Dhaka, May 25 (IANS) India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma has reaffirmed India's willingness to deepen multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh for the mutual benefit and shared prosperity of the people of both countries, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh said on Sunday.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, on May 24.

During the meeting, Rahman thanked the High Commissioner for his contributions to bilateral relations and conveyed best wishes for his next assignment.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was present at the meeting.

Both sides also briefly discussed various potential areas of cooperation driven by the development priorities of the two countries.

Pranay Verma has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, said the Ministry of External Affairs in April.

Following his new appointment, Verma is scheduled to leave Dhaka on May 27.

Former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.

Trivedi was elected to the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2019 from the Barrackpore constituency and earlier served multiple terms as a Rajya Sabha member.

Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman, in New Delhi.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir, was also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar reiterated India's desire to engage constructively with the new Bangladesh government and further strengthen bilateral ties.

The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms. Follow-on official meetings are expected to take place at an early date. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs noted.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Rahman also met the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, May 25 (IANS) Amid ongoing speculation over the Karnataka Congress leadership and the proposed cabinet reshuffle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly been summoned to New Delhi by the party high command.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah has been asked to visit Delhi on May 26. However, the meeting is officially said to be related to discussions on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Political circles are also speculating that issues related to cabinet reshuffle, power-sharing arrangements, and the selection of candidates for the Legislative Council elections may come up for discussion.

The Congress high command had earlier indicated that it would turn its attention towards Karnataka after the government formation process in Kerala. With mounting discussions over cabinet expansion and possible leadership changes in the state, the latest development has triggered fresh political buzz within the Karnataka Congress.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said he was unaware of reports that the Congress leadership had called Siddaramaiah to Delhi.

Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “I have just come out of a meeting. I do not have any information regarding this matter.”

When asked whether the Chief Minister had been summoned in connection with the Rajya Sabha elections or a possible leadership change, Shivakumar replied, “I do not know.”

The reported Delhi meeting has intensified speculation within the ruling Congress over internal power dynamics and the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle.

It may be recalled that Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) In-charge and the party's National General Secretary, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, has alleged that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was trying to create differences between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar for his own political interests.

D.K. Shivakumar, who is perceived as a contender for the CM's post, had said that while God shows people the path, it is their responsibility to achieve their goals through dedication and hard work.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara dismissed speculation over the alleged leadership tussle in the ruling Congress and asserted that any decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post would be taken only by the party high command and asked who had raised the question regarding a change in leadership.

--IANS

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Guwahati, May 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming every sector and stressed that the state cannot afford to miss the opportunities emerging from the technological shift.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, the Chief Minister announced that tech giant Google in collaboration with Unicef will implement the "AI Educator Series" in Assam to train teachers in the use of AI tools for classroom learning and improving pedagogy delivery.

"AI is fast reshaping every avenue and we cannot miss the bus on this rapid transformation," CM Sarma wrote on the social media platform.

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative aims to equip teachers with the skills needed to effectively integrate AI-based tools into the education system and make learning more interactive and efficient for students.

Officials said the programme is expected to focus on helping educators understand emerging AI technologies, digital learning tools and modern teaching practices that can enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.

The initiative is also likely to support teachers in adapting to changing educational needs in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital transformation and technology adoption in governance, education and skill development in Assam.

The state government in recent years has launched multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, improving smart classroom facilities and promoting innovation-driven education models.

Education experts believe that AI-enabled teaching methods can help teachers personalise lessons, track student performance more efficiently and improve access to quality educational resources.

The collaboration with Google and Unicef is expected to further strengthen Assam's efforts to modernise its education system and prepare students and teachers for future technological challenges.

The announcement comes at a time when governments and educational institutions across the country are increasingly exploring the use of AI tools to improve teaching methods, administrative efficiency and overall learning experiences.

--IANS

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Kolkata, May 24 (IANS) Riding on KL Rahul’s fluent half‑century and a clinical bowling performance led by Lungi Ngidi and Kuldeep Yadav, Delhi Capitals signed off their IPL 2026 campaign with a clinical 40‑run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Inserted into batting first, DC posted 203/5, their highest total at the venue. Rahul smashed a 30‑ball 60 at a strike rate of 200, while David Miller chipped in with a 19‑ball 28. Defending 204 with ease also meant DC finished at sixth spot in the points table, as KKR folded for 163 in 18.4 overs.

KKR began strongly in their chase, thanks to skipper Ajinkya Rahane hitting 63 off 39 balls, laced with four fours and as many sixes. The slide began when Kuldeep struck twice in successive deliveries, removing Rahane and Rinku Singh, and nearly completed a hat‑trick when Tejasvi Dahiya edged behind, only for Abishek Porel to put down a straightforward chance.

That reprieve denied the wrist‑spinner three in a row, but the damage was already done. From 128/3, KKR lost their way completely, as they lost their last seven wickets for just 35 runs, as the three time-winners ended their season the way they had started it – on a losing note. For DC, Ngidi took 3-27 while Kuldeep, who went wicketless in three consecutive games, bounced back strongly to end with 3-29.

Rahul and Abishek Porel gave DC a brisk start. Porel cracked successive boundaries off Anukul Roy in the opening over and added more fours off Kartik Tyagi, while Rahul lifted Cameron Green for a six and four in the third over. But Porel fell for 22 in the fourth over after edging Dubey behind to the keeper.

Sahil Parakh joined Rahul and the pair kept the tempo high. The teenaged Parakh struck Narine for a six and four, while Rahul cleared him for a six slammed straight down the ground, before punching the wily off-spinner over his head for another boundary. Varun Chakaravarthy was taken for boundaries by Parakh, before giving a catch to Ajinkya Rahane off Narine and fell for 24.

Rahul, however, raced to his fifth fifty of this season off 25 balls, before he and Axar Patel took two boundaries each off Tyagi and Roy. But Rahul fell to Roy in the 13th over by holing out to long-off. Axar and Miller then steadied the innings, adding crucial runs against spinners.

Axar’s 39 off 25 included two sixes, before he was dismissed by Chakaravarthy in the 17th over. After that, Miller took charge in the death overs by smashing Dubey for three sixes, even as Ashutosh Sharma chipped in by striking a six and four off Tyagi and was unbeaten on 18. With KKR dropping catches, DC capitalised to add 63 runs in the last five overs and put KKR on the path of a stiff chase.

Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen gave KKR a brisk start via a 43-run opening stand before Ngidi castled the latter for 20. Manish Pandey joined Rahane and the pair added 44 runs before Ngidi returned to dismiss Pandey for 25, courtesy a sharp catch by Starc. Cameron Green fell cheaply to Kuldeep, as KKR were at 98/3 after 10 overs.

Rahane reached his fifty soon after in 31 balls, but the required rate climbed above 10. Rahane looked set to take KKR home, but Kuldeep’s double strike in the 13th over turned the game by removing him and Rinku in quick succession.

Though Dahiya survived the hat-trick ball from Kuldeep, Axar Patel ensured it didn’t cost DC much as he castled him for just one. After Powell was run-out for 29, Ngidi and Starc returned to take out the remaining batters, as DC signed off on a high.

Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 203/5 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 60, Axar Patel 39; Saurabh Dubey 2-28, Anukul Roy 1-23) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 163 all out in 18.4 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 63, Rovman Powell 29; Lungi Ngidi 3-27, Kuldeep Yadav 3-29) by 40 runs

--IANS

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Bengaluru, May 24 (IANS) The Karnataka State Cyber Command on Sunday unearthed a massive “digital arrest” cyber fraud case in which a 74-year-old Bengaluru woman was allegedly cheated of Rs 24 crore by fraudsters posing as officials of central investigation agencies.

The arrested accused were identified as N. Shivanam from Erode in Tamil Nadu, Akkach Mallik from Mumbai in Maharashtra, Palak Bhai Patel and Amit Narendra Patel from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Om Prakash Rajut from New Delhi, and Gaurav Kumar from Bihar.

An official statement in this regard was issued by Punab Mohanty, IPS, Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Bengaluru.

According to a press note issued by the Karnataka State Cyber Command, the victim, Lakshmi Ramamurthy, a senior citizen from Bengaluru, was trapped by cyber criminals impersonating officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The accused allegedly intimidated and manipulated her into transferring huge sums of money over a period of more than two months.

Police said the victim transferred Rs 24 crore from her ICICI Bank account through 26 transactions into 23 root accounts linked to 10 different banks across the country between February 10 and April 24, 2026.

Officials said the fraudsters attempted to extract more money from the woman even after the massive transfers.

On April 24, she was reportedly preparing to transfer another Rs 3 crore by availing a gold loan. However, alert officials of ICICI Bank informed the Cyber Command unit, following which the police team immediately intervened and prevented the transfer.

The timely intervention helped save Rs 3 crore from reaching the fraudsters.

Following the complaint, the Cyber Command launched an investigation and traced the movement of funds parked in first-tier accounts.

With the assistance of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), police froze several root accounts and recovered around Rs 4 crore.

In addition, another Rs 1.46 crore was recovered through court orders, taking the total recovered amount to more than Rs 5.46 crore.

During the investigation, police also seized six mobile phones allegedly used in the crime from the arrested accused.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, May 24 (IANS) In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Odisha Works Department on Sunday directed that labourers should not be engaged in outdoor work during peak daytime hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Works Department has written to all Chief Construction Engineers and Superintending Engineers across various zones of the state in this regard.

According to the department’s letter, the state government had earlier issued instructions prohibiting outdoor work for labourers during peak heat hours because of the severe summer conditions prevailing across Odisha.

However, the government has received reports through media sources that workers are still being engaged during the restricted period at certain places.

The department has therefore directed all contractors to immediately halt work during the prohibited hours and ensure adequate welfare measures for labourers, including shaded rest sheds, drinking water and first-aid facilities at worksites.

Field-level officials have also been instructed to remain vigilant and spread awareness among contractors and workers to prevent any untoward incidents caused by extreme heat conditions.

Notably, Odisha continues to reel under severe heatwave conditions, with as many as six places in the state, including Titlagarh, Boudh, Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Balangir, recording temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

According to IMD sources, Titlagarh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Boudh, Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius, 45.4 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius respectively amid the intense heatwave conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave and hot, humid weather conditions across most districts of Odisha between May 24 and May 28, with temperatures likely to remain significantly above normal.

The weather agency has also issued an Orange Warning for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely to prevail at isolated places in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir and Boudh districts during the next five days.

--IANS

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Guwahati, May 24 (IANS) Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said that the Congress high command will soon take a decision on the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly after completing consultations with party legislators.

Talking to reporters here, Baghel said the Congress Legislature Party meeting was successfully concluded with the participation of all party MLAs. He stated that Congress legislators unanimously passed a resolution authorising the party high command to decide the Leader of Opposition, Deputy Leader and the Chief Whip in the Assam Assembly.

“The meeting of the Legislature Party concluded successfully, and all Congress MLAs were present. A unanimous resolution was passed authorising the high command to decide who will be the leader of the Legislature Party, Deputy Leader and Chief Whip,” Baghel said.

The senior Congress leader added that after the formal meeting, he individually interacted with all the legislators and collected their opinions and suggestions regarding the leadership issue. “I spoke to every MLA individually, and the suggestions received from them have been conveyed to the high command,” he said.

Baghel, who has been appointed as an observer by the Congress central leadership, said the final decision has not yet been made but indicated that the announcement could come soon.

“So far, no decision has been finalised. It has been decided that the high command will take the final call. A decision will be made very soon,” he said in response to questions from reporters.

When asked whether any names had been shortlisted for the post, Baghel avoided giving a direct reply and said discussions were still underway on all aspects related to the appointment.

The Congress currently has 19 MLAs in the Assam Assembly and is expected to formally announce its Leader of Opposition after consultations with the central leadership are completed.

The BJP-led alliance secured 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly, and the opposition suffered a crushing defeat.

--IANS

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Imphal, May 24 (IANS) Security forces in Manipur have arrested five militants belonging to two banned outfits and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from different districts during the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

A police official said the arrested militants belonged to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA).

The militants were apprehended from the hilly Churachandpur district and Imphal East district in the valley region during separate operations conducted by the security forces.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested militants included one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one INSAS rifle with four magazines, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 67 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, two hand grenades and one camouflage bulletproof vest.

Several mobile phones, an Aadhaar card and a two-wheeler were also recovered from their possession, the official said.

In another operation, Manipur Police arrested a drug peddler identified as Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along National Highway-102.

Police seized 189.05 kg of opium seeds along with a car from his possession. Further investigation into the matter is underway, officials added.

The police official said intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations are being conducted extensively across different districts to apprehend individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion and other unlawful activities in the state.

Search operations and area domination exercises are also being jointly conducted by Central and state security forces in fringe, mixed-population and vulnerable areas across several valley and hill districts of Manipur.

To prevent the movement of illegal elements and suspicious vehicles, a total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across the state in both valley and hill districts.

Security personnel are also providing escorts to various vehicles, including trucks carrying foodgrains and essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures continue to remain in place in sensitive stretches to ensure the safe and smooth movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police urged the public not to believe rumours and to remain cautious about fake videos circulating on social media platforms.

“The authenticity of any circulated videos or audio clips can be verified through the Central Control Room. Uploading or sharing fake posts on social media will invite legal action,” a police statement warned.

--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, May 24 (IANS) Actress Bhumi Pednekkar coincidentally got an off this Sunday, and she used her time off for a full body workout.

The 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' actress started the day with some intense workout, after which she meditated a little, along with spending some time on the vibration plate. Her full body workout was completed with a few kilometers of running.

Her Sunday further included some playtime with her furry friends and good food.

Providing an insight into her intense workout, Bhumi wrote on her official Insta handle, "Sundays don’t really exist in my line of work, but on the rare occasion that I do get a traditional Sunday off, I love making the most of it. Today was one of those days where time slowed down a little, nowhere to be, nothing urgent calling my name. Just hours to myself. (sic)."

"Started the day with a great workout, followed it up with some meditation, time on the vibration plate, a few kilometres of running, puppy playtime, and really good food. What a great, great holiday", added the 'Pati Patni Aur Woh' actress.

In the meantime, Bhumi recently met the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama.

On Monday, she talked about her inner journey in a social media post that read, “In the presence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, everything felt lighter, calmer & surreal. The moment I walked away, I realised tears were flowing down my face”.

“It’s a feeling I can’t fully explain, only deeply felt. I’ve been on an inward journey and these moments of magic fill my heart with gratitude for the life we have been given. Truly blessed to have experienced a moment of such peace, grace & compassion. A memory I’ll carry with me forever," she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 24 (IANS) Actor Tiger Shroff has completed 12 years in Bollywood. Marking the occasion, he decided to revisit his first-ever promotion for his debut movie "Heropanti".

In the clip published on social media, the 'Baaghi' actor was seen showing some jaw-dropping moves on the "Pappi" song from the 2014 romantic entertainer.

We could also see him doing a couple of high kicks during the event, flaunting his fitness.

Taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Tiger penned the caption, "Gosh time flies…my first ever promotion…jab chota baccha tha #heropanti (sic)."

Made under the direction of Sabbir Khan and backed by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the drama revolves around two young lovers who fight for their love amidst a violent landscape.

Along with Tiger, the project also marked the debut of actress Kriti Sanon.

A remake of the Bengali film "Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo", "Heropanti" stars Prakash Raj, Sandeepa Dhar, Vikram Singh, Shireesh Sharma, Samar Jai Singh, K. C. Shankar, and Sunil Grover in pivotal roles, along with others.

With camera work handled by Hari K. Vedantam, the editing has being performed by Manan Ajay Sagar.

A sequel to the drama, "Heropanti 2", featuring Tiger, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Tara Sutaria, was released in 2022.

On Saturday, Kriti also celebrated 12 years in the entertainment industry with a special social media post.

She took to her handle and re-shared a fan-page collage edit of her various memorable characters over the years.

Sharing the edit, Kriti penned, “Wow! Its been 12 years since I entered this magical world of movies!”

Her other Story had a video clip from her debut film ‘Heropanti’. Kriti was seen enjoying gol gappas during a fun scene from the film.

"Haha I’m such a foodie that my first shot on screen in my debut Hindi film was having gol gappas," read the text.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 24 (IANS) After making a lot of heads turn with her stunning looks at Cannes, actress Mouni Roy decided to say goodbye to the French Riviera with another breezy yet classy ensemble on Sunday.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, Mouni dropped a couple of photographs of her last look at Cannes, comprising a white and blue printed dress.

Keeping her look simple yet chic, the 'Brahmāstra' actress tied her hair in a neat bun and opted to wear only a big bracelet as an accessory.

Complimenting the vibe of the outfit, Mouni decided to keep the makeup minimal.

Posing on a beautiful balcony facing the sea, she captioned the post, "As I bid adieu to the French Riviera until next year, Cannes (sic)."

Mouni, who recently was in the news for trouble in her marital life, has been sharing various glimpses of her time at Cannes on social media.

On Thursday, Mouni treated the netizens with many pictures and videos looking absalutly breathtaking in a designed off-shoulder gown featuring a netted crystal pattern and silhouette.

For the caption, the 'Naagin' actress wrote, “en route to the Croisette” along with hashtags “#Cannes2026”.

She tied up her look with a sleek bun, paired with some dazzling diamond jewellery. The post further included a video of Mouni stepping out of the car and walking through the streets near the Croisette.

Shifting our focus to her personal life, recently Mouni and Suraj Nambiar announced their separation through a joint post on social media.

Later on, the businessman shared a note rubbishing reports surrounding alimony, internal disputes, and third-party involvement.

He wrote, "Recent baseless reports surrounding our separation have been made in bad taste and are absolutely malicious. Let me set the record straight once and for all. There is no alimony. There are no disputes. There is no third party involved.”

“Mouni and I chose to part ways together, with mutual respect and with full consideration for each other's wellbeing. That is the truth. Everything else being reported is fiction, and in some cases, a deliberate attempt to vilify two people who have done nothing but ask to be left alone," added Suraj

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 24 (IANS) Actor Abhimanyu Singh compared the working style of Bollywood and South cinema.

Speaking during an exclusive conversation with IANS, Abhimanyu said that good work is happening in both industries.

He was asked, "Many actors say South cinema functions with greater punctuality and discipline compared to Bollywood. Did you notice any difference while working there?"

Replying to the question, Abhimanyu shared that he fails to see any such difference.

"People are punctual here as well, and large-scale films are being made with great professionalism. Good work happens in both industries, so I personally do not differentiate between them," he added.

Work-wise, Abhimanyu was recently seen in the second season of the web series, "Inspector Avinash".

Revealing how he prepared for his character Devi on a mental and physical level, Abhimanyu shared, "I reached the set a few days before the shoot and kept preparing myself mentally for the character. Honestly, I did not know exactly how I would approach it initially. I spent a lot of time alone and avoided socializing because I wanted to stay connected with the emotional state of the character."

"Physically, the transformation was very challenging. Wearing a saree and getting ready in a feminine look required a lot of effort and dedication. I am grateful that the audience appreciated it," he added.

He was further asked, "You were part of both seasons of Inspector Avinash. As an actor, how much responsibility comes with returning for a second season of a successful show?"

Abhimanyu admitted that it was definitely a huge responsibility for them.

He added, "Fortunately for us, both seasons were shot together, and later it was decided that the project would be released in two parts. Since we had already completed the shoot together, the continuity and emotional flow remained intact."

--IANS

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