Bhubaneswar, July 12 (IANS) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday accused the BJP government in Odisha of making a "futile attempt" to erase the legacy of Mission Shakti, a flagship women's empowerment programme launched under the previous BJD regime, by removing the photograph and information of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from its official website.

Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters, senior party women leaders, including Chief Whip in the Odisha Assembly Pramila Mallik, Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo, former Minister Tukuni Sahu and former Odisha State Women's Commission chairperson Lopamudra Buxipatra, alleged that the move reflected the state government's "insecurity" and "inferiority complex" rather than confidence in its own governance.

The leaders said deleting Patnaik's photograph and information from the Mission Shakti portal was an attempt to rewrite history and undermine the contribution of lakhs of women associated with the flagship programme.

"A government that has the ability to create history preserves it, whereas a government that is incapable of creating history attempts to erase it. It is indeed unfortunate and regrettable that instead of creating history, the present government is making desperate attempts to erase it," the regional party alleged.

They stressed that Mission Shakti was not a party programme but a people's movement built through the efforts of women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and grassroots workers under Patnaik's leadership. Any attempt to erase this history, they said, amounted to disregarding the contribution of Odisha's women. The BJD maintained that every elected government is a constitutional institution and its work becomes part of the institutional history of the state.

The leaders further stated that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was the democratically elected Chief Minister of Odisha and that Mission Shakti was one of the landmark initiatives of his government.

The BJD leaders argued that governments may change, but the continuity of governance remains. They said government departments and official platforms are not the property of any political party; they belong to the people of Odisha.

Claiming that no alteration to a website could erase the programme's legacy, the regional party said Mission Shakti had enabled lakhs of women to achieve economic self-reliance, dignity and social empowerment, making it a permanent chapter in Odisha's development history.

"Today's attempt by the state government to erase the history of Mission Shakti raises a serious question: Why is the government so afraid? If a legacy continues to inspire the people even today, then removing a photograph only proves that the legacy of Naveen Patnaik remains powerful, relevant and immortal in the hearts and minds of the people," the party asserted.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two key absconders in connection with the targeted killing of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Praveen Nettaru by cadres of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Karnataka in 2022, an official said on Sunday.

Abdul Nasir and Naushad were nabbed respectively from Kochi (Kerala) and Hosur (Tamil Nadu) on Saturday in a meticulous operation carried out across the two states based on credible information from the Andhra Pradesh Police, the NIA said.

With these two arrests, the total number of accused taken into custody in the case goes up to 24, with three accused still absconding, the NIA said.

The NIA had earlier charge sheeted Abdul Nasir and Naushad in the Praveen Nettaru murder case under various sections of IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for knowingly and voluntarily harbouring the main assailants who had murdered Praveen Nettaru, District Executive Committee member of BJP Yuva Morcha in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district.

A Look Out Circular (LOC) and an open dated warrant of arrest had also been issued against the chargesheeted accused by the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru.

In addition, the NIA had announced a reward of Rs 4 lakh each for any information about their whereabouts.

A senior NIA official said that the probe agency is continuing with its efforts to track down the remaining absconders.

Nettaru, a BJP worker from the same communally sensitive region, was hacked to death on July 26, 2022, during the height of the 'hijab' row.

The incident occurred in Bellare near Sullia in the Dakshina Kannada district.

Nettaru's murder had triggered revenge killings and a spate of stabbing incidents across the state.

Investigation revealed that the murder was a planned act by covert "killer squads" associated with the banned PFI.

The objective was to create communal terror, incite unrest, and target individuals belonging to specific groups.

--IANS

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Vadodara/New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) The Congress on Sunday named senior Gujarat leader and former state Minister Bhikha Rabari as its candidate for the by-election to the Manjalpur Assembly constituency in Vadodara on July 30, setting up a political contest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s nominee, Satish Patel.

The candidature was approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Rabari, 79, is currently a Vice-President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) and has been associated with the Congress for more than four decades.

According to party leaders, he previously served as Gujarat's Minister of State for Industries, Mines and Energy during 1988-89 and was a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1985 to 1990.

A mechanical engineering graduate from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Rabari is also a former two-term municipal Councillor in Vadodara, a former Senate member of the university and has held several organisational positions within the Congress, including President of the Vadodara City District Congress Committee, AICC delegate and GPCC Vice-President.

He has served as Congress In-charge for several districts, including Dahod, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Anand and Kheda, and was recently given additional responsibility as convener of the OBC Department for eight districts in Central Gujarat.

Party leaders also highlight his tenure as Industries Minister, during which he introduced a policy enabling electricity connections for slum dwellers across Gujarat and facilitated the allotment of more than 20,000 residential plots measuring 25 square metres on spare government land for economically weaker sections.

He received the "Bharat Jyoti Award" from the India International Friendship Society for his work for weaker sections of society and social welfare initiatives, and was honoured with a Best MLA Award by The States Ex-MLA Council of India during Gujarat's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2010.

The BJP has fielded Satish Patel, a veteran associated with Gujarat's cooperative sector, for the bypoll.

His selection came after internal lobbying within the party and marks the BJP's attempt to retain a constituency that has remained one of its strongholds.

The Manjalpur bypoll was necessitated by the death of eight-time BJP MLA and former Gujarat Minister Yogesh Patel on June 2 after a prolonged illness.

Yogesh Patel represented the constituency since its creation following delimitation and had won eight consecutive Assembly elections over a 36-year legislative career.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for July 30.

The election notification was issued on July 6, nominations can be filed until July 13, scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 14, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until July 16.

Counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

The Model Code of Conduct is in force in the constituency.

--IANS

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London, July 12 (IANS) China considers Iran as a second-tier partner while Pakistan continues to occupy a first-tier position. That asymmetry showcased during the recent conflict in West Asia as China did not send a single warship, missile battery or a soldier after the Israeli and American strikes killed Iran's then-Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior military officials, a report has claimed.

"China's Iran strategy is not an alliance. It is a hedge, calibrated to the barrel and the missile. Beijing will buy Iran's oil at a discount, share intelligence and satellite access, dangle fighter jets, and lean on Moscow to keep Tehran diplomatically afloat -- but it will not fire a shot on Tehran's behalf, and it will not let its friendship with Iran cost it its far deeper relationship with Washington," Jasim Al-Azzawi mentioned in an opinion piece in UK-based Middle East Monitor.

When China and Iran signed the 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Chinese state media termed it as a civilisational bond.

The agreement covers several areas like infrastructure, banking, energy and "military-technical" cooperation. However, it does not include a mutual defence clause and stops short of the ironclad commitments China has made to Pakistan, or that Russia has promised North Korea.

During the recent tensions in West Asia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the killing and termed the conflict "a war that should never have happened and benefits no party". His statement is a studiously neutral formulation that scholars at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs said was "not an outright condemnation of the United States or Israel, or indeed of Iran", but instead a "more generalised statement of regret".

"Beijing's caution was not cost-free neutrality; it was profitable neutrality. China spent the better part of the past two years quietly assembling one of the largest strategic petroleum reserves in its history, an estimated 1.2 billion barrels, equal to some 109 days of import cover, built substantially on sanctioned Iranian, Russian, and Venezuelan crude bought at discounts of $5 to $15 a barrel below Brent. None of this means China is indifferent to Iran's fate. On the contrary, Iran sits at the geographic and ideological hinge of two projects Beijing cannot abandon," Jasim Al-Azzawi mentioned in an opinion piece in Middle East Monitor.

"If Iran were to fall into a Western orbit, that corridor terminates abruptly at the Pakistani-Iranian frontier. The oil-rich Gulf states, the ultimate prize of the Middle Eastern leg of the initiative, would become unreachable by land. For a project Xi Jinping has staked his legacy on, that is not an acceptable outcome," the author added.

China has provided military support to Pakistan, however, it has not offered military support to Iran. More than 60 per cent of all Chinese arms were sold to Pakistan from 2020-2024.

China has allowed Iran to access satellite positioning and navigation through its BeiDou system and provided radar, electronic warfare, and intelligence support.

According to Hudson Institute analyst Can Kasapoglu, Iran, in the aftermath of war, will likely purchase J-10C fighters, HQ-9 strategic air-defence systems, YJ-12 anti-ship missiles, and components to rebuild the Revolutionary Guard's depleted ballistic missile arsenal from China, according to a report in Middle East Monitor.

"Even so, Chinese military commentators have publicly cautioned Tehran that the jets alone would be 'sitting ducks' against Israel's F-35I fleet without the wider sensor and battle-management network that makes the platform lethal -- a reminder that Beijing calibrates every arms decision against the risk of provoking Israel and, above all, Washington," Jasim Al-Azzawi mentioned in an opinion piece in UK-based Middle East Monitor.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, July 12 (IANS) Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu's recent remarks about developing alliances with India amid strained relations with the US reveal a structural shift and defence opportunities, a report said on Sunday.

Recently, Netanyahu said, "You have to build new alliances and develop new relationships. That's what I'm doing right now with India", during an interview.

According to a report from the Jerusalem Times, the remarks came amid a strain in the relationship between Israel and the US.

"According to reporting on the exchange, the American President (Donald Trump) told Netanyahu bluntly that patience had run out, that everyone was tired of him, and that Israel owed its very existence to American backing. (US Vice-President) JD Vance had gone further still, publicly casting the United States as Israel's only real ally, a framing that, if left unanswered, would have conceded that Israel has no independent standing in the world at all. Netanyahu's reply was pointed: Israel has 'other friends, like India,'" the report said.

It added that the remarks regarding India are not just part of the niceties of a bilateral relationship but a rebuttal to a specific "insult" that suggested Israel is a dependent, not a partner. The rebuttal only works if the claim about India is substantively true.

"A Prime Minister does not reach for an empty gesture when his strategic legitimacy is being questioned by his own patron. He reaches for the thing he can actually point to. That is the fuller dimension of the statement: it is less about India as sentiment and more about India as evidence, proof that Israel has begun building an alternative that does not require American permission to exist," the report added.

The ongoing discussions on defence between India and Israel make these comments something more than rhetorical improvisation, as Israel is running short on Industrial production of weapons, the report cites evidence to suggest a possible material relationship.

"Multiple reports over recent weeks describe Rafael Advanced Defence Systems negotiating with Indian private-sector manufacturers to establish a production line for Iron Dome's Tamir interceptors on Indian soil… it is a proposal to manufacture the actual missile Israel depends on to survive daily rocket, drone, and cruise-missile fire," the report said.

It said India solves a specific problem for Israel that no other country can quite match with its manufacturing depth and workforce scale to co-produce at volume.

"It (India) has no interest in dictating Israel's regional posture in exchange for cooperation, unlike a patron relationship. And it has demonstrated, through decades of maintaining relations simultaneously with Washington, Moscow, the Gulf states, and Tehran, that it can absorb a defence partnership with Israel without being pulled into anyone's bloc, which means Israel gains a partner without inheriting a new set of political conditions. That combination is genuinely rare," the report from the Times of Israel highlighted.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) India declared one day of national mourning on July 13 following the demise of Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away earlier on Sunday.

"The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning tomorrow, 13 July 2026, as a mark of respect for His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away today. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment on the day," read a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar shortly to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences at the demise of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, noting that he was a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity and was a true friend of India.

"We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024. I convey my sincere condolences to the Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the entire royal family and people of Qatar. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace," PM Modi posted on X.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, when he handed over the reins of leadership to his son Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. During his reign, Qatar witnessed massive economic, social and cultural development, and the country extended its status among the Arab and international community, according to Amiri Diwan's statement.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) Indian shotgun shooter Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda scripted history at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato, Italy, by becoming the first Indian woman trap shooter to win a Gold medal at the tournament. The 26-year-old broke the national record with a qualification score of 121/125 before outlasting former World Champion Carole Cormenier of France in a tense final.

Following her historic victory, Dhanda and India’s Foreign Shotgun Coach, Peter Wilson, shared their thoughts on the performance. Dhanda spoke about the emotional experience of standing on the podium and how this landmark medal changes the outlook for the entire Indian women's trap contingent.

"Watching the national flag go up on the podium was an incredible feeling. It made me realise that the world's best shooters are well within our reach. We did not have a women's trap medal at this level for a very long time, so this gold finally breaks that barrier. I am confident that medals will now come much more consistently for India."

The young shooter displayed remarkable composure during the high-stakes final, staying focused on her technique despite competing against an experienced field. Dhanda explained that her mindset was centred entirely on execution rather than the reputation of her competitors.

"When you compete alongside a world champion, you have to believe you are a champion too. I blocked out everything else and focused completely on my own routine. It didn’t matter to me who was hitting or missing around me. Nothing is impossible when you stay calm, live in the present, and train with absolute focus."

Looking ahead, Dhanda emphasised that this World Cup victory is just the first step in a long competitive cycle. The gold medal serves as a massive confidence booster as the squad shifts its focus toward upcoming major global assignments and Olympic qualification.

"This gold is a great start, but the real work begins now. We have the National Camp coming up, and my focus is completely on the World Championships and securing the Olympic quota. My ultimate goal is to win a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics, and our preparation for that dream starts right here."

India's Foreign Coach Peter Wilson praised Dhanda's immense progress over the past year. He highlighted her victory at the Asian Championships in Shymkent as the key turning point that gave her the confidence to succeed at the highest international level.

"Neeru has improved tremendously, and winning in Shymkent last year gave her the belief that she belongs on the big stage. She has put in a massive amount of invisible hard work off the range, and this gold is a perfect reward for her perseverance. I want India to dominate the global shotgun circuit, not just participate."

Wilson compared Neeru's breakthrough to historic sporting milestones in the UK, noting that a single individual success often paves the way for a generation of athletes to believe in their own potential and raise their performance standards.

"When Richard Faulds won Olympic Gold for the UK in 2000, he broke the mould, and an entire generation of British shooters flourished because they realised they could win too. Neeru has done the exact same thing for India. She has shown the entire squad that global gold is possible, and we want to use this momentum to push our boundaries."

--IANS

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Canberra, July 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia was hailed by the country's media as a good sign for the economy and diplomacy, given the progress made between the two countries in different facets of their bilateral relationship.

Australia’s largest nationally distributed circulation newspaper, ‘The Australian’, said that "Modi’s visit is a good sign for the economy and diplomacy".

It said that PM Modi’s visit coinciding with China’s missile firing at the South Pacific "underlines the vital importance of our deepening relationship with New Delhi. More than almost any other nation, India has, over decades, had to confront Chinese communist aggression and subversive strategic chicanery from across its borders, and Australia and our Pacific partners have much to learn from it".

Melbourne’s biggest-selling newspaper, ‘Herald Sun’, called PM Modi a Marvel superhero, noting the large turnout for the reception at Marvel Stadium.

"Modi Mania: Indian PM’s a Marvel Superhero. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night received a rapturous reception from a 35,000-strong crowd at Marvel Stadium. Earlier, PM Anthony Albanese feted his high-profile guest amid talks which included new defence and Uranium deals", its report said.

The Australian also lauded the deals made during the visit.

"Modi comes bearing gifts on trade, defence. India promise: Uranium deal worth billions, closer military ties, investment treaty," the Australian newspaper said.

The Australian Financial Review reported the growing interest in the Australian universities in India to set up campuses.

"Australian unis rush to set up shop in India. Another Australian university is primed to set up a campus in India after being given approval during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking the total opening in the fast-growing country to eight," it reported.

Melbourne daily, The Age, said: "Albanese’s modus operandi. Australia and India accelerate free trade moves in Melbourne as PM’s Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi strengthen their bond," regarding the much-discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

--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) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas has shared a glimpse of what her perfect summer looks like. On Sunday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures and videos in which she can be seen enjoying the company of her loved ones and indulging in some lip-smacking food.

One of the videos in the carousel also shows her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas helping her out to remove hair clips.

The actress penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, “These are some of my favorite things that happened during my few days in London, Having family time, watching @wimbledon at center court, the exquisite hospitality at the royal box, being included with some of the greats, strawberries and cream, Hyde park, espresso macchiatos. Here’s to more summer magic. PS: Check out mm in the 8th slide in the absence of @nickjonas. sound on PSS: happy birthday @mamadjonas & @siddharthchopra89 we love you”.

Earlier, the actress gave fans a glimpse of the pre-Fourth of July celebrations in the United States through a post on her social media account. The actress posted a nighttime view from her bed, looking out through large glass windows at fireworks lighting up the sky.

She wrote, "Happy almost 4th from bed", referring to the celebrations leading up to the Fourth of July, also known as the US Independence Day.

Talking about Priyanka and her association with the United States of America, it goes a long way. During her childhood, the actress lived in the US for a few years while staying with relatives and attended schools in Massachusetts, Iowa and New York before returning to India.

Years later, after establishing herself as one of Bollywood's biggest stars, she ventured into Hollywood. The actress has often spoken about having no qualms about having to begin her journey from scratch despite her immense success back home.

Her Hollywood journey began with her music career before she landed the lead role in the American television series 'Quantico' in 2015.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 12 (IANS) The Rolling Stones legend Sir Mick Jagger has shared that he is “disassociated” from real life.

The 82-year-old Rolling Stones rocker was asked about comedian John Mulaney’s 2019 special where he said Jagger was not “nice” when they worked together on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and Jagger admitted fame has changed how he reacts to other people, reports ‘Female First UK’.

While he insisted he has not seen the special, he told the New York Times, “Obviously it’s not normal. It’s not like most people’s lives. It does affect you. You become disassociated. From other people”.

“A lot of people in show business only hang around with people in show business, because they’ve got something in common, they can relate to each other, and you get disassociated from what people might call ‘real life’”, he added.

In his 2019 Kid Gorgeous at a comedy special, John, 43, spoke about pitching SNL sketches to Jagger, who is a close friend of producer Lorne Michaels.

He said, “My friends were all like, ‘Is he nice?’ No. Or maybe he is, for his version of life because he has a very different life. He’s played to stadiums of 20,000 people cheering for him like he’s a god for 50 years. That must change you as a person. “If you do that for 50 years, you’re never again gonna be like, ‘Um, does anyone have a laptop charger I could borrow?’ You know that b******* way we all have to talk to get through life?”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, while Mick Jagger admitted his fame has affected him, he insisted he actively tries to “fight against it”.

He said, “I mean, you do fight against it. It’s a conscious effort. It’s quite easy, really. You go out and walk on the street on your own and do normal things, go and buy The New York Times. But, nevertheless, that’s only temporary because psychologically your actual state of mind is permanently damaged. Your late 20s and early 30s is a very tough time for people in this business because it’s a big ego trip, and you have to have a huge ego to do this. People that do this that don’t have huge egos have huge problems because they have to manufacture a completely different (personality). I have a friend whose standing joke is that I behave at a dinner party like I behave onstage”.

However, Mick has tried to tone down his persona when he is off stage. He said, “It’s absurd what you do onstage. Of course I’m not really like my stage persona. It’s such an exaggerated version of me. And there are people in show business that never switch off. A lot of them are comedians, and sometimes they can’t stop making jokes or they get depressed. That’s a bit of a sweeping statement”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 12 (IANS) Did you know Rani Mukherji once had a fangirl moment with her 'Gulaam' co-star Aamir Khan?

While speaking to veteran actress Simi Garewal during the show, 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal', Rani recalled that once, while Aamir was shooting for his movie 'Love Love Love', co-starring Juhi Chawla, little Rani went up to him to get an autograph.

However, Aamir simply took the book from her, signed it, and gave it back, leaving little Rani a little heartbroken.

"Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak had released and he was like every young girl's dream and I went up to him, very shy. I bunked school and I went and he was like really rude to me. He just took my book and he signed and he gave it to me. So my heart broke," Rani remembered.

However, when Rani got the opportunity to work with Aamir in 'Ghulam', she told him what had happened, but Mr Perfectionist claimed that he is never rude to his admirers.

"Once we were shooting for 'Aati Ka Khandala' and I told Aamir. I said 'Aamir do you remember once you had given an autograph to this small little girl?' He's like 'When?' So I said during the time of 'Love, Love, Love. It was me. He said 'You're lying Rani. I'm never rude. I'm never rude to kids or I'm never rude to anybody who comes for an autograph.' I said 'you were rude to me'."

To prove her point, Rani even got the autograph book from her home and showed it to Aamir.

Meanwhile, after collaborating for 'Ghulam' back in 1998, Aamir and Rani were once again seen sharing screen space in the 2005 period drama 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising'.

Aamir and Rani's most recent collaboration was back in 2012 in the movie 'Talaash: The Answer Lies Within'.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 12 (IANS) Suki Waterhouse, the wife of actor Robert Pattinson, has shared that she wrote the song ‘Weirdo’ about her relationship with the actor.

The 34-year-old singer, actress and model has a two-year-old daughter with Twilight Saga star Robert, who she met in 2018, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Suki shared the final track on her new album Loveland is about missing her partner when they are apart.

She told Rolling Stone Studio, “Since I’ve had my daughter, we’ve both been on this whirlwind, and he’s been making lots of movies, and that means not always being together, which is something that I find difficult and grapple with. That song is reassuring to me. It feels like it has this knowing that we’ll be back together again. We can both be doing our own thing and be apart, and we’re strong enough, we have that thread between us”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Suki also shared how parenthood and her relationship with Robert has changed her.

She said, “For me, it felt like the first time I kind of knew: I’m back in love. I can be all these things at once, and I am. And actually the things that I was afraid of, I don’t think I have to be afraid of anymore. I think being a parent has given me more love. It’s actually helped me refine my own happiness”.

Suki collaborated with Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood on the track Morals and shared that it felt like a full-circle moment after starring in Daisy Jones and the Six, which is loosely based on the band.

She said, “I had this kind of crazy idea, I guess it was sort of like. How could I ever get Mick Fleetwood to drum on one of my songs? So I reached out to Mick and said, ‘Would you be interested, possibly, please, would you ever be interested in drumming on Morals?’ And he films everything, so I got so many videos sent from Hawaii where he has his studio. He did a bunch of amazing takes”.

--IANS

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