Jaipur, July 10 (IANS) The Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Draft Committee has assured the citizens that every opinion, whether in support of the proposed law, seeking amendments, or expressing dissent, will be given equal consideration as it prepares the final draft of the legislation.

The Rajasthan government's public consultation on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC)-2026 witnessed wide participation on Friday, with representatives from diverse sections of society offering suggestions and feedback during a divisional and district-level public hearing held at the District Collectorate Auditorium in Jaipur.

The hearing was chaired by Shatrughna Singh, Chairman of the UCC Bill Drafting Committee and a retired IAS officer, and coordinated by Divisional Commissioner V. Saravana Kumar.

Addressing the gathering, Shatrughna Singh said the state government is committed to ensuring extensive public participation in drafting the Uniform Civil Code.

To achieve this, the committee is seeking suggestions from public representatives, religious leaders, legal experts, academicians, social organizations, and the general public.

He said the objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to establish a uniform and equitable legal framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and live-in relationships.

The committee will undertake a detailed analysis of all suggestions received before preparing the draft legislation.

Singh emphasised that the committee welcomes every viewpoint, including proposals supporting the draft, recommending amendments, or expressing dissent.

"Every suggestion will be examined with seriousness," he said, urging citizens to actively participate in the consultation process to help frame a practical, balanced, and inclusive law for Rajasthan.

Divisional Commissioner V. Saravana Kumar said the hearing witnessed participation from elected representatives, religious leaders, legal professionals, academicians from law and social sciences, non-governmental organisations, political party representatives, and members of civil society from across the Jaipur division.

He also announced that a separate public hearing for residents of Jaipur district will be held on July 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the District Collectorate Auditorium.

Manish Goyal, Joint Secretary (Administration) and the Home Department's representative on the committee, said the state government is collecting public feedback through both physical hearings and an online portal.

SMS messages containing the UCC consultation link have been sent to all Jan Aadhaar cardholders in Rajasthan, he added.

Citizens can visit the UCC Rajasthan portal, log in using their mobile number or Jan Aadhaar number, verify their identity through an OTP, and submit their responses as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.

The portal allows users to answer consultation questions by selecting "Yes" or "No", submit written suggestions of up to 400 words, and upload supporting documents or memoranda in PDF format.

Among those present at the hearing were Hawa Mahal MLA Mahant Balmukundacharya, Jaipur District Collector Sandesh Nayak, members of the UCC Drafting Committee, and other prominent citizens. District Collectors from other districts of the Jaipur division also participated through video conferencing.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead more than 12 crore citizens, through both physical and online mode, in taking a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on August 18 to mark the sixth anniversary of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' (NMBA), an official said on Friday.

The nationwide mass pledge will be organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and a strategy meeting to ensure the participation of the target number of citizens was discussed at a coordination meeting here, a statement said.

Joint Secretary (Drug Prevention) Sandeep Rewaji Rathod chaired the coordination meeting with representatives from various Ministries and departments to finalise the implementation strategy.

The meeting discussed the plan and the comprehensive strategy to ensure the participation of the target number of citizens in nationwide pledge through physical and online mode in line with the objectives of NMBA.

The meeting discussed the role of Line Ministries and Departments in mobilising officers, officials, students, parents, volunteers and other stakeholders for the nationwide pledge.

Rathod also discussed organising pledge ceremonies across all affiliated offices, educational institutions, autonomous bodies, PSUs and field formations under respective Ministries and Departments, including Railway, Defence, Police, Central armed Police Force, AYUSH, Rural Development, Revenue, besides social, voluntary, spiritual organisations and social influencers.

The nomination of nodal officers for coordination with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Uniform Reporting Mechanism for submission of participation details and outreach, was also discussed in the meeting.

A power point presentation on the plan and coordinated strategy, was discussed threadbare which witnessed active deliberations by all the representatives from the Line Departments and the Ministries, the statement added.

The NMBA Pledge is an initiative to volunteer for reaching out to the victims of drug addiction.

The pledge aims to encourage responsible behaviour to instil a sense of responsibility among people to stay away from drugs, to promote and foster sense of unity and commitment for encouraging stakeholders to work together towards a common goal.

The pledge also seeks to empower youth to contribute actively to developing a drug-free society, the statement said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Congress on Friday mounted a coordinated nationwide campaign over the alleged financial irregularities involving donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The Congress demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, a forensic audit of temple funds, and the reconstitution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Senior Congress leaders across multiple states accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre of remaining silent on allegations they claimed had shaken the faith of millions of devotees.

The party also launched a parallel attack on the Union government over alleged failures in the education sector.

Leading the offensive, Congress MP Pawan Khera reiterated the party's demand for a high-level independent probe led by a sitting or retired High Court judge under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan along with Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders Raman Bhalla and Ravinder Sharma, Khera alleged that a major financial fraud involving donations to the Ram Temple had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus across the country.

He asserted that people had lost faith in the existing Special Investigation Team.

Khera also sought the dissolution of the existing temple Trust and its reconstitution with Shankaracharyas, saints and other religious leaders.

In Lucknow, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda questioned the resignation of key Trust functionaries, including Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, asking why they stepped down if fund management had been transparent.

He also highlighted expenditure of Rs 113 crore on the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and more than Rs 10 crore on a flag-hoisting event, alleging serious irregularities in the handling of temple funds.

Echoing similar demands in Indore, Congress' Madhya Pradesh In-charge Harish Chaudhary said the issue was not merely about finances but about the faith of crores of devotees who had donated generously for the temple's construction.

He demanded an FIR, arrests of those found guilty, a forensic audit covering donations, offerings, land purchases and expenditure, and the transparent reconstitution of the Temple Trust.

Chaudhary asserted that Lord Ram belonged to the entire nation and not to any political party.

The Congress campaign extended to Karnataka, where party workers staged a protest in Bengaluru demanding a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged theft of cash and gold ornaments offered by devotees at the Ayodhya temple.

Led by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary S. Manohar, protesters carried out a public awareness campaign featuring a person dressed as Lord Ram and distributed pamphlets seeking action against those allegedly responsible.

The Congress leaders accused the BJP-led Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government of shielding those involved and demanded prosecution of all guilty persons.

They alleged that donations collected in the name of the Ram temple had been misappropriated and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'maintaining silence'.

In Coimbatore, senior Congress leader M. Pallam Raju alleged that the BJP had politically utilised Lord Ram since the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and claimed the Trust overseeing the temple had been hand-picked by the Prime Minister.

Raju asked why Prime Minister Modi was not addressing concerns affecting the faith of millions of Ram devotees.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Pradesh Youth Congress organised its "Chhatron Ki Goonj" programme in Bhubaneswar, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, an investigation into his alleged links with examination paper leak networks, and reforms to ensure leak-free examinations.

Indian Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib alleged repeated paper leaks, widespread student distress and rising unemployment among engineering graduates, accusing the BJP-led Union government of failing to protect students' interests and calling for a nationwide movement to reform the education system.

--IANS

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Bhopal, July 10 (IANS) Ashutosh Tiwari, the newly nominated BJP candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, on Friday said that the party had once again demonstrated its faith in dedicated workers and that he would strive to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Speaking to IANS soon after the announcement of his candidature, Tiwari said, "I am grateful to the party's central and state leadership for giving me this responsibility. The BJP has always respected its dedicated workers, and I will work with full commitment to justify the confidence shown in me."

He said the bypoll would be fought on the BJP government's development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

"The people of Datia have seen the work done by the BJP governments at both the Centre and the state. I will reach every voter with the party's achievements and seek their blessings," Tiwari told IANS.

The BJP announced Tiwari's candidature shortly after the Delhi High Court refused to stay the conviction of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, removing the legal uncertainty over the bypoll.

The High Court dismissed Bharti's plea, effectively ending his legal challenge.

Responding to reports of surprise among some party workers over his selection, Tiwari said the BJP functioned on the principle of collective leadership. "Our party is organisation-centric. Every worker follows the party's decision. I am confident that all senior leaders and workers will work together to ensure the BJP's victory," he said.

Tiwari has served as the BJP's Divisional Organisation Secretary and later as Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board with Cabinet rank.

His nomination came as a surprise in political circles as former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra was widely expected to be the BJP candidate.

Mishra had purchased nomination papers earlier this week and was preparing to file his nomination before the party announced Tiwari's name.

The Datia Assembly seat fell vacant after Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case.

Polling for the by-election will be held on July 30, while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

The Congress is yet to announce its candidate.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Former India striker Robin Singh believes Lionel Messi possesses a 'god-gifted ability' that sets him apart from almost every footballer in history, saying the Argentina captain's vision, intelligence, and magic on the ball allow him to influence matches in ways few others can.

Messi has once again been at the heart of Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, leading the defending champions into the quarterfinals with a string of match-winning displays. The 39-year-old is the tournament's leading scorer and has continued to prove why he remains one of football's greatest players.

For Robin, however, statistics alone cannot explain Messi's greatness.

"When you speak about Messi, we should all just be grateful that we have been blessed to watch him for 20 years. Two decades of magic we have seen," Robin, who is part of the Zee5 FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, told IANS in an exclusive interview.

While acknowledging the long-running debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the former India international refused to separate the two legends. "I think there is no separation between Messi and Ronaldo. They are two unbelievably generational talents who have competed year after year. They are both equally unbelievable footballers."

According to Robin, Messi's extraordinary ability to decide games on his own makes him unique. "Messi is separated because of his God-gifted ability to change the game single-handedly. The magic that he can create on the ball and the vision that he has, thinking two steps ahead of everybody in his decision-making process, just makes him very difficult to understand," he said.

Robin believes that quality alone keeps Argentina among the favourites to defend their World Cup crown despite some inconsistent performances during the knockout rounds. "I have questions about Argentina moving forward after the last couple of games, but you can never count out Argentina when you have a Messi on your side," he added.

Argentina have relied heavily on their captain throughout the tournament, with Messi leading the scoring charts and producing decisive moments as the South American giants continue their quest for back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The spotlight was on Indian middle-distance runners as they won two bronze medals on the second day of the inaugural edition of the Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026 in the Chinese city of Ordos on Friday. Sprinter Abhay Singh won India's third bronze of the day in the men’s 200m.

Shakeel set the ball rolling for the Indian team as he won bronze in the men’s 800m. He clocked 1:48.78-sec. Vinod Kumar B, the second Indian in the 800m final, finished fourth with a time of 1:49.10-sec.

India’s second bronze medal came in the women’s 800m race through Bhumeshwory Devi Huidrom, who clocked 2:10.20-sec. However, it was a disappointing day for Vaishnavi Rajendra Rawal as she finished fifth with a time of 2:10.83.

Uzbekistan’s Jonbibi Hukmove won gold in the women’s 800m with a time of 2:08.41. Japan’s Kurumi Sugure won silver (2:09.42).

In an exciting men’s 200m race, Abhay Singh clinched the bronze medal with a time of 20.96 seconds. The youth National Record holder, Abhay, was also the guide for Simran Sharma when she medaled at the Paris Paralympics.

China’s Youwen Huang won gold (20.43 seconds) in the men's 200m, and Japan’s Kota Uematsu settled for silver (20.58 seconds).

India’s Sharuk Khan finished fourth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. His time was 9.14.14 seconds. Abhijit Sanjay Bhosale also finished fourth in the decathlon. His overall points tally was 6610.

Earlier on the opening day, the Indian quartet of Astik Pradhan, Sandramol Sabu, Setu Mishra, and Shravani Sachin Sangle won a gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay on Thursday.

The country had a good opening day with Indian athletes winning medals in men’s 5,000m, men’s discus throw, and women’s 3,000m steeplechase.

The highlight for India on Day One was the gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay as the quartet clocked the winning time of 3: 18.64 seconds, finishing ahead of China (3:18.74) and the Philippines (3:25.28 seconds), who finished second and third respectively.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) On the final day of the State Legislature's Monsoon Session on Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis detailed the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. Responding to queries on why the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not taken over the case yet, Chief Minister Fadnavis said a dual inquiry is currently underway.

"The investigation is being conducted on two fronts by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Many have questioned why the CBI isn't involved yet. The CBI requires the final AAIB report before it can officially initiate its probe," he said.

Addressing initial suspicions regarding the pilot, Sumit Kapoor, the Chief Minister said the CID had thoroughly scrutinised all of his financial records.

"Every bank account associated with the pilot was checked, but absolutely nothing suspicious was found," he added.

Providing a technical update on the crash investigation, Chief Minister Fadnavis confirmed that crucial flight data had been successfully retrieved. All essential documents and data from the aircraft's black box have been fully recovered, he said.

"A preliminary report has already been submitted. While standard aviation crash investigations typically take three to four years, the state has requested an expedited process. Following a special request to the Central government, the final report is expected before January, ideally ahead of the late leader's death anniversary. Once this final report is published, it will provide concrete leads for further investigation by either the CBI or the CID," the Chief Minister said.

Concluding his statement, Chief Minister Fadnavis urged political leaders and the public to refrain from baseless speculation, noting that a First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered in Karnataka, where the crash occurred.

"We must first establish who is legally at fault, and that cannot be done without the official AAIB report. While emotions are running high, the law does not operate on emotion. Any premature action will fail legal scrutiny in court. Therefore, we must wait for the final report," the Chief Minister said.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, July 10 (IANS) The makers of director Bharat Dharshan's eagerly awaited Telugu film, 'Oh Sukumari!', featuring actors Aishwarya Rajesh and Thiruveer in the lead, on Friday released an entertaining trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Ace director Anil Ravipudi took to his social media timelines to release the trailer of the film.

He wrote, "Happy to launch the trailer of #OhSukumari. The trailer looks refreshing and thoroughly entertaining.Feels like another set of tailor-made roles for

@aishu_dil and @iamThiruveeR. Wishing the entire cast and crew a fantastic success on July 17th."

The trailer introduces Damini, a mischievous young woman feared by her entire village for one bizarre reason - anyone who touches her receives an electric shock. Concealing this strange secret, her family gets her married to the protagonist, who has no idea what awaits him after the wedding. What follows is a series of hilarious and unexpected situations, as the newlyweds struggle to deal with this extraordinary problem. How they overcome it together and discover love and happiness forms the crux of the story.

Director Bharat Dharshan seems to have chosen a story with an unusual premise. The story promises plenty of humour while keeping the emotions intact.

The movie boasts a talented team of technicians. CH Kushendar, known for his work in 'Razakar' and 'Polimera', is the cinematographer of this film, which has now caught the attention of film buffs.

Bharath Manchiraju, an associate of MM Keeravani, is scoring the music for this film.

Thirumala M. Thirupathi of 'Balagam' fame is heading the art department, and Sree Varaprasad of 'Ka' fame is the editor.

Aanu Reddy Akkati, who is also working on director Bharat Krishnamachari's much-awaited historical magnum opus 'Swayambhu', has designed the costumes for this film. Popular lyricist Purnachary has penned the lyrics for this film.

Sources had told IANS that the regular shoot of the film had commenced from November 19 last year. The film, its makers say, will release in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Celebrated singer Sunidhi Chauhan revealed why she walked away from reality shows during a candid conversation with veteran actor Shekhar Suman during the chat show, 'Shekhar Tonite'.

During the episode, host Shekhar Suman pointed out that Sunidhi made a conscious choice to stay away from controversies and was also no longer seen judging reality shows.

Admitting that this was entirely her decision, Sunidhi said, "I was for a very, very long time. But then I stopped because mujhe laga ki yeh meri jagah nahin hai."

When Shekhar asked what made her take this decision, Sunidhi pointed out that in today's time, the thin line between music production and reality television had started to blur.

"It's a very sad thing. Earlier, auto-tune or Melodyne was used in songs for a certain effect. But you can't do that in a reality show where you're supposed to be all real and honest. Jab woh wahan shift ho gaya, mujhe laga yeh kahin aur ja raha hai... which I can't be on," the singer shared.

While interacting, Shekhar and Sunidhi also shed light on the challenges faced by artists during live performances.

Shekhar referred to various incidents involving singers like KK and Sonu Nigam. He further asked Sunidhi if she had ever had to face such situations while on stage.

Sunidhi thanked her stars that such a thing had never happened to her.

The singer replied, "Main bahut lucky hoon because aaj tak mere saath is tarah ka behaviour maine nahin dekha hai. Bahut pyaar diya logon ne... sirf pyaar hi nahin, samman bhi dete hain (I am very lucky because I have never seen this kind of behavior with me before. People have given a lot of love... not just love, they also give respect)."

The episode of 'Shekhar Tonite' featuring Sunidhi Chauhan is available on YouTube.

-IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Legendary lyricist Sameer Anjaan revealed which was the toughest song for him to write.

During the upcoming episode of the singing reality show, 'Indian Idol', Sameer shared that writing for 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' became a challenge for him as he had to fly south to work on the songs, despite his packed schedule.

Recalling the journey, Sameer said, "Sach bataun toh 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' mere liye bahut hi challenging film thi. Vashu Bhagnani ji ke saath main bahut saari filmein kar raha tha. Music director Harris Jayaraj South mein the aur Mumbai aane ke liye tayyar nahi the. Vashu ji ne mujhse kaha ki film naye ladke aur nayi ladki ko lekar ban rahi hai, isliye aapko South aana padega. Maine kaha, sawal hi paida nahi hota. Main itna busy tha ki agar ek ghante ke liye bhi Mumbai se bahar nikalta toh idhar-udhar dus gaane chhoot jaate. Phir maine kaha, ek kaam kariye, Sunday subah ki ticket nikaaliye, lekin shart yeh hai ki main raat ko wapas aa jaunga. Jitne gaane ho sake utne kar lenge, warna phir main nahi kar paunga. (Honestly, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein was a very challenging film for me. I was doing a lot of films with Vashu Bhagnani at that time. The music director Harris Jayaraj was in the South and wasn’t ready to come to Mumbai. Vashu ji told me that since the film was being made with newcomers, I would have to go to the South. I said, there’s no question of that. I was so busy that even if I stepped out of Mumbai for an hour, ten songs would get missed. Then I said, let’s do one thing, book a ticket for Sunday morning, but the condition is that I will be back the same night. We’ll do as many songs as possible, otherwise, I won’t be able to do it.)"

Recalling the intense writing process, Sameer added, "Takriban 10 gaane the uss film mein. Subah 10 baje se lekar raat ke 8 baje tak maine saare gaane complete kiye aur usi raat Mumbai wapas aa gaya. Aaj jab peeche mudkar dekhta hoon toh lagta hai ki uss album ki mehnat safal hui, kyunki uska music aaj bhi utna hi pasand kiya jaata hai jitna 25 saal pehle kiya jaata tha. (There were about 10 songs in that film. From 10 in the morning till 8 at night, I completed all the songs and returned to Mumbai the same night. Looking back today, it feels like the effort on that album paid off, because its music is still as loved today as it was 25 years ago.)"

-IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Rewinding the clock, let us look back at the time Southern beauty Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared her views about nepotism in Tollywood. 

She said that it does not matter whether one is from a film family or from outside; they all have their own challenges to overcome.

As Samantha made her debut appearance on 'Koffee With Karan,' she was asked by host and filmmaker Karan Johar, "In the Telugu film industry, somebody's son always becomes a lead actor, somebody's nephew is always propped up by the family. They don't think it's a big deal at all because that's the order of the way. There were few actors, may be a Vijay Deverakonda that came from the outside and broke through. What do you have to say about that circumstance?"

Reacting to this, the 'Kushi' actress had said, "Nepo kids, non-nepo kids, everyone comes with their own demons, and they have their own demons to face."

When KJo asked Samantha, "What about first-move advantage?" she pointed out that star kids are under immense pressure as their every move is observed by the industry and viewers; however, being an outsider takes away some of that pressure.

The 'Yashoda' actress went on to explain, "And for me, when I entered the industry, if I failed, just my mom, dad, and my brothers would have known that I failed. But when a star kid fails, the whole country knows."

Samantha concluded the conversation, saying that, in the end, it is all about being accepted by the audience.

"And the ball is always in the audience's court," she shared.

Samantha made her acting debut in 2010 with the Telugu romantic entertainer 'Ye Maaya Chesave'.

After that, she went on to become a part of movies such as 'Dookudu (2011)', 'Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2012)', 'Attarintiki Daredi (2013)', 'Kaththi (2014)', 'Theri (2016)', '24 (2016)', 'Mersal (2017)', and Rangasthalam (2018).

Samantha's last movie was 'Maa Inti Bangaaram'.

-IANS

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Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Former footballer David Beckham used social media to pen a heartfelt birthday wish for his 'perfect daughter' Harper Beckham, who turned 15 years old on Friday.

He said that he is lucky to have a daughter like Harper in his life, who is sweet, kind, and a beautiful human being.

Uploading a couple of rare photographs with his daughter, Beckham, wrote on his official Instagram handle, "My Pretty Lady is turning 15 today...You are the perfect daughter , sweet , kind & a beautiful human with the best personality just like daddy...we love you so much and we are all so lucky to have you in our lives , have the best day ever @harperbeckham @victoriabeckham thank you (sic)."

David's better half, Victoria Beckham, also wished her daughter on her special day, saying that she is extremely proud of the person Harper has turned out to be.

Calling her daughter her 'best friend', the former member of the Spice Girls went on to write, "@harperbeckham, I cannot even begin to express how much I love and adore you and how incredibly proud I am to be your mummy – it has been the greatest joy to see you blossom into a young lady. You are a kind, gentle, funny and beautiful soul, inside and out! You are my best friend and you inspire me every day!! I love you more than I could ever put into words and I am so grateful to be your mummy! Happy Birthday (red heart emoji)."

Victoria's post also included a few precious moments with the teenager over the years.

For those who do not know, David Beckham and Victoria Adams got married at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland on July 4, 1999.

The couple is blessed with four children- sons Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, and daughter Harper.

-IANS

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