Los Angeles, July 2 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sadie Sink has shared that she has "bittersweet" feelings about the end of her hit streaming show ‘Stranger Things’.

The 24-year-old actress had her big career breakthrough portraying Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, the hit Netflix show, between 2017 and 2025, and Sadie has now admitted to having mixed feelings while watching the finale, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She told Nylon magazine, "I was watching it with my brother and he started crying and then I started crying. He was looking at us like, ‘Are you guys crying?’. It was just completely bittersweet”.

She further mentioned, “It’s been 10 years. It’s seen us through so many different phases of our lives. All good things must end”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Sadie, starred alongside Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Natalia Dyer, and Noah Schnapp on the TV show.

Since leaving the show, Sadie has starred in a West End production of Romeo and Juliet. The actress admits that she's loved her time in London, but she'll return to New York once the production wraps.

Sadie said, "It’s felt like such a chapter, being in London and really feeling like I’ve made a home for myself here. So to leave it and go back to my actual home, I’m like, ‘Wait, I don’t know’. But it’ll be good. I miss my home. The cats are ready to go back. They’re telling me all the time”.

Meanwhile, Sadie previously claimed she felt protected from the pressures of fame and success during her teenage years.

The actress told Glamour, "Looking back on my teenage years, growing up on the show, I was really protected by the people around me. And by myself too. I think I was super protective of who I was”.

Sadie shared that she struggled to reconcile her frustrations with recognising that she's in a fortunate position in life.

“When things were hard, when there would be certain pressures, or I’d be overwhelmed, I felt like I couldn’t talk about it because it was such an amazing thing that was happening. Sometimes you don’t feel like you can have any complaints or struggles”, she added.

--IANS

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Chester-Le-Street, July 2 (IANS) The first T20I between India and England was abandoned without a result on Wednesday night as heavy rain came pouring down before the home side could start its reply to the visitors' 189/7 in 20 overs at the Riverside Ground on Wednesday.

The ground staff brought out the covers and applied them across the square as rain started soon around the time the players walked off the ground at the end of the 20th over of the Indian innings.

The downpour became strong soon after and continued unabated as the players from both sides waited. They waited till 9 pm local time, the cut-off for a five-over game. The umpires finally decided that the match could not restart and called it off. The two captains walked out of their respective dressing rooms and shook hands before going back in.

Earlier, thanks to half‑centuries from skipper Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma, along with a late surge from Shivam Dube, India overcame slight drizzle and a gloomy evening to post 189/7 in 20 overs.

On a not-so-easy pitch, Iyer hit his first fifty as India’s T20I captain – his knock of 68 came off 47 balls, laced with six fours and a six. Abhishek, meanwhile, hit 59 off 24 balls studded with six fours and four sixes. Dube applied the finishing touches by hitting 42 not out off just 21 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes.

Sent in to bat, India slipped to 6/2 inside two overs. Sanju Samson fell cheaply again, caught at backward point off Saqib Mahmood, before Ishan Kishan was run out after a mix‑up with Abhishek for a duck.

Abhishek then launched a blistering counterattack, racing to a 20‑ball fifty – the fastest by an Indian batter in England – with a flurry of pulls and lofted drives, before Sam Curran’s slower ball trapped him lbw in the eighth over, which also ended his 82-run stand with Shreyas.

But by then, Abhishek had become the fastest batter to smash 100 sixes in T20Is (in 785 deliveries) and surpassed West Indies’ batter Evin Lewis, who had smashed hundred sixes in 789 deliveries in his career. Shreyas then combined with Tilak Varma for a 36‑run stand, while striking cleanly against pace and spin.

Varma’s dismissal, caught off a low full toss on Mahmood’s bowling, brought Dube to the crease. Iyer reached his ninth T20I half‑century from 38 balls, his slowest in the format, but accelerated with a six over extra cover and inventive strokes against Luke Wood and Mahmood, who later trapped him lbw.

Dube then took charge, clearing mid‑wicket and square leg with powerful hitting, and finished unconquered. England’s spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson struggled for control in the drizzle, while Mahmood impressed with three wickets.

Curran accounted for Abhishek and ran out Axar Patel off the final ball as India closed on 189, which is above par at the venue. England may have a delayed start to the innings due to steady rain, after India blasted 54 runs in the last five overs.

--IANS

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Washington, July 2 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, calling it the first journey aboard what he described as "maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built" while also declaring that talks on the "denuclearisation" of Iran were progressing well.

Speaking to reporters before boarding the aircraft for travel to the opening of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library, Trump said the aircraft symbolised America's stature and replaced a presidential fleet that had become outdated.

"So, this will be the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built," Trump said. "I said to Boeing, what's the best one? They said this is the best plane ever built."

He said the aircraft had recently been modified to meet presidential security requirements.

"They just completed it. They made it appropriate for a president; that means the security and all of the different bells and whistles they put on, very complex stuff, but it's really quite something," he said.

Calling the aircraft one "that the United States of America should have", Trump noted that the existing Air Force One fleet was "35-36 years old".

"It really didn't look appropriate for our country. So, we're very proud of this; the country is very proud of it," he said.

Asked about the cost of the aircraft, Trump said it had been provided by Qatar.

"It cost very little relative to what it would cost if we did it a different way. So, this was a gift from a country that's treated us very well, and they're an ally of ours over in the Middle East, Qatar," he said.

Trump said he had sought permission from Qatar to use the aircraft while new presidential aircraft ordered from Boeing were still under construction.

"I went to Qatar; I said, I'd like to use it for a period of time because the other ones, as you know, are under construction," he said. According to Trump, Qatar's Emir responded: "No, no, I'd like to make a contribution to the country."

The President also used the appearance to offer an upbeat assessment of US-Iran diplomacy following recent American military strikes.

"As far as things are going, the denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well. They've had very good meetings, and we'll see," he said. "We hit them very hard for three nights, as you know, but we're getting along very well."

Pressed on whether Washington could return to military action if Iran failed to comply with the memorandum of understanding, Trump replied: "I think they've come a long way. We hit them very hard last week. I think they're fine."

"I think we're going to -- it's the denuclearisation of Iran, it's very simple. And Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he added.

Trump also pointed to what he described as strong economic performance, saying stock markets were setting records and investment commitments had reached "$19.1 trillion". He argued that rising markets were benefiting ordinary Americans through retirement savings.

"Everybody benefits. When the stock market goes up everybody benefits; more jobs, more everything," he said.

Responding to questions about his financial disclosures, Trump rejected suggestions that he was profiting from the presidency, saying his assets were managed independently.

"I made a lot of money before I became president, and they invest my money, and I don't talk to them," he said. "I purposely -- I never speak to any of the people that run the money."

On declassification of government records, Trump said acting official Bill Pulte had broad authority during his temporary tenure.

"I told him you can declassify whatever you want," Trump said, adding that Jay Clayton was expected to assume the position after completing the Senate confirmation process.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Eleven years ago, Digital India was merely a concept. Today, it stands as one of the most transformative initiatives in independent India, reshaping governance, economy, and daily life for millions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal vision and relentless drive turned this idea into a national mission that has bridged the digital divide and empowered citizens like never before.

Two former bureaucrats shared their experiences on the X handle of Modi Story about how "Digital India" came to reality.

Soon after assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Modi entrusted senior bureaucrat Tapan Ray with steering the Digital India and e-Governance agenda.

His ambition was vast: building robust digital infrastructure, extending broadband connectivity to every village, boosting electronics manufacturing, and ensuring technology benefits reached the last mile.

Ray recalled the Prime Minister's deep personal involvement, noting that PM Modi himself finalised the iconic Digital India logo, reflecting his hands-on approach from the outset.

The formal launch took place on July 1, 2015.

Another former bureaucrat, RS Sharma, who was closely involved in the preparations, remembered briefing the Prime Minister on key components such as DigiLocker, online hospital registrations, and digital KYC (know your customer) processes.

At one point, PM Modi posed a straightforward yet profound question: "How will you explain DigiLocker to an ordinary citizen?"

When officials struggled with technical jargon, the Prime Minister stepped in with a simple, relatable analogy.

He described a job applicant rushing to an interview, fumbling through physical certificates.

"If all documents are safely stored in a DigiLocker on the phone," PM Modi explained, "they can be accessed and shared instantly whenever needed."

This ability to simplify complex technological concepts into everyday language that common citizens use today highlights PM Modi's unique strength.

He not only grasped advanced digital tools but also ensured they were designed with the commoners in mind.

Over the past decade, Digital India has delivered remarkable outcomes.

Villages once cut off from the world now enjoy broadband access.

Revolutionary platforms like UPI have transformed payments, while Direct Benefit Transfer has plugged leakages in welfare schemes.

India has built one of the world's most advanced digital public infrastructures, enabling seamless services in areas ranging from banking and healthcare to education and governance.

What began as a bold vision in 2014 has today become an integral part of Indian life, fostering transparency, efficiency, and inclusion.

As the nation marks another milestone in its digital journey, the story of Digital India remains a powerful testament to visionary leadership that prioritises people-centric innovation.

--IANS

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Atlanta, July 2 (IANS) Skipper Harry Kane led from the front with a brilliant performance as he scored twice to help England come back from a goal deficit to overcome Congo DR 2-1 in a Round of 32 match at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday and set up a last 16 clash with Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on July 6.

Thomas Tuchel’s team trailed from the seventh minute, when Brian Cipenga opened the scoring, until the 75th minute, when Harry Kane equalised, with the England skipper then blasting a brilliant winner in the 86th minute to script a dramatic turnaround.

This is the first time in the World Cup since 1986 that the Three Lions have come back to win a match after trailing by a goal at half-time, surviving a huge scare to progress to the Round of 16.

England, the 1966 champions, had lost none of their previous nine World Cup meetings with African opposition, and they kept that record intact in Atlanta, but only just.

"It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. They are a tough team, and then after that first break, we were much better, and their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We spoke about people having hero moments, and it can be anyone. It was me today. We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure, and these rounds are just about getting through. We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind out wins, and that's what we have done today," Kane told BBC Sport after the match.

After Germany and the Netherlands crashed out of this World Cup in the knock-out stage, it seemed England could join them in returning home early as they trailed by a goal past the hour mark. They created many chances in the second half but were thwarted by Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who pulled off a few brilliant saves and kept Congo's hopes alive until late in the match.

Congo had never played a World Cup knockout game before, yet they made a dream start after seven minutes with Cipenga’s first-ever international goal. A crossfield ball from the right was flicked on by Chancel Mbemba to Cipenga, who was completely free on the left side of the box to fire in a low shot that beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.

England took time to respond before creating several clear chances. Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi saved superbly from two Jude Bellingham headers. In between, Noni Madueke’s run into the box brought a shooting chance for Rashford at the far post, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear off the line. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Mbasi blocked Kane’s close-range volley following a corner.

At the other end, Congo might have snatched a second goal when Yoane Wissa turned Wan Bissaka’s low centre against the post.

It took Tuchel’s change of his wingers to spark the fightback, substitute Anthony Gordon crossing for Kane to head his 12th World Cup finals goal. Number 13 would certainly be lucky for England as Kane turned away from his marker and unleashed an unstoppable shot inside the near post.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 2 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Chris Brown is facing legal consequences. The singer has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million in damages to his former housekeeper after a brutal dog attack took place in his home.

The attack happened in 2020, and left the housekeeper with serious injuries, reports ‘People’ magazine.

A Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Maria Avila, his former housekeeper, who was attacked by a 90kg Caucasian shepherd named Hades owned by Brown for security purposes.

Billboard states that following the two-week trial, Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC have to pay Avila $12.9 million for negligence.

During the trial, Avila shared that in 2020 she was taking the trash out at his Tarzana, California home when she was attacked by the dog, who ripped out "large chunks of her skin", and left her face and arm permanently disfigured. She's also suffered mobility issues as a result of the attack.

As per ‘People’, Avila's sister, Patricia, who was working when the attack took place, was also awarded $885,000 and Avila's husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000.

Brown detailed finding Avila covered in blood during the trial, sharing his initial reactions and explaining his behavior afterwards.

"The blood kind of freaked me out”, Brown said during the case, adding that he was "in shock" when he fled the scene on his manager's advice, as per the BBC.

Brown said he felt it would be a "media circus" if his voice appeared on the 911 call or if he was present when police arrived. The ‘No One Else’ singer argued that he'd warned Avila and her sister against going near the dogs, whom he called “absolutely not” friendly.

However, the sisters claim the conversation never happened and highlighted their language barrier as making the alleged discussion unlikely.

Brown said he kept the dog for safety as he often finds himself in “stalker-type situations”.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, July 2 (IANS) Anvita Khammam Aces rode on a breathtaking unbeaten 80 from skipper Himateja Kodimela and a fluent half-century from G. Sai Krishna Reddy to post a daunting 211/2 in their 20 overs. Ved Reddy and Wafi Kachchhi then led a disciplined bowling effort as the Aces defeated Anurag Nalgonda Knights by 34 runs in the Hyderabad Cricket Association's TG20 in Wednesday's second match.

The win moves them back into the playoff spot, above EIPL & eleve Karimnagar Diamonds to fourth on the points table. Meanwhile, the Knights slip to third by virtue of a lower Net Run Rate than Ranga Reddy Risers.

Himateja's unbeaten 80 moved him to second on the Orange Cap standings with 282 runs to his name, while 16-year-old Ved is now second on the Purple Cap standings, having scalped nine wickets.

Aces made a solid start through Paras Raj and Wafi Kachchhi (14 off 19), helped by a wayward opening over to reach 51 without loss at the end of the powerplay. Paras led the charge with a flurry of boundaries and a six, while Wafi played the supporting role as the pair stitched together a brisk 53-run opening stand.

Hyderabad E-Champions struck immediately after the Power-play as Divesh Singh dismissed Wafi, but Paras continued to anchor the innings alongside G. Sai Krishna Reddy. He added impetus with a six and a four off Varun Goud before disciplined bowling in the next two overs slowed the scoring, leaving the Aces at 76/1 after 10 overs.

Aces shifted into top gear through Paras and Sai Krishna. The pair kept the scoreboard ticking before the former fell for a well-made knock of 46 runs in 39 balls after Aniketh Reddy struck in the 12th over. Himateja Kodimela then took charge, launching a six immediately after the wicket to ensure the momentum remained firmly with the Aces.

With Sai Krishna providing the perfect foil, Himateja unleashed an attacking display in the death overs as the duo plundered boundaries and sixes at will. Their innings ensured that the Aces scored 135 runs in the second half of their innings, with Sai Krishna scoring a 29-ball 50 before Himateja completed his half-century in just 18 balls.

The pair added quick runs against every bowler, taking 31 runs from the final two overs to propel the Aces to a formidable 211/2, with Himateja finishing with an unbeaten 80 in just 31 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, while Sai Krishna smashed 56 in just 32 balls.

The Knights made a brisk start to the chase, with Jashwanth Mote (22 off 13) and Gaurav Reddy (54 off 35) putting on 45 runs in under four overs. Gaurav led the charge with two towering sixes off Mahesh Vipparla, while Jashwanth chipped in with a six and a boundary before Mahesh provided the breakthrough by dismissing him at the end of the fourth over.

Nitish Reddy (17 off 14) joined Gaurav to keep the momentum going, adding useful runs as the Knights reached 76/1 at the end of the powerplay. However, Aces tightened their grip through disciplined bowling from Ved Reddy, who first restricted the scoring before dismissing the well-set Nitish in the 10th over. At the halfway mark, the Knights were well placed at 92/2, with Gaurav continuing to anchor the chase alongside skipper Rahul Buddhi (12 off 8).

Knights' chase unravelled after the halfway mark despite being well placed at 98/2. Ved triggered the collapse by removing Gaurav and Divesh (0 off 1) in the same over, before Wafi tightened the screws with a brilliant spell that accounted for Rahul via a run-out, as well as Aniketh Reddy (1 off 2) and Varun Goud (5 off 8), reducing the Knights to 124/7 after 15 overs.

Md Arfaz Ahmed (14 off 10) and Rakshann Readdi (10 off 5) briefly resisted before Wafi struck again to dismiss Arfaz. Harshwardhan Singh (37* off 24) then launched a late counterattack with an unbeaten cameo, smashing two sixes and four boundaries in the final three overs, but the effort came too late as the Knights finished on 177/8, falling 34 runs short of the target.

Brief scores:

Anvita Khammam Aces 211/2 in 20 overs (Himateja Kodimela 80*, G Sai Krishna Reddy 56*, Aniketh Reddy 1/36, Divesh Singh 1/23) bt Anurag Nalgonda Knights 177/8 in 20 overs (Gaurav Reddy 54, Harshwardhan Singh 37*, Ved Reddy 3/26, Wafi Kachchhi 3/35) by 34 runs.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, July 2 (IANS) Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein has developed “breathing issues”, and is said to be in a hospital. The producer is “resting and recovering at the hospital where he will stay at least for the next few weeks”.

His health deteriorated in the past week while the former film mogul was being held at Rikers Island prison, reports ‘Deadline’.

He is receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward in Manhattan. Weinstein is being held at Rikers as he awaits sentencing in September for a 2025 sexual assault conviction.

TMZ was first to report the health update, describing it as “heart failure due to pneumonia”. He has had multiple health scares over the past few years.

New York prosecutors recently chose not to pursue a rape charge against the disgraced 74- year-old producer for a fourth time.

As per ‘Deadline’, the case had already been tried three times, once resulting in an overturned conviction and twice in hung juries.

Weinstein’s other convictions, including another sexual felony in New York and others in California, still stand.

Harvey Weinstein faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct beginning in 2017, after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker brought widespread attention to claims from numerous women.

He was accused by many women of sexual harassment, assault, and rape; he denied non-consensual sexual activity and denied many of the allegations. In 2020, he was convicted in New York of a criminal sexual act and third-degree rape and sentenced to 23 years in prison. That conviction was overturned in 2024 by the New York Court of Appeals, which ordered a retrial, citing trial errors.

Separately, in 2022, Harvey Weinstein was convicted in California of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration involving one woman, and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The cases became a major part of the wider Me Too movement.

--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, July 2 (IANS) Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein has developed “breathing issues”, and is said to be in a hospital. The producer is “resting and recovering at the hospital where he will stay at least for the next few weeks”.

His health deteriorated in the past week while the former film mogul was being held at Rikers Island prison, reports ‘Deadline’.

He is receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward in Manhattan. Weinstein is being held at Rikers as he awaits sentencing in September for a 2025 sexual assault conviction.

TMZ was first to report the health update, describing it as “heart failure due to pneumonia”. He has had multiple health scares over the past few years.

New York prosecutors recently chose not to pursue a rape charge against the disgraced 74- year-old producer for a fourth time.

As per ‘Deadline’, the case had already been tried three times, once resulting in an overturned conviction and twice in hung juries.

Weinstein’s other convictions, including another sexual felony in New York and others in California, still stand.

Harvey Weinstein faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct beginning in 2017, after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker brought widespread attention to claims from numerous women.

He was accused by many women of sexual harassment, assault, and rape; he denied non-consensual sexual activity and denied many of the allegations. In 2020, he was convicted in New York of a criminal sexual act and third-degree rape and sentenced to 23 years in prison. That conviction was overturned in 2024 by the New York Court of Appeals, which ordered a retrial, citing trial errors.

Separately, in 2022, Harvey Weinstein was convicted in California of rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration involving one woman, and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The cases became a major part of the wider Me Too movement.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 1 (IANS) Veteran actor Tiku Talsania revealed how he got his first television show, 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi', kickstarting his journey in the entertainment industry.

Appearing on 'The Kapil Sharma Show', Tiku Talsania shared that he used to do theatre and once the director of 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi', Kundan Shah, had come to see one of his plays.

After seeing the play, he told Tiku Talsania, "There is a small role, will you do it?", to which he agreed very happily.

When he reached for the shoot, he was asked to repeat the same line, "Ye kya ho rha hain" whenever he felt needed.

Later on, that single line became a trademark for Tiku Talsania.

The sitcom that aired on DD National back in 1984 revolved around a happily married couple, Ranjit Verma and Renu Verma and Renu's unmarried and unemployed younger brother Raja, who lives with them.

The core cast of the drama included Shafi Inamdar as Ranjit Verma, Swaroop Sampat as Renu Verma, Rakesh Bedi as Raja, Satish Shah as different character in each episode, and Sulbha Arya as Mandira Bhattacharya, their Bengali neighbour.

Tiku Talsania was seen as Raghuwan Kailash Gupta a.k.a. R.K. Gupta, Ranjit's boss and later Raja's father-in-law.

Written by Sharad Joshi, 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi' has been directed by Kundan Shah, S. S. Oberoi, and Raman Kumar.

After 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi', Tiku Talsania became a part of many popular TV shows of the 80s and 90s, such as 'Fikr Ne Kaha', 'Yeh Duniyan Gazab Ki', 'Zamana Badal Gaya', and 'Ek Se Badkar Ek'.

Coming to films, he made his Bollywood debut with Rajeev Mehra's 'Pyaar Ke Do Pal' in 1986. His filmography also includes 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin', 'Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka', 'Bol Radha Bol', 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Mr. Bechara'.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 1 (IANS) Prominent filmmaker Karan Johar treated the netizens with an AI photo of himself edited by his daughter Roohi.

He revealed that his daughter insisted that he post this picture and also give her credit.

Dropping the stylish photo on his Instagram Stories, KJo wrote, "Chat GPT Photoshop by the daughter who has insisted I post it and giver her credit! (apple doesn't fall far from the tree) (sic)"

Karan's feed is full of such adorable moments with his kids, Roohi and Yash.

In June, Karan was captured by the shutterbugs at the Mumbai airport as he was travelling with Yash and Roohi.

The video showed the director stepping out of his car while his children arrived in a separate vehicle.

KJo even shielded the twins from the paparazzi as they entered the airport premises. It seemed like the trio was leaving the city for a family vacation to an undisclosed location.

For those who do not know, Karan welcomed his twins, Yash and Roohi, via surrogacy back in 2017. He co-parents them with his mother, Hiroo Johar.

During Father’s Day last year, Karan shed light on his journey as a single father.

His heartfelt note on social media read, “My decision to be a single parent has been the single most emotionally satisfying decision I could have ever made… the answer to my every prayer to the universe….”

“I was told to read books, listen to podcasts and to speak to other parents for help and guidance .. and while I truly appreciate all the good intentions of generous advice I feel each journey of a parent ( more so a single parent ) is truly unique and needs to be dealt with on your personal instinct… there are no rules for parenting there are just instincts that guide me everyday… I know I will falter, fumble and fall…. But the abundant love always makes me eventually rise," he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 1 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut entered the reality show 'Lock Upp' season two as 'Janta Ki Awaaz’, joining Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh.

As she interacted with the contestants, she schooled popular television actor Ram Kapoor for his attitude on the show.

Kangana told the 'Bade Achhe Lagte Hain' actor that if he wishes to improve himself, he should stop defending his actions.

The 'Queen' actress told Ram, "Ramji, you shouldn't have taken the game seriously. And if you think that you are too big for this jail, then why did you come here? To show your stupidity?"

Defending himself, he replied, saying, "When the time comes, I will own my truth as well or better than anybody here."

Giving him another warning, Kangana said, "Don't defend yourself if you want to improve."

Before this, Ram received a similar reality check from Farah Khan.

During the "chargesheet" segment, Farah shared that despite usually being the lead in every project, Ram had faded into the background in 'Lock Upp 2'.

"I want to ask you, every show you do, you're playing the lead. And you have become a background actor after coming here," the filmmaker and choreographer told Ram.

However, Ram did not take the feedback in a positive way and casually raised his hand as if to stop her from speaking.

Seeing this, Farah responded, "From what I can see, I don't want this Ram. It is not just funny."

Still not budging, Ram said, "For me, it is funny. I am the way I am, just like this," he said.

Trying yet again, Farah said, "What you are doing, this lecturing you are doing, you are not like that at all."

However, Ram continued to be stubborn.

"Toh nikaal do. I am not going to change. I am the way I am," he said.

After this, Farah made a light-hearted remark, "Those people who don't change, they become dinosaurs", to which Ram replied, "I will become a dinosaur."

--IANS

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