Muscat (Oman), July 25 (IANS) The Indian sub-junior men's team enjoyed a triumphant Friday at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 7-3 after thrashing host nation Oman 10-1 earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, the Indian sub-junior women's team put up a hard fight before going down 3-6 against China in their Elite Pool match.

In the marquee match of the day, the Indian Men’s Team produced a high-energy performance to beat Pakistan 7-3. India took early control of the game and led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Romit Pal (8'), Karan Gautam (10'), and captain Ketan Kushwaha (10').

India maintained their attacking momentum in the second half with Prahalad Rajbhar (12') extending the lead to 4-0. While Pakistan attempted a comeback with goals from Muhammad Usman (12', 15') and captain Adeel (17'), strikes from Shahrukh Ali (16'), Rahul Yadav (18'), and Kushwaha (20') sealed a comfortable win for India.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Men's Team put on a scoring masterclass against hosts Oman, securing a 10-1 victory. India stormed to a 6-0 lead at half-time, powered by two goals each from Shahrukh Ali (3', 10') and Ketan Kushwaha (6', 8'), alongside strikes from Karan Gautam (2') and Prahalad Rajbhar (3'). India added four more goals in the second half, with Kushwaha (11', 19') completing a four-goal haul, while Gautam (15') and Rajbhar (16') netted their second goals of the match. Oman scored a late consolation goal through Khazraj Subait Subait Al-Mashrafi (20').

In the women's match, India fought hard in an entertaining contest against China that stood tied at 3-3 at half-time. Sandeepa Kumari (1') gave India an early lead while Kiran Ekka (3', 6') scored a brace, matching China's first-half strikes from Guo Jiaxin (2'), Ge Chen (3'), and Lu Tongtong (10'). China pulled ahead in the second half as Guo Jiaxin (13', 20') completed her hat-trick and Lu Tongtong (20') added her second goal of the match to secure the win for China.

The tournament is also the Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 25 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said that the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with globally renowned HCLTech and India's indigenous artificial intelligence company Sarvam AI marks the beginning of a new revolution in Odisha's industry and technology sectors.

The landmark MOUs were signed in the presence of CM Majhi at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan here on Friday.

He said the initiatives would significantly strengthen Odisha's technology-driven economic growth while creating direct employment opportunities for thousands of highly educated and skilled young men and women in the state. Under the historic partnership, HCLTech will establish its Global Delivery Centre in Odisha, a move expected to give the state's IT ecosystem a strong global identity.

In addition, HCLTech, in collaboration with Sarvam AI, will set up an AI-optimised Data Centre in the state. The Odisha government will also establish a sovereign, fully indigenous AI Park, within which the proposed data centre will be located.

The proposed HCLTech Global Delivery Centre will involve an investment of around Rs 730 crore, significantly strengthening Odisha's digital ecosystem. The facility is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for more than 6,000 highly educated and skilled youth from the state.

Notably, the two projects are expected to attract investments of nearly Rs 15,000 crore over the next five years. Majhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India has transformed the country into a technology-ready nation, and that Odisha is now emerging as a frontrunner in driving this wave of innovation.

"Earlier, we were dependent on foreign AI platforms, but today our indigenous AI platform, Sarvam, has become capable of matching any technology in the world. In the coming days, it will be extensively used in the fields of agriculture, healthcare, education and defence,” said Majhi.

He further added that over the past two years, the state government has not confined itself only to mineral-centric industries but has also been promoting emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), textiles, pharmaceuticals and information technology (IT).

Notably, Sarvam AI has successfully developed AI platforms and applications in Odia as well as other major Indian languages.

With the establishment of the AI Park and AI-optimised Data Centre in Odisha, artificial intelligence services in Odia and several other Indian languages will be developed and delivered from the state itself.

The Chief Minister said the state's new Industrial Policy, single-window clearance mechanism and land bank system have reduced the MoU-to-project commencement timeline to under 100 days.

Assuring HCLTech, Sarvam AI and all investors of full government support, he said Odisha is ready for large-scale investments, saying, "Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai" ("This is the right time") to invest in the state.

--IANS

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Srinagar, July 25 (IANS) Kashmir will be easier and cheaper for filmmakers as it rebuilds its relationship with cinema, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said while unveiling the logo for International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah said on Friday that Jammu and Kashmir is ready to rebuild its historic relationship with the film industry, asserting that the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) will help restore the Valley as a preferred filmmaking destination and position it once again on the global cinema map.

Launching the logo of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, the Chief Minister recalled Kashmir's deep association with Indian cinema, saying there was a time when Bollywood and the Valley were inseparable.

"There was a time when filmmaking in Bollywood and Kashmir was synonymous. No film was considered complete unless it had at least one sequence filmed in the Valley. If you couldn't shoot an entire movie here, you at least shot one song," he said.

The Chief Minister added that the primary objective of the film festival is to revive that long-standing relationship and create a lasting platform for filmmakers.

"The idea behind this film festival is to rebuild the bond that existed between this part of the country and the film industry. I believe we are again at the cusp of restarting that relationship," he said.

Stressing that scenic beauty alone is no longer enough to attract productions, Omar Abdullah said the Union Territory (UT) government is focused on making Jammu and Kashmir a filmmaker-friendly destination.

"We need to make it easier and cheaper for filmmakers to come here and also develop local youngsters who can support filmmaking activity," he added.

Referring to noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali's long-delayed film 'Zooni', Omar Abdullah said he was pleased to learn that Ali's son had completed the project.

"If what he has done is even a patch on what his father had started, I have no doubt it will present Kashmir in a way it hasn't been presented in the last four decades," he added.

Expressing hope that the festival would become an annual event, Omar Abdullah said the UT government wants it to evolve into a globally recognised platform.

"This is the first, but we definitely don't want it to be the only one. We want filmmakers from across the world to look forward to participating here," he added.

The Chief Minister also welcomed the Union government's decision not to close Srinagar Airport during the proposed festival period, saying it had come as a major relief for organisers.

"Thankfully, the Government of India changed its mind. That was a huge relief for us," he said.

Omar Abdullah also thanked filmmakers Muzaffar Ali, Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali for supporting the initiative, saying their association would provide a significant boost to Jammu and Kashmir's efforts to revive its film industry and promote the region as a premier filmmaking destination.

The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK 2026) will take place from September 7 to 11, organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

The venues of the festival will include SKICC Srinagar as the main venue, INOX Multiplex Srinagar, Gulmarg Convention Centre and selected locations in Jammu.

Entries were open on FilmFreeway through July 31, 2026.

Categories and highlights of the festival include International Competition, Cinema of the World, J&K Select, Bharat Panorama, Documentary/Hybrid, Horror, and Short Films.

The objective of the festival is to revive the region's historic ties to cinema and promote local talent alongside global filmmakers.

--IANS

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Glasgow, July 24 (IANS) India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam made an emphatic start to his campaign in the Commonwealth Games 2026 boxing competition, outclassing Scotland’s Aaron Cullen by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 32 in Glasgow on Friday.

The Indian boxer was in complete control throughout the contest, with all five judges awarding him every round. Jadumani secured identical 30-27 scorelines from each judge, underlining his dominance from the opening bell to the final round.

Competing in front of the home crowd at the SEC Hall in Glasgow, Cullen struggled to match Jadumani’s pace, accuracy and ring control as the Indian dictated the bout with disciplined attacking and solid defence.

With the convincing victory, Jadumani advanced to the Round of 16, where he is scheduled to face Pakistan’s Rehman on July 26 for a place in the quarterfinals.

The comprehensive win gives India a strong start in the boxing competition as the contingent looks to add to its medal tally at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Earlier, Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain assured India its first medal from the boxing rings without donning the gloves as she got a bye in the first round and directly made it into the semifinals. Both semifinalists in the Commonwealth Games get bronze medals. Lovlina will be hoping to improve its colour on Friday.

Lovlina, who won the bronze medal in the 2020 Commonwealth Games,

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 24 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its public health response to the ongoing heavy rainfall, distributing more than 71,000 chlorine tablets across the city and deploying round-the-clock mobile medical teams as part of efforts to prevent water-borne and vector-borne diseases during the monsoon.

According to the AMC's Health Department, a series of preventive and relief measures have been undertaken across all seven city zones to ensure access to safe drinking water, provide medical care in affected areas and minimise the risk of disease outbreaks.

As of 1:40 p.m. on July 24, the Health Department had conducted 1,784 chlorine tests on drinking water across the city and collected 175 water samples for laboratory testing.

The chlorine tests included 405 in the Central Zone, 406 in the West Zone, 198 in the North-West Zone, 322 in the South-West Zone, 138 in the North Zone, 277 in the East Zone and 38 in the South Zone.

Water samples collected for testing comprised 34 from the Central Zone, 52 from the West Zone, 11 from the North-West Zone, 12 from the South-West Zone, 24 each from the North and East zones, and 18 from the South Zone.

The civic body said it had distributed 20,474 chlorine tablets on July 23 and a further 50,957 tablets by 1.40 pm on July 24, taking the total to 71,431 tablets over the two days.

On July 24 alone, the South-West Zone received the highest allocation with 22,304 tablets, followed by 13,676 in the West Zone.

The remaining distribution included 3,500 tablets in the Central Zone, 3,205 in the North West Zone, 2,752 in the North Zone, 3,254 in the East Zone and 2,266 in the South Zone.

To provide immediate healthcare in rain-affected localities, AMC has deployed mobile medical vans and medical teams operating around the clock.

The teams are carrying out free health check-ups, distributing medicines and providing health guidance on site.

The Health Department said Urban and Community Health Centres treated 4,993 outpatients on July 23, including 1,221 in the East Zone, 1,055 in the South Zone, 773 in the West Zone, 749 in the North Zone, 599 in the North-West Zone, 390 in the Central Zone and 206 in the South-West Zone.

The Malaria Department has also expanded surveillance to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. By 1:40 p.m. on July 24, officials had inspected 46,406 houses, with 764 found positive during surveillance.

They also examined 1,12,670 water-holding containers, of which 866 were found positive.

Fogging operations were carried out at 13,994 houses using 199 litres of MLO, while BTI treatment was undertaken at six locations and other vector-control treatment at 531 locations.

As part of relief efforts, AMC distributed 7,300 food packets to families affected by the heavy rain.

The distribution included 1,000 packets each at Gota Housing and Asarwa, 1,200 in the Madhumalati area of the East Zone, 700 elsewhere in the East Zone, 500 each in Sarkhej, the Dudheshwar Control Room, Shankar Bhuvan Chhapra, Malav Talav, Gomtipur and Danilimda, and 200 each at Gota Talav and Nitin Nagar.

Alongside its health measures, AMC said it is also using the rainfall to improve water management. Rainwater is being diverted into all 37 lakes in the corporation's East Zone to reduce waterlogging in surrounding areas while replenishing water bodies that had dried up during the summer.

AMC Health Committee Chairman Deepak Panchal said rainwater had been diverted towards lakes in the East Zone "so that rainwater is stored in the lakes and waterlogging does not occur in the surrounding areas."

He added: "During the monsoon, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is not only focusing on the drainage of rainwater, but is also working with the approach of making rainwater a useful resource. Storing rainwater in lakes promotes water conservation and is a positive and significant step for the city's environment and water management."

The lakes where rainwater is being stored include Nikol Gam Lake, Vastral Gam Lake, Gafurvasti Lake in the Ramol area, Dhekati Lake, Talavadi Chhapra and Odhav Gam Lake, among others.

The Health Department said Health and Malaria Department teams remain on alert across all city zones and will continue distributing chlorine tablets, monitoring drinking water quality, operating mobile medical services, carrying out vector-control measures and providing relief assistance to safeguard public health during the monsoon.

--IANS

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Shillong, July 24 (IANS) The Education Department of the Meghalaya government on Friday introduced its first‑ever school‑level performance assessment framework, with Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma launching the Meghalaya School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025‑26 to evaluate the quality and preparedness of all recognised schools in the state.

The new framework will cover 11,443 recognised schools spread across Meghalaya’s 12 districts and is aimed at strengthening data‑driven planning and improving institutional standards across the school education system, officials said.

Developed by the Education Department using certified UDISE+ 2025‑26 data, the MSPGI assesses schools on 43 indicators grouped under five broad domains: accessibility, digital education, infrastructure, implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) initiatives, and quality‑related parameters. Each institution will be assigned a composite score out of 1,000.

Under the initiative, every school will receive a detailed School Report Card carrying its overall score, performance grade and state ranking. Launching the framework, Sangma said the MSPGI should be viewed as a tool for institutional improvement rather than a mechanism for competition among schools.

He said the grading system would help school heads, teachers, School Management Committees and education officials identify strengths, address deficiencies and prepare targeted improvement plans based on objective data.

Officials stated that the evaluation relies entirely on authenticated UDISE+ information submitted and verified by schools, ensuring uniformity and transparency in the assessment process. Schools have been classified into 17 performance categories, beginning with “Utkarsh” for outstanding institutions and extending to “Akanshi‑10” for schools requiring intensive support.

The department said the grading is benchmark‑based, allowing schools to measure progress against predefined standards instead of only comparing themselves with others.

The MSPGI has been designed on the lines of the Union Ministry of Education’s Performance Grading Index (PGI), making Meghalaya one of the first states to adapt the national framework for assessing individual schools.

The department also highlighted that Meghalaya has achieved its highest‑ever PGI score of 525.71 in 2025‑26, improving significantly from 401.62 in 2022‑23. The improvement has enabled the state to move from the Akanshi‑3 category to Akanshi‑1, marking its first exit from the lowest performance band under PGI 2.0.

--IANS

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Rajkot, July 24 (IANS) The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) sealed three food establishments, destroyed around 179 kg of stale and inedible food and collected 15 food samples for laboratory analysis during a citywide food safety enforcement drive aimed at curbing food adulteration and unhygienic practices.

According to the civic body's Health Branch, the Food Department inspected 92 food establishments and restaurants as part of a surveillance campaign.

Notices were issued to 33 establishments for deficiencies related to storage, food licences and hygienic conditions, while administrative charges totalling Rs 51,500 were recovered.

Fifteen samples were collected under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act and sent for laboratory testing.

Three establishments were sealed during the drive. Shri Khodiyar Chutney was sealed after inspectors found that synthetic food colours, non-food-grade substances and chemicals were allegedly being used in the preparation of sauces.

The establishment was issued a notice regarding hygienic conditions and an administrative charge of Rs 2,000 was imposed. Samples of loose fruit squash, date chutney and green chutney were collected for analysis.

Rajni Namkeen, located in the Vavdi Industrial Area, was also sealed. Civic officials destroyed an estimated 90 kg of stale farsan and other inedible food items at the premises. The establishment was issued a hygiene notice and charged Rs 5,000.

Mahadev Nasta House, situated near Bhimnagar Chowk on Nana Mava Road, was sealed after around 20 kg of inedible food was destroyed.

The establishment received notices regarding hygienic conditions and licensing, and an administrative charge of Rs 3,000 was recovered.

Among other enforcement actions, officials destroyed approximately nine kg of inedible food at Celebration Restaurant on University Road and five kg at Satvam Restaurant.

Around 10 kg of coconut khaman and jelly crystals were destroyed at M.S. Super Market on Khodiyarnagar Road, while 20 kg of printed farsan stock was destroyed at Patel Farsan Namkeen on Nandanvan Main Road.

Two kilograms of kokum chutney were also destroyed at Bapa Sitaram Alupuri Khavsa.

Several establishments were issued notices for operating without valid food licences, including Yadunandan Hotel, Balaji Pan and Cold Drinks, Mahalaxmi Pan and Cold Drinks, Patel Pan and Cold Drinks, Nikunj Pan and Cold Drinks, Baba Pan and Cold Drinks, Jalaram Cold Drinks, Harikrupa Provision Store, Shri Chamunda Store and Kirana Bhandar, Vijay Hotel, Khodiyar Dal Pakwan, Shri Ganesh Cold Drinks, Khodiyar Dairy, Khodiyar Pan, Krishna Medical, Pujara Namkeen, Chamunda Provision Store, Ashapura Samosa, Amba Bhavani Namkeen, Jalaram General Store, Shri Kevalam Khamanwala and several other businesses across the city.

Notices for unhygienic conditions were issued to businesses including Bapa Sitaram Alupuri Khavsa, Ghanshyam Pan, Maitri Season Store, Sadguru Sandwich, Kumar Pan and Savariya Ice Gola.

Pramukham Dosa received a notice for improper storage and unlabelled food items, while Mahi Food Products was served a notice for improper storage and inadequate labelling.

Gayatri Dairy Farm was issued a notice for selling sweets without production or use-by dates and for licence-related violations.

The inspection drive also covered dozens of additional food outlets, dairies, pharmacies, provision stores and restaurants across Sanganwa Chowk, Nandanvan, Krushnanagar, Nageshwar Main Road, Khodiyarnagar and other parts of Rajkot.

As part of food quality surveillance, the Food Department collected 15 samples for laboratory examination. These included eight samples from an MDM Kitchen opposite Shastri Maidan, comprising prepared food, spices and gram; two samples of loose farsan products from Mahi Food Products; two milk samples from Shri Krishna Dairy Farm in Mavdi; one milk sample from Bajrang Dairy and Farsan; one loose mixed milk sample from Shri Kailash Dairy Farm; and three loose condiment samples from Shri Khodiyar Chutney.

RMC said the inspections were carried out to strengthen enforcement against food adulteration, unhygienic food handling and non-compliance with food safety regulations across the city.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 24 (IANS) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday targeted the Odisha government over the reported death of a devotee during the Bahuda Yatra in Puri, alleging that the incident reflected continued administrative failure in managing the annual Rath Yatra festivities and ensuring the safety of lakhs of pilgrims.

In a statement, BJD Vice‑President and former minister Sanjay Kumar Das Burma expressed grief over the reported death of 57‑year‑old Abhiram Das of Kataka, who allegedly died after a stampede‑like situation near Darpadalana, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, close to Bagala Dharamshala during the Bahuda Yatra on Friday.

According to the BJD, the devotee was first administered treatment at the Bagala First Aid Centre before being shifted to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

“While the wounds of the tragedy that occurred during the Rath Yatra are yet to heal, this fresh incident has once again exposed the administration’s inability to ensure the safety of devotees and maintain orderly crowd management,” Burma alleged.

The opposition party also claimed that 102 devotees who fell ill or sustained injuries on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) during the Bahuda Yatra were admitted to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Of them, 24 devotees were stated to be in critical condition and undergoing treatment in the Trauma Care Unit.

“These alarming figures clearly indicate that the administration has learnt no lessons from the previous tragedy and that its negligence and mismanagement have once again placed the lives of thousands of devotees at risk,” he added.

The BJD demanded that the state government immediately announce adequate compensation for the family of the deceased devotee and ensure that critically injured pilgrims receiving treatment in the Trauma Care Unit are shifted without delay to super‑speciality hospitals in Bhubaneswar for advanced medical care.

Das Burma further alleged that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s claims of ensuring a flawless and well‑managed Rath Yatra, repeated occurrence of such tragedies has not only brought embarrassment to the people of Odisha but has also diminished the sanctity and dignity of the sacred festival.

He urged the government to acknowledge the shortcomings and work with sincerity so that the forthcoming rituals of Suna Besha, Adharapana and Niladri Bije are conducted safely, peacefully, systematically and with dignity befitting the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

The BJD also demanded that the state government immediately order a judicial inquiry into all deaths and injuries caused due to stampedes and failures in crowd management during both the Rath Yatra and the Bahuda Yatra.

“Such an inquiry must fix responsibility for the lapses, identify those accountable, recommend appropriate action against the guilty officials and suggest comprehensive measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future,” the opposition party stated.

--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, July 24 (IANS) Television actress and influencer Jannat Zubair has seemingly taken an indirect jibe at many celebrities who recently voiced support for the ongoing student protests.

She questioned why many of them chose to speak up only after the movement had already been underway for almost a month.

Taking to her social media account, Jannat shared a strongly worded note that read, "It's funny how everyone suddenly found their conscience on the same day. The protests have been going on for over a month. Students and protesters didn't start suffering yesterday. Interesting how empathy arrived all at once."

While Jannat did not name anyone in her post, her remarks came a day after a host of Bollywood celebrities publicly expressed solidarity with the protesting students.

Among them was Kareena Kapoor Khan, who wrote that she "can't sit with it any longer" and extended her support to the students.

Salman Khan also backed the protesters, saying students deserved full credit for conducting a peaceful movement and urged that the issue should not be politicised.

He later appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while expressing hope that the government would act against those responsible. He also offered to send him food from his own house.

Alia Bhatt also lent her voice to the movement, stating that the students' "courage humbles me," while Varun Dhawan called for accountability and a fair education system. Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday were also among the celebrities who shared messages in support of the students.

The protests, which have continued for over a month, were sparked by allegations of examination irregularities and NEET paper leaks.

For the uninitiated, students across the country have been demanding transparency, accountability and reforms to ensure a fair education system. The movement gathered further momentum after social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the campaign, undertaking a fast in solidarity with the students.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike yesterday.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 24 (IANS) Arhaan Khan, the nephew of Salman Khan and son of Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora, shared a heartfelt message on love, compassion and humanity amid the ongoing protests across the country.

He revealed that his father Arbaaz Khan has a tattoo bearing words passed down to him by veteran screenwriter and his father Salim Khan.

Taking to his social media account, Arhaan shared a picture of a temple perched in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The entrance of the temple features the sacred 'Om' symbol, while symbols representing Hinduism, Islam and Christianity can also be seen on the door.

Arhaan captioned the post as, "12,165 feet above sea level, northeast of Tawang, in the deep and elevated interiors of Arunachal Pradesh, rests Madhuri lake. A place so stunning it makes you believe that only a force as powerful as love could keep this place looking so unspoiled that's when I see something that catches my eye and this is what I saw. I always knew I wanted to share this photo because of the love it ignited in me for my country, and it feels right to put this now more than ever.”

He added, “The last few days have been a great show of sharing burden, choosing humanity and displaying love that transcends everything. My father has a tattoo on his right arm that reads 'love each other or perish', words lent to him by his father, Salim Khan. Words on his arm that now feel like a prophecy right for this exact moment.”

The young boy further wrote, “I don't have the exact words but this picture just fits in. Any other time this could have just been a picture but I feel now since the emotion of my generation is uniform, It'll be received abundantly and absolutely. Generation Z will carry it with the right sentiment and approach it needs to. Genz I love you, and I couldn't be more proud to be one right now. I leave this photo in your hands we are all students, students of life. Let's teach the right things. Jai Hind."

For the uninitiated, Arhaan is the son of actor-producer Arbaaz Khan and actress Malaika Arora. Talking about the former couple, they tied the knot in 1998 and welcomed Arhaan in 2002.

After nearly two decades of marriage, Arbaaz and Malaika announced their separation and officially divorced in 2017.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 24 (IANS) Actress Isha Koppikar has weighed in on the ongoing student protests, and has also urged people to stay focused on the real issues instead of getting carried away by online noise.

The actress, stressing the importance of responsible dialogue in a democracy, the actress cautioned against using terms like "dictatorship" casually and even appealed to parents to teach their children the difference between democracy and dictatorship.

In a video shared on social media, Isha said, "These days, on social media, it seems that the real issue is left behind and the noise increases. If students are really concerned, then it should be about their future. It should be about their stress. It should be about what is happening to their families."

The actress asserted that every citizen has the right to question those in power but maintained that resorting to abuse or name-calling is incorrect.

"It is every citizen's right to ask questions. But abusing or naming any politician is not the solution. Neither is it maturity," she said.

Isha further urged people not to use the word "dictatorship" loosely while discussing the ongoing protests.

"One more thing. The word 'dictatorship' is being used very casually. Democracy does not only mean freedom of speech. Democracy also means freedom of speech and responsibility. Dictatorship is where it is not possible to speak against the government or pay a heavy price. Therefore, it is not right to call anything a dictatorship immediately. Words also have a weight," she stated.

The actress added that democracy allows room for diverse opinions, constructive criticism and appreciation where it is due.

"We can all keep our own opinions. We can also ask questions to the government. And when good work is done, it is also necessary to give credit. This is the beauty of democracy," she said.

Calling for more meaningful conversations, Isha said, "Real courage is not in trending hashtags, but in staying on the real topic. Talk about the future of students, ask questions from the system, but respect the dignity of words, the responsibility of truth and the democratic values of the country.”

The actress concluded her message with an appeal to parents, asking them to educate their children not only in academics but also in civic values.

"With one request, teach your children not only academics but also civics. Explain to them the difference between democracy and dictatorship. Explain to them the responsibility of speech along with freedom of speech. And I explain to my daughter the same thing. To change every opinion into abuse or to say anything to look cool is not maturity. The real cool is the one who knows the facts, thinks and speaks with understanding, respects others and respects the democratic values of his country. Jai Hind," she concluded.

The video comes amidst the ongoing protests in Delhi and also in other parts of the country mostly by students.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 24 (IANS) Singer-composer Amaal Mallik has yet again opened a can of worms after launching a blistering attack on fellow music composer Tanishk Bagchi.

The singer has been on an accusing spree and has called out the music composer for allegedly copying songs, using AI-generated vocals, manipulating public perception through PR, and attempting to sabotage his latest release, 'Yeh Awarapan’.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Amaal shared a lengthy note aimed at Tanishk, making a series of personal and professional allegations. The composer referred to Tanishk as the "Zazooo of the music industry".

“Zazooo of the music industry, he takes the conversation from here to there, then calling out papa papa, he'll phone Mohit Suri, PR, common people. Hey Kiddoooooooo, not everyone does RR like you. Your pattern is out, little one, and I've caught this pattern already.”

He added, “Anyway please tell me na? What am I going through? Let me tell you what I'm going through –I'm going through an overdose of love and success from the masses.

I hope you get that also someday, you need it, you have nothing going for you except my #hashtag that's also making you relevant.”

“ 51 years ka buddha ho gaya hai but ab tak yeh nahi Samajh aaya ke that perception and imagery is secondary, first is the ART. AI vocals banake telling the world it's my real voice, I know the real voice! It's just like the squeal of a rat that's caught in a trap.”

The audacity to call it original when everything in the track is AI. You have money issues then why do you cry to me, give me you children's swear, your alimony woes from your previous marriage, Sell your car collection Jaguar, Range Rover, BMW & Mercedes yeh sab toh hai hi tere paas, phir bhi 7 8 lac ki royalty pe you're lying about YRF? Mohit Suri ke ek call pe tu post delete kar diya na, so you're not sur of what you're saying or feeling, apan toh full clear hai…”

He added, “You have ruined the lives of so many singers and budding artists, it's crazy! Insaan toh duaaon ki wajah se hamesha salamat rehta hoon, tuney sirf baddua kamayi hai... PS – Can't you call me instead of reaching out to others to communicate with me on your behalf. You're the one that's flummoxed and almost depressed all over again as to how you're song isn't working inspite of bot views fake likes & comments.”

Amaal further wrote, “You wanted to create hype around the release and you thought of bringing your song with mine....On the same day? Competing with me for what again?

Tere mere mein farak hai bhai... I wouldn't do such shit for even healthy competition, aur Kaunsa competition, pehle gaana toh bana, Original toh bana pehle, Jo chori ka nahi hai...

Akkhaa music industry ek taraf, aur #AmaalMallik ek taraf? Kya samjhi?”

He added, “You are literally the right composer for a movie called #Toxic, Gandagi Bhara Hai Tere Soul Mein Mohit sir ko jaake complain mat kar dena aaj phirse loool.”

Sharing a picture of the music composer in his quirky avatar with green-coloured hair, Amaal wrote, “Ha ek aur baat, 'Baalon se Chutney Saaf Kar.'

The latest post comes amid an escalating online feud between the two composers. Amaal has apparently accused Tanishk of stealing songs, using AI-generated vocals, creating disputes over royalty payments.

Earlier as well, without naming anyone, Amaal had alleged that a coordinated PR campaign was working against him and attempting to troll his latest song.

–IANS

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