Los Angeles, Oct 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who is receiving a lot of positive response to his recently released miniseries ‘Carrie’, has shared his experience of working with author Stephen King on whose eponymous novel the miniseries is based.

The filmmaker spoke with IANS during the promotions of the series, and shared that the author is his childhood hero.

He told IANS, “It's incredible. Stephen King has been my hero since I was a kid. Like he's very much the reason I want to tell stories. And so for something like this, this is our 4th time working together. The conversations at the very beginning are like, ‘I'm not going to do anything unless Steve wants to do it, I'm not going to risk this relationship at this point for anything’. So the conversations were really exciting”.

He further mentioned, “We both had the same feeling at the beginning, which was why do we have to do ‘Carrie’? Like it's been done. It's been done a lot. It's been done perfectly. But I just couldn't stop thinking about the idea. And I really felt like I had a very new way into it that required a lot of changes. And that's where I was scared to have the conversation, because I've never done that with Stephen King's work before. I've always tried to be very faithful. But I said, ‘I think I have a way into Carrie’. It's a lot of changes. It's very different. But here it is”.

The series follows the socially isolated teenager as she navigates high school, bullying and the oppressive influence of her mother, Margaret, while discovering her telekinetic abilities. Flanagan updates the story for the social-media era, bringing cyberbullying, online humiliation and modern teenage pressures into the narrative.

The series expands several characters and explores the psychological roots of cruelty, victimhood and revenge more deeply than earlier adaptations. While Brian De Palma’s 1976 film remains the iconic version, the series format gives the story considerably more room to explore its characters and themes.

The series is available to stream on Prime Video.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) The late actor Nana Patekar’s son Malhar Patekar has shared the reason behind the final rites of the actor being held after the sunset. As per the traditions, the cremation isn’t done after sunset. Malhar Patekar spoke with the media after the cremation, and explained that the family and his mortal remains were in Goa, and bringing them to his farmhouse took some time considering the long travel.

He also shared that the actor passed away early in the morning, and a lot of time had already passed, and it wasn’t advisable to keep the mortal remains for long.

He told the media, “We were in Goa, and his mortal remains were to be brought to the farmhouse in the village. We expected that we would arrive earlier but it took us some time. He passed away early in the morning so a lot of time had already passed and it was not advisable to keep the mortal remains for long. Hence, we had to do the cremation after the sunset”.

The actor was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje in Pune district on Thursday. The actor was given a 3-gun salute.

He also spoke about carrying forward the late actor’s legacy of social work, he shared, “People like him don't go anywhere, they live forever through the work they are immortal. He always told us one thing that we should get together for humanity and work for the betterment of the world. He used to think on the global level. Our social work covered Maharashtra, pan-India including Jammu and Kashmir, we are doing all our social work there in the education and the health sector”.

He further mentioned, “He had already passed on the responsibilities to every single person who deserved it. He had already delegated a lot of work to people who could do justice to it”.

“And, he wanted to start everything from scratch and he wanted to spend his life at a place which demanded something from him in terms of social work. I'll make sure that whatever unfinished business is there, it gets completed. His dreams and my dreams collectively is to work for the people, I will ensure that it gets done”, he added.

The late actor’s friends and members of the film fraternity including Jackie Shroff, directors Anil Sharma, Aneez Bazmee, and producer Firoz nadiadwala arrived at Donje village to attend the last rites of Nana Patekar.

A huge crowd also turned up to bid adieu to the departed soul. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his last respects to Nana Patekar at Pune airport before leaving for Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went to the actor’s Pune farmhouse to pay his respects.

Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 in Goa. The actor suffered cardiac arrest. The actor was taken to hospital where doctors attempted CPR and resuscitation for about 45 minutes. However, he was later declared dead on arrival.

Prominent members of the Indian film industry mourned the loss of the actor, as they expressed grief through social media. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and wrote, “Nanaaaaa... Rest in peace bhau”.

Salman’s fellow superstar Ajay Devgn shared his condolences over the demise of the acting legend. He took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a still from their film ‘Apaharan’. He also penned a long note, as he lauded the late actor for his powerful presence.

He wrote, “Not many made us happy, sad and feel anger quite the way Nana did. His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable, and his absence will now be deeply felt. Rest well, Nana. Om Shanti”.

Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a throwback picture with the screen legend. He also penned a long note, as he wrote, “Heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing. An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans”.

--IANS

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Washington, Oct 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has described billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a modern-day Thomas Edison, calling him a national treasure whose technological achievements have advanced America's strategic interests, transformed space exploration and saved lives during natural disasters.

Honouring Musk with the National Medal of Science at the New Golden Age Summit on Thursday, Trump delivered an unusually personal tribute to the SpaceX and Tesla founder, praising his engineering achievements and recalling how his satellite communications network helped people stranded during a devastating hurricane in North Carolina.

"Few Americans in history have done more to advance America's national interest than Elon, in one field after another, his genius and determination have made science fiction into reality," Trump said.

The US President credited Musk with changing the economics of space exploration through SpaceX, which he founded in 2002.

He said the company's development of privately built rockets had reduced America's dependence on foreign countries for transporting astronauts into space.

Trump also congratulated SpaceX on what he described as the safe return of Crew-12 from the International Space Station just hours before the ceremony.

"SpaceX saved NASA from relying on foreign nations to send our astronauts into space," he said.

The US President praised Starship, SpaceX's massive rocket designed for rapid reuse, and Starlink, its satellite communications network.

But his most personal remarks focused on North Carolina, where he said Starlink helped restore vital communications after a hurricane left communities isolated by floodwaters.

Trump recalled receiving an appeal for assistance because residents trapped by flooding had lost their ability to communicate with emergency responders.

He said he contacted Musk directly and that Starlink equipment arrived within hours despite logistical difficulties.

"So I never forgot that experience. It was a terrible time and the job he (Elon Musk) did, and he acted so fast," Trump added.

The US President claimed the intervention had saved hundreds of lives. The figure was not independently substantiated in the summit transcript.

Trump also praised Musk's contributions to the automobile industry through Tesla and his work on brain-computer interfaces through Neuralink.

He said Neuralink was developing technology intended to restore functions such as sight, speech and movement to people with severe disabilities.

The US President then recalled an unusual historical connection between his family and the scientist Nikola Tesla.

He said his uncle, Dr. John Trump, a longtime professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, had been asked by the US government to assess Tesla's scientific work.

According to Trump, his uncle concluded that Tesla was a genuine scientific genius.

Trump also highlighted Musk's involvement in artificial intelligence, placing his achievements within the administration's broader effort to strengthen American leadership in emerging technologies.

"Elon is our modern-day Thomas Edison. And Elon, I wanna congratulate you, you're my friend and all of that, but you are a very, very special guy," Trump said.

The National Medal of Science is among America's highest honours for scientific achievement. Musk received the award for engineering contributions spanning space exploration, communications, intelligence systems and manufacturing.

Musk's companies operate across several strategically important industries, including commercial space launches, electric vehicles, satellite communications and artificial intelligence. SpaceX has become a major partner of NASA, while Starlink has expanded access to satellite-based internet services in different parts of the world.

--IANS

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Washington, Oct 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has honoured six of America's leading technology pioneers, including Indian-origin Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, with the country's highest awards for scientific achievement and technological innovation, describing their contributions as central to America's global leadership.

At the New Golden Age Summit on Thursday, Trump presented the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Nadella and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell.

Elon Musk, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su received the National Medal of Science.

The ceremony brought together some of the most influential figures in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, cloud computing and space exploration.

Trump singled out Nadella for transforming Microsoft into a global technology powerhouse and positioning the company at the forefront of artificial intelligence.

"For more than three decades, Satya Nadella has been a key figure in the transformation of Microsoft," the US President said.

Trump credited Nadella with developing Microsoft's cloud computing capabilities and expanding its reach among businesses, students and consumers worldwide.

"Then he (Satya Nadella) had the vision to make Microsoft an early leader in super intelligence," the US President said.

"Satya, we are honoured to give you the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. It is so well deserved. Congratulations, Satya, Trump added.

The award citation recognised Nadella's leadership in revitalising Microsoft for the cloud computing era and building infrastructure capable of supporting the development and global deployment of advanced artificial intelligence.

Trump also praised Musk's achievements in space exploration, electric vehicles and satellite communications.

"Elon is our modern day Thomas Edison," Trump said, describing the Space X founder as a national treasure.

He highlighted SpaceX's reusable rockets, Starlink satellite network and efforts to advance space exploration.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin was recognised for developing algorithms that transformed how people access information.

Trump said Brin had returned to Google to personally drive progress in superintelligence.

Nvidia's Jensen Huang received recognition for advancing graphics processing technology that now powers much of the world's artificial intelligence infrastructure.

"The entire world is now running on Nvidia," Trump added.

AMD's Lisa Su was honoured for her contributions to semiconductor engineering and high-performance computing.

Michael Dell received the technology and innovation medal for helping make personal computers widely accessible and building a global technology company.

The US President also outlined his administration's scientific priorities, including quantum computing, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and space exploration.

He said the United States was working towards developing a quantum computer for scientific discovery by 2028.

Trump also referred to the Genesis mission and a White House accord on superintelligence aimed at maintaining American technological leadership.

The National Medal of Science recognises outstanding contributions to scientific knowledge, while the National Medal of Technology and Innovation honours achievements that strengthen technological progress and innovation in the United States.

--IANS

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Washington, Oct 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious target to develop a quantum computer for scientific discovery by 2028, outlining a sweeping technology agenda that includes superintelligence, advanced nuclear reactors and renewed American exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Addressing the New Golden Age Summit on Thursday, Trump said his administration was taking steps to strengthen America's dominance in emerging technologies and accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

"I signed in order to support the advancement of quantum computing and set the goal of delivering a quantum computer for scientific discovery by 2028," he added.

The announcement placed quantum computing alongside artificial intelligence and advanced energy technologies as priorities for the administration's scientific programme.

Trump said the government was also removing regulatory obstacles to deploying next-generation nuclear energy systems.

"Our country started up four cutting-edge small modular reactors just this year alone," he added.

The US President linked these initiatives to a broader effort to revitalise America's scientific institutions and technological capabilities.

"From day one, my administration has taken decisive action to ensure that America continues to dominate the frontiers of science and technology," he said.

Trump also highlighted the Genesis mission, an administration initiative aimed at using advanced Artificial Intelligence to address complex scientific problems.

"And we've also created the Genesis mission to solve some of the biggest mysteries in science and technology with superintelligence," he said.

He referred to a White House agreement on superintelligence reached the previous week, describing it as another step towards maintaining America's technological leadership.

"And last week, we brokered the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, keeping America at the forefront of Super Intelligence (SI)," Trump said.

The US President also outlined plans for renewed American space exploration, including establishing a permanent presence on the Moon under NASA's Artemis programme.

"American astronauts will soon return to establish a permanent American presence on the Moon," he said.

Trump added that Mars would be the next major destination for American space exploration.

During his remarks, he acknowledged NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and praised his leadership.

"We're gonna be going to Mars pretty soon, Jared?" Trump said, addressing the NASA Chief.

Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the administration wanted to revive the ambition that had produced some of America's greatest scientific breakthroughs.

He recalled the Manhattan Project, the development of integrated circuits, the Apollo Moon landing and the early internet as examples of technological progress driven by American scientific ambition.

"Today, our dream is a new golden age of scientific progress and technological innovation," Kratsios added.

The announcements came during a summit that also recognised six prominent technology leaders with the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to process information differently from conventional computers. Researchers are exploring its potential applications in materials science, chemistry, medicine and other fields, although major technical challenges remain before large-scale practical systems become widely available.

The Artemis programme is NASA's effort to return astronauts to the Moon and establish capabilities for sustained lunar exploration.

The programme is also intended to support technologies and experience needed for future human missions to Mars.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) The late actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje in Pune district on Thursday. The actor was given a 3-gun salute.

The late actor’s friends and members of the film fraternity including Jackie Shroff, directors Anil Sharma, Aneez Bazmee, and producer Firoz nadiadwala arrived at Donje village to attend the last rites of Nana Patekar.

A huge crowd also turned up to bid adieu to the departed soul. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his last respects to Nana Patekar at Pune airport before leaving for Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went to the actor’s Pune farmhouse to pay his respects.

Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 in Goa. The actor suffered cardiac arrest. The actor was taken to hospital where doctors attempted CPR and resuscitation for about 45 minutes. However, he was later declared dead on arrival.

Prominent members of the Indian film industry mourned the loss of the actor, as they expressed grief through social media. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and wrote, “Nanaaaaa... Rest in peace bhau”.

Salman’s fellow superstar Ajay Devgn shared his condolences over the demise of the acting legend. He took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a still from their film ‘Apaharan’. He also penned a long note, as he lauded the late actor for his powerful presence.

He wrote, “Not many made us happy, sad and feel anger quite the way Nana did. His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable, and his absence will now be deeply felt. Rest well, Nana. Om Shanti”.

Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a throwback picture with the screen legend. He also penned a long note, as he wrote, “Heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing. An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans”.

--IANS

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Madrid, Oct 9 (IANS) Villarreal coach Inigo Perez said on Thursday that he hopes Saturday's return to La Liga action away to Real Madrid can be the moment that his side makes a statement of intent for the rest of the season.

The former Rayo Vallecano boss had a complicated start as his spell with Villarreal was without a win in his first five La Liga matches in charge, but wins against Malaga and Levante before the international break confirmed his side's improvement, although Saturday's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium promises to be complicated, reports Xinhua.

"It's the perfect stage to go out there and show what we can do," Perez told the press.

"We know very well how difficult it is, and we know our rival will demand a lot from us and put us under pressure, but we need to put any fear to one side and accept that they will try to attack us," explained the Villarreal boss.

"There is no problem in admitting their (Real Madrid's) quality, but it's also good for us to step up and show our own game," commented Perez, who added that "winning and making a statement is always a good thing."

Earlier in June, Villarreal had confirmed former Rayo Vallecano coach Inigo Perez as their new first-team coach, with the 38-year-old signing a three-year contract until the end of June 2029.

Perez, who retired from playing in 2022, replaces Marcelino Garcia Toral, who left the club at the end of last season despite leading Villarreal to a third-place finish in La Liga behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, securing Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.

He arrived from Rayo Vallecano after just over two seasons in charge, having taken over in February 2024 and guiding the team to safety when it was in danger of relegation.

Rayo qualified for the UEFA Conference League under Perez in the 2024/25 campaign, and he then led the club to a historic European final in the season just concluded, with Rayo suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in last week's final in Leipzig, Germany.

Rayo Vallecano also finished the season in a highly respectable eighth place in La Liga despite operating with one of the league's lowest budgets, further enhancing Perez's reputation as one of Spain's best young coaches.

--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, Oct 9 (IANS) The late actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje in Pune district on Thursday. The actor was given a 3-gun salute.

The late actor’s friends and members of the film fraternity including Jackie Shroff, directors Anil Sharma, Aneez Bazmee, and producer Firoz nadiadwala arrived at Donje village to attend the last rites of Nana Patekar.

A huge crowd also turned up to bid adieu to the departed soul. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his last respects to Nana Patekar at Pune airport before leaving for Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went to the actor’s Pune farmhouse to pay his respects.

Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 in Goa. The actor suffered cardiac arrest. The actor was taken to hospital where doctors attempted CPR and resuscitation for about 45 minutes. However, he was later declared dead on arrival.

Prominent members of the Indian film industry mourned the loss of the actor, as they expressed grief through social media. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and wrote, “Nanaaaaa... Rest in peace bhau”.

Salman’s fellow superstar Ajay Devgn shared his condolences over the demise of the acting legend. He took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a still from their film ‘Apaharan’. He also penned a long note, as he lauded the late actor for his powerful presence.

He wrote, “Not many made us happy, sad and feel anger quite the way Nana did. His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable, and his absence will now be deeply felt. Rest well, Nana. Om Shanti”.

Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a throwback picture with the screen legend. He also penned a long note, as he wrote, “Heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing. An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 8 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has offered his condolences to the late acting legend Nana Patekar after he passed away at the age of 75.

The actor appeared on the quiz based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, and made an emotional speech, as he said in Hindi, "Deviyo aur sajjano, Nana Patekar ji ka achanak aaj subah swargwas ho gaya. Ek adwitiya kalakar, mitra, shubhchintak, aur ek utkrisht samaj sevak aaj hamare beech nahi rahe. Ye na keval Bharatiya film udyog ke liye, balki ek vyaktigat taur par, jinka bhi unke saath sampark hua, usne hum sabko stabdh kar diya hai (Ladies and gentlemen, Nana Patekar ji passed away suddenly this morning. An unparalleled artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an exceptional social worker is no longer among us. This is not only a monumental loss for the Indian film industry, but also a deeply personal loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His sudden departure has left us all stunned)”.

He further mentioned, “Unki bebaki, unki sadgi, aur sach ko sach kehne ka unka saahas, ye sari baatein unko sabse alag banati thi. Kuch log hamare jeevan se chale jaate hain, lekin unki aawaz, unke paropkar, unki sikhai hui seekh hamare bhitar reh jaati hai. Nana unhi logon mein se ek the. Aapko, Nana, vyaktigat roop se mera naman. Aur aapki us kala ko pranam, jise aapne puri imandari se jeeya aur hum sabko samarpit kiya (His fearlessness, his simplicity, and his courage to call the truth exactly as it was, these qualities made him truly different from everyone else. Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their acts of compassion, and the lessons they have taught us remain within us. Nana was one of those rare people. Nana, I offer you my deepest personal respects. And I salute the art that you lived with complete honesty and devoted wholeheartedly to all of us)”.

The 2 actors had worked together on ‘Kohram’, and have shared a warm relationship as professionals. Remembering their shared moments over the years, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan spoke warmly of Nana Patekar’s extraordinary social work in Maharashtra.

He further mentione, "Iss manch par hamare vishesh karyakram mein ek atithi ke roop mein unka aagman hua tha. Wo yaadgar shaam sada hamare saath rahegi (He had come to this stage as a guest for our special episode. That memorable evening will always remain with us)”.

“Unki baaton ne na keval hume prabhavit kiya, balki jis nek kaaj ke liye unhone jeeti hui dhanrashi ko samarpit kiya, wo unki samaj seva ka udaharan tha. Maharashtra ke un gaon mein jo varsha ke abhav se peedit the, unhone wahan ke kisanon ke saath sampark kiya aur vyakatigat roop se unki seva ki. KBC parivaar ki aur se hardik shradhanjali (He had come to this stage as a guest for our special episode. That memorable evening will always remain with us. His words not only touched and inspired us, but the noble cause to which he dedicated the prize money he had won was a powerful example of his commitment to social service. In the villages of Maharashtra that were suffering because of a lack of rainfall, he reached out to the farmers and personally extended his support and service to them On behalf of the entire KBC family, our heartfelt tribute)”.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Oct 8 (IANS) Pop icon Britney Spears recently paid a visit to Dollywood with her sons, and shared that she was oblivious to the theme park’s existence before their trip.

The ‘Toxic’ hitmaker took to her Instagram, and shared videos of herself enjoying the rides and posed for photos with Sean Preston Federline, 21, and 20-year-old Jayden Federline at the Tennessee attraction, which was founded by the late country music legend Dolly Parton in 1986.

She wrote in the caption, “Wow wow!!! I didn’t know this place existed, so incredibly cool and exciting… but extremely hot and my skirt is too big for me… family outings!!! DOLLYWOOD IS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!! (sic)".

The 44-year-old singer's sons, who she has with ex-husband Kevin Federline, both celebrated their birthdays a few days apart from one another last month, and Britney marked the occasion by expressing her desire to be the "best mommy" to her kids.

Earlier, the pop icon spoke about an incident during a recent outing, saying that she was deliberately kept waiting before being led outside at a moment when photographers were ready to capture her.

She took to her Instagram, where she shared a meme with the text overlay that read, “OMG !!!! YOU SCARED THE S**T OUT OF ME”.

Taking to the caption section, she expressed frustration over what she described as a “huge set up” and sarcastically thanked the people around her for making her feel “beautiful” before ending her post with a blunt message to America.

“Don’t just understand, take the time each day and second to REALLY UNDERSTAND how loved each and every one of us are. So loved in a country where we as humanity are never plotted against. Know you might have to stay in the ladies room a bit longer because for some reason your instincts tell you the security you’re with has oddly made it an extra 15 minutes for your food to be paid for. Dear Jesus knows the real innocence on my face to proceed with only food that’s supposed to be served hot but is dreadfully cold … Just happy to be there. When I decide to leave, a birdie tells me, ‘Yo inspector gadget! Remember that pink panther in grade school?’… Huge set up”, she added.

She revealed that after she left the bathroom she was “held outside” for pictures.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 8 (IANS) Bollywood actor Salman Khan paid an emotional tribute to 'Bhau' Nana Patekar.

Salman uploaded a black-and-white photograph of the late veteran actor on his Insta Stories and wrote, "Nanaaaaaaaaaa Rest in peace bhau...(sic)."

Salman Khan and Nana Patekar appeared together in the 1996 musical 'Khamoshi: The Musical', which also featured Manisha Koirala and Seema Biswas in crucial roles.

Nana Patekar played Joseph Braganza in the drama, while Salman was seen as Raj.

Manisha Koirala also remembered Nana Patekar as a remarkable performer whose dedication to his craft made an enduring contribution to cinema.

She wrote on her official handle, “Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."

Other prominent faces from Bollywood also mourned the loss of the legendary actor with nostalgic social media posts.

Shah Rukh Khan recalled his first meeting with the veteran actor.

He said that when they first met, SRK was extremely nervous and was fiddling with his hair. Nana slapped his hand away and said, ‘hero ki tarah Baal mat bana...tu actor hai’!"

"He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile", Shah Rukh Khan wrote on IG.

Revealing how Nana Patekar showed affection in his unique way, SRK added, "He would shout at you first, and then somewhere between the third or fourth insult, you realised you were being hugged. He loved me and I loved him back. He was a mentor, a teacher, a critic and a friend who beat me and everyone else around him in carrom game after game and relished his victories."

--IANS

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