Vijayawada, July 6 (IANS) A court at Gannavaram in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district has sent YouTuber and political commentator Bachalakuri Joseph alias Prashna Raavan, to judicial custody for 14 days in the case relating to alleged derogatory remarks against the state's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Arrested for the fifth time in less than a week, Raavan was produced before a judge late on Sunday night.

After hearing arguments from both the sides, the judge remanded Raavan to judicial remand till July 18.

He was subsequently shifted to Nellore Central Jail.

Soon after the YouTuber secured bail for the fourth time on July 4, Gannavaram Police had arrested him on a complaint lodged by a local leader of Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena.

This time, the police invoked stringent sections not only under the Bharatiya Nyana Sanhita (BNS) but also under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The FIR was registered against the YouTuber under BNS Sections 147, 148, 152, 192, 197(1)(d), and 353(1)(b) and UAPA Sections 13 and 39.

The charges include waging war against the Indian government, attempting to wage war, or abetting the waging of war, criminal conspiracy, threats to public order, acts threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India, support for unlawful activities, and support for a terrorist organisation.

The Gannavaram police also invoked Section 148, which deals with conspiracy to commit an offence punishable under Section 147, or conspiracy to overawe the Central or a state government by criminal force or by the show of criminal force.

Raavan is also facing charges under Section 152, which criminalises acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. The offence is punishable with death or imprisonment for life, in addition to a fine.

Meanwhile, Raavan's wife Anusha said in Hyderabad that her husband spoke the very same language that Pawan Kalyan used.

"File such cases against Pawan Kalyan first, and then against my husband. They are creating morphed videos and spreading false propaganda against Raavan," she told media.

The Pithampuram police had arrested the YouTuber from Hyderabad on June 30 for allegedly making derogatory comments against the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and others during a Dalit Christian meeting at Eluru on June 28.

Jana Sena workers had filed a case against Raavan at several police stations in the state, citing videos on Ravan's YouTube channel 'Prashna'.

After, Raavan was granted bail by a court in Pithapuram, he was arrested by the police at another police station.

As Raavan granted bail even after he was arrested in the fourth case, police booked stringent sections under BNS and UAPA to rule out his chances of securing a bail.

The Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in the state has come under sharp criticism from Opposition YSR Congress Party and various groups for its 'vendetta'.

Actor Prakash Raj accused the Andhra Pradesh government of pursuing vendetta politics by resorting to repeated arrests of Raavan.

"How far are you planning to go by abusing power," he asked and demanded Raavan's immediate release.

--IANS

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London, July 6 (IANS) Australia captain Sophie Molineux hailed the unity and selfless attitude within her squad after leading the team to a record-extending seventh Women's T20 World Cup title, saying the triumph was the reward for months of hard work, trust and preparation.

Australia defeated England by seven wickets in the final at Lord's on Sunday, comfortably chasing 151 in 17.1 overs after Beth Mooney's match-winning 64 and Phoebe Litchfield's fluent 48 laid the foundation for another memorable World Cup triumph.

An emotional Molineux described the victory as a special moment, especially with her family present to witness Australia's latest success.

"It's too good to be true. Dad's here as well. It's a special day. It took a lot of thought, effort, and hard work. And a group of people willing to do anything for each other. That's invaluable," Molineux said after lifting the trophy.

Molineux reserved special praise for senior all-rounder Ellyse Perry, saying her influence on the team extends well beyond her performances on the field.

"Having the likes of Pez to calm the team down after that first innings was so important. She's incredible. What she brings to the team isn't just on the field. Her nature and what she is, she's the heartbeat of the group really. An absolute legend of the game. She deserves so much," she said.

The captain also applauded young fast bowler Lucy Hamilton, who claimed an early wicket in the final and impressed with her composure on the biggest stage.

"Lucy Hamilton was so calm and had so much clarity. That's a testament to her and the group around her," Molineux said.

Reflecting on Australia's approach throughout the tournament, Molineux said consistency in mindset and trust in the team's preparation were the biggest factors behind their success.

"I think it's just being able to trust each other, trust our processes. We did a lot of work leading up to it and it's just nice to see it come to fruition. In tournament play you have to have the same mentality no matter the situation you are in," she said.

Molineux also paid tribute to England, who reached the final after an impressive campaign, before thanking Australia's families, support staff and the fans for their role in the team's journey.

"Firstly, just a massive congratulations to England. You guys have played such an amazing brand of cricket all tournament. To our beautiful families, partners and friends, you guys are so special to us. It's amazing to share this with you all. To our support staff, thank you for everything you do. And to the fans, it's been an incredible tournament. Every match there has been a massive crowd," she said.

The Australia captain ended by praising her teammates for embracing the team's vision throughout the competition.

"Finally, to the girls, I'm just so incredibly proud. Thank you for having an open mind and being willing to come on the journey. You should be incredibly proud," she added.

Australia's victory marked their seventh Women's T20 World Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023, further cementing their status as the most successful team in the tournament's history.

--IANS

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London, July 6 (IANS) England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted her side was outplayed by a more experienced Australian team after the hosts went down by seven wickets in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Lord's on Sunday, but said there was still plenty for England to be proud of after an impressive tournament.

Sciver-Brunt led from the front with an unbeaten 58 off 53 balls to help England post 150/4 after being put into bat. However, Australia chased down the target comfortably in 17.1 overs, with Beth Mooney scoring a match-winning 64 and sharing a 100-run partnership with Phoebe Litchfield to secure a record-extending seventh Women's T20 World Cup title.

"Hugely disappointed. We've had such a great competition up to this point. We were outplayed today by a class Australian side that used their experience in a huge final," Sciver-Brunt said after the match.

The England skipper felt the toss played a role but admitted her team fell short of a competitive total on a surface that was not easy for batting.

"Ideally I'd have won the toss, and we'd be bowling first. But we were short of a par score on that wicket. It felt tricky to gain momentum with the bat. I guess when the pressure's on, their bowlers hit their areas," she said.

Sciver-Brunt was also full of praise for Australia's Player of the Match Beth Mooney, whose 64 off 49 balls took the game away from England.

"Beth Mooney was superb, a brilliant innings today as well," she added.

Asked whether she expected Australia to attack from the outset during the chase, Sciver-Brunt said it was always part of the defending champions' approach.

"Yeah, absolutely. They've got a powerful lineup with the bat," she said.

Despite the disappointment of losing the final, Sciver-Brunt praised the effort and unity shown by the England squad throughout the tournament.

"We've got so much to be proud of. We've done so much work pre-tournament. The energy throughout the group... we played some brilliant matches. It's a proper group of players that care about each other," she said.

England finished runners-up after an impressive campaign, while Sciver-Brunt ended the tournament on a personal high with a half-century in the final after also scoring a fifty in the semifinal, becoming the first England player to achieve the feat in both knockout matches of a Women's T20 World Cup.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) In view of heavy rainfall and extreme weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the University of Mumbai has postponed all examinations scheduled for Monday, university officials said.

The decision was taken with top priority given to the safety of students and all examination-related staff, university officials added.

The University authorities said that the prevailing weather conditions and forecast of continued heavy rains pose significant risks to commuting and smooth conduct of examinations across the city and affiliated colleges.

As a precautionary measure, all exams planned for Monday have been deferred.

The revised schedule for the postponed examinations will be announced shortly and will be made available on the University of Mumbai's official website.

Students, parents, and college authorities have been advised to regularly check the official website for the latest updates and not rely on unverified sources.

This is not the first time the University has taken such a decision during the monsoon season.

Mumbai and its surrounding regions frequently witness waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and local flooding during intense spells of rainfall, making travel unsafe for students, especially those coming from distant suburbs and rural areas.

The University emphasised that student safety remains the foremost concern. They urged all concerned parties -- students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel -- to take note of the postponement and stay prepared for the revised timetable.

The University of Mumbai conducts examinations for thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students across numerous affiliated colleges every year.

Any disruption in the schedule often causes anxiety among students, but authorities assured that the revised dates will be finalised at the earliest to minimise academic loss.

Students have been requested to keep their study materials ready and use this unexpected break productively.

urther details regarding the new examination dates, centres, and guidelines will be notified officially in due course.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, on Sunday declared the results of its massive faculty recruitment drive, filling over 460 vacant positions ranging from Assistant Professors to Professors across more than 50 disciplines.

The selections cover AIIMS New Delhi and the newly established AIIMS-Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS) campus at Maidan Garhi. The recruitment saw over 3,200 applicants competing for 265 posts at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 posts at the AIIMS-CAPFIMS campus.

The entire selection process, which spanned six months, was conducted with advanced digital safeguards to ensure the highest levels of transparency and integrity.

In a pioneering move, AIIMS utilised block-chain digital technology for the recruitment. Candidates’ marks were digitally locked using one-time passwords (OTPs), and a specially designed software generated the final merit list through pre-defined algorithms. Human intervention was limited only to resolving ties, making the process largely automated and tamper-proof. This technological approach not only maintained confidentiality but also enabled the swift declaration of results.

This recruitment drive is being hailed as one of the largest faculty hiring exercises undertaken by AIIMS in recent years. The induction of a large number of highly qualified faculty members is expected to significantly strengthen medical education, patient care services, and cutting-edge research activities at both institutions.

The addition of new faculty will help reduce the existing gaps in teaching and clinical departments, improve the teacher-student ratio, and expand specialised healthcare services. It will also boost AIIMS’ capacity to conduct advanced medical research and training programmes, further cementing its position as a premier medical institute in the country.

The successful implementation of block-chain technology in such a large-scale public recruitment process is likely to serve as a model for future selections in other central institutions.

--IANS

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Kampala, July 6 (IANS) Uganda has contained the spread of Ebola nearly two months after the outbreak was declared following the importation of cases from the neighbouring Congo, a senior health official said.

Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said on Sunday in a post on social media platform X that the outbreak had been contained through the treatment of all imported confirmed cases and those they infected, the tracing and quarantine of contacts, and the provision of the required supportive care, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ministry has also implemented preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease from eastern Congo, the epicentre of the ongoing outbreak, Atwine said.

She added that Uganda had begun engaging countries that imposed Ebola-related travel restrictions to have the measures lifted.

Earlier on Sunday, Atwine said a large team of medical personnel, two mobile laboratories and logistical support from Uganda were on their way to Congo to support the country's Ebola response.

"This joint Uganda-Congo initiative aims to strengthen the cross-border Ebola response by reducing the movement of Ebola patients into Uganda seeking care, curbing cross-border transmission, and ending the outbreak sooner," she added.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of July 5, Uganda had recorded 20 cumulative confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared on May 15, including 15 imported cases from Congo and five locally transmitted cases. Of the total, 16 patients have recovered, two remain hospitalised, and two have died.

The Ministry said the 42-day countdown to declaring the country Ebola-free will begin only after the last confirmed patient is no longer capable of transmitting the virus. If no new cases are confirmed during the 42-day period, the outbreak will be declared over.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 6 (IANS) An Ahmedabad court has remanded a 34-year-old alleged illegal arms supplier to five days' police custody after he was arrested with four country-made pistols and seven live cartridges and allegedly attacked a senior police officer with a knife during questioning earlier this week.

Investigators say the custodial interrogation will focus on tracing the source of the weapons, which they believe were brought from Madhya Pradesh, and identifying the wider network involved in their supply.

The accused, identified as Mohamad Kalim alias Kalim Bhaiya, a resident of Musamiya Chali in Isanpur area and originally from Ayodhya district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested at about 10:30 p.m. on July 3 in connection with a case registered at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) police station under Sections 121(2) and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 25(1-B)(A) of the Arms Act.

He has been remanded in police custody until July 7.

According to the Crime Branch, teams had been deployed across Ahmedabad ahead of the annual Rath Yatra on July 16 to maintain law and order.

Police Inspector Imran Ghasura received intelligence about the accused allegedly possessing illegal firearms. Officers intercepted him and recovered four country-made pistols and seven live cartridges.

"The incident turned violent when Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal, who had reached the spot during patrol, joined the questioning after the recovery. The accused was taken to a shed where the weapons had allegedly been concealed and was asked to explain how they had been hidden," officials said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bharat Patel said the accused pretended to move rubbish, blankets and pieces of cloth before suddenly picking up a knife and attacking the Joint Commissioner.

"During the interrogation, he was asked how the weapons had been concealed there. Pretending to clear away the garbage and cloth lying there, he suddenly picked up a knife and immediately attacked JCP Singhal," Patel said.

According to Patel, the accused first pushed Inspector Ghasura to the ground before turning on Singhal. The Joint Commissioner managed to move away but sustained a serious injury to his left arm.

As the accused allegedly continued advancing despite warnings to stop, Singhal took Inspector Ghasura's service pistol and fired a single shot in self-defence, striking the accused in the leg.

Both men were immediately taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in separate vehicles for treatment.

"The accused has more than 36 criminal cases registered against him involving offences such as theft, assault, criminal intimidation, kidnapping, robbery, prohibition offences, arms offences and violations of public notifications, and attack on government officials," Patel said.

Police also stated that preventive action under the PASA Act has been taken against him on five occasions.

Patel said investigators believe the firearms were brought from Madhya Pradesh and that questioning is continuing to identify the original suppliers.

"The accused is well acquainted with police interrogation methods, so questioning is taking time. We are carrying out sustained interrogation and will reach the original source supplying these weapons," he said.

He added that preliminary questioning suggests the accused had allegedly procured firearms on an earlier occasion and sold them.

This time, investigators suspect he intended to use the weapons to strengthen his influence in the area by arming associates and building his own gang.

The Crime Branch said further investigation is continuing into the alleged interstate arms supply network and the intended recipients of the seized weapons.

--IANS

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London, July 6 (IANS) Beth Mooney credited Australia's positive approach in the powerplay and the support from Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll after her match-winning knock guided the team to a record-extending seventh Women's T20 World Cup title with a seven-wicket victory over England at Lord's on Sunday.

Mooney was named both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament after finishing as the competition's leading run-scorer with 259 runs. In the final, the experienced opener struck a composed 64 off 49 balls, hitting 10 fours, as Australia comfortably chased down England's target of 151 in 17.1 overs.

Reflecting on Australia's latest World Cup triumph, Mooney said the team was grateful simply to have reached the final after falling short in the previous two ICC tournaments.

"Just happy to be here. I think it's been pretty well documented we haven't quite made it this far in the last two ICC events. I just woke up this morning pretty grateful we made it this far," she said.

Mooney also made important contributions behind the stumps, including the stumping of England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge. She acknowledged the role of Australia's coaching staff in helping her regain confidence with the gloves during the tournament.

"I warmed up into the tournament. At the start I was a bit rusty, but I got some great support from our coaching staff with Dan Kiley, Shell, the boys and Sean McLeod. I've had plenty of help along the way. I can't take too much credit. It's been really nice to have some consistency with the gloves and to play a role in the field as well," she said.

Speaking about standing up to the stumps for the bowlers, Mooney said it was a tactical decision taken together with the bowling group.

"It's obviously a conversation that happens between me and the bowlers. I'm more than happy to do what they tell me to. It's their plans and their job to execute, and thankfully they back me to clean up anything that goes a bit awry. We were umming and ahing about that review off Dan, but we got there in the end," she added.

Mooney also explained the batting approach that helped Australia dominate the chase. After Georgia Voll's quick start, Phoebe Litchfield's aggressive innings of 48 from 33 balls ensured Australia stayed ahead of the required rate before the pair added a decisive 100-run partnership.

"It was really important to settle the innings in the powerplay in a big game. Voll got us off to a really good start, hit the ball really well and then had an unfortunate dismissal. Phoebe came out and nailed it from ball one. I just kept going and tried to make sure we got ahead of the game as early as possible," she said.

Earlier, England posted 150/4 after captain Nat Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 58 and Freya Kemp made an unbeaten 44. However, Mooney's ninth Women's T20 World Cup fifty, coupled with Litchfield's fluent innings, ensured Australia chased down the target with 17 balls to spare to lift the trophy for a record seventh time.

--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 5 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan exchanged vows with Gauri Spratt on Sunday in a close-knit affair. This marks the superstar's 3rd marriage after Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao. Aamir married Reena Dutta in 1986, and they have two children, actor Junaid Khan and Ira Khan. The couple parted ways in 2002. The actor went on to marry Kiran Rao in 2005. The couple welcomed their son, Azad Rao Khan, through surrogacy. However, the couple announced their separation in 2021.

However, he is not the only one from the industry to have tied the knot for the 3rd time. Sanjay Dutt also married three times. His first marriage was with actress Richa Sharma in 1987. The couple welcomed their daughter, Trishala Dutt, in 1988. His second marriage was with Rhea Pillai in 1998. The couple separated in the early 2000s and finalized their divorce in 2008. In the same year, Sanjay Dutt married Maanayata Dutt in a private ceremony. The couple welcomed twins, a son and a daughter, in 2010.

Kishore Kumar married three times before his 4th and final marriage. He first married Ruma Guha Thakurta in 1950. The couple had a son, Amit Kumar, before divorcing in 1958. In 1960, he married legendary actress Madhubala.

Their marriage was marked by her prolonged illness due to a congenital heart condition, and she died in 1969. He went on to marry actress Yogita Bali in 1976, but the relationship lasted only about two years, ending in divorce in 1978. He later married actress Leena Chandavarkar in 1980, and they remained together until his death in 1987.

Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan too has tied the nuptial knot 3 times. He first married Nandini in 1997, but the two later separated with their divorce finalized in 2008. He then married actress Renu Desai in 2009. He has two children from his marriage with Renu. The couple parted ways in 2012. In 2013, Pawan Kalyan married Russian actress Anna Lezhneva. The couple have two children together.

Actress Lakshmi, who predominantly works in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, has been married three times. She first married Bhaskar, with whom she has a daughter, actress Aishwarya Bhaskar. The marriage later ended in divorce. She then tied the knot with Malayalam actor Mohan Sharma in 1975. The couple separated after a few years and finalised their divorce in 1980. The actress later married actor and director Sivachandran in 1987, and they have remained together.

Actress Neelima Azeem first married actor Pankaj Kapur in 1975, and they later welcomed their son, Shahid Kapoor, before they took divorce in 1984. She married actor Rajesh Khattar in 1990. The couple had a son, Ishaan Khatter, and parted ways in 2001. The actress then married Raza Ali Khan in 2004, but that marriage also ended in divorce.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 5 (IANS) While interacting with comedian and actor Kapil Sharma during his appearance on 'The Kapil Sharma Show', actor Sanjay Dutt revealed how his father, Sunil Dutt, reacted when he told him that he wanted to be an actor.

Kapil asked Sanjay, "When you told your father that you wanted to be an actor, how did he react?"

"A slap", Sanjay revealed.

Sanjay shared that Sunil Dutt wanted him to study further.

"What do you think being an actor is easy?," he had told his son.

Sanjay confessed that he actually wished to become an actor as he thought that it would help him escape his studies.

"Okay, so you want to become an actor. Get up at 5.00 am in the morning tomorrow. You will do riding practise", Sunil Dutt instructed Sanjay.

Only after 6 months of being in the movies, Sanjay changed his mind and told his father, "Papa, can I please go back to college?"

It might also be interesting to know that Sunil Dutt directed Sanjay in his debut movie, "Rocky".

Once, Sanjay recalled how his father was like a 'Hitler' on the set.

Sharing an episode from the Kashmir schedule of the movie, Sanjay said, "Dad had already placed the shot, and his assistant came to me and said, "Go and eat your food". When I told him, "But it is not break yet", he said, "No it is break time, go and eat."

While Sanju was having his food in the restaurant, people came running and told him, "Dutt Sahab is shouting."

As Sanjay returned to the set, he got an earful from his father.

"How dare you go and eat when the entire unit is standing here? Have you become a star already?," Sunil Dutt scolded Sanjay.

However, when Sunil Dutt later asked his assistant, "Did you tell him to go and have food?", he simply denied, putting the blame on Sanjay.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 5 (IANS) Bollywood star Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt got married in a registered ceremony at the actor's Bandra residence on Sunday.

Actress Elli AvrRam, who also attended the wedding festivities, treated her Instagram family with an adorable picture with the bride.

Gauri made for a beautiful bride in an intricately embroidered ivory lehenga, with a matching blouse. Both the lehenga and the blouse were heavily embellished with delicate craftsmanship.

Gauri accessorized the look with a layered statement neckpiece, matching earrings, and a sleek bracelet.

On the other hand, Elli kept it simple yet chic in a blush-pink saree and a white blouse. Her minimal makeup look was accompanied by traditional golden jhumkas.

Earlier in the day, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan dropped a video from inside the registered wedding ceremony of Aamir and Gauri.

As the two took their wedding vows, Aamir's kids Junaid and Ira Khan were seen clapping and cheering for their father with a smile. We could also see Mr Perfectionist dancing with his bride later on.

The first photo from Aamir and Gauri's wedding, which featured on social media, showed the '3 Idiots' actor smiling as he signed the marriage papers.

Aamir's 15-year-old son, Azad Rao Khan, from his marriage to Kiran Rao, was seen holding a ring box. Gauri’s son from her previous marriage also stood between Aamir and Gauri, holding a similar box.

Aamir and Gauri had known each other for 25 years before finally developing feelings.

For the unaware, this is Aamir's third wedding. He was previously married to Reena Dutta. The couple is blessed with two children together - son Junaid and daughter Ira. However, they ended up getting a divorce in 2002.

Aamir got married for the second time to Kiran Rao in 2005 and welcomed another son, Azad Rao Khan. Aamir and Kiran also got separated in 2021.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 5 (IANS) As the late actor Vinod Khanna appeared on the popular show 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal', he opened up about joining Osho at the peak of his cinematic career.

Host Simi Garewal asked Vinod Khanna, "In June 1978, when you were at the peak of stardom, you had a family of your own. At a press conference at Natraj Studios, you announced your decision to quit and join OSHO. What made you do that?"

He shared that his mind was on overdrive and he was not in total control of his emotions anymore, hence he decided to dive deeper into meditation, and to live at the feet of his Guru was the only option.

Vinod Khanna was heard saying, "My own mind was thinking too much. My mind was, you know, very hyper. My thoughts were all over the place. I was very angry. I think I'd reached a saturation point. You know, people can press your buttons and make you react. You know, your emotions, anger, everything, everything is not under your control. You know, but yet I used to be able to see that, yes, when I meditate, these things don't affect me at all. You become the master of your own mind. And these were the things that drove me to say that, "Okay, I've had enough of films, I've given enough of time, I've made enough money, and I felt that now, if I really want to go deeper into meditation, I need to give my full time to it". You know, I have to live in an ashram, I have to live at the feet of my guru. So, obviously, you know, there was a need within me."

When asked if he considered it an abnegation of duties towards his family, he replied that he was very much in touch with his family.

"It's not that I've run away. I was in touch with my family. I was providing everything," he added.

--IANS

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