Jaipur, May 8 (IANS) The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has cancelled the Sub‑Inspector/Platoon Commander Recruitment Examination‑2021 and announced that the exam will be conducted afresh, following a recommendation by the state government.

Commission Chairman Utkal Ranjan Sahoo stated that only 383,097 candidates will be eligible to appear in the examination, which will be re-conducted. These are the candidates who had appeared for both question papers of the written examination previously held from September 13 to September 15, 2021.

Candidates are being provided an opportunity to correct and update their previously submitted application forms. The amendment process will run from May 16 to May 30. During this period, candidates will be able to update details such as their mobile number, email address, and correspondence address.

Before making any amendments to their application, candidates must complete the KYC process within their One Time Registration (OTR) profile. If a candidate has changed their SSO ID, they can use the "Fetch Application Form" option to transfer their old data to their new profile.

The live photo, signature, and thumb impression saved in the OTR will be automatically fetched from the OTR system. If the KYC process was not previously completed in the OTR, it will be mandatory to complete it now.

Detailed information regarding this matter will be released on the Commission's website.

This recruitment drive will be conducted for the same 859 posts. Even if a candidate does not wish to make any amendments to their entries, they must still open the application form in "edit mode."

They are required to mandatorily provide a declaration stating that no amendments are needed, as well as their consent for the use of the live photo, signature, and thumb impression stored in their OTR profile.

Only after completing these steps should the candidate click the "Final Submit" button, enter the OTP received on their registered mobile number, and submit the application. Applications will not be accepted if the prescribed procedure is not strictly followed.

Officials stated that the eligibility of candidates, specifically regarding age, reservation status, and educational qualifications, will be determined solely based on their status at the time of submitting their applications in 2021. No modifications of any kind to these details will be deemed valid.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the Commission's official website and recruitment portal for detailed information. On August 28, 2025, a Single Bench of the Rajasthan High Court delivered a verdict cancelling the SI Recruitment-2021 process. Subsequently, on April 4, 2026, a Division Bench of the High Court upheld this order.

This verdict by the Division Bench was challenged in the Supreme Court by the trainee SIs (the selected candidates). However, on May 4, a bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed the Special Leave Petition filed by the selected candidates.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, May 8 (IANS) An engineering student was stabbed to death in Hyderabad for carrying on an alleged love affair despite warnings, police said on Friday.

Yuvan, 23, was murdered in the Chilkalguda area in Hyderabad's Secunderabad late on Thursday night.

A resident of Jawaharnagar, he was a third-year engineering student of a private college.

Yuvan had come to Indiranagar in Chilkaguda to meet a girl with whom he had been in a relationship for four years. The girl's relatives had previously warned him to stay away from her. However, Yuvan continued his relationship.

When he came to meet the girl on Thursday night, the girl's relatives allegedly caught him and stabbed him.

According to police, he was sitting with friends and watching a cricket match on a mobile phone when the girl’s relatives suddenly arrived at the spot. The accused allegedly attacked the youth with knives and stabbed him nearly 17 times, leaving him critically injured.

He was shifted to Gandhi Hospital, where he succumbed while undergoing treatment.

Police later shifted the body to the mortuary for postmortem examination.

Tension prevailed in the area as the family of Yuvan staged a protest in front of the girl’s house in Sitaphalmandi with his body on Friday and demanded punishment for the culprits.

Some of the protestors tried to attack the house. Police intervened to pacify the protestors.

Police said they have arrested two accused and are on the lookout for others.

According to police, Yuvan was earlier a resident of Sitaphalmandi but later shifted to Jawaharnagar.

Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao on Friday said that the series of ghastly crimes happening across Telangana exposes the alarming deterioration in law and order.

"Even as a delegation from our party was meeting the Telangana DGP, to express serious concern over the worsening law and order situation, shocking news emerged that the wife of retired DG-rank IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray was murdered in the high-security Prashasan Nagar area. Last night, a young man was brutally stabbed to death in the middle of the road in Secunderabad," Rama Rao posted on X.

When the entire police machinery and intelligence network are being diverted towards filing false cases against BRS leaders, activists, and social media activists, arresting and harassing them, a collapse in law and order becomes inevitable, he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will inaugurate India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference being co-hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi, on Saturday, an official said.

The two-day event will bring together nearly 200 renowned ophthalmologists from across the country alongside the finest military eye specialists and aims to foster meaningful civil-military cooperation in ophthalmology.

The conference, on May 9 and 10, is being organised by the Department in collaboration with the All-India Ophthalmological Society at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, an official statement said on Friday.

This event, named All-India Ophthalmological Society - Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AIOS-AFOU 2026), will also see the three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary in attendance, underscoring the national importance and tri-service character of the event.

It will cover the subject of ophthalmology comprehensively, encompassing the latest advances across all major subspecialties. More than 100 distinguished faculty drawn from AIIMS, New Delhi; PGI, Chandigarh; LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad; Sankara Netralaya, Chennai; Aravind Eye Care System, among other institutes, will attend the conference.

Two internationally acclaimed ophthalmologists -- Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, UK, Professor Harminder Singh Dua and Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinician Researcher at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan -- will also take part in the event.

Dua is renowned worldwide for his pioneering research in chemical ocular injuries and his landmark discovery of Dua's Layer, a paradigm-shifting contribution to corneal anatomy.

Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan heads the Fundus Image Reading Centre at the National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, and is renowned for his expertise in retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy, and AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics, said the statement.

The conference would serve as an inspiring platform for young serving ophthalmologists from across the country to showcase their skills and simultaneously learn from the experts of the craft.

--IANS

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Patna, May 8 (IANS) Following the allocation of portfolios in the NDA government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, newly appointed ministers began formally assuming charge of their respective departments on Friday.

Several ministers outlined their priorities immediately after taking office, signalling the government’s focus on governance reforms and administrative accountability.

Senior JD(U) leader Madan Sahani assumed charge of the Liquor Prohibition Department and issued a strong statement regarding the implementation of prohibition laws in the state.

He acknowledged that the liquor ban policy had not been enforced in the manner originally intended and identified the smuggling of alcohol from outside Bihar, along with illegal liquor production within the state, as the biggest challenges before the department.

Speaking after taking charge, Madan Sahani said strict measures would now be taken in coordination with departmental officials to curb liquor trafficking and illegal manufacturing activities.

He asserted that the government was determined to stop such activities “under any circumstances” and strengthen enforcement of the prohibition law.

Another senior JD(U) leader, Ashok Choudhary, took charge of the Food and Consumer Affairs Department.

Soon after assuming office, he warned of strict action against Public Distribution System (PDS) shopkeepers accused of supplying less ration to beneficiaries.

“There is no shortage of wicked people anywhere,” Ashok Choudhary remarked while speaking to the media, emphasising that the government would act firmly against irregularities in the ration distribution system.

He said ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of beneficiaries would remain a key priority for his department.

Senior BJP leader Dilip Jaiswal also assumed charge of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department on Friday.

Upon reaching his office, he spoke candidly about the challenges facing the department, which has often been criticised for delays, corruption allegations, and administrative inefficiency.

Dilip Jaiswal stated that the department had at times acquired the reputation of being a “dark cell” due to prolonged strikes and disruption of public services.

He acknowledged that many works had come to a standstill because of employee-related issues and assured that efforts would be made to resolve staff grievances so that public services are not affected.

“The department has had considerable notoriety at the lower levels. We will work hard and address the issues of employees so that public work does not suffer,” he said after assuming charge.

Meanwhile, Kedar Prasad Gupta took over as the Tourism Minister and received a warm welcome from departmental officials upon his arrival.

Highlighting the economic potential of tourism in Bihar, Gupta stated that the rapid development of tourism infrastructure across the state would be a major focus of his tenure.

“Tourism will be rapidly developed across the entire state of Bihar. Promoting tourism in Bihar is our goal. It will also boost employment and economic growth,” he said.

--IANS

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Panihati (West Bengal), May 8 (IANS) Ratna Debnath, BJP MLA-elect and mother of the trainee doctor who was sexually assaulted and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Friday alleged on Friday that certain activists from the Trinamool Congress are posing as BJP supporters and indulging in post-poll violence in West Bengal. She further asserted that no Trinamool activist will be allowed to be a part of the BJP.

Speaking to IANS, Debnath, who won from the Panihati Assembly constituency, said: "Our former Chief Minister's (Mamata Banerjee) time is over but still she has refused to resign, saying she has not lost the polls. All this (violence) is the result of her madness."

"Few activists of her party (Trinamool) are putting saffron colour on themselves and indulging in violence," she alleged.

"I will not allow anyone from the Trinamool to enter my party. No miscreant will enter," she asserted.

She further alleged: “In Panihati, post-poll violence is still taking place in different areas. Some Trinamool activists are putting colour on themselves and posing as BJP supporters and carrying out vandalism."

Debnath mentioned that she has complained about the incidents at two police stations.

"The officers said that those people (activists) have claimed to be close to me. I told them that being ‘close’ does not mean anything—even if I do something wrong, I should be treated according to the law," she said.

Ratna Debnath confirmed that a bomb blast has occurred at number 14 ward in the constituency.

"Four people had to be admitted in the hospital. One even had to undergo surgery," she said.

The BJP leader also said that police officials have been informed that the administration should be able to function freely.

Referring to the murder of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide, Debnath said: "It was a pre-planned murder. I was not able to tolerate the news and have fallen sick since then."

Debnath called Adhikari's executive assistant Chandranath Rath a "nice person".

"He used to visit our house, even without Suvendu Da (Adhikari), and that is why I am not able to accept his death," she said.

About plans for the people of her constituency, the BJP leader said: "Locals have conveyed me their problems. I will have a meeting with them and try to resolve their issues."

--IANS

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Shanghai, May 8 (IANS) India's Simranjeet Kaur advanced to the final four of the women's recurve individual event at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 here at the Yuanshen Sports Centre on Friday.

On her first time on a World Cup final stage, Simranjeet doubled Fong You Jhu’s 10 count of two in the quarter-final, dropping an impressive 27, 28, 29 three-end score to sweep aside her Chinese Taipei counterpart 6-0.

She was highly emotional once the result was confirmed, wiping away tears before quickly going on her phone to call her beloved father. “I just called my dad after the match and I cried because it actually is a big deal for me and it was long-awaited,” the 27-year-old archer was quoted by World Archery.

"I feel like this is the best thing that can ever happen to an archer who is preparing for each and every World Cup, the bigger events and all the competitions. I think 1000 times today I have just told myself to detach and shoot. Detach from the result, detach from the emotions and everything else – detach from each and every thing, just shoot," she said.

Simranjeet actually finished bottom of the four-woman Indian recurve contingent in Wednesday’s qualification, with Ankita Bhakat 10th, Kumkum Anil Mohod 11th and regular stalwart Deepika Kumari 14th. However, Ankit's, Kumkum's and Deepika's campaigns ended in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

Interestingly, Ankita lost 6-5 to Fong You, whom Simranjeet defeated in the quarterfinal, in the third round after a shoot-off. Meanwhile, Deepika suffered a 4-6 loss at the hands of Korean archer Kang Chaeyoung and Kumkum fell to Alejandra Valencia Trujillo 3-7 of Mexico.

The 2024 Asia Cup silver medallist Simranjeet is seeded 15th overall and therefore will not feature in India’s recurve women’s team gold medal match against China, although all four athletes could still leave Shanghai with medals on Sunday.

In the men's individual recurve, India's campaign ended with Dhiraj Bommadevara's 0-6 loss to Frenchman Jean-Charles Valladont in the fourth round.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, May 8 (IANS) The makers of director Buchi Babu Sana's eagerly awaited rural action drama 'Peddi', featuring Telugu star Ram Charan in the lead, on Friday released a video clip showing Megastar Chiranjeevi's visit to the sets of 'Peddi' when the film was being shot.

Taking to his Instagram page, director Buchi Babu Sana shared the video and said, "The BOSS and my GURU on sets of #Peddi... It’s one of the best memories. And yes...I’ve built a bit of muscle with my Peddi’s inspiration. @chiranjeevikonidela Sir @alwaysramcharan Sir @aryasukku Sir."

The video released shows Chiranjeevi arriving at the sets of Peddi and having fun with the unit there. The clip has visuals of Chiranjeevi sharing a lighter moment with director Buchi Babu Sana, director Sukumar, cameraman Rathnavelu and his son and actor Ram Charan. At one point, directors Buchi Babu Sana, Sukumar and actor Ram Charan flex their biceps even as Chiranjeevi shoots a video and Ram Charan jokingly says, "His (Buchi Babu Sana's) muscles are bigger."

For the unaware, the film's makers had announced on May 1 that shooting for the much awaited film had been wrapped.

Taking to his X timeline in the early hours of May 1, cinematographer Rathnavelu wrote, "It’s a wrap for Mega power star @AlwaysRamCharan ! #Peddi -A Memorable journey. Working with #RC has been truly special. A powerhouse performer on screen and a wonderful friend off it. Grateful for the memories we’ve created together. @BuchiBabuSana @arrahman @vriddhicinemas."

On his Instagram page, he wrote, "Working with Ram Charan has been nothing short of inspiring — not just a phenomenal actor who brings fire and finesse to every frame, but also a genuinely warm and a truly reliable friend off screen. On this last day of shoot with him , I carry back not just great visuals, but great memories. Here’s to the magic we created together — and to many more journeys ahead."

IANS had reported on April 29 that the unit was in the process of shooting the last song for the film.

Sources close to the unit of the film had informed IANS that the number would be a sensational special song featuring Ram Charan. They had also gone on to claim that the song, which was shot in Hyderabad, would contain a surprise element for audiences.

A source had said, "The tune, the dance, the granduer set and a surprise in it will make the audience go berserk. The song, that has been set to tune by A R Rahman, will be another sure-shot chartbuster."

'Peddi', which has triggered huge excitement among fans and film buffs, has been in the limelight right from the time it was first announced.

The film, which is slated to hit screens on June 4, brings together a strong cast with Janhvi Kapoor playing the leading lady. Senior actors Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu, and Boman Irani will all be seen playing important parts in this film.

On the technical side, the movie is backed by some of the best in the industry. R Rathnavelu is handling the camera work, Navin Nooli is in charge of editing, and Avinash Kolla has designed the film’s massive and detailed sets.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) The Global Chess League (GCL) and FIDE on Friday announced that season 4 will take place in India, a country where chess is not just played, but lived, followed, and celebrated like never before, with the host city to be announced in the coming days.

The last edition of the Global Chess League took place in Mumbai in December 2025. Alpine SG Pipers won the title after a strong campaign.

Since it started, the league has aimed to change the game with a fast-paced franchise-based format. It features rapid matches and mixed-gender teams, hoping to make chess a popular spectator sport worldwide.

Across previous seasons, India has delivered packed arenas, electric fan zones, and a surge of digital engagement that has reshaped how chess connects with audiences.

Season 4 will once again bring together the world’s leading players in a team-based format that blends elite competition with high-intensity storytelling.

Arkady Dvorkovich, president, FIDE, said, “India continues to play a defining role in the global growth of chess, both through its exceptional talent and the passion of its fans. The Global Chess League has introduced a new energy to the sport by combining world-class competition with an engaging team format that appeals to new and existing audiences alike. We are excited to bring Season 4 to India and look forward to celebrating the game with millions of fans who are helping shape the future of chess worldwide.”

Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, “The Global Chess League has played a pivotal role in transforming chess into a more dynamic and spectator-friendly sport. India’s passion for the game and its rapidly growing chess ecosystem make it a natural destination for the league. We look forward to another exciting season that brings together the world’s best players and a global fanbase.”

--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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Chennai, May 8 (IANS) The makers of director Selvin Raj Xavier's next film, featuring actor Santhanam in the lead, has now been tilted 'Love Bite', its makers announced on Friday.

Creative Producer Archana Kalpathi of AGS Productions took to her X timeline to make the announcement.

She wrote, "Thrilled to announce our upcoming film featuring the immensely talented iamsanthanam Sir and our own director @selvinrajxavier. It will be a super fun wild ride from the house of #Ags with an incredible team of actors and technical crew #LoveBite. #AGS29 #KalpathiSAghoram #KalpathiSGanesh #KalpathiSSuresh@archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @iamsanthanam @selvinrajxavier @Ags_production @thinkmusicindia."

Actor Santhanam, who is already working on a number of other projects, took to his X timeline to express his happiness on working in this new film.

The actor wrote, "Very happy to associate with @Ags_production and @selvinrajxavier for my next film. @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi."

For the unaware, director Selvin Raj Xavier is best known for his horror comedy film 'Conjuring Kannappan', which, incidentally, was also produced by AGS Entertainment.

The film featured actor Sathish in the lead and had gone on to emerge a superhit. Sathish played the titular role of Kannappan, a game designer in this film, the story of which revolves around Kannappan when he chooses to draw water from his well that contains a talisman called the Dreamcatcher. The man throws the talisman back into the well but not before accidently pulling out one of the feathers embedded in it. This transports him to a castle haunted by spirits, everytime he falls asleep. The film, which ended up being a laugh riot, not only set the cash registers ringing at the box office but also came in for critical acclaim.

The title poster of 'Love Bite' that was announced on Friday gave one the impression that this film too will be a horror comedy like 'Conjuring Kannappan'.

The title poster showed a graveyard with several hands emerging out of graves.Some graves are seen empty while the title seems to be in a fashion that resembles one of zombie movies. In all, the title poster makes it evident that the film will be a horror comedy.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 8 (IANS) As she’s all set to reprise the role of the steadfast and supportive wife Poonam Mishra in the second season of the action crime thriller web series “Inspector Avinash”, actress Urvashi Rautela said that the most powerful emotion driving her character in the upcoming edition is survival wrapped in silence.

Talking about the emotion that drives her character Poonam, the most in the second season, Urvashi told IANS: “The most powerful emotion driving my character this season is survival wrapped in silence.”

She added: “In crime dramas, people often only see the violence, power, or action, but underneath all of that, there’s usually fear, emotional isolation, and the constant need to protect oneself emotionally. My character carries that internal conflict very deeply.”

Urvashi says what she finds fascinating is that her character, Poonam, is not driven by loud emotions.

“She’s driven by restraint. Sometimes strength is not about aggression; it’s about enduring things quietly while still holding yourself together. That emotional complexity is what attracted me to the role,” she said.

Headlined by Randeep Hooda, Inspector Avinash was first released in 2023. The first installment was directed by Neeraj Pathak. The first installment also featured names such as Amit Sial, Shalin Bhanot, Rahul Mittra, Zakir Hussain, Ayeesha S. Aiman, Zohaeb Farooqui, Bidita Bag, Pravin Sisodia, Rajneesh Duggal, Ajay Chaudhary.

The show was based on true events and the life of UP super-cop Avinash Mishra. The series revolves around the life of Avinash Mishra, who was brought in to stop the crimes in the state.

The 32-year-old actress made her acting debut in 2013 with Singh Saab the Great, starring Sunny Deol. She was then seen in films such as Sanam Re, Great Grand Masti, Hate Story and Pagalpanti.

After making her debut opposite Bollywood superstar Sunny Deol in 2013 with the film “Singh Saab the Great,” Urvashi was seen in a string of lukewarm films such as Virgin Bhanupriya, Sanam Re, Great Grand Masti, Hate Story and Pagalpanti.

However, she tasted success in 2025 with the film “Daaku Maharaaj” starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. Her number Dabidi Dibidi went viral on social media due to the dance steps.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 8 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and husband Anand Ahuja are celebrating another year of togetherness on the 8th of May.

On account of the special occasion, Anand’s mother and Sonam Kapoor's mother-in-law, Priya Ahuja, shared a series of unseen family pictures from their journey together.

Among the adorable pictures was a click of the mommy Sonam and daddy Anand trying their best to put both their tiny tots to sleep.

In the candid picture, Sonam is seen holding her new born baby boy in her arms while Anand is seen lying beside little Vayu.

Priya Ahuja accompanied the post with an emotional note celebrating the couple’s anniversary.

“Two beautiful souls, one forever kind of love. Still in love, still shining together as it should be!! Happy Anniversary my dearest sweetest Anand & Sonam. Wishing you endless love & togetherness my bachaas,” she wrote.

She added, “You both have turned love into a lifetime promise so gracefully and so beautifully. It fills our hearts with pride and immense happiness to see your beautiful journey of love, laughter and togetherness. May you always be blessed with the same warmth and grace & understanding. May your bond keep getting stronger and your smiles brighter and your love deeper with each passing day. Lots & lots of love and blessings beta.”

For the uninitiated, Sonam and Anand tied the knot in 2018 in Mumbai after a few years of dating. The couple welcomed their son, Vayu, in 2022 and their second baby boy in April, this year.

Sonam and Anand's wedding had went on to become one of the most cherished moments of Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and many other bigwigs dancing their hearts out on the Sangeet night.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 8 (IANS) Actor Anant V. Joshi has joined the cast as Anand “Annu” Mishra in the Season 5 of the hit series Gullak.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the beloved series, Anant V. Joshi said, “Gullak has always felt very close to my heart because the Mishras remind me so much of our own families, their warmth, little moments, conversations, and the simplicity with which they touch people’s lives.”

He said that he has been a fan of the show ever since it debuted on OTT.

He added, “I have been a fan of this world for a long time, so becoming a part of it now feels truly special. Stepping into Annu Bhaiya’s journey has been an exciting experience for me, especially because this season explores a more mature and evolving side of his life."

The actor also added, "What made it even more memorable was the love and warmth I received from the entire cast and team from day one.”

Anant expressed gratitude for considering him to play an essential part of the show.

He further added, “I am genuinely grateful to be a part of the Gullak family and very excited for audiences to experience this new season with us.”

Produced by The Viral Fever, the new season brings back the beloved ensemble featuring Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Harsh Mayar and Sunita Rajwar, with Anant Joshi stepping into the role of Annu this season.

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