New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) In a proactive measure to maintain law and order during the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations from Thursday, the Delhi Police conducted a prominent flag march in sensitive areas of the national capital on Wednesday.

The North District Police, conducted a flag march led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Raja Banthia, organised the march near the Eidgah area to instill confidence among residents and demonstrate a strong security presence ahead of the festival.

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is scheduled to be celebrated across Delhi on Thursday following the confirmation of the moon sighting.

The festival holds immense significance for the Muslim community, marking the spirit of sacrifice and devotion.

Additional forces have been deployed in vulnerable and sensitive pockets across the city.

Police teams are maintaining strict vigilance with enhanced patrolling, rooftop monitoring, drone surveillance, and CCTV coverage to prevent any untoward incidents.

Senior officers have appealed to citizens to celebrate the festival with harmony and avoid spreading rumours or provocative content on social media.

Additional DCP Central, Rishi Kumar Singh, told IANS that ahead of Eid al-Adha on Thursday, a flag march is being conducted to ensure a secure environment.

"More than 900 staff of the Central District Police have been deployed in key areas. We are committed to maintaining peace and addressing any potential issues. Similar flag marches were also reported in the Central District, with personnel marching from Ajmeri Gate towards Jama Masjid."

Joint Commissioner of Police and other senior officers interacted with local imams and community leaders to build trust and coordination.

Police have assured zero tolerance towards any attempts to disturb communal harmony.

The multi-layered security arrangements include increased night patrolling near major mosques and Eidgah grounds.

Authorities have urged people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The Delhi Police emphasised that these steps are part of routine precautionary measures to ensure that all communities can celebrate the festival safely and joyously.

With thousands expected to gather for prayers and community events, the visible police presence aims to create a reassuring atmosphere.

Officials expressed confidence that the festival will pass peacefully, reflecting Delhi's long tradition of communal harmony during major celebrations.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, May 28 (IANS) Odisha Congress on Wednesday staged a massive protest in Bhubaneswar against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Hundreds of activists led by Chhatra Congress leader Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra, under the banner of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), took out a torchlight rally from the Pradesh Congress Committee office towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state headquarters in the city.

However, police personnel stopped the procession midway near Banadurga Temple, leading to a tense face-off between the protesters and the police for nearly an hour.

The agitators also burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dharmendra Pradhan during the demonstration.

On the occasion, Mohapatra alleged that the future of around 22 lakh students had been affected due to the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination.

He further stated that the Union government remained in deep slumber despite leaks of question papers of nearly 90 important examinations during the last 10 years under the PM Modi government, allegedly affecting around 6.5 crore students directly and indirectly.

The NSUI leader also alleged that question papers of as many as 41 major recruitment examinations for around one lakh jobs had been leaked during the last five to seven years, impacting nearly 1.40 crore aspirants.

Targeting Dharmendra Pradhan, Mohapatra alleged that repeated incidents of question paper leaks occurred during his tenure as Union Education Minister, but no effective corrective measures were taken to prevent them.

He stated that the sale of question papers during the PM Modi government had pushed the future of students into darkness.

Mohapatra added that the careless manner in which the NEET-UG examination was conducted had deeply distressed the student community across the country.

The Chhatra Congress leaders also demanded the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA), alleging that repeated controversies surrounding examinations had eroded the agency's credibility.

Demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister on moral grounds, Mohapatra said Pradhan should also be brought under the purview of the investigation into the alleged NEET irregularities.

Earlier in the day, Mohapatra and Chhatra Congress leader Spandan Swain addressed a press conference at the Pradesh Congress office, strongly criticising the Centre over alleged examination irregularities.

Mohapatra further stated that the Chhatra Congress would continue its agitation against the alleged NEET scam under the leadership of NSUI President Vinod Jakhar and with the support of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das.

The torchlight rally was inaugurated by Bhakta Charan Das and attended by several Congress and Chhatra Congress leaders and activists.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, May 27 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday directed the preparation of a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to reduce delays in development projects across Gujarat, particularly in securing land acquisition clearances and departmental permissions, during a meeting of the state cabinet held in Gandhinagar.

Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, state government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani said the Chief Minister had issued several instructions aimed at improving transparency, speeding up administration and prioritising public convenience.

"CM Patel had initiated an intensive review of various projects across the state to advance development works and ensure that approved projects do not remain stalled due to procedural delays," he said.

He noted that the Chief Minister had emphasised that permissions such as land acquisition clearances and no-objection certificates (NOCs) from various departments, including the Forest Department, should be granted without delay.

“To avoid delays after projects are approved, it is extremely necessary that permissions such as land acquisition clearances and NOCs from various departments, including the Forest Department, are obtained promptly. To speed up this process, the Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary of the state to prepare a new SOP," he said.

The cabinet meeting also reviewed the state’s preparedness ahead of the monsoon season.

Vaghani said that the Chief Minister had instructed authorities to complete pre-monsoon works across Gujarat in speed and ensure that all departments remain fully prepared so that citizens do not face inconvenience during the rainy season.

“Keeping in view the arrival of the monsoon, the Chief Minister has instructed that pre-monsoon works across the state be completed at a very fast pace. The administration has been urged to remain fully prepared so that citizens do not face any kind of inconvenience during the rains," he noted.

He further stated that the Chief Minister had directed officials to identify immediate water sources and make arrangements to fill lakes developed by municipalities and municipal corporations in urban areas that are currently empty.

“Immediate water sources should be identified and arrangements made promptly to provide water to lakes developed by municipalities and municipal corporations in urban areas that are presently empty,” he said.

The Chief Minister also issued strict instructions that there should be no compromise on quality in ongoing construction and infrastructure works in the state.

According to Vaghani, Patel directed engineers and officials to ensure there were no shortcomings even in smaller technical aspects such as line-levels and flooring in buildings.

“He has instructed that there should be no deficiencies in engineering works and that engineers must not neglect even small aspects such as line-level and flooring. Wherever defects are noticed, immediate corrective measures should be taken," he said.

The meeting additionally focused on environmental and sanitation initiatives.

Vaghani said the Urban Development Department had been instructed to make necessary funding arrangements to encourage tree plantation activities in municipal areas across Gujarat.

He added that Patel had also suggested the creation of a separate sanitation “head” at the gram panchayat, taluka panchayat and district panchayat levels to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign at the grassroots level.

“To strengthen the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign down to the grassroots level, the Chief Minister has suggested creating a separate head for sanitation at the gram panchayat, taluka and district panchayat levels,” Vaghani said.

--IANS

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Itanagar, May 27 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday assured that the state government would work collectively with all stakeholders to arrive at concrete and long-term solutions on issues relating to indigenous tribal rights, demographic concerns, Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation and tribal-related matters.

Addressing a high-level consultative meeting at the state Banquet hall in Niti Vihar, the Chief Minister described the deliberations as “historic”, with participation from major stakeholders including community-based organisations (CBOs), student bodies, legal experts, civil society representatives, political leaders and senior government officials.

The marathon meeting, which lasted for nearly seven-and-a-half hours, was attended by representatives of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), ST Bachao Andolan Committee (STBAC), political parties and officials from the Home, Law and Political Departments, along with the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs and other concerned departments. Khandu expressed gratitude to the Scheduled Tribe Bachao Andolan Committee for drawing the government’s attention to what he termed a “long-burning issue” that has remained unresolved for years despite repeated discussions.

The Chief Minister said the concerns raised were part of a larger national challenge linked to illegal immigration, demographic changes and threats to indigenous identity and cultural preservation.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, Khandu said the Union government has already recognised demographic imbalance and illegal immigration as serious concerns affecting law and order, indigenous culture and national security.

He informed the gathering that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently constituted a national-level High-Level Committee on Demographic Change comprising a retired judge, retired IAS and IPS officers and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Chief Minister stated that the state government has, in principle, accepted the four major demands placed during the meeting, including the long-pending demand for creation of a separate department to manage and regulate the ILP system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR).

Announcing the government’s in-principle approval for a dedicated ILP Department, Khandu said the proposal had long been advocated by both AAPSU and STBAC. He also acknowledged concerns regarding demographic changes and their impact on indigenous tribal culture, traditions and identity, asserting that preservation of Arunachal Pradesh’s unique heritage remains a collective responsibility.

Emphasising the need for sustainable solutions, the Chief Minister strongly advocated skilling and capacity-building of local youths to reduce dependence on outside labour.

Citing Mizoram as an example, he stressed the importance of dignity of labour and vocational skill development. Sharing a recent success story, Khandu said a group of tribal youths trained in plumbing and electrical works in Bengaluru later completed a project in Pasighat for Rs 10 lakh, compared to the Rs 18 lakh quoted by outside contractors, resulting in substantial savings while generating local employment.

The Chief Minister urged apex community-based organisations to actively support skill development initiatives and encourage tribal youths to participate in vocational training programmes. As a key outcome of the meeting, Khandu announced the formation of a high-level committee to further deliberate on the issues discussed and recommend an appropriate roadmap.

He said a follow-up meeting would be held on May 29 for formal constitution of the committee, inviting seven members each from AITF, AAPSU and STBAC, along with representatives from the legal fraternity.

The Chief Minister assured that the committee would be officially notified after finalisation of members and reiterated that all recommendations would be discussed transparently and collectively before any final policy decisions are taken.

Reaffirming the spirit of “Team Arunachal”, Khandu called upon all stakeholders to work together to safeguard indigenous rights, strengthen governance and ensure the long-term peace, development and stability of the state.

--IANS

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Itanagar, May 27 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Wednesday said that women in the state are playing an active and significant role in social, economic and community life, contributing immensely to the overall development and progress of society.

While discussing with National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on Wednesday, the Governor highlighting the important role of women in Arunachal Pradesh, said that women of the state are highly active from agriculture and entrepreneurship to governance and social campaigns.

Arunachali women continue to make meaningful contributions to society, he noted and he particularly appreciated the growing success of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which are playing a transformative role in improving livelihoods, promoting financial independence, and uplifting rural communities.

Lt. General Parnaik (Retd.) and NCW Chairperson discussed various issues and challenges concerning the welfare, safety, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement of women in the state.

The Governor also shared his observations on the active participation of women in anti-drug campaigns, cleanliness drives, health and hygiene awareness, and preservation of traditional handloom, textiles, and indigenous cultural heritage. He noted that across Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse tribal communities, women have long been the custodians of family values, traditions, and community harmony.

Emphasising that the progress of the State is closely linked with the empowerment of women, the Governor said that Arunachali women possess immense resilience, dignity, and cultural wisdom.

He stressed that greater participation of women in education, governance, entrepreneurship, and nation-building is essential for building a progressive, inclusive, and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh.

The Governor appreciated the forthcoming Jan Sunvai, Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar, programme being organised by the National Commission for Women in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women in Itanagar on May 29.

He said such initiatives provide an important platform for women to voice their concerns, seek support, and strengthen awareness about their rights and opportunities. Chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Yalem Taga Burang was also present in the meeting.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday lodged an FIR in connection with the attack on its officials during raids conducted in Kerala in the controversial Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)-Exalogic monthly pay off case, with the Kerala Police registering the case at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram city on the complaint of an ED Assistant Director.

The police have recorded the arrest of six CPI-M workers, while another activist is in the custody of the police.

The FIR has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

According to the FIR, officials of the ED, personnel of the CRPF, and Kerala Police officers deployed at the spot were among those attacked by the mob during the violence outside the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the state capital.

The complaint said that nearly 300 persons were part of the violent mob and that the accused could be identified.

The attackers allegedly used sticks, stones, and bricks to assault the officials and damage vehicles belonging to the ED team after the central agency concluded searches at the residence on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police sources, three ED vehicles were damaged in the attack, while officials attached to the agency and security personnel sustained injuries.

One ED officer reportedly suffered injuries to his hand, while a driver attached to the convoy sustained serious injuries after being hit by a brick.

The violence broke out when ED officials exited the residence at Bakery Junction after hours of searches linked to the alleged illegal financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, the IT company owned by Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan.

Following the attack, the ED team directly approached the Thampanoor police station and lodged a detailed complaint, based on which the Museum Police registered the FIR and began a large-scale investigation to identify and arrest those involved in the violence.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, May 27 (IANS) More than 2.36 lakh people across Gujarat, including Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, ministers, senior bureaucrats and citizens, have participated in the state’s ongoing self-enumeration campaign for Census 2027, officials said on Wednesday.

The self-enumeration campaign, which began on May 17 and will continue until May 31, allows residents to submit their census details online before the formal enumeration process begins next year.

According to the Directorate of Census Operations in Gujarat, Ahmedabad recorded the highest participation with more than 42,000 registrations, followed by Surat with 22,000, Vadodara and Anand with 16,000 each, Rajkot with 14,000 and Mehsana with more than 11,000 participants.

Census Director Sujal Mayatra said the campaign had received a strong response from citizens across the state and appealed for wider participation before the deadline.

“If maximum citizens across the state fill the self-enumeration forms from home using technology, along with providing accurate information, it will reduce the workload on census employees and increase the speed of work,” he said.

Mayatra said government employees would also participate in large numbers over the next two days.

All employees under the Health and Education Departments will fill self-enumeration forms on May 29, while personnel under the Police Department will do so on May 30.

"Census 2027 would, for the first time, include a self-enumeration system allowing citizens to submit details through an online portal and mobile phones. The forms can be accessed only through a designated QR code," he said.

Citizens can submit their information through the official portal. After completing the process, respondents will receive an SE ID, which must be shared with the enumerator during the official visit.

The data will then be verified before being added to the central database.

Officials said the use of digital systems and mobile applications in 16 languages, including Gujarati, is expected to speed up data collection and reduce field workload. Data collection will also be possible in offline mode through Android and iOS applications.

The census exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), will take place in Gujarat from June 1 to June 30.

During this stage, officials will collect information on housing conditions, household details, drinking water sources, toilet facilities and other assets through 33 questions.

The second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), is scheduled from February 9 to February 28, 2027. Officials said the caste census exercise would also be completed during this phase.

Mayatra said all information collected under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990 would remain confidential and could not be used for legal or taxation purposes.

“Every individual is legally bound to provide true and complete information and there is also a provision for penalty for refusing to provide information,” he said.

--IANS

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Paris, May 27 (IANS) Three-time winner and former World No.1 Novak Djokovic survived a few hiccups but held firm to defeat Valentin Royer and seal his spot in the men's singles third round in the French Open 2026 at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris on Wednesday.

The third-seeded Djokovic overcame home favourite Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(9), 6-3. The Serbian let slip a match point at 6/5 in the third-set tie-break, but responded quickly to earn a three-hour, 28-minute victory and set a third-round showdown with Joao Fonseca or Dino Prizmic.

The record 24-time major champion entered the French Open having played just one match on clay this year after missing more than six weeks due to an injury he suffered during March’s Indian Wells Open in the USA. His physicality has certainly been put to the test by a pair of home favourites across his opening two rounds in Paris, where he downed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets in his opener on Sunday. On Wednesday, he ground down Royer in stifling hot conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier to improve to 9-3 for the season.

Djokovic, who is now on a 30-match winning streak against Frenchmen, converted six of nine break points he earned against Royer, according to Infosys Stats. The 39-year-old was in total control of the pair’s first tour-level meeting until a chaotic period featuring four consecutive breaks of serve midway through the third set. Djokovic was a break up at both 3-2 and 4-3, but Royer hit back immediately each time before going on to push the match into a fourth.

The No. 74 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Royer was unable to build further on his comeback bid, however. Djokovic broke serve decisively in the fourth game of the fourth set and had little trouble serving out to reach the third round at Roland Garros for a record-extending 21st time.

The former World No. 1 will take on Brazilian 28th seed Fonseca or Croatian Prizmic for a round four berth. He has never faced Fonseca, while the 20-year-old Prizmic was the man who defeated Djokovic on his return to action in Rome earlier this month.

--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, May 27 (IANS) Actor Andrew Scott has shared that he is proud of his tiny appearance in the Tom Hanks-starrer ‘Saving Private Ryan’.

The Irish actor, 49, made the remark as he spoke about his early career role recalling how he appeared briefly as “Soldier on the Beach” in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning 1998 war epic, reports ‘Female First UK’.

He revealed his pride in being part of a sequence that “went down in movie history”. Andrew said told The Hollywood Reporter, “I had one line or something, and Tom Hanks rolled over me, and I was very happy to be there”.

He added, “It was an extraordinary thing, it was my first time being on a set of that enormity, and I feel very proud that I got to be a tiny part of that. It’s a sequence that’s gone down in movie history”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Andrew, who has since become internationally recognised through roles in Fleabag, Sherlock, All of Us Strangers and Ripley, appeared during Saving Private Ryan’s famous D-Day landing sequence at Omaha Beach alongside Tom Hanks.

The actor’s comments come as he stars in another Second World War drama, Pressure, centred on the tense days leading up to the Normandy landings.

Andrew has recently attracted widespread acclaim for his emotionally charged performances across film and television, particularly following the success of Netflix thriller Ripley and the critical response to All of Us Strangers opposite Paul Mescal.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern war films ever made. Inspired partly by the story of brothers Edward Niland, Preston Niland, Robert Niland and Frederick ‘Fritz’ Niland during the second world war, the film followed Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom, as he led a mission to retrieve Private James Francis Ryan, portrayed by Matt Damon, after Ryan’s brothers were believed to have been killed in combat.

Andrew is now starring in Pressure, based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play about the final hours before D-Day. The film focuses on the debates between General Dwight D. Eisenhower and meteorologist Captain James Stagg over whether weather conditions would allow the Allied invasion of Normandy to proceed.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 27 (IANS) Mindful eating is a crucial component in beating the ongoing heatwave in several parts of the country. Bringing in a great option, veteran actress Neena Gupta decided to share the recipe of her unique dish - Turai aur Paneer ki sabzi on Instagram.

In order to make this, first of all one needs to start by putting some Ghee (Clarified butter) in a pan, and later add some jeera (Cumin) and lal mirchi (red chilli powder) to it. Next, add some grated tomatoes and ginger.

Once the tomatoes are semi-cooked, put the diced Turai (Ridge gourd), adding Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and salt at last.

The 'Panchayat' actress keeps on sharing such fun recipes with her Insta Family.

In October last year, Neena gave a unique Punjabi twist to a popular South Indian dish, vegetable uttapam, turning the simple dish into a flavorful treat with some simple additions.

She published a clip of herself whipping up some crispy vegetable uttapam in the kitchen.

Giving the netizens a glimpse of the Punjabi tadka, the 'Baadhai Ho' actress used some classic Indian spices such as mustard seeds, curry leaves, cinnamon, and red chilli.

Neena was seen relishing the freshly made uttapam, enjoying every bite of her homemade delicacy.

“Thank you, my friend for this recipe," she captioned the post.

In another post, she also gave out the recipe for her 'Chutney for all seasons'.

She started by boiling some tomatoes and green chilies. Next, she blended those boiled tomatoes and green chillies, however not too fine.

After that, she took a little oil and added some chopped garlic and ginger to it. Once cooked, Neena added the tomato paste to it. After that, she added some freshly chopped coriander leaves to the mix and completed the chutney by adding salt in the end.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, May 27 (IANS) Hollywood actor David Harbour, who is known for his work in the superhit streaming series ‘Stranger Things’, has shared that he wishes he had done more for the series finale.

The 51-year-old actor played chief of police Jim Hopper in all five seasons of the Netflix sci-fi horror hit, reports ‘Female First UK’.

While his character had a fitting ending with Joyce Byers (played by Winona Ryder) in the show's final ever episode earlier this year, David had more ideas for his alter ego.

Speaking to On The Go with Deadline, the star shared that he wanted to see Hopper gets more time with both Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown) and Mike Wheeler (played by Finn Wolfhard).

He said, "I wanted even a scene with Joe Keery. But stories have to end in a certain way and they don’t get to go on and do whatever fan fiction I’m writing in my head”.

David was speaking at a Stranger Things 5 event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to discuss the final season alongside castmates Jamie Campbell Bower, Noah Schnapp and Natalie Dyer.

Asked about his own ideal ending, Jamie said, "I probably would’ve liked to have ended everyone, as Vecna”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the cast were joined by producer and director Shawn Levy, and the show's creators Matt and Ross Duffer.

The Duffer Brothers were delighted with the final shot of the show, which saw the "kids" reunited in the Wheeler basement for one last game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Matt said, "It was the most emotional scene to write, because it was the last scene we were ever writing (for these characters) and definitely the most emotional scene to film”.

Almost everyone agreed that the scene stuck with them the most, including Noah.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 27 (IANS) The National Award-winning actor, Vikrant Massey, is gearing up to play spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in the forthcoming drama, "White".

Vikrant recently met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and greeted him with a warm hug, before opening up about what it means to him to play the spiritual leader.

Speaking during a satsang, a visibly emotional Vikrant was heard saying, “Mujhe aapka role bhi karne ka mauka mil gaya… jeevan mein ek aise vyakti ka kirdar nibhane ka mauka mil gaya jo, jaise maine kaha, mere Gurudev hain, mera ghar hain, mere margdarshak hain, mere sab kuch hain… so I’m really grateful. (I got the opportunity to play your role… I got the chance in this life to portray a person who, as I said, is my Gurudev, my home, my guide, my everything… so I’m really grateful.)”

"White" is being made under the direction of Montoo Bassi, with Siddharth Anand backing the project under the banner of Marflix Pictures, along with Mahaveer Jain Films and Peacecraft Pictures.

In October 2024, as part of his preparation for the role, Vikrant met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and has been frequently visiting the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru ever since. In order to get into the skin of his character, he even participated in the Happiness Programme.

Not just that, the '12th Fail' actor even underwent a physical transformation to play Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his next, with longer hair and an altered appearance.

The Principal photography of "White" is believed to be presently underway in Colombia.

Over and above this, Vikrant will also be seen in "Talaakhon Mein Ek". Helmed by Bodhayan Roychaudhury, the project has Raashii Khanna on board as the leading lady.

His promising lineup further includes "Yaar Jigri".

--IANS

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