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<title><![CDATA[Rewa's Famous Sundarja Mango Finds Growing Overseas Markets]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The famous Sundarja mango of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district is gaining recognition not only across India but also in international markets. 

Known for its rich aroma, unique taste, and nutritional value, the mango has become the identity of the Govindgarh region and a source of pride for the state.

According to the Madhya Pradesh government, the Sundarja mango grows only in Govindgarh because the area's soil, climate, and temperature are ideal for the variety.

It ripens naturally after the first monsoon showers, giving it a distinct flavour and fragrance that set it apart from other mangoes.

?The Sundarja mango is one of the state's unique horticultural products. Its special aroma, taste, and quality have made it popular among consumers in India and abroad,? the government said in a statement on Saturday.

The note also mentions that the fruit is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron and has antioxidant properties. Its relatively low sugar content also makes it a preferred choice for many diabetic consumers.

Apart from the fruit, the leaves, bark, and seeds of the Sundarja tree are also considered useful for different traditional and medicinal purposes.

The popularity of the mango has helped Rewa emerge as an important horticultural centre in Madhya Pradesh.

Sundarja mangoes are now being exported to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and France, creating better income opportunities for local farmers.

To promote mango cultivation, research is being carried out at the Fruit Research Centre in Kathuliya, Rewa.

The centre has developed an orchard with 2,345 mango trees representing different varieties.

These include Bombay Green, Dasheri, Langra, Amrapali, Mallika, Indira, and Gadhua, along with several local varieties.

The Govindgarh area itself is known for its rich mango diversity, with nearly 237 varieties grown in its orchards.

The government also credited the Bansagar Dam canal with improving horticulture in Rewa and nearby districts.

Better irrigation has helped farmers expand orchards and has encouraged the growth of small food-processing units based on mango products.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81222/rewas-famous-sundarja-mango-finds-growing-overseas-markets.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Jagan Slams 'Smart Kitchens' Plan, Says 85,000 Women Could Lose Livelihoods]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the state government's proposed "Smart Kitchens" initiative, alleging that it threatens to displace nearly 85,000 women who have long served as mid-day meal cooks in government schools. 

In a sharp post on X, Jagan accused the administration of using the scheme as a cover to reward its own supporters while pushing thousands of women into joblessness.

Many of these workers, he noted, have dedicated over two decades to ensuring nutritious meals for schoolchildren, yet now face an uncertain future.

Adding to their plight, Jagan highlighted that salaries for the mid-day meal staff have not been paid for the past two months, deepening their financial distress.

He recalled that during his tenure, the YSRCP government had raised the honorarium for these workers from ?1,000 to ?3,000 per month.

He reminded the public that the current government had promised even greater support before the elections, but instead is now attempting to dismantle their livelihoods under the guise of modernisation.

Jagan pledged that the YSR Congress Party would stand firmly with the mid-day meal workers and fight for their rights.

He demanded the immediate release of pending wages and urged the government to fulfil its election commitments by increasing remuneration rather than stripping away the livelihood of thousands of women.

?This is not just about wages; it is about dignity and survival,? Jagan asserted, warning that the government's move could devastate families dependent on these modest incomes.

He emphasised that the women who have tirelessly served generations of schoolchildren deserve respect and security, not abandonment.

The controversy over "Smart Kitchens" has now ignited a wider debate on governance priorities, with critics questioning whether technological upgrades should come at the cost of human welfare.

For Jagan, the issue has become a rallying point to showcase his party's commitment to grassroots workers and to challenge what he calls the ruling government's hollow promises.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81221/jagan-slams-smart-kitchens-plan-says-85000-women-could-lose-livelihoods.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[TN CM Vijay Announces Full State Honours for Director K Bhagyaraj]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Expressing shock and profound sorrow at the demise of veteran director K. Bhagyaraj, who passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday announced full state honours for the iconic filmmaker as a mark of respect for his phenomenal contributions to the film industry.In a statement shared on the official X handle of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay expressed profound shock and grief at the demise of one of Tamil cinema's finest directors, K. Bhagyaraj, who had also made his mark as an actor, screenplay writer, dialogue writer and music director.Stating that the director had carved an everlasting place for himself in the hearts of the Tamil people through his unique style of storytelling, humour-infused performances, and films portraying rural life and the deep emotions of family relationships, Vijay said Bhagyaraj's contributions to Tamil cinema were immeasurable.Pointing out that each of Bhagyaraj's creations would remain timeless memories, the Chief Minister said they would continue not only to entertain audiences but also to emphasise human and social values."His demise is an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema. I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to his grieving family, relatives, friends, fans and members of the film fraternity. I pray that his soul rests in peace at the divine feet of the Lord," he said."In recognition of Thiru K. Bhagyaraj's contributions to the film industry and as a mark of respect, state honours will be accorded to his final journey," the Chief Minister added.One of India's finest screenplay writers and eminent Tamil film director and actor, K. Bhagyaraj passed away in Chennai on Saturday after suffering a major cardiac arrest. He was 73.The veteran filmmaker is survived by his wife, Poornima Bhagyaraj, son Shanthnu Bhagyaraj and daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj.Sources close to the actor said Bhagyaraj complained of chest pain after returning from his morning walk and was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead.The shocking news of his death has plunged the entire Tamil film industry into mourning.The loss has been compounded by the fact that Bhagyaraj's demise comes just 17 days after the passing of his mentor, K. Bharathirajaa, another iconic filmmaker and trendsetter of Tamil cinema.Several eminent actors, directors, producers and film industry personalities from across the country have joined scores of fans in expressing their shock and grief over the sudden demise of the legendary filmmaker. - IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81220/tn-cm-vijay-announces-full-state-honours-for-director-k-bhagyaraj.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Uddhav Thackeray Claims ?Operation Devendra?, Not ?Operation Tiger?, Behind MP Defections]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In a sensational political claim, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday alleged that the breaking of the party was not an "Operation Tiger," but an "Operation Devendra."
He said the poaching of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs was strategically designed by internal forces to trim CM Devendra Fadnavis' wings so that he never emerges as a future competitor for the Prime Minister's post.

He warned that the Shinde faction has zero independent future and will eventually be discarded like trash by the BJP.

Launching a fierce counteroffensive following the defection of six Lok Sabha MPs, Thackeray held a massive rally in Hingoli, targeting the rebels and the ruling alliance.

Thackeray dismissed claims of an "Operation Tiger" orchestrated by DCM Shinde, suggesting instead that the political script was an "Operation Devendra" masterminded by the BJP leadership to clip Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wings.

Focusing his wrath heavily on Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, who was among the six dissidents to jump ship to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Thackeray labelled him the "chief of traitors" (gaddaraancha sardar).

He told the crowd that some people were warning him that he would defect, but he refused to believe them, adding that now, he had not just broken away but had emerged as the leader of these traitors.

Thackeray shared an anecdote about how a few MPs had skipped a crucial parliamentary meeting in Delhi under false pretences. He recounted a phone call from Yavatmal MP Sanjay Deshmukh, who claimed he had to stay back to arrange his daughter's marriage alliance.

He added that he had no idea that he was not fixing his daughter's alliance, but was instead bargaining to increase his own market value, using sharp language to call out Ashtikar and the other defectors.

He described the rebels as "wolves, foxes, and donkeys wearing tigers' skins" whom the party had affectionately placed on its shoulders.

Thackeray questioned the political logic behind the six MPs joining Eknath Shinde's faction, which he repeatedly mocked as the subservient Sena, rather than directly merging with the BJP. He reiterated a deeper conspiracy within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) targeted at Maharashtra's leadership.

Thackeray sought to boost his cadre's morale, asserting that the poaching of a few lawmakers cannot extinguish the real spirit of Shiv Sena.

Dismissing the narrative that his party has been weakened by splits, Thackeray declared that elected representatives are transient, whereas the true foundation of Shiv Sena lies in its fiercely loyal grassroots workers.

Targeting the rebel MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar from Hingoli, who defected, Thackeray expressed deep betrayal. He said that many thought that poaching two or five MPs, or a handful of MLAs, meant the Shiv Sena was finished, but they did not understand that lawmakers were separate from hardcore Shiv Sainiks.

He added that betrayal occurred twice in Hingoli, and that the former MP left but had to enter through the back door. He questioned how they would face the public to seek votes now, adding that they had brought shame upon themselves.

Apologising to the voters for backing candidates who later switched sides, Thackeray called them "donkeys and jackals masquerading in lions' skin" and added that their actions showed "treachery is in their blood." Thackeray levelled specific, severe allegations against current Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, labelling him the "traitor of traitors."

He recounted a behind-the-scenes incident from a parliamentary party meeting, saying that he had called a meeting of their MPs and that three were physically present at his residence while others joined online, including an MP from Yavatmal.

He added that the previous day he had called him, saying he could not come because suitors were visiting to see his daughter for a marriage alliance, but little did he know they were not fixing his daughter's alliance; they were negotiating his own price tag while assuring him they were with him.

He also accused defecting leaders of switching loyalties solely to secure political tickets and futures for their children, throwing the BJP's "nepotism" (Gharanashahi) allegations right back at the Shinde camp.

Shifting focus to public issues, the former Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of current ruling leaders and the misery of ordinary citizens.

Thackeray slammed ministers for flying in chartered planes while farmers in Marathwada struggle to gather money to buy seeds and fertilisers. He raised concerns over the Shaktipeeth Highway project, highlighting the displacement of local landowners.

He took the government to task over the recent paper leak scandals in the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) and NEET examinations, accusing the ruling combine of being obsessed with power politics while neglecting students' futures.

Concluding his address, Thackeray urged the people of Hingoli and Marathwada to create history in the upcoming elections by electing loyal leaders.

He rallied the Shiv Sainiks, saying the traitors were gone, but the hardcore Shiv Sainiks were with them, and urged them to take charge of their regions and show that loyalty could not be bought with money.&nbsp;
--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81219/uddhav-thackeray-claims-operation-devendra-not-tiger-behind-mp-defections.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan; Tremors Felt Across North India]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hit Afghanistan on Saturday evening, with strong tremors felt in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and several other North Indian states. 

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the nodal agency of the Indian government for monitoring earthquake activity, the epicentre of the earthquake was in Afghanistan, and its magnitude was 6.2 on the Richter scale. It also mentioned that the earthquake struck at 7:04 p.m. (local time).

"Earthquake of magnitude 6.2, June 27, 19:04:51 IST, Lat: 36.442 N, Long: 70.672 E, Depth: 215 Km, Location: Afghanistan," it wrote in a post on social media platform X.

In April, a similar earthquake of magnitude 5.5 had hit the HinduKush region in Afghanistan, sending tremors across Pakistan's Islamabad, Peshawar, and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to local media reports.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 199 km and measured 5.5 in magnitude, reports leading Pakistani media outlet Geo TV.

Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan and Chitral felt tremors, while residents of Rawalpindi experienced severe tremors, the media report said.

The report also highlighted that there was a similar incident in April in which an earthquake of 6.1-magnitude hit Islamabad, parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This earthquake originated in Afghanistan's HinduKush region at a depth of 190km, according to the PMD. The report also mentioned the cities Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad and Skardu also experienced tremors.

It also mentioned that there was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in February this year, which jolted Islamabad, Swat, and Hunza.

In the same month, earthquake tremors were also felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, with its epicentre in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.

According to the information shared by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, that earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale.

Meanwhile, hundreds have reportedly been killed in twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.

India on Friday launched 'Operation Amistad' to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, dispatching two Indian Air Force (IAF) planes carrying a field hospital unit and more than 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81218/62magnitude-earthquake-hits-afghanistan-tremors-felt-across-north-india.html</link>
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