New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 12 years as the longest, continuously serving head of an elected government in India, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said that the Prime Minister has not only shaped the present-day nation but has also laid a strong foundation for the future.

Speaking to IANS, Baba Ramdev noted: "PM Modi has brought schemes that will lay the foundation for the country for the next 100 to 200 years. He is dedicated towards an 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' and is working hard to transform India into 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047."

He said that Prime Minister Modi is working tirelessly to realise the vision of a Developed India and has established himself as a visionary and influential leader among the world's prominent statesmen.

Baba Ramdev also added that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, yoga, Ayurveda, self-reliance (Swadeshi), 'Sanatan' culture, and Indian values have gained global recognition and respect.

"Many people used to look down on India. Today, not only the Prime Minister but any Indian who visits another country is perceived with respect. PM Modi's intent and policies had a huge role towards bringing this change," he said.

Referring to the abrogation of Abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and several other historic decisions related to national interest, Baba Ramdev added that India's stature and the reputation of Indians have reached new heights across the world.

Describing Prime Minister Modi's personality as "majestic like the Himalayas", Baba Ramdev said that the nation will remember his contributions with gratitude for centuries and will continue to take pride in his leadership.

On June 10, PM Modi surpassed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days in office as an elected Prime Minister of India.

Nehru’s tenure from 1952 onwards is considered for this comparison, as he led an interim government between 1947 and 1952 before the country’s first general elections were held.

While former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 14 years in office, her tenure was not continuous, making Narendra Modi the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister in India's history.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday held a review meeting with the officials from ONDC and Nirmit Bharat here.

The discussions focused on leveraging open digital networks to transform retail and distribution ecosystems, bring small producers and artisans onto digital platforms, strengthen logistics and mobility services through innovative digital solutions.

“Emphasised how these efforts have the potential to deepen market access, improve service delivery and drive broad-based economic participation,” Goyal posted on X.

Nirmit Bharat is a non-profit subsidiary of the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Earlier this month, ride-hailing platform Uber announced a strategic investment in ONDC, which is one of the earliest investments by a global technology company in India’s open digital commerce network.

The company said the investment deepens its commitment to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem and reflects its long-term strategy of building mobility and logistics services through open and interoperable networks.

The investment builds on Uber’s existing partnership with ONDC and follows the company’s earlier integration with the network.

Adil Zainulbhai, Independent Director at ONDC, said the investment reflects growing confidence in India’s digital commerce infrastructure and its ability to create a level playing field for businesses.

Earlier, Zoho Corporation announced an investment of Rs 70 crore in ONDC to support the development of sovereign technology and strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure.

The Chennai-headquartered global technology company said the investment is aimed at making technology more accessible and inclusive for businesses of all sizes, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

ONDC enabled 218 million transactions during FY2025-26 as it continued expanding its network across sectors including retail, logistics, mobility and financial services.

ONDC is building open digital commerce rails aimed at enabling interoperability, inclusivity and efficiency across sectors, while addressing structural challenges such as fragmented systems, high entry barriers and trust deficits in digital commerce.

—IANS

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Chennai, June 10 (IANS) A petition has been filed before the Madras High Court on Wednesday, challenging the Tamil Nadu government's decision to accept the resignations of three AIADMK legislators, saying that the move undermines the anti-defection provisions enshrined in the Constitution.

Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi leader M.L. Ravi has approached the court seeking to declare as "illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional" the gazette notification issued by the state government accepting the resignations of AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar and P. Sathyabama.

The three legislators had resigned from the state Assembly before later joining the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

In his petition, Ravi has also sought a direction to the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar to adjudicate and dispose of the pending disqualification petitions against the three legislators in accordance with law and the principles laid down by the Supreme Court.

The petitioner contended that the resignations were accepted despite disqualification proceedings being pending under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection provisions.

According to petitioner Ravi, allowing legislators to resign before a decision is taken on their disqualification petitions defeats the very objective of the Constitutional framework designed to curb political defections.

Ravi relied on the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Kihoto Hollohan case, which upheld the validity of the Tenth Schedule and described it as a crucial Constitutional mechanism intended to preserve the integrity of Parliamentary democracy.

The judgment, he said, emphasised the need to prevent defections that erode public confidence in elected institutions.

The plea said that the Assembly Speaker, while exercising Constitutional powers, is expected to act in a manner that advances Constitutional objectives and safeguards democratic values.

By accepting the resignations without first deciding the disqualification petitions, the Speaker had effectively enabled the legislators to bypass the anti-defection law, the petitioner alleged.

The petition also said that such an approach renders the protections under the Tenth Schedule ineffective and creates a precedent that could encourage elected representatives to evade disqualification proceedings through resignation.

Describing the acceptance of the resignations as an arbitrary exercise of constitutional authority, Ravi urged the court to intervene and ensure that the Constitutional mandate governing defections is strictly enforced.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing before the Madras High Court on Friday.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Wednesday dismissed reports claiming that Nepal had imposed a ban or suspension on the import of mangoes from India, describing such reports as "factually incorrect and misleading".

In an official statement, the Ministry said the Nepal government, through its Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, which serves as the country's National Plant Protection Organisation, has clarified that no ban has been imposed on Indian mango imports.

Nepal confirmed on June 10 that imports of Indian mangoes continue to be permitted, subject to compliance with prescribed phytosanitary requirements.

According to the Ministry, import permits and release orders are being issued by Nepalese authorities upon fulfillment of the required conditions and submission of valid phytosanitary certificates issued by the Indian government.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that Nepal had halted imports of Indian mangoes, raising concerns among exporters and traders.

The Ministry stressed that exports to Nepal are continuing without disruption.

Data released by the Ministry showed that since January 2026, India has exported 149 consignments of mangoes to Nepal, amounting to 2,005 metric tonnes. In June alone, 18 consignments totaling 266 metric tonnes have already been exported.

The Ministry acknowledged that Nepal has recently revised certain import conditions, including making Hot Water Treatment (HWT) mandatory for mango shipments. However, it said India is continuing to facilitate exports in accordance with the updated requirements.

At the same time, India has conveyed its concerns over the introduction of new phytosanitary measures without prior consultation.

The issue is being pursued through appropriate bilateral channels in line with the provisions of the World Trade Organisation's Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The Ministry advised stakeholders, traders and the public to rely only on official communications regarding import and export regulations and to disregard unverified reports about any alleged restrictions on Indian mango exports to Nepal.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, June 10 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across Karnataka on Wednesday offered special prayers at various temples to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office and becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India's history.

A special prayer was offered at the Sri Kadu Malleshwara Temple in Malleswaram.

The puja was attended by State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Karnataka BJP In-charge and BJP National General Secretary Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, State BJP Co-In-charge Sudhakar Reddy, former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, State BJP Vice-President Murugesh Nirani, party MLAs Basavaraj Mattimadu and Shivraj Patil, Legislative Council member P.H. Pujar, BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha State President Bangaru Hanumanthu, State Coordinator of Party Cells S. Dattatri, Bengaluru North District President S. Harish, along with party leaders and workers.

Earlier on Wednesday, another special prayer was conducted at Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple in Seshadripuram Ward in Bengaluru to commemorate PM Modi's 12 years as the country's elected Prime Minister and chief public servant.

The event was attended by Karnataka BJP In-Charge and BJP National General Secretary Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, State Coordinator of Party Cells S. Dattatri, Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, besides party leaders and workers.

On the occasion, senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka offered special prayers to Sri Muneshwara Swamy at the temple located within the Vidhana Soudha premises in Bengaluru.

Ashoka also distributed sweets to government staff and police personnel on duty.

Speaking to reporters, the Karnataka Assembly Opposition leader said, "Through the special prayers at the Muneshwara Temple, we celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in office. He has made immense contributions to the country. Today, India enjoys a special place in the world, and the Prime Minister's leadership has played a key role in achieving that."

He also added that Prime Minister Modi had safeguarded the country's interests while dealing with challenges posed by neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"Today, our Prime Minister has successfully protected the nation's interests despite various challenges from neighbouring countries. The world appreciates his diplomacy and regards him as a global leader. We prayed for his good health and long life," Ashoka said.

Highlighting PM Modi's welfare initiatives, the Karnataka Assembly Opposition leader said the Prime Minister had made significant contributions to the welfare of the poor and created several records during his tenure.

"Congratulations are pouring in from all corners of the world. As the Leader of the Opposition, along with fellow legislators, I offered prayers seeking continued strength and guidance for the Prime Minister," he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed NDA leaders at a conclave marking the completion of 12 years of his government, delivering a speech that blended reflection on past achievements with a call to action for the future.

Addressing Chief Ministers, alliance partners and senior leaders, PM Modi emphasised the need to safeguard the gains made by millions who have risen from poverty to join the neo-middle class, urging continuous efforts to prevent any reversal of their progress.

“I believe that we must not let those who were poor yesterday, and have now become the ‘neo-middle class’, slip back. Therefore, as a government and as public representatives, we must work day and night,” the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that the government has put in its utmost effort, driven by the resolve to fulfil the expectations of India’s 1.4 billion people.

PM Modi called for realising the aspirations of the country’s youth, women, middle class and farmers, positioning these groups at the heart of the development agenda.

The Prime Minister declared that the dream of a Viksit Bharat no longer belongs to any individual or political party but has become the collective resolve of every Indian.

“For me, people represent God,” he added, underscoring his commitment to public service.

PM Modi credited the electorate for recognising the value of political stability and decisive governance.

He noted that India has moved beyond the era of coalition uncertainty that marked several decades before 2014.

“People of the country have understood the importance of political stability at the national level. It is their maturity that they gave me an opportunity to serve them for such a long time,” he said.

Highlighting India’s economic resilience amid global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, PM Modi pointed out that the country maintained strong growth while major economies struggled.

He cited India’s economy growing at 7.7 per cent in 2025-26 as evidence of the benefits of stable governance.

“This era has repeatedly demonstrated the benefits of having a stable government,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister highlighted several measures aimed at the middle class, including simplified taxation, the massive expansion of infrastructure, and increased opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

These initiatives, he said, have helped create a more predictable and opportunity-rich environment for ordinary citizens.

“For us, if there is anything greater than party, it is our country. When we work with the spirit of ‘nation first’, no decision is difficult,” he affirmed.

Wednesday’s event carried special significance as PM Modi crossed Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of 4,398 days in office as an elected Prime Minister.

While Nehru’s tenure from 1947 to 1952 was as head of an interim government before the first general elections, PM Modi’s milestone reflects his sustained leadership through three terms following democratic mandates.

The NDA conclave served as both a celebration of 12 years of governance and a strategic meeting to chart the path ahead.

Leaders reviewed the government’s achievements in infrastructure development, digital empowerment, welfare schemes and national security.

PM Modi’s address struck an optimistic note, urging NDA partners to maintain momentum and work towards making India a developed nation by 2047.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has steadily expanded its political footprint over the years.

The alliance has expanded both in terms of geography and representation. It goes without saying that the NDA has emerged as one of the most influential coalition formations in India's Parliamentary democracy.

The NDA today governs states that together account for more than three-fourths of India's population. This reflects its wide social and regional reach. Its presence extends across almost three-fourths of India's territorial landscape.

This, in fact, spotlights a significant expansion from its early coalition years into a broad-based national alliance.

The resolution adopted at an NDA meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government, highlighted the alliance's significant and far-reaching expansion over the years.

A key feature of this growth, according to the resolution, has been its strong representation in socially diverse regions.

The NDA is in power in seven out of the 10 states with the highest Scheduled Caste (SC) population, and in eight out of the 10 states with the highest Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, says the resolution.

According to the document, this reflects its penetration into historically underrepresented and marginalised regions, where electoral support has translated into sustained governance presence.

"Since 2014, the alliance has expanded further both politically and geographically, forming governments for the first time in several states, including Haryana, Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal," it added.

In multiple states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, the NDA has secured historic mandates through coalition partnerships, strengthening its position as a multi-party alliance rather than a single-party arrangement.

In Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- the NDA's principal constituent -- has maintained an uninterrupted winning streak since 1995, while in Uttar Pradesh, it became the first party in more than four decades to return to power, marking a significant shift in electoral dynamics. The alliance has also consolidated its presence in the Northeast, where it now governs most states, including regions with diverse tribal and Christian populations.

This expansion has also been accompanied by what the NDA describes as a shift from traditional anti-incumbency politics to a phase of "pro-incumbency", where governance performance and electoral trust have enabled repeated mandates.

The alliance highlights its return to power at the national level for a third consecutive term in 2024 as a historic milestone, achieved after more than 60 years in Indian political history.

At its core, the NDA's expansion is presented as the outcome of coalition-building under the "India First" principle, balancing regional aspirations with national priorities.

By bringing together diverse political parties across states, the alliance has positioned itself as a platform that integrates local leadership with a broader national development agenda.

According to analysts, the NDA's reach today is not only measured in electoral numbers. But it is also measured in its sustained governance presence across large parts of the country. It reflects its transformation into a pan-India political coalition with deep regional roots, says the alliance's resolution.

--IANS

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Dhaka, June 9 (IANS) As many as eight children have died from measles outbreak in Bangladesh on Wednesday, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 639 since March 15 this year, amid an escalating health crisis in the country, local media reported.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning.

Among the latest fatalities, all were identified as suspected, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.

Reports suggest that while the number of confirmed deaths remained at 92, the total number of suspected deaths climbed to 547.

The DGHS recorded a total of 945 suspected measles cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall tally of suspected cases to 82,029.

Additionally, 94 new confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total to 9,927 during the same period.

Bangladesh’s severe measles outbreak continues to spread despite government claims that vaccination coverage has exceeded 100 percent of the targeted children, raising concerns among immunization experts about vaccine effectiveness and coverage gaps, the country’s leading daily, the Dhaka Tribune, reported.

More than a month after a nationwide emergency measles vaccination drive concluded, hospitals across the country admit over 1,000 children daily with measles or measles-like symptoms, while fatalities continue to rise.

The persistent rise in cases has alarmed public health experts, who said that vaccination coverage does not necessarily translate into protection unless children develop sufficient immunity.

"Measles transmission should decline significantly once vaccine coverage exceeds 90 per cent. If vaccination has truly reached the reported level, then infections should have fallen much more sharply by now,” Dhaka Tribune quoted Be-Nazir Ahmed, former director of the government’s disease control branch, as saying.

According to Be-Nazir Ahmed, official targets may not accurately reflect the true size of the eligible children.

"In some cases, coverage may appear to be 100 per cent on paper while thousands of children remain unvaccinated in reality,” he added.

Last week, expressing grave concern over the worsening measles outbreak across the country, the Awami League said that the crisis was not a “natural disaster” but a “man-made failure of governance” that began during the tenure of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration and has continued under the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government.

The Awami League alleged that the roots of this tragedy lie in “catastrophic decisions” taken during the interim government.

The party further stated that although Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the BNP government assumed office in February this year with full knowledge of the unfolding crisis, the response over the past four months remained “disturbingly inadequate,” as the death toll from the measles outbreak continued to rise.

Calling for urgent action, the Awami League urged the Bangladesh government to declare a national public health emergency with clear timelines, targets, and daily public reporting. It also demanded an accelerated emergency vaccination drive and treatment with full transparency and international oversight.

--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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Los Angeles, June 10 (IANS) Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon has expressed her wish to reprise the role of Elle Woods in the iconic film ‘Legally Blonde’.

The actress has shared that she would "love" to return to the film’s universe. The 50-year-old actress played Elle in the 2001 comedy movie Legally Blonde, and its 2003 sequel, and Reese has now revealed that she's keen to reprise her iconic character for a prequel film, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The actress told Extra, "I would love to do it again. It's like it's my superhero. So, it's like my Marvel character. I would love to play her again. It just has to be perfect”.

Reese likened the prospect of reprising the character to Tom Cruise rekindling the role of Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick.

She said, "Like, Tom Cruise did it right. He only came out with Top Gun when it was absolutely right. And I was like, he nailed it or like Adam Sandler brought back Happy Gilmore. So, we're gonna get there. We're gonna do it”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Reese has enjoyed huge success working with Jennifer Aniston on The Morning Show, the hit Apple TV series, in recent years. And Jennifer is keen to continue working with her showbiz pal.

The 57-year-old actress said, "It's my dream. I love her more than life and I hope we get to do it until we're way into our 90s, doing different things”.

The actress previously admitted that she spent her first two decades in Hollywood struggling to find work. However, at the age of 34, the actress started her Hello Sunshine production company, even though she wasn't entirely sure of herself, and it's changed the course of her career.

The Oscar-winning star told The Hollywood Reporter, "I didn’t have time to look at the bigger macro, like, what is our business? How are they making money? Wait, why are there no parts for women? Wait, why am I not seeing any people of colour behind the scenes? Like, why am I not seeing any writers who are bringing a different perspective? And that’s what made me think. When I was 34, I had enough foundation under myself, inside our business; I also had enough money to help start funding, and I was like, I’m not going to take money from people who don’t want the change that I want to see”.

Despite this, Reese didn't have any regrets about her decision.

She said, "It was scary because I didn’t know if I was going to get my money back. Every day I woke up thinking, ‘Oh my god, I’m not gonna get my money back’. But I would rather bet on myself and lose that money trying hard. I woke up every single day and I was like, ‘I am my own lottery ticket’”.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 10 (IANS) Hollywood legend Tom Hanks has important marriage advice for Travis Kelce ahead of his wedding to pop icon Taylor Swift.

The S actor, 69, has been married to his co-star Rita Wilson for 38 years, and he has encouraged NFL player Travis to ensure he makes breakfast for his pop megastar significant other each Sunday, after they have tied the knot later this year, reports ‘Female First UK’.

When asked to give some advice to engaged couple Taylor and Travis, Tom told E! News, "The man must make the waffles on Sunday”.

Taylor and Travis are expected to marry at Madison Square Garden, and it's been speculated that their nuptials will take place on the weekend of July 3 to 5.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Karlie Kloss, Zoe Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, the Haim sisters, Suki Waterhouse, Gigi Hadid and Selena Gomez are among the stars who have reportedly been invited to the upcoming nuptials.

While Tom and singer and actress Rita, who co-produced her husband's 2022 comedy-drama movie ‘A Man Called Otto’, may not be at the Taylor and Travis' wedding, they can be an inspiration to their fellow showbiz power couple after nearly 40 years of marriage.

Tom Hanks previously told E! that the secret to their happy marriage was "finding each other", and in 2016 he told the website, "I'm a lucky man. She could've done better”.

In 2001, Tom described Rita as his "lover". Speaking to Oprah Winfrey, he said, "I view my wife as my lover, and we have a bond that goes beyond words like wife or girlfriend or mother. For example, I was able to construct a number of things in (film) Philadelphia because of my relationship with Rita. "The way my character felt about his lover is the way I feel about mine. The same was true when I played Forrest Gump, who loved Jenny. Without my connection with Rita, I don't know how I would've been able to connect with what Forrest was going through”.

Tom Hanks has also described his marriage to Rita as "carefree and easy". He told Piers Morgan, "When I met Rita, I thought 'Oh, this is what it's supposed to be like when you are married to someone. It's supposed to be this carefree and easy’”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Govinda praised PM Modi for the way he has served the country.

He told IANS, "This is not just a matter of a position; it is a matter of the country's self-esteem. This is not a matter of any action or deed; this is a matter of India's contribution to the whole world. The way respected Mr. Narendra Modi was able to serve the country, we all thank him for that and bow to him.

Praying for the good health of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 'Partner' actor went on to add, "We pray to God that your capabilities, your deeds, your cooperation, and the work you are doing in the country, without any delay, it is a blessing and you deserve this blessing. You have shown this. We thank you, bow to you, and pray to God for your good healthy.

Govinda further said that India is now being respected across the world due to PM Modi and also credited his leadership vision for inspiring the youth.

He further went on to applaud the resilience, hard work, and the sense of national pride under PM Modi’s leadership.

Earlier, actor Vikrant Massey also told IANS, "It is a good thing that he has been serving for so many years. A leader is someone whom the people choose to work for the country and for the people."

In addition to this, Shekhar Suman shared that true leaders are those who work for the nation. He said, "It is very good that our leaders continue to move forward in this way, taking care of the country and always thinking about its welfare, whether for 2 years, 20 years, or 40 years."

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is a fan of Rakhi Sawant. The actor recently appeared on comedian Tanmay Bhat’s show, and called Rakhi, an icon, who has become a part of pop-culture.

During the episode of the show, the actor along with others saw an Internet meme showing an installation at a music concert, which resembled Rakhi Sawant.

The actor said, “She's a part of pop culture now. I think she's an icon. And seeing her, I think a lot of people have copied her. A lot of people try to copy her but obviously, there's one Rakhi Sawant”.

Elsewhere during the episode, the actor shared how his father David Dhawan roasted him. The director also wanted the audience to enjoy the joke at his son’s expense by using the joke in his film but eventually didn’t use it.

When asked if he anticipated being trolled for his smile, Varun said, “No, I thought I would be made fun of because of something else. I never thought anyone would make fun of this. I thought there are so many things (for which he could be trolled) like my voice, for instance. I would literally sound like an 8-year-old girl, initially. That's what my brother used to tell me, when I made my debut, I thought voice, height, bad acting, etc. I didn't think the smile was so bad”.

However, the actor turned out to be a good sport, as he appreciated the jokes around his smile, as he said, “I think after a while, it became funny. It actually became funny for me. I found the biscuit one very funny”.

He then went on to reveal how his father came up with the idea to make fun of his smile.

“There's a joke in my new film, which my dad wanted to do to me. But then eventually he didn't do it. It was supposed to be a scene where I have kids, and their smile is same as mine. I was like, ‘Why do you want to do that?. He said, ‘No, no, let’s do it. People will laugh at you”, he added.

--IANS

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