Mumbai, Aug 24 (IANS) India's 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M emerged as the champion in the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, securing the Group A title with a superb performance.

In the ninth and final round of the tournament on Sunday, Pranesh defeated Vadim Petrovskiy of Germany with white pieces. Pranesh has a rating of 2673 and is ranked 44th in the latest FIDE Rankings of August 2026.

Pranesh, who hails from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, finished with seven points from nine rounds, sharing the top spot with three other players. He claimed the title on a better tiebreak with Or Bronstein of Israel, Andrei Volokitin of Ukraine, and India's Karthik Venkataraman, finishing second to fourth in that order.

Karthik Venkataraman could have won the title outright but was held to a draw in the final round by Volokitin as they both finished with seven points. Bronstein jumped into a share of the top spot by beating compatriot IM Benny Aizenberg in the ninth round.

The Indian Embassy in Hungary hailed Pranesh for winning the title.

"Meet the new Indian Chess Champion!! Pranesh M.

"Huge Congratulations! to Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M on his brilliant victory at the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary!" the Embassy wrote in a post on its official handle.

​"After a thrilling 9th round, Pranesh secured the top spot in one of Central Europe's most competitive open tournaments.

"We are incredibly proud to see Indian talent shining so brightly on the global stage. Hungary 🇭🇺 continues to be a happy hunting ground for Indian Chess. Wishing him continued success in his chess journey!" said the post.

Among other Indians in the Kanizsa Open 2026, Neelash Saha finished 10th with 6.5 points after finishing joint second among a big group of players. Nitish Belurkar (20th, 6 pts), Ajay Santhosh Parvathareddy (21st, 6 pts) and Bhattacharyya Soham (23rd, 6 pts) were the other prominent Indian finishers in Group A, which had a field of 226 players.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) Intensifying their opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Odisha government over the MMDR Amendment Act, the Congress-led INDIA bloc has announced to hit the streets against the amendment from Monday.

The alliance will hold rallies and torchlight processions across the state to raise public awareness about the adverse impact of the legislation.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the representatives from all political parties of the INDIA bloc held here on Sunday.

Expressing their opposition to the amendment, the opposition leaders alleged that the Central government has caused massive damage by pushing the future of children in a poor state like Odisha into darkness through this Bill.

They also accused the BJP-led Central government of snatching away the fundamental rights of the people of Odisha.

The political parties also warned that if the Odisha government fails to withdraw the MMDR Bill, they will take a major decision to call for an 'Odisha Bandh' (statewide shutdown) in September.

Notably, the Congress Legislature Party on Saturday met the Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, demanding that a special session of the Assembly be convened to discuss the MMDR Bill, which it claimed is against the interests of the state.

The Congress on Sunday strongly criticised the BJP-led state government after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling rejected its demand for a special session of the State Assembly.

Former MLA and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Vice-President (Organisation) Santosh Singh Saluja said that it was highly unfortunate that Minister Mahaling had rejected the Congress demand for a special session on the MMDR Bill.

He said that following the passage of the Bill, the state would lose annual revenue of around Rs 10,000 crore or more, besides suffering losses of lakhs of crores of rupees in outstanding revenue.

"After coming to power in the name of "Odia Asmita", the government was handing over all of Odisha's wealth and resources, including water, forests, land, mines and mineral resources, to the Central government," Saluja alleged.

He said that the Congress had already prepared its strategy under the leadership of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das to oppose the MMDR Bill.

The senior Congress leader also declared that agitation and demonstration programmes will be organised from the state capital to the panchayat level, and in the coming days, the houses of all BJP MPs will also be 'gheraoed'.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) The 2028 edition of the India Open, the country's top event on the BWF World Series, will be held in Guwahati, moving from its present venue, New Delhi, for a year before returning to the national capital in 2029.

The Badminton Association of India secretary general Sanjay Mishra on Sunday announced the decision to move the India Open to Guwahati in 2028. The 2027 edition will be held in Delhi, as will the 2029 edition. Mishra said the reason the India Open is being moved to Guwahati is that that year it will be held towards the end of January, the same time period when Delhi will host the Republic Day Parade.

"The 2028 India Open will be held in the last week of January, and due to the tournament dates clashing with Republic Day security arrangements in the National capital. We felt that only for that year, we should shift the tournament to Guwahati. It will return to New Delhi in 2029," Mishra said in a statement released by the BAI on Sunday.

Earlier, Mishra expressed happiness over the praise the BAI received from other members of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for successfully hosting the 2026 World Championship in New Delhi.

The BAI has come in for praise for the arrangements it made for the World Championship after copping criticism for the playing conditions at the New Delhi venue for the India Open in the last two seasons.

Asked whether he was happy with the successful conclusion of the World Championship, the BAI secretary general said, "Yes, we have done it. So, all the players are happy," he told IANS on Sunday.

Mishra invoked the example of a Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt, who had, earlier this year, criticised the playing conditions at the $950,000 India Open for the second year in a row, after questioning the state of the venue last year too.

"The biggest example is Mia Blichfeldt, who was negative last time. She was the first one to tweet and appreciate our efforts this time. And all the players, not only players, officials and BWF members, all of them appreciated it," said Mishra after the event went off without any glitch.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 24 (IANS) In a unique gesture of compassion, Eastern Railway (ER) medical staff are applying a healing touch to thousands of devotees suffering from physical injury, exhaustion and dehydration after completing their pilgrimage to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar.

Till August 17, ER has recorded a footfall of nearly 20 lakh pilgrims who passed through its stations to reach the site, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a Shakti Peeth. "As thousands of devotees undertake the arduous Shravani Mela pilgrimage, ER's dedicated medical teams at Jasidih and Deoghar stations are working 24/7 to deliver prompt, compassionate care to pilgrims battling physical exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries," a senior official said.

There are instructions from General Manager Gitika Pandey and Sangrah Maurya, Divisional Railway Manager, Asansol, to railway medical teams to remain on round-the-clock alert to provide timely care to pilgrims and address health concerns arising from prolonged walking, physical exertion and fatigue.

"Medical staff at the Deoghar First Aid Booth provided advanced wound care for severe foot injuries to devotees suffering from extensive, ruptured friction blisters across the forefoot and toes caused by prolonged barefoot walking. The team thoroughly cleaned, irrigated and dressed the exposed raw areas with sterile, non-adherent padding, administered analgesics, assessed the need for tetanus prophylaxis, and provided essential guidance for proper recovery," the official said.

Medical staff at Jasidih station swiftly arranged wheelchair assistance for a disoriented pilgrim requiring emergency care for heat exhaustion and disorientation. At the Jasidih Health Unit, doctors stabilised him with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), close clinical observation and supportive care, successfully restoring his alertness before safely reuniting him with his family.

Nataraj Basappa, principal chief medical director, ER, is closely monitoring medical arrangements at Jasidih and Deoghar during the ongoing Shravani Mela, treating pilgrim healthcare and well-being as a priority.

He has reviewed facilities, interacted with pilgrims and patients through repeated visits to medical and first-aid centres, and assessed the preparedness of medical teams to provide prompt treatment and immediate assistance. This medical aid ensures that the pilgrims do not suffer complications on returning home and return to their daily routine smoothly.

Special arrangements were made by ER for the pilgrims at the station. These included holding areas to prevent overcrowding on the platforms, rest areas with mobile charging points, drinking water facilities and toilets. There was constant CCTV monitoring to ensure safety, while medical staff kept watch on the pilgrims' health.

"These instances reflect ER's unwavering commitment to timely medical intervention, continuous monitoring and compassionate care for pilgrims during the Shravani Mela. From treating foot injuries to managing dehydration, exhaustion and other health concerns, prompt medical attention helps prevent complications and ensures a safer, healthier and more comfortable pilgrimage experience for every devotee," the official added.

"Passenger and pilgrim safety remains our foremost priority. ER's responsibility goes far beyond transit—through dedicated medical teams, prompt wheelchair assistance, and compassionate care, we strive to stand beside every devotee. We are reaching the spiritual hearts of thousands by providing care, compassion and a helping hand at every step," ER CPRO Shibram Majhi noted.

–IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Aug 23 (IANS) Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department Minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, said on Sunday that the state government is committed to keeping cities clean and beautiful while ensuring the safety, housing and welfare of sanitation workers and their families.

The Minister was speaking during the Odisha Urban Conclave-2026 held at Lok Seva Bhawan here.

The conclave was organised by the Odisha Housing and Urban Development department with the objective of giving greater momentum to good governance, planned development and improved civic services in urban areas of the state.

Sharing his thoughts during the conclave, the Minister said, "Steps are being taken in consultation with experts to improve drainage systems and promote the reuse of water to address waterlogging problems in urban areas. The construction of houses for the poor and landless under the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana and PMAY 2.0 is being expedited. Efforts are also being made to accelerate Town Planning Schemes and provide 24/7 supply of safe drinking water."

During the session, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee made a departmental presentation on infrastructure development, planning for prosperous cities and performance.

According to an official statement, the session also focused on budgets and financial management.

The senior officers of the department also deliberated on increasing the revenue of municipal bodies, expenditure analysis, roles and responsibilities, and reviewing the performance of poorly performing urban local bodies.

The department also added that discussions were also held on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Town Planning Schemes for Tier-II and Tier-III cities, Samruddha Sahar, the Urban Challenge Fund, and infrastructure development under the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana.

The officials during the urban infrastructure development session discussed the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana, pedestrian-friendly roads, expansion of Ama Bus services under CRUT, and restoration of water bodies and development of surrounding areas under AMRUT 2.0.

Technical discussions were also held on flood control in cities, preparation of project cost estimates and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

Welfare programmes such as PM SVANidhi, shelters for the urban homeless, Sahayata and Sahyog, and Aahaar were also reviewed.

The department also added that the conclave emphasised sanitation and used-water management, fostering collaboration by having urban local bodies present their best practices.

To ensure state-wide progress, underperforming local bodies were actively engaged in direct discussions to troubleshoot their specific challenges and develop solutions.

It claimed that overall, the event established a comprehensive vision for planned urbanisation and efficient administration, aiming to transform Odisha's cities into cleaner, healthier, and more citizen-friendly spaces through improved infrastructure, housing, and public transport.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 23 (IANS) Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the foundation day ceremony of Bimal Gurung-founded Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which has long been spearheading the movement for a permanent political solution for the hills scattered over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong in the northern sector of West Bengal.

Announcing this on Sunday, Gurung, the current GJM president, said that CM Adhikari will be present at GJM’s foundation day celebration programme as the Chief Guest.

“The Chief Minister will be the chief guest at the GJM’s foundation anniversary function. Me and the GJM’s general secretary, Roshan Giri met the Chief Minister in Kolkata in July this year. At that time, the Chief Minister was invited to attend the foundation anniversary function. His attendance has been confirmed now,” said Gurung while speaking to the media persons at Darjeeling on Sunday evening.

The announcement by Gurung is significant on two grounds.

The announcement comes just a day after the Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial tripartite meeting on a permanent political solution in the Bengal hills and also announced the formation of a new committee led by former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Pankaj Kumar Singh with the goal of achieving that permanent political solution.

The second ground for which the Chief Minister's presence at the GJM’s foundation day programme is important is that a tripartite agreement had been reached that the permanent political solution will be achieved without separating the hills and jungle-plains in Dooars and Terai regions from the northern sector of West Bengal.

In the meeting chaired by HM Shah on Saturday, it was decided that the new committee, headed by the former DG of BSF as the interlocutor, will visit the hills, Terai and Dooars regions and submit a report to the Union Home Ministry.

Based on those suggestions, permanent political solutions for the hills will be achieved.

The GJM played an important role in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with BJP candidates, backed by the GJM, winning all six of the Assembly seats in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, Aug 23 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz held a situational assessment on Sunday and warned Hamas of increased targeted strikes if the launch of balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip does not stop.

The situational assessment was regarding the threat of drones, balloons and kites launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel.

The discussion was attended by Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Head of the National Security Council, and senior Israeli Defence Force (IDF) officials.

"Israel warns Hamas that if the launches toward Israel do not cease immediately, the IDF will act to increase targeted strikes against those responsible for the launches and will evacuate the population from areas used as launch sites for kites, drones, and balloons," the joint statement said.

"The Prime Minister clarified that there will be no return to the state of affairs prior to October 7. Israel will not allow the Hamas terrorist organisation or any other element in the Gaza Strip to threaten our communities again and compromise our citizens' sense of security," it added.

Last week, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that Netanyahu and the Board of Peace have agreed to establish working groups on disarmament and demilitarisation of Gaza.

"The Prime Minister and Board of Peace had deep and constructive discussions. It was agreed to establish two working groups, one on disarmament and demilitarisation of Gaza, which both Israel and the Board of Peace are determined should be prompt and completed before any reconstruction happens in Gaza. A second working group will focus on sanitation, clean water and other public health issues for the people of Gaza, which also impact the people of Israel,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said on social media platform X.

On August 5, Netanyahu said that the country will not withdraw its forces from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.

"We are instructing IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers to do whatever is necessary to protect themselves, our territory and our citizens," Netanyahu said in a video released on social media.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) East Delhi Riders produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Central Delhi Queens by 19 runs in the women’s leg of the Delhi Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 175, Central Delhi Queens were restricted to 155/7 in 20 overs despite a promising start to their innings.

Earlier, East Delhi Riders posted 174/2 after being put to bat. Pragya Rawat led the way with a composed 70 not out off 55 balls, striking eight boundaries, while Simran Bahadur provided the acceleration with an unbeaten 60 off 36 balls, including seven fours and a six at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which will host international fixtures between India and Afghanistan.

Vanshika Lila also contributed a valuable 30 off 22 balls as the Riders finished strongly.

Central Delhi Queens began their chase positively, with their top order building a solid platform. They crossed the 120-run mark before East Delhi Riders began tightening the screws.

Deeksha Sharma was the standout batter for Central Delhi Queens, producing a brilliant 86 off just 51 balls to keep the chase alive. She struck the ball with authority and found the boundary regularly.

Wickets falling at regular intervals prevented the Queens from sustaining the required scoring rate.

Monika scored 14 off 11 balls, while Nidhi Mahto made 6 and Medhavi Bidhuri contributed 6. Riya Kondal was dismissed for 2, leaving Central Delhi Queens requiring a challenging finish.

Soni Yadav remained unbeaten on 1, with R Priyadarshini unbeaten on 0 as the innings ended at 155/7.

Purva Siwach was the standout bowler for East Delhi Riders, claiming four wickets for 24 runs in her four overs. Bharti Rawal provided excellent support with 2/33, while Simran Bahadur added a wicket after her impressive batting contribution.

East Delhi Riders kept their composure in the closing overs, denying Central Delhi Queens the boundaries they needed to complete the chase.

--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, Aug 23 (IANS) Actress Kriti Sanon took to social media to share a fond memory with her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, a UK-based businessman.

On Sunday, Kriti published a selfie with Kabir on her IG as the two stood in the middle of a cricket ground.

The 'Mimi' actress had her hand on Kabir's shoulder as the two smiled for the camera.

The photo seems to be from the time when Kriti and Kabir were in England recently to witness the India versus England ODI series. Pictures and videos of the two from the stadium had created a lot of buzz on social media.

One of the other photos in the album had Kriti getting a sweet kiss from sister Nupur Sanon.

The 'Cocktail 2' actress also treated her Instagram family with some lovely selfies clicked by her in the recent past.

We could also see Kriti flaunting her foodie side in one of the pictures.

For the caption, Kriti wrote, "Some memories captured.. Mannnnyyyyy more Lived! (Red heart and kiss emojis) (sic)."

Meanwhile, as Kriti celebrated her 36th birthday on July 27, Kabir wished his rumoured ladylove on her special day by sharing a smiling selfie with Kriti.

The still was accompanied by the caption, "Happy K dayyy," along with a blue heart, party face, and birthday cake emojis.

In addition to this, Kabir uploaded another picture with Kriti aboard a yacht. The alleged lovebirds were seen standing against the backdrop of a scenic night.

Although Kriti and Kabir have never commented on their relationship, these two are often seen together, also making appearances on each other's social media posts.

Kabir was also seen attending the wedding festivities of Kriti's younger sister, actress Nupur Sanon, with singer Stebin Ben in Udaipur earlier this year.

Kabir also frequently gets clicked with the entire Sanon family.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 23 (IANS) Karan Johar and Farah Khan enjoy a great rapport, and their social media feeds, featuring one another, are proof. However, did you know that the two did not start off on a great note?

Farah and Karan had shared an anecdote from the time of the shoot of the iconic film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol during their appearance on the chat show, 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai'.

KJo revealed that Farah had initially said no to choreographing 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' as she was committed to working on a Marathi film.

He was heard saying, "I was the assistant for 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' and some issue with the dates had taken place with Saroj Ji (Saroj Khan). So I remember Shah Rukh, who had already worked with Farah in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa', asked to call Farah to do the song for the movie in Switzerland."

However, despite everyone pointing out what a great opportunity it was, Farah had refused the offer, saying, "I can't come. I am shooting with Nana Patekar for a Marathi film."

Karan had also admitted that he was extremely impressed by Farah, as this showcased her professionalism and seriousness towards commitment.

However, as fate would have it, Farah eventually ended up choreographing the “Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane” track from the drama.

"Karan was also a part of that song, and even his pants got teared during the shoot", Farah had recalled.

To this, Karan had added, "I got a little too excited for the shot".

Over the years, Farah has choreographed many songs for Karan's movies, including 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)', 'Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)', and 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)'.

KJo has also made a cameo appearance in Farah's debut movie as a director, 'Om Shanti Om (2007)'.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 23 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anna Faris has shed light on the “long conversations” that she had with her teenage son. The actress has shared that the conversations involve religion, abortion and hypocrisy within the church.

She also said that her son has asked her to accept Jesus Christ. The actress, 49, recently appeared on Chelsea Handler’s ‘Dear Chelsea’ podcast, and discussed the beliefs of her 14-year-old son, Jack, whom she shares with former husband Chris Pratt, 47.

Anna told the show host, “(I) didn’t grow up with religion”. She said he has asked her to accept Jesus Christ.

The actress said that she tries to “challenge” him and shared that it would take a “whole lot of long conversations” before she became religious.

She also spoke about their discussions that include Christian attitudes to abortion, as she said, “I’m like, ‘Do you think it’s a luxury that you get to be pro-life? Do you think that’s kind of a luxury?’ He’s like, ‘Maybe’”.

The actress said she had also questioned him about wealthy religious figures. She shared, “Or I’ll say, ‘So what do you think of this mega-pastor that’s kind of a grifter? What do you think?’ He’s like, ‘Oh, megapastors are the worst’”.

The actress said she welcomed Jack’s willingness to question aspects of religion despite their differing backgrounds.

The actress shares Jack with Chris, who she married in 2009. They announced their separation in 2017 and finalised their divorce the following year. She later married cinematographer Michael Barrett, while Chris married Katherine Schwarzenegger, with whom he has three children. Chris is known for playing Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation and Peter Quill, or Star-Lord, in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy films, has repeatedly discussed his Christian faith publicly.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 23 (IANS) Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has hit back at the allegations of him being “antisemitic”. The allegations came in light of the actor accusing David and Larry Ellison of “powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world”.

The actor took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note in which he lashed out at Paramount after the company slammed him.

He wrote, “The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest. Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people”.

“This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel. To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect. Everything I know about acting, activism, and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life”, he shared.

The actor shared a clip of a Paramount board member, Safra Catz, as he spoke about “really profoundly scary technologies” that Oracle used to help the Israeli military after the October 7 terror attack.

The actor called elder Ellison, a “classic oligarch” and warned of the consequences if Paramount and Warner Bros. are allowed to merge.

“This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinizing the Ellisons, including Oracle’s business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary. The $111 billion deal would hand one family control over CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., backed in part by foreign money whose influence on editorial decisions has never been fully explained to the public”, he added.

--IANS

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