New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) As part of the Rekha Gupta government's efforts to develop a green and pollution-free city, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Friday flagged off a new app-based electric taxi service in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) from the Delhi Secretariat.

"Today, 1,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) taxis were launched across Delhi-NCR, along with a new app. The EV taxi service is planned to expand to 10,000 vehicles in Delhi-NCR within one year," an official statement said.

Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, and Pham Sanh Chau, Vingroup Asia CEO, were present on the occasion.

Green SM is a Vietnam-based company and has launched a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The company has made a significant investment in India through the foreign direct investment (FDI) route as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sirsa said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is committed to promoting green initiatives that help reduce pollution and improve the quality of life of citizens."

"Whether it is large-scale plantation drives, cleaner technologies or the adoption of electric mobility, every step contributes towards building a healthier Delhi. The launch of this taxi service is another important milestone in this direction," he added.

Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "On the occasion of World Environment Day, the launch of this electric vehicle initiative from the Delhi Secretariat reflects our commitment to making Delhi cleaner, greener and pollution-free."

"Electric mobility is a key pillar of Delhi's vision for sustainable urban transport and aligns with the objectives of the Delhi EV Policy to accelerate the adoption of clean mobility solutions, reduce vehicular emissions, and improve air quality," he added.

"Every step towards electrification is a step towards a healthier environment and a better quality of life for our citizens. The Delhi Government remains committed to promoting sustainable transportation and building a future-ready, environmentally responsible capital," he said.

Minister Sirsa said, "These vehicles are a shining example of the 'Make in India' initiative and strengthen the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Manufactured in India, they showcase the country's growing manufacturing strength and technological prowess while creating a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem."

The cabs are equipped with advanced safety technologies, including AI-assisted interior and exterior cameras, real-time monitoring systems, and emergency SOS buttons for both drivers and passengers.

"Each vehicle features dedicated cameras monitoring the road, the driver and the passenger compartments, enhancing overall safety and accountability. A special focus has also been placed on women's safety and empowerment. The company plans to increase the participation of women drivers in its operations," Minister Sirsa added.

--IANS

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Paris, June 5 (IANS) Alexander Zverev is now one step away from his first Grand Slam title after he defeated rising Czech star Jakub Mensik in the French Open final, winning in four sets on Friday. The score was 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, and the match lasted three hours and one minute on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.

With this win, Zverev secured his spot in his second French Open final and the fourth major final of his career.

After coming close to winning the trophy in Paris last year, Zverev gets another chance to end his wait for Grand Slam success in Sunday’s championship match. “He started playing amazingly in the third set,” Zverev said of Mensik after his victory. “He really stepped up to another level. But this is a Grand Slam; it’s best-of-five set matches. Opponents are going to play better. You have to deal with it. I did, and I hope to play another great match on Sunday.”

With early exits for top players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, Zverev has taken full advantage of his opportunity. He has lost only two sets in the tournament and has now become just the fifth active men's player to reach multiple Roland Garros finals.

At 29 years old, Zverev has an impressive record in major tournaments. He finished as the runner-up at the US Open in 2020, lost the Australian Open final last year, and famously came one set away from winning the French Open title in 2024. Sunday's final against either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi offers him another chance to secure the one major title missing from his résumé.

This victory also puts Zverev on the same level as Stan Wawrinka, matching his tally of four Grand Slam finals, the fifth-highest among active men's players.

Mensik entered the semi-final with strong momentum and hopes of being the youngest Roland Garros finalist since Rafael Nadal in 2006. However, he struggled to impose his attacking style against Zverev's consistency and tactical discipline.

The match ignited in the first set when Mensik earned the first break points with a stunning sliding backhand winner. Zverev, showing his experience, saved all three break points. He then broke serve at 5-5 to take the opening set.

The second set tilted firmly in Zverev's favour. Mensik tried to play more aggressively, but Zverev consistently countered with precise passing shots and superior control from the baseline. This dominant performance gave him a two-set lead and put him on the brink of the final.

Despite this, Mensik did not back down. After a medical timeout early in the third set, he returned with renewed energy. His mix of drop shots and variation disrupted Zverev's rhythm, leading to him winning the third set and briefly sparking hopes for a comeback.

However, Zverev quickly squashed those hopes. He regrouped well at the start of the fourth set, taking a 3-0 lead and never allowing Mensik back into the match. His experience and calmness were crucial as he closed out the victory, improving his head-to-head record against Mensik to 2-0 after also defeating him in Madrid earlier this year.

Even with the loss, Mensik's impressive run in Paris will boost him 11 spots to No. 16 in the ATP Live Rankings. This highlights his status as one of the sport's brightest young talents.

Zverev recognised the challenge Mensik presented throughout the tournament. “It’s amazing the way he played these past two weeks,” he said. “I knew it was going to be the toughest challenge I had so far. I managed. I won. So I’m happy.”

--IANS

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Baku, June 5 (IANS) With global temperatures at near-record levels and El Nino set to return, governments, businesses, communities, and individuals across the world on Friday marked World Environment Day, sounding the alarm on the urgent need to address climate change.

This year, Azerbaijan hosted the official commemoration of World Environment Day.

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing climate threats to lives, livelihoods, and economies. With overshoot of the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius now almost inevitable and impacts escalating, the world must act #NowforClimate, cutting emissions and adapting to rising risks.

“This World Environment Day, warning signals are everywhere. The past 11 years have been the 11 hottest on record… The world is heading for a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message for World Environment Day 2026.

He added that the task is to make that overshoot as small, short, and safe as possible – and rapidly bring temperatures back down.

“That means slashing emissions. Accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewables is the only sustainable path to lower costs and to real energy security. Cutting methane is one of the fastest, cheapest ways to limit near-term warming. Protecting forests, land, and seas. Helping communities adapt to the devastating impacts already here. And it means fulfilling climate finance promises to developing countries – to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen economies,” he said.

“This is the moment to act, for our environment and for our future.”

At the official ceremony for World Environment Day in Baku, officials highlighted the need for urgent collective and individual action to stave off the worst impacts of climate change and adapt to a changing environment.

“As our planet continues to face down the devastating impacts of climate change, Azerbaijan is honoured to host World Environment Day 2026 and join calls to address this global crisis. The science is clear: every fraction of a degree of warming costs lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems – and no country is spared,” said Rashad Ismayilov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.

“This year’s focus on climate action could not be more timely. Azerbaijan is committed to nearly doubling its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and implementing a 1.5 degrees Celsius-aligned climate action plan alongside our partners. We call on governments, industries, and citizens worldwide to match ambition with urgent action.”

Azerbaijan, like countries across the world, is working to address climate impacts, including the shrinking of the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water.

Alongside conservation efforts, the government has pledged a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035 and a 30 per cent renewable energy target by 2030. Azerbaijan has also shown global leadership in multilateral environmental processes, including hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and, more recently, the World Urban Forum.

--IANS

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Imphal, June 5 (IANS) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, on Friday separately met the Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and apprised them of the prevailing security situation in the state as well as in the Northeastern region, Lok Bhavan officials said.

A Lok Bhavan official said that the CRPF Director General, accompanied by senior officers, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Imphal.

During the meeting, the officers briefed Governor Bhalla on the prevailing security situation and the measures being implemented across the state to maintain peace and stability, the official added.

According to the official, discussions focused on strengthening security arrangements to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, ensuring peace and stability, and effectively addressing emerging security challenges.

The CRPF Director General also met Chief Minister Singh, and the two leaders discussed various aspects of the law and order situation in Manipur.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister said: "Called on by Gyanendra Pratap Singh, CRPF Director General, along with senior CRPF officers, at the Secretariat today during his official visit to Manipur."

Chief Minister Singh expressed appreciation for the role played by the CRPF in the state, saying: "Appreciated the invaluable contribution of the CRPF in maintaining peace and law and order in the state."

He also reiterated that the Manipur government remains committed to strengthening security, upholding public trust, and fostering harmony among all communities.

Meanwhile, Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

Following the meeting, the Home Minister in a Facebook post said: "Chaired the 2nd monthly review meeting today at the conference hall in New Secretariat, Mantripukhri."

He said that the meeting reviewed the progress of the India-Myanmar border fencing project and assessed implementation timelines to ensure its timely completion.

"Strengthening border infrastructure and accelerating execution remain key priorities of the government," the Home Minister added.

Manipur Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar and State Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh and other senior officials were present in the review meeting.

The high-level security reviews came on a day when three people, including a woman, were killed by unidentified armed assailants at the tribal-inhabited Loibol Khullen village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district.

The deceased were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip.

According to official reports, seven houses were also set on fire during the attack, leaving several families devastated and homeless.

Various tribal organisations, including the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur, strongly condemned the attack at Loibol Khullen village.

In a statement, the KZC alleged that militants belonging to the NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson) were involved in the incident.

The killings have heightened tensions in the hill district and prompted renewed concerns over security in the region, even as the state government and security agencies continue efforts to restore normalcy and strengthen law and order across Manipur.

--IANS

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Visakhapatnam, June 5 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to formulate an action plan to transform Visakhapatnam into a world-class Bay City.

Addressing a review meeting on Visakha Economic Region (VER) attended by Collectors of nine districts, public representatives and officials, the Chief Minister outlined a roadmap for tourism, infrastructure and economic development across the region.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to develop the Bay City Project stretching from Kailasagiri to Bhogapuram.

He also suggested establishing a dedicated Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for the Visakha Economic Region to ensure effective implementation and coordination of projects.

He directed officials to construct a Convention Centre on 303 acres belonging to the Greyhounds department and emphasized the need to develop the Kailasagiri area as both a spiritual and tourism destination.

The Chief Minister called for attracting investments in beach-based recreational projects, including water sports and entertainment facilities, to provide enjoyable and best experiences for visitors of all age groups.

Chandrababu Naidu also instructed officials to modernize the Visakhapatnam Zoo and enhance its appeal as a major tourist attraction. He stressed the importance of developing the region’s unique tourism assets, including the Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes) and Buddhist heritage sites.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the Godavari region, the Chief Minister noted that the Akhanda Godavari Project in Rajamahendravaram, along with the Polavaram Project and Papikondalu, could emerge as major attractions. He said that strengthening infrastructure in these areas would create opportunities for large-scale tourism investments.

The Chief Minister further directed officials to focus on the development of townships adjacent to industrial zones being established around various projects.

He also suggested placing the NITI Aayog report on the Visakha Economic Region in the public domain and inviting suggestions and ideas from students, intellectuals and other stakeholders to enrich the development vision for the region.

Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, state ministers K. Atchannaidu and Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy; MLAs Collectors from nine districts spanning Srikakulam to East Godavari; VER Convener and Industries Secretary Yuvaraj; Special Chief Secretary (Transport) M.T. Krishna Babu; Principal Secretary (Health) Saurabh Gaur; Principal Secretary (Finance) Piyush Kumar; IT Secretary Katamneni Bhaskar; Visakhapatnam District Collector Abhishikt Kishore participated.

--IANS

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London, June 5 (IANS) In a tour that has placed an Indian philosopher on the stage of some of Britain's most prestigious intellectual and policy stages, Acharya Prashant has spent the past week carrying a climate message to capacity audiences at the Cambridge Union, in a one-on-one dialogue with a British peer of the realm, in public sessions that have drawn British audiences well beyond the Indian community, and across a sequence of upcoming engagements at Oxford, the London School of Economics, King's College London, and London Climate Action Week.

The audiences have been global, the venues among the most storied in the world, and the message at every stop has been the same: the Western approach to the environmental crisis has not worked, and no summit, no treaty, and no efficiency gain will fix it, because none of them addresses the one variable that drives the crisis.

When Acharya Prashant arrived at the Cambridge Union on May 30 for a fireside chat moderated by Professor Jaideep Prabhu, Director of the Centre for India and Global Business at Cambridge Judge Business School, the session had been scheduled for an hour, but it did not go as planned.

An audience of economists, MBA students, business scholars, and policymakers drawn from across the world kept the questions coming, each one deepening into the next, until what had been planned as a single session extended across nearly three sessions over two days.

The Cambridge India Business Dialogue, hosted by Cambridge Judge Business School, brings together senior figures from business, policy, and academia across India and the UK; that its 2026 edition included a fireside chat with an Indian philosopher as a centrepiece reflects a growing recognition that the questions dominating global policy rooms are not purely technical ones. On June 1, he sat across from Lord Krish Raval, Baron Raval of Hertsmere, in a moderated interactive session hosted by the NISAU (the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK). Lord Raval, a life peer appointed to the House of Lords in January 2025 and founder-director of Faith in Leadership, is among the most prominent British Indian voices in public life. The two covered several dimensions of the climate and environment crisis, among other topics, in a dialogue that drew an engaged audience from across Britain.

Alongside the institutional engagements, Acharya Prashant has been holding public sessions across Britain that have drawn audiences from the wider British public, not only from within the Indian diaspora. His public talks held at Middlesex University, London, brought together a cross-section of attendees reflecting the breadth of interest his work has generated in Britain. The pattern across every venue, institutional and public alike, has been the same: halls filling, sessions running beyond their allotted time, and audiences that span students, academics, working professionals, policymakers, and members of the general public. His work has long reached audiences across more than 100 countries; the response from the British public has simply made that global standing visible in one of the world's most-watched intellectual capitals.

The venues ahead are no less significant. Oxford, the London School of Economics, and King's College London each represent a distinct node of global intellectual and policy influence, and each has extended an invitation for sessions centred on the same climate argument. Among the upcoming engagements is a session during London Climate Action Week, the largest independent climate gathering in Europe, drawing policymakers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society representatives from across the world. To move from the Cambridge Union through a House of Lords dialogue, public sessions across British cities, and on to Oxford, LSE, King's College London, and the continent's foremost climate policy gathering, carrying a single coherent argument throughout, is a sequence with few precedents for any speaker, let alone one whose primary audience has until recently been in India.

The climate case he has made at each venue rests on a simple and uncomfortable observation. Thirty Conferences of the Parties since Rio in 1992 have watched atmospheric carbon dioxide climb without interruption. "Outwardly, we are more prosperous and powerful than at any point in history," he told the packed Cambridge gathering. "Inwardly, we are still cavemen." The tools available to civilisation have grown immeasurably; the wanting that drives their use has never been examined. Stopping, he has said, does not require time. It is the reaching that requires time, and three decades of climate summits have been exercises in reaching harder while the inner driver of the crisis remains untouched.

What has drawn these audiences is not only the argument but the scale of the work behind it. Acharya Prashant's Gita Mission reaches more than 150,000 enrolled students across more than 100 countries, meeting nightly through a structured, examination-based programme built around the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and other philosophical traditions, explicitly designed as mass-based education of the self rather than elite instruction. His digital platforms extend that reach further, drawing audiences across more than 100 countries, and it is this combination of mass reach and institutional recognition that has made his UK tour a point of attention across communities in Britain.

(Acharya Prashant is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad and the founder of the PrashantAdvait Foundation. Between August 2025 and April 2026, he conducted over 200 sessions across 18 cities in India, addressing students at more than 12 IIT campuses, IISc Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Bangalore, and BITS Pilani, among others. His book 'Truth Without Apology', published by HarperCollins, and his weekly columns in The Pioneer, Deccan Herald, and The Sunday Guardian carry the same inquiry into mainstream public discourse. The Watkins Mind Body Spirit list for 2026 placed him at number 20 among the world's top 100 spiritually influential figures. World Environment Day this year finds him mid-tour in Britain, with further engagements ahead, the conversation that began at Cambridge still continuing.)

--IANS

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Bengaluru, June 5 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has announced the fifth Congress candidate for the ensuing biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council, to be elected by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

According to an official press release, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the candidature of Vinay Karthik as the party’s fifth nominee for the upcoming polls.

AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and MP K.C. Venugopal announced it on Friday.

The biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council, where members are elected by MLAs, are expected to see the Congress fielding its full slate of candidates as part of its electoral strategy.

Vinay Karthik is close to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He has served as the coordinator and treasurer of the Congress party's Karnataka unit.

It can be recalled that the Congress announced its candidates for four of the seven seats going to the polls in Karnataka on Wednesday.

The list, released by the AICC, includes B.K. Hariprasad, P.V. Mohan, Shivanna Malavalli, and Tippannappa Kamakanur.

The candidate selection has drawn attention as the Congress has fielded members from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) for all four seats. The move is being viewed as a significant political decision by the party ahead of the elections.

With the announcement, B.K. Hariprasad and Tippannappa Kamakanur have been retained for another term, while the Congress has given opportunities to two new faces for the remaining seats.

It can be noted that Hariprasad has been named as the State Congress President. The four candidates will be elected to the State Legislative Council through voting by MLAs.

Elections have been notified to fill seven vacant seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council following the retirement of sitting members.

The election notification was issued by Karnataka Assembly Secretary and Returning Officer M.K. Vishalakshi on Monday.

The vacancies have arisen due to the retirement of Legislative Council members Govindaraju (Congress), Naseer Ahmed (Congress), M.T.B. Nagaraj (BJP), Pratap Simha Nayak (BJP), Tippannappa Kamakanur (Congress), Sunil Valyapure (BJP), and B.K. Hariprasad (Congress).

According to the election schedule, June 8 has been fixed as the last date for filing nominations.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on June 9, while June 11 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature.

Polling, if required, will be held on June 18 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in room 106 of the Vidhana Soudha.

The counting of votes will take place on the same day from 5 p.m. onwards, and the election process will conclude by June 20.

--IANS

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United Nations, June 5 (IANS) India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, Major Abhilasha Barak, received on Friday the UN 2005 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, recognising her efforts to promote the role and perspectives of women in peacekeeping.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who presented the award, said she was “a role model to those you serve, and those you serve with”.

“Dreams do not have a gender, and neither does leadership, courage, or the will to serve humanity,” said Barak, who is deployed in Lebanon, currently the most dangerous UN peacekeeping site.

She added that the award is a reminder that lasting peace can only be built when every voice is heard and every individual is empowered.

Guterres also presented the Dag Hammarskjold award for two Indian peacekeepers who died while serving the UN.

India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish received the awards for Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh, who was a peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan in South Sudan.

Assistant Secretary-General Lisa Buttenheim said Barak’s “leadership and innovation have advanced the women, peace, and security agenda across military operations”.

About Barak’s work, Guterres said that by building trust with local communities, she helped develop early-warning networks that strengthen the mission’s ability to protect civilians.

“As a frontline commander, she has engaged thousands of women and girls through vocational training and programmes for education and health,” he said, adding that she is transforming lives even under the most challenging circumstances.

Barak is the third woman officer from India to be awarded the Military Gender Advocate Award after Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen.

She is the Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point in the Indian Battalion deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL, which is deployed along the border between Israel and Lebanon, is now the riskiest peacekeeping operation as fighting rages between Israel and Hezbollah. On Wednesday night, a peacekeeper with the mission became the seventh to be killed since March.

Reflecting on her military career, Barak said, “Being the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army, I experienced firsthand how opportunity enables women to break barriers and reach milestones.”

Barak is among the nearly 650 Indian peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, 13 of whom are women, according to the UN. A total of 4,278 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in UN missions.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 5 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Joe Jonas is getting candid about his experience of co-parenting their children with his estranged wife Sophie Turner after their legal battle for the kids’ custody.

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

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

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

The pair welcomed their first daughter, Willa, in July 2020 and a second daughter, Delphine, in July 2022. Throughout their marriage, they generally kept family life private while occasionally appearing together at public events.

In September 2023, Jonas filed for divorce, stating that the marriage was “irretrievably broken”. The separation was followed by legal proceedings concerning custody and the children's residence. The divorce was finalized in September 2024, and both have since focused on co-parenting their daughters.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Music composer Sachin Sanghvi of Sachin–Jigar has shared how he brings order and rationality into the duo’s creative process.

Sachin–Jigar spoke with IANS during the promotions of their latest film album ‘Chand Mera Dil’. Sachin said that sometimes he is worried about his creative partner, as Jigar is someone who is highly self-critical, and easily gets consumed by the music making process.

Sachin told IANS. “We are two people. So, we are two sides of the coin. I think my job is to rationalize the chaos he has. He is a rebel. He doesn't sleep. Sometimes he wakes up with the fear that if I don't make a song today, then? There is a childlike hunger when he sees a new instrument. I feed off all these things. But, again, if I want to let's say compose a song, I cannot do that in front of an equipment. I don't want to get tied up inside the studio. I don't want to go on a terrace or I can't take the name of the place”.

He further mentioned, “I think just the whole acknowledgement of the fact that I am like this. We have learned to shed inhibitions. But, my job, I feel in this combination, lots of times my job is to tell Jigar that you have done an amazing job. Sometimes to rationalize him. To bring in the order basically in this process”.

He then revealed his obsession with video games, and said that he has the habit of picking up his phone and playing games even in the most serious situations.

“Yes, so in very dangerous situations. I pick up my mobile and play video games. I feel that if I steal a glance from him for 2 minutes then I get help from somewhere. But, for Jigar I think it works the other way. But, when I am chaotic, he calms me down. So, it is not a particular role but it is a balancing act”, he added.

The music of ‘Chand Mera Dil’ has been released under the label of Sony Music India.

--IANS

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Chennai, June 5 (IANS) The makers of director Selvah Kumar Thirumaran's upcoming film, 'Texas Tiger', featuring actor Hridhu Haroon, best known for his performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Mura', 'All We Imagine As Light', and 'Thugs', in the lead on Friday announced that shooting for the film had been wrapped up.

Taking to its Instagram stories section, UK Squad Productions, the production house producing the film, said, "It's a wrap for Texas Tiger. A Osho_Venkat musical."

The film has triggered huge interest in audiences ever since the makers released the film's title teaser some months ago.

The teaser begins with women's groups staging a protest demanding that the songs of Texas Tiger (Hridhu Haroon) be removed from the Internet as they had objectionable content for lyrics.

Present at the same venue where the women are protesting is a group of young men calling themselves 'Tigerians'. They say they are fans of the musician and back him.

As a constable tries to clear the fans, Texas Tiger makes an entry, climbs atop the police van and voluntarily wears a garland of slippers that women activists were looking to make him wear in the hope that it will leave him ashamed. He, however, takes it in his stride much to the surprise of the women.

Sources close to the unit had told IANS that the film would be a fun, musical entertainer which was sure to appeal to all kinds of audiences.

Producers Sujith, Balaji Kumar, Parthi Kumar and Selvah Kumar Thirumaran are producing this film under the banner of UK Squad, a new production house.

The story of 'Texas Tiger' has been written by Selvah Kumar Thirumaran, who has also directed the film. Selvah Kumar Thirumaran is best known for his previously directed film 'Family Padam', which came in for appreciation both from audiences. The film, which was high on humour and on emotions, received a positive response from the audience who were able to connect with it.

The film features Samyuktha Viswanathan as the heroine. It also features actors Rohini and Sachana of Bigg Boss fame in pivotal roles.

--IANS

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Chennai, June 5 (IANS) Actor Harish Uthaman, who has now dubbed for the character of Duncan in the Malayalam version of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, has now penned a note on the experience in which he has disclosed that life had come a full circle.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen his thoughts on the experience, he wrote, "I had to share this because it truly feels like a dream come true. Like so many kids growing up, I was a huge fan of He-Man. I still remember being 11 or 12 years old, running over to my neighbour’s house so I wouldn’t miss a single episode."

He went on to say, "I was never a needy child, but there was one thing I would never stop asking for and that was He-Man name stickers for my school notebooks. Somehow, having those stickers felt like carrying a little piece of that world with me everywhere I went."

Harish said, "Today, life has come full circle in the most unexpected and beautiful way. I had the honour of lending my voice to Duncan, played by Idris Elba, for the Malayalam version. Being a small part of a franchise that meant so much to my childhood is an incredibly special feeling."

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, he wrote, "Thank you @gaayusekar @sekarprofficial @shrirudhra_movies for making me a part."

He concluded the note saying, "The feeling is overwhelming, and I am cherishing every moment of it. Some childhood dreams really do find their way back to you when you least expect them."

For the unaware, 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' released in India on June 5 this year.

Alongside its worldwide English release, the film has also hit theatres in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. While veteran actor Jaaved Jaaferi has lent his voice to the menacing Skeletor in Hindi, acclaimed actor Adithya Menon voiced the iconic villain across all three South Indian language versions, bringing his trademark intensity and gravitas to the character.

--IANS

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