Nagpur, May 18 (IANS) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Sunday participated in the farmers’ Convention — Krishi Samvaad organised under the ‘Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

On the occasion, Union Minister Chauhan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated progressive farmers from the Nagpur division doing excellent work in the agriculture sector and extended their best wishes.Agriculture Minister of the Maharashtra Government, Manikrao Kokate, Ministers Ashish Jaiswal, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr M.L. Jat and other dignitaries were present in the programme.Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said, “Today we are announcing ‘One Nation, One Agriculture and One Team’ from Maharashtra. Today, the Central Government, State Government, Chief Minister, Agriculture Minister, MPs, MLAs, senior scientists and the entire staff of the Agriculture Department are present here. The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, State Agriculture Ministry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra and all agricultural institutes should work together as a team.”He said that if all the institutions are connected, targets are set, and roadmaps are made, then miracles can be made in agriculture.Shivraj Singh said, “Maharashtra, the holy land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is amazing. The farmers here are hardworking and progressive, they have infinite possibilities within them.”While praising the Chief Minister, the Union Minister said that he is constantly trying to transform the agricultural landscape and the fate of the farmers. “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, our farmers should become self-reliant, their income should increase, and for this, we all will work together as a team,” he added.Making another big announcement, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said, “We are going to set up a national-level lab in Pune under the Clean Plant Program. This laboratory will be set up in Pune for research on the original species of plants. The Union Minister announced this while interacting with the farmers of Vidarbha in the Krishi Samvad programme organised under the Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur.Emphasising on increasing agricultural production, Shivraj Singh said, “The Clean Plant Programme is being run to ensure pure and disease-free nurseries. To increase production, farmers should understand the need for good quality seeds, soil testing and reduction in production costs.”During the event, Chouhan informed that ICAR has 113 institutes across the country, 11 of which are in Maharashtra. He announced that a meeting with heads of all ICAR institutes would be held at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS and LUP) in Nagpur to chart the course for agricultural development in Maharashtra. The government is committed to bridging the gap between laboratories and farmlands. With 16,000 agricultural scientists under ICAR, scientists will visit villages as a team along with agricultural extension officers to educate farmers about new seed varieties and innovative farming practices.Chouhan further stated that during the 15-day campaign from May 29 to June 12, agricultural scientists will visit villages to guide farmers on sustainable farming practices and plan for the Kharif season.On this occasion, Shivraj Singh said, “Our Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is dedicated to taking the country forward. Modiji’s goal is to build a glorious, powerful, prosperous, rich and developed India.”Chouhan, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, inaugurated the National Soil Spectral Library, which includes data on soil pH Value, density, and elemental composition collected using hyperspectral sensor technology by NBSS and LUP. With this inauguration, Maharashtra became the first state to have a soil map.Additionally, Chouhan launched an AI-based Smart Trap technology for managing the pink bollworm pest affecting cotton crops. This technology will alert farmers about pest infestations in their crops.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided details about the Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project, which will enhance irrigation capacity in Vidarbha. He clarified that the state government will fully cooperate with the inclusive policy outlined by Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the entire nation.State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate noted that labour shortages for cotton picking have become a challenge. Research and development are underway for battery-operated small tractors, and if successful, the results will be presented to the Agriculture Ministry.–IANSuk

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) In a big political development, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) on Sunday announced to contest the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections alone for the fifth time in Tamil Nadu.

“We have contested and lost many elections, including Assembly elections, local body elections, and parliamentary elections. If we are going to stand alone for the fifth time again, then it is only Naam Tamilar Katchi in the history of Indian politics,” said Senthamizhan Seeman, the party coordinator, at a public meeting in Coimbatore.A public meeting of the Naam Tamilar Katchi was held at Kodisia Maidan in Coimbatore on the occasion of the May 18 genocide. Thousands of people participated in this public meeting led by Seeman.Seeman added that there is no compromise on the party’s stand. “We will create a new political history for the people in 2026 together with my people,” he said.He further pointed out that NTK will stand in the election field under the same farmer symbol that you snatched away.“I have no connection with that farmer, but I have a connection with this farmer. My intention is not a symbol. I am the symbol. We will stand in this election with the premise that we will restore the relationship and save the world,” said Seeman.He said that NTK will contest in 234 seats, 117 for men and 117 for women, out of which 134 seats will be reserved for youth.“This election is a war to save our land,” he said.On May 10, NTK was officially recognised as a state party by the Election Commission of India (ECI).The recognition comes after the party met the necessary criteria based on its performance in recent elections, marking a milestone in its political journey.According to the ECI, the NTK fulfilled the conditions laid down under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which stipulates that a political party must secure at least six percent of the valid votes polled in the state and win at least two seats in the legislative assembly, or satisfy similar criteria across multiple elections.While the NTK has not won assembly or parliamentary seats so far, its consistent vote share across constituencies qualified it for state party status.With this recognition, NTK will enjoy several electoral privileges. The party will have an exclusive reserved symbol across Tamil Nadu, access to free broadcast and telecast time on state-run media during elections, priority in the allocation of election facilities, and enhanced rights in interacting with the Election Commission.The status also boosts the party’s legal standing in electoral disputes and administrative matters.–IANSdan/

Leicester, May 18 (IANS) On an emotional afternoon at King Power Stadium, Jamie Vardy wrote the final, unforgettable chapter of his Leicester City story, marking his 500th and final appearance with his 200th goal in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.May 18 already held deep meaning for Vardy – the date he signed from Fleetwood Town in 2012 – but it became truly historic as the 38-year-old rounded off 13 legendary years in Leicester blue with a goal that encapsulated everything he’s brought to the club.Vardy’s moment came in the 28th minute, his classic dart in behind met by a clever James Justin pass. With the crowd already on their feet, he coolly slotted beyond Alex Palmer to send King Power Stadium into raptures.Ipswich had started brightly, with Leif Davis striking the post and Sam Morsy firing over, but Vardy’s opener settled nerves and reminded all present of his enduring quality. After the break, youngster McAteer added a second, sealing a deserved win and offering a glimmer of light at the end of a relegation-hit season.Though Leicester’s drop to the Championship is confirmed, this day transcended the table. It was about honouring a player who redefined expectations, helped deliver the unthinkable in 2016, and became a symbol of hope for an entire city.After the game Vardy, along with his family, were celebrated by the Leicester faithful. He was presented with an array of gifts, a stunning gold Fox trophy, a special picture-book charting his career and, as one last surprise, Leicester City’s 24/25 Player of the Season award.”From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. For taking myself and family in as one of your own. Hopefully I’ve repaid you for that,” said Vardy after the game.The former England striker was instrumental in the side’s astonishing rise from the Championship to becoming Premier League champions in 2016. He also led the team to an FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Championship titles with the Foxes. Vardy’s final season with Leicester has been a disappointing one, as the club’s relegation has already been confirmed. Under Ruud van Nistelrooy, the team sits 18th in the table with 25 points.–IANSaaa/

Ahmedabad, May 18 (IANS) A suspicious, unidentified boat spotted approximately 22 nautical miles off the Jafrabad coast in Gujarat has sparked a heightened maritime security alert. The incident, reported on Sunday, set off an extensive aerial and naval search operation involving the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and marine police.The alert was first raised by vigilant fishermen who noticed the unfamiliar vessel behaving unusually. Using wireless communication, they informed their boat captain, who in turn notified the Jafrabad Boat Association. The association promptly reported the matter to the Indian Coast Guard.Responding, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to investigate. According to preliminary reports, the boat, which appeared to be heading toward Daman, changed direction and attempted to flee once the aerial team closed in for inspection.Eyewitnesses, including fishermen, observed individuals aboard the vessel, further intensifying concerns. Kanaiyalal Solanki, president of the Jafrabad Boat Association, confirmed that local fishermen are assisting authorities in the search and are maintaining strict vigilance at sea.Local MLA Hira Solanki visited the Jafrabad port to monitor the situation. He reportedly communicated directly with fishermen at sea to gather firsthand details on the suspicious sighting. In the aftermath, security has been tightened across all coastal entry points. The Pipavav Marine Police have intensified patrols, and all maritime movement in the region is under close surveillance.As of late Sunday, the origin, purpose, and occupants of the vessel remain unknown. Authorities have not issued an official statement, but the investigation is ongoing, and all coastal forces are on high alert. Fishermen have been urged to stay alert and report any further suspicious activity along the shoreline.Jafrabad, located on the Arabian Sea in Gujarat’s Amreli district, is considered a vulnerable spot from a coastal security perspective due to its geographic proximity to Pakistan and certain strategic weaknesses.The maritime border between India and Pakistan in the Arabian Sea is not only close but also difficult to monitor thoroughly, especially given the vastness of the sea and the overlapping fishing territories. Coastal areas like Sindh in Pakistan are relatively close to Gujarat’s shoreline, making it feasible for fast or small boats to travel between the two coasts within a few hours.Additionally, Gujarat has one of the longest coastlines in India, stretching over 1,600 km.This extensive length includes several isolated and lightly monitored zones, especially around smaller ports like Jafrabad. These smaller ports often lack the high-end surveillance infrastructure found in major harbors, which makes it easier for unidentified or suspicious vessels to slip through undetected.Fishermen from both India and Pakistan often work in nearby waters, and because the maritime boundaries are not physically marked, it’s common for boats to cross over — whether intentionally or accidentally.This blurred maritime boundary and the regular movement of fishing vessels make it difficult to immediately identify threats. Moreover, the region’s relatively low naval and Coast Guard presence compared to larger ports makes it an easier target for unauthorized entries.These conditions combined geographic closeness, porous sea borders, long and unevenly guarded coastline, and modest port infrastructure make areas like Jafrabad strategically easier to approach, including for those coming from Pakistan.–IANSjanvi/pgh

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill produced another magnificent batting performance by hitting an unbeaten 108 and 93 respectively to help Gujarat Titans’ seal their IPL 2025 playoffs spot with a ten-wicket thrashing of Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.After KL Rahul’s majestic 112 not out off 65 balls, laced with 14 fours and four sixes, carried DC to 199/3, Sudharsan and Gill made the chase a literal stroll in the park and did not even seem to break a sweat by completing the chase in 19 overs through their risk-free and conventional shots. While Sudharsan finished on 108 not out off 61 balls – his second IPL century laced with 12 fours and four sixes, Gill was unbeaten on 93 off 53 balls – hitting three fours and seven sixes.The dominating win also takes GT into the playoffs for the third time and saw them take the top spot in the points table, thus asserting their status as the team to beat in this season. The result also sees Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings qualify for the playoffs, leaving DC, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in the fight for the remaining playoffs spot.Sudharsan, who came in as Impact Player for Prasidh Krishna, hit the ground running by pulling Axar Patel for four before Gill ended the opening over with a six muscled over deep mid-wicket fence. In the next over, it was all Sudharsan’s way as he hit T Natarajan for six, before slashing, punching and edging him for three boundaries.Sudharsan then cut Axar twice for boundaries, before slashing off Mustafizur Rahman, as GT ended power-play at 59/0. After that, Sudharsan survived two reviews, including one on umpire’s call, before sweeping Axar for four to bring up his fifty in 30 balls. Gill stepped up by slog-sweeping Axar for six, before dancing down the pitch to slam Kuldeep Yadav for a maximum down the ground.After being almost caught off a slower ball off Chameera at cover, Gill brought up his fifty off 33 balls with a straight drive and then left everyone jaw-dropped with a beautiful pick-up six, before Sudharsan slapped one over cover for four. Gill then brought out a copybook style lofted shot to hit Vipraj Nigam for six, before bringing up 150 of his opening stand with Sudharsan.DC’s constant bowling changes didn’t work as there was no stopping a dominating Sudharsan – sweeping and guiding Mustafizur for successive boundaries, before drilling a straight drive off Natarajan. Gill again matched up to him by cutting and flicking Natarajan for four and six respectively.Sudharsan brought up his century off 56 balls by lofting Kuldeep down the ground for six, following which he pumped his fist and looked intently at the GT dugout. Sudharsan fittingly finished off the chase with a pulled six off Nigam, as GT again came out on top, thanks to their efficient in-form openers.Previously, Rahul was at his clean and pristine best in strokeplay, especially when hitting through the line to hit his fifth IPL hundred. He also became the first ever batter to score IPL centuries for three different teams – having done this previously for Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. He found great support from other batters – Abishek Porel sizzled with a 19-ball 30, skipper Axar Patel hit two fours and a six in his 16-ball 25 and Tristan Stubbs was unbeaten on 21 off 10 balls.Batting first, Rahul found two boundaries in the opening over off Mohammed Siraj – one via a misfield at deep third man, while the other came off a pristine back foot cut past point. With Faf du Plessis struggling for timing against GT’s pacers and holed out to mid-on off Arshad Khan, there was no stopping Rahul.When Siraj pitched it short and outside off-stump, Rahul was quick to cut past backward point and pull over mid-on for two boundaries. Against a returning Kagiso Rabada, Rahul was at his terrific best – moving slightly across to get inside line of the short ball and played a swivelled across over square leg for a six.Two balls later, Rabada offered room and Rahul, who also became the fastest Indian batter and third overall by innings to complete 8000 runs in men’s T20s, reached out to carve him over point, before standing tall to launch the pacer for a towering six down the ground, as 17 runs came off final power-play over, with DC closing the phase at 45/1.Rahul was then proactive in rotating the strike off Krishna and Rashid Khan, before sweeping the latter for a boundary to bring up his fifty off 35 balls, with the home crowd chanting his name loudly. Luck was also on Rahul’s side as R Sai Kishore couldn’t reach out in time to catch his top-edge on sweep and conceded a boundary.Rahul left everyone jaw-dropped by backing away and lofting a half-volley from Rabada down the ground for six. Rahul then pressed the accelerator button by hitting Kishore for a hat-trick of boundaries – unfurling a powerful straight drive which ran through the bowler’s legs, a flick being parried over boundary rope by Rabada and edge running through vacant first slip.Despite not getting much strike in the last four overs, Rahul unfurled a lofted off-drive against Prasidh for six, before pulling him powerfully to get his century and soaking in the applause from a joyous home crowd. Rahul applied finishing touches by reverse-paddling and driving Siraj for two boundaries, though it wasn’t enough to prevent GT from entering the playoffs.Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 199/3 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 112 not out, Abishek Porel 30; Arshad Khan 1-7, Prasidh Krishna 1-40) lost to Gujarat Titans 205/0 in 19 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 108 not out, Shubman Gill 93 not out) by ten wickets–IANSnr/

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (IANS) Odisha government has declared the branch office of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in Bhubaneswar as a police station.

The state Home Department accorded the police station status through a notification signed by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary. The notification in this regard was issued on May 17. As per the notification, the state government exercising the powers conferred under Section 2 (1) (u) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023) has declared the NIA office located in VSS Nagar area of Bhubaneswar as a Police station with the whole of Odisha falling under its jurisdiction. The NIA office has been designated as a police station for the investigation of scheduled offences under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (34 of 2008), for exercising the powers under the provisions of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023). The Odisha Home Department notification further noted that the order will come into force on the date of publication of this notification in the Odisha Gazette. The NIA office, headed by a Superintendent of Police, In-Charge, is located at Vani Vihar (Near Tarini Pitha) in the VSS Nagar area of the city. With this notification, the counter-terrorism agency that reports to the Union Home Ministry will formally open the office, which has been designated as a police station by the state government on May 17. Odisha has several vital installations of national importance like the Integrated Test Range (ITR) – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, Ordnance factory at Badmal in Balangir, Paradip Port and the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri. Due to its 480 km-long coastline and proximity to Bangladesh, Odisha is vulnerable to terrorist activities as well. Odisha is also reportedly witnessing a heavy influx of illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi citizens.–IANSgyan/dan

London, May 18 (IANS) A thunderous Declan Rice strike secured a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in Arsenal’s final home game of the 2024/25 season, confirming Champions League football for next year and putting Mikel Arteta’s side within touching distance of a third straight second-place finish in the Premier League.The first half belonged to David Raya, whose string of outstanding saves kept Arsenal in the game as third-placed Newcastle applied early pressure. Raya redeemed an early poor clearance with a sharp stop from Bruno Guimaraes, then followed that with several top-drawer saves, including a brilliant double stop from Dan Burn and Sven Botman. The visitors looked dangerous, especially through Harvey Barnes, but Raya stood firm.Arsenal, meanwhile, struggled to create chances in the opening 45, though Leandro Trossard went close with a deflected curler and Thomas Partey forced a smart save from Nick Pope. Despite being under pressure for much of the half, Arsenal made it to the break level.The breakthrough came ten minutes after the restart. Bukayo Saka dispossessed Anthony Gordon high up the pitch and fed Martin Odegaard, who teed up Rice just outside the box. With what is starting to become a trademark finish, the midfielder unleashed a first-time shot that flew past Pope into the far corner—his ninth goal of a standout campaign.That goal lifted the Emirates and sparked a more confident second-half display. Ben White narrowly missed a second with a low drive, and the return of Kai Havertz from injury after more than three months on the sidelines further lifted the mood.Newcastle faded after the break, with Barnes and Joe Willock both spurning half-chances, and Raya enjoyed a much quieter second period. Arsenal saw out the win with composure and purpose.The result ends a four-game wait for a home victory. With one game remaining, a point against Southampton will secure a second-place finish on the last day of the season, next Sunday.–IANSaaa/

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) The makers of director Vijay Kanakamedala’s eagerly awaited Telugu action entertainer…

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill produced another magnificent batting performance by hitting an unbeaten 108 and 93 respectively to help Gujarat Titans’ seal their playoffs spot with a ten-wicket thrashing of Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.After KL Rahul’s majestic 112 not out carried DC to 199/3, Sudharsan and Gill made the chase a literal stroll in the park and did not even seem to break a sweat by completing the chase in 19 overs through their risk-free and conventional shots. While Sudarshan finished on 108 not out off 61 balls – his second IPL century laced with 12 fours and four sixes, Gill was unbeaten on 93 off 53 balls – hitting three fours and seven sixes.The dominating win also takes GT into the playoffs for the third time and take the top spot in the points table, thus asserting their status as the team to beat in this season. The result also sees Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings qualify for the playoffs, leaving DC, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in fight for the remaining playoff spot.Sudharsan, who came in as an Impact Player for Prasidh Krishna, was off the blocks from the word go by pulling Axar Patel for four before Shubman Gill ended the opening over with a six muscled over deep mid-wicker fence. In the next over, it was all Sudharsan’s way as he hit T Natarajan for six, before slashing, punching and edging him for three boundaries.Sudharsan then cut Axar twice for boundaries, before slashing off Mustafizur Rahman, as GT ended power-play at 59/0. After that, Sudharsan survived two reviews, including one on umpire’s call, before sweeping Axar for four to bring up his fifty in 30 balls. Gill stepped up by slog-sweeping Axar for six, before dancing down the pitch to slam Kuldeep Yadav for a maximum down the ground.After being almost caught off a slower ball off Chameera at cover, Gill brought up his fifty off 33 balls with a straight drive and then left everyone jaw-dropped with a beautiful pick-up six, before Sudharsan slapped one over cover for four. Gill then brought out a copybook style lofted shot to hit Vipraj Nigam for six, before bringing up 150 of his opening stand with Sudharsan.There was no stopping a dominating Sudharsan – sweeping and guiding Mustafizur for successive boundaries, before drilling a straight drive off Natarajan. Gill again matched up to him by cutting and flicking Natarajan for four and six respectively.Sudharsan brought up his century off 56 balls by lofting Kuldeep down the ground for six, following which he pumped his fist and looked intently at the GT dugout. Sudharsan fittingly finished off the chase with a pulled six off Nigam, as GT again came out on top, thanks to their efficient in-form openers.Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 199/3 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 112 not out, Abishek Porel 30; Arshad Khan 1-7, Prasidh Krishna 1-40) lost to Gujarat Titans 205/0 in 19 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 108 not out, Shubman Gill 93 not out) by ten wickets–IANSnr/

Agartala, May 18 (IANS) Two minor children of a family — both brother and sister — drowned to death near a school at Purba Chandmari area in West Tripura, police officials said on Sunday.

A police official said that Prasenjit Debnath (11) and his younger sister Priyanka Debnath (7) had gone out to play near their home in the Purba Chandmari area on Saturday afternoon, but did not return home.Krishna Debnath, the father of the kids, told the police that after a thorough search, he did not locate the children. The anxious parents of the children looked for them in nearby areas and also informed the police.There was, however, no trace of the missing children until Sunday morning.“On Sunday afternoon, two workers engaged in the construction of a building near the school saw two dead bodies of the children in a shallow pit dug for sinking a water pump,” the police official said.Then the police, accompanied by Fire and Emergency Service personnel, came to the spot after being informed and recovered the bodies.The parents identified the bodies of Prosenjit and Priyanka.Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed deep shock over the tragic incident.In a post on the X, the Chief Minister said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Krishna Debnath’s son Prosenjit Debnath (11) and daughter Priyanka Debnath (7) in an unexpected incident in Chandmari area of East Agartala. May Almighty God grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the pain of loss. We will do our best to stand by the family in this difficult time.”Local people alleged that due to the negligence and inefficiencies of the construction company and the contractors, the ditch was created, and a huge waterlogged hole in the ground, which caused the drowning of the minor children.–IANSsc/dan