Los Angeles, July 14 (IANS) Hollywood actress Millie Bobby Brown, who is known for her work in the fan-favourite streaming series ‘Stranger Things’, has learned to tread through the noise, and keep her head down to work.

The actress has fiercely defended herself against critics who would comment on her appearance. The 22-year-old actress appeared on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast where she opened up about the more “challenging” parts of being a child actor.

She said, “The things that didn’t help me, my goodness. I would say public perception doesn’t help. Growing up hearing the way people think about you constantly. I think I was 15 when people started saying I looked like a 60-year-old woman”.

She further mentioned, “I would wear a big heel and people would say, my goodness who does she think she is? But then I would wear a suit and people would rip me apart for looking too old. I’ve realized, [the haters are] all just walking contradictions. None of you actually have an opinion. You’re all kind of like robots”

Earlier, the ‘Stranger Things’ actress had shared a lengthy message addressed to her “bullies,” which began with the star questioning why it has been hard for the public to “grow up” alongside her.

She wrote on social media, “Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on ‘Stranger Things’ season 1, and because I don’t, I’m now a target”.

“I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself”, she added.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 14 (IANS) The Queen of Pop, Madonna, whose album Confessions II became her 10th Number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, has made her the first female artist to score the Number 1 album in 5 consecutive decades.

The singer-songwriter recently took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures from Madonna’s Club Confessions pop-up performance at the Knockdown Center in Brooklyn.

She penned a long note, as she wrote, “Words cannot express how Grateful and Surprised I am By the incredible reception Confessions on a dance Floor has received !! Thank You -to everyone who has been a part of this and who has helped make this dream come true. Especially my fans. The Goodwill and positivity has been incredible. I’m still pinching myself. I can’t believe it’s # 1 all around the world”.

She further mentioned, “My dream was to make people dance this summer!! To bring people JOY! Dreams do come true. Thanks and love”.

Earlier, the singer spoke about her creative process in recording her latest chartbuster, as she told Graham Norton, “It’s kind of like I get possessed. The ideas come when I don’t try too hard”.

Prior to this, the singer-songwriter had shared her opinion on the duality of Instagram, as she called it mesmerising and soul-destroying.

The 67-year-old singer has a lot of discipline when it comes to social media because she spent so much of her life without it and admitted she gets "depressed" if she falls into a trap of just scrolling the photo-sharing app to aimlessly look at content.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 14 (IANS) Actress Zareen Khan lost her cool at the paparazzi after they allegedly crossed a line while talking to her during a photo op. A video of the actress has gone viral on social media where she schooled the paparazzi.

The actress attended an event in the city on Monday, and was going through outfits when a paparazzi asked her to try an outfit.

Responding to the same, she said, “In front of everyone? That's not happening. Don't talk nonsense with me because I'm not the one who's going to take that s***. Okay? Stay within your limits when you talk, all of you”.

The actress’ firm stand received applause from netizens, who heaped praise on her for standing her ground.

One user wrote, “You gave a perfect answer, ma'am. I am really impressed with you (sic)”.

Another user wrote, “Media people are becoming more disgraceful in India”.

Earlier, the actress called her niece Aizel Khan 'love at first sight' as she celebrated her 1st birthday. She shared that with all the challenges posed by the year gone by, Aizel has emerged as a blessing for her, bringing immense happiness into her life.

Posting a video compilation of some unseen precious moments of Zareen with the little one, the actress wrote, "Can’t believe you are already 1. A lot happened in this last one year but you came in as a blessing in my life for which I’ll be forever grateful. You are my love at first sight , my always and forever. Thank you for all the happiness you brought into my life (sic)”.

"I wish you a life full of blessings, goodness & abundance, my jaaneman Happiest birthday my heart , @aizelinwonderland … Love you so so much”, she added.

--IANS

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Washington, July 14 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Monday announced the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a two-day IndyCar street race through the heart of the US capital next month, calling it a signature event of America's 250th anniversary celebrations and predicting it would become one of the biggest spectacles in motorsport.

Speaking at the White House alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, motorsports icon Roger Penske and leading IndyCar drivers, Trump said the race would take place on August 22 and 23 along Pennsylvania Avenue and around the National Mall.

"As we count down to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, this will be like no other race ever. I don't think anything will ever top what we're going to be having," Trump said.

Calling it "one of the most unforgettable racing events the world has ever seen", the President said spectators would witness cars "racing more than 190 miles and even higher than that down Pennsylvania Avenue."

"It wasn't exactly designed for that... It's going to be a sight for the ages," he said.

Trump said the event would mark "the first racing event of its kind in Washington, D.C. history", adding that it was being organised as part of the nation's celebration of "the 250th anniversary of American freedom."

"The American people are invited to come watch this once-in-a-lifetime event," he said, noting that admission would be free.

"We thought maybe we could make a fortune. No, it's free, totally free, and it's something they're doing for the country."

The President credited Penske and his team with pushing the proposal for years, saying they had held "more than 80 meetings in 90 days on Capitol Hill" before approaching him.

"When they came to see the President... in about 15 minutes it was done," Trump said, adding that Pennsylvania Avenue offered "the exact track" organisers wanted.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the project became possible only after direct intervention by Trump.

"We hit a roadblock," Duffy said. "I called Roger. I said, 'Roger, you've got to call the President and tell him about this great idea.'"

"It was one phone call, and the President said, 'Done. We're going to celebrate America 250 with an IndyCar race for the first time in the US Capitol.'"

Duffy described the event as a natural extension of the year-long America 250 celebrations.

"America's birthday doesn't end on the Fourth of July," he said. "Our birthday continues for the coming year."

Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, said public interest had already exceeded expectations.

"Over 250,000 people signed up to come to this event, and we'll be able to accommodate 100,000 each of the two days," Penske said.

He said the race would showcase "the technology, the speed, the partnerships and the athletes that make such a difference."

"We think about the Indy 500 as an iconic race, but this is going to move right up there next to it," he added.

Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation, said the revised plan to stage the race around the National Mall moved quickly after reaching the White House.

"Within 24 hours of this idea changing onto the city streets, we had an executive order in my inbox to review, and then four days later, I was in his office here to sign it," Denker said.

He added that the winning driver would compete for "the only trophy that they're ever going to possibly see here — and that's the trophy to celebrate our country."

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix forms part of the wider America 250 programme commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The year-long national celebration includes cultural events, military displays, educational programmes and sporting showcases across the United States.

Street races in city centres have become an increasingly popular format in international motorsport, with Formula One and IndyCar expanding into urban venues to attract wider audiences. The Washington event will mark the first time top-level IndyCar racing is staged through the ceremonial core of the US capital, making it one of the most distinctive races on the 2026 calendar.

--IANS

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Washington, July 14 (IANS) The US Department of War has announced a $25 million investment in ReElement Technologies Corp. to expand domestic refining capacity for rare earth elements and other defence-critical minerals, in a move aimed at strengthening the country's industrial base and reducing dependence on overseas supply chains.

The investment, announced on Monday by the Department's Economic Defence Unit (EDU), in partnership with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), will support the expansion of ReElement's refining operations at its Marion, Indiana, facility.

The funding will help increase US production of materials considered essential for advanced defence systems, aerospace components and secure communications.

"Strengthening our domestic refining capacity for rare earth elements and other critical minerals is a national security imperative," said Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy.

"Executed by the Economic Defence Unit (EDU) and financed by the OASW(IBP) Industrial Base Fund, this investment actively rebuilds a domestic, mine-to-magnet supply chain. This effort guarantees the joint force has reliable access to the critical materials required for advanced defence systems," he said.

According to the Department of War, the funding will cover equipment, installation and working capital needed to expand ReElement's production lines.

The company will focus on processing end-of-life magnets and other recycled materials to produce high-purity rare earth oxides, yttrium, gadolinium, germanium and gallium, all of which are used in advanced defence and high-technology applications.

The Department said the project demonstrates the partnership between the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Economic Defence Unit.

It said that the ability to identify industrial bottlenecks and apply commercial-sector best practices allows the government to execute agreements quickly and strengthen national security and military capabilities.

"Critical minerals are fundamental to sustaining our warfighting capacity," said George K. Kollitides II, Director of the Economic Defence Unit.

"The Economic Defence Unit was created to act quickly and decisively to address economic vulnerabilities and strengthen our military advantage. This agreement helps secure domestic capacity, protect the industrial base behind the warfighter, and ensure the United States has reliable access to the materials that make deterrence credible and military advantage possible," he said.

The Department said the agreement contains safeguards designed to protect US interests, including restrictions on transactions involving foreign entities of concern.

It described the investment as part of a performance-driven approach that combines targeted government support with private-sector execution to accelerate the development of critical industrial capabilities.

Rare earth elements and other critical minerals are indispensable for modern defence technologies, including precision-guided weapons, fighter aircraft, naval platforms, radar systems, satellites and advanced communications equipment. They are also widely used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and consumer electronics, making them strategically important beyond the defence sector.

--IANS

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Washington, July 14 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States has secured $19.2 trillion in investment commitments under his administration, using the launch of a major motorsports event in Washington to argue that the country is experiencing an unprecedented economic resurgence.

Speaking at the White House during the unveiling of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, Trump said the US was attracting record levels of global investment while regaining international influence.

"The country is doing incredibly well. We've never done this well. We're respected all over the world now, and respected like never before," Trump said.

"I was telling Roger before. We have 19.2 trillion dollars being invested in the United States of America, by other people and countries. No country in the world has ever had anything like that, and plants and factories and everything."

Trump did not provide details of the figure during his remarks, but said the investments were flowing into manufacturing and industrial projects across the country.

"There's never been any country that's as hot as we are right now," he said.

The President also linked the investment narrative to his administration's national security agenda.

"In addition to that, we have the strongest military," Trump said. "So people around, they're not pushing us around. We're pushing them around."

The remarks came as Trump announced the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a two-day IndyCar street race that will be held in Washington on August 22 and 23 as part of the America 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.

He described the race as "one of the most unforgettable racing events the world has ever seen" and said it would showcase American engineering, innovation and patriotism.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed Trump's broader message, saying the event reflected both America's industrial heritage and its future.

"When you think about America 250, you also think about cars. And when you think about cars, you do think about freedom. It all goes together," Duffy said.

He credited Trump with personally ensuring the event proceeded after organisers encountered obstacles.

"It was one phone call, and the President said, 'Done. We're going to celebrate America 250 with an IndyCar race for the first time in the US Capitol,'" Duffy said.

Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, said more than 250,000 people had already registered interest in attending the free event.

"We think about the Indy 500 as an iconic race, but this is going to move right up there next to it," Penske said.

Trump has consistently argued that tariffs, deregulation and tax incentives are encouraging companies to expand manufacturing and production in the United States. His administration has repeatedly highlighted investment announcements by domestic and foreign companies as evidence that its economic policies are strengthening American industry.

--IANS

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United Nations, July 14 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday launched India's candidature for the Security Council with a six-point manifesto centered on Shanti, a profoundly significant acronym for "Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust [and] Integrity".

Speaking to delegates and diplomats from around the world here, EAM Jaishankar said India would be the Voice of the Global South at the Council, and was running on its record of helping developing nations, participation in peacekeeping, and working to make the organisation capable of dealing with the challenges of the contemporary world.

India will contest next year's election to the General Assembly for the Asia-Pacific non-permanent seat on the Council, with a term beginning in 2028. India, which has served eight terms as an elected member, will continue its fight against terrorism, a hallmark of its last term in 2021-2022, in the Council, he said.

New Delhi is pursuing a parallel path to the Council, maintaining its campaign for a permanent seat while seeking an elected seat to make its voice heard. So far, only Tajikistan has announced its candidature for the Asia Pacific seat to be vacated by Bahrain when it completes its term at the end of next year.

Dushanbe has been lobbying for the seat for several years and was endorsed by the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as far back as 2023. The OIC, which has 56 votes in the General Assembly, said in its resolution that its backing was based on "the principle of Islamic solidarity as being inherent to the joint Islamic action". India will need two-thirds of the votes in the 193-member Assembly.

In its last election, India, which was unanimously backed by the Asia Pacific group and ran unopposed, received 184 votes, with 8 cast as spoiler votes. The 53-member Asia Pacific Group covers a wide swath of the world from Lebanon on the West to Kiribati on the East. The non-permanent seats are distributed by region. When possible, the regional groups select their representatives. Sometimes there is no unanimity, and at other times a country may decide to proceed on its own.

The highlight of India's last term was convening the Council meeting in India during its rotating presidency in October 2021. During its session in Mumbai, the Council members honoured the victims of the 2008 terrorist attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, and they got a first-hand view of the ravages of terrorism. There, and in New Delhi, the Council focused on countering terrorists' use of emerging technologies.

India's bid for the 2028-29 term is an attempt to shorten the long gaps of up to a decade between some of its previous terms, so it can have a consistent voice at the UN's highest decision-making body. India's first term was in 1950-51, and its next came in 1967. That was followed by two-year terms starting in 1972, 1977, 1984, and 1991. There was then a 19-year gap till 2011, and the next tenure came a decade later in 2021.

Kyrgyzstan was elected in June to the Asia-Pacific seat and will succeed Pakistan, whose term ends at the end of this year. The OIC has endorsed Libya for the 2027 election for the Africa seat. Some countries prepare decades in advance for Council elections. Malaysia, which is aiming for the 2035 election, began lobbying for the UNSC seat at the beginning of this decade and received the OIC backing in 2023.

--IANS

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Kolkata, July 14 (IANS) India's premier defence shipbuilder, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, was awarded the SKOCH Award for its Project Akansha. Project Akansha is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents from vulnerable communities in Kolkata.

The award was presented at the 108th SKOCH Summit held in New Delhi. Project Akansha, implemented by Child Rights and You (CRY) with support from GRSE, focuses on the holistic development of children and adolescents in the Munshiganj and Watgunj-Hastings areas of Kolkata.

The aim of the project is to create a safe and enabling environment for children, while enhancing their access to education and opportunities for personal growth. This is being done through supplementary education, life-skills training, self-defence sessions, nutritional support and community engagement.

The project has made a significant impact in the intervention area by improving school enrolment and retention, strengthening life skills and fostering greater community participation in child protection initiatives.

"It has also helped create trusted learning spaces and encouraged active involvement of mothers and local stakeholders in safeguarding children's rights," an official said.

GRSE delivered India's first indigenous warship - INS Ajay - to the Navy in 1961, barely a year after becoming a defence public sector undertaking. Since then, it has delivered 117 more warships to the Navy, Coast Guard and Friendly Foreign Nations. This is the highest number of warships delivered by any Indian shipyard. Two warships built by it have also been exported to Mauritius and the Seychelles.

On June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three warships built by GRSE into the Navy. These included the advanced stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, survey vessel large INS Sanshodhak and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft INS Agray.

At the moment, the shipyard is building nine warships, including the advanced stealth frigate Vindhyagiri, four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and four anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft. Apart from these, GRSE is also building 30 commercial platforms, including 12 specialised multi-purpose vessels for a German company.

The shipyard is also building four research vessels for NPOL, NCPOR and the Geological Survey of India.

GRSE also holds the largest market share in the country for modular steel bridges that are used by the Army, Border Roads Organisation, and several government agencies to connect difficult and strategic areas. The shipyard is also building 30 mm naval surface guns (NSGs) that are fitted on warships as a close-range weapons system.

"While displaying excellence in shipbuilding and engineering, GRSE reaffirms its commitment to creating sustainable social impact through meaningful CSR initiatives that create opportunities for a brighter future by promoting education, empowerment and holistic community development," the official added.

--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, July 14 (IANS) Actress Zareen Khan lost her cool at the paparazzi after they allegedly crossed a line while talking to her during a photo op. A video of the actress has gone viral on social media where she schooled the paparazzi.

The actress attended an event in the city on Monday, and was going through outfits when a paparazzi asked her to try an outfit.

Responding to the same, she said, “In front of everyone? That's not happening. Don't talk nonsense with me because I'm not the one who's going to take that s***. Okay? Stay within your limits when you talk, all of you”.

The actress’ firm stand received applause from netizens, who heaped praise on her for standing her ground.

One user wrote, “You gave a perfect answer, ma'am. I am really impressed with you (sic)”.

Another user wrote, “Media people are becoming more disgraceful in India”.

Earlier, the actress called her niece Aizel Khan 'love at first sight' as she celebrated her 1st birthday. She shared that with all the challenges posed by the year gone by, Aizel has emerged as a blessing for her, bringing immense happiness into her life.

Posting a video compilation of some unseen precious moments of Zareen with the little one, the actress wrote, "Can’t believe you are already 1. A lot happened in this last one year but you came in as a blessing in my life for which I’ll be forever grateful. You are my love at first sight , my always and forever. Thank you for all the happiness you brought into my life (sic)”.

"I wish you a life full of blessings, goodness & abundance, my jaaneman Happiest birthday my heart , @aizelinwonderland … Love you so so much”, she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 22 (IANS) Actor Ranbir Kapoor once shared a hilarious incident of his late father and Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor during his appearance on "The Kapil Sharma Show" with his mother Neetu Kapoor.

Ranbir revealed that once a writer wanted to narrate his script to Rishi Kapoor, who was heading back home after work from Film city. So Rishi ji asked him to come in his car and narrate the story to him on the way.

The writer started to narrate the script, saying, "So, the film opens with a visibly malnourished man running through the streets in the scorching heat. Shatrughan Sinha's chariot is moving in the front, and your character is introduced as a skinny man running in the sun."

After hearing just this much, Rishi Kapoor asked the writer to step out of the car, saying, "From which angle do I look starved to you?"

Listening to Ranbir's anecdote about Rishi Kapoor, Kapil Sharma and the guests present on the show burst into laughter.

Rishi Kapoor, who made his Bollywood debut opposite Dimple Kapadia in Bobby, went on to enjoy a successful career spanning over four decades.After making his debut as a lead in 'Bobby' opposite Dimple Kapadia, Rishi Kapoor went on to be a part of several movies such as "Rafoo Chakkar", "Besharam", "Kabhi Kabhie", "Zinda Dil", "Amar Akbar and Anthony", "Anjane Mein", "Dhan Daulat", "Khel Khel Mein", and "Do Dooni Chaar", to name just a few.

Shifting focus to his personal life, Rishi Kapoor tied the knot with one of his co-stars, Neetu Kapoor, in 1980. The couple welcomed a girl, Riddhima, in 1980, followed by a boy, Ranbir, in 1982.

He left for the heavenly abode on 30th April 2020 after a long battle with leukemia. The last film of the veteran actor, "Sharmaji Namkeen", was left incomplete. Later, Paresh Rawal stepped in to finish the remaining portions.

IANS

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Los Angeles, July 13 (IANS) The trailer of the upcoming film ‘Digger’ starring Hollywood icon Tom Cruise was unveiled on Monday. The film is a comedy of catastrophic proportions, and is helmed by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Inarritu.

Tom Cruise portrays the role of Digger Rockwell, an oil baron whose company may have triggered an ecological catastrophe with the potential to spark a nuclear war. As the consequences of his actions threaten to spiral beyond control, he embarks on a frantic mission to prove to the world that he alone can save humanity before the disaster he unleashes destroys everything.

The screenplay has been penned by Alejandro G. Inarritu and Oscar winners Alexander Dinelaris and Nicolas Giacobone, and Sabina Berman, from a story by Inarritu and Berman.

The film also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Oscar nominee Sandra Huller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons. Robert John Burke, Emma D’Arcy, Burn Gorman and Sophie Wilde.

The film is produced by Inarritu, Oscar nominee Mary Parent, Tom Cruise and Michael Sharp, and executive produced by Joshua Grode, Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, Jez Butterworth and Emmanuel Lubezki.

The film boasts of a powerful team behind the camera including Inarritu’s previous collaborators like director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki, editors Conor O’Neill and Stephen Mirrione, costume designer Jacqueline West, Oscar-winning makeup and hair designer Alessandro Bertolazzi, and Oscar-nominated casting director Francine Maisler, alongside Oscar-winning production designer Dennis Gassner and production designer Richard Johnson, Oscar-winning prosthetic makeup designer Kazu Hiro, and composer Cosmo Sheldrake.

‘Digger’ was shot entirely in VistaVision. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is set to release in cinemas and IMAX across India on October 2 2026 .

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 13 (IANS) Music composer Leslee Lewis is over the moon after PM Narendra Modi presented Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with a collector's edition vinyl of the ‘Colonial Cousins’ album during his official visit to Australia.

The album was released in the 1990s, and changed the sound of Indian music forever as it blended Indian classical traditions with Western pop, rock and acoustic influences. Hariharan and Leslee Lewis created an album that broke barriers, connected generations and inspired an entirely new era of Indian fusion music.

Talking about the same, Leslee Lewis said, "I never imagined that the music we created from the heart would one day become part of such a historic moment between two nations. To know that Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chose the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a diplomatic gift is an honour beyond words”.

“I am deeply thankful to him for recognising the universal language of music and for allowing our work to represent India's artistic legacy on the world stage. Moments like these reaffirm that music is far more than entertainment, it is a cultural ambassador that continues to unite hearts across borders and generations”, he added.

More than three decades later, the music continues to resonate, making the vinyl not just a collector's item but a symbol of India's creative spirit and cultural confidence.

Hariharan said, "Every artist hopes that their music will stand the test of time, but very few are fortunate enough to see it become part of a nation's cultural journey. I am truly honoured and grateful to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for choosing the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a symbol of India's friendship and cultural pride. It is deeply touching to see an album created with love, respect and musical harmony continue to carry India's voice to the world. This recognition is a tribute not only to Leslee and me, but also to every listener whose love has kept Colonial Cousins alive through the years”.

As the world increasingly embraces vinyl as a timeless format, PM Modi's choice of gift carried a deeper message, that great music never ages, and true art continues to unite people across cultures and borders.

--IANS

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