Washington/New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) The recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India reflected a more mature phase in relations between New Delhi and Washington, where strategic convergence continues alongside open discussions on trade frictions, differing geopolitical priorities, and ambiguity regarding American consistency, a report has stated.

In parallel, it also underscored the Quad's evolution from a primarily diplomatic signalling platform into an operational framework aimed at strengthening resilience in an era of fractured globalisation. The key challenge for the Quad lies in strengthening sustainability while ensuring strategic coherence among member nations, former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao wrote in India Narrative.

According to the expert, Rubio’s visit to India from May 23-26 was a “restrained affair”, but one that carried its own significance. The visit, she said, could be viewed as an exercise in strategic reassurance amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

“In diplomacy, timing matters. Rubio arrived in India just days after President Donald Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, a meeting that produced language about a ‘constructive relationship of strategic stability’ between the US and China. Simultaneously, the continuing conflict involving Iran and the resulting instability in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz have brought energy security and maritime vulnerability to the forefront of global politics,” Rao detailed.

All these developments, the former Indian diplomat said, served as a multi-layered backdrop to Rubio’s Delhi visit and to the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on May 26.

“The bilateral leg of the visit was plainly designed to reassure New Delhi. Rubio repeatedly described India as central to America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and called the Quad a cornerstone of regional stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation to visit Washington. Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar reviewed the now-familiar agenda of trade, defence, critical technologies, semiconductors, AI, energy, nuclear cooperation and mobility. The atmospherics were good, although reassurance is not reset,” she highlighted.

Rubio’s Delhi visit, therefore, the seasoned diplomat said, was aimed at two objectives: reaffirming the importance of the India-US partnership and, at the same time, assuring the broader Indo-Pacific that ties with China would not come at the cost of regional engagements.

Emphasising the Quad’s significance, Rao said that the official statement released after the Delhi meeting of the four foreign ministers pointed to a grouping that is increasingly operational, geo-economic, and systemic in its approach.

She further highlighted that Quad’s agenda is currently explicitly based on four pillars: “maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response.”

Highlighting India's longstanding preference for flexible strategic coalitions over rigid alliances, Rao said, "A Quad focused on energy security, maritime awareness, critical minerals, infrastructure and technological resilience aligns far more naturally with Indian strategic culture than an overtly militarised bloc would.”

--IANS

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Chennai, May 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan on Thursday strongly asserted that the rights of the state would never be compromised under the newly formed TVK-led government, amid a political controversy over the authority to appoint Vice Chancellors to state-run universities.

The Minister’s clarification came a day after his remarks in Madurai triggered sharp reactions from several political parties, including the DMK, the VCK, the CPI, and the PMK.

During an interaction on Wednesday, Viswanathan had reportedly said that the new government was not bound to continue every policy introduced by the previous administration, particularly those related to the Chief Minister functioning as Chancellor of universities.

His statement sparked criticism from opposition parties and alliance leaders, who accused the government of diluting Tamil Nadu’s long-standing stand on protecting states' autonomy in higher education matters.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Viswanathan clarified that his comments had been misunderstood and reiterated that safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s rights remained a top priority for the government.

"Our stand is very clear. The rights of the state are of utmost importance. As an MLA, as a Minister, and as a citizen of Tamil Nadu, I can assertively state that we will not compromise on this," he said.

He further stated that the government remained committed to protecting the rights and interests of every citizen of Tamil Nadu and stressed that there was no intention to surrender any constitutional or administrative powers of the state.

Explaining his earlier remarks, the Minister said the final decision on the issue would be taken by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, after consultations with officials of the Higher Education Department and Cabinet colleagues.

"The Chief Minister will take a final call after detailed discussions with the department and other Ministers. What I made was only a general comment and not a response in any specific context," he said.

The controversy centres around the power to appoint Vice Chancellors in State universities. During the previous DMK regime, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed amendments to various university Acts transferring the authority to appoint Vice Chancellors from the Governor to the Chief Minister, a move projected as part of the state’s larger fight for federal rights and autonomy.

"We are a new government. I do not want to go into the details of the issue now, but neither the Congress nor the TVK will ever surrender the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu," Viswanathan added.

--IANS

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Vadodara, May 28 (IANS) Thousands of families in Vadodara are seeing their dream of owning a house come true under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed happiness and gratitude after moving into their own houses.

Interacting with IANS, they said the housing initiative has brought major changes to their lives and provided them with security, dignity, and stability. The quality of life of beneficiaries has improved significantly.

People who earlier did not have permanent homes said they are now living safely in their own houses because of the government scheme. Many beneficiaries shared that due to weak financial conditions, buying or building a house had always seemed impossible. However, financial assistance provided under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana helped them fulfil their long-awaited dream.

Bhavan Joshi, one of the beneficiaries, said the scheme gave his family a sense of relief and confidence for the future. He said owning a permanent house has improved their quality of life and reduced many daily struggles.

Another beneficiary, Falguni Joshi, said the scheme has brought happiness and security to her family. She stated that earlier, they faced uncertainty regarding housing, but now they are able to live with respect in their own home.

Vijay Mistry, who also received benefits under the scheme, praised the government for supporting economically weaker families. He said many poor families who could never imagine owning a house are now becoming homeowners because of the initiative.

Dr. Satish Priyadarshi, another beneficiary, described the housing scheme as a major support system for middle and lower-income families. He said the scheme has positively impacted the lives of many people in Vadodara and provided them with better living conditions.

The beneficiaries also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12 years in office and extended their best wishes to him. They said several welfare schemes introduced during his tenure have directly benefited common people, especially the poor and economically weaker sections of society.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the Centre’s preparations for kharif crops are in full swing and 'Team Agriculture' is giving top priority to enhancing production for achieving self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.

Addressing a press conference on Kharif Conclave-2026 at Pusa Complex here, the minister said that the government was focused on ensuring food security in the country, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and providing nutritious food to the countrymen.

State Agriculture Ministers, scientists, and senior officials from across the country are attending the conclave. Representatives from ICAR, states and UTs will also participate in the important brainstorming.

"Preparations for the kharif season will be discussed and reviewed in detail for two days. Our objective is that farmers get better planning, better technology and better support," the minister observed.

Chouhan noted that agriculture is a state subject, but better results come from the states only, while the Central government plays a supporting role.

He informed that extensive discussions are being held in the conclave on the preparation of kharif and rabi crops, availability of suitable seeds for sowing and effective delivery of agriculture missions to the ground. The Agriculture Minister informed that prior to the conference, virtual meetings were held with the states to discuss various topics in detail. Taking a cue from these discussions, the states are participating in the conclave with their preparations.

Separate missions have been created for pulses and oilseeds, he said. Detailed discussions will be held on better seeds, increasing the seed replacement rate, demonstration and processing arrangements with the states. Integrated Development of Horticulture and Cotton Mission will also be discussed at the conclave.

Terming climate change a major challenge for agriculture, the Union Agriculture Minister said that due to changing weather and erratic rainfall, the farming conditions are changing rapidly. The heat is constantly increasing. At times, there is excessive rain at once, and then there are long intervals. Necessary steps to keep farming safe and sustainable in such an environment will also be discussed. He informed that the conclave will have a special focus on topics like natural farming, soil health card and balanced use of fertilisers.

He highlighted that due to the hard work of the farmers, the schemes of the Centre and the new seed varieties that have been developed, the country has broken all records of foodgrain production this time. The total estimated foodgrain production of the country has reached a record 3, 765.63 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, which is about 188 lakh tonnes more than last year.

India has set a new record in rice production. He said that rice production has reached 1,540.24 lakh tonnes and India is now number one in the world, surpassing China.

Chouhan said that the country has achieved great success not only in foodgrains, but also in oilseeds production. The expected oilseed production this year is estimated at 430.59 lakh tonnes, with groundnut production reaching 130.74 lakh tonnes and rapeseed-mustard production reaching 137.68 lakh tonnes, which is a record level. He said that pulses production has also registered an increase, and there is a possibility of further increase in production in the coming years.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 28 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Naxalism in the country had ended by March 31 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while asserting that the BJP government had brought major changes to India’s internal security situation over the past decade.

Speaking at the inauguration of new hostel facilities at Mata Umiya Dham in Ahmedabad, Shah said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had carried out “revolutionary transformation” in the field of national security alongside economic changes across the country.

“Economic transformation has taken place across the country, but there has also been a revolutionary transformation in national security,” Shah said.

Referring to internal security challenges, Shah stated that terrorism and Naxalism had both been tackled during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s tenure at the Centre.

“If we talk about internal security, terrorism and Naxalism have been eliminated under Narendra Modi’s leadership within a short span of 10 years,” he said.

The Union Home Minister further said that Naxalism, which he described as a long-standing challenge for the country, had already come to an end by March this year.

“Naxalism, which had become a festering problem for five decades, ended on March 31, 2026, under this BJP government,” Shah said during the address.

He made the remarks while highlighting the BJP-led government’s record on security and governance before an audience that included community leaders, students, donors, and political representatives.

During the speech, Shah also referred to developments in West Bengal and issues related to infiltration.

He said the Union Home Ministry had formed a Demographic Change Commission to study “unnatural demographic changes”, examine their causes and explore legal measures related to demographic shifts caused by infiltration.

The event marked the inauguration of J.S. Patel Hostel and the Tapasvi Kumar Arvindbhai Patel Girls’ Hostel at Mata Umiya Dham in Ahmedabad.

According to organisers, the two 13-storey hostel buildings have been constructed at a combined cost of more than Rs 170 crore and will accommodate around 1,600 students pursuing education in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

Shah was accompanied at the event by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, Rajkot MP Parshottam Rupala, state government ministers, and office-bearers of the Umiya Mata Sansthan.

The Home Minister concluded his address by congratulating the organisers and donors associated with the project and expressing hope that the institution’s remaining projects would be completed soon.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, May 28 (IANS) The Congress high command heaved a sigh of relief as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation on Thursday amid the intense leadership tussle in the state unit and is now hopeful of a smooth transition of power to Deputy Chief Minister and state party President D. K. Shivakumar, who is regarded as a devoted and go-getter leader for the party.

Following is a timeline of the political contest:

April 2023

The internal power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which later threatened serious consequences for the party, began during the peak of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election campaign after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that whoever secured the support of a majority of MLAs in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting would become the Chief Minister.

Shivakumar succeeded in consolidating the Vokkaliga vote bank in favour of the Congress by appealing openly to the community, stating that if they supported him, he stood a strong chance of becoming the Chief Minister. The repeated appeals worked in his favour, and the Congress managed to dent the Janata Dal-Secular’s traditional Vokkaliga support base in the Old Mysuru region.

Along with Siddaramaiah, who mobilised the AHINDA vote bank in favour of the Congress, the party secured a landslide victory by winning 136 Assembly seats.

May 13, 2023

Soon after the election results were announced on May 13, 2023, camps loyal to Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah began lobbying aggressively for the Chief Minister’s post. After multiple rounds of discussions, the Congress high command convinced Shivakumar to accept the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, while Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the Chief Minister on May 20, 2023.

Shivakumar was pacified with key portfolios. He was given charge of Bengaluru Development and Water Resources and was also allowed to continue as the state unit chief.

Shivakumar’s supporters claimed that a power-sharing agreement existed between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. However, Siddaramaiah categorically denied the existence of any such arrangement.

November 2024

The Siddaramaiah camp argued that if there was to be a change in leadership, a Dalit leader should be chosen as Chief Minister. Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur supported the demand.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s camp revived claims regarding the alleged power-sharing agreement and asserted that Shivakumar would eventually become the Chief Minister.

February 2025

In a move that triggered alarm within the Karnataka Congress, minister Rajanna, considered a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, declared that he was ready to become the state party chief, a post held by Shivakumar.

Around the same time, PWD Minister Jarkiholi reportedly met the party high command and reminded them of earlier discussions regarding replacing Shivakumar as state party chief.

March 2025:

Rajanna made an explosive statement in the Karnataka Assembly, claiming that 48 politicians, including central leaders, had fallen victim to honey-trap operations. The statement triggered a major political controversy, with demands for a high-level investigation. Rumours and political speculation indirectly pointed fingers at Shivakumar.

Responding sharply, Shivakumar launched a scathing attack on Rajanna and questioned why he should worry about honey trapping if he was not involved in it.

May 2025:

The Congress high command summoned both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to New Delhi and held marathon discussions amid growing tensions within the state unit.

June 29, 2025:

Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru and held extensive interactions with party MLAs to assess the government’s performance and address grievances amid the intensifying leadership tussle.

August 2025:

The internal conflict escalated further after Rajanna was dropped from the state Cabinet for allegedly contradicting Rahul Gandhi’s remarks regarding vote theft allegations. Rajanna indirectly suggested that Shivakumar was behind the move.

November 2025:

After Siddaramaiah completed two-and-a-half years in office, Shivakumar loyalists travelled to New Delhi and openly demanded a leadership change in Karnataka.

In response, the Siddaramaiah camp revived the proposal for a Dalit Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah initially declared that he would complete a full five-year term as Chief Minister, but later maintained that he would abide by the decision of the party high command.

April 29, 2026:

Speculation regarding a leadership change peaked ahead of Shivakumar’s 64th birthday on May 15, after Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain publicly predicted that the party high command would gift Shivakumar the Chief Minister’s post.

April 30, 2026:

While senior state leaders, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, publicly welcomed the possibility of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge taking over as Chief Minister, Kharge himself avoided responding directly to questions regarding the post.

May 26, 2026:

The Congress high command summoned Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to New Delhi, triggering fresh speculation regarding a leadership change. However, the party maintained that the discussions were related to the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.

After the meeting, Siddaramaiah returned to Bengaluru in a visibly sombre mood, while Shivakumar stayed back in Delhi.

May 28, 2026:

Siddaramaiah held a breakfast meeting with Cabinet ministers and later announced his decision to resign as Chief Minister. He subsequently reached Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor's aide.

--IANS

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Patna, May 28 (IANS) In a major crackdown linked to alleged irregularities in government tenders and money laundering, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has arrested a prominent Bihar-based contractor, Rishu Shree, after conducting an extensive raid at his residence in Patna.

According to sources, the search operation continued for nearly 15 hours and led to the recovery of assets and documents worth crores of rupees. The raid began on Wednesday.

During the raid, the SVU reportedly recovered diamond, gold, and silver jewellery worth nearly Rs 2 crore, cash amounting to approximately Rs 2.5 lakh, silver utensils, around 61 land deeds, multiple electronic devices, and several important documents related to financial transactions and property holdings.

An SVU official stated that the seized documents are currently being scrutinised and could reveal further details regarding the alleged scam network.

Investigators allege that the contractor manipulated government tender processes across multiple departments over a prolonged period.

According to SVU sources, government contracts were allegedly secured through favouritism and collusion.

Senior officials allegedly influenced tender allotments, and certain officials and their family members were allegedly sponsored for foreign trips in exchange for facilitating contracts.

The probe has now expanded to examine the role of departmental officials and officers who were allegedly connected to the contractor’s operations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is simultaneously investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED has already registered a money laundering case against the accused contractor.

Sources indicated that, if the allegations and recovered evidence are substantiated during interrogation, further action may be initiated against multiple government officials and employees in the coming days.

The accused contractor approached the Patna High Court on Thursday through a criminal writ petition seeking relief in the matter.

However, the High Court reportedly refused to interfere with the ongoing investigation, strengthening the position of the investigative agencies.

Following the court’s decision, investigative agencies have intensified their operations and scrutiny of the broader tender allocation process across departments.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, May 28 (IANS) The Punjab government on Thursday launched one of India’s largest school-based menstrual health education initiatives for adolescent girls studying in government schools across the state.

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the government announced the phased statewide expansion of the “Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum” across government high and senior secondary schools in all 23 districts.

The first session of the curriculum is set to be conducted across these government schools on Friday.

This initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 3.4 lakh girl students from Classes VI to X studying in over 3,600 government schools, a government statement said.

The initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on creating a modern and inclusive public education system where girls are empowered with awareness, confidence, dignity, and access to accurate health information.

By taking menstrual health education into classrooms on such a large scale, the government has attempted to address an issue that has traditionally remained surrounded by silence, hesitation, myths, and social stigma.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that menstruation never becomes a barrier to girls’ education, confidence, participation, or well-being in school life.

The programme aligns with the spirit of the Supreme Court’s observations, recognising that menstrual health and hygiene are directly linked to dignity, education, and equality for adolescent girls.

The government launched the programme in collaboration with an international non-profit organisation working globally on menstrual health education and awareness.

Under the initiative, specially designed classroom sessions will be conducted through a structured curriculum called the Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum, which has been developed in Punjabi to ensure students can connect with the content in a relatable and comfortable manner.

The sessions will be conducted through interactive storytelling centred around the guide’s main character, Ruby, 10, along with guided classroom discussions and participatory activities to make learning engaging, relatable, and safe for students.

The sessions focus on helping students understand menstruation and bodily changes, strengthen hygiene and self-care practices, build confidence and self-esteem, and create supportive school and peer environments.

To ensure effective implementation across Punjab, around 7,200 teachers have already been trained by the government to facilitate these sessions sensitively and confidently inside classrooms.

The programme follows a structured three-session intervention model that includes story-based learning and age-appropriate menstrual health education.

--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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Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Actor Vikrant Massey has made an adorable appeal to his son Vardaan to stop growing up so fast.

The '12th Fail' actor took to his official Instagram handle and published an adorable photo of his little one with his better half, Sheetal Thakur. The mother and son duo were seen savouring ice cream in the picture captioned, "Slow down my love…You’re growing up too fast!!! (sic)," followed by a red heart and evil eye emoji.

Sheetal also reacted to the cute post with a couple of teary-eyed emojis.

For those who do not know, Vikrant and Sheetal were in a relationship for a few years before finally tying the knot in 2022 in a private ceremony.

Stepping into the next chapter of their lives, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on February 7, 2024.

Time and again, Vikrant keeps on treating his Insta family with glimpses from his precious family time.

In April, the 'Mirzapur' actor enjoyed a vacation with his wife and son in Shimla.

Taking to the photo-sharing app, Sheetal published a set of happy photos from their family time.

A photo had Vikrant playing with his son in the garden as little Vardaan ran towards his dad. We could also see Vikrant, Sheetal, and Vardaan facing the camera together for a perfect family photo on a bench.

This vacay dump was captioned, "Here’s to going above and beyond for your Family. Shimla /Theog...2026".

On the professional front, Vikrant will essay the role of the spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in the forthcoming drama, "White".

Helmed by Montoo Bassi, the project is being backed by Siddharth Anand under the banner of Marflix Pictures, along with Mahaveer Jain Films and Peacecraft Pictures.

Furthermore, Vikrant also has "Yaar Jigri" and "Talaakhon Mein Ek" in his kitty.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Veteran actor Anupam Kher has commenced the shoot of his next titled "Shri Ram Bhoomi." 

The makers, Zee Studios, Dancing Shiva Films, and Cinekorn Entertainment, started the shoot of the drama on an auspicious note on Thursday.

The film is being made under the direction of the National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh and enjoys a powerful cast including Anupam Kher, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Amruta Khanvilkar, along with others.

While the makers have decided to keep the details around the film tightly under wraps, the title "Shree Ram Bhoomi" has already raised excitement about the storyline.

The project promises an intense and compelling cinematic experience rooted in faith, sacrifice, truth, and one of the most consequential chapters in modern Indian history.

Sharing a couple of pictures from the mahurat ceremony, the makers Zee Studios, Dancing Shiva Films, and Cinekorn Entertainment wrote on social media, "A title that echoes emotion.A story shrouded in intrigue.The journey of #ShriRamBhoomi officially begins. Starring @AnupamPKher #RitwikBhowmik and @AmrutaOfficial . Directed by @KamakhyaNarayan (sic)."

In addition to this, Kher will be seen reprising his beloved character of Kamal Kishore Khosla in the second installment of the 2006 film “Khosla Ka Ghosla!”.

Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the sequel will feature a couple of familiar faces from the original drama, including Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja, and Tara Sharma. Adding some freshness, Ravi Kishan has also been roped in to essay a crucial role in “Khosla Ka Ghosla 2”.

His exciting lineup also includes a yet untitled drama with Sooraj Barjatya.

Kher enjoys a long professional and personal association with Barjatya, who was the 5th assistant for his first film "Saaransh", which recently completed 42 years of release.

The cast, crew, and storyline of the film with Barjatya have been kept under wraps for now.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Celebrated Urdu poet and Padma Shri awardee Bashir Badr left for a heavenly abode at the age of 91 on Thursday. According to the reports, he was suffering from a prolonged illness.

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar used social media to pay a heartfelt tribute and express his grief over the passing of the renowned poet.

He took to his official X (Formerly known as Twitter) handle and wrote in Urdu, "Today, our language Urdu has become a little poorer. Bashir Badr, an extremely melodious poet, has departed from our gathering forever. This poet and his poetry will live on in our memories forever (sic)."

Talking about this work, Bashir Badr penned the famous couplet "Dushmani jam kar karo lekin ye gunjaish rahe, jab kabhi hum dost ho jayein to sharminda na hon", during the 1972 Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan.

In addition to this, he is also remembered for his other work that includes "Kuch to majbooriyaan rahi hongi, yun hi koi bewafa nahi hota", "Ujale apni yaadon ke hamare saath rehne do, na jaane kis gali me zindagi ki shaam ho jaye", and "Log toot jaate hain ek ghar banane mein, tum taras nahi khate bastiyan jalane mein,", naming only a few.

Bashir Badr was born on February 15, 1935, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. He received his higher education at Aligarh Muslim University, where he also got his PhD.

The acclaimed writer even served as a professor of Urdu at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University, contributing towards shaping the young literary minds of the time.

He also became the Head of the Urdu Department at Meerut College, where he taught for almost 17 years.

Bashir Badr, known for writing about love and human relationships, faced a major tragedy during the 1987 communal riots. His house was set on fire, destroying many of his priceless unpublished manuscripts and writings.

Devastated by the incident, he went on to live in Bhopal, where he ended up spending the rest of his days.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 28 (IANS) Actress Shraddha Kapoor uploaded a fun video of herself flaunting her graceful moves to Michael Jackson's song "Bad" on Thursday.

While most of the Insta users found the clip enchanting, a netizen tried to troll the 'Stree' actress for her messy room visible in the background.

However, just like a true boss lady, Shraddha gave a befitting reply to the cybercitizen.

Shraddha took to her official Instagram Stories and shared the comment that read, "Jiska bii room h bohat safai ki jarurat h (sic)."

Reacting to this, the 'Aashiqui 2' actress hilariously penned, "Room jaisa bhi ho, Dil saaf hona chahiye. (sic)"

Shraddha can be seen doing some fierce moves in the clip captured by beau Rahul Mody.

"Koi aisa dhoondho jo aapka aisa dance nikaal paaye (Find someone in front of whom you can dance like this)," the caption on the post read.

Refreshing your memory, the rumors of Shraddha and Rahul being in a relationship started doing the rounds in early 2024 after the two were seen leaving together post a dinner date in Mumbai.

Following this, the lovebirds even attended the lavish pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant together.

In June last year, Shraddha made her relationship with her writer beau Instagram official.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, she uploaded a selfie with Rahul as the two twinned in white.

The still showed Shraddha adorably holding Rahul's arm in the photo captioned, "Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar" (Take away my heart, but at least return my sleep)."

Coming to Shraddha's professional commitments, she will next be seen leading the biopic based on the life of the legendary Marathi folk performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar titled "Eetha".

Her lineup further includes the third instalment of her popular 'Stree' franchise.

--IANS

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