New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) The southwest monsoon continues to remain active across several parts of the country, bringing rainfall and relief from high temperatures in many states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain in several regions on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, with heavy rainfall warnings issued for some areas.

Delhi is also likely to receive rainfall on Raksha Bandhan. According to the IMD, the national capital may witness cloudy skies on Friday, with moderate rain expected in several parts of the city. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 26 degrees Celsius.

However, weather conditions in Delhi are expected to change from August 29. The IMD has forecast a relatively dry spell in the national capital from August 29 to September 2, with only a low possibility of rainfall during this period. As a result, Delhi residents could get a few days of respite from rain after the festival.

Weather conditions have also remained changeable across the Delhi-NCR region, including Noida and Ghaziabad. Several parts of the region received rainfall on Thursday, bringing temporary relief from the prevailing heat and humidity. Rain is likely in some areas on Friday as well.

The recent showers have led to a dip in temperatures, offering some relief to people from the sultry conditions. The monsoon remains active over Delhi and adjoining areas, according to the weather department.

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued alerts for rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts of Uttarakhand. Adverse weather conditions are likely in areas including Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal and Rishikesh.

Delhi residents experienced hot and humid weather on Thursday, with high humidity levels adding to the discomfort. However, rainfall in some parts of the city during the evening provided temporary relief from the oppressive conditions.

The weather department has advised residents to remain updated on local forecasts, particularly in areas where thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have been predicted.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 28 (IANS) Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. marked a special milestone with his wife, Susan Downey, whom he lovingly called “lioness”, celebrating 21 years together.

Tagging himself as the “adult cub,” the star expressed gratitude for being guided on a path of “righteous humility” alongside his “SuperBuddy.”

Downey Jr. took to Instagram, where he shared two images, including a picture of an ace and queen card from a deck of playing cards, as he celebrated 21 years with his wife, Susan Downey.

“Her to whom all is owed…The great joy of being led on a path of righteous humility is mine. She-the lioness - Me-the adult cub / recipient of 21 trips around the sun with my SuperBuddy,” he wrote as the caption.

Downey Jr. proposed to Susan on November 5, 2003, the night before her 30th birthday. They were married in August 2005, in a Jewish ceremony at Amagansett, New York. She gave birth to their son, Exton Elias Downey, in 2012, in Los Angeles, California.

In 2014, Downey Jr. announced via his Facebook and Twitter that he and his wife were expecting a daughter in November. Their daughter, Avri Roel, was born on November 4, 2014.

Talking about Downey Jr. he is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. The star is known for his versatility across roles, he is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards.

He will soon be seen playing Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It is intended to be the sequel to Avengers: Endgame and the 39th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, the film features an ensemble cast led by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In the film, the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men converge from different universes to face Doom.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and wished that the bond of love, affection and mutual trust remains forever unbreakable.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. May this sacred festival bring happiness, prosperity, and success into all your lives. May the bond of love, affection, and mutual trust remain forever unbreakable—that is my heartfelt wish."

BJP National President Nitin Nabin also extended his greetings on the occasion and said the festival strengthens cultural values and familial bonds.

“Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan. This festival, embodying the affection, trust, and vow of protection between siblings, further strengthens our cultural values and familial bonds. May this sacred occasion bring love, joy, and prosperity into everyone's lives—that is our heartfelt wish,” Nabin said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings, describing Raksha Bandhan as a festival that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage and values.

"Heartfelt greetings on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan. This festival, embodying the unbreakable affection, mutual trust, and deep bond between brother and sister, beautifully reflects our rich cultural heritage and values. It also inspires us to remain committed to the honor, safety, and dignity of women. On this auspicious occasion, I wish that our society becomes even more vigilant and sensitive towards the respect, self-respect, and empowerment of women," he said.

Raksha Bandhan symbolises the deep bond of love, affection and protection between brothers and sisters. On the occasion, sisters tie colourful rakhis on their brothers’ wrists and pray for their good health, happiness and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, express their affection by offering gifts and pledging to stand by their sisters through all of life’s ups and downs.

The festival is observed annually on Purnima, the full moon day, of the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on Friday.

As part of the traditional celebrations, sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads before tying the rakhi, while families exchange sweets and gifts.

Raksha Bandhan is primarily celebrated in India and Nepal and is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Shravana, which generally falls in August.

--IANS

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Mumbai, August 28 (IANS) Former General Secretary of Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) Upasana Singh has accused the organisation’s current leadership under Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon of allegedly using the association’s platforms for self publicity.

She even claimed that pictures clicked of other Executive Committee members during important events, were cropped to highlight only Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure.

Speaking about CINTAA’s interactions with government representatives, Singh alleged that photographs from such meetings were selectively used for publicity.

“We used to go only to meet the ministers. If you look at our phones, I can show you so many photographs of meeting the ministers, which we also used to go. But whose photographs were printed? Photographs were printed only of Poonam and Padmini,” Singh said.

“And if it was any other actor’s photograph, it would be cropped. This has happened with Dilbaghji as well. So, only her photographs will be printed. Then, CINTAA was used only for her publicity,” Singh alleged.

Upasana Singh also alleged that CINTAA’s resources were used for press conferences in which, according to her, greater prominence was given to Dhillon and Kolhapure.

“There were different press conferences, in which CINTAA’s money was used. And only she was given more preference,” she alleged.

Referring to a press conference related to the Raj Kapoor Night event, Singh claimed that members of the Executive Committee were not invited and that only Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure attended.

“There was a press conference for Raj Kapoor Night. In that, none of our EC members were invited. Only Poonam and Padmini were invited,” she said.

Upasana alleged that she subsequently learnt about the press conference through the media and questioned why the other Executive Committee members had not been informed.

She also referred to a press conference connected with an event involving veteran actress Hema Malini, alleging that the Executive Committee members were given a later time slot while the press conference had already begun earlier.

“There was a press conference for Hema Malini’s show. EC members were given time at 3.30 pm. And the press conference started at 12.30 PM. When Deepak Parashar knocked when he reached the venue, nobody even opened the door,” Singh said.

Upasana Singh made the allegations while speaking about the ongoing dispute within CINTAA, which intensified after 11 members of the association’s Executive Committee resigned earlier this month.

Eight of the 11 were elected members, Hemant Pandey, Mukesh Rishi, Sahila Chadha, Hetal Parmar, Puneet Issar, Vindu Dara Singh, Vikas Verma and Deepak Parashar. The resignations were accompanied by allegations of unfair decision-making and misuse of positions.

The association’s leadership has rejected Singh’s allegations. At a CINTAA press conference held on August 24, Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure addressed the accusations and presented their side of the dispute.

Poonam Dhillon described Upasana Singh’s allegations as baseless and false, saying that funds raised by CINTAA were accounted for and that no money was used for personal gain.

Padmini Kolhapure also rejected the allegations, stating that the funds raised were handled responsibly and directed towards their intended beneficiaries.

–IANS

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Washington, Aug 28 (IANS) A group of US senators plans to introduce a privileged resolution requiring the State Department to report to Congress on escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, including the killings of nine American citizens in recent years.

Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Tim Kaine and independent Senator Bernie Sanders announced the move on Thursday with eight other senators.

The resolution would require information about investigations into the deaths of American citizens allegedly killed by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces.

It would also seek a wider State Department assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, including the detention of Palestinian children.

The lawmakers said nine Americans had been killed in the territory in recent years and others had been detained. They said neither the Israeli nor US governments had delivered accountability or justice in those cases.

“This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities,” Van Hollen said.

He said the families of those killed, the American public and Congress deserved answers about the deaths and the broader increase in violence.

The senators intend to introduce the measure when the Senate returns. It is known as a Section 502B privileged resolution, referring to a provision of the Foreign Assistance Act.

If approved, it would compel the State Department to provide information about the human rights record of a country receiving US security assistance.

The resolution would seek assessments of Israeli investigations into attacks involving American citizens, including cases attributed to settlers and security personnel.

It would also request information on the treatment and detention of Palestinian children and the State Department’s evaluation of worsening instability in the territory.

The lawmakers did not identify all nine Americans in Thursday’s announcement or provide individual details of their deaths.

Joining Van Hollen, Kaine and Sanders are Senators Jeff Merkley, Mazie Hirono, Martin Heinrich, Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Tina Smith, Ben Ray Luján and Peter Welch.

Kaine said increasing settler violence was killing and injuring Americans and Palestinians. He accused the Israeli government of failing to respond adequately and said the violence threatened the region’s long-term security.

He called on Israel to curtail illegal settlements, prosecute violent settlers and protect Palestinian residents and Americans living in or visiting the West Bank.

Sanders said Palestinians had faced violence from settlers and Israeli security forces without accountability. He argued that Washington should not continue financing Israel while failing to confront such actions.

Other sponsors said the resolution was intended to establish responsibility for attacks and determine whether recipients of American assistance were acting consistently with US laws.

The senators said a successful resolution would require the State Department to submit its report to the Congress.

The senators’ announcement did not include responses from the State Department or the Israeli government to the allegations. The resolution has also not yet been introduced or voted upon.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 28 (IANS) The US Army has selected five military installations and five private companies for a programme worth up to $2.2 billion to build and operate nuclear microreactors, aiming to provide reliable power independent of potentially vulnerable civilian grids.

The Army announced the selections under its Janus Program, conducted in partnership with the US War Department’s Defense Innovation Unit. It expects to deploy more than 20 microreactors across military installations eventually.

The five initial projects will be located at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Drum in New York.

Antares Nuclear Inc. was selected for Fort Bragg, while BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC will work at Fort Campbell. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems was chosen for Fort Hood.

Radiant Industries Inc. will develop the project at Fort Benning, and Westinghouse Government Services will work at Fort Drum.

“Since launching the Janus Program, our mandate from President Trump and Secretary Hegseth has been clear: secure the power our warfighters need to train, deploy and win,” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said.

“Awarding these contracts accelerates our ability to deliver safe, reliable baseload power directly to our installations. We are building the energy resilience necessary to project combat power globally, without relying on potentially vulnerable external grids.”

The awards will cover up to $2.2 billion between fiscal years 2027 and 2031. The companies are also expected to commit significant private capital to their projects.

Payments will be tied to specific technical milestones. The government will release funds only after the companies achieve the agreed goals, according to the Army.

The prototype reactors will remain owned and operated by the contractors. The companies will also be required to coordinate with local utility providers.

The Army is seeking systems capable of operating continuously for extended periods, rather than reactors developed solely for short demonstrations.

“We are seeking not just reactors capable of turning on for a brief demonstration, but rather systems able to deliver power with high-capacity factors for years of operation,” said Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.

“The Janus Program will be a complete success when and only when we have assisted multiple nuclear companies in developing truly reliable and affordable nuclear microreactors, which they can sell to other buyers beyond just the military.”

The Army said the selection process involved nuclear and technical experts from the Department of Energy, national laboratories and military services. They examined technical risks, finances and the management capabilities of each company.

Officials assessed the installations based on their energy requirements and factors including seismic conditions, hydrology and safety. Additional military sites will be announced later.

The programme aims to have its first reactor operating by September 2028. That target was established under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

“The Army is leading the nation in its return to nuclear preeminence,” Janus Program manager Jason Craft said. “Our selected industry awardees represent the most viable technologies to achieve this capability, setting conditions for both installation energy resilience and operational energy solutions.”

Microreactors are compact nuclear fission systems designed to generate electricity and heat at isolated facilities or in locations with limited grid access. Their smaller size may allow components to be assembled in factories and transported to their operating sites.

US military installations generally obtain much of their electricity from civilian utility networks. Defence officials have increasingly pursued on-site energy sources and backup systems to maintain essential operations during grid failures, natural disasters, cyberattacks or physical disruptions.

--IANS

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Mumbai, August 28 (IANS) Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor recently opened up about her younger sister Kareena Kapoor’s debut film ‘Refugee'.

Recalling Kareena's first close-up from the film, Karisma said she could immediately sense that Kareena was destined to become a superstar.

Karisma shared that director J.P. Dutta, who launched Kareena with Refugee, had earlier worked as an assistant to their father, actor Randhir Kapoor.

Recalling a visit to the sets during the shoot, she said, “Then jab unhone Refugee film kiya, bahot interesting story hai. Because JP Dutta sir was my father's assistant, aur phir JP Dutta sir ne Kareena ko launch kiya. It was like history coming down.”

She added, “Toh mujhe yaad hai hum gaye the wahan, shooting chal rahi thi. Kareena ka jo pehla close-up hua tha, jab burqa ko upar karti hai. You could just see that she was going to be a superstar. I think unki jo aankhein hain, kaise woh express karti hain, it's on another level.”

(Then when she did Refugee, there’s a very interesting story. J.P. Dutta Sir was my father’s assistant long ago, and later he launched Kareena. It felt like history coming full circle. I remember we went there while the shoot was underway. Kareena’s first close-up was when she lifted her burqa, and you could just see that she was going to be a superstar. I think the way her eyes express emotions is on another level)

Karisma also spoke about how different the sisters were in terms of their personalities while growing up. Describing herself as the simpler one, she said Kareena was more spirited and bold.

“Main bahot thodi si simple type ki hu, and Kareena kaafi dashing type ki ladki hai. Generally ye hota hai, older kids are, you know, little simple, and chhote wale kaafi hot-blooded hote hain. All the time I had to save my sister by my mom, ‘Nahi nahi, rehne do, rehne do karke.’”

(I am quite a simple, low-key kind of person, whereas Kareena is a much more spirited and bold girl. Generally, that’s how it is: the older child tends to be a little simpler, while the younger one is more hot-blooded. I would often have to save my sister from my mother, saying, ‘No, no, let it go, let it go’)

For the uninitiated, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are both considered as one of the finest actresses of Bollywood. Both the actresses are the granddaughters of legendary actor Raj Kapoor and daughters of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita.

While Karisma made her Bollywood debut in early 90s, Kareena ventured into acting in 2000.

–IANS

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Washington, Aug 28 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said Washington had offered Nepal any assistance it needed as the State Department reported that approximately 90 Americans may have been affected by the devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

“We’ve called Nepal and offered any help that they need,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

“That was brutal,” he said.

The State Department said three American citizens had been safely rescued in Nepal. It was not aware of any US citizen deaths as of 8 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.

The department said the US embassies in Nepal and China were working with local tour operators and authorities to assist Americans in the affected areas.

Nepal-led search-and-rescue operations were continuing, a State Department spokesperson said on background.

The department has deployed a disaster response adviser to the region and is providing $500,000 in emergency assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services.

The funding will support emergency shelter, relief supplies and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance for flood-hit communities in Nepal.

The State Department urged Americans in affected areas to monitor local news, follow instructions from local authorities and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program.

Indian-American lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam separately urged the department to intensify efforts to locate missing Americans.

Krishnamoorthi called on the State Department to use every available resource to support search-and-rescue operations and work closely with authorities in Nepal and the region.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, including the hundreds of people who remain missing,” the Illinois Democrat said.

“Reports that American citizens are among those still unaccounted for are deeply troubling, and my office is working to assist those seeking help locating family members and friends,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi said the United States must help provide answers to families waiting for information about their loved ones.

Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, said several of his constituents from Northern Virginia were among those affected.

“The news of the flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border is devastating. My prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by this terrible disaster,” Subramanyam said.

“I am especially concerned that so many US citizens have been impacted and are currently missing, including many of my constituents from Northern Virginia,” he said.

Subramanyam said some of the missing people were community leaders who had travelled to the Himalayas for spiritual purposes.

“Some of them were community leaders who went to find spiritual connection in the Himalayas,” he said.

His staff was in regular contact with the State Department and was working to ensure a thorough search-and-rescue operation and regular communication with families.

Americans affected in Nepal may contact the US Embassy in Kathmandu at KathmanduACS@state.gov. Those seeking information about relatives in Nepal may call 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other locations.

Nepal is vulnerable to flash floods, landslides and mudslides during the monsoon season, which generally runs from June to September. Difficult mountain terrain and damaged roads can complicate rescue operations and medical evacuations.

The Nepal-Tibet border region is used by travellers and pilgrims heading towards Mount Kailash. The mountain is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon tradition and attracts visitors from India, the United States and other countries.

--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

na/vd

Mumbai, August 28 (IANS) Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor recently opened up about her younger sister Kareena Kapoor’s debut film ‘Refugee'.

Recalling Kareena's first close-up from the film, Karisma said she could immediately sense that Kareena was destined to become a superstar.

Karisma shared that director J.P. Dutta, who launched Kareena with Refugee, had earlier worked as an assistant to their father, actor Randhir Kapoor.

Recalling a visit to the sets during the shoot, she said, “Then jab unhone Refugee film kiya, bahot interesting story hai. Because JP Dutta sir was my father's assistant, aur phir JP Dutta sir ne Kareena ko launch kiya. It was like history coming down.”

She added, “Toh mujhe yaad hai hum gaye the wahan, shooting chal rahi thi. Kareena ka jo pehla close-up hua tha, jab burqa ko upar karti hai. You could just see that she was going to be a superstar. I think unki jo aankhein hain, kaise woh express karti hain, it's on another level.”

(Then when she did Refugee, there’s a very interesting story. J.P. Dutta Sir was my father’s assistant long ago, and later he launched Kareena. It felt like history coming full circle. I remember we went there while the shoot was underway. Kareena’s first close-up was when she lifted her burqa, and you could just see that she was going to be a superstar. I think the way her eyes express emotions is on another level)

Karisma also spoke about how different the sisters were in terms of their personalities while growing up. Describing herself as the simpler one, she said Kareena was more spirited and bold.

“Main bahot thodi si simple type ki hu, and Kareena kaafi dashing type ki ladki hai. Generally ye hota hai, older kids are, you know, little simple, and chhote wale kaafi hot-blooded hote hain. All the time I had to save my sister by my mom, ‘Nahi nahi, rehne do, rehne do karke.’”

(I am quite a simple, low-key kind of person, whereas Kareena is a much more spirited and bold girl. Generally, that’s how it is: the older child tends to be a little simpler, while the younger one is more hot-blooded. I would often have to save my sister from my mother, saying, ‘No, no, let it go, let it go’)

For the uninitiated, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are both considered as one of the finest actresses of Bollywood. Both the actresses are the granddaughters of legendary actor Raj Kapoor and daughters of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita.

While Karisma made her Bollywood debut in early 90s, Kareena ventured into acting in 2000.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 28 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra’s mother Madhu Chopra has reacted to the ongoing controversy around Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon’s dressing in a recent festive jewellery advertisement.

On Thursday, Madhu Chopra attended an event where she spoke with the media. She told the media on the sidelines of the event, “There has to be certain boundaries. My body, my choice works in those boundaries. It is good to do it”.

She further mentioned, “But that boundary is necessary. How you put your dignity, and respect other people's values matters a lot. You can do it in a place where these things are common. Sorry to say that, our children also wear it. They wear it for work, for hobbies. But it is acceptable because that works in those spaces”.

Earlier, the brand pulled down the campaign, stating that they have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. The brand pulled the advertisement down a day after Kriti Sanon clapped back at trolls criticizing her outfit in the recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement.

Kriti on August 25 shared a note on her Instagram handle, where she pointed out that the essence of any festival lies in the emotions, and not in the clothes we wear. She was seen donning an off-white ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt for an advertisement for a jewellery brand for Raksha Bandhan.

The brand on Wednesday shared a statement on Instagram, where they said that they have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture.

Kriti wrote, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets”.

“If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 27 (IANS) Actress Anushka Ranjan, who recently welcomed twin baby girls with her husband, Aditya Seal, has spoken about the realisation that hit her during her pregnancy journey, and how it expanded her understanding on the human body.

Anushka recently appeared on actress Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, ‘All About Her’, and opened up about her personal IVF journey and her experience of becoming a mother, alongside Dr. Nandita Paletta, leading gynecologist, educator, innovator, and Medical Director and Founder of Bloom IVF Group.

During the conversation, Soha asked Anushka, “How has it been for you, just the whole pregnancy?”.

Responding to the same, Anushka shared, “I realised that it is my personal journey. So, I have a friend who just gave birth, Karishma Tanna. We were one month apart, and she was in London, then in Thailand, the day after in Dubai. Then she's going for dinner, then she's going for lunch, and I'm texting doctors saying, ‘Doc, can I do this? Should I avoid this?’ So I realised that through this journey, pregnancy is such a personal journey and you can't put two people's experiences side by side. I even started watching a lot of videos and stuff about different people's pregnancies and stuff like that”.

“But I feel like that's a very bad comparison to make because my journey is different, my lifestyle is different from my friend, my genes are different, but somehow hers was easier, somehow mine was more cautious”, she added.

Through candid reflections from Anushka Ranjan and insightful perspectives from Dr. Nandita Paletta, the latest episode of Soha Ali Khan’s All About Her explores the emotional, physical and deeply personal realities of IVF, fertility and motherhood.

The ‘All About Her’ podcast is available to stream on YouTube.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 27 (IANS) Actor Mukesh Khanna, who is known for his obsession with his iconic character of Shaktiman, has admitted that he has been the roadblock in the return of the Indian superhero.

On Thursday, the actor spoke with IANS at an event in the national capital, and discussed the possibility of the character’s return, and how the character will be tweaked to fit the current sensibilities of an entirely new generation.

He told IANS, “I want to see Shaktimaan again. Shaktimaan is not gone. Shaktimaan has been in people's hearts for 30 years. A whole generation has grown up seeing Shaktimaan. A whole generation has got married, and have children. I am happy that this is a way that people look up to the character. So I want to share the happiness with people”.

Talking about the return of the character, he said, “It should happen, but it is not allowed to happen. The biggest hand in stopping Shaktimaan is mine, I cannot deny this because I am stuck. Otherwise, this was going to start before Corona. Shaktimaan is 10 times more necessary in today's children. They don't listen to anyone. They will listen to Shaktimaan”.

He then slipped in a sermon for the younger generation, as he said, “They sit on the beach with their girlfriend and watch the whole film on the mobile. And at 2.30 at night, they talk to their girlfriend under the sheet. So, this generation does not listen to the elders”.

“I will tell them to stay with the elders. Forget social media. Forget the thousands, crores, lakhs of subscriptions. No one is your friend. Your friends are standing behind you. Stay with them”, he added.

--IANS

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