Baranagar, April 25 (IANS) Reacting to Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and six other MPs quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), BJP President Nitin Nabin said on Saturday that the development reflects growing public trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to IANS, Nabin said that internal dissatisfaction within AAP has been rising due to allegations of corruption linked to its leadership.

"When Arvind Kejriwal is being widely associated with corruption, it creates significant dissatisfaction within the AAP. As a result, some MPs have chosen to leave. This indicates that across the country, people's trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasing," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the AAP, saying the party had deviated from its founding ideals.

"The Aam Aadmi Party was founded on promises of integrity and political reform. I was associated with its early days around 2009–2010. However, it has turned out to be the opposite. It is now competing with the Congress Party in corruption and positioning itself as a 'B team' of Congress," he said.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Diya Kumari also commented on the development, saying that it reflects the current political climate in the country.

"The Opposition has little to say. The way several Rajya Sabha MPs from AAP have left and joined the BJP shows the changing political situation. Whether public representatives or ordinary citizens, everyone is watching these developments closely," she said.

In a major political move on Friday, Chadha, one of the youngest parliamentarians, announced his resignation from the AAP along with six other party lawmakers.

Addressing a press conference alongside MP Sandeep Pathak, Chadha said that a two-thirds faction of AAP's Rajya Sabha MPs has decided to merge with the BJP.

According to reports, those joining him include Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahni.

Chadha said that the group intends to formally merge with the BJP in the coming days by invoking provisions of the Constitution.

This move, backed by a two-thirds majority within the parliamentary party, may allow them to bypass the anti-defection law and avoid disqualification.

The development is being seen as a significant setback for AAP and its leadership.

It comes shortly after Chadha was reportedly removed from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha by AAP for not actively raising issues against the Union government.

--IANS

jk/khz

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Gobardhan Das, praising his inspiring journey marked by tireless hard work and humility.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted Das’ significant contributions to public health, science, and innovation that have made the nation proud.

“Prof. Gobardhan Das, heartfelt congratulations to you! Your journey, filled with tireless hard work and humility, is truly inspiring for everyone,” PM Modi said.

“The invaluable contributions you have made in the fields of public health, science, and innovation fill the entire nation with pride. My sincere best wishes for your tenure,” the Prime Minister stated.

In a deeply personal statement, Prof. Das described the appointment at NITI Aayog as a member as one of the most important days of his life.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the opportunity, he reflected on his humble beginnings as the son of a farmer from a Dalit family in a remote village in West Bengal.

“Today is a very important day in my life. I sincerely thank the dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for giving me the opportunity to serve as a member of Niti Aayog,” he said.

He emphasised how the values of hard work, resilience, and struggle have shaped his journey.

Prof. Das noted that his new role is not merely a position but a representation of the aspirations and hopes of countless ordinary citizens.

“I firmly believe that for the complete development of the country, it is very important to improve the quality of life in remote areas, the farmer community, and ordinary people,” he stated.

“For this purpose, I promise to work with honesty, dedication, and full responsibility under the guidance of the Prime Minister,” he added.

Pledging to serve with honesty, dedication, and responsibility, he said he looks forward to contributing to India’s progress under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

“I promise to work with honesty, dedication, and full responsibility under the guidance of the Prime Minister,” Prof. Das stated.

--IANS

pk

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said on Saturday that he and six other Members of Parliament chose to leave the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the party had fallen into "corrupt and compromised hands", leaving them "disappointed, disenchanted and disgusted".

Chadha triggered a major political development on Friday by announcing his resignation from AAP along with six other Rajya Sabha MPs -- Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahni --- all of whom are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He said that this group, representing a two-thirds faction of AAP's Rajya Sabha MPs, will formally merge with the BJP in the coming days.

Speaking to the reporters, Chadha said, "Every true patriot, every individual who nurtured the Aam Aadmi Party with their very blood and sweat, and who had joined the party with immense hope, has either already left the AAP or is in the process of leaving it. This is because every honest and hardworking person now feels that there is nothing left in this party. The AAP is now going down the wrong path, where no one wishes to maintain any association with it. Hence, one by one, numerous leaders have left the Aam Aadmi Party."

He also added that the Constitution empowers elected MPs to take such decisions if they believe their party has deviated from its principles.

"If they (elected MPs) feel that their party has fallen into corrupt and compromised hands, or that the party is heading down the wrong path, then they have the right to leave their party, provided a sufficient number of MPs wish to do so. To facilitate this, a threshold requiring the support of two-thirds or more of the elected members was established," he said.

Referring to the scale of the exit of large number of lawmakers from AAP, Chadha added, "It is not just 2-3, but seven MPs who are collectively leaving the Aam Aadmi Party."

"They are doing so because they believe that the Aam Aadmi Party has indeed fallen into corrupt and compromised hands. And to those who claim, specifically the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, that we left out of fear, let us be clear: we did not leave the Aam Aadmi Party out of fear; we left because we felt disappointed, disenchanted and disgusted," he said.

Chadha also raised the long-standing "Sheesh Mahal" controversy, calling it a decisive factor behind the party's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections.

"And another significant issue is the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy currently unfolding in Delhi. Indeed, if there was one single overriding reason for the defeat in the Delhi elections, the primary cause behind the Aam Aadmi Party's electoral loss, it was precisely that 'Sheesh Mahal' episode," he said.

The development comes amid a sharp political attack by the BJP on Arvind Kejriwal, following the exit of the seven MPs from AAP.

The BJP described Kejriwal as the "Rahman Dakait of Delhi" and released fresh images of what it termed "Sheesh Mahal 2".

Reacting to this, Chadha said, "Yet, even today, less than a year after the conclusion of the Delhi elections, the pictures of 'Sheesh Mahal 2' have emerged. The Aam Aadmi Party should engage in deep introspection regarding all these issues."

"One wonders how the dedicated party workers, who remain with the Aam Aadmi Party, will manage to answer the people when they are inevitably confronted with questions regarding the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy. The Aam Aadmi Party should engage in self-reflection regarding this and give it careful consideration," he added.

--IANS

sd/khz

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop pointed out the lack of speed in Gujarat Titans opener batter Sai Sudharsan's after his breathtaking IPL century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and stated that he needed to tep up his aggression level in his batting approach. 

Sudharsan lit up the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a sensational 100 off 58 and in the process etched his name in the IPL records by becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 runs. But it wasn’t enough as GT went down fighting against RCB by five-wickets in a high-scoring clash.

Sudharsan, who was the Orange Cap winner from IPL 2025, had a patchy start to IPL 2026 as he had just one fifty-plus score before his century against RCB.

"He's one of the guys that needed to step up his aggression level. For the most part of that innings, I thought he was outstanding for a very orthodox player," Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut.

"I think that hundred would be very, very pleasing for him and for the GT dugout, and for the IPL as a whole, because here's another guy who gets another hundred - they've been coming in thick and fast in the last week and a half, hasn't it?"

"He certainly did his part. If we're asking other guys that should have stepped up, at least Sai Sudarshan did his part."

Meanwhile, former South African pcaer Dale Steyn was impressed with Sudharan's innings and said the opener knows exactly how and where he wants to score his runs.

"I just think he plays orthodox cricket, you know, like he plays good cricket shots; he hits the ball on merit. He takes the ball on when he has to, he makes calculated risks and it's not like he's running out there recklessly, swinging off his hip to try and score runs.

"It was similar to the way that Sanju Samson got his hundred the other night. I think it's calculated, you know, he knows exactly how and where he wants to score his runs and then he put on a show," said Steyn.

--IANS

bc/

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) India’s electricity demand surged to an all‑time high of 252.07 GW this weekend as a severe heat wave drove widespread use of cooling appliances, according to the latest power ministry data.

The previous record was 250 GW set in May 2024. The ministry said peak demand rose from 240.12 GW on April 23 to 252.07 GW on April 24, higher than 239.70 GW seen on April 22. The government had projected demand could reach 270 GW this summer, though actual levels remained well below that estimate.

Last year, peak demand was recorded at 242.77 GW in June 2025, while April 2025 saw highest levels at 235.32 GW. Experts warned consumption could climb further as heat wave conditions could further worsen, leading to more frequent use of air conditioners, coolers and other appliances by households and businesses.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heat waves across northwest, central and eastern India through the weekend, with harsher summers especially in May and June.

India's power sector is expected to benefit from Rs 65–70 capex opportunity, backed by strong policy support, a recent report said.

Rising electricity demand—potentially tripling—along with new-age consumption (EVs, data centers) adds durable visibility, the report added.

Krushna Chandra Panigrahy, director general, Bureau of Energy Efficiency recently said that Indian users shifting from LPG to induction‑based cooking amid shortages caused by the West Asia war could add 13–27 gigawatts of additional power demand at the distribution level.

The wide band of 13–27 GW range is due to complexity of demand estimations because of the diverse usage patterns across regions, differences in climate, socio‑economic conditions, and cooking habits, Panigrahy said.

Piyush Singh, Additional Secretary, Power Ministry had said that India expects to add over 22 GW of capacity between April and June, including 3.5 GW of thermal, 10 GW of solar, 2.5 GW of wind, 1.9 GW of battery energy storage and 750 MW of hydro power.

—IANS

aar/pk

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has apologised for the AI company’s failure to alert law enforcement agencies about warning signs linked to a teenager who later carried out one of Canada’s recent deadliest mass shootings.

The apology came after more than two months of attack in which 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mother and half-brother before opening fire at a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, leaving five children and a teacher dead, according to multiple reports.

According to reports, Altman acknowledged in a letter shared by local news outlet Tumbler RidgeLines and British Columbia Premier David Eby that OpenAI should have informed authorities after flagging the attacker’s account.

However, the attacker later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Moreover, at least 25 people were injured in the shooting, which Canadian authorities have described as one of the country’s worst mass casualty incidents.

"I want to express my deepest condolences to the entire community. No one should ever have to endure a tragedy like this. I cannot imagine anything worse in this world than losing a child," Altman said in the letter.

"I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June. While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognise the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered,” he added.

OpenAI had earlier said that Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account was internally flagged in June 2025 for misuse 'in furtherance of violent activities' and was subsequently suspended.

However, the company did not notify authorities at the time, stating that the activity did not meet the threshold of posing a credible or imminent threat.

The company now says it is reviewing its policies and will work more closely with governments to prevent similar incidents. “Going forward, our focus will continue to be on working with all levels of government to help ensure something like this never happens again,” Altman said.

A lawsuit filed by the family of one of the victims has alleged that the teenager used ChatGPT as a 'trusted confidante' and discussed multiple gun violence scenarios in the days leading up to the attack.

The suit claimed that some OpenAI employees had flagged the conversations as indicating a potential risk of serious harm and recommended notifying law enforcement, but the suggestion was rejected as the threat was not deemed imminent. The account was only suspended.

It further alleged that the attacker was able to create a second account after the first was banned, allowing similar conversations to continue.

The company reportedly contacted Canadian authorities only after the shooting.

--IANS

ag/na

Jaipur, April 25 (IANS) Skipper Pat Cummins said he is eager to return to action for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after recovering from a back injury, as the side prepares to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their eighth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday.

“I feel excited. I feel like I've watched too much cricket lately without playing, so I'm itching to get out there. Yeah, stinging to get out there,” Cummins said in a video released by SRH on x.

Cummins also had special praise for stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, who has led the side in his absence in the opening seven matches.

"Boys have been on fire. It's been great to watch, so hopefully I can add something. I think for the most part, Ishan was good. I think when it comes to tosses, he was absolutely terrible. But outside of that, he was excellent. You know, he's been brewing, lots of energy, really good tactical moves from, you know, looking from the outside in,” he said.

“He's obviously a great thinker of the game. And alongside, you know, Abhishek out there as well, they've been running it, and it looks pretty smooth. So yeah, when I'm out there, I'm sure I'll be leaning on those guys as well. But yeah, well done, Ishan, he's been awesome,” he added.

Cummins also spoke about the challenges that pacers face in the IPL and how well the SRH young bowling attack has performed so far.

“IPL is a very tough place for fast bowlers, but I thought, I think all our guys have been exceptional. You know, a few of the young guys have come in,” he said.

“I think it's, well, I've certainly found it really hard to find the pace of IPL. Those guys look like they've, you know, hit it straight away. They've got the feel of the game. They're sequencing their variations brilliantly so far. So, you know, they already look like the complete players. It's not going to happen perfectly every game, but they've had a great start,” he added.

Cummins arrived in India ahead of the season, but didn't take part in the match. The 32-year-old flew back to Australia right after SRH's thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 for the scan on his back.

Australian Test captain cleared the fitness test on Friday and will take the field against the Rajasthan Royals. He will also take over the captaincy duties from stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, under whose leadership Sunrisers Hyderabad won four out of seven matches and are placed at number four in the points table with eight points and a positive net run rate of +0.820.

--IANS

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Johannesburg, April 25 (IANS) MI Cape Town batting coach Hashim Amla thinks Connor Esterhuizen possesses all the qualities needed to succeed as a modern-day player.

Esterhuizen’s stock has soared dramatically over the past month. The SA20 Rising Star was recently named Player of the Series in New Zealand following an outstanding performance on his first Proteas tour.

The Pretoria Capitals' batter shined in Aotearoa, leading to his inclusion among the rising group of young South Africans in the IPL. The Gujarat Titans signed the 24-year-old as a replacement for England’s Tom Banton, who was a former teammate at MI Cape Town.

Amla has collaborated extensively with Esterhuizen, spending two seasons together at MI Cape Town before his transfer to the Capitals, and also working domestically with the Lions.

“When we met at the Lions, he was always one of those youngsters who was extremely eager to learn and to try new things. I think that's so important for anybody who wants to try and play all formats successfully. There's a type of mental elasticity you need to have to be able to go from format to format. That also has to come into your training and your ability to work with different plans. The switch between different plans has to happen quickly. From the time we met, he always had that eagerness to learn and to explore these things,” Amla told SA20.

The Proteas legend, with 18672 runs in all international formats, believes Esterhuizen’s capacity to absorb information distinguishes him from others.

“He's one of those players who, when you watch them early on, you think, 'Oh, he's got something.' His growth has been very quick. That is something very nice to see, because when someone is hungry to learn - like all youngsters - they will receive a lot of information. I suppose one of the skills you have to learn is how to filter the information you receive,” Amla said.

“Once you experiment with it, you have to quickly understand what works within your game and what doesn't. His call-up to the national team was not a surprise because he did really well in four-day cricket, and he had a good T20 competition with the Lions as well.

“It was no surprise; he's one of those players who has been consistently scoring runs, so he was bound to get a call-up. I think he embodies the modern-day player. He has the attributes of the modern-day player. He's got a good technique, but he can hit a long ball.”

After spending time at Surrey, a prominent English County Championship team, during the final parts of his playing career, Amla observed England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith's rise at The Oval and believed Esterhuizen could similarly succeed in international cricket.

“If you think of someone like Jamie Smith, for example, from England, he's also a very young player. When I started at Surrey, he was a youngster coming through, and he had similar attributes,” Amla said .

“He had a good technique, was very strong, and could hit boundaries. That type of player now, you see them in Test cricket, fulfilling that role in the middle order where they can take the game away. Connor is, in a way, similar to that. He has a good enough technique—or quite a good technique—to handle a moving ball, but once an opportunity comes for them to score, it's hard to stop them,” he added.

There has been much debate about the ideal position for Esterhuizen in the batting order. While at MI Cape Town, he was used as a ‘finisher,’ but with the Capitals, he was moved up the batting lineup. Esterhuizen has stated that he currently has no preferred position, and Amla considers this flexibility to enhance his market value.

“He's one of those players who we felt could play anywhere from 1 to 6. Even with the Lions, from 1 to 6, he can fit anywhere,” Amla said .

“That's not an easy thing to do for any cricketer. You need to have a decent technique to be able to handle a new ball if you're going to be up the order. You've also got to have a strong middle game, which means you're going to run hard between wickets, hit gaps, and very importantly for T20 cricketers, hit boundaries - fours and sixes.

“He's got the strength for that. To find the best position for him, I would say looking at a No. 4 position might be a buffer between the top order and the middle order,” Amla stated.

--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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Singer Mujtaba Aziz Naza revealed if he ever had creative disagreements with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali while working with him on "Bajirao Mastani" and "Padmaavat".

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Mujtaba shared that he had no creative disagreement with the filmmaker. He added that they often enjoyed moments of spontaneous creativity.

He was asked, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known to be a perfectionist. Did you ever have creative disagreements with him regarding music?"

Talking about his experience of working with the 'Heeramandi' maker, the singer said, "No, there were no disagreements. It’s true that he is a perfectionist and gives a lot of time to his work. He wants everything to be just right, regardless of the cost or effort involved."

"I remember when we worked together earlier and then again later; the experience was incredible. There were moments of spontaneous creativity where compositions came together very quickly, and he appreciated that. His vision often pushes you to deliver your best", he went on to add.

When asked if he believes artists should be given complete creative freedom, Mujtaba said, "Absolutely".

"Every artist has a unique style. You cannot ask one singer to replicate another’s style. That individuality is what defines them. Trusting artists and giving them freedom is essential for authentic music", he went on to explain.

Shifting the focus to "Aayat" from "Bajirao Mastani", he opened up about the widespread recognition brought by the track and whether it shaped his artistic direction.

Mujtaba said that "Aayat" turned out to be a significant opportunity in his life.

He added, "Working with someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a learning experience in itself. Being part of such a grand project made a huge difference to my career. The kind of music we created had a very distinct feel, something audiences weren’t used to hearing at that time. Even though I wasn’t the lead artist, being associated with that composition was a big achievement. It gave recognition to the Qawwali and Sufi elements within the song, which meant a lot to me".

--IANS

pm/

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) In a rare occurrence, filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan sang for her husband Shirish Kunder during their appearance on the popular chat show, "Rendevouz with Simi Garewal".

In the throwback clip published by host Simi on her official Instagram handle, Farah was seen beautifully crooning the "Kiska Hai Ye Tumko Intezar Main Hoon Na" track from her debut movie as a director, "Main Hoon Na".

What made the video even more endearing was how Farah gently held Shirish's hand and looked at him throughout while singing the melodious number.

Sharing the old memory on social media, Simi had written the caption, "RENDEZVOUS GEMS! For someone who is always entertaining & goofing about.. it's rare isn't it to see such PDA from @farahkhankunder ?! Well, this is her soooo soft & romantic side!.. A gem!"

It might also be interesting to know that Farah and Sirish's love saga also began on the sets of "Main Hoon Na", where Farah was the director, and Shirish was on board the technical crew as the editor.

If the reports are to be believed, Shirish agreed to work on the project only because he had a crush on Farah.

Unaware of Shirish’s feelings towards her, Farah also eventually fell for him over the course of time.

Going by the grapevine, during a party, Shirish finally decided to share his feelings with Farah, and the two started dating.

After being in a relationship for some time, the lovebirds finally tied the knot in December 2004 in a registered wedding, which was followed by a South Indian marriage ceremony where Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri performed Farah's kanyadan. The couple also performed a nikah as a mark of respect for each other's religion.

Moving on to the next chapter in their journey together, Farah and Shirish welcomed triplets - two girls and one boy named Diva, Anya, and Czar in 2008.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Geeta Basra revealed that Diljit Dosanjh is her favourite Punjabi artist of all time.

During an exclusive conversation with IANS at the Punjabi Icon Awards 2026, Geeta opened up about the people who have inspired her the most.

She shared that she finds Diljit absolutely amazing, as he is not just a talented actor, but also a gifted singer.

Geeta further went on to state that the kind of name Diljit has managed to make for himself on the international platform is something that very few artists are able to achieve.

Geeta told IANS, "My favourite Punjabi artist is Diljit (Diljit Dosanjh). He is my forever favourite right now because I think he is a multi-talented guy. He is not just an actor, he is a great singer. He is a great entertainer. He is a full package."

"So, I feel the way Diljit has earned a name for himself on a global level, I think no one has done it till now. I am a huge fan of Diljit," she went on to add.

Talking about Diljit's work commitments, he has once again joined forces with acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali for his forthcoming drama, "Main Vapas Aaunga", co-starring Vedang Raina and Sharvari.

Backed by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. "Main Vapas Aaunga" will get a theatrical release on June 12.

Talking about his next, Imtiaz shared that memories worked as the primary element for creating a specific palette and visual texture of "Main Vapas Aaunga".

He told IANS, “We followed the memory, the images in the memory of Ishar. So, Ishar Singh Grewal is the character who is 95 years old. And now retrospectively, he is thinking about those beautiful times of his past, when he was in college. So there is a certain hue or tone that memory achieves”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Shruti Haasan has received a special gift that got her extremely excited.

The 'Saalar' actress took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle and showed the beautiful photo frame with a stunning photo of herself, which she recently received as a gift.

The clip uploaded by Shruti on the photo-sharing app had the 'Premam' actress saying, "Someone gave me this lovely photo frame of me. Isn't it cute?"

However, leaving everyone surprised, Shruti went on to take a bite from the photo frame, revealing that it is edible.

Sharing her excitement, she added, "Why do I still get excited about this shit? I don't know, but it's cool."

Next, she went ahead and took another bite from the fun photo frame.

Shruti's social media feed comprises several such entertaining glimpses from both her personal and professional life.

Earlier this month, Shruti was seen channeling her inner chef, and she made some appetizing Ambur Biryani, accompanied by Kathrika curry.

Dropping a picture of her latest culinary triumph on social media, Shruti penned on her Instagram Stories, "Homemade ambur Biryani and Kathrika curry...cooking me is back."

In March, Shruti shared the recipe for the yummy and healthy snack she tried on her day off from the shoot.

The 'Coolie' actress added some dates to the vanilla Greek yoghurt and topped it off with flaky salt and some olive oil.

"Day off means catching up reading my script whilst taking doom scrolling breaks - saw this snack recipe tried it and I’m so so obsessed (red heart emojis) dates - vanilla Greek yoghurt - flaky salt - olive oil = DELICIOUS," read the caption.

Work-wise, Shruti will soon be seen as the female lead in “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” with Prabhas as the protagonist.

The first installment in the beloved franchise, “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” reached the audience back in 2023.

--IANS

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