Los Angeles, July 7 (IANS) Hollywood actor Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith are back to sharing a home. The couple has been living together for the last two years.

Will, 57, and Jada, 54, have been married since 1997. In 2023, Jada revealed that the two had been separated since 2016, reports ‘People’ magazine.

A source told ‘People’, “Jada moved back in with Will two years ago. They are happy and love each other and are, as ever, committed to supporting each other”.

A source later said that earlier the actors were “still together” while living in separate homes. In support of their son Jaden, 27, Will and Jada had a family reunion on the red carpet at the June 24 Christian Louboutin‘s Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show during Paris Fashion Week.

As per ‘People’, the couple posed for photos with their daughter Willow, 25, Will’s son Trey, 33 (whom the actor shares with ex-wife Sheree Zampino), and Jada’s mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday, July 4, Will and Jada were in Philadelphia, according to the source.

“Will was set to perform but weather delayed it, and he went on to perform with the Roots at 2 A.M.” His wife, the insider said, “was there with him as she always is”.

Will and Jada have each been candid about their relationship journey Ahead of the release of her memoir Worthy in 2023, the Girls Trip star told PEOPLE that she and her husband were “still figuring it out”.

We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us”, she said at the time. “I’m going to be by his side… but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself”.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 7 (IANS) Hollywood actress Julia Garner has been signed to star in the series adaptation of the Mikita Brottman true crime book ‘Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida.

Craig Gillespie is attached to direct and executive produce under his Fortunate Jack Productions banner, reports ‘Variety’.

The logline for the series states that it “delves into the psyche of a torrid romance and subsequent act of murder between two young, adulterous but God-fearing lovers, unraveling their complex lives and the emotional toll of living as killers for 18 years”.

As per ‘Variety’, Sarah DeLappe will write and executive produce. Stuart Zicherman will serve as showrunner and executive producer.

Julia Garner will executive produce through Alma Margo in addition to featuring in the series. Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements and Alissa Bachner will executive produce for Tomorrow Studios along with Annie Marter of Fortunate Jack and Brottman. Both Fortunate Jack and Alma Margo are under first-look deals with Tomorrow Studios. Tomorrow Studios, an ITV Studios partner, developed the project and brought it to Apple.

Julia Garner is best known for her role as Ruth Langmore in the hit Netflix series ‘Ozark’, for which she won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

She also received an Emmy nod for the Netflix limited series ‘Inventing Anna’, playing convicted fraudster Anna Delvey. Next up, she will star as Caroline Ellison in the Netflix limited series ‘The Altruists’, which charts the rise and fall of FTX. Garner’s other TV credits include ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Maniac’, as well as shows like ‘The Americans’ and ‘Dirty John’.

Zicherman recently developed the first season of the FX series ‘American Sports Story’. He also worked on the Apple TV show ‘The Shrink Next Door’ and has written for shows like ‘The Americans’, ‘Sweetbitter’, and ‘The Affair’.

--IANS

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Washington, July 7 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Monday said the restoration of the White House is a symbol of what he called America's broader renewal, arguing that the country's most recognisable building should reflect national strength, history and confidence.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump devoted a significant portion of his remarks to the renovation of the White House, describing the work as both a preservation effort and a statement about the country's future.

"We're putting a lot of love back into the White House because, frankly, it was treated very badly," Trump said.

The President began by explaining why the Rose Garden had recently undergone extensive changes, noting that the original lawn had become impractical due to the site's marshy ground.

"The White House was built on a wetland, and the grass was always very wet," he said, adding that visitors' shoes would sink into what he described as a "quicksand pit."

The new granite paving, he said, was designed to preserve the grounds while making the space more usable for official ceremonies.

Trump also highlighted what he called the "Presidential Walk of Fame", stretching "from George Washington... all the way up to Trump," alongside restoration work on the West Wing pathways and the White House's historic columns.

He said workers had removed more than a century of accumulated paint to restore the original architectural details.

"We've taken about 150 years of paint off of the columns," Trump said. "You couldn't even see the details."

The President argued that the project was intended not merely to modernise the White House but to preserve one of America's most important national landmarks.

"This will happen every 200 years or so. You'll get somebody that will bring it back," he said.

Trump repeatedly compared the White House with historic buildings overseas, recalling visits to Windsor Castle and China's Great Hall.

Speaking about Windsor Castle, he recounted a conversation with King Charles III about William the Conqueror, joking that perhaps the British monarch should be called "Charles the Conqueror."

He also argued that the United States should possess ceremonial facilities equal to or surpassing those of other world powers.

"I was in the Great Hall of China recently... They have a very large ballroom... we're going to have one that tops everything," Trump said.

Throughout the speech, Trump portrayed the White House as more than a residence or workplace, describing it as a visible representation of the presidency itself.

"There's no place like the Oval Office," he said. "There's no place like it... in terms of overall impact and everything that it represents."

The President delivered the remarks while launching his administration's "Trump Accounts" programme for newborn Americans, but frequently returned to the theme of restoring institutions that he believes define the country.

Trump's latest renovation programme, including work on the Rose Garden, the grounds and a proposed new ballroom, reflects his longstanding interest in architecture and construction, themes that have frequently featured in both his business career and his presidency.

--IANS

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Ayodhya/New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Uttar Pradesh government a few days ago, submitted its preliminary report on alleged irregularities in the counting of donations at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The probe, requested by the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, reveals systematic cash theft during the counting process.

According to the SIT, CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5, 2026, captured around 70 instances of counting staff hiding bundles and loose notes in their clothes, shoes, and other personal items. Six individuals — Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra — have been identified with prima facie evidence of involvement. Cases have been registered against them.

The report highlights major supervisory and procedural lapses. Despite a detailed MoU and SOP (standard operating procedure) signed with the State Bank of India, critical security measures were not followed: no proper frisking at entry/exit, no biometric attendance, no hundi-wise counting, mixing of donations from different boxes, and failure to enforce dress codes or ban personal items. Unauthorised access to donation box keys was also flagged.

Trust officials, including Dr Anil Mishra (former trustee) and counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava, have been held accountable for oversight failures.

The SIT noted recoveries of approximately Rs 78.94 lakh and other items from the accused before the probe began. Bank analysis showed deposits far exceeding their modest salaries.

Meanwhile, the Trust on Monday accepted resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra on moral grounds and is implementing reforms. The SIT will continue investigating and suggest systemic improvements for transparency.

However, the report also said that many allegations on social media regarding the disappearance of valuables, such as silver or bricks and other valuable offerings, were not prima facie substantiated. But it is recommended to strengthen the management and record system of valuables.

The findings have caused concern, but the Trust maintains that donations and temple activities continue uninterrupted, with strong public faith intact.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 7 (IANS) Hollywood actress Brooke Shields has lashed out at the creators of the animated show ‘South Park’ over their insensitive attitude.

The actress slammed the creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for “not caring” for workers at their restaurant in Colorado, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The 61-year-old actress is president of a labour union representing “about 80” of the former employees at Mexican eatery Casa Bonita, who unionised in April 2024 against the venture, which combines entertainment with patrons’ meals.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the restaurant is renowned for its unique additions, including a 30ft waterfall, caves and waterfalls, with the artistic employees of the venue taking on cliff diving as part of their job.

Those fighting against Casa Bonita had negotiations with the restaurant management, including Parker and Stone over “not just pay, but fundamental safety issues” - including “hypothermia and chlorine toxicity from the diving pool” and alleged groping from restaurant-goers - but they failed to reach an agreement.

The actress told CNN, “It doesn’t take long to feel how disparaging it is when you visit a place and you see young people excited to perform at the top of their game doing these crazy stunts, or entertaining people (and) you go personally see them not being cared for”.

The performer employees are asking for “a raise to bring them more in line with the servers, who they say make more”.

Actors’ Equity, the union also said that while management have “made concessions at the bargaining table”, they have offered little “in return to improve current conditions and wages”.

The actress added that she had personally visited the restaurant in March, but “the place is so big it took a while for management to realise we were there”.

During her visit, she hand delivered a letter from the performers her organisation represents, in which they “asked for better wages”. But she acknowledged that it was a “slight ambush”.

“You try doing things respectfully, and then you’re not met with equal respect … so you have to resort to other tactics”, she added.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, July 6 (IAN) Bengaluru Blasters finished the league phase of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 with a comfortable 11-run victory over the Gulbarga Mystics at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday.

The result also confirmed Coastal Kings Mangaluru as the third team to secure a playoff berth, joining Bengaluru Blasters and Shivamogga Yodhas in the knockout stage. Mysore Warriors and Gulbarga Mystics remain in contention for the final spot.

Having already secured their berth in Qualifier 1, Rohan Patil, Wahid Faizan Khan, and Shubhang Hegde helped the Blasters post 176/8 in 20 overs before two wicket hauls from Rohan Raju, Vidwath Kaverappa, and Nischith Rao restricted the Mystics to 165-8.

In the second innings, Kaverappa and Rao sliced through the Mystics' top order to leave them wobbling at 24-4 in 3.2 overs. Rao scalped Prakhar Chaturvedi and Sharath BR, while Kaverappa dismissed Lochan Gowda and Macneil Noronha in consecutive deliveries to put the Blasters firmly in control of the contest.

Coming in at no.5, Thippa Reddy ensured the Mystics stayed in the fight. He struck three boundaries and a six to place the Mystics at 51-4 by the end of the powerplay. While Dhruv Prabhakaran (15 off 18) and Manish Pandey (2 off 4) departed at the other end, Reddy raced to a 23-ball half-century through the middle overs.

The Mystics' prospects fell further when Rohan Naveen claimed Reddy, stumped in the 13th over at 101-7.

Just when the target seemed too steep, Kranthi Kumar (53 off 36) played a spirited knock to give the Blasters a late scare. Needing 31 off the final over, Kranthi Kumar hammered three consecutive sixes to bring up his half-century.

Rohan Patil extended his purple patch for the table toppers, smashing a 35-ball 51 with six fours and a six. The southpaw set the tone at the top of the innings, combining with Bhuvan Raju for 45 runs, followed by a 53-run stand with Wahid Faizan Khan (46 off 25) for the third wicket. Faizan Khan plundered six fours and two sixes before Ronit More removed him and Shivraj S in quick succession in the 12th over. Kranthi Kumar further halted the innings with a double blow in the 15th, accounting for Patil and Praveen Dubey.

A rain interruption at the end of the 15th over briefly stalled the Blasters' momentum, but captain Shubhang Hegde ensured they finished strong. Remaining unbeaten on 38 off just 20 deliveries with three fours and two sixes, Hegde carved two maximums in a 16-run final over to propel the Blasters to a competitive total. Kranthi Kumar was the pick of the Mystics' attack with figures of 3-28.

Brief scores:

Bengaluru Blasters 176/8 in 20 overs (Rohan Patil 51, Wahid Faizan Khan 46, Shubhang Hegde 38 not out, Kranthi Kumar 3-28, Ronit More 2-28) beat Gulbarga Mystics 165-8 in 20 overs (Thippa Reddy 55, Kranthi Kumar 53 not out, N Rao 2-31, Rohan Raju 2-35, Vidwath Kaverappa 2-41) by 11 runs.

--IANS

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Washington, July 7 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Monday declared that the United States had returned to what he called a "merit-based" system in education, the military and public life, arguing that recent court rulings and his administration's policies had ended race-based preferences and helped reverse declining military recruitment.

Speaking at a White House Rose Garden luncheon, Trump said merit had become the guiding principle across key American institutions under his administration.

"We now have a country based on merit," Trump said. "That goes for colleges... you get into colleges by merit and you get into the military by merit."

The President credited the US Supreme Court with helping restore what he described as fairness in college admissions.

"I frankly, I give a lot of credit to the Supreme Court on that one, because that was a tough one for them," he said. "We won."

Trump argued that, under the previous system, highly qualified students had been denied admission to elite universities.

"People were getting into college with bad marks, with bad board scores, not great students. And they'd get into college and people with straight A's with the highest boards everything else couldn't get into colleges," he said.

According to Trump, admissions decisions should now depend solely on academic performance.

"If you have the highest marks and the best boards and all the things that you need, you don't get on based on race, color, creed, thought, look, height, you get on by merit," he said.

The President extended the same argument to military recruitment, claiming enlistment had rebounded sharply since his return to office.

"We had a military where we could not sign anybody before the election," he said. "Now recruitment has gone to an all time high. We've never had anything like it."

Trump said the armed forces were now selecting recruits solely on ability.

"Our military's got merit based everything we do is merit based, and we're not forced to take people that cannot do the job," he said.

He also linked merit-based recruitment to military readiness.

"I'd like to have strong soldiers. I want my soldiers to be strong physically and we have strong soldiers," Trump said, adding that "it's all based on merit."

Throughout the remarks, Trump portrayed meritocracy as central to his administration's broader agenda, arguing that it had helped strengthen both educational institutions and the armed forces.

"That's the way our country grew," he said. "We grew based on merit."

The comments formed part of a wide-ranging address in which Trump announced a new investment programme for American children, discussed foreign policy, crime, economic performance and ongoing renovations at the White House.

--IANS

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Washington, July 6 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled details of an ambitious new White House ballroom that he said would become one of the most secure and architecturally significant government buildings in the United States, arguing that the Executive Mansion has lacked a proper venue for hosting world leaders for more than a century.

Speaking at a Rose Garden luncheon, Trump said construction was already underway on the project, which he described as both a ceremonial venue and a national security asset.

"The hardest part is now completed, the base, and it's rising very substantially," Trump said. "When it's done... I think it's going to be one of the most beautiful structures in Washington."

The President said the White House currently has no true ballroom despite repeated efforts by previous administrations to build one.

"For 150 years they've wanted a ballroom to be built. We don't have a ballroom in the White House. We have a room that's a little bit large, but it's not a ballroom," he said.

According to Trump, the new facility will allow the White House to host thousands of guests during state visits, replacing the limitations imposed by existing reception rooms.

"We had King Charles here. Everybody wanted to be here. We couldn't hold anybody," he said. "Soon you'll be able to."

Trump said the ballroom would also provide a safer venue for presidential inaugurations and major national ceremonies.

"We had the inauguration... it was below zero and you weren't able, so we used the Capitol," he said, adding that the new building would accommodate "many times" more people than existing facilities.

A significant portion of Trump's remarks focused on the building's security features.

He said the structure would be "bulletproof, drone proof, missile proof in many cases," with reinforced steel walls, heavy-duty glass and a dedicated military component, including what he described as a rooftop "drone port."

"It's really a national security must," Trump said. "We're doing it in conjunction with the military and the generals... I'm giving them everything they want."

The President also said the project was designed to blend modern security with traditional architecture.

"We've actually taken security and made it a beautiful thing," he said, adding that the building would resemble historic European architecture while incorporating modern protective measures.

Trump compared the proposed ballroom with ceremonial venues abroad, saying the United States should have a space that reflects its global stature.

"I was in the Great Hall of China recently... They have a very large ballroom... we're going to have one that tops everything. Won't even be close," he said.

He added that although critics had accused him of building the facility for his own presidency, construction timelines meant he would have limited opportunity to use it.

"I'll be lucky if I get six months because it'll be done toward the middle of '28. So I'm really building it for other Presidents," Trump said.

The White House has historically relied on the East Room and temporary structures for many official ceremonies and state events. While presidents have periodically considered expanding the Executive Mansion to accommodate larger diplomatic functions, no permanent state ballroom has ever been constructed on the White House grounds.

Trump's proposal is part of a broader renovation effort that includes restoration of the Rose Garden, refurbishment of the White House exterior and the creation of what he called a "Presidential Walk of Fame." He described the overall project as preserving the White House while adapting it to the security and ceremonial demands of modern presidencies.

--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, July 7 (IANS) Hollywood actress Brooke Shields has lashed out at the creators of the animated show ‘South Park’ over their insensitive attitude.

The actress slammed the creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for “not caring” for workers at their restaurant in Colorado, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The 61-year-old actress is president of a labour union representing “about 80” of the former employees at Mexican eatery Casa Bonita, who unionised in April 2024 against the venture, which combines entertainment with patrons’ meals.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the restaurant is renowned for its unique additions, including a 30ft waterfall, caves and waterfalls, with the artistic employees of the venue taking on cliff diving as part of their job.

Those fighting against Casa Bonita had negotiations with the restaurant management, including Parker and Stone over “not just pay, but fundamental safety issues” - including “hypothermia and chlorine toxicity from the diving pool” and alleged groping from restaurant-goers - but they failed to reach an agreement.

The actress told CNN, “It doesn’t take long to feel how disparaging it is when you visit a place and you see young people excited to perform at the top of their game doing these crazy stunts, or entertaining people (and) you go personally see them not being cared for”.

The performer employees are asking for “a raise to bring them more in line with the servers, who they say make more”.

Actors’ Equity, the union also said that while management have “made concessions at the bargaining table”, they have offered little “in return to improve current conditions and wages”.

The actress added that she had personally visited the restaurant in March, but “the place is so big it took a while for management to realise we were there”.

During her visit, she hand delivered a letter from the performers her organisation represents, in which they “asked for better wages”. But she acknowledged that it was a “slight ambush”.

“You try doing things respectfully, and then you’re not met with equal respect … so you have to resort to other tactics”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Anshula Kapoor decided to carry her late mother, Mona Kapoor's, blessings with her as she tied the knot with Rohan Thakkar on Monday in Mumbai.

Anshula treated the netizens with pictures from her traditional wedding ceremony. In one of the photos, Anshula and Rohan can be seen sitting in the mandap, with Mona Kapoor's photo placed beside the couple. The beautiful gesture signifies how much the bride would have wanted her mother to be a part of her special day.

Pouring her heart out, Anshula also wrote a loving post for her now husband on Insta.

"06.07.2026 (red heart emoji) Of all the people. Of all the places. Of all the timing. It was you. And somehow, through every twist, detour, and surprise, it is still you. My favourite conversation. My safest place. My easiest choice. Always you @rohanthakkar1511. (sic)," she penned.

Refreshing your memory, Anshula had expressed her longing for her mom even during her “Gor Dhana” ceremony in October last year.

A photo of her late mother was placed on a chair decorated with her own saree, right next to Anshula during the festivities.

“A room overflowing with laughter, hugs, blessings, and the people who make our world feel full. And then, Ma’s love…quietly wrapping itself around us. In her flowers, in her words, in her seat, in the way her presence could still be felt everywhere. All I remember is looking around and thinking, ‘This is what forever should feel like," Anshula's emotional post read.

Mona Kapoor passed away on 25 March 2012 after battling cancer.

Talking about Anshula and Rohan, the couple met on a dating app in 2022 and developed a close bond over late-night conversations.

Rohan proposed to Anshula in New York’s Central Park at exactly 1:15 am, the same time they had commenced their first chat.

After getting engaged in July 2025, Anshula and Rohan finally tied the knot in a traditional ceremony on July 6, 2026 in Mumbai's Taj Lands End.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Jailer Farah Khan recalls Govinda's secret marriage with Sunita Ahuja during the latest episode of the reality show, 'Lock Upp 2'.

The 'Main Hoon Na' maker said that Sunita has been a star wife all her life, but now she has turned herself into a massive inspiration for many,

Looking back at the time when Govinda and Sunita got married secretly, Farah said, "Guys, I have known this lady since she was 16 years old. Nayi Nayi chup ke shaadi karke ayi thi kyuki Govinda aur mera ghar pass main that. To main use tab se jalti hu aur and all her life she has been nothing but a Bollywood star wife, and today she is a role model for others."

The 'Tees Maar Khan' maker also stated that Sunita is now doing everything for her family and kids.

"Never say that I am a star wife, you are a star yourself now. Ab vo nikli hain maidan main aur kar rahi hain jo vo kar sakti hain apne ghar aur bachcho ke liye," she went on to add.

At the end, Farah showered praises on Sunita, saying, "Govinda hoga hero sabka, tu meri hero number one hain."

For the unversed, Govinda and Sunita tied the knot back in 1987. However, they made their relationship public only after the birth of their daughter, Tina. They also have a son named Yashvardhan Ahuja.

As Sunita entered the show, she revealed that Govinda had several affairs during their marriage.

"Pyaar mein toh aapko har cheez bardasht karna chahiye. Chi Chi ne life mein itne affairs kiye, chalo hero heroine mein toh hote hi hain. Toh mujhe lagta hai itne saal jo maine Chi Chi ke saath nibhaya hai, I think uske jaisa beta hona chahiye (In love, you should be able to tolerate everything. Govinda had many affairs in his life; well, heroes and heroines do such things. I think since I stood by him for so many years, I deserve to have a son like him," she had revealed.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 6 (IANS) Hollywood actor Finn Wolfhard, who is known for his work in the fan-favourite streaming series ‘Stranger Things’, has shared that he felt "really lost" when the show ended.

The 23-year-old actor, who became a household name playing Mike Wheeler in the Netflix saga, initially struggled after he finished filming the programme but he now feels liberated after finding comfort in the fact he'll always have the relationships he built with the cast and crew on the show, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Asked if he feels liberated now, he told The Guardian newspaper, "Yeah. At first I felt really lost, because that’s your life for so long and so many of the crew and cast were so integral to the person that you are and to your identity”.

He further mentioned, “You almost have a kind of withdrawal for a little while. Then you realise all those relationships, all those friendships, they’re around forever”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, while everyone was aware the show would end after its fifth season, it took some time during filming for that to sink in.

Finn said, "Every year it was like, OK, I know I’m going to be in Atlanta filming this thing with the same people for the next however long. It was like my school in a really odd way. Everyone was having a great time, hanging out. All the cast lived in the same neighbourhood. We would go to each other’s houses all the time”.

He shared, “The vibe (during the last season) was almost like, ‘Oh, we’ll back next year', but once we got about halfway through, everyone started to realise like, ‘Oh. This is it’. And then everyone just really valued the time we all had together for that last half”.

And the Canadian actor thinks ‘Stranger Things’ ended at the right time. He said, "It was pretty depressing for everyone when it ended … but it feels absolutely right that we’ve ended at the time that we did”.

The actor is currently focused on his music career and he is enjoying the freedom that brings.

--IANS

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