Los Angeles, June 17 (IANS) Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez has shared scary details of her health scare. The actress-singer went blind and suffered temporary paralysis during a terrifying health scare.

The 56-year-old actress-singer has opened up about the moment she realised her body was "shutting down" after she pushed herself too hard and worked "98 days without taking a day off", explaining she suffered a debilitating collapse while she was making her 2002 movie ‘Enough’, reports ‘Female First UK’.

During an appearance on the SmartLess podcast, Jennifer said, "I think I had done like four movies in a row. I had recorded my second album, my JLo album which was really big. I was working, filming every day. All the hours then I would go into the studio at night and then at the weekend I would have junkets or video shoots or whatever”.

“And I remember not clocking that I had worked 98 days in a row without taking a day off. ‘Cos we went back and counted ‘cos we were like: ‘What happened?’", she added.

She further mentioned, “One day I’m sitting on the set of ‘Enough’ and every time I’m walking to the set I’m getting a little, pitter patter in my heart. It’s like rising. Finally it got to the point when I really feel nervous. And I had the little girl (playing her daughter) in ‘Enough’. I had to say, ‘I’m really sorry sweetie, I’m feeling really weird today, a little tired our something’ and she’s like ‘It’s ok you’ll be alright’. But I wasn’t alright”.

She went on, “And I went back to the trailer and I sat down and all of a sudden I just couldn’t see. I couldn’t see clearly, something went over my eyes and I couldn’t move. And one of my girlfriends who was (working as) my assistant. I said to her Arlene I can’t move, I can’t see. She goes: 'Stop it Jennifer you’re scaring me'. I said: 'No I can’t move, you should get somebody get BOB my security guard. I can’t move and I can’t see'. He picked me up and put me in the car and we went to the hospital".

Jennifer went on to reveal she was diagnosed with exhaustion, adding, "I said to the doctor, ‘Am I going crazy?’ And he’s like, ‘No. You’re not crazy. You’ve shut down'”.

During the podcast, Jennifer insisted she's taking much better care of herself these days and she changed her life following the breakdown of her marriage to Ben Affleck when she realised she needed to focus on healing and self-love.

--IANS

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Southampton, June 17 (IANS) Hosts England were made to work hard for their second successive win in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated Ireland by four wickets in a Group 2 encounter, here on Wednesday.

After producing a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Ireland to 118/9 in their allotted 20 overs, England chased down the target with 15 balls to spare despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Ireland struggled to build partnerships after being put under pressure by England’s attack. Regular breakthroughs prevented them from gaining momentum, with the innings never really taking off. Sophie Ecclestone led the bowling effort with a three-wicket haul, while England’s seamers and spinners combined effectively to keep the scoring rate in check.

A late contribution from the lower middle order helped Ireland push past the 100-run mark and finish on 118/9, giving their bowlers something to defend.

England’s chase, however, was far from straightforward. Ireland struck early to leave the hosts under pressure and ensure the contest remained alive for most of the evening. The home side lost wickets at crucial moments and were unable to dominate proceedings against a disciplined Irish bowling attack.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings with a valuable knock of 48, providing stability after the early setbacks. Her innings ensured England remained on course despite Ireland’s persistent challenge.

With the required rate under control, England’s middle order kept the scoreboard moving before guiding the team home in the closing stages. Although Ireland continued to chip away with wickets, the target proved just within England’s reach as the hosts crossed the line with four wickets in hand.

The victory strengthens England’s position in Group 2 and keeps their unbeaten run intact, while Ireland can take encouragement from a competitive performance against one of the tournament favourites despite ending on the losing side.

Brief Scores:

Ireland Women: 118/9 in 20 overs

(Louise Little 26; Sophie Ecclestone 3 wickets)

England Women: 119/6 in 17.3 overs

(Nat Sciver-Brunt 48)

Result: England Women won by 4 wickets.

--IANS

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New Jersey, June 17 (IANS) France overcame a determined Senegal side 3-1 in a high-intensity FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter, with Kylian Mbappe delivering another statement performance to guide Les Bleus to victory. In a match defined by relentless pressing, physical battles, and end-to-end action, France's clinical edge in front of goal ultimately proved decisive.

Both teams approached the contest with attacking intent from the opening whistle, producing an entertaining first half filled with energy and chances. Senegal consistently tested the French defence and forced multiple saves, while France looked dangerous on the counterattack. Despite the action at both ends, the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Michael Olise threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who calmly finished to give France the lead.

France doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute through substitute Bradley Barcola. The winger used his pace to race onto an incisive pass from Adrien Rabiot before finishing confidently to put Les Bleus in control.

The drama continued deep into stoppage time as Senegal pulled a goal back in the 90+5th minute through Ibrahim Mbaye, whose effort took a deflection on its way into the net to set up a nervy finish. However, France responded almost instantly. Just a minute later, Mbappe produced a stunning long-range strike to restore the two-goal cushion, seal the victory, and complete his brace.

Mbappe's match-winning display once again underlined his status as one of football's biggest stars. His two goals also saw him move ahead of Lionel Messi on the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring charts, adding another milestone to an already remarkable international career as France opened their campaign with a hard-fought victory.

Fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE on ZEE5.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 17 (IANS) Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is making his love for classic filmmaking public. The filmmaker’s innate love of film comes through when he speaks, even when he’s sounding off with a dire warning about what is at stake for the film industry.

In the past few years, the film industry has met with several challenges including AI and the forces of business consolidation, reports ‘Variety’.

“We are on the verge of image illiteracy. We are on the verge of cinema illiteracy”, he told the industry crowd gathered Monday night for the BFI America dinner event held in Hollywood to celebrate del Toro’s selection for the prestigious BFI Fellowship kudos.

As per ‘Variety’, the Oscar-winning director, who is known for ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’, ‘Hellboy’, ‘The Shape of Water’ and last year’s ‘Frankenstein’, sounded the alarm about the encroachment of AI in what has heretofore been the thoroughly human-led process of making art.

The human desire to express oneself is as old as the first images crafted on ancient cave walls in antiquity, he stressed. He also nodded to the rising tide of political polarization that threatens creative freedom around the world. “The agreement between man and image is sacred”, he told the starry crowd at Mother Wolf. Art can help bring people together, he said, “but we are in a time when that is in danger”. He called artificial intelligence a form of “natural stupidity”.

“We are told images can be generated by artificial means. The existence of an image is not just to be there. It is to connect us, to make us feel beauty”, he shared.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 17 (IANS) Hollywood actor Jeremy Allen White is lauding the U.K. government for capping the age for social media usage.

The media industry is facing a social reckoning. After mounting scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users, the U.K. announced that it would move forward with a ban on children under 16 using apps such as TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, reports ‘Variety’.

The news arrived just days after the first trailer for Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ dropped online.

As per ‘Variety’, the film, like its predecessor, takes aim at Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, this time focusing on allegations that Facebook ignored internal warnings about the platform’s effects on young users and mental health.

Jeremy Allen White, the star of the hit Hulu series ‘The Bear’, spent five seasons portraying the extraordinary anxieties associated with running a kitchen. After the show ends this summer, his next project, ‘The Social Reckoning’, tackles the root of the problem. At the final season’s premiere in lower Manhattan, the star praised the decision as a “great” step forward.

The actor told ‘Variety’, “It’s remarkable how addictive this stuff is. I think there needs to be a correction. It’s never going to go away, but I do think there needs to be boundaries or guidelines at a certain point. And I hope there is some kind of slide back into more of an analog approach in life. Because this is all moving very fast and it’s a little scary”.

Jeremy, a father of two, said his children (ages 7 and 5) don’t have their own phones or iPads, though they occasionally “mess around” with his or their mother’s devices. He earlier he said that when it comes to his kids adopting social media, he wants to “keep them away from it as long as (he) can”.

‘The Bear’ continues to resonate because of its visceral portrayal of anxiety, capturing the feeling with a level of intensity and realism.

--IANS

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Jaipur, June 17 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Rajasthan Leader of Opposition, Rajendra Rathore, has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ahead of his visit to Kota on Wednesday, alleging that the Congress leader's interaction with students was a "political tourism" exercise aimed at tarnishing the image of the country's coaching capital.

Addressing the media in Kota, Rathore questioned the timing of Rahul Gandhi's programme, scheduled just four days before the NEET examination.

"The Congress 'prince' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) is coming to Kota for political tourism, he said.

"The sole objective is to malign Kota's reputation as an education hub. The NEET paper leak case is linked to Maharashtra, so why is an event being organised in Kota?" he asked.

Rathore said that Congress had no moral authority to speak on issues affecting students, claiming that 19 paper leaks took place during the previous Congress-led state government in Rajasthan.

"When the dreams of Rajasthan's youth were being shattered by repeated paper leaks, where was Rahul Gandhi? Why didn't he think about the youth then?" Rathore said, adding that former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot had repeatedly raised the issue against his own government.

He alleged that calling students to a public interaction days before a crucial examination would only add to their anxiety.

"Students are focused on their preparations. Bringing them to protests and political events just four days before NEET will create unnecessary stress," he said.

Claiming that Congress was attempting to revive its political fortunes through the event, Rathore said the programme would be attended largely by party workers rather than students.

"Congress is trying to regain its lost support base, but it will not succeed. This interaction will be nothing more than a political spectacle," he said.

Referring to preparations for the event, Rathore claimed photographs from a meeting chaired by Kota North MLA Shanti Dhariwal showed Congress workers rather than students.

The BJP leader also highlighted the investigation into the NEET paper leak case, saying that Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) had made significant breakthroughs before the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

He said the investigation had uncovered a network operating from Maharashtra's Pune and Latur regions and had led to multiple arrests.

Rathore also alleged that Congress leaders in Kota were pressuring coaching students to attend the programme.

"Parents are worried. Students do not want to participate. Fearing poor attendance, Congress leaders are already preparing excuses and alleging that Constitutional authorities are stopping students from attending," he claimed.

Joining the attack, Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar dismissed Congress' allegations that students were being prevented from attending the event.

"Kota Congress leaders are going from coaching institute to coaching institute urging students to attend. But students are focused on their studies. The Congress programme is turning into a flop show, and out of frustration they are making baseless allegations," Nagar said.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Kota on June 17 to interact with students and discuss issues related to examination stress, paper leaks and student suicides, subjects that have become politically charged ahead of the NEET examination.

--IANS

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Jaipur, June 17 (IANS) Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra has launched a sharp counterattack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over allegations surrounding Rahul Gandhi's upcoming visit to Kota, asserting that the previous Congress government had taken stringent action against paper leaks, including enacting a law providing for life imprisonment.

He also accused the BJP on Tuesday of removing Rahul Gandhi's posters and said that there is possibility of his train being delayed as concocted plan and therefore a charter aircraft has been kept as "B Plan" for his scheduled visit to Kota on time.

Responding to BJP leaders who questioned Rahul Gandhi's silence during paper leak incidents under the Congress government, Dotasra said the comparison was misplaced.

"When paper leaks occurred during our tenure, we acted. We brought in a strict law with provisions for life imprisonment. Former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Babulal Katara was jailed during our government's tenure. The BJP deserves no credit for that," he told reporters in Kota.

He accused BJP leaders of deflecting responsibility by repeatedly referring to incidents that took place under previous governments.

"If a crime or rape happened during a previous government, does that mean the present government will do the same? Is that any kind of answer?" he asked.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Kota on June 17 to interact with students and youth on issues, including the NEET paper leak controversy, unemployment and examination-related stress.

The Congress workers have been making extensive preparations for the programme.

Dotasra also accused local authorities of removing Rahul Gandhi's posters and banners ahead of his visit to Kota.

Targeting the Centre over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) controversy, Dotasra demanded accountability from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The National Testing Agency was created by the BJP government. The NEET paper has been leaking for three years. Why hasn't Dharmendra Pradhan resigned? Why is the Union government not ordering a judicial inquiry or a Parliamentary committee investigation?" he asked.

He alleged that Dharmendra Pradhan had failed to reassure students and youth despite repeated controversies surrounding national-level examinations.

He said Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students was aimed at understanding their concerns and raising them in Parliament.

"Rahul Gandhi will listen to students and youth and take their issues to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Finding permanent solutions to these problems is the objective. Raising the voice of the people is the responsibility of the Opposition," he added.

The Congress leader also reminded the BJP of its election campaign promises.

"During the elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly said Rajasthan had been ruined by the paper leak mafia. The BJP came to power on that issue. Now it is their responsibility to ensure such incidents do not happen," Dotasra said.

Claiming that hundreds of accused were arrested during the Congress government's crackdown on recruitment exam leaks, the State Congress President added, "When paper leak cases surfaced during our tenure, RPSC members and 272 accused were sent to jail. Instead of answering questions, BJP leaders keep talking about Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi."

Dotasra also alleged that local authorities were removing Rahul Gandhi's banners and posters ahead of the visit.

He revealed that while Rahul Gandhi is expected to travel to Kota by train, a charter aircraft has been kept ready as an alternative if some plan is concocted to delay his train.

"If the train gets delayed, the programme schedule could be affected. Therefore, a Plan B has been arranged. Whether Rahul Gandhi arrives by train or charter, the programme will take place as scheduled," he said.

Taking a swipe at senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, who has been attacking the Congress over the event, Dotasra asked why the BJP had chosen him as its principal spokesperson on the issue.

"Why is Rajendra Rathore holding the press conference? The BJP should let its State BJP President respond. Rathore has already lost everything politically, yet he is being pushed forward to defend the party," the State Congress President remarked.

The war of words between the Congress and BJP has intensified ahead of Rahul Gandhi's high-profile Kota visit, with both parties seeking to frame the debate around paper leaks, student welfare and accountability ahead of the NEET examination set to be held on June 21.

--IANS

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Ranchi, June 17 (IANS) In a day filled with commanding performances at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Santhal Strikers and Ranchi Titans registered clinical victories on Day 7 of the Jharkhand T20 Cricket League 2026. While the Strikers pulled off a win against table-toppers Koylanchal Super Kings, the Ranchi Titans continued their fine form with a stellar chase against the Dhanbad Diamonds.

In the afternoon fixture, the Santhal Strikers registered their first victory of the season by defeating the league-leading Koylanchal Super Kings by seven wickets.

After being put in to bat first, the Super Kings were restricted to a modest total of 148/8. Sharandeep Singh Bhatia top-scored with a well-compiled 58 off 47 balls, marking his fourth fifty-plus score of the tournament, while wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz chipped in with a brisk 40 off 28 deliveries. The Strikers' bowling unit was spearheaded by Pratyush Kumar, who produced a clinical spell for exceptional figures of 3/17 in his four overs, while Manishi provided strong support by claiming 2/23.

Chasing a target of 149, the Strikers bounced back from an early setback after losing opener Vibhor Pandey for a duck. Vivek Kumar anchored the chase spectacularly, orchestrating a vital 64-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Kumar Suraj, who contributed a solid 34. Vivek led the batting onslaught with a match-winning 64 off just 36 balls to completely take the game away from the opposition.

Following his dismissal, Sumit Kumar played a highly sensible, unbeaten knock of 27* off 29 balls to guide his team home, wrapping up the comprehensive chase at 154/3 in 18.2 overs. For his standout, restrictive first-innings spell, Pratyush Kumar was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match.

The evening match was a high-scoring encounter, with the Dhanbad Diamonds batting first and being bowled out for 191 on the very last ball of their innings. Ram Raushan Sharan played a fiery knock, top-scoring with a blistering 58 off just 24 balls, while Aditya Singh (26) and Bisesh Dutta (24) made important contributions.

For the Ranchi Titans, Prince Anurag Murmu continued to be the standout bowler for his side, claiming excellent figures of 3/20 in his four overs. Skipper Rajandeep Singh (2/46) and Yuvraj Kumar (2/47) also chipped in with two wickets each.

Chasing a target of 192, the Ranchi Titans' batters cruised through the innings without ever looking in trouble, wrapping up the match in 18.3 overs. Opening batter and player of the match, Aryan Hudda anchored the innings flawlessly, remaining unbeaten on a spectacular 94 not out off 55 balls. He was brilliantly supported by Shikhar Mohan, who smashed 62 off 37 balls to break the back of the chase. They both added 134 runs for the first wicket.

The battle intensifies on Wednesday, featuring a high-stakes clash between the Jamshedpur Steelers and a rejuvenated Santhal Strikers side, hungry to build on their momentum. Later in the evening, prime-time action with a heavy-hitting blockbuster pitting the Chota Nagpur Royals directly against the table toppers, Koylanchal Super Kings.

--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 17 (IANS) Hollywood actor Jeremy Allen White is lauding the U.K. government for capping the age for social media usage.

The media industry is facing a social reckoning. After mounting scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users, the U.K. announced that it would move forward with a ban on children under 16 using apps such as TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, reports ‘Variety’.

The news arrived just days after the first trailer for Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ dropped online.

As per ‘Variety’, the film, like its predecessor, takes aim at Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, this time focusing on allegations that Facebook ignored internal warnings about the platform’s effects on young users and mental health.

Jeremy Allen White, the star of the hit Hulu series ‘The Bear’, spent five seasons portraying the extraordinary anxieties associated with running a kitchen. After the show ends this summer, his next project, ‘The Social Reckoning’, tackles the root of the problem. At the final season’s premiere in lower Manhattan, the star praised the decision as a “great” step forward.

The actor told ‘Variety’, “It’s remarkable how addictive this stuff is. I think there needs to be a correction. It’s never going to go away, but I do think there needs to be boundaries or guidelines at a certain point. And I hope there is some kind of slide back into more of an analog approach in life. Because this is all moving very fast and it’s a little scary”.

Jeremy, a father of two, said his children (ages 7 and 5) don’t have their own phones or iPads, though they occasionally “mess around” with his or their mother’s devices. He earlier he said that when it comes to his kids adopting social media, he wants to “keep them away from it as long as (he) can”.

‘The Bear’ continues to resonate because of its visceral portrayal of anxiety, capturing the feeling with a level of intensity and realism.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) Actress Nikki Narula, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released film ‘Main Vapas Aaunga’, has shared that it was the Imtiaz Ali directorial ‘Tamasha’ that made her take the plunge and explore cinema.

Imtiaz Ali, Nikki described the opportunity as nothing short of a dream come true. Her journey began with an audition through Mukesh Chhabra’s casting company where she initially auditioned for the character of Meher without any major expectations.

A few days later, she received a call informing her that she had been selected but not for Meher, but for the role of Crystal.

Talking about the same, “At that moment, the only thing I could think about was that Imtiaz Ali had chosen me. I didn’t even stop to think whether the role was big or small. For me, that moment itself was the biggest achievement”.

The actress revealed that Tamasha had a profound impact on her life long before she entered the industry. The film inspired her to pursue her passion, trust her instincts, and discover her own voice.

She further mentioned, “I often say that I am in this industry because of Tamasha. That film gave me the courage to understand my dreams and listen to my inner voice”.

Sharing her experience of working with Imtiaz, she said, “For many people, it may seem like a small thing. But for me, it was validation that I’m moving in the right direction. I don’t see acting as just a profession, I see it as a practice, a lifelong pursuit”.

‘Main Vapas Aaunga’ is set in Punjab predating the Partition of India, and tells the story of 2 lovers. The film features the architectural ruins of Punjab.

Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment along with Mohit Choudhary, Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. The film is currently playing in cinemas.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) Late actor Rishi Kapoor once revealed how he struggled to compliment his co-star Sridevi during his appearance on "The Kapil Sharma Show".

Host Kapil Sharma had asked Rishi Kapoor, "Sridevi Ji is from South India. When you met her for the first time, did she speak Hindi well? Or did you have to learn Tamil?

Sharing a particular incident when he faced an awkward moment with Sridevi during a shoot, Rishi Kapoor recalled, "I remember one day, there was a shoot going on. The film's magazine ran out. All the lights were on. It takes two minutes to change the magazine, to take out the old magazine and put a fresh one in the camera. However, there is a lot of discomfort in those two minutes when the actors and actresses are standing, the lights are on, and there is silence everywhere".

As the two were waiting for the shoot to resume, Sridevi told Rishi Kapoor, "Sir, I saw 'Khel Khel Mein' four times. I liked it a lot, sir'.

While Rishi Kapoor thanked his co-star for the compliment, he was unable to think of a compliment for Sridevi.

"Which film of hers did I see? I was thinking", he confessed.

However, he was saved by the bell as a voice came from behind saying, "The shot is ready".

During his glorious tenure as an actor, Rishi Kapoor worked with Sridevi in multiple movies, including "Nagina" (1986), "Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhoota" (1997), "Chandni" (1989), "Banjaran" (1991), and "Gurudev" (1993).

Both Rishi Kapoor and Sridevi are not with us anymore.

Unfortunately, Rishi Kapoor passed away on 30th April 2020 after a two-year-long battle with leukemia. He was 76 at the time.

On the other hand, Sridevi suddenly left for the heavenly abode at the age of 54 in 2018 in Dubai after an accidental drowning.

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Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) Actress and politician Smriti Irani reunited with her 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' co-star Karishma Tanna and even dropped a glimpse from the meet on her official social media handle.

Smriti took to her Instagram and posted a happy selfie with the mom-to-be.

She recalled how she still remembers Karishma as the lanky teenager she often found running through the corridors of a television set.

Wishing the 'Sanju' actress on her new journey, Smriti penned a note saying, "The baby is having a baby. And somewhere in my heart, I’m still looking at that lanky teenager racing through the corridors of a television set, unaware of the remarkable woman she would become. (sic)"

"God bless you, Tanna. May your journey into motherhood be filled with grace, laughter, good health, and immeasurable love. The next role of your life awaits—and I know you’ll be brilliant in it. @karishmaktanna", she added.

Earlier today, Karishma also treated the netizens with snippets of her meeting with Smriti.

The 'Scoop' actress dropped a photo with Smriti on her Insta Stories and called the fun reunion a “full circle moment.”

Expressing her joy and gratitude on meeting Smriti again years after "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" Karishma wrote, “Started my journey with her in Kyunki. And some years later, here we are. Full circle moment. Thank you @smritiiraniofficial This was truly special!”.

Back in April, Karishma and her husband Varun Bangera announced that they are expecting their first child with a heartfelt post on social media.

“A little Miracle , Our greatest gift — August 2026,” read the caption.

In May, Karishma uploaded images from her South Indian Tulu-style baby shower with the caption, “Still soaking in the love, blessings, and emotions from our very first South Indian style Godh Bharai together. Witnessing the beautiful Tulu rituals, sacred traditions, mantras, flowers, sarees, and every little custom so closely felt truly magical… almost like living a dream we had only imagined. From the poojas and family blessings to the warmth and love in every ritual, the entire day felt so pure, emotional, and deeply special for both of us and our little baby.”

--IANS

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