Paris, April 12 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Paris on Sunday for the India–France Foreign Office Consultations.

In a statement on X, the Indian Embassy in France stated: "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrives in Paris for the India–France Foreign Office consultations. The visit follows French President H.E Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026 and reflects the continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Europe."

According to the statement released by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Misri will co-chair the India-France Foreign Office Consultations along with Martin Briens, the Secretary General of French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and hold discussions on various issues, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties. The two sides will also discuss the latest global and regional developments.

During his visit to France, Misri is expected to meet other dignitaries and senior government officials. After concluding his engagements in France, Vikram Misri will visit Germany, where he is scheduled to co-chair Foreign Office Consultations with Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office.

"The visit follows the visits of German Chancellor H.E. Mr Friedrich Merz and French President H.E. Mr Emmanuel Macron to India in January and February 2026, respectively and is in keeping with the regular high-level exchanges between India and Europe. It will provide an opportunity to review the full spectrum of India’s bilateral relations with both countries and advance ongoing cooperation across key priority areas," the MEA stated in a release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron formally elevated the India-France relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership" during the latter's visit to India in February.

The leaders unveiled an ambitious roadmap in defence, technology, and health, reinforcing their commitment to the Horizon 2047 vision, a government release said.

The visit saw breakthroughs in defence manufacturing, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The leaders virtually inaugurated India’s first private helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka.

This joint venture will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first "Made in India" unit expected in 2027. Bharat Electronics (BEL) and France’s Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India.

Both nations renewed their Agreement on Defence Cooperation, ensuring continued synergy between the Indian Army and French Land Forces through reciprocal officer deployments.

The two leaders officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world.​

--IANS

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Agartala, April 12 (IANS) The Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a joint operation, have seized highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, valued at over Rs 16 crore, in Tripura and arrested a suspected drug peddler, officials said on Sunday.

An Assam Rifles official stated that, in a major blow to narcotics trafficking, the paramilitary force, acting on specific intelligence inputs and in coordination with the DRI, apprehended an individual at Teliamura in Khowai district on Saturday night.

During the operation, a pick-up vehicle bearing a Tripura registration number was intercepted.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately two lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba tablets.

The apprehended individual has been identified as Raju Deb, 44, a resident of Jalilpur in West Tripura.

The accused, along with the seized contraband and the vehicle, has been handed over to the DRI for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The operation underscores the continued resolve of the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with the DRI, to combat the menace of narcotics trafficking and maintain a secure environment in the region, the statement added.

A police official indicated that the drugs were likely smuggled from Myanmar and routed through Mizoram and southern Assam before being clandestinely brought into Tripura, with the intention of further smuggling them into Bangladesh.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous and mountainous border with Bangladesh, making the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of drugs and other illegal activities. Tripura, which has an 856-km border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, also remains highly vulnerable and sensitive to cross-border migration and smuggling.

Myanmar’s adjoining Chin State is considered a major hub for trafficking narcotics, arms and ammunition, exotic wildlife, precious medicinal plants, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmar areca nuts (betel nuts), and other contraband. These illegal goods are often smuggled through six districts of Mizoram -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

Among the most commonly trafficked substances from Myanmar are methamphetamine tablets. Often referred to as the "crazy drug", these tablets contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and are strictly banned in India.

--IANS

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Agartala, April 12 (IANS) More than 81 per cent of the 9,62,697 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the politically significant elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), held across all eight districts of the state to decide the fate of 173 candidates, including eight women, officials said.

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, administers nearly 70 per cent of Tripura's 10,491 sq km geographical area. This makes it a strategically important constitutional body, second only to the state Assembly in terms of political significance.

According to officials from the State Election Commission (SEC), over 81 per cent of voters had cast their votes by the end of polling at 4 p.m.

An SEC official, however, added that the turnout figure is likely to rise slightly once complete reports are received from all 1,257 polling stations spread across eight districts.

Except for a few isolated incidents, no major disturbances were reported from anywhere in the state, a senior police official said. He noted that minor clashes between rival political parties occurred in three districts -- Khowai, Sepahijala, and South Tripura -- leaving around 10 party workers injured.

SEC officials said that, as seen in previous elections, tribal men and women dressed in traditional attire turned out in large numbers even before polling began at 7 a.m., forming long queues at most polling stations. In some booths, voting continued beyond the scheduled closing time due to the heavy turnout.

Following a month-long high-voltage campaign marked by intense political activity and sporadic clashes, the TTAADC elections are expected to play a key role in shaping the future political landscape of the Northeastern state.

A total of 9,62,697 voters, predominantly from tribal communities, including 4,80,666 women, were eligible to vote across 28 constituencies in eight districts. They are deciding the fate of 173 candidates, including eight women.

The electoral contest features three national parties -- the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front, and the Congress -- along with two prominent regional parties, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). Several smaller parties and independent candidates are also in the fray.

According to SEC officials, the BJP, TMP, and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 constituencies. The Congress is contesting in 27 seats, while the IPFT has fielded candidates in 24. In addition, 38 independent candidates and nominees from smaller parties are also contesting.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s two tribal-based allies -- TMP and IPFT -- are contesting separately after failing to forge an electoral alliance for the TTAADC polls.

The one-and-a-half-month-long campaign witnessed several clashes, particularly between BJP and TMP supporters, leaving more than 50 leaders and party workers injured across various districts.

Despite the tensions, leaders from all major parties have expressed confidence in securing victory.

To ensure peaceful polling, extensive security arrangements were put in place.

Tripura Director General of Police Anurag earlier said that more than 13,500 Central and state security personnel were deployed across the 28 constituencies.

He added that the Central government had provided 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising around 1,500 personnel. In addition, around 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the state police were deployed to maintain law and order.

“Of the total 1,257 polling stations, 311 have been categorised as highly critical, 693 as vulnerable, and 253 as normal,” the police chief said, urging voters to cast their votes without fear and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the BJP, has governed the strategically important council, widely regarded as the second most significant constitutional body in Tripura after the state Assembly.

The TTAADC was constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in June 1985 to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities, who continue to play a vital role in the state’s political dynamics.

Tribal communities account for nearly one-third of Tripura’s 4.2 million population. The results of the TTAADC elections will be announced on April 17.

--IANS

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Khargone, April 12 (IANS) Mother of Monalisa Bhosle, who gained public attention after the Kumbh Mela, said on Sunday that her daughter was a minor and was allegedly "lured and taken away".

Speaking to IANS, Monalisa's mother, Lata Bhosle said, "My daughter is a minor. They lured her and took her away."

Accusing Monalisa's husband Farman Khan, she said, "He (Faman Khan) said that your daughter will get a big movie. He had even said that if Monalisa's birth certificate is made everything will be cleared."

Emphasising that her daughter was underage, Monalisa's mother said that the government helped her to retrieve the birth-related documents.

"My daughter was born in a government hospital. I begged the hospital authorities that my daughter has gone away, please help me with her (birth) documents," she added.

"The government has now provided all the documents. It mentions that my daughter is minor," Lata Bhosle said.

Urging the concerned authorities to help bring her daughter Monalisa home, she added, "I appeal to the government and the authorities to please bring back my daughter at the earliest."

Earlier, a POCSO case was registered against Farman Khan, by the Madhya Pradesh Police after Monalisa was allegedly revealed to be a minor.

The case was filed following an enquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which found that the girl popularly known as the ‘Kumbh Mela viral star’ Monalisa Bhosle was born on December 30, 2009, and was only 16 at the time of her marriage.

The Commission has also alleged that a fake birth certificate was created to facilitate the wedding and has summoned the Director Generals of Police of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to appear in Delhi on April 22.

The development has cast a shadow over the high-profile wedding held on March 11 at a temple in Poovar near Thiruvananthapuram, which had drawn significant attention and political endorsement.

The ceremony, conducted amid dramatic circumstances, took place hours after the couple sought police protection at the Thampanoor station, citing threats and opposition from the woman's family.

--IANS

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Sonamukhi (West Bengal), April 12 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stepping into the electoral battleground of West Bengal on Sunday, launched sharp attacks at All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Left parties and thundered that “khela will come to an end in Bengal while development will begin under the BJP rule.”

Addressing a mega public rally in Sonamukhi, he slammed widespread violence under TMC rule, claiming that the BJP workers were being deliberately targeted with a motive.

“With Narendra Modi in Delhi, bringing a BJP government to West Bengal would ensure a 'double-engine government' capable of tackling rioters,” he roared before the crowd while asserting that the BJP has the solution to the “goondaism” of TMC and Left groups.

Switching to the local language, he said that the era of “khela” would end and development would begin with a BJP victory in the elections.

He urged voters to elect BJP candidates Dibakar Gharami from Sonamukhi, Nirmal Dhara from Indas, and Bileshwar Singha from Barjora.

The UP Chief Minister also trained guns on the Mamata administration over alleged silence on the brutal killing of a Dalit Hindu in Bangladesh and claimed that this silence stemmed from fear of losing Muslim votes.

He accused “vote-bank traders” of attempting to alter Bengal’s demography and urged people not to allow Congress, Left parties, and TMC to jeopardise future generations.

He claimed that religious events like Navratri in the state were facing disruptions and called for collective efforts to restore Bengal’s past glory.

The CM further stated, “It is painful to witness Bengal’s current state, given its legacy in spirituality, culture, art, and education.”

He also highlighted the contributions of Swami Vivekananda, who instilled pride in Hindu identity, as well as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Pranavananda, founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangh.

He said, “TMC has turned a land of culture and nationalism into one marked by appeasement, corruption, and disorder.”

Referring to Anand Math by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, he warned that Bengal risks returning to a situation of suffering - now driven not by famine but by exploitation and misgovernance.

Appealing to voters, he said that wherever BJP’s double-engine governments are in power, there will be improved infrastructure, employment, and safety for women and businesses.

--IANS

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Lucknow, April 12 (IANS) Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest player to cross the 4,000-run mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The milestone came during his knock against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, when he moved past the landmark with his 25th run.

The elegant right-hander reached the feat in 118 innings, making him the second-fastest Indian to get to 4,000 IPL runs, behind KL Rahul, who accomplished it in 105 innings. Among all players, only Chris Gayle (112 innings), David Warner (114) and Jos Buttler (116), besides Rahul, have reached the milestone quicker than Gill.

Gill’s consistency has been a hallmark of his IPL career, with the opener maintaining an average close to 40 and a strike rate around 140. He began his journey in the league with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, representing the franchise for four seasons and scoring 1,417 runs in 58 matches.

A move to the Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2022 season marked a turning point, with Gill elevating his game to new heights. Since then, he has amassed over 2,580 runs in 63 appearances, averaging in excess of 46 and striking at nearly 150. Notably, no batter has scored more runs than him in the IPL since the start of the 2022 edition.

Now leading the Titans, Gill has registered 27 half-centuries and four hundreds in the tournament, with a significant majority of those fifties (17) and all his centuries coming for the 2022 champions.

Earlier this season, the 26-year-old had already achieved another landmark, becoming the first player to score 2,500 IPL runs for Gujarat Titans. He reached the mark during their clash against Delhi Capitals, getting there with a boundary off Axar Patel in the seventh over.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 12 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber performed on the second night of Coachella, and treated the festival goers with his solid headlining set.

He appeared relaxed as he arrived on the stage in a hoodie, shorts and sunglasses, reports ‘People’ magazine.

"Tell me what song you guys want to hear tonight”, he said, interacting with the crowd and viewers on the festival's live stream.

As per ‘People’, he then ripped through a number of songs off his two latest releases, SWAG and SWAG II, performing them for the first time in front of a live audience.

During the set, he used a laptop to pull up highly-streamed videos of himself, including old YouTube clips of him singing covers and the "standing on business" confrontation with a paparazzi that went viral last June. The singer included songs from his early career, such as ‘Baby’ and ‘Beauty and a Beat’ in his headline set. He also surprised Coachella attendees with appearances from Wizkid, Tems, the Kid LAROI, and Dijon.

His wife, Hailey, 29, was in the crowd to support him. While performing ‘Everything Hallelujah’, the singer shouted out Hailey and their 19-month-old son, Jack Blues. A now-viral clip shared on X shows Hailey waving in response to the sweet moment.

In February, he debuted ‘Yukon’ live at the Grammys, where he wore nothing but satin boxers and socks for the acoustic performance in front of a packed Crypto Arena in Los Angeles. The shorts were custom-made. As a result of the camera angles, his backside was in focus for eagle-eyed Bieber fans, who believe the black ink in the upper-mid portion of his back is an outline of his model wife's face from her magazine cover.

Ahead of the festival, the singer has been giving his fans a sneak preview at his upcoming shows by sharing videos of himself and his crew putting together his Coachella set.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 12 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosted a fan meet-up at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai on Sunday, bringing together passionate supporters ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 14.

The fan meet-up included an engaging get-together featuring fun games and interactive activities that brought the Knight Riders community together in Chennai. Fans were in for a special surprise when KKR batter Rahul Tripathi made an appearance at the event, interacting closely with supporters, posing for pictures, and adding to the excitement of the evening.

"The love and energy from the KKR fans here in Chennai has been incredible. Even when we are away from home, this kind of support makes us feel right at home. Interacting with them today was really special, and we hope to give them a performance to cheer for in the next game," said Tripathi.

KKR have had a tough start to their campaign this season. They went down by six wickets to the Mumbai Indians in their opening match at the Wankhede Stadium and, upon returning home, suffered a crushing 65-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their third match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain, which gave them a solidarity point. They suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Lucknow Super Giants in their last match. Leaving them with just one point in four matches.

The team has been losing the bowlers even before the start of the tournament. KKR lost Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to release him from the squad, and their prime pacer, Harshit Rana, was also ruled out due to injury.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently in Chennai to play the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday (April 14).

--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, April 12 (IANS) Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has shared that she asks guests to "change (their) clothes" before they set foot into her luxurious apartment in New York City.

The 53-year-old actress thinks the Big Apple's street germs are too dirty for her lavish $9 million condo in Walker Tower, Chelsea, Manhattan, reports ‘Female First UK’.

During the recent episode of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’, the host asked the actress for her "biggest ick", to which she said, "Shoes from the street in New York City”. Drew, 51, quipped, "Yes, you cannot. If you want to go into her house, put a body condom on”.

Laughing, Cameron concurred, "You have to change your clothes to come into my house in New York”.

Drew shared, "It's true, and her house had no germs in it because of it”. Cameron said, "Yeah. I roll around on my floors. It's OK”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the actress was joined on the sofa alongside Keanu Reeves, 61, Matt Bomer, 48, and Jonah Hill, 42, as the quartet promoted their new black comedy film, ‘Outcome’, which follows damaged star Reef (Keanu) apologising for his past after being blackmailed with outrageous video footage from his past.

And Cameron, who plays Kyle, Reef's longtime friend, said the movie explores the darker side of celebrity life.

She told ‘People’ magazine, "I also think that this movie shows (fame) in a very interesting light and a very heightened light. Everybody thinks they want to be famous, but there is a cost to it. So it's a cautionary comedy”.

Cameron relished working with Keanu again in the Jonah-directed ‘Outcome’, 30 years after they starred in the 1996 comedy-romance flick, ‘Feeling Minnesota’.

She said at the premiere of the Apple TV movie, "When we worked together 30 years ago, it was like my fourth film. I was very green. I'm embarrassed, the poor guy had to act with this young novice actor who was just starting out. I was happier to get the opportunity to work with him again now, after a little more experience. We've seen each other over the years, always happy to see one another. He's always been who he is now, just has always been the loveliest human”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) The titans of the music industry are heartbroken, and in grief after the demise of the legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle. Several music composers and singers are expressing their grief as they recollected their happiest moments courtesy the late singer and her music which inspired so many lives.

Veteran playback singer Sonu Nigam took to his Instagram, and shared a throwback picture with the late legend.

In the picture, he can be seen washing her feet. He also penned a long note in the caption as he wrote, “Curtain down to one of the Greatest ever crooners of all times. The last standing warrior of the Pioneering Era of Indian Film music, has called Quits today and bid her Final Goodbye to us all. She lived a full life, destined for Extreme Vicissitudes and Challenges leading to Exceptional Greatness”.

He further mentioned, “She touched the lives of Billions over multiple decades through her music and effervescence. An artiste who inspired us all through her zeal for Riyaz till the end of her life. Asha Ji, I will always remember the journey I have had with you from 1994 when I first met and sang with you through our last concert with each other in Dec 2024, till our last 2 duets together last year, with absolute Joy and Pride. All I can say is Chale to gaye ho par Dil abhi bhara nahin See you on the Other Side. Omshanti” (sic)”.

Shreya Ghoshal wrote on her social media, “Today, we lost a voice that defined generations… a spirit that redefined music itself. Asha Bhosle ji wasn’t just legendary, she was limitless. I grew up listening to her, learning from her, being in awe of her effortless versatility… The way she could make every note feel alive, every emotion feel personal”.

“From the most playful melodies to the deepest ghazals to her extraordinary virtuosity in her songs in Marathi, Bangla and innumerable languages, she did it all, like only she could. For so many of us, she wasn’t just an inspiration, she was a part of our musical soul. I feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed her greatness in my lifetime. Her voice will echo through time, through every artist she inspired, through every heart she touched. Rest in music, Asha tai. Your legacy will never fade”, she added.

Playback singer Anuradha Paudwal said in a statement, “Today feels heavier than words can hold. Asha ji was not just a singer, she was a living, breathing energy in music. A presence you could feel even before a note began. There was a sparkle in her… a childlike mischief, a joy that never faded… and that same spirit flowed into every song she touched. She didn’t just sing… she became the song. What made her truly rare was her fearlessness. She refused to be confined. From classical to natya sangeet, from the most soul-stirring melodies to the bold, contemporary sounds she created with R.D. Burman… she moved through every space with such ease, as if it all belonged to her. And yet, there was no effort visible. No strain. Only grace. For all of us, she was not just an inspiration”.

“She was a benchmark. A reminder of what it means to surrender completely to music. Today, it feels like a part of music’s heartbeat has slowed. But her voice… her essence… will never fade. It will continue to live within us… in every note we sing, in every emotion we try to express. Because Asha ji is not someone who can ever be spoken of in the past. She is, and she will always be. May her divine soul attain sadgati (sic)”, she added.

Padma Shri awardee Shankar Mahadevan said in a statement, “A very sad day for all of us and a very sad day for Indian music. I just cannot believe that our dearest Asha Tai is no more. I am not able to express my sorrow and what I am feeling right now. As a musician, as Didi's worshipper, as a very, very close family friend, and looking up to her like Ma Saraswati, I am sure that every single Indian is just heartbroken. But Didi and her music will never ever perish from this face of this earth till human beings exist because her contribution is, you know, you cannot describe in words. She is somebody who is going to live forever, going to be there on our phones, on television, on every single medium where music plays”.

“She is going to be there with us, with her amazing voice, you know, resounding all over the planet. At this moment, we are all grief-stricken, we are all heartbroken. That's all I can say. But let's all pray that she is in a better place, she keeps blessing us and sending us her positive, enthusiastic energy that she used to always share with us and keep her hand over our head and bless us. We'll miss you, Didi. We'll miss you”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Ram Gopal Varma has offered his condolences over the demise of the legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle.

The filmmaker walked down the memory lane, and recollected working with her on the song ‘Rangeela Re’.

On Sunday, he took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note, as he wrote, “Today, on the passing of my all time favourite singer, the legendary Asha Bhosle ji, I find myself reflecting deeply In Rangeela, it’s Rahman who obviously composed the music, but it was Asha ji’s voice that infused it with an immortal soul and raw, youthful fire. ‘Rangeela Re’ wasn’t just a song, it was a thunderclap that shook Bollywood. @urmilamataondkar ‘s electrifying moves on the raw, pulsating streets of Mumbai fused seamlessly with Asha ji’s playful sensuality, mischievous energy, and unimaginable vocal range, creating pure cinematic magic that redefined the film music’s rebellious spirit”.

He further mentioned, “I remember her walking into the studio with the poise of a queen, yet carrying the wide eyed child like curiosity of a newcomer hungry to experiment with a New Age music director like Rahman, One take, a small adjustment in phrasing or emotion, and the magic flowed like a torrential storm. Coincidentally, today marks the 24th anniversary of her track ‘Khallas’ from my film ‘Company’, shot on the fiery @IshaKonnects. That ultra seductive, high octane number, with its thumping rhythm along with Asha ji’s commanding voice became a quintessential item song that still pulses with undefined energy”.

“Asha ji wasn’t just a singer , she was the heartbeat of an entire era, her voice flowing like a river through generations, bridging classical roots with modern beats across multiple languages and diverse emotions. From sensuality to soul stirring depth, she captured the complete full spectrum of human feeling like no one else ever Rest in power Asha ji, You might have moved on to another place , but your music will remain here forever”, he added.

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Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a photo of Asha Bhosle on X and wrote, "Saddened by the demise of legendary Asha Bhosle Ji. Her elegance and incomparable talent will always remain in our memories!

Asha Bhosle, one of the most influential singers of her era, debuted with a playback for the 1943 Marathi film ‘Majha Bal’. She is renowned for her performances in notable songs such as ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko’, ‘Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani’, ‘Kya Ghazab Karte Ho Ji’, ‘O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan’, and ‘Ye Ladka Hai Allah Kaisa Hai Diwana’. In addition to Hindi, she has sung in approximately 20 Indian and international languages.

In 2006, Asha Bhosle revealed that she has nearly 12,000 songs to her name. Over her decades-long career, she collaborated with renowned music composers like Shankar-Jaikishan, RD Burman, OP Nayyar, Ilaiyaraaja, Bappi Lahiri, and AR Rahman. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards for many of her standout songs. In 2000, she was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and in 2000, she received the Padma Vibhushan.

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