London, July 13 (IANS) Defending champion Jannik Sinner successfully kept his Wimbledon title, defeating French Open champion Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a high-quality final at the centre court on Sunday.

This victory marks his second consecutive title at the All England Club and the fifth Grand Slam trophy of his career. The 24-year-old continued his impressive dominance over the German, achieving a 10th straight win against Zverev. However, his streak of 14 consecutive sets won against him ended when he dropped the opening-set tiebreak.

Zverev, 29, was hoping to claim a second straight major title but was once again stopped by the world's top-ranked player. He now has an 0-7 record against No. 1-ranked players at Grand Slams. Sinner clinched the victory in style, hitting a stunning crosscourt backhand winner off a Zverev drop shot to earn championship point. He then finished the match with a powerful forehand winner up the line. After winning, the Italian collapsed onto the grass in celebration and embraced Zverev at the net.

After narrowly losing a fiercely contested opening-set tie-break, the Italian responded with remarkable composure to edge the second set in another tie-break before taking complete control of the contest. Sinner’s relentless baseline hitting, superior returning and calm temperament proved decisive as he sealed the biggest title of his career.

Although Zverev fired 17 aces and landed 80 percent of his first serves, Sinner was more clinical in the crucial moments. The Italian won 80 per cent of points on his first serve, claimed 68 percent on his second serve, converted two of his five break-point opportunities, and dominated from the baseline by winning 43 receiving points compared to Zverev’s 34.

Sinner finished the match with 145 points to Zverev’s 130 and won 25 games overall, underlining his consistency across the three-hour-plus contest.

The victory marks Sinner’s second Wimbledon crown and further cements his status as one of the sport’s leading stars, while Zverev’s wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues despite another valiant effort on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Brief score:

Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final: Jannik Sinner (Italy) bt Alexander Zverev (Germany) 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4.

--IANS

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Khargone, July 13 (IANS) A tragic incident in Magarkhedi village under the Balkwada police station area took place in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district on Sunday evening, when a powerful explosion ripped through a crude oil tanker during welding operations at a local workshop.

The blast claimed the life of a shepherd and left two others -- a tanker driver and a welding mechanic -- critically injured.

According to Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma, welding work was underway on the rear section of the tanker when residual vapours apparently ignited, triggering the massive explosion.

The shepherd, who was grazing goats nearby, was caught in the blast's radius and succumbed to his injuries.

The driver and the mechanic, who were directly involved in the repair work, sustained severe burns and trauma and have been rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention. Their condition is reported to be critical.

The force of the explosion was so intense that it shattered the windowpanes of a nearby private school and a residential house.

Fortunately, no other casualties have been reported so far, though local residents were left shocked by the sudden incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that proper safety protocols for working on fuel tankers -- such as thorough cleaning, gas-free certification, and use of explosion-proof equipment -- may not have been fully followed.

Welding on tanks that previously carried flammable substances like crude oil is a high-risk activity known to cause such accidents if residual hydrocarbons are not completely purged.

District authorities have initiated a detailed probe into the matter.

Police have registered a case and are examining the workshop owner and safety lapses.

perts point out that tanker repair workshops often overlook hazardous area classifications, leading to preventable tragedies. This incident highlights the persistent risks associated with informal repair units handling petroleum-laden vehicles across rural and semi-urban Madhya Pradesh. Local administration has assured full support to the victims’ families. The deceased shepherd’s body has been handed over to relatives after post-mortem, while the injured continue to battle for life in medical facilities.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday brought the curtains down at the Pineapple Festival at Dilli Haat in Delhi on a musical note, joining young artistes on stage with a guitar and highlighting the state's efforts to promote music as a source of livelihood.

The Chief Minister performed alongside musicians associated with the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP), turning the closing ceremony into a celebration of Meghalaya's rich musical heritage and cultural identity. Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the state government has been investing heavily in nurturing young musical talent through the CM-MGMP, which has emerged as one of the country's largest grassroots cultural initiatives.

"We have a programme called the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, and you will be happy to know that there are more than 7,000 artists in this programme. We have conducted over 38,000 shows. Today, when you go to Meghalaya, in different tourist spots and destinations, these young musicians will be right there performing for you," he said.

"The Government of Meghalaya finances them to ensure that it not only helps their passion and talent grow, but also provides them a livelihood out of music, while giving visitors a glimpse of Meghalaya," the Chief Minister added.

The musical performance underscored Meghalaya's strategy of integrating culture, tourism and economic development by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artists through the creative economy.

The four-day festival, organised to promote Meghalaya's premium pineapples in the national capital, attracted visitors with displays of the state's agricultural produce, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and cultural performances. The participation of young musicians under the CM-MGMP added a distinct cultural dimension to the event, showcasing Meghalaya's vibrant music scene alongside its globally recognised pineapples.

Officials said the initiative reflects the state government's broader vision of leveraging music and culture to boost tourism while creating employment opportunities for the youth.

The programme has enabled thousands of artists to perform regularly at tourist destinations and public events across Meghalaya, making music an integral part of the state's tourism experience.

--IANS

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Paris, July 13 (IANS) Three nuclear reactors in France have been shut down, and eight others are operating at reduced power amid the ongoing heatwave, local media reported.

French daily Le Parisien on Sunday quoted state-owned electric utility company EDF as saying that the reactors were taken offline "because of the weather conditions and in order to comply with regulations governing thermal discharges and therefore protect the environment".

High river temperatures can limit the ability of nuclear power plants to use river water for cooling, requiring operators to reduce output or temporarily halt operations to meet environmental regulations, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a report released on Thursday, Meteo-France said that, following the exceptional heatwave that swept France in late June, scorching temperatures are once again spreading across much of the country.

On Sunday, the national weather agency placed 37 departments under its highest-level red heatwave alert since 12 p.m. local time (1000 GMT), warning that temperatures in the affected areas could reach between 37 degrees and 41 degrees Celsius.

On Sunday, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in an interview with French television channel BFM TV that 139 people had died from drowning since June 19, an increase of 18 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris announced on its official website on Saturday that it will close at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Saturday and Sunday due to soaring temperatures, instead of its regular closing time of 00:45 am (2245 GMT) the following day.

The Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum in Paris have also shortened their opening hours. The Louvre will close at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) through July 13, while the Orsay Museum will close at 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) through July 15.

According to French media reports, around one-quarter of France is under a red alert for extreme heat. Meteo-France forecast a high of 36 degrees Celsius in Paris on Saturday, with temperatures in some other parts of the country expected to reach 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. The current heatwave is expected to persist until the middle of next week.

--IANS

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Kolkata, July 13 (IANS) CPI-M leader Layek Ali was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police on Sunday night in connection with the unrest in Baruipur. Ali had contested this year's Assembly election as the Left Front candidate from the Baruipur Paschim constituency.

Police did not specify the charges under which he was arrested. However, according to sources, investigators found his alleged links to incidents of road blockades, vandalism and attacks on police personnel during protests that erupted following the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl. Sources said he was arrested on the basis of those findings.

A senior West Bengal Police officer said Layek Ali was arrested by the STF in the Baruipur case over alleged inflammatory remarks linked to protests following the alleged rape and murder incident.

The Suryapur area of Baruipur witnessed widespread unrest after the body of the minor girl was recovered on July 5. Since the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has visited Baruipur twice. Besides assuring strict punishment for those accused in the alleged rape and murder of the minor, he also warned of action against those accused of inciting violence during the protests. Several arrests have already been made in connection with the unrest. Allegations that Layek had incited violence had been raised from the outset, following which police arrested him.

Police sources claimed that Layek was present at the protest site on the day of the incident. They said he was arrested based on evidence that emerged during the investigation. He will be produced before the Baruipur Sub-Divisional Court on Monday. Police sources added that the role of several others in the incident is also under investigation.

It may be recalled that a man identified as Indrajit Mandal was killed in a mob lynching after the minor's body was recovered. Subsequent investigation revealed that he had no connection with the alleged rape and murder of the minor. Suvendu Adhikari also stated that Indrajit was innocent. He visited Indrajit's residence on Saturday and met his family. The Chief Minister said in Baruipur, "Those who were rejected in the elections are behind this provocation."

The body of the minor girl was recovered from a pond in Suryapur. Police said she was allegedly gang-raped and murdered. The incident triggered large-scale protests in the area, with demonstrators also blocking railway tracks. Indrajit was allegedly beaten to death after being suspected of involvement in the crime.

So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the crime against the minor girl. One of them, Pravas Mondal, was killed in an encounter last week after he allegedly attempted to escape from police custody by snatching the firearm of an escorting police officer.

Suvendu Adhikari had earlier warned that nobody involved in the unrest would be spared. With Layek Ali's arrest, the total number of people arrested in connection with the Baruipur unrest has risen to 38.

The CPI(M) leadership has already criticised Layek Ali's arrest. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty alleged that Layek had been arrested for political reasons. He claimed that various kinds of propaganda had been spread against Layek since the incident.

--IANS

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Imphal, July 13 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has said that the state has a rich sporting legacy and its athletes have consistently brought laurels to the country through outstanding performances at national and international competitions.

The Governor, accompanied by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, who also holds the Youth Affairs and Sports portfolio, attended the closing ceremony of the first Bishnupur District Olympic Games 2026 at Chengei Lampak in Moirang of Bishnupur district on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said the inaugural Bishnupur District Olympic Games truly embodied the spirit of sports by bringing together young athletes from across the district to compete in 16 sporting disciplines while promoting the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and excellence.

He congratulated the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and organisers for successfully conducting the sporting event.

The Governor also highlighted Manipur's rich sporting heritage and acknowledged the achievements of several distinguished athletes from Bishnupur, whose accomplishments continue to inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports.

Governor Bhalla emphasised that district-level sporting events play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing future champions by providing talented young athletes with opportunities to progress to state, national and international competitions.

He noted that Thoubal district had taken the lead by organising the first district-level Olympic Games, while Bishnupur had successfully carried the initiative forward.

Expressing hope that similar competitions would be organised across all districts of Manipur, the Governor said such grassroots initiatives would ensure that no talented sportsperson remains undiscovered.

Governor Bhalla also highlighted several national initiatives, including the Fit India Movement and Khelo India programme, as well as the contributions of the National Sports University and the North Eastern Council's High-Level Sports Task Force in strengthening the sporting ecosystem of the region.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the District Olympic Games would foster the spirit of healthy competition among athletes while providing an important platform to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent.

He added that the initiative would play a significant role in enabling sportspersons from Manipur to raise their standards and compete successfully at national and international levels in their respective disciplines.

Organised jointly by the Bishnupur district administration and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association, the event aimed to promote the true spirit of sports by encouraging the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, respect and excellence among young athletes.

Several MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district, senior government officials and a large number of sports enthusiasts attended the closing ceremony.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, the finals of various sporting disciplines and an impressive band display by a contingent of the Indian Army.

The Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries distributed prizes, medals and mementoes to the winners of various sporting disciplines, marking the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Bishnupur District Olympic Games.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, July 12 (IANS) Cyberabad Police on Sunday registered a case against a police officer for permitting a minor to drive a car, after his action triggered public outrage.

Sub-Inspector of police Pujari Thirupathi let her granddaughter, said to be aged just six, drive the car on a busy road under the limits of Narsingi Police Station.

When people raised an objection, both the police officer and the little girl were seen arguing with them.

After the video of the incident was widely circulated on social media and triggered public outrage, police took serious note of the same and initiated the action.

Cyberabad Traffic Police announced on Sunday night that a case has been registered under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 184 and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act against Pujari Thirupathi for permitting a minor to drive the vehicle in Narsingi Police Station limits. Further investigation is in progress, it said.

The police officer was seen allowing his minor granddaughter to drive the car on Gandhamguda-Bairagiguda Road. As his action reportedly led to a traffic jam, people raised an objection to the violation of the rules. Motorists questioned the man about how he could allow a minor to drive the car.

The girl told them that her grandfather is a police officer. He also tried to explain that it’s an auto-gear car and that he was controlling the vehicle.

People questioned the man as to how he could violate the rules, despite being a police officer. They told him to go to the ground and not to put the lives of others in danger.

The incident was recorded on video and was widely circulated on social media, prompting the senior officials to order the registration of the case.

Meanwhile, Cyberabad Traffic Police said on Sunday that it conducted a special drunk driving enforcement drive over the weekend, resulting in the apprehension of 354 offenders.

The vehicles involved included 299 two-wheelers, 17 three-wheelers and 38 four-wheelers.

Offenders were categorised based on their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. A total of 305 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 36 mg/100 ml to 200 mg/100 ml, while 31 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 201 mg/100 ml to 300 mg/100 ml.

Eighteen offenders had BAC levels ranging from 301 mg/100 ml to 550 mg/100 ml. All the offenders will be produced before the court.

Cyberabad Police reiterate that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. If anyone is found to be driving in an inebriated condition and causes a fatal accident, such individuals will be booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder). The maximum punishment under this section is 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine.

--IANS

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Guwahati, July 12 (IANS) Two suspected poachers and an absconding wildlife offender were apprehended in two separate anti-poaching operations by forest personnel at Assam's Raimona National Park under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), officials said on Sunday.

In a major boost to wildlife protection and conservation efforts, the Central Range of Raimona National Park (RNP) conducted an intensive anti-poaching operation that led to the arrest of two persons allegedly involved in illegal wildlife activities.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Addl PCCF) and Council Head of Department (CHD), BTC, Sonali Ghosh, said the operation was launched following credible intelligence inputs received around 20 to 21 days ago regarding the movement and suspicious activities of five to six unidentified persons inside the national park.

Acting swiftly on the information, Forest Department officials initiated a detailed investigation and intensified surveillance across sensitive forest areas.

Following continuous monitoring, intelligence gathering and coordinated planning, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), launched a joint follow-up operation.

The operation proved successful, resulting in the arrest of two suspected poachers allegedly involved in the illegal hunting of endangered wildlife species in Raimona National Park.

The arrested persons were identified as Sukur Mushahary (35) and Parbeswar Narzary (38), both residents under the jurisdiction of Kachugaon Police Station.

Ghosh said preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were allegedly involved in illegal hunting and poaching activities targeting endangered wildlife species inhabiting the ecologically sensitive landscape of Raimona National Park.

She said further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected poaching network.

In another operation, the Additional PCCF said that during routine patrolling in the Sanfan Range of Raimona National Park, the Janagaon Beat Team apprehended one person identified as Ramal Goyary, a resident of Kachugaon in Kokrajhar district.

According to the senior forest official, the accused, along with a few others, had allegedly entered the core area of the national park with the intention of fishing, which is strictly prohibited inside the protected area.

During interrogation, it was revealed that Ramal Goyary was an absconding accused in a wildlife offence case registered on July 15, 2024, in connection with the illegal hunting of a spotted deer inside the national park.

The official said the other individuals accompanying him managed to flee into the forest before they could be apprehended. Efforts are currently underway to identify and trace the absconding suspects involved in the incident.

The Forest Department reiterated its commitment to protecting the rich biodiversity of Raimona National Park and warned that stringent legal action would be taken against anyone involved in poaching, illegal fishing or unauthorised entry into protected forest areas.

The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is an autonomous administrative body constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to govern the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in western Assam.

The BTR, which shares borders with Bhutan and West Bengal, comprises four districts -- Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri.

--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 12 (IANS) Hema Malini and Dharmendra were the most beloved couple of their time, delivering many memorable hits such as 'Seeta Aur Geeta, 'Sholay', 'Dream Girl', 'Azaad', 'Dillagi' and 'The Burning Train'.

While talking to Simi Garewal during her show, 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal', Hema Malini revealed what her first impression of Dharmendra was.

Simi asked Hema, "So where did you first meet Dharamji, and what did you think of him?"

To this, Hema revealed that at the time, she thought that she has never laid eyes on a man as handsome as Dharmendra.

"I met him first at the premiere of one of the films. And I felt, I thought I had never seen such a handsome man in my life, you know. So handsome he was, so good looking, and I heard him saying the same thing about me. And then I got the opportunity to work with him and others."

Simi further questioned, "When you got to know him, when you started working with him, what appealed to you about him?"

"He's a very loving, affectionate, soft-spoken person. These are the qualities I like. I was working with so many heroes, but I always used to look forward to somebody like him."

As the conversation moved forward, Simi asked Hema what made her say yes to Dharmendra.

Revealing how the 'He-Man' of Bollywood wooed her, she shared, "He used to say that he loves me a lot. I used to say, okay, okay. I never used to give him much, what do you call, a lift. Knowing the whole consequences. Well, it's difficult for a girl to resist so much charm. See, we are busy working on films. Continuously doing two to three shifts. And naturally, working with the same person, we are shooting in Bombay, we are going for outdoors, so it is quite natural to get involved."

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 12 (IANS) Hollywood actress Zoey Deutch is reuniting with her 'Friends' co-star Jennifer Aniston in her upcoming film 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass'. Zoey said that sharing the screen with the actress was an experience she won’t soon forget.

Zoey said that for her, the experience of working with Jenn was surreal, reports 'People' magazine.

She told 'People', “That was incredibly surreal for me. I have met this person and I’ve spoken to them a couple times, and they’re incredibly warm and lovely and funny, but working with them was absolutely one of the most surreal moments of my life and inspiring too".

“It’s like when you just see someone who’s the greatest of all time doing it, you’re like, ‘Goddammit’. Every take was just so brilliant and I was probably the worst actor in the world because I was more of an audience than a participant. I couldn’t help myself. It was definitely one of the coolest moments of my life", she added.

As per 'People', the scene Deutch shares with Aniston is brief, but very funny. In the film, Deutch plays Gail Daughtry, a perky hairdresser from Kansas who’s engaged to the wholesome-seeming Tom.

When Aniston, playing herself, comes to their small town for a cookbook signing, Gail walks in on Tom having sex with the Emmy-winning actress on a sofa.

Though Tom thought it was okay because Aniston was his celebrity sex pass, the one famous person he was allowed to sleep with, per a passing conversation he had with his fiancee, Gail is shocked. So she decides to even the score before their wedding day by tracking down her celebrity sex pass, Jon Hamm.

What ensues is a completely ridiculous Wizard of Oz type adventure, an R-rated adventure, that is. “I had a blast”, the actress says about making the movie, directed by David Wain and co-written by Wain and Ken Marino (the pair who co-wrote the 2012 comedy Wanderlust that starred Aniston and Paul Rudd).

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 12 (IANS) Celebrated actress Tabu once spoke about how we live most of our lives for others during a heartfelt interaction with veteran actress Simi Garewal on the chat show 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal'.

She said that as part of human nature, we tend to spend a lot of time seeking other people's validation. The 'Chandni Bar' actress added that it is almost like we are living the life of a robot.

Reflecting on her journey of self-discovery, Tabu was heard saying, "You are doing things for people. You are waking up on somebody else's time, you're going to sleep on someone else's time and you're wearing what people want you to wear. You are living this life like a robot. You forget that you are a person in yourself also. So it becomes a vicious circle".

Shedding light on the constant human need to please others, Tabu went on to add, "You are always trying to please people with your punctuality, with your professionalism, with your niceness, with your cooperative nature. You want people to say good things about you. You want people to be happy about you. Because somewhere we are all afraid that we might hurt the other person or we might spoil our prospects of work or profession. Or disappoint the other people. And you want to give an impression of being nice and perfect. And because it's human nature to look for approval".

On the professional front, Tabu was recently seen in Akshay Kumar's horror comedy 'Bhooth Bangla', made under the direction of acclaimed director Priyadarshan.

Backed by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Telefilms, in collaboration with Akshay Kumar's banner, Cape of Good Films, 'Bhooth Bangla', also features Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, and Govardhan Asrani in significant roles, along with others.

--IANS

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Chennai, July 12 (IANS) The makers of director Mysskin’s upcoming film ‘Train’, featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, on Sunday released a gripping and intense teaser of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Taking to his social media timelines, producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, whose V Creations is producing the film, wrote, "The journey begins!

Experience the high-octane #Train teaser now."

The high octane 43-second teaser shows a speeding train under the control of some vicious people. Scared passengers fearing for their lives look on as one man (Vijay Sethupathi) wages a lone battle. It's evident from the teaser that the train, which resembles a speeding monster, is not halting at any station that it is scheduled to stop at. More significantly, those who seem to have taken control of the train seem to have come well prepared. What is their mission? Who are these people? And who importantly is the person trying to take them on? Like all other Mysskin thrillers, 'Train' too promises to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller.

The film has been eagerly awaited, ever since the makers chose to release a a brief Behind the scenes video clip to celebrate actor Vijay Sethupathi’s birthday last year.

Producer Thanu, while releasing this BTS video, wrote in Tamil, “To younger brother Vijay Sethupathi, may your birthday be a day for the poor to rise. May you live like the good language Tamil that is praised by all four land forms (forests, fields, mountains and oceans). To make this day even more special, here is a small teaser from Train.”

The video clip released then had shots of Vijay Sethupathi walking through a train compartment, meeting Mysskin, listening to a narration by Mysskin and then dubbing for an emotional scene in the film.

Train, which is being produced by V Creations and directed by Mysskin, will feature a host of stars including Nasser, Shruti Haasan, Yugi Sethu, Narain, KS Ravikumar, Sampath Raj, Kalaiyarasan, Ira Dayanand and Preethy Karan.

The film has cinematography by Fowzia Fathima and music by Mysskin himself.

Interestingly, Narain in a post on social media last year had released pictures of himself on the sets of Train. The pictures revealed that he was playing a police officer in the film. The disclosure led to speculation if whether Mysskin was attempting to build a Mysskin Cinematic Universe with Train. The reason for the speculation was that Narain had also played the role of a cop in Mysskin’s superhit film ‘Anjaathey’. However, there has been no confirmation regarding this.

--IANS

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