Hyderabad, June 29 (IANS) Hyderabad E-Champions produced a dominant all-round display to register a commanding 56-run victory over Anvita Khammam Aces in the Hyderabad Cricket Association's TG20 in the second match at the G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Monday.

A blistering half-century from Abhirath Reddy, valuable contributions from district player Ganesh Gadugu as well as Anvith Reddy, and disciplined bowling led by Sriniketh and Ajay Dev Goud helped the E-Champions defend 211 and extend their impressive unbeaten run at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Abhirath’s impressive 59 off 26 balls puts him on top of the Orange Cap standings with 252 runs to his name. Adding to the team’s impressive run, Ajay Dev also took his place at the top of the Purple Cap standings with 10 wickets to his name.

E-Champions recovered from a watchful start through an explosive opening partnership between Sai Vikas Reddy (22 off 20) and Abhirath. The skipper then took the attack to the bowlers with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, including a 24-run fifth over, as the E-Champions raced to 77/1 at the end of the powerplay before Ved Reddy dismissed him.

Sai Vikas continued to anchor the innings alongside Anvith Reddy (32 off 21) as the E-Champions crossed the 100-run mark in the 11th over. Ved then removed Sai Vikas, while Shanmukha Ashwin's quickfire cameo of 19 in 13 balls featuring two sixes kept the momentum going before GSK Reddy struck. Anvith and Ganesh Gadugu (44 off 21) followed up with a brisk partnership of 31 runs in 16 balls to take the score to 136/3 after 13 overs.

Ganesh accelerated brilliantly at the death, striking two sixes off Vidyananda Reddy before Anvith's run-out briefly slowed the innings. Pranav Varma (18 off 13) chipped in with timely boundaries as Hyderabad E-Champions surged past 170 with four overs remaining.

Saaketh Dhatrak picked up two wickets in the penultimate over before Sahendra Mallu claimed two more in the final over, including Ganesh and Ajay Dev (6 off 2). Despite the late collapse, E-Champions finished with a formidable 211/9.

With a tough target to chase down, Aces endured a shaky start to the chase, losing GSK Reddy (7 off 5) in the second over despite a brisk beginning from Wafi Kachchhi (21 off 15) and Himateja Kodimela. Wafi looked dangerous with a couple of boundaries but was dismissed by Sriniketh in the fifth over, while Mayank Gupta (5 off 8) struggled to accelerate as the Aces reached 50/2 at the end of the powerplay.

The innings lost further momentum through the middle overs as Ashwin and Anvith kept the scoring in check. Ashwin accounted for Mayank, while Anvith removed Mickil Jaiswal (3 off 8) to leave the Aces at 68/4 after 10 overs. Himateja, however, kept the chase alive with an aggressive counterattack, smashing two sixes and a four off Akhil Rathod before finding support from Prateek Reddy (11 off 12).

The pair stitched together a useful stand, with Himateja continuing to find the boundary and Prateek chipping in with a crucial six to take the Aces past the 100-run mark. However, Sriniketh broke the partnership by dismissing Prateek, before Ajay Dev struck in the following over to remove the well-set Himateja after his fighting knock of 64 runs in 44 balls.

Aces' hopes of a late comeback faded in the death overs despite a few blows from Sahendra Mallu (16 off 9). Ajay Dev struck a crucial blow by dismissing Sahendra in the 18th over before Ganesh Gadugu wrapped up the innings with two wickets in the final over, restricting the Aces to 155/9 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores:

Hyderabad E-Champions 211/9 in 20 overs (Abhirath Reddy 59, Ganesh Gadugu 44, Ved Reddy 2/24, Sahendra Mallu 2/35) beat Anvita Khammam Aces 155/9 in 20 overs (Himateja Kodimela 65, Wafi Kachchhi 21, K. Sriniketh 3/28, Ajay Dev Goud 2/36, Ganesh Gadugu 2/2) by 56 runs

--IANS

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Jaipur, June 29 (IANS) Notorious dacoit Jagan Gurjar, who was found dead inside Ajmer's High-Security Prison on Monday, first grabbed national headlines in 2008 after allegedly threatening to blow up the Dholpur residence of the then Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, with explosives.

The threat catapulted him into the national spotlight and intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to track him down.

Jagan was born in Bhavutipura village in Dholpur district and reportedly earned his livelihood by selling milk on a bicycle before turning to crime nearly three decades ago.

In 2008, he allegedly threatened to bomb Raj Niwas Palace, the Dholpur residence of the then Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje.

The incident drew nationwide attention, following which the police announced a reward of Rs 11 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

During his years on the run, Jagan Gurjar is believed to have used the rugged ravines of the Dang region in Dholpur as his primary hideout.

According to police records, he frequently changed locations and allegedly took shelter at the houses of associates to evade arrest.

One such associate, Murari Gurjar of Gothiyapura village, allegedly sheltered him after the 2008 threat case.

In 2009, Jagan Gurjar surrendered before the authorities in the presence of Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

Years later, during the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections, he entered the political arena indirectly by fielding his wife, Mamta Gurjar, as a candidate. She, however, was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, following his death, teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Mobile Investigation Unit (MOB) reached the prison, examined the crime scene and collected forensic evidence.

Investigators have secured the barrack where the incident occurred and begun examining the evidence.

According to preliminary findings, Jagan Gurjar is suspected to have died after being strangled, although the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.

Police are investigating the alleged involvement of fellow inmate Vishnu, an undertrial accused in the high-profile Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur.

Both inmates were reportedly lodged in the same barrack.

Confirming the incident, Ajmer Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agrawala said prison personnel discovered Jagan Gurjar lying dead during a routine inspection after unlocking the barrack in the afternoon.

Vishnu, was present inside the barrack at the time. He has allegedly confessed to killing Gurjar.

Police have, however, launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death.

For years, Jagan Gurjar was considered one of the most feared dacoits operating in the Chambal ravines and the Dang region of Dholpur district.

Police records show that dozens of criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping, extortion and other serious offences, were registered against him during his years as an outlaw.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jagan Gurjar's death inside the high-security prison, and further details are expected after the post-mortem report and completion of the inquiry.

--IANS

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Lucknow, June 29 (IANS) The Baba Saheb Ambedkar Mahasabha has firmly denied any speculation regarding the relocation of the Asthi Kalash of Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Mahasabha's General Secretary, Amarnath Prajapati, clarified that there is no proposal or process underway to shift the sacred relics from their current place of reverence.

According to Prajapati, the "Asthi Kalash" was originally established at the Mahasabha premises by Savita Ambedkar, the wife of Baba Saheb. Since then, it has remained a symbol of respect and remembrance for followers of Ambedkar's ideals.

"The Asthi Kalash of Baba Saheb, which was placed here by Mai Saheb Savita Ambedkar, will continue to remain at the Ambedkar Mahasabha. There is no question of its relocation," Prajapati stated in the release.

The clarification comes amid rumours that the relics might be moved to another location. Such speculation had caused concern among Ambedkar's followers, who regard the Asthi Kalash as a sacred reminder of his struggle for social justice, equality, and empowerment of marginalised communities.

The Mahasabha's statement aims to dispel these doubts and reassure the public that the sanctity of the site will be preserved.

B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, is revered across India for his lifelong dedication to the upliftment of Dalits and other oppressed groups.

His teachings continue to inspire movements for equality and dignity. The Asthi Kalash, therefore, holds immense emotional and cultural significance for millions of people.

By reiterating its commitment to safeguard the relics, the Ambedkar Mahasabha has underlined its role as a custodian of Ambedkar's legacy.

The organisation emphasised that the Kalash will remain "as is" at the Mahasabha premises, serving as a focal point for remembrance and homage.

With this clarification, the Mahasabha hopes to dispel any misinformation and reaffirm its dedication to honouring Baba Saheb's memory as envisioned by Savita Ambedkar.

--IANS

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Jammu, June 29 (IANS) More than 35 years after the abduction and brutal killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, her family has blamed successive governments for failing to bring those responsible to justice, saying decades of inaction prolonged their suffering and denied closure to the victims' kin.

Reacting to the filing of a 737-page chargesheet by the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA), Sarla Bhat's cousin, P.K. Bhat, recalled the horrors surrounding her killing and alleged that the governments of the time failed to act decisively against those responsible.

Recalling the incident, Bhat said Sarla was kidnapped, raped and murdered at the height of militancy in the Valley.

Even her cremation, he claimed, was marred by humiliation.

"When the time came for her cremation, when we went to collect her ashes, they did not allow us to pick them up. They desecrated them with their shoes, pushing them around back and forth. Then, by force, we managed to collect a handful of the ashes," he recounted.

Turning to the broader situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhat contrasted the violence of the past with the relative calm after 2019.

"Until 2019, there used to be stone-pelting and gunfire; every day two or three people would die. Have you seen what has happened since then? Since then, neither is there stone-pelting nor are people dying, although rallies are still taking place. This is the difference between the government then and the government now," he said.

Lamenting the delay in bringing the accused to justice, Bhat said successive governments had failed the victims.

"Justice denied, justice denied. If justice had to be given to them, then the governments at that time were such that they could not deliver justice," he said.

On the naming of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik in the chargesheet, Bhat expressed strong anger.

"He should be punished. At the very least, gouge out his eyes, cut off his legs, and leave him out in the open. He should not even be kept in jail -- there he is getting proper treatment. His eyes should be taken out, his legs should be cut off, and he should be left out in the open like a dog. He deserves such a punishment," he said.

For the Bhat family, Sarla's story is not merely a personal tragedy but a symbol of the suffering endured by the Kashmiri Pandit community -- an open wound that remains unhealed even after 35 years.

More than 35 years after the abduction and brutal killing of Sarla Bhat, the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency has filed a 737-page chargesheet before the Special Court in Srinagar.

Sarla, a staff nurse at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), was kidnapped and murdered by JKLF terrorists in April 1990.

The case, which was transferred to the SIA in March 2024, was reconstructed through forensic, ballistic, medical and electronic evidence, along with protected witness testimonies.

The chargesheet names Yasin Malik and others, establishing the crime as part of a larger terrorist conspiracy aimed at terrorising Kashmiri Pandits.

The filing underscores that terrorism has no limitation period and that justice, though delayed, continues to pursue those responsible for such crimes.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Tuesday a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged fake encounter killing of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar's Bhojpur district and raising concerns over the growing trend of extra-judicial killings and "half encounters".

As per the causelist published on the apex court's official website, a Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu is scheduled to take up the matter on June 30.

The writ petition, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari appearing as petitioner-in-person, has arrayed the Union of India, the State of Bihar, the Director General of Police, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as respondents.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined an urgent hearing on the matter when it was mentioned before a Bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, directing the petitioner to approach the apex court registry for listing.

The PIL seeks directions for registration of an FIR in connection with the June 17 encounter killing of Tiwari in Bhojpur, besides seeking a judicial inquiry headed by a former SC judge and a probe by the CBI.

According to the petition, encounter killings amount to extra-judicial executions and pose a serious threat to the rule of law in a democratic society. It contended that police personnel involved in encounters often rely on a recurring justification that the deceased attempted to snatch a weapon and open fire while trying to escape, resulting in retaliatory action by the police.

Referring to the Bhojpur incident, the plea said that 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was killed within hours of making a Facebook Live broadcast in which he allegedly expressed willingness to surrender if certain demands were met.

The petition referred to claims made by the deceased's father, Kashinath Tiwari, who alleged that his son had no criminal record, FIR or charge sheet against him and was shot even after laying down his weapon.

According to the plea, the incident triggered protests in the village, with residents demanding an inquiry into whether the use of lethal force was justified after the alleged surrender.

"The encounter has led to protests in the village, with residents demanding an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Tiwari's death," the petition said.

It added that while taking up arms against the police was wrong and warranted legal action, "the use of lethal force after an alleged surrender raises serious questions".

The petition further argued that fake encounters and extra-judicial killings amount to a violation of the fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed under the Constitution.

"The police cannot be allowed to become a mode of delivering final justice or to become a punishing authority. The power of punishment is only vested in the judiciary," the plea stated.

Besides seeking a probe into the Bhojpur encounter, the PIL has sought directions to curb extra-judicial killings and "half encounters" and ensure strict compliance with the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the PUCL judgment governing investigations into encounter deaths. It also referred to recent alleged encounter cases in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that a culture of "half encounters" had emerged in the state, necessitating judicial intervention to safeguard constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law.

--IANS

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London, June 29 (IANS) World No.1 and 2025 winner Jannik Sinner overcame a scary fall and a resilient opponent to launch his Wimbledon title defence with a hard-fought victory, getting past his opponent in five sets in the opening round of men's singles at the All-England Club in London on Monday.

Playing his first match since his shock second-round exit at the Roland Garros, Sinner returned to winning ways by battling past Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3, despite spraying 52 unforced errors and briefly raising hopes of a huge upset. The Italian, however, dug deep to outlast the resilient Kecmanovic in three hours, 30 minutes, starting the proceedings at the Centre Court on the opening day.

“It’s such a huge honour to start the tournament,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “I was a little tight in the beginning. I didn’t play my very best, but I tried to get into it. It was my first official match on grass. I’m happy that I turned it around. The third set was a very tough one to swallow."

Kecmanovic produced an inspired display in the third set that featured an early contender for point of the tournament. Trailing 5/6 in the tie-break, the Serbian stretched Sinner from corner to corner before charging the net, forcing the Italian to dive to the turf and bringing the Centre Court crowd to its feet.

It was the second time in the set that Sinner had ended up on the grass. At 2-2, the 24-year-old suffered a worrying slip, landing awkwardly with his knees bent inwards. The fall drew gasps from the packed stands, but Sinner avoided the need for a medical timeout and quickly resumed play.

Having cut down on his unforced errors to force a deciding set, Sinner seized control of the match and raced to victory, bringing a convincing finish to a contest that had been anything but straightforward through the opening three sets.

After surviving a stern opening test, with David Beckham among those watching from the Royal Box, Sinner booked a second-round meeting with Portugal's Nuno Borges.

The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Sinner has now won 94 matches at major tournaments, equalling Nicola Pietrangeli's record for the most among Italians.

Sinner was avoiding becoming just the third defending men's champion to lose in the first round at Wimbledon, but he fought back with a business-like performance that drew parallels with Carlos Alcaraz's opening match last year. The Spaniard overcame Fabio Fognini in a nervy five-set clash to get his title defence underway before surging to the final, where he was stopped by Sinner.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 29 (IANS) Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey has said that he is getting back to normalcy from Hollywood jail after he was derailed by dozens of accusations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

The Oscar-winning actor said that he had won “in every court we’ve gone into with a jury”, reports ‘Variety’.

He told Bill Maher on his ‘Club Random’ podcast. “I feel much more welcomed, and I think that things are moving in the direction that we hoped they were moving in”.

He went on, “There are certain cases where part of something is true, but it’s been rethought, it’s been redesigned, or it’s been entirely made up, certainly in the case of Anthony Rapp, which is a case that we won in federal court in New York”.

As per ‘Variety’, Anthony Rapp’s allegations that Spacey assaulted him in his New York apartment while he was a teenager appeared in a 2017 Buzzfeed article and triggered the chain of allegations that led to Spacey’s career implosion.

Anthony Rapp later filed a $40 million civil lawsuit for sexual assault and battery, but a New York jury found Spacey not liable on all counts. Bill Maher was relatively sympathetic to Spacey during the interview, noting that he was not deeply immersed in the particulars of the various allegations against the star and couldn’t challenge him on every point of fact, but he did share that he thought some claims had merit.

He said, “I’m not going to lie to you, I go by numbers with scandals. If it’s like one person, I’m always like, I don’t know if I wasn’t in the room”.

He added that in Spacey’s case, “There’s too much smoke to be no fire”. Spacey admitted that his behavior had crossed a line.

The actor said, “I never said there was no fire. It just wasn’t a raging forest fire. It was a small kitchen fire that could have been put out with an extinguisher. I hit on a lot of guys”.

Bill Maher argued that Spacey “should have gotten some punishment”. However, the comedian added that Spacey had “paid a lot” for his offenses.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, June 29 (IANS) A local court in Jajpur district on Monday sentenced a man to life imprisonment and his associate to five years' rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with a sensational murder case that occurred in Bhubaneswar in 2021.

The case had drawn widespread public attention and received extensive media coverage across Odisha during the COVID period.

As per reports, the deceased, Jharaphula Nayak, was a 21-year-old ex-student at Ramadevi Women's University in Bhubaneswar.

The convict, identified as Rakesh Swain, was working as a plumber on an irrigation project in the victim Jharaphula's village during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, he developed a relationship with Jharaphula, and the two remained in regular contact through mobile phone messages.

However, after the victim's family came to know about their relationship, she ended the relationship with Rakesh. The accused Rakesh, later returned to his workplace in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, Jharaphula repeatedly asked Rakesh to repay the money he had borrowed from her to purchase a two-wheeler. According to reports, the same two-wheeler was later used by the accused to dispose of her body after the murder.

On January 26, 2021, the prime accused, Rakesh, allegedly contacted the victim and invited her to an OYO hotel in Bhubaneswar on the pretext of repaying the money he had earlier borrowed from her. Trusting his assurance, Jharaphula went to the hotel to meet him. Subsequently, Rakesh made Jharaphula consume alcohol before smothering her to death with a pillow inside the hotel room.

The accused, with the help of convict Amaresh Rout, later transported Jharaphula’s body to Kuakhia in Jajpur from Bhubaneswar on the scooty and disposed of the body along the road near Mulapala Chowk in Kuakhia police limits in Jajpur district. Her body was recovered by the police on January 27, 2021.

After examining the testimonies of 22 prosecution witnesses, along with the forensic and medical evidence, the court found Rakesh Swain guilty of murder and his associate Amaresh guilty of causing the disappearance of evidence on Monday.

Rakesh was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Amaresh was sentenced to undergo five years' RI. Special Public Prosecutor S.S. Mohanty conducted the trial on behalf of the prosecution.

--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, June 29 (IANS) Veteran actress Mumtaz revealed which yesteryear star used to come most late on the set.

During her appearance on the singing reality show, "Indian Idol 13", Mumtaz shared that late superstar Rajesh Khanna used to be extremely late on the set.

She added that while she used to be on the set at 9 in the morning, Rajesh Khanna used to arrive at 12. However, Mumtaz stated that she used to be done with the shoot by 6, but Rajesh Khanna was asked to stay back to finish work.

She was heard saying during her appearance on the singing reality show, "Rajesh Khanna was the last one to come. He used to come at 12. I used to arrive at 9. After 9, I used to get off at 6. They used to make him stay back."

For those who do not know, Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna were considered one of the most beloved on-screen jodis of the time. Given their popularity, these two went on to work together in not one, not two, but nine movies together, namely, 'Bandhan', 'Do Raste', 'Sacha Jhutha', 'Dushman', 'Apna Desh', 'Roti', 'Aap ki Kasam', 'Prem Kahani', and 'Aaina'.

Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with “Lajwanti” in 1958.

She rose to fame with the movie 'Do Raaste' in 1969, and established herself as one of the leading actresses with films such as 'Bandhan', 'Aadmi Aur Insaan', 'Khilona', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', 'Apna Desh', 'Loafer', 'Roti' and 'Nagin', to name just a few.

After this, she went on a sabbatical of 13 years. Her 1990 film 'Aandhiyan', marked her final film appearance before retirement.

Mumtaz tied the knot with businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974. The couple is blessed with two daughters. One of her daughters, Natasha, is married to the late actor Feroz Khan's son and actor Fardeen Khan.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj could not help but express his gratitude to God as he got to live his perfect evening with his better half, Rekha Bhardwaj.

In his latest social media post, Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that he once imagined a perfect evening where he is relaxing with a drink and a good book, while his wife, Rekha Bhardwaj, is quietly sewing away on a sewing machine.

As he recently got to live the dream, the 'Omkara' maker realized how life has a way of pleasantly surprising us.

"Many lifetimes ago, I imagined an evening like this. Me, with a drink and a book. Rekha, quietly sewing away on a sewing machine. Such a tiny dream. Life is a beautiful thing… and God is infinitely kind (sic)," read the caption on the post.

Actress Wamiqa Gabbi also reacted to the post with the comment, "sweetest post ever"

In another update, Vishal Bhardwaj recently joined the list of 529 artists invited by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to become its members.

Apart from Vishal Bhardwaj, no other name from Bollywood featured on the prestigious list.

Those celebrities who were invited include Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi, Simu Liu, Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Sopé Dìrísù, and Stephen Fry, along with filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, Weapons director Zach Cregger, and Sirât filmmaker Oliver Laxe.

Talking about Vishal Bhardwaj's musical journey, he made his debut as a music composer with 'Abhay (1995)'. However, he rose to fame with his work in 'Maachis (1996)'.

After this, Vishal Bhardwaj went on to compose soundtracks for films such as 'Satya (1998)', 'Chachi 420 (1997)', 'Hu Tu Tu (1999)', 'Godmother (1999)', and 'Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001)'.

Even after becoming a director, he scored music for his own movies, 'Omkara (2006)', 'Maqbool (2003)', and 'Haider (2014)'.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 29 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran craves thrill. The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker crashed a wedding recently along with Martin Garrix.

The two were both set to perform in Chicago, and received a message on social media from Mike Kindelin, as he requested them to make a surprise appearance at his sister Tessa and groom Brendan Harty's celebrations, and the two were happy to follow the lead, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Ed Sheeran took to his Instagram, and shared a Reel. He said, "Right. Martin did a show, I did a show. He got a DM from someone saying, Can you crash my sister's wedding?".

Martin said, "So we're going there”. Ed Sheeran shared, "We're gonna go and crash the wedding. See you in a bit”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the clip then captures their journey, before showing them being greeted by Mike, as he said, "Got my friends here, Martin and Ed. They decided to crash my sister's wedding”.

The pair entered the venue to cheers of surprise, and broke into their song ‘Repeat It’, joining the couple and their guests on the dance floor.

Tessa told ABC7 Chicago, "People say that the wedding is going to be the best day of your life, but, I mean, that was just above and beyond anything I ever could have expected. We had kind of joked about and talked about, you know, 'What if we invited them to our wedding?'. The crowd erupted, I knew that Mike had been talking to Martin Garrix, but I had no idea that Ed Sheeran was coming with them, too. So, I came up from the crowd and I, you know, heard their song playing. And then I saw Ed, and I was like, 'Oh my God’”.

She added, "I can't believe they both came. It was unbelievable”.

Brendan found the moment they arrived "surreal" and it topped off their big day. He also suggested Ed Sheeran had sang more than just ‘Repeat It’.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Sunny Deol revealed that he had no idea that his character in 'Damini' would become so popular.

During the trailer release of his forthcoming movie 'Ikka', Sunny said that he wanted to be a part of 'Damini' and hence agreed to do the role, which the makers believed to be a small character.

He said, "My friends were producing the film. At that time, I also wanted to be a part of the film. I had no role in it. It was a small character, according to them. They asked me, and I said yes. I wanted to be part of the film. But I never imagined that the film would become such a huge hit and my character would become so popular, sitting in everyone's hearts. I had no idea about it."

"That's why I say that I enjoy doing films because I want to do the characters and I don't know how far I will reach or won't, but the journey is so beautiful that that is my high. And 'Damini' made all of you its fans. But after that, I didn't get a chance to play such a character", he went on to add.

Helmed and co-written by Rajkumar Santoshi, 'Damini' features Meenakshi Seshadri in the titular role, along with Rishi Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Sunny Deol, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Paresh Rawal as the core cast.

The film talks about a simple girl, Damini, who seeks justice after witnessing her housemaid being raped by her brother-in-law and his friends.

Coming back to 'Ikka', the primary cast of the drama includes Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Tillotama Shome, Dia Mirza, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shishir Sharma, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, along with others.

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Alchemy Films, 'Ikka' is expected to premiere on July 10 on Netflix.

--IANS

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