Shillong, Nov 12 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said teachers would play a decisive role in shaping the future of the state's young generation, as he handed over appointment letters to 213 newly selected Assistant Professors and Lecturers for government colleges.

Addressing the newly appointed teachers at a programme held at the State Convention Centre here, the Chief Minister said the appointments were not merely an administrative exercise but an important investment in the long-term future of higher education in Meghalaya.

“The classrooms you are about to enter will shape the next generation of Meghalaya's young people,” Sangma said, expressing confidence that the newly appointed faculty members would discharge their responsibilities with dedication and integrity.

He said teachers form the backbone of educational institutions and strengthening the faculty base was crucial for improving the quality of higher education across the state.

Sangma said his government would continue to invest in human capital and institutions while pursuing reforms to transform the education sector.

“Through these appointments, the government is not merely filling vacancies but investing in the long-term academic development of our institutions and expanding educational opportunities for our youth,” he said.

The Chief Minister also urged the teachers to remain patient and empathetic towards students while carrying out their responsibilities.

Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and senior officials of the Education Department were present at the programme. The recruitment process for Assistant Professors and Lecturers in government colleges was conducted by the Meghalaya Education Recruitment Board (MERB).

A total of 3,185 applications were received, with 213 candidates selected through a process involving eligibility-based shortlisting under UGC regulations and personal interviews.

The newly recruited faculty members will be deployed to address vacancies, expand academic disciplines and strengthen newly established government colleges across the state.

Among the institutions set to benefit are Kiang Nangbah Government College in Jowai, Tura Government College, Sohra Government College, Williamnagar Government College and Capt. Williamson Sangma Memorial Government College in Baghmara.

The appointments will also support the introduction of new Science, Commerce and Arts streams in select institutions and strengthen newer colleges in Rongjeng, Patharkhmah, Mawphlang and Mahendraganj.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Making a scathing attack on main Opposition Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the previous Congress-led government of selectively invoking the Constitution while claiming ownership over democratic values.

"Nowadays, some people pull out the Constitution as if it is tucked away in their pockets and democracy is their personal property," PM Modi said, alleging that such leaders remain "intoxicated by power".

Recalling his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister, the Prime Minister claimed that a government-affiliated institution named after a former Prime Minister had once ranked Gujarat as the country's best-performing state.

However, he alleged that the then Central government intervened and directed the organisation to seek prior approval before publishing such reports.

"The government told them, 'This will not do. You must obtain our approval before publishing any such report," PM Modi said.

Questioning the Opposition's commitment to democratic principles, the Prime Minister said, "These are the very people who now lecture us on democracy."

He also criticised what he described as the lingering mindset of some opposition leaders, saying their attachment to power remained evident even after leaving office.

"Even when they (opposition leaders) are not in power, they behave this way. It is a strange kind of intoxication with power," the Prime Minister said.

Shifting focus to agriculture, PM Modi said that reducing the financial burden on farmers continues to be a key priority for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government.

He highlighted the Centre's substantial spending on fertiliser subsidies, saying that nearly Rs 16 lakh crore has been allocated to ensure affordable fertilisers for cultivators.

He noted that while a bag of urea costs around Rs 3,000 in international markets, it is made available to Indian farmers for less than Rs 300.

Highlighting progress in the farm and allied sectors, PM Modi said India has emerged as the world's largest milk producer as a result of the White Revolution.

He added that over the past decade, milk production has increased by 70 per cent, egg production by 90 per cent and honey production from around 80,000 tonnes to 1.5 lakh tonnes.

The Prime Minister also said that India is now the second-largest producer of wheat, cotton, vegetables and fish globally.

These achievements, he added, underscore the contribution, resilience and productivity of Indian farmers.

Emphasising the importance of allied agricultural activities, PM Modi said that horticulture production has also registered significant growth, rising from about 280 million tonnes to more than 350 million tonnes, alongside the sharp increase in honey output.

He added that these gains reflect the growing strength and diversification of India's agricultural economy.

He noted that agricultural scientists are developing equipment that reduces the cost of cultivation and makes tasks such as sowing and harvesting easier.

The Union government's larger objective, PM Modi said, is to transform 'annadatas' (food providers) into 'krishi udyamis' (agricultural entrepreneurs).

Work is already underway to promote value addition at the source of production so that farmers can earn more from their produce, the Prime Minister added.

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 12 (IANS) The United States and Japan on Thursday outlined plans to expand cooperation on seabed minerals, including rare-earth deposits, processing capacity and exploration technology, as they seek to strengthen supplies considered essential to their economies and national security.

A joint statement released by the US State Department set out priorities ranging from commercial partnerships and joint research to regulatory exchanges and safeguards for sensitive technology. It followed meetings of a bilateral working group in Toyama, Japan, on November 11 and 12.

The talks covered Japan’s rare-earth mud project near Minamitorishima Island and its polymetallic nodules project. Government officials, industry representatives, researchers and technical experts participated in the expanded engagement, the statement said.

“The two governments recognise the potential for responsible seabed mineral resource development to diversify critical mineral supplies, create new commercial opportunities, and support the two countries’ industrial bases,” it said.

The announcement laid out areas for future cooperation.

A central priority is securing processing capacity among trusted partners to reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.

The statement identified the protection of sensitive technologies and proprietary information as another priority. It did not name particular technologies or companies that would fall within those safeguards.

On research, the two countries plan to exchange information on deep-sea exploration, seabed mapping and resource assessment. Their cooperation would also cover environmental assessments, measures to reduce environmental impacts, monitoring and technological innovation.

The announcement pairs that investment objective with cooperation on environmental mitigation and monitoring. It does not announce new regulatory approvals for either of the Japanese projects discussed at the working-group meeting.

The two sides also intend to seek additional partnerships for seabed mineral development. No additional partner countries were identified in the statement.

The governments said they would coordinate across agencies and draw on their scientific, technological, industrial, diplomatic and financial capabilities.

--IANS

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Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 12 (IANS) YSR Congress Party leader and former minister Gudivada Amarnath slammed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for turning investment summits into taxpayer-funded publicity events, recycling massive investment figures without delivering actual investments or jobs.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP Central Office here, Amarnath said Naidu had announced ₹23 lakh crore in investments and 40 lakh jobs during 2014–19, but barely 1–2% materialised.

After announcing ₹12 lakh crore in MoUs at the November 2025 summit, the government is again projecting ₹12 lakh crore in investments and 20 lakh jobs at the current summit, he said.

He challenged the government to release documentary evidence showing how many agreements signed in 2025 were grounded, how many companies commenced production and how many jobs were created.

He demanded that company-wise employment details be displayed at every village and ward secretariat, questioning the coalition’s unfulfilled promise of 20 lakh jobs in five years.

Amarnath said the government was claiming credit for projects initiated and developed during Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, including Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta and Machilipatnam ports, Bhogapuram International Airport, ten fishing harbours and fish landing centres.

He highlighted Jagan’s contribution to securing three industrial corridors and Andhra Pradesh’s top rankings in Ease of Doing Business, contrasting this record with unemployment exceeding the national average.

He further charged that over 3,000 acres of valuable Visakhapatnam land, worth ₹25,000–30,000 crore, had been handed over to obscure real estate companies at just 99 paise, without generating investment or employment.

Amarnath condemned the government’s extravagant spending on publicity, event management and social-media influencers, even during natural disasters, and demanded transparency over investment commitments, land allocations and actual job creation.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders Devinen Avinash, Malladi Vishnu and Dodda Anji Reddy lodged a complaint with Vijayawada Cyber Crime Police, submitting evidence of derogatory and abusive remarks made against women and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family during a Jana Sena-linked X Space discussion. They demanded immediate action against those responsible.

YSRCP NTR District President Devineni Avinash challenged Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan and Nara Lokesh to confront YS Jagan politically instead of targeting his family. Questioning their claims about women’s safety, he demanded action against party workers abusing women online.

Former MLA Malladi Vishnu said the complaint contained account details, timestamps, phone numbers and evidence identifying the participants. He demanded police action within 24 hours, warning of a statewide protest programme otherwise.

He recalled YS Jagan’s directive against discussing political opponents’ personal lives and criticised the government for failing to protect women and students while targeting opposition social media posts.

--IANS

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Turin, Nov 12 (IANS) World No.1 Alexander Zverev and second seed Carlos Alcaraz learned their group-stage opponents for the 2026 ATP Finals after the draw was announced in Turin on Thursday.

Two-time champion Zverev has been placed in the John McEnroe Group alongside American Ben Shelton, France's Arthur Fils and Spain's Rafael Jodar.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, will headline the Ivan Lendl Group, which features Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Italy's Flavio Cobolli and American Frances Tiafoe.

The season-ending tournament will be held at the Inalpi Arena from November 15 to 22, with eight players competing in each group for a place in the semifinals.

Zverev, who won the ATP Finals title in 2018 and 2021, will be aiming to add a third trophy to his collection. The German will face a competitive challenge from Shelton, Fils and Jodar in the group stage.

Alcaraz will be looking to win the prestigious season-ending title for the first time. The Spaniard is making his fourth appearance at the tournament, having reached the final last year.

The 23-year-old heads into the competition in impressive form after winning titles in Paris, Vienna and Tokyo following his return from injury at the US Open.

Former champion Medvedev, who won the title in 2020, will be among Alcaraz's main challengers in the Ivan Lendl Group. Cobolli will lead Italy's challenge at the home tournament in the absence of Jannik Sinner, who has withdrawn due to injury.

Shelton will be making his second appearance at the season-ending event, while Fils, Tiafoe, Cobolli and Jodar will make their debuts.

The doubles draw was also announced on Thursday, with defending champions Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten leading the Todd Woodbridge Group. The ATP Finals play starts on Sunday at the Inalpi Arena, and the eight-man field will be cut to four for the semi-finals on Saturday, November 21. The final is on Sunday, November 22.

--IANS

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New Delhi/Bengaluru, Nov 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, the residential headquarters campus of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) in Bengaluru.

On this occasion, he will lay the foundation stone of the Golden Jubilee Administrative Block and launch the S-VYASA Off-Campus at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the official statement from the PMO said on Thursday.

Being held from 13 to 23 November 2026 on the theme ‘Towards Viksit Bharat 2047’, the Golden Jubilee celebration marks five decades of institution-building and service.

Established in 1975, Prashanti Kutiram was founded with the objective of integrating modern science with India's spiritual wisdom. It is home to S-VYASA, which was declared a Deemed-to-be University in 2002 and is dedicated to education and research in Yoga.

The programme will also commemorate the birth centenary of Shri Hongasandra Venkataramaiah Sheshadri Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and organiser born in Bengaluru in 1926. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1946 and served as its Sarkaryavah from 1987 to 2000.

He was among the visionaries behind S-VYASA, and his inspiration and guidance played an important role in shaping the growth of Prashanti Kutiram and advancing the institution’s mission over the decades.

Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, lay the foundation stone and flag off various development projects worth over Rs 15,600 crore in Bengaluru. These projects span key sectors including urban mobility, power transmission, renewable energy, petroleum infrastructure, waste management and railways.

Prime Minister will inaugurate Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, developed at a cost of around Rs 3,470 crore. The new stretch will enhance urban connectivity, ease daily commuting, reduce travel time and strengthen public transport facilities in Bengaluru.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Transmission Scheme for Integration of Renewable Energy Zones (Phase-II) in Koppal-II and Gadag-II, developed at an investment of around Rs 4,450 crore. The transmission system will facilitate the evacuation of approximately 2 GW of renewable energy potential from the Koppal and Gadag regions of Karnataka for onward transmission and distribution to beneficiaries across the grid.

He will also inaugurate the Transmission Scheme for the Solar Energy Zone in Bidar, developed at an investment of around Rs 1,370 crore. The project involves the establishment of a Bidar Pooling Station and will facilitate the evacuation of 2.5 GW of solar power from the region.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Transmission Scheme for Integration of Davanagere/Chitradurga and Ballari Renewable Energy Zones, at an investment of over Rs 3,450 crore.

He will also lay the foundation stone of the Transmission System Strengthening project for Integration of Additional Renewable Energy Potential at Davanagere and Ballari, at an investment of over Rs 1,100 crore.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation India's largest underground LPG storage cavern in Mangaluru, constructed at a cost of over Rs 850 crore. With a storage capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes, the facility will significantly strengthen India's LPG storage infrastructure.

The project also includes a 9.4 km LPG pipeline connecting New Mangalore Port to the main terminal, facilitating efficient transportation and storage of LPG. Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the Devangonthi Marketing Terminal of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), Bengaluru. Built at an investment of Rs 330 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will strengthen petroleum product storage and distribution infrastructure in Karnataka.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of GAIL's Compressed Biogas Plant at Haralakunte, Bengaluru. The plant will process approximately 300 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily to produce 12.6 tonnes of clean Compressed Biogas (CBG). The project will promote scientific waste management, reduce dependence on conventional fuels and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Prime Minister will inaugurate four redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme - Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road. The redeveloped stations will offer improved passenger amenities and serve as city centres, promoting local commercial activities and tourism in the region.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the 45 km Bagalkot-Wandal railway line doubling section, forming part of the 284 km Gadag-Hospet Doubling Project. The section will improve passenger and freight movement, support local trade and facilitate coal supply to the Kudgi NTPC plant.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the electrification of the 55 km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat railway section. Passing through one of India's most challenging railway terrains, the project marks a significant engineering achievement. With its completion, the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru rail route is now fully electrified.

Prime Minister will flag off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, providing faster and modern rail connectivity between Bengaluru, Coastal Karnataka and Goa. The service will connect key destinations including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar before reaching Madgaon, benefiting passengers and boosting tourism in the region.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, marking a significant advancement in planetarium technology and astronomy education in the country. Built by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), COSMOS-Mysuru is the first LED Dome planetarium in India. Envisaged as an astronomy education and training centre, it is located on the campus of the University of Mysore at the foothills of Chamundi Hills.

The state-of-the-art facility features a 15-metre tilted dome comprising around 6,150 panels with 4.2 crore individual LEDs. Unlike conventional planetariums that use projectors to display images on a passive dome, its LED panels can be controlled in real time, offering an immersive visual experience and new possibilities for astronomy education.

The Sky Theatre will showcase professionally produced astronomy programmes, along with an in-house film exploring the connection between the history of Mysuru and astronomy. The shows will be available in Kannada, English and Hindi. The centre will also house exhibition halls, a museum featuring astronomy models and artefacts, a lecture hall, a training centre and interactive outdoor exhibits.

The centre's activities will complement the Indian Institute of Astrophysics' research, operation of multi-wavelength telescope facilities across India and in space, development of future astronomical facilities and national-level outreach programmes.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Nov 12 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is translating investment commitments made during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit into projects on the ground, as the state steps up its push to emerge as a major industrial and investment destination in the Northeast.

The Chief Minister added that nearly Rs 3 lakh crore worth of investments announced at the summit are already taking shape across Assam.

In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma said he had recently inaugurated an eco-friendly AAC blocks manufacturing unit in Tinsukia, describing it as another step towards delivering on the commitments made during Advantage Assam 2.0.

"We are turning every announcement at #AdvantageAssam 2.0 into reality," the Chief Minister said, adding that the new industrial unit reflected the state government's focus on converting investment proposals into operational projects.

The Assam government has been aggressively pursuing an industry-led growth strategy, positioning the state as a gateway to the Northeast and a key investment destination in eastern India.

The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, organised earlier this year, was a major part of this strategy, with the state government seeking investments across sectors ranging from infrastructure, energy and manufacturing to technology, tourism and agriculture.

The state government has also highlighted improvements in connectivity, industrial infrastructure and the overall business environment as key factors driving investor interest in Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly said that the focus is not limited to attracting investment announcements but on ensuring their implementation and creating employment opportunities for the state's youth.

The latest project in Tinsukia also underlines the state government's efforts to expand industrial activity beyond Guwahati and other traditional urban centres, taking new manufacturing and investment opportunities to different parts of the state.

The state government has in recent years rolled out several initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business and attracting both domestic and global investors.

With investment proposals now moving towards implementation, the Assam government is seeking to demonstrate that the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit was not merely a platform for signing agreements, but a roadmap for accelerating industrialisation, generating jobs and strengthening the state's economy.

--IANS

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Dhaka, Nov 12 (IANS) As Bangladesh grapples with an unprecedented measles outbreak, four more children died from symptoms of the disease on Thursday, pushing the death toll to 1,299 in 2026, local media reported.

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

The latest four fatalities from the disease were identified as suspected, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.

Reports suggest that while the number of confirmed deaths remained at 105, the total number of suspected deaths climbed to 1,194.

The DGHS recorded a total of 1,384 new suspected measles cases during the 24-hour period, bringing the overall tally of suspected cases to 244,291

Additionally, 157 new confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total to 24,880 during the same period.

Last month, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the measles "epidemic" was the result of “state negligence” and the collapse of the decades-old immunisation system.

Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, Hasina accused the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration of disrupting vaccine procurement through its political and administrative decisions, leading to a considerable immunisation gap.

She alleged that Bangladesh’s measles-rubella vaccine stocks were exhausted in March 2026, followed by a sharp decline in vaccination coverage. She also claimed that the authorities failed to launch a supplementary vaccination campaign at the scheduled time.

Hasina further criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman-led BNP government, alleging that the authorities failed to take adequate action after the severity of the outbreak became evident

“More than one thousand children dying from a preventable disease is not an ordinary administrative failure,” she added.

The former Prime Minister called for uninterrupted vaccine supplies, targeted immunisation campaigns for vulnerable communities, real-time disease monitoring, expanded paediatric healthcare facilities and an independent probe into the alleged procurement and vaccination failures.

Furthermore, Be-nazir Ahmed, former director of disease control at DGHS, said last month that despite Bangladesh reinstating vaccine procurement through UNICEF in April, followed by an emergency vaccination drive, the epidemic is unlikely to be quickly contained given the speed of transmission, Bangladesh's leading newspaper ‘The Daily Star’ reported.

--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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Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) One of the most bankable actresses in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt has always had a clear picture of her future, and her throwback appearance on the popular chat show, 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai’, is proof.

When an 8-year-old Alia accompanied her parents, Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt, and her sisters Pooja and Shaheen Bhatt, the filmmaker had introduced her youngest daughter, saying, "Alia is aspiring to be an actress.” Next, Pooja gives an introduction for Shaheen, saying, “I am sure she is not remotely interested in being an actress."

Confirming the same, Shaheen said, “Not at all”. When host Suresh Oberoi asked Shaheen if she wished to become a director, just like her dad Mahesh Bhatt, the little one said she wanted to become a writer.

Pooja added that Alia is deeply interested in the film industry. When Suresh Oberoi again asked Alia what she wanted to become, Alia said, “Actress banungi”.

It must be interesting to know that both Alia and Shaheen became what they had then said during the show.

Alia made her Bollywood debut in 2012 with Karan Johar's ‘Student of the Year’. The project also marked the primary project for her co-stars Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra.

Ever since then, Alia has been continuously proving her mettle as an actor with some powerful performances in movies such as 'Highway (2014)', '2 States (2014)', 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)', 'Kapoor & Sons (2016)', 'Dear Zindagi (2016)', 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017)', 'Raazi (2018)', 'Gully Boy (2019)', 'Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)', 'RRR (2022)', 'Darlings (2022)', 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)' and 'Alpha (2026)', along with others.

Alia will next be seen sharing screen space with husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming love saga, 'Love & War'.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Nov 12 (IANS) The late actor Patrick Stewart‘s wife, Sunny Ozell, has paid an emotional tribute to the actor 2 weeks after his death at age 86.

On Wednesday, Ozell, 47, took to her Instagram, and shared a black-and-white photo of her with her late husband.

She also penned a long note in the caption, “Today marks two weeks since Patrick passed, and the grief continues to come in waves. But I’ve also been experiencing such deep, profound gratitude”.

She further mentioned, “We left nothing unsaid. He knew I loved him, and I know he loved me. Patrick and I truly, authentically saw one another, and we amplified each other’s best qualities. We shared nearly two decades together, and we filled those years with so much living”.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the public response to Patrick’s death, and while I’m not at all surprised that he touched so many, I’m sincerely moved by the outpouring of sadness and loss. Thank you all for your condolences, they mean so, so much to me. My heart had to grow to contain my love for Patrick, and he changed me for the better, forever”, she added.

The veteran English actor passed away at the age of 96 at his Los Angeles home on October 30. The “Star Trek” and “X-Men” star was surrounded by family and friends in his final moments.

His estate took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared the news. They wrote, “We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace”.

They further mentioned, “A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning 6 decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television”.

The actor is survived by his third wife, singer Sunny Ozell and Daniel and Sophia, children from his first marriage from actor Sheila Falconer.

Patrick Stewart's last cinematic appearance will be Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to be released in India on December 17, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Director Haris Imtiyaz Khan, who is gearing up for his upcoming film 'Kaali Kheti', has shared that he envisioned the parts of Jackie Shroff and Sharad Kelkar by keeping them in mind.

The director spoke with IANS along with Jackie Shroff and Sharad Kelkar in the Andheri West area of Mumbai during the promotions of the film. He said that he considers himself extremely lucky that both actors agreed to their parts in the film.

He told IANS, “When I envisioned the characters, I envisioned them and my characters. I got lucky that these guys liked it when I narrated the script, they immediately said yes to it”.

‘Kaali Kheti’ is a horror film in a rural setting, and sees Jackie Shroff toying around with full-fledged horror for the first time.

When asked about the origin of the story, the director said, “The germ of the story, the germ of the story was that I wanted a very basic idea of a film, the main idea, the concept of the film, I cannot tell you like the soul of the film and whatever happens in the film happens in the film and, but so yeah that was mainly how it came about”.

The film explores a chilling folklore-inspired narrative where a village finds itself under the shadow of an ominous force, turning the very land that sustains life into a source of fear. With its intriguing premise and atmospheric storytelling, ‘Kaali Kheti’ promises to bring a fresh and unexplored dimension to the horror genre.

Written and directed by Haris Imtiyaz Khan and produced by Sana Khan under the banner of BlackCanvas Studio, ‘Kaali Kheti’ is set to release in cinemas on November 20, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Actor and singer Ayushmann Khurrana opened up about the significant role music has played in shaping his journey as an artist during his appearance on the sets of “Indian Idol Legends Return.”

He also praised the contestants for their growth, passion, and dedication, recalling how he had followed many of them since their early audition days. Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, music composer and Superstar Judge Himesh Reshammiya, Ayushmann, and actress Sharvari came together on the sets of Indian Idol Legends Return. The gathering also saw the team share insights into their upcoming film “Yeh Prem Mol Liya.”

Ayushmann, who has also explored music as a singer during his career, said the show offered him an opportunity to witness the growth of contestants he had followed since their early auditions.

He said, “Being on the sets of Indian Idol Legends Return was deeply special because music has been an important part of my own journey as an artist. Hindi cinema has always used music to express emotions, shape memories and bring stories closer to audiences, and platforms like Indian Idol play an important role in keeping that connection alive while allowing singers to be heard.”

“Having followed many of these artists from their early auditions, it was inspiring to see them with greater confidence, individuality and experience. Watching them sing, compete and support one another was a different kind of experience; their passion was infectious, and their constant desire to learn and grow was truly uplifting. It was also wonderful to be here with Sharvari and Sooraj sir to share Yeh Prem Mol Liya, a film where music and emotion are at its heart.”

Sharvari also spoke about her experience on the show, highlighting how inspiring it was to see the contestants return to the stage with renewed confidence and individuality.

She said, “Being a part of Indian Idol Legends Return was such a refreshing experience for me. What stayed with me was seeing artists who had once stepped onto this stage as aspiring singers now return with a completely different sense of confidence and identity. As someone from a younger generation of performers, it was inspiring to see how their journeys have evolved and how they have continued to find their own space in the music industry. I loved watching them bring their individual personalities to their performances instead of trying to recreate the past.”

“For me, that is what makes Indian Idol: Legends Return so special; it celebrates where these artists began while also showing us how far they have come. It was also wonderful to be here with Sooraj sir and Ayushmann to talk about our upcoming film, Yeh Prem Mol Liya. The film is a very special story for all of us, and being able to share a glimpse of what audiences can look forward to while celebrating the magic of music on Indian Idol made the experience even more memorable.”

Reflecting on the experience, Sooraj stated, “Indian Idol Legends Return was especially meaningful because music has always been central to the way I tell stories. A powerful voice can express an emotion, create a memory and often say what words cannot. Watching these artists return to the stage was wonderful; they brought back the voices audiences remember, along with the confidence, maturity and experiences they have gathered since their time on the show.”

“It was beautiful to see them revisit their roots while creating something new. I was equally delighted to be here with Sharvari and Ayushmann to introduce Yeh Prem Mol Liya. With Himeshji being the judge on the show, he is also the creator of music for my film - it was truly special. Music and emotion are integral to our film, and Indian Idol felt like the perfect platform to share a glimpse of the world we have created and invite audiences to experience it with us.”

Himesh, meanwhile, expressed his enthusiasm for the film and its music through a social media post. He praised Barjatya's work and the performances of the cast. Sharing a picture from the sets, he wrote, ”Jai MATADI Let’s Rock Yeh Prem Mol Liya , what an outstanding movie #sooraj Ji has made , genuinely promising you a movie which you will love and cherish and every performance in the movie is mindblowing @ayushmannk @sharvari are just fabbbbb and the entire cast and every department are in full form , and special thanks to everyone for making the music of Yeh Prem mol Liya into an epic blockbuster hit before release which is so rare Grateful To God and this pic ( courtesy @sharvari ) is from the sets of our blockbuster hit show Indian idol where the cast of Yeh Prem Mol liya and the super legend #soorajji were v happy to promote yeh Prem mol Liya where the fab singers from the show performed to yeh Prem mol Liya songs brilliantly and they also performed to other super hit songs , this weeks episode is Yeh Prem mol Liya special and it’s epic , what an episode , historic vibe” (sic)

The romantic family drama “Yeh Prem Mol Liya” is directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya and is scheduled for theatrical release on 27 November.

--IANS

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