it’s the right time to tell the story of the prequel, reports ‘Variety’.

The director said, quoted by Gold Derby, during a Q&A after an Egyptian Theatre screening of ‘Hereditary’, “I wrote a prequel to this. It never feels like the right time. It’s a prequel, not a sequel, so I don’t know where this goes.

‘Hereditary’ was Aster’s feature directorial debut, and it put him on the map as a must-watch filmmaker in the horror genre.

The film stars Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro and Gabriel Byrne, and follows the Graham family, whose unassuming life begins to violently unravel after the death of the reclusive grandmother.

As per ‘Variety’, since then, Ari Aster directed ‘Midsommar’, ‘Beau Is Afraid’ and ‘Eddington’, all released through A24.

While Aster’s movies, along with those of directors like Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers, are often labeled as “elevated horror”, this is a moniker Aster rejects.

He shared, “I hate the term elevated horror, especially because it’s sort of a box that I was put in and horror fans took umbrage”.

Aster later explained that Danny DeVito tried to finance ‘Hereditary’, but he couldn’t find the cash to do so. The unnamed financier Aster eventually chose, he explained, put him through “one of the darkest times of my life”.

He said, “It was just in the hands of a financier that was, how do we say it? Worse. I’m afraid to say the name because he might show up in my life. Really a nightmare who I had signed my life away, I had signed the film away to him”.

“He had me in the palm of his hand. It was one of the darkest times of my life, actually finishing this film and trying to protect it, keep it from just blowing up”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) Prime Video today released the official trailer of season one of the upcoming series, "Elle", the highly anticipated prequel to the Hollywood romantic comedy "Legally Blonde".

"Elle" will chronicle the journey of Elle Woods before she was a fish-out-of-water at Harvard. As a high school student in 1995, we see her encountering some tricky friendships, forbidden romance, and questionable fashion choices. In an attempt to overcome it all, Elle uses her family as a touchstone, forming a tight bond with her mother, proving that they can get through anything life throws their way as long as they have each other. With each challenge she faces, Elle grows closer to the Elle Woods we have known and loved.

Created by Laura Kittrell (High School, Insecure), "Elle" is co-showrun and executive produced by Kittrell and Caroline Dries. Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Amanda Brown, Marc Platt, and Brad Van Arragon also serve as executive producers.

Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), who has directed the first two episodes of Season One, is also one of the executive producers on the show. Julia Brownell and Eli Wilson Pelton serve as co-executive producers. Bryan J. Raber and Asmita Paranjape serve as producers, whereas Josie Craven and Jen Regan are on board as the supervising producers.

The core cast of Season One includes Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods, June Diane Raphael as Elle’s mother Eva, and Tom Everett Scott as her father Wyatt, alongside Jacob Moskovitz, Gabrielle Policano, Chandler Kinney, Zac Looker, and Amy Pietz in supporting roles.

Additionally, the recurring cast members are Brad Harder, Chloe Wepper, Danielle Chand, David Burtka, James Van Der Beek, Jessica Belkin, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada, Logan Shroyer, Matt Oberg, and Sharon Taylor.

All 8 episodes of the series, produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Hello Sunshine, are expected to premiere on July 1, exclusively on Prime Video.

Even before the debut, Prime Video has ordered a second season of "Elle".

--IANS

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Chennai, June 9 (IANS) It's official! The makers of director Anand Shankar's upcoming action entertainer, tentatively being referred to as #Chiyaan63 and featuring actor Vikram in the lead, on Tuesday announced that shooting for the film had begun.

Taking to its X timeline to make the announcement, Sathya Jyothi Films, which is producing the film, wrote, "#Chiyaan63 - rolling with power and passion. Cooking begins with the one and only @chiyaan sir. A film by @anandshank, on floors now. Produced by @SathyaJyothi."

Only last month, the makers had announced that actress Riya Shibu had come onboard the unit of the film.

The makers had on Vikram's birthday announced the film. Taking to its social media timelines to make the announcement, Sathya Jyothi Films had then said, "What starts as a FLAME ends in a BLAZE! #Chiyaan63 FIRST FLAME out now. Wishing the one and only #ChiyaanVikram a very happy birthday! #CookingStartsNow #Chiyaan63FirstFlame @SathyaJyothi @chiyaan @anandshank @Music_Santhosh @RDRajasekar @arjun1on @saisiddharth_ @PoornimaRamasw1 @shankaruppusamy @gopiprasannaa @aimsathishpro @teamaimpr @proyuvraaj."

The makers also released a 'First Flame' video of the film, which showed that Vikram plays a cook in the film.

The video opens with a voiceover. One person asks another, "Who is the person inside?" To this, another voice replies, "Just a cook. But don't take him lightly. He's dangerous." To this, the other person says, "We are here now. We will take care of things."

The visuals then begin to appear. We see a room that has all its doors locked. The assailants try to gain entry into the structure but the doors don't give in.

The voice that said, "Don't take the cook lightly", says, "We have such a big team here but he's not even breaking a sweat." The assailants then hurl a lighted explosive into the room through a window. Vikram is seen seated on a big utensil and lighting a smoke casually, even as explosives hurled inside the room land right next to him.

The film's story has been written by director Anand Shankar himself and is to be produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan.

The film will have music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by R D Rajasekar. Production design for the film is by Rajeevan while dialogues are by Shan Karuppusamy.

The film will have editing by Raymond Derrick Crasta and art direction by Surya Rajeevan. Costumes for the film are by Poornima Ramaswamy.

It may be recalled that IANS had reported in March this year that Anand Shankar would be directing actor Vikram's next film.

One of India's finest actors, Vikram, fondly called 'Chiyaan' Vikram by his fans, had in February this year announced that he was to do four films with directors that he deeply admired.

Taking to his Instagram page to make the announcement, Vikram had said, "Sometimes silence is preparation. I spent this year waiting for stories that moved me. Grateful to now begin four films, each very different, with directors I deeply admire. I can’t wait to share these journeys with you. Anban, Chiyaan!"

Sources close to the actor had then confirmed to IANS that one of the four films that Vikram was referring to would be with director Anand Shankar.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 9 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Kevin Jonas knows his job as a wingman, and he sticks to his commitment. The singer recently spoke on the latest episode of the ‘Hey Jonas’ podcast, and revealed that he threw up during his brother Nick Jonas' first date with wife Priyanka Chopra, 43.

He said, “I wingmanned hard. I wingmanned so hard I threw up in the bathroom and rallied (sic)”. After the pair's middle brother Joe Jonas, 36, played a sad noise in reference to the vomiting, Kevin said, “No, no, no! Praise! Clap, clap, clap”, without disclosing what led to the incident. Nick said, “It was a pro move”.

Joe, on his part, recently got candid about his experience of co-parenting their children with his estranged wife Sophie Turner after their legal battle for the kids’ custody.

The singer expressed his gratitude towards Sophie with whom he shares custody of his two daughters. He spoke to his brothers Kevin and Nick on their podcast ‘Hey Jonas’, and said, "I'm a single dad and I co-parent with my children's mother. I'm grateful that I have a co-parent that I can balance even the bad days. I think being able to have good people around me to kind of help me navigate it is really special”.

He further mentioned, “They’ve really given me the reason to be alive, I would say. I think, in my saddest moments, I’m able to be reminded quickly that a hug from them can solve the world’s problems”.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner began their relationship in 2016 after connecting through Instagram direct messages. They were first publicly linked later that year and made several public appearances together in early 2017. In October 2017, the couple announced their engagement. They married in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony on May 1, 2019, shortly after the Billboard Music Awards, and held a second formal wedding in France in June 2019.

--IANS

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