Gandhinagar, July 2 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday urged more than 2,300 newly appointed Revenue Talatis (officers) to adopt a systematic and well-organised approach to their work, saying it should be carried out in a manner that prevents future complications for the Revenue Department or the government while ensuring prompt and efficient public service.

Addressing a ceremony in Gandhinagar where appointment letters were distributed to recruits, Patel described Revenue Talatis as the backbone of the state's revenue administration and the foundation of village governance.

He said the responsibility of a Talati extends beyond maintaining records to resolving the issues and grievances of villagers at the local level. "The work should be systematic and properly organised so that it does not raise any questions on the department or the government in the future," the Chief Minister said.

He urged the recruits to adopt a people-centric approach, adding that helping a person in genuine difficulty complete official work smoothly was equivalent to receiving God's blessings.

Patel said citizens approaching a Talati expect their work to be completed quickly and without unnecessary difficulty.

He advised the newly appointed officials to assess every decision by placing themselves in the position of the person seeking assistance.

He also called on them to perform their duties in a manner that would make their families and society proud while contributing to the vision of a developed Gujarat in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of a developed India by 2047.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also launched several digital initiatives aimed at improving revenue administration.

These included REVA (Revenue Voice and Assistance), a QR code-based feedback system that will enable citizens to submit feedback on services and staff behaviour at Collector, Sub-Divisional, Sub-Registrar, District Inspector of Land Records (DILR) and Mamlatdar offices.

The feedback will be collected through a centralised platform to help improve service delivery. He also launched an e-filing facility under the Integrated Revenue Court Case Management System (IRCMS), allowing applicants to file revenue cases online from home, track proceedings in real time and download orders online after cases are concluded.

The system is expected to bring greater uniformity and efficiency to revenue case management across the state.

An agreement was also signed between the state government and the Survey of India for the geo-referencing of city survey maps. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Settlement Commissioner Adra Agrawal and Additional Surveyor General M.C. Gore.

Minister of State for Revenue, Sanjaysinh Mahida, said the transparent recruitment process marked the beginning of a new chapter for the newly appointed candidates.

He said filling a large number of vacant posts would strengthen administrative capacity and improve the delivery of revenue services in villages.

"A Revenue Talati is often the first government official encountered by ordinary citizens, farmers and economically weaker sections, making professional conduct and fair decision-making essential to strengthening public trust in governance," he said.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, Dr Jayanti Ravi, said the recruitment drive had successfully filled 2,389 vacant Revenue Talati posts following sustained efforts by the state government.

"A defined job chart had also been prepared for Talatis to improve services in villages, where they are responsible for key functions including land records, election-related work and census activities," she said.

She urged the newly appointed officials to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) The Women and Child Development Ministry on Thursday called upon schools, youth groups, NGOs, panchayats and individuals to identify and support potential nominees to file online applications for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awards (PMRBP) 2026 by July 31.

Any citizen, school, institution, or organisation can nominate candidates they deem deserving. Children may also apply through self-nomination for the awards that celebrate the extraordinary achievements of children aged 5 to 18 years, said a statement.

The prestigious national-level award is conferred annually by the President to recognise exceptional achievements of children in the fields of art and culture, bravery, sports, social service, environment and science and technology.

The objectives of the awards are to celebrate and amplify the achievements of India's youth in diverse spheres, to inspire peers nationwide by showcasing real-life role models and to foster an enabling environment for children's holistic development, said a statement.

In a social media post on X, the Ministry said, "The last date for submission of applications is July 31, 2026. All nominations for the PMRBP award must be made through the online portal https://awards.gov.in."

Applicants will need to fill in basic personal details and the category of award and then upload a recent photograph and supporting documents. They will also need to submit a write-up (up to 1000-words) about the achievement and its impact, said the statement.

To apply, young achievers must first register or log in on the portal by providing details such as First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Applicant Type (Individual/Organisation), Mobile Number, Email ID, Aadhaar Number, etc. and CAPTCHA verification, said the statement.

It said that once registered, they should select the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025' under the 'Ongoing Nominations' section and click on 'Nominate/Apply Now'. Applicants must then choose the relevant award category and indicate whether the nomination is for themselves or someone else.

The application form requires nominee details, a concise narrative (maximum 500 words) describing the achievement and its impact, and the upload of supporting documents (PDF format, up to 10 attachments) and a recent photograph, said the statement.

It said applications can be saved as drafts and edited before final submission. Once reviewed and submitted, a downloadable copy of the application will be available for reference.

--IANS

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London, July 2 (IANS) With the Indian team's campaign in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup coming to an end, all-rounder Deepti Sharma visited Wimbledon, the world's most prestigious Grand Slam, and watched some of the top tennis players plying their trade at the All-England Club in London.

One of the world's top all-rounders, Deepti, who did well for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup before their campaign came unstuck in the league stage against five-time champions Australia, was welcomed by the All-England Club on her maiden visit to Wimbledon.

"Welcome to Wimbledon, @officialdeeptisharma 🇮🇳," the official handle of the tournament said in a post on the official Instagram handle.

Deepti is the second Indian cricketer to visit Wimbledon in two days. On Wednesday, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan made an appearance at the Centre Court at the All-England Club.

"Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan at Centre Court," said the official handle of Wimbledon in a post on the official Instagram handle.

Dozens of celebrities visit Wimbledon every year to watch the world's top tennis players take the court in the year's third Grand Slam.

On Thursday, top players like Alexandra Eala, Marie Bouzkova, and Emma Navarro reached the Ladies' Singles semifinals with contrasting victories.

Eala of the Philippines continued her onward march at Wimbledon, scoring a fine comeback victory over Maya Joint to secure a maiden entry into the third round. Eala, 21, scored a crucial early break and powered through to a 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 win in just under two hours.

The No. 21 seed Bouzkova recovered from an early break in the opening set to defeat Grant 7-5, 6-3, reaching the third round at Wimbledon for the third time. Her best Grand Slam result came at the All England Club in 2022, when she reached the quarterfinals.

Navarro, who fell to Bouzkova in the Nottingham final, rallied past Oksana Selekhmeteva 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to reach the third round at the All England Club for the third consecutive year. The American reached the quarterfinals in 2024 and the fourth round last year.

--IANS

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Jaipur, July 2 (IANS) Rajasthan's Leader of Opposition (LoP) and veteran Congress leader, Tika Ram Jully, on Thursday questioned the Rajasthan government's reported move to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) scheme, raising concerns over its funding pattern and financial viability.

In a statement, Jully asked the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to clarify the state's stand when even Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states had expressed reservations over the proposed scheme.

"Three major states, including BJP-ruled Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, along with Jharkhand, have reportedly raised serious objections to the funding pattern of the new scheme. They have argued that the requirement for states to bear 40 per cent of the expenditure makes it financially difficult to provide the promised 125 days of rural employment," the LoP said.

He asked whether the Rajasthan government supported imposing what he termed an "additional financial burden" on the state and sought the Chief Minister's response to concerns raised by governments led by his own party.

Highlighting the significance of MGNREGA, Jully said the employment guarantee programme, introduced by the Congress-led UPA government, had become a vital pillar of rural livelihood and social security.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, when urban employment had virtually collapsed, MGNREGA protected the rural economy and ensured that millions of families continued to earn a livelihood. Attempting to weaken such a successful programme merely for the sake of renaming schemes would be detrimental to rural India," he added.

The Leader of Opposition also said that the previous Congress government in Rajasthan had increased the number of guaranteed workdays under MGNREGA from 100 to 125 in the 2022-23 state budget to provide additional support to rural families.

He alleged that the BJP government was "blindly following" what he described as an incomplete and impractical model of the Centre, warning that the proposed changes could place an additional financial burden on both rural labourers and the state's finances.

Jully urged the state government to address the economic and technical concerns surrounding the proposed scheme instead of focusing on publicity and the renaming of welfare programmes.

The Congress leader shared his statement on social media, questioning the state government's position on the proposed changes to the rural employment programme.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) Stars: 4.5 stars Director: Nachiket Samant Cast: Huma Qureshi, Seema Pahwa, Chunky Panday and Sikandar Kher

Every so often a film arrives that refuses to resemble anything around it. Baby Do Die Do is that film, a noir soaked in rain, mood and menace, stacked with twists that keep you pinned to the edge of your seat, and quite unlike anything Bollywood has served up in recent memory.

At its centre is Baby Karmarkar, a deaf-and-mute hitwoman operating in an overcrowded Mumbai. A trauma from her past, the murder of her sister, sets off a long, futile search for the killer and pulls her into a life of violence. She carries a gun in her umbrella and eliminates the obstacles standing in the way of her higher bosses, the city’s real-estate mafia. Mostly common men. But the moment she is pushed into killing someone of importance, her carefully sealed world begins to unravel. Just as Baby starts imagining a normal life, one filled with love, for yes, there is a tender love angle here, fuelled by a lovely track from Mohit Chauhan, her violent past starts closing in. And it is in her fight to protect that love, the one glowing thing in her life, that her twenty-year-long hunt for revenge is finally answered.

The film is carried by an eclectic ensemble Huma Qureshi, Chunky Pandey, Sikandar Kher, Seema Pahwa, Rachit Singh, Marudhar Shekhawat, Arun Kushwaha and more, each shouldering the story and impressing amply. But it is Huma Qureshi who rises head and shoulders above the rest. Handicapped, by design, with a character who cannot speak or hear, she speaks volumes with her eyes alone, love and violence rendered with equal force. This is the role of her life.

The music never lets up, each song landing harder than the last. Composer Arjun Iyer delivers banger upon banger, scoring this quirky tale of revenge with real flair. Tojo Xavier’s camerawork is instantly arresting, moody, textured, and central to how singular the film looks. And director Nachiket Samant plays his notes bold and expressive, on the front foot throughout; the bravery of both the narrative and the design is genuinely pathbreaking. That bravery extends behind the camera too: backing a project this bold takes real guts, and producer Saqib Saleem hits it out of the park.

The particular strain of quirk this film finds inside dangerous, high-stakes situations is a rare thing in Bollywood, a register few filmmakers, a Sriram Raghavan among them, have even attempted successfully. The treatment is quirky, confident and, quite simply, cool.

Rains. Mood. Music. Revenge. Love. Quirk. It has it all. Emphatically not-seen-before and for exactly that reason, a must watch. So drop everything and go to the theatres to watch Baby Do Die Do now!

--IANS

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Kolkata, July 2 (IANS) Researchers at Hyderabad's International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have come up with a crack-free bi-metallic structure developed by researchers using a technique called laser-based powder bed fusion additive that can help reduce the overall use of expensive superalloys and import dependency.

Stainless steels and nickel-based super alloys are widely used in aerospace, nuclear, as well as thermal power plants.

Certain regions of a gas turbine may experience temperatures as high as 2000°C, while adjacent sections are exposed to lower temperatures during service conditions.

Therefore, combining stainless steel (good toughness and corrosion resistance) with nickel-based superalloys (excellent high-temperature strength and creep resistance) in a single component is technologically attractive.

However, conventional welding of Stainless steel (SS316L) and the Inconel superalloy (IN718) is challenging due to differences in chemical composition, melting temperatures, and thermal expansion coefficients.

These differences often lead to solidification cracking, porosity, segregation of Nb/Mo-rich phases, and formation of brittle intermetallics.

While joining dissimilar metals is not uncommon, achieving a crack-free, compositionally graded, mechanically robust interface using powder bed fusion, with tensile validation across the interface, remains challenging.

"The bi-metallic structure SS316L was fabricated using a laser-based powder bed fusion system through additive manufacturing and building directly onto the surface-ground IN718 plate with no visible cracks or porosity at the interface. The material exhibited a peak hardness of nearly 310 HV at the interface and an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 550 ± 30 MPa, with failure occurring on the softer SS316L side, away from the bi-metallic junction, demonstrating superior interfacial integrity," a statement by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology said.

The research by the team comprising S. Narayanaswamy, Gururaj Telasang, Nokeun Park and Ravi Bathe was published in the journal Progress in Additive Manufacturing.

It enables the fabrication of multi-material components for demanding industrial environments.

Potential applications include boiler tubes, heat exchangers for nuclear and ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plants, and advanced energy systems, where different sections of a component experience varying temperature and stress conditions.

The technology is also relevant for nuclear reactors and oil and gas processing industries, where corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength are simultaneously required.

"In the aerospace sector, a bi-metallic structure can be used, with a steel side serving as the load-bearing component, while the Inconel side provides high-temperature resistance. Additive Manufacturing also opens the door to internal structures, enabling the strategic placement of superalloys only in regions subjected to extreme thermal exposure and improving component performance," the statement added.

--IANS

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Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), July 2 (IANS) In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, former AIADMK ministers Dr C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabaskar formally joined the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) at a grand induction ceremony held at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram near Chennai on Thursday.

Speaking after joining the party, former minister M.R. Vijayabaskar expressed happiness over his decision and praised the leadership of TVK.

"I am very happy to have joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam today. The government formed by Thalapathy Vijay is functioning as a government for the people," he said.

Referring to the party's future programmes, he announced that Chief Minister Vijay would visit Karur on July 10.

"Amid various political developments, the Chief Minister will be visiting Karur on the 10th. We are making grand arrangements, and a major induction event will also be held in Karur district," he said.

On the Karur case, M.R. Vijayabaskar said the investigation should be allowed to take its course.

"We do not want to blame anyone. The Karur case is under CBI investigation, and the truth will definitely come out," he said.

Rejecting allegations that the induction was the result of political inducements, he asserted that there had been no horse-trading.

"There is no horse-trading or anything of that sort. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLAs won without spending even a single paisa. But now, some people are trying to bring down this government through horse-trading," he alleged.

TVK Thanjavur constituency MLA Vijay Saravanan said the political landscape in the Cauvery Delta region was undergoing a significant shift.

"The mindset of voters in the Delta districts has changed. Apart from this, two more MLAs have joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The narrative that the Delta is a DMK fortress is a false one that has been created. Compared to the vote share the DMK secured in the past, it has declined significantly. They won only by very narrow margins, and that too with the support of their alliance partners," he said.

Claiming that dissatisfaction against the AIADMK was widespread in the Delta districts, Saravanan said the latest inductions would strengthen TVK's organisational base ahead of the Assembly elections.

"As far as the Delta districts are concerned, there is huge dissatisfaction within the AIADMK. These leaders joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will strengthen the party's organisational structure, and by the time of the Assembly election, these inductions will greatly strengthen our hands," he said.

He also dismissed allegations of inducements and claimed that those joining TVK had done so voluntarily.

"No promises were made, and there was no horse-trading. They have joined us after giving up the positions that the people had entrusted them with. It is the DMK that is bargaining with people. In fact, they even tried to bargain with me. Chief Minister Vijay has with him a team that cannot be bought at any price," Saravanan alleged.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 2 (IANS) The Odisha Higher Education (HE) department on Thursday directed the heads of all government and non-government aided colleges in Odisha to conduct a physical verification of areas surrounding their campuses and submit details on the existence of shops selling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius.

According to the official communication addressed to the principals of all colleges across the state, Ramesh Chandra Behera, SNO-cum-Deputy Secretary of the HE department, stated that the initiative is a part of the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism and the government's efforts to create a safe, healthy and drug-free educational environment for students.

"I am directed to inform you that under the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism and the government's commitment towards creating a safe, healthy and drug-free educational environment, it is to be ensured that no shop or outlet dealing in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, alcohol, tobacco or other intoxicating substances operates within a radius of 500 metres of any educational institution, as per the applicable provisions of law and government instructions," said Behera in the official communication.

To assess and monitor compliance with these norms, principals have been asked to physically verify the areas around their institutions and furnish the required information through the HIMS portal by July 15.

"You are, therefore, requested to conduct a physical verification and submit the prescribed information through the HIMS portal by 15.07.2026 at the latest," the department directed the principals.

Amid growing concerns over the increasing use of drugs and tobacco products among students, the Odisha government has taken several measures to tackle substance abuse.

The latest directive to college principals is part of the state's broader campaign to curb drug and tobacco use among young people and strengthen preventive measures across educational campuses.

The move is expected to strengthen surveillance around higher educational institutions and reinforce efforts to keep campuses free from the influence of drugs, alcohol and other intoxicating substances in the state.

--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 2 (IANS) Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recalled the time he and his classmates tried to cheat during an exam.

Speaking during 'The Kapil Sharma Show', Nawazuddin revealed that someone had told them that they could cheat openly as their invigilator had a habit of sleeping during the examination.

"We were all waiting patiently to take out our cheat sheets, but the invigilator did not sleep for three hours."

Understandably, their exam did not go well, so they asked someone, "You guys told us that he would sleep during the exam, but he did not sleep."

In a hilarious twist, the person informed them that the invigilator sleeps with his eyes open.

Nawazuddin further revealed to host Kapil Sharma that despite cheating so much, he never got caught.

Coming to his professional commitments, Nawazuddin will next grace the screen with the second installment of “Tumbbad”.

Talking about the shoot, he had shared that it was going to be a working festival for him.

He said, “It is going to be a working festival for me. Even on Eid, I am shooting for Tumbbad 2. I am very excited about bringing this character to life as it has multiple layers.”

The original drama “Tumbbad” reached the audience back in 2018. Made under the direction of Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, the project was led by Sohum Shah, who essayed the role of Vinayak Rao.

The project revolves around the search for a hidden 20th-century treasure in the Indian village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra.

‘Tumbbad 2’ is slated to be out on December 3, 2027.

Sharing the release date for the sequel, the makers wrote on social media, “A sinful past, an ominous future. The hunger rises, the legacy of greed continues… Mark your calendars #Tumbbad2 arrives on 3. 12. 2027”.

Helmed by Adesh Prasad, ‘Tumbbad 2’ has been produced by Sohum Shah under his banner Sohum Shah Films, along with Pen Studios.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's elder son Junaid Khan couldn't help but smile as his father opened up about his marriage plans with Gauri Spratt on July 5.

Speaking during an event, Aamir revealed that it is going to be an intimate affair with only their close family members and friends in attendance.

The 'Mr Perfectionist' of Bollywood was asked, "People are waiting for your wedding, which is going to take place on 5th July, what would you say about it?"

The 'Lagaan' actor shared, "Yes, we are getting married on the 5th. It's a very small wedding; we are doing it at home. The 5th is a very special day for us. There will only be both the families, along with some close friends. We are getting married at home only. We only want everyone's blessings that we remain happy."

Refreshing your memory, Aamir introduced his ladylove, Gauri to the media on his 60th birthday in March last year.

Aamir hosted a fun meet and greet with the media before turning 60. While he was interacting with the press, he revealed that he had found love yet again.

Introducing Gauri to everyone, the 'Rang De Basanti' actor gave her an adorable shoutout.

During the interaction, Aamir said that although he and Gauri have been friends for almost 25 years, they developed romantic feelings for each other only some time back.

Gauri is also a mother of a seven-year-old son.

Ever since then, the lovebirds have been seen making public appearances together on several occasions.

This is going to be Aamir's third wedding. He was previously married to Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children - Junaid and Ira Khan. However, they decided to part ways in 2002.

In 2005, Aamir decided to enter matrimony for the second time with Kiran Rao, with whom he has one son, Azad Rao Khan. Aamir and Kiran also got divorced in 2021.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) Following a tremendous performance at the ticket counters, Malayalam drama, 'Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra' achieved another milestone as it was selected for the prestigious Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) 2026 and the 23rd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2026.

Expressing his gratitude, DQ shared that the selection of 'Lokah' has reaffirmed his belief that stories told with sincerity have the capacity to transcend borders.

Spilling his excitement, the producer of the drama, Dulquer Salmaan, said, “Seeing Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra being recognised at prestigious international film festivals is incredibly special. I’m immensely proud of the entire team whose passion brought this vision to life. It’s truly gratifying to see the film continue its journey beyond theatres and for Malayalam storytelling to receive global recognition. These selections reaffirm our belief that sincere stories can transcend borders and connect with audiences across cultures.”

Sharing the exciting update on social media, makers Wayfarer Films wrote, “We are thrilled to announce that our film has been selected for BIFAN (Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival) 2026 and the 23rd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2026 (sic).”

Directed by Dominic Arun, 'Lokah' is the Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero film. It turned out to be both a massive commercial and critical success, grossing over ₹300 crore worldwide.

Backed under the banner of Wayfarer Films, the technical crew of the drama includes Nimish Ravi as the cinematographer, Chaman Chakko as the editor, Jakes Bejoy as the music composer, acclaimed stunt director Yannick Ben as the action master, and Jithu Sebastian as the production designer.

The primary cast of the drama includes Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen as the lead, along with Sandy, Chandu Salim Kumar, and Arun Kurian in ancillary roles.

The film revolves around Chandra, a mysterious woman, who comes to Bengaluru to fight evil. However, she gets mixed up with a corrupt cop Nachiyappa and an organ-trafficking ring.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) Stars: 4.5 stars Director: Nachiket Samant Cast: Huma Qureshi, Seema Pahwa, Chunky Panday and Sikandar Kher

Every so often a film arrives that refuses to resemble anything around it. Baby Do Die Do is that film, a noir soaked in rain, mood and menace, stacked with twists that keep you pinned to the edge of your seat, and quite unlike anything Bollywood has served up in recent memory.

At its centre is Baby Karmarkar, a deaf-and-mute hitwoman operating in an overcrowded Mumbai. A trauma from her past, the murder of her sister, sets off a long, futile search for the killer and pulls her into a life of violence. She carries a gun in her umbrella and eliminates the obstacles standing in the way of her higher bosses, the city’s real-estate mafia. Mostly common men. But the moment she is pushed into killing someone of importance, her carefully sealed world begins to unravel. Just as Baby starts imagining a normal life, one filled with love, for yes, there is a tender love angle here, fuelled by a lovely track from Mohit Chauhan, her violent past starts closing in. And it is in her fight to protect that love, the one glowing thing in her life, that her twenty-year-long hunt for revenge is finally answered.

The film is carried by an eclectic ensemble Huma Qureshi, Chunky Pandey, Sikandar Kher, Seema Pahwa, Rachit Singh, Marudhar Shekhawat, Arun Kushwaha and more, each shouldering the story and impressing amply. But it is Huma Qureshi who rises head and shoulders above the rest. Handicapped, by design, with a character who cannot speak or hear, she speaks volumes with her eyes alone, love and violence rendered with equal force. This is the role of her life.

The music never lets up, each song landing harder than the last. Composer Arjun Iyer delivers banger upon banger, scoring this quirky tale of revenge with real flair. Tojo Xavier’s camerawork is instantly arresting, moody, textured, and central to how singular the film looks. And director Nachiket Samant plays his notes bold and expressive, on the front foot throughout; the bravery of both the narrative and the design is genuinely pathbreaking. That bravery extends behind the camera too: backing a project this bold takes real guts, and producer Saqib Saleem hits it out of the park.

The particular strain of quirk this film finds inside dangerous, high-stakes situations is a rare thing in Bollywood, a register few filmmakers, a Sriram Raghavan among them, have even attempted successfully. The treatment is quirky, confident and, quite simply, cool.

Rains. Mood. Music. Revenge. Love. Quirk. It has it all. Emphatically not-seen-before and for exactly that reason, a must watch. So drop everything and go to the theatres to watch Baby Do Die Do now!

--IANS

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