Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Ruturaj Gaikwad felt Chennai Super Kings had put up a strong total on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers, but admitted their inability to build sustained pressure with the ball proved costly in the end as they suffered their second defeat in a row against Punjab Kings by five wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

“I feel it was a really good score, to be honest. The wicket was good for fast bowlers. But for the spinners, it was gripping a bit. On this ground with big boundaries, it was a very good score,” Gaikwad said after the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.

CSK’s innings had a shaky start, with Sanju Samson (7) falling early yet again, exposing his struggles against movement. Amid the early setbacks, Mhatre took charge, showing great intent and preparation, especially against short balls. Having worked on his pull shot, he confidently took on the pacers, racing to 59 off 32 balls inside nine overs, including four fours and five sixes.

While Mhatre dominated, Ruturaj Gaikwad (28 off 22) struggled to accelerate, falling at a time when CSK needed momentum. Mhatre’s dismissal proved to be a turning point. At 123, Mhatre had scored 73 of those runs — nearly 60% — highlighting CSK’s over-reliance on him as the rest of the batting managed just 38 off 32 balls, with 12 extras.

Sarfaraz Khan then injected late momentum with an inventive cameo, using ramps and deft touches to counter both pace and yorkers, striking at 266. Though Dube initially struggled, he finished strongly, anchoring the death overs with a composed unbeaten 45. CSK’s 209/5 also marked their first 200-plus total at Chepauk since April 2024, signalling a return to their high-scoring best.

Explaining the decision to bring in Rahul Chahar as the impact substitute, Gaikwad pointed to the team’s bowling combination and conditions. “We felt we had three seamers going in. We had good wrist spinners bowling post the Power-play. Slight off day for both of them. That was the thought process.”

Assessing the bowling performance, the CSK skipper highlighted a lack of pressure at key moments. “I think a mixture of both. We executed really well. But we didn't execute well at the right time. The pressure didn't really build. It went to 11, and a couple of good overs could have climbed it to 12 and 13. We couldn't build pressure with the ball.”

Despite the defeat, Gaikwad chose to focus on the positives from the game, particularly individual performances. “Definitely a tough one. But as I said, lots of positives. Ayush batted really well. Having that confidence in him going ahead. Shivam also played very well. Bowling was a bit off today.”

On his own innings, Gaikwad said he was adapting to the team’s needs in the middle. “I'm feeling well. It's just about adapting to the role that the team needs. Since the wicket was gripping a little bit and Ayush was going well at the other end, I thought of just playing at the other end. But got out at the wrong time.”

--IANS

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Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Priyansh Arya’s opening blitz of 39 off 11 balls and skipper Shreyas Iyer’s fifty propelled Punjab Kings to their second victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kings’ pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over.

There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform.

At the other end, Prabhsimran kept the momentum going, but CSK tried to regain control with spin by bringing in Noor Ahmad and adding Rahul Chahar as an impact bowler. However, PBKS kept pushing, with Cooper Connolly showing intent against spin. However, a costly mistake on a low-risk second call cost PBKS their momentum at a crucial time, when Shreyas Iyer walked confidently to the crease with a chance to score runs. Noor Ahmad sprinted from midwicket to intercept the ball, while Sarfaraz Khan made an excellent backup play and threw an accurate ball to the non-strikers’ end to catch Prabhsimran (43) out after Connolly returned him.

Conolly holed out off a full toss, which he couldn’t quite hit past mid-off. That was a missed opportunity, and one he’ll regret on the long walk back. With 83 runs needed off 49 balls, PBKS still has Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera at the crease to steady the chase. CSK, on the other hand, has limited spin left. They have just one over from Noor Ahmad and two from Rahul Chahar. After that, it will be up to the pacers, who have given away runs all evening, to finish the job.

Ayush Mhatre starred with a sensational 73 off 43 as late cameos from Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45* off 27) powered Chennai Super Kings to 209/5.

CSK’s innings had a shaky start, with Sanju Samson (7) falling early yet again, exposing his struggles against movement. Amid the early setbacks, Mhatre took charge, showing great intent and preparation, especially against short balls. Having worked on his pull shot, he confidently took on the pacers, racing to 59 off 32 balls inside nine overs, including four fours and five sixes.

While Mhatre dominated, Ruturaj Gaikwad (28 off 22) struggled to accelerate, falling at a time when CSK needed momentum. Mhatre, however, continued to dictate terms even after the Power-play, cleverly countering the wide yorker strategy with smart placement and quick adjustments.

His dismissal proved to be a turning point. At 123, Mhatre had scored 73 of those runs — nearly 60% — highlighting CSK’s over-reliance on him as the rest of the batting managed just 38 off 32 balls, with 12 extras.

Sarfaraz then injected late momentum with an inventive cameo, using ramps and deft touches to counter both pace and yorkers, striking at 266. Though Dube initially struggled, he finished strongly, anchoring the death overs with a composed unbeaten 45. CSK’s 209/5 also marked their first 200-plus total at Chepauk since April 2024, signalling a return to their high-scoring best.

Shreyas Iyer displayed unwavering poise throughout his innings by shifting gears from 4 off 5 to 50 off 26 flawlessly. He held the situation in check as the PBKS captain by choosing his shots carefully and keeping the chase on course. Yet just as everything seemed to be going PBKS' way and Iyer was batting fabulously, CSK responded with two wickets off consecutive deliveries by taking Iyer out and having Nehal Wadhera swing the momentum back their way.

However, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis made sure there are no more hiccups as PBKS closed the match, winning it by five wickets.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 209/5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45 not out; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-38, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-21) lost to Punjab Kings 210/5 in 18.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Prabhsimran Singh 43, Priyansh Arya 39; Matt Henry 2-54, Anshul Kamboj 2-47) by five wickets.

--IANS

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Surat, April 3 (IANS) The Central government has reduced the basic customs duty on more than 40 key petrochemical raw materials to zero for a period of three months, a move expected to ease cost pressures on Surat’s textile and plastics industries amid rising global input prices.

The duty, earlier set at 7.5 per cent, has been cut to nil on materials including purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG), both critical inputs for man-made fibre production.

The relief will remain in place for April, May, and June. Industry representatives in Surat said the decision comes at a time when rising crude oil prices, linked to geopolitical tensions, have sharply increased production costs.

Nikhil Madrasi, President of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said crude prices have nearly doubled over the past month, leading to a rise of up to 30 per cent in yarn prices.

“With the customs duty reduced to zero, production costs are expected to decline by 5 to 10 per cent. The impact has already started to show, with yarn producers reducing prices by up to Rs 7 per kilogram,” he said, adding that the move is a positive development for the man-made fibre sector.

Bhavin Vora, Director of Polymer Bazaar, said raw material prices had risen by 50 to 60 per cent between March 1 and March 10, making it difficult for several units to execute existing orders.

“Major producers have already reduced PET prices by up to Rs 5.5. This is a commendable step by the government, particularly for MSME units,” he said.

Pradeep Parikh, a Surat-based yarn trader, said lower input costs would help small and medium enterprises regain competitiveness in export markets.

“This decision could have a direct positive impact of 7 to 10 per cent on the yarn market,” he said.

Lalit Sharma, textile trader and President of the Textile Youth Brigade, pointed to ongoing disruptions in exports due to tensions affecting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“At a time when weavers were under pressure from high yarn prices and logistical challenges, this decision provides much-needed relief. It will help stabilise prices and give the industry breathing space during the slowdown,” he said.

Industry stakeholders said the temporary duty reduction could help restore order flows and ease working capital stress, though they noted that longer-term stability would depend on global price trends and supply chain conditions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Punjab FC came from behind with two quick goals early in the second half to defeat Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. The victory saw Punjab FC climb to fifth in the standings with 11 points, while Mohammedan remain pointless at the bottom. The Shers captain, Dani Ramírez, was named the Player of the Match.

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two changes to his side, bringing in Bede Amarachi Osuji and Suresh Meitei. Mohammedan SC head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo made six changes following their previous outing, introducing Yash Chickro, Makan Winkle Chothe, Zodingliana, Hira Mondal, Lalremsanga Fanai, and Israfil Dewan.

Punjab made a positive start at home, creating early chances. Striker Nsungusi Jr struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, while left back Muhammed Uvais headed narrowly over soon after from winger Manglenthang Kipgen's delivery.

Despite the early pressure from the hosts, Mohammedan took the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute. A long through ball from right back Hira Mondal released Lalremsanga Fanai, who finished calmly from the right side of the box into the far post to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.

The Shers continued to push for an equaliser before the break, with Dani Ramírez and Nsungusi Jr both going close. Center back Suresh Meitei came closest in the 45th minute with a powerful long-range effort that rattled the crossbar before bouncing on the line, as the hosts went into halftime trailing by a goal.

Dilmperis made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Muhammad Suhail and Pramveer, and the impact was immediate.

Just two minutes after the restart, Pramveer switched play brilliantly to Ramírez, whose cross into the box was controlled by Samir Zeljković before being laid off to Nsungusi Jr. The striker finished calmly with his left foot to bring Punjab level at 1-1.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 52nd minute. Ricky Shabong delivered a long ball into the box for Osuji, who squared it across goal for arriving Ramírez to finish first time into an empty net and give Punjab a 2-1 lead.

Punjab looked to extend their advantage, with Nsungusi Jr and Ramírez both threatening in the final third. Nsungusi Jr forced a save from Mohammedan keeper Padam Chettri in the 85th minute, while Ramírez fired narrowly over soon after.

Mohammedan pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Punjab FC, as they secured all three points with a strong second-half comeback.

--IANS

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Patna, April 3 (IANS) Armed criminals carried out a major daylight robbery at a jewellery shop in Bihar’s Darbhanga district on Friday, looting valuables worth nearly Rs 1.8 crore and raising fresh concerns over law and order in the state.

The incident occurred at around 2.55 p.m. at “Prem Jewellers” in the busy Bara Bazar area under the Nagar Police Station limits.

According to shop owner Manoj Kumar, four armed miscreants entered the showroom, held customers and staff hostage at gunpoint, and executed the robbery within minutes.

“They abused and assaulted people. We were terrified and did not resist. They even tried to destroy the CCTV DVR and Wi-Fi system,” Kumar said.

Preliminary estimates suggest that gold and silver jewellery worth around Rs 1.5 crore, along with Rs 22–25 lakh in cash, was looted. As the shop operates on a wholesale basis, supplying ornaments to smaller traders, a large volume of stock was present at the time. The exact loss will be confirmed after inventory verification.

The robbery took place in one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs, with allegations that police reached the spot nearly half an hour after the incident.

Senior officials, including DIG Manoj Tiwari and SSP Jagannath Reddy, rushed to the scene and initiated a high-level probe. The SSP confirmed the incident.

Police said the accused are believed to be between 25 and 30 years of age, with at least one suspect unmasked. CCTV footage is being analysed, and district-wide checkpoints have been set up to track down the culprits.

In contrast, a recent robbery case in Patna saw swift police action. Last Tuesday, four armed criminals looted jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh from a shop in the Danapur area. Acting promptly, police formed a special investigation team under senior officers.

Using CCTV footage and technical surveillance, the team tracked the suspects’ movements and mobile locations. Within two days, all four accused were arrested from locations outside Patna. Police recovered a significant portion of the stolen jewellery, along with illegal weapons and the motorcycle used in the crime.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the robbery was carried out after reconnaissance with the help of a local insider. The accused, natives of Siwan and Saran districts, have confessed during interrogation. Police are now probing possible links to other robbery cases.

The contrast between the swift resolution of the Patna case and the brazen Darbhanga heist has intensified debate over policing and security preparedness in Bihar. The latest incident has sparked concern among traders and residents, especially in busy market areas.

Authorities said efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits at the earliest and restore public confidence.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The Congress on Friday announced the appointment of 27 All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the party high command approving the list with immediate effect.

The appointments were cleared by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, according to an official statement issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.

The Assembly election in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23.

The latest move by the Congress is seen as part of the party’s organisational preparations ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls in the southern state.

The list of AICC observers includes a mix of senior leaders, MPs, and organisational figures drawn from different states, indicating a coordinated effort to strengthen the party’s poll management and ground-level monitoring.

Among those appointed as observers are former Union Minister M.M. Pallam Raju, Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde, Yashomati Thakur, Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, and Neeraj Dangi.

Other names on the list include Anil Yadav, Devendra Yadav, K.H. Muniyappa, D.K. Suresh, Madhu Yakshi Goud, Ramalinga Reddy, Ishwar Khandre, M.C. Sudhakar, Santosh Lad, and Lakshmi Hebbalkar.

The party has also appointed G. Kumar Naik, R.V. Venkatesh, Manthar Gowda, Suresh Byrathi, Priya Krishna, A.C. Srinivas, Srinivas Mane, T.D. Rajegowda, Ajay Singh, Vijay Singh, S.A. Hussain, and Sowmya Reddy as observers.

The observers are expected to oversee party activities in their assigned areas and coordinate with local units to ensure the effective implementation of the election strategy.

The Congress is a key constituent of the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu and is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.

For the April 23 polls, major political parties have already begun groundwork to consolidate their support base.

According to political analysts, the Congress leadership's decision to deploy observers at this stage is aimed at ensuring tighter supervision of party affairs and addressing organisational gaps, if any, in the run-up to the elections.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, April 3 (IANS) Britain-based cardiologist and electrophysiologist Prof Dhiraj Gupta is currently on an Indian tour performing complex atrial fibrillation (AF) procedures while training local cardiologists during live cases.

After initiating the programme at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research here, Prof Gupta completed a structured AF ablation workshop in Ahmedabad on March 31 and April 1, and has now moved to Mumbai, where he is undertaking complex electrophysiology procedures at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, without charging patients or the hospital.

The initiative marks a clear shift from conventional practice, with procedures that are either not available in most parts of India or, if so, available at high cost, now being carried out at low cost, while local specialists are simultaneously trained to perform them independently.

“Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people. It can be treated successfully by a procedure called Catheter ablation. I have developed a low-cost single catheter ablation technique, thereby allowing this treatment to reach more patients. I am performing ablation procedures and using the opportunity to train local cardiologists in this technique,” Prof Gupta said, emphasising “structured training alongside live cases”.

Unlike standard visiting-surgeon programmes, local cardiologists are actively participating in the procedures, gaining hands-on experience in advanced AF ablation and related interventions. The programme will next move to Pune, where an advanced electrophysiology workshop is scheduled at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre on April 6 and 7, continuing the same model of live procedures combined with intensive training.

A consultant at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Prof Gupta is internationally renowned in complex AF ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion, and has led multiple international catheter ablation research trials.

Medical experts said the immediate benefit was clear: patients who might otherwise struggle to afford such procedures are receiving advanced treatment free of charge or at low cost, while Indian doctors are being trained to carry forward the expertise independently.

With atrial fibrillation remaining a leading cause of stroke and widely underdiagnosed in India, experts said this combination of improved access and skill transfer could significantly improve long-term outcomes.

--IANS

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Raipur (Chhattisgarh), April 3 (IANS) Karnataka were crowned the overall champions, claiming 23 gold, along with 8 silver and 7 bronze medals, as the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 concluded in Raipur on Friday.

Odisha finished second with 21 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze medals. Odisha were the only contingent to cross a half century of medals, finishing with 57 medals. Jharkhand were third with 16 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze.

Chhattisgarh finished ninth on the medals tally with 3 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

Praising Chhattisgarh players for their impressive performance in the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced cash prizes for all the medallists and even promised a financial windfall for anyone making it to the Olympics.

“The individual gold medallists will receive a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh each, Rs 1.5 lakh for silver, and Rs 1 lakh for bronze. The medallists in the team championships will get Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, and Rs 50,000 for gold, silver, and bronze respectively,” the Chief Minister announced at the colourful closing ceremony of KITG at the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay auditorium here on Friday.

Siddharth Nagesh (men’s shot put), Nikita (weightlifting), and the women’s football team clinched the gold medal for the hosts, with their men’s football team signing off the campaign with a silver after losing the final 0-1 against West Bengal on Friday.

In all, 30 States and Union Territories participated in the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) that witnessed close to 3800 participants compete in nine sports disciplines. A whopping 106 gold medals were on offer across archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while traditional sports like mallakhamb and kabaddi were demonstration sports.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who also holds the Sports Ministry portfolio, lauded the Sports Authority of India and the state sports department for the successful conduct of the Games and insisted that the next edition would be held on a much bigger scale.

“This is the first time that Games of this stature were held in Chhattisgarh, and I must congratulate SAI, the sports department, and everyone associated with conducting these Games for their hard work and commitment to making these Games a grand success. I also promise that the next edition of the Games will be organised on a much bigger scale and Chhattisgarh will set a benchmark for everyone to follow,” he added.

The 10-day sporting extravaganza was held across three cities in Chhattisgarh, and overall champions Karnataka led the medals tally from the opening day as they dominated the swimming events, winning 15 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. They added 5 gold in athletics and three tin wrestling to ensure that neither Odisha nor Jharkhand could catch up with them.

Karnataka’s Manikanta L was the most successful athlete of the Games with eight gold medals and one silver, while his teammate Dhoneesh N. bagged five gold and a silver for his effort in the swimming competition. Among the women’s competitors, Odisha swimmer Anjali Munda clinched five gold medals while Meghanjali of Karnataka finished with four gold and two bronze medals.

Odisha were the only contingent to have won at least one gold medal in all six sports disciplines, including eight in athletics and seven in swimming. Jharkhand, on the other hand, bagged nine gold medals in athletics, four in wrestling, and three in archery, apart from winning at least one medal in the other three disciplines.

Apart from football, there were four gold medals on offer in archery on the final day, and it was clear that Odisha, which was three behind Karnataka on the gold medal count after the penultimate day’s action, had no chance of catching up, as they could have won not more than two gold medals on the archery field.

Arjun Khara bagged one of them in recurve men’s individual beating statemate Somanatha Hembram in the final, but the men’s team went down against Jharkhand 4-6 in the final.

Komalika Bari then added another gold to Jharkhand’s tally when she defeated Gujarat’s Bhargavi Bhagora in the individual final. Nagaland took home the women’s team gold, beating Jharkhand to finish in 14th position with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

A total of 25 states and Union Territories found a place on the medals tally, with 20 of them winning at least one gold medal, highlighting the broad talent pool across the country. Maharashtra finished fourth with 6 gold, 10 silver, and 4 bronze, while Arunachal Pradesh completed the top five with 6 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

RESULTS

ARCHERY

Women

Recurve Individual: Gold – Komalika Bari (Jharkhand); Silver – Bhargavi Bhagora (Gujarat); Bronze – Ruovinuo Theunuo (Nagaland)

Recurve Team: Gold – Nagaland; Silver – Jharkhand; Bronze – Madhya Pradesh

Men

Recurve Individual: Gold – Arjun Khara (Odisha); Silver – Somanath Hembram (Odisha); Bronze – Pavan Parmar (Madhya Pradesh)

Recurve Team: Gold – Jharkhand; Silver – Odisha; Bronze – Meghalaya

FOOTBALL

Men: Gold – West Bengal; Silver – Chhattisgarh; Bronze – Arunachal Pradesh, Goa

--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, April 3 (IANS) Actor Ali Fazal is celebrating 15 years of his friendship with actor Satyajeet Dubey and singer Aditi Singh Sharma.

Aditi, Ali and Satyajeet Dubey recently took to their Instagram, and shared a joint post with Ali and Satyajeet Dubey featuring their throwback pictures. One of the pictures also show Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan posing with the actors.

They wrote in the caption, “We met 16 years ago working together on a film & ended up with a beautiful & rare friendship !! So grateful to have you guys. I am immensely proud of the two of you !! Love you both so much .. always, not kabhi kabhi”.

Earlier, Ali wished his 'Partner' Richa Chadha on their marriage anniversary. Sharing a couple of goofy photos of the two on his official Instagram handle, Ali wrote the caption, "Happy Anniversary Partner. Today was written. The rest is served. Love Ali (sic). P.S : am not one for dates but this day and the way it played out will remain a great memory. And i love these pictures of us and today is a good day. See It worked out”.

Talking about their love story, Richa and Ali first met on the set of the cult comedy ‘Fukrey’ and soon fell for each other. The couple made their relationship official back in 2017 as they attended the Venice Film Festival together for the premiere of Ali's Hollywood movie ‘Victoria and Abdul’. It must be noted that Ali and Richa got married legally in 2020.

However, they celebrated their wedding in 2022 with their family and friends in attendance. In July 2024, the lovebirds welcomed their first child, daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal. Both Ali and Richa love to show affection for each other through adorable social media posts.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 3 (IANS) Hollywood actor Ben Stiller is an accomplished actor, producer and director, but he could use a little more practice when it comes to bowling.

The sport, which is the subject of the five-part series that premiered on March 16, served as an important part of the multi-hyphenate’s career, reports ‘People’ magazine.

He told ‘People’, “I've had to bowl in public a couple times, the last time being at the premiere for this show (Born to Bowl) where the guys asked me if I would do the ceremonial first ball and I gutterballed it, of course”.

He further mentioned, “The first short film I made that I ended up getting on ‘Saturday Night Live’ when I was starting out was a takeoff on ‘The Color of Money’, the Martin Scorsese and Tom Cruise movie about pool that was a sequel to The Hustler that I made with my friends about bowling. So, I have a real warm place in my heart for bowling”.

As per ‘People’, the actor sold his film ‘The Hustler of Money’ to SNL before joining the cast for a four-episode-long stint in 1989. More than three decades later, Stiller revisits the sport with the docuseries that follows five bowlers on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour, revealing the realities of life on the road.

He said, “These guys who are the best in the world, the best in the U.S. and what the reality of their lives is, which is pretty much 180 degrees from the reality of these other people who are at the top of their sport”.

“It was a little bit shocking to me that these guys have to do what they have to do just to survive on the bowling tour”, he added.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, April 3 (IANS) Hollywood actor James McAvoy has shared that California Schemin' was a demanding film, and it took a toll on him while making the film.

The actor said that directing California Schemin' was "a nightmare (he) wouldn't wish on (his) worst enemy", reports ‘Female First UK’.

The 46-year-old actor has stepped behind the camera for the first time for the new movie, which tells the true story of Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains who pretended they were American to get their big break in the music industry, and confessed that he was shocked with the workload that came with juggling filmmaking with an acting role in the flick.

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Claudia Winkleman Show’, James said, "I knew I wanted to make films about people from low-income backgrounds, council estates or schemes as we call them in Scotland. I wouldn't wish directing and acting on my worst enemy... it was a nightmare".

As per Female First UK’, the actor explained how he was often concentrating on instructing the cast when he was informed of problems such as a lack of Portaloos for the production crew.

The actor said, "You'd literally be sitting there trying to go, 'I need more love' or 'I need more comedy', and somebody is whispering your ear, 'We can't get the Portaloos for tomorrow’”.

The Atonement star previously discussed how California Schemin' was the ideal picture to make his directorial debut on because it centres on characters who have a similar "background" to him.

He told ‘Empire’ magazine, "I wanted to tell a story about people from a background like mine, that I recognised and understood. People with limited opportunities, near horizons and a kind of in-built humility. But I also wanted to (make) a film that was entertaining, still had emotional impact and still confronted the obstacles and the realities that people from that kind of low-income background face”.

He further mentioned, “Also, it's a film (in which) you have two people who have to confront this thing that Scottish people do quite a lot, which is the reaction we get – from people who are not from Scotland, when the noise that comes out of our mouth lands in the other person's ears. I'm totally aware that, as a white, Northern European male, that discrimination isn't necessarily the worst discrimination in the world. But it is something that people in Scotland face. Like, my accent is so f****** mellow now. I do not sound how I sounded when I lived on a council estate in Glasgow. And I still get people that go like, 'I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Would you slow down?'".

Despite the stress involved, James revealed that he ultimately enjoyed the experience of directing a film.

"It was incredibly stressful. The most stressful experience of my life, and I did it at my midlife-crisis time of life as well. Am I directing a film because I'm having a midlife crisis? Maybe. But I love doing it”, he added.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 3 (IANS) Telugu star Sai Durgha Tej's next film is to be directed by director duo Sujith and Sandeep, best known for having directed the fantasy thriller 'KA'.

The film, which is being tentatively referred to as #SDT19, is to be produced by Sahu Garapati, under the banner of Shine Screens, a production house that has consistently delivered successful and impactful films.

On Friday, Shine Screens took to its social media timelines to make the announcement. It wrote, "Secrets of the ages…Power beyond imagination. A new mythic force rises. Proudly presenting #SDT19. Starring Mega Supreme Hero @IamSaiDharamTej, directed by visionary duo @Dir_Sujith & @Dir_SandeepM. #CosmicChronicles."

Actor Sai Durgha Tej too took to his X timeline on Friday to announce the project. He wrote, "Secrets of the Ages… Power beyond imagination. Stepping into something truly powerful… Excited to be part of this journey with the dynamic directors @Dir_Sujith & @Dir_SandeepM and Passionate Producer @Sahugarapati7 anna.#SDT19 #CosmicChronicles @Shine_Screens @VijayaDurgaProd."

Headlined by Mega Supreme Hero Sai Durgha Tej, the film, which is tentatively being referred to as #SDT19, marks a powerful and promising phase in his career. Known for exploring unique and rooted concepts, the actor now steps into a world that promises secrets of the ages and power beyond imagination, as teased by the first poster.

Sources close to the unit say that with #SDT19, directors Sujith and Sandeep have scaled up their vision significantly and are now looking to venture into a space that blends mythic sci-fi and high-octane storytelling.

The announcement poster itself reflects an ambitious cinematic world, suggesting a film that aims to deliver both visual grandeur and immersive narrative depth.

The poster, featuring a lone warrior standing before a massive celestial formation, hints at a story that is both epic in scale and rich in imagination. Sources claim that with a strong creative vision, a powerhouse performer at the forefront, and a proven production house backing it, #SDT19 is shaping up to be a high-concept cinematic experience.

--IANS

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