Kolkata, April 26 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday claimed that Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has "accepted that the BJP will emerge victorious" in the West Bengal Assembly polls.

Irani was referring to LoP Gandhi's video message on X, shared a few days back, where he had said: "If Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had run a clean government and had not polarised Bengal, then the BJP would not have got a chance to make inroads into Bengal."

Speaking to IANS, she said, "I will only say that Rahul Gandhi himself has accepted that in this election, a Bharatiya Janata Party government is going to be formed in West Bengal. And the reason behind the formation of the BJP government is only one—Mamata Banerjee’s misgovernance."

Separately, while addressing a campaign rally at Sreerampore a day before, Gandhi had alleged that Prime Minister Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister had a clandestine arrangement, because of which there had not been a single case filed against her.

Smriti Irani, who has been campaigning in the state for the second phase of polling on April 29, called out the Opposition's arrangement of fighting against each other at the state-level, despite forming an alliance at the Centre.

The Congress and the Trinamool Congress are INDIA bloc partners, but are contesting separately in the Bengal polls.

"It is an old method of the Congress and it's associate parties to forge an alliance at the Centre and contest separately in the state elections," she said.

Notably, the CPI-M too had contested separately in the recently conducted Kerala Assembly polls, despite being a part of the INDIA bloc.

Also, reacting to Rahul Gandhi's tweet on the alleged murder of a Congress worker in Bengal, Irani said, "Then why does he support the Trinamool?"

In a post on X, Gandhi had said: "The murder of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee by TMC-affiliated thugs after the elections is utterly reprehensible. My deepest condolences to the grieving family. In West Bengal today, it is not democracy but TMC's reign of terror that prevails. Intimidating, attacking, and eliminating opposing voices after votes are cast -- this has become the defining character of TMC."

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Financial scams -- chit funds, Ponzi schemes -- have victims who lose their savings, but when a political movement built on honesty and hope begins to crumble, the loss is far deeper. Because what is taken away is not just wealth, but trust in the very idea of change.

Politics, at its best, is supposed to be different. It is not meant to serve. That is why the rise of the India Against Corruption movement in 2011 felt like a turning point. The country was weary. The UPA-2 government was battling one corruption scandal after another, and public anger had been building for years. Right into that moment stepped Anna Hazare -- quiet, austere, and invoking a language of protest that people understood.

What followed was not just another agitation. It became a national moment. Streets filled up, social media carried the message further, and for once, the middle class -- often accused of staying on the sidelines -- showed up in large numbers. The movement felt organic. It was less about ideology and more about a shared frustration.

Around Hazare gathered a group that gave the movement direction -- Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Kumar Vishwas, and others. Hazare's 12-day fast forced the government to respond, and for a brief stretch, it felt as if something real might come out of it. There was, in that moment, a sense of possibility that is rare in public life.

The shift, however, came when the movement entered politics. Hazare was not convinced -- he believed its strength lay in staying outside the system. But Kejriwal took a different call. In 2012, the Aam Aadmi Party was formed, carrying forward the language of the movement into the electoral arena.

The appeal was immediate. A party of the "common man", promising clean governance and accessibility, struck a chord across sections. The broom became more than a symbol -- it became a shorthand for expectation. And then came the results.

After a brief 49-day government, AAP returned in 2015 with a mandate that was almost absolute -- 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi. It was the kind of victory that leaves little space for doubt. Congress disappeared from the map, the BJP was reduced to three, and Kejriwal took office with enormous goodwill.

For many, this felt like validation -- that politics could still surprise, that change was not just a slogan.

But this is also where the story begins to turn. Differences within the party started surfacing. Leaders who had been central to the movement began raising concerns -- about how decisions were being made, about the space for disagreement. Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were among the first to be pushed out after questioning the leadership. They spoke openly about the party drifting away from its original ideals.

They were not the last. Over time, familiar faces kept dropping off -- Kumar Vishwas, Shazia Ilmi, Kapil Mishra, Ashutosh, among others. The reasons differed, but the pattern did not. The party began to look less like a collective and more like a tightly held structure under one person, where dissent appeared to have little room.

But, it did not succumb; electorally, it held its ground. In 2020, AAP returned to power in Delhi with another strong mandate. With this electoral confidence, in 2022, it expanded into Punjab with a sweeping victory and formed a government under Bhagwant Mann. The party even began testing the waters in other states, such as Goa and Gujarat.

From the outside, it still looked like a success story. But the questions were getting harder to ignore.

Allegations -- political, legal, administrative -- started piling up. The party's handling of difficult moments -- including ministers/leaders getting entangled in various criminal cases, the 2020 Delhi riots and the Covid crisis -- was questioned. Then came the excise policy case, bringing Kejriwal and senior leaders like Manish Sisodia into major legal trouble. Both were arrested and jailed.

For a party that had built itself on moral clarity, this was damaging in a way that went beyond politics.

The image began to shift. The distance between what was promised and what was being seen grew wider. Even issues like the controversy around official residences fed into that perception.

And then came the setback that made it impossible to ignore. It could not win any of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Also, the 2025 Delhi elections did not go the way the party had expected. A party that once seemed unshakeable in the national capital lost ground.

People who overwhelmingly repeatedly voted for Kejriwal expressed their anger by booing him out of the New Delhi Assembly seat -- which had been his stronghold since the last three elections.

For Kejriwal, it was not just an electoral loss -- it was a signal. Public trust, once dented, does not quietly return and should not be taken for granted.

Since then, more cracks have shown. Leaders have left. Some have spoken. Others have simply walked away. What was once projected as a shared movement now appears fragile. AAP was not meant to be just another political party. It was a belief that politics could be cleaner, more accountable, transparent, and less cynical.

People did not just vote for it; they invested in it. And that is why the disillusionment feels personal.

When a financial scam collapses, people lose money. When a political promise collapses, they lose faith. And faith, once shaken, does not return easily.

The story is still unfolding. Politics rarely ends neatly, and comebacks are always possible. But for those who once stood in protest grounds, believing they were part of something different, the question has not really gone away.

Not loudly, not dramatically -- but quietly, and persistently: Was it a movement that lost its way? Or was it something else all along that aam aadami could not comprehend initially?

(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 26 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday participated in self-enumeration as part of Census 2027 and completed the process by registering his details through the official web portal.

On the occasion, Census officials briefed the Chief Minister on the procedures and significance of self-enumeration, highlighting its role in ensuring accurate and efficient data collection.

The Chief Minister urged all citizens of the state to actively take part in the census exercise and make use of the self-enumeration facility, emphasising that public participation is crucial for effective planning and development.

Director of Census Operations for Telangana Bharati Holikeri, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Commissioner (GHMC) Commissioner R.V. Karnan, Joint Principal Census Officer Priyanka Ala, Information and Public Relations Commissioner Chekka Priyanka and other senior officials were present during the programme.

The self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 in Telangana’s Core Urban Region (CURE) began on Sunday and will continue till May 10.

The exercise covers Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation as a single census unit.

During the 15-day period, residents can voluntarily submit household details online through the official portal: www.se.census.gov.in.

Director of Census Operations for Telangana, Bharathi Hollikeri, said the portal includes 33 questions on housing, amenities and assets.

Residents can log in daily between 6 a.m. and 12 midnight. No documents are required, and the process is expected to take 15-20 minutes. After submission, households will receive a Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID), which must be shared with enumerators during verification visits.

A toll-free helpline, 1855, will function from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GHMC will also run an awareness campaign titled “Self Enumeration Mahotsav - 15 Days” with the theme “Do it Yourself - No Waiting for Enumerator”.

After the online phase, the House Listing Operation (HLO), including door-to-door visits and wall marking, will be held from May 11 to June 9.

According to officials, Census 2027 would be India’s first fully digital Census. This is also the first Census for Telangana as a separate state and would also include caste enumeration.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 26 (IANS) Actress Shraddha Kapoor has been in the limelight for her alleged relationship with Rahul Mody for some time now.

While the two have never openly commented on their relationship status, they are often captured by the shutterbugs together.

On Sunday, Shraddha showered praises on her rumoured beau through her latest post on social media.

Taking to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle, Shraddha remarked on the latest advertisement by Rahul Mody featuring 'Saiyaara' actress Aneet Padda.

Praising Aneet, the 'Stree' actress wrote, "Cuteness + best acting ka perfect mishran = @aneetpadda (sic)"

Calling Rahul Mody "talented", Shraddha went on to write, "Aur cuteness se yaad aya, yeh writer-director kitna talented hain uff @modyrahulmody.(sic)"

The speculations of Shraddha and Rahul being in a relationship started doing the rounds back in early 2024 after the alleged lovebirds were spotted leaving a dinner date in Mumbai together.

After that, these two have been spotted together on multiple occasions. They even attended the lavish pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant together.

In June last year, Shraddha decided to make her relationship with her writer beau Instagram official.

She took to her Instagram Stories and dropped a still of herself posing for a selfie with Rahul Mody.

Twinning in white, Shraddha lovingly held Rahul's arm in the photo captioned, "Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar" (Take away my heart, but at least return my sleep)."

In addition to this, Shraddha was also seen wearing an “R” pendant in a picture.

Talking about her professional commitments, Shraddha will be headlining the biopic based on the life of the legendary Marathi folk performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar titled "Eetha".

Additionally, she will also star in the third instalment of her popular 'Stree' franchise.

Her lineup further includes "Nagin," backed by filmmaker Nikhil Dwivedi.

--IANS

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Beijing, April 26 (IANS) China has not openly backed its comprehensive strategic partner Iran as the West Asia conflict continues to intensify, and discussions within Beijing suggest that it never committed to "take the bullet" for Tehran, according to a recent report.

In the early phase of the US-Iran conflict, Beijing signalled both to Iran and to observers questioning its relatively "muted response" that its partnership with Tehran does not extend to military intervention, according to a report in Modern Diplomacy.

The report cited Professor Hu Chunchun of the Shanghai International Studies University, who stated in an interview with European media that China was unlikely to intervene militarily in the Gulf.

"China rarely participates in overseas conflicts through military means, nor does it tend to influence regional situations in this manner." He further clarified that a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran does not equate to a military alliance and carries no obligation of collective defence.

China's restrained posture has been evident throughout the ongoing conflict. While Beijing has criticised developments such as the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, its response has largely remained measured and limited to diplomatic statements rather than direct involvement.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a conversation with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, said, "The blatant killing of a leader of a sovereign nation and the incitement of regime change are unacceptable." However, analysts noted that China's reaction has been significantly more cautious compared to its strong condemnation of US actions in other regions, such as Venezuela.

At a regular press briefing, when asked whether China and Russia would consider providing military assistance to Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment, reflecting Beijing's reluctance to escalate its role.

Despite this, China continues to be a crucial economic partner for Iran. The two countries share a long-standing relationship, including a comprehensive strategic partnership and extensive cooperation in energy and infrastructure. China has emerged as a major buyer of Iranian crude oil, accounting for a significant share of Iran's exports, which remain vital for Tehran amid international sanctions, according to the report.

At the same time, it added that China has avoided direct military involvement in the ongoing conflict, focusing instead on diplomacy and safeguarding its broader regional interests, including energy security and trade routes.

The report also noted that while China, Russia and Iran have conducted joint military exercises and share overlapping geopolitical interests in countering US influence, Beijing's approach remains pragmatic and driven by its wider interests in the Gulf region.

Analysts cited in the report emphasised that China's priority lies in protecting its economic and strategic stakes across West Asia rather than ensuring the survival of any particular regime. This calculated stance reflects Beijing's attempt to balance its ties with Iran while maintaining relationships with other regional players and avoiding deeper entanglement in the conflict.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 26 (IANS) Hollywood actor Tim Robbins once shared how his co-actor Morgan Freeman told him a very important thing about friendship during the making of the iconic film ‘The Shawshank Redemption’.

An old video of the actor from one of the Oscar ceremonies has resurfaced on the Internet, and it shows Tim Robbins talking about Morgan Freeman.

He said, "Morgan, we became friends working together on the Shawshank Redemption, for which you were nominated for an Academy Award. The film follows the trajectory of a friendship, and that friendship was easily mirrored in real life on the set”.

He further mentioned, “I'll never forget what you said to me about friendship on the last day of shooting. You said, being a friend is getting the other a cup of coffee. Can you do that for me, Ted? It is Ted, isn't it? It became so close. Honestly, Morgan is an extremely giving actor and a master at his craft, and an inspiration to all those lucky enough to have the chance to work with him. Morgan, I salute you and your tremendous talent, and I'm always proud to call you my friend when you take the call”.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is considered one of the greatest films ever made, and is celebrated for its emotional depth, timeless storytelling, and powerful themes of hope and resilience.

The film is based on a novella by Stephen King, and follows Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly imprisoned for murder, as he navigates life inside the Shawshank prison. Through his friendship with fellow inmate Red, played by Morgan Freeman, the story explores loyalty, patience, and the human ability to endure hardship. Directed by Frank Darabont, the movie balances harsh prison realities with moments of optimism and quiet victory. Though it was not a massive box-office hit upon release, it gained legendary status through word of mouth and television reruns. Its unforgettable dialogue, emotional payoff, and message that “hope is a good thing” continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 26 (IANS) Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan opened up on how adapting to the ever-evolving demands of T20 cricket has become central to modern batting, emphasising the importance of versatility and situational awareness as he reflected on his approach at the top of the order.

Speaking ahead of Gujarat Titans’ clash against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Sudharsan, coming off a century in the previous outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, underlined his batting philosophy.

“As a team, me and Shubhi (Gill), we are focusing more on percentage cricket. We'll try and keep and push the team as much as front as possible. And what that means for us is giving them a very good base when they come in in 14th or 15th over,” he told the broadcasters ahead of the toss.

Highlighting how the format is changing, he stressed the need for adaptability, saying, “T20 is evolving and as batters, we'll also have to evolve and be versatile enough for whatever comes in front of us at the situation. So I think I've focused on that and looking to play the situation rather than thinking this strike-rate I have to play. More focused on the situation and the conditions what is required.”

Sudharsan also spoke about returning to a familiar venue and the emotions attached to the venue. “I'm catching up with them (family and friends) after the game, but very, very grateful and happy to be back at Chepauk.”

Recalling his early days, he added, “I still remember this very place in front of me. When I was very young, I came here and just watched the ground that 'will I play in this ground?' That feeling was there, but really grateful to God for giving me this opportunity.”

On the conditions in Chennai, the left-hander appeared unfazed by the heat. “It's actually not so hot. It's okay. And we practise day in, day out in this heat. So, we used to be, we have to be adapted to this.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) As the national capital grapples with intensifying summer conditions, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said that the government has accelerated the on-ground implementation of its Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on residents.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister highlighted a series of measures being undertaken across the city to strengthen public health preparedness and ensure timely assistance during heatwave conditions.

According to the government, arrangements for essential medicines and medical supplies have been ensured at more than 339 health centres across the city. Additionally, over 30 hospitals have established dedicated 'cool rooms' to provide immediate relief to individuals affected by heat stress and heat-related illnesses.

To bolster emergency response, as many as 330 ambulances have been deployed for round-the-clock service. Medical personnel have also undergone specialised training to effectively manage heatstroke cases and other related medical emergencies, the Chief Minister noted.

In a bid to address hydration needs, authorities are installing Water ATMs, more than 1,900 water coolers, and over 11,000 designated cooling points at strategic locations across the city. These facilities are aimed at providing easy access to drinking water for residents, particularly daily wage workers and those exposed to outdoor conditions for extended periods.

The government has also introduced preventive measures in schools through the implementation of a 'Water Bell System', ensuring that students are reminded to stay hydrated at regular intervals. Furthermore, work timings in certain sectors have been adjusted to reduce exposure to peak heat hours, especially for outdoor labourers.

CM Rekha Gupta urged citizens to take personal precautions, including avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, staying adequately hydrated, and looking out for vulnerable family members and neighbours.

With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming weeks, the Delhi government’s proactive approach aims to reduce heat-related risks and enhance community resilience against increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.

--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, April 26 (IANS) As April is about to come to an end, actress Huma Qureshi used her latest social media post to provide a glimpse into the month gone by.

Sharing the April dump on her official Instagram handle, Huma admitted that she feels the month of April went by so fast.

"This month … going by … so fast … April is not even over (sic)," she captioned the post.

The primary picture in the album showed Huma lying in her bed. This was followed by a stunning picture of the 'Gangs of Wasseypur' actress oozing charm in a mirror selfie.

From chilling in a cafe to happily enjoying her coffee on the street, to indulging in a shopping spree, April was full of action for Huma.

The post further provides a glimpse of all the fun food Huma enjoyed, including a well-balanced desi Thali, a Vada Pao and a burger.

The 'Jolly LLB 2' actress also dropped a few pictures of her fur baby.

Work -wise, Huma is gearing up for the release of Yash starrer "Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups", in which she will essay the role of Elizabeth.

Earlier, filmmaker Geetu Mohandas revealed that playing Elizabeth required an actor with high caliber and a charismatic screen presence, qualities he found in Huma.

Mohandas posted a statement on social media saying, “Casting for this role was perhaps the trickiest. The character demanded a performer with high octane caliber and an undeniable presence. From the moment Huma entered my frame, I witnessed that she possessed something rare."

The director added that Huma carried an effortless sophistication and intensity that immediately brought the character of Elizabeth alive.

"Huma is an actor who questions, probes, and challenges the artistic interpretation of a role and that dialogue became an essential part of our creative journey. She has always been known as a powerhouse of talent, but this performance will mark as a turning point for the arrival of an undeniable, commanding new presence on celluloid,” added Mohandas.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 26 (IANS) Pointing out the margins for error were very small for bowlers, Telugu actor Aadi Sai Kumar, who is also an ardent cricket fan, has now expressed sympathy for the bowlers participating in this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on the predicament faced by the bowlers on a day when two high scoring games were played, Aadi Saikumar wrote, "Feel for the bowlers this IPL. Flat wickets… nothing for pace, nothing for spin.Margins are so small — one no-ball, one free hit. Who would want to be a bowler in this format? Short boundaries impact players too."

He further went on to observe, "Game will be interesting if there is balance with Bat and ball. Yes, high scoring is good but still miss those mid 170 scores."

On the work front, Aadi Sai Kumar will next work with director Phani Krishna Siriki on 'Sairabanu'.

Well known producer Razesh Danda, fresh off the sensational success of 'K-Ramp', is to bankroll the film under the Hasya Movies banner, with Krishnakanth Paruchuri as co-producer.

Bandhavi Sridhar has been roped in as the female lead opposite Aadi Sai Kumar for this film.

Sources say that Aadi Sai Kumar, who scored the biggest blockbuster of his career with 'Shambhala', is now steering towards concept-driven films with strong commercial appeal.

Hasya Movies took to its social media timelines recently to announce the title of the film. Sharing the title poster, it wrote, "A formal beginning... to a love story that breaks every boundary. #SairaBanu Pooja Ceremony commenced today. Clap by @Kiran_Abbavaram. Camera switched on by @RamAbbaraju. @saikumaractor garu Script handover by @konavenkat99 @JainsNani. First shot direction @filmsyogi. Shoot begins soon."

Sources claim that Phani Krishna Siriki has crafted a unique Hindu–Muslim love story laced with humour, with the narrative unfolding in Rajahmundry and Hyderabad.

Backed by a strong technical team, the film aims to be a rich visual and emotional experience. The film is to have cinematography by Raam Reddy and music by Shekar Chandra. Chota K Prasad is to handle the editing of this film while Brahma Kadali will serve as the production designer.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 26 (IANS) It seems like the Michael Jackson fever has taken everyone in its grip ever since the release of the biopic on the legendary performer.

In a latest example, actor Ravie Dubey recalled the time he channeled his inner Michael Jackson back in college.

The 'Ramayana' actor took to his official Instagram handle and treated the netizens with a throwback video of himself flaunting his graceful moves inspired by Michael Jackson.

Ravie's performance was a part of an inter-college festival from his engineering days.

Dropping the nostalgic clip on social media, Ravie penned the caption, "Ancient throwback 21years ago 3rd year Engineering our inter college festival ‘zodiac’ .. proof that there is a little bit of #michael in all of us (we called this break dance back then) (sic)"

Recently, the biopic on the life of the late 'King Of Pops' titled "Michael" released in the theatres.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie chronicles the journey of the American singer from his days as a part of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the 1980s Bad tour.

Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays him in the movie, which also stars Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo as the core cast.

Recently, veteran actor Anupam Kher remembered meeting Michael Jackson during his visit to India back in 1996. Kher admitted that the fanboy in him completely took over as he shook hands with the late legend.

Sharing his experience, Anupam wrote on Instagram, “Dearest Michael Jackson, This photograph is not just a memory… it is a feeling frozen in time. I still remember the moment I shook your hand in Mumbai. For that brief second, the fanboy in me took over completely.”

Terming the moment as "surreal" and "unbelievable", Kher stated that it was “like touching a piece of magic. You were not just an artist. You were an experience.”

--IANS

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Chennai, April 26 (IANS) Actor Suriya, who recently met singer Dhee in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has now called her latest single 'Vari Vari' "a timeless song".

Music director Santhosh Narayanan, who has jointly produced the song along with Dhee, posted a video clip of Dhee's meeting with Suriya on his X timeline, and thanked Suriya for the love he had expressed for their song.

He wrote, "Thank you dearest @Suriya_offl sir for your love for #VariVari. Eternally grateful for this and for the unforgettable moments we spent making music together."

In the video that Santhosh Narayanan posted, Suriya is seen telling Dhee that he was coming to Colombo after 24 years. The actor went on to thank the singer for taking the time to come and meet him and also show him her song.

Commenting on the recently released single of Dhee, Suriya said, "It's a lovely song" and urged viewers to check the song out.

"I'm a big fan of her work always and I was very happy to hear such a song again. I think it will be a timeless song. Everybody will love it," he said, speaking about the number, youthful number that has just been released.

The actor on the occasion was also seen making a request to Dhee. He said, "In fact, I have a request now. Is this song only in your album or is it in a film? Can I have this song?"

For the unaware, 'Vari Vari' is a single that has music by Santhosh Narayanan and lyrics by Vivek. It has been sung by Dhee, who has a huge fan following.

While describing the number, its makers said the song was about "someone or something that’s gone and isn’t around anymore, something that’s been lost." The song, its makers say, is about the search for one's inner child that one might have lost along the way of growing up.

--IANS

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