Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Indian stock markets opened higher on Thursday as crude oil prices eased towards the $70-per-barrel mark, with tankers resuming their exit from the Strait of Hormuz following an initial peace deal between the US and Iran.

Sensex started the session up 400 points or 0.52 per cent at 77,391.07, while Nifty opened at 24,125.85, gaining over 100 points or 0.43 per cent.

Most sectoral indices traded in positive territory, led by Nifty Realty and Nifty Auto, gained up to 1 per cent.

Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty IT, Nifty Pharma, Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty FMCG and Nifty Private Bank indices also advanced.

However, Nifty Metal was the lone major sectoral loser, declining 0.56 per cent.

From the Nifty pack, Hindalco Industries, Eternal, Bharat Electronics, Power Grid Corporation, ONGC, Infosys, Titan, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, ITC, Asian Paints and Coal India were among the top losers in early trade.

Category-wise, Nifty Microcap 250 gained 0.87 per cent, Nifty Midcap 100 rose 0.63 per cent, Nifty Midcap 50 advanced 0.61 per cent, and Nifty Smallcap 500 climbed 0.59 per cent.

Meanwhile, India VIX -- the market's fear gauge -- slipped nearly 3 per cent to 13, indicating easing volatility.

According to analysts, the technical undertone remains positive as long as the Nifty sustains above the 24,000 mark. Immediate support is placed at 23,900, followed by the 23,790-23,750 zone if profit-booking intensifies.

"On the upside, the 24,090-24,150 zone remains the key resistance area, and a decisive breakout above this supply zone could trigger fresh short-covering, paving the way for a move towards 24,300," they said.

Analysts further noted that supportive global cues and lower crude oil prices favour further gains, although traders should remain watchful of expiry-related volatility and evolving global monetary policy expectations.

Meanwhile, international benchmark Brent crude declined about 2 per cent to around $72 a barrel. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 1.83 per cent to trade below the $70-per-barrel mark.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) The latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) brings welcome news for residents of the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). According to the weather agency, there is currently no likelihood of severe heat or heatwave-like conditions developing in the region over the coming week.

The maximum temperature is expected to be around or remain below 40 degrees Celsius during the next seven days. In addition, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast on several days, offering residents relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.

According to the IMD’s seven-day forecast, the maximum temperature on June 25 is expected to be 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain around 27 degrees Celsius. The sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of thunderstorms developing in some areas.

Weather activity is likely to intensify on June 26, when the maximum temperature is projected to be 38 degrees Celsius and the minimum 28 degrees Celsius. Rain and thunderstorms have been forecast for the day. Similar conditions are expected on June 27, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 39 degrees Celsius and the minimum remaining around 29 degrees Celsius. Intermittent cloud cover, along with rain and thunderstorm activity, is also expected.

On June 28, the maximum temperature could reach 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be 29 degrees Celsius. Although the chances of rainfall are relatively lower on that day, strong surface winds are expected to blow, helping reduce the impact of the heat.

The weather is likely to change again on June 29, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 39 degrees Celsius and the minimum 29 degrees Celsius. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast for the day.

On June 30, the maximum temperature is expected to settle around 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain near 28 degrees Celsius. The possibility of rain and thunderstorms is expected to continue.

The Meteorological Department has not issued any weather warnings for the coming days.

Experts say that while afternoons are likely to remain warm, mornings and evenings will be comparatively pleasant. Intermittent winds, cloud cover, and rainfall activity are expected to help keep temperatures under control and prevent the development of heatwave conditions.

Overall, residents of the Delhi- NCR can expect significant relief from severe heat over the next week. The change in weather is likely to provide comfort to the public and is also considered beneficial for farmers and the environment.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 25 (IANS) Armed with an order passed by a district court in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, earlier this week, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has served a notice on the Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, to collect his voice samples in relation to the case in which he has been accused of inciting violence and threatening Union Home Minister Amit Shah before the recently concluded Assembly polls.

An official from the CID of the state police personally arrived at the residence of Abhishek, also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at Kalighat Road in South Kolkata, on Wednesday night and served the notice, an insider from the state police said.

The scheduled date for the collection of voice samples is June 30, and as per the court order, it will be done in the presence of a judicial magistrate and forensic experts.

Earlier this week, based on video footage of Abhishek Banerjee’s alleged statements at a pre-election rally, the CID approached the Bidhannagar Court seeking permission to collect his voice samples. On June 23, the same court granted the CID to collect his voice statements and fixed June 30 as the date for that collection.

Banerjee had earlier been questioned for six and a half hours at CID headquarters in Bhabani Bhavan, South Kolkata, earlier this month in connection with this case.

Last month, an FIR was registered against him at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, where he was accused of inciting violence and threatening Union Home Minister Amit Shah before the recently concluded Assembly polls.

The case was later handed over to the CID on June 11.

Banerjee is also under CID scrutiny in another case involving a mismatch in signatures of Trinamool legislators on a resolution related to appointments reserved for the opposition bench in the Assembly.

He has already been questioned twice in that matter.

With every passing day, things are getting tough for Abhishek Banerjee. On Wednesday, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court turned down his plea for a fast-track hearing on his petition seeking the court’s permission to travel abroad for ophthalmic treatment.

--IANS

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Washington, June 25 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said his administration was investigating major oil companies over suspected price gouging, arguing that falling crude oil prices had not translated into lower prices at American petrol stations.

Speaking after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday (local time), Trump said the Department of Justice was examining whether energy companies were passing on lower costs to consumers.

"We are not seeing anything at the pump by comparison to what it should be," Trump said.

"We should be, in my opinion, at $2.25 right now at the pump, and we're higher than that."

The President named several of the world's largest energy companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and BP.

"It's ExxonMobil, it's Chevron, it's Shell, it's BP. It's a lot of them," he said.

Trump said oil prices had fallen sharply, but retail fuel prices had not declined at the same pace.

"The gasoline prices should be much lower at the pump, and the oil companies are possibly gouging."

He warned that companies found to be exploiting consumers would face consequences.

"I hope they're not; otherwise, they're going to be in big trouble. They're going to be in big trouble; we're not going to play games."

Asked whether he had personally spoken to oil executives, Trump replied: "I told them, 'Don't gouge our people.'"

The President linked lower fuel prices to broader efforts to reduce the cost of living for Americans.

"We are sending out, think of it, 19 million barrels came out yesterday. That is a flood, that's like a gusher," he said.

"They're not reducing the prices commensurate with what's happening."

Trump argued that lower energy prices would help improve affordability across the economy.

"We're doing great," he said. "The Democrats gave us a tremendous affordability problem, and we're reducing prices a lot."

The President also returned to his long-standing call for lower interest rates, saying they remained the key to improving the US housing market.

"I know housing better than anybody, maybe anywhere," Trump said.

"It's all about the interest rate. Lower the interest rates, you can have all the housing you want."

He said he remained concerned about protecting homeowners while making housing more affordable.

"I don't want to hurt people that own houses, too."

"What you want to do is what's good for everyone: get the interest rates down."

Trump also reiterated that he would not sign the housing legislation currently before him, saying he wanted to focus instead on election-related legislation.

"I said I'm not signing the housing bill," he said.

The United States is one of the world's largest oil producers, and changes in American fuel prices are closely watched by global energy markets. Crude oil prices influence transport, manufacturing and inflation worldwide, making US energy policy significant well beyond its borders.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) Nearly five decades after the Emergency was declared in India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has incorporated the subject into a Class 9 Social Science textbook for the first time.

The newly introduced textbook, 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond', presents the Emergency period as a significant challenge faced by India's democratic system.

The topic has been included in a chapter examining both the achievements and challenges of democracy in the country. According to NCERT officials, this marks the first instance of the Emergency being covered in a Class 9 textbook.

The inclusion coincides with the completion of 50 years since the Emergency was imposed in 1975. The chapter outlines the political and social circumstances that preceded the decision and discusses its impact on democratic institutions and civil liberties.

According to the textbook, public discontent with the government had been growing in the early 1970s due to factors such as rising unemployment, high inflation and concerns over governance. These issues contributed to widespread protests and political unrest in several parts of the country.

The text explains that a National Emergency was declared in June 1975 on the grounds of internal disturbance. During the 21-month period that followed, several constitutional freedoms were curtailed, press censorship was enforced, and many opposition leaders and activists were detained. The chapter notes that democratic institutions came under considerable pressure and that citizens experienced restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

The textbook also discusses the contribution of veteran leader and social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, in mobilising opposition to the Emergency. It highlights how movements led by him brought together students, youth groups and citizens, particularly in Bihar and Gujarat, creating a broad-based campaign for democratic reforms.

The chapter further explains that the Emergency was withdrawn in 1977, following which general elections were held. It notes that the outcomes of those elections demonstrated the resilience of India's democratic framework, as voters were able to express their views through the electoral process and bring about political change.

Beyond the Emergency, the revised textbook examines several contemporary challenges confronting democracy. These include misinformation, fake news, poverty, regional divisions, social discrimination and gender inequality. The objective is to help students understand the complexities of democratic governance in modern society.

A new section titled "Democracy and You" has also been added to encourage students to engage with democratic values and understand their responsibilities as active citizens.

The textbook also focuses on India's democratic institutions, the role of media as the "fourth pillar of democracy", voter participation, polling systems and grassroots democracy through examples of panchayats. It also includes sections on women's voting rights and reservations in local bodies.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh shared a note for Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar after sharing the stage for an event in Moradabad for their upcoming film “Welcome To The Jungle”. She called the moment a “dream come true” and said that she admires the star’s humility and simplicity.

Akshara shared a string of images of her sharing the stage with Akshay in an event in Moradabad.

She wrote: “Memorable Moradabad with the khiladi himself kabhi @akshaykumar sir ko screen par dekhkar taaliyan bajati thi, aaj unke saath stage share kar rahi hoon. (There was a time when I used to clap and cheer while watching @akshaykumar sir on screen, and today, I am sharing the stage with him.)

The actress added: “Unki stardom duniya dekhti hai, lekin mujhe unki simplicity aur humility ne sabse zyada inspire kiya. Unki presence powerful hai, lekin unki insaniyat usse bhi zyada khoobsurat hai so grateful Thankyou family & fans for your support & blessings for making this possible

(The world admires his stardom, but what inspires me the most is his simplicity and humility. His presence is powerful, but his humanity is even more beautiful. So grateful. Thank you to my family and fans for your constant support and blessings that made this possible.)

In “Welcome To The Jungle,” Akshara and Akshay will be seen in a song titled “Ghis Ghis Ghis”.

The film also stars Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Jackie Shroff, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Urvashi Rautela, Farida Jalal, Krushna Abhishek, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Vindu Dara Singh, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Kiku Sharda, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Sudesh Berry, and Vrihi Kodvara.

The film is the third installment of the “Welcome” franchise, which was first released in 2007. The second part hit the silver screens in 2015 with the title “Welcome Back”.

--IANS

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Washington, June 25 (IANS) US lawmakers debating the future of the country's payment system pointed to India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as an example of how modern public payment infrastructure can drive private-sector innovation, as fintech firms urged Congress to overhaul regulations governing access to America's payment network.

The comparisons with India came during a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Financial Institutions on Wednesday (local time), where lawmakers examined whether the United States should modernise its regulatory framework to give qualified non-bank payment companies direct access to the Federal Reserve's payment infrastructure instead of relying on traditional banking intermediaries.

Eileen O'Mara, Vice Chair at Stripe, told lawmakers that countries that have opened access to payment infrastructure have seen significant innovation, citing both Brazil and India.

"The UK did it in 2017, the EU in 24, and the results are real," she said, before adding: "We saw the very same thing happen with UPI in India on an even larger scale."

She argued that although the United States has the FedNow instant payment system, "it lacks a product layer on top -- exactly what payment companies like Stripe would build, with the direct access that could drive significant adoption."

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib highlighted India's digital payments success. Referring to UPI, she noted that it is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India and processes billions of transactions each month.

She contrasted that with the US system, saying the achievements of India and Brazil demonstrated that "large-scale payment systems offering free instant transactions" are already a reality for millions of users.

Much of the hearing focused on whether the United States should create a dedicated federal payments charter allowing regulated fintech companies such as Stripe to access Federal Reserve payment rails directly, rather than operating through a patchwork of state licenses and banking partners.

O'Mara said the existing framework was designed around whether a company is "a bank or you're not a bank", while payment firms operate under a different business model.

"We do not take deposits, and we do not lend," she said. "What we're advocating for is that we are regulated for the business and activity that we do, which is payment processing."

Tara Flynn of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition also urged lawmakers to ensure that any non-bank receiving access to the banking and payments system should be subject to strong consumer protections, community investment obligations and rigorous regulatory supervision.

The hearing reflected a broader debate in Washington over how to modernise America's payment infrastructure without weakening safeguards built into the traditional banking system. Members from both parties agreed that faster, more efficient payments are becoming increasingly important as digital commerce expands, but differed on how far access to the Federal Reserve's payment system should be extended.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn remembered his late father, legendary action director Veeru Devgn, on his birth anniversary on June 25.

The actor celebrated the occasion with a nostalgic video from the archives.

Ajay shared an old clip of Veeru Devgn from his younger days at work, where the the veteran stunt master had once opened up about once wanting to become an actor himself but learnt that he wasn't worthy enough.

In the video ahead, he can be seen stating that he knew that Ajay would be an actor someday.

Sharing the old video on social media, Ajay paid tribute to his father on his special day and captioned it as, “Remembering you with love and pride today.”’

In the video that seems to be an excerpt from an old interview, Veeru Devgn , refering to Ajay, is heard saying, “Since the day he was born, I had a feeling that he would definitely become an actor. I was also interested in becoming an actor. When I saw that I am not worthy of it, I thought let’s see what happens next. Since then I had a feeling that I should make him a hero.”

The clip also offers a glimpse into Veeru Devgn teaching action stunts to Ajay while shooting for Ajay’s movies.

Talking about Veeru Devgn, born Virender Devgan, he was touted as was one of Hindi cinema’s most respected action directors and stunt choreographers. Over the course of his long career, he choreographed action sequences for several notable films, including ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makaan’, ‘Mr Natwarlal’, ‘Kranti’, ‘Prem Rog’, ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’, ‘Aaj Ka Arjun’, ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ and ‘Jigar’.

He also directed Hindustan Ki Kasam in 1999, which starred Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, Manisha Koirala and Sushmita Sen.

For the uninitiated, Veeru Devgn passed away on May 27, 2019, in Mumbai, at the age of 84. Reports at the time stated that he had been unwell and was admitted to hospital after facing breathing issues. He later suffered a cardiac arrest.

–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, June 25 (IANS) Hollywood star Drew Barrymore has revealed that her superstar friend Cameron Diaz has been her best friend since they were teenagers and went on to call their friendship the reason behind her message of celebrating the people who truly matter.

Barrymore shared a message on her Instagram caption, which read: “Who has been there for you? Let’s show people the love they deserve!! Hey @camerondiaz, I love you.”

She shared three pictures with Diaz, with the text overlays that read: “Cameron and I have been best friends since we were teenagers”, “She's been there for me in good and bad times” and “That’s my why”.

Barrymore and Diaz have co-starred in two major feature films together. The best friends have worked in movies such as Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

Talking about Barrymore, she rose to prominence as a child star in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She established herself as a Hollywood leading actress with roles in Firestarter, Poison Ivy, Boys on the Side, Scream, Ever After, Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.

She has starred with Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, and Blended.

She was last seen in “The Stand In” in 2020, a romantic comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit, written by Sam Bain. It also stars Michael Zegen, T.J. Miller and Holland Taylor. It was released on December 11, 2020.

She will next be seen in Influenced by Rachel Israel. It also stars Kargman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jason Biggs, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, Jessica Capshaw and Justin Bartha.

Meanwhile, Diaz’s output of romantic comedies in the late 1990s and early 2000s established her as a prominent sex symbol.

She made her film debut at age 21 in the comedy The Mask. She was then seen in films such as My Best Friend's Wedding, There's Something About Mary, Any Given Sunday, Vanilla Sky, Gangs of New York, In Her Shoes, The Holiday, What Happens in Vegas, Knight and Day, The Green Hornet, Bad Teacher and Back in Action.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Actress Disha Patani seems to be heartbroken and emotional after she lost her dearest pets, her dog Bella and her cat Jasmine , probably on the same day.

The actress took to her social media account and shared heartbreaking notes for her beloved pets, mourning the loss of her first babies in two emotional posts.

The actress, who has often given fans glimpses of her bond with her furry companions on social media, penned deeply personal tributes recalling their love, warmth and comfort that they gave her throughout their lives.

Disha first shared a post for Bella, featuring a series of pictures and videos of the cocker spaniel from puppyhood to their many cuddly moments together.

In one of the photos, Bella is seen as a tiny pup sitting near a curtain with one paw lifted, while the rest of the images show Disha hugging and kissing her pet.

Alongside the post, Disha wrote, “My bella, thank you for making this life so colourful, thank you for choosing our home and choosing me as your mom. You taught me what love is. I saw an entire universe within your eyes. I miss you and i love you the most in the world. The most beautiful baby in the world, rest in peace, my soulmate I’m grateful to you beautiful bellu”

Soon after, Disha shared another emotional post, this time for her cat Jasmine. In the caption, Disha described Jasmine as her “princess forever” and spoke about the irreplaceable feeling of her paws touching her hands and the sound of her purring.

She wrote, “My jasmine, thank you for being the most loving baby ever, i’m grateful to be your mom, you’re my princess forever. Your paws touching my hands and you purring was the most beautiful feeling that i ever felt which can’t be described in words. I love you so much and i miss you my jasu. Rest in peace my baby you are forever loved and you’ll always live in my heart. My princess jasmine.”

The posts suggest that Disha lost both Bella and Jasmine around the same period, though the actress did not mention the cause of their passing.

For the uninitiated, Disha has frequently shared photos and videos with her fur babies in the past, expressing how important they were to her.

Many of Disha’s riends from the film industry also reached out with messages of support and comfort in the comments section.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Choreographer and television personality Geeta Kapur recalled her initial days as a dancer in the Bollywood industry, back in the early 90s, when dancing was never considered a viable career option.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Geeta said the landscape has transformed dramatically over the years, with dance now being viewed as a legitimate and rewarding career path.

"The dance concept has changed. It is now looked at as a career option. When we were dancing, it was not a career option," she said.

Recalling her early days, Geeta shared that financial considerations became a motivating factor as opportunities in the field increased.

"We did it because we wanted to earn money. We were getting work at that time. But I won't say it was only about earning money. We did it because we loved it. It was a hobby that turned into a career," she explained.

The renowned choreographer added that she never imagined dance would become her profession when she first started learning it.

"For me, dance was a hobby. My mother enrolled me in classes where I learnt the basics of folk dance, Kathak and Bharatanatyam. I never thought I would earn money from it, make a career out of it, or become a choreographer," Geeta recalled.

However, things began to change when she started receiving paid assignments and realised that dance could provide financial stability.

"When I saw that it could be a source of income, especially after I started working with Jaaved Jaaferi, I realised the income was increasing. Earlier we used to perform for Rs 500 or Rs 1,000, and even Rs 1,000 was considered a big amount then," she said.

Talking about Geeta Kapur, the dancer has been a part of the Bollywood industry for almost three decades. She has assisted Farah Khan in many of her super hit songs.

The iconic song Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aayi from the super hit movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featured on Geeta Kapur.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, June 25 (IANS) Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana is sharing wellness secrets. The actress has said that she takes three to four "extremely hot baths" a day.

The 48-year-old actress loves to relax with a boiling hot soak, and she also indulges in lymphatic massages, a gentle form of massage designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, when she needs a wellness boost, reports ‘Female First UK’.

When asked what a wellness practice is that she swears by, but some "might find woo-wood", she told Marie Claire magazine, "Lymphatic massages. You really have to stick with them, but you will see the results if you do. I also love extremely hot baths. I'll take sometimes up to three or four baths a day, and sometimes I add epsom salts. But you have to be careful because they can dehydrate you. Just chug two litres of water afterward”.

The actress , who has twins Cy and Bowie, 11, as well as Zen, nine, also shared that resting is "really important" to her, because she sees it as a way of "nurturing" her mental health.

She said, "Having the discipline to know when to say no and when to stop. You have to respect the hours that your body needs to reset. That, to me, is my idea of nurturing my mental health. As a mother, I know that everything that I put into my body will affect my temperament with my children. I am all about just honouring what will make me feel better tomorrow so that I can be better for them”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Zoe would love to go back and tell her younger self that she will "always be enough".

Asked what she would tell her younger self about wellness, she added, "Listen to yourself. Make peace and find beauty with what you see in the mirror. Work with it because what you are is enough. You will always be enough, and just tell the noise to shut up”.

--IANS

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