Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) In a major consolidation of administrative authority, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been granted legal power to intervene in and override decisions taken by any cabinet minister in Maharashtra, provided it is done in the larger public interest.

The state government officially notified the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026, which explicitly outline the administrative powers and procedures for the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary and departmental secretaries.

Published by the General Administration Department in the State Gazette under Article 166 (2) and (3) of the Constitution of India, the new framework supersedes all previous rules and procedures to streamline executive decision‑making across the state.

Under the newly notified framework, the Chief Minister holds explicit legal standing to alter, modify or overturn decisions made by any minister if deemed necessary for public welfare. Quasi‑judicial matters remain exempt.

Officials said the Chief Minister is legally required to record detailed reasons in writing for overturning a minister’s decision. The Chief Minister reserves the right to call for official documents, files or records from any department at any time, and respective ministers and departmental secretaries are legally bound to comply. Routine administrative work and primary responsibility of a department will continue to rest with the minister‑in‑charge.

Under Rule 13(5), the Chief Minister holds explicit authority to alter, modify or cancel decisions made by departmental ministers for the public good. Rule 2(c) formally defines a “case” to include digital notes, e‑documents and digital files processed within the state’s e‑Office system.

Rule 17(2) and Rule 39 mandate that no administrative department can issue orders involving financial implications, such as revenue abandonment, land grants, concessions or unbudgeted expenditure, without prior concurrence of the Finance Department. The Chief Secretary serves as the chief of civil services in the state and secretary to the Cabinet.

Under Rule 16(1), the Chief Secretary is mandated to advise the Chief Minister or Ministers if any proposed course of action violates statutory provisions or established policy. Departments are required to consult all affected ministries before making decisions. Any potential dispute or controversy involving the Government of India or other state governments must be reported to the Chief Minister and the Governor immediately.

The notification allows the state government to constitute Empowered Committees headed by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary to decide on designated subjects. The newly issued rules came into force immediately upon their publication in the official gazette on August 14, 2026.

Officials said the notification has raised eyebrows across political corridors regarding how this move will impact coalition dynamics within the ruling Mahayuti government. Portfolios in the state cabinet are shared among key coalition partners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Sunetra Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Analysts suggest that if CM Fadnavis exercises this authority to reverse decisions taken by ministers from allied parties, it could potentially trigger internal political friction or debates within the alliance.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 on September 17 here as India seeks to accelerate the development of its domestic semiconductor ecosystem, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The three-day conference and exhibition -- themed Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem -- will be held between September 17 and September 19 and is being jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) -- under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) -- and global industry association SEMI, the ministry said.

The event is expected to bring together policymakers, global semiconductor companies, industry executives, researchers, academics, start-ups and students to discuss developments across the semiconductor and electronics value chain.

In addition, the Centre recently approved Semicon 2.0 to strengthen the country's semiconductor manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities.

The government said it is also supporting semiconductor research, innovation and design through access to advanced design tools for more than 332 academic institutions and 105 start-ups.

Moreover, 24 start-ups have been approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme.

However, India's semiconductor ambitions have gained momentum under the Semicon India Programme with 12 projects approved under Semicon 1.0 to help build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem, according to the ministry.

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said the 2026 edition comes at a significant stage in India's semiconductor journey, noting that three of the 12 projects approved under Semicon 1.0 have commenced commercial production.

"The announcement of Semicon 2.0 with six major pillars further strengthens India's commitment to build a robust and resilient semiconductor ecosystem," he said.

Ajit Manocha, President and Chief Executive Officer of SEMI, said India is well positioned to expand its role in the global semiconductor industry through its talent pool, policy support and long-term vision.

Ashok Chandak, President of SEMI India and IESA, said the event reflects India's efforts to build a comprehensive semiconductor value chain and has become a key platform for collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, investors and researchers.

Additionally, the exhibition is expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors, including over 240 international companies, with delegations from more than 40 countries.

According to the ministry, the event will also include six country pavilions, 10 state government pavilions, a start-up pavilion, innovation showcase, start-up pitch competition, student hackathon and workforce development pavilion.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 18 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP), R. Ashoka, on Tuesday accused the state government of failing to release funds for drought relief despite severe distress caused by inadequate rainfall, particularly in central and northern parts of the state.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Ashoka said that farmers were struggling due to the lack of rainfall and livestock were also facing difficulties, but the state government had neither declared drought nor released any funds so far.

"Farmers are in distress because of the drought, and livestock are also suffering. There has been insufficient rainfall in central and northern Karnataka, resulting in severe drought-like conditions. But the state government has not released even a single rupee so far," he alleged.

Ashoka questioned the state government's decision to make statements on drought without releasing financial assistance.

"What is the purpose of making statements when no funds have been released for drought relief?" he asked, referring to the proposed statement by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara.

He urged the state government to immediately release funds and open cattle shelters to protect livestock.

He said the BJP had discussed the issue with the JD-S and also raised it in the coordination committee, demanding that the drought situation be comprehensively discussed during the ongoing Assembly session.

"We are ready to hold the government accountable and strongly condemn its handling of the drought situation," Ashoka added.

He said the BJP had conducted a study of the drought situation and submitted a report.

He added that he had personally toured different parts of the state to assess the situation.

Referring to the Cauvery water dispute, Ashoka alleged that the state government had failed to present Karnataka's case effectively, resulting in difficulties for farmers in the Cauvery basin as well.

The LoP also reiterated the BJP's demand for the removal of Minister B. Nagendra from the Cabinet, saying the party's agitation would continue until he was dismissed.

"The government cannot function with a tainted Minister in the Cabinet. There was an alleged Rs 187 crore irregularity in the Valmiki Development Corporation. Nagendra was accused in connection with the issue, yet he has been appointed a Minister again," Ashoka alleged.

He warned that the BJP would continue its protest until Nagendra was removed from the Cabinet.

Ashoka also alleged large-scale corruption in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), citing allegations of question paper leaks and bribery.

"There has been massive corruption in KPSC. Audio recordings relating to question paper leaks and bribery have emerged. There are also allegations of corruption in the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Police Department. Those responsible must be punished," he said.

He alleged that the state government had failed to take adequate action on several corruption allegations and said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted only after irregularities came to light.

"We have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the KPSC irregularities," Ashoka added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Newly appointed office-bearers of the BJP on Tuesday expressed their gratitude to the party leadership for entrusting them with new organisational responsibilities and pledged to discharge their duties with dedication, commitment and sincerity.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Monday announced a comprehensive list of new national office-bearers, with the appointments coming into effect immediately.

The new appointments have brought several experienced party leaders into key organisational positions as the BJP continues to strengthen its organisational structure across the country.

Newly appointed BJP National Vice President Lal Singh Arya, speaking to IANS, expressed his gratitude to the party leadership and said that being entrusted with the new responsibility was both an honour and a major organisational responsibility.

"I am deeply grateful to the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nitin Nabin, for appointing me as the National Vice President of the BJP and entrusting me with this responsibility. It is indeed a great responsibility and an important organisational responsibility. I sincerely thank the National President for placing his trust in me. I will live up to that trust," Arya said.

Recalling his long political journey and organisational experience, Arya said that he had spent 43 years in political life working towards strengthening and expanding the BJP organisation.

"I have always worked with dedication and commitment towards strengthening and expanding the organisation. I have been carrying out responsibilities ranging from the district level to the national level. There has been a strong connection with the Scheduled Caste community across the country, as well as with party workers and society at large," he added.

Speaking to IANS, BJP Minority Morcha National President Kunwar Basit Ali also thanked the party leadership for giving him an opportunity to serve in his new capacity.

He highlighted the BJP's organisational culture and said that responsibilities within the party are assigned on the basis of performance rather than family background or political lineage.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party is a party of its workers. Politics here is not based on dynasticism or lineage; instead, responsibilities are assigned based on performance, and these assignments are subsequently reviewed. Today, I am a party worker; while my specific responsibility has certainly changed, my work for the BJP will remain constant," Basit Ali said.

He further outlined the work that he intends to undertake under the new organisational responsibility, stressing the need for greater public outreach, increased engagement with party workers and beneficiaries, and stronger contact with people at the grassroots level.

"We will be guided by our national leadership and will work diligently to fulfil whatever organisational responsibilities are assigned to us," he added.

Former Wadhwan MLA Varshaben Doshi has also been appointed as BJP National Vice President. She has previously worked in the state organisation and has now been given a new responsibility at the national level.

Speaking to IANS, Doshi expressed happiness over the appointment and thanked the party leadership for considering her capable of handling the new responsibility.

"I am happy about it. For considering me capable of this responsibility, I would like to thank the leadership of the organisation... I have been with the BJP since 1995... I am proud to hold this new post and will surely live up to the expectations of the party," Doshi said.

The newly appointed leaders said their focus would remain on strengthening the party organisation, following the directions of the national leadership and carrying out the responsibilities assigned to them with dedication.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting concluded here on Tuesday with the consensual adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement, comprising four outcome documents, which include the advancement of knowledge sharing, research, and innovation in sustainable lifestyles by the network of BRICS institutions.

The joint statement also covers BRICS principles for integrated landscape management for combating desertification, sustainable land management, and ecosystem resilience. Besides, it includes a common understanding for forest fire preparedness and response across BRICS and charts out the principles for advancing climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation built on traditional knowledge.

"Reflecting the spirit of collaboration and mutual learning, under the India BRICS Chairship, the Compendiums of the Environment Working Group during the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting have been launched. The compendiums present a rich compilation of experiences, innovative approaches, traditional knowledge and shared experiences from BRICS Member Countries," India’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav said.

Delivering the keynote address, he stated that India’s Chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefining BRICS as "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability", with a people-centric approach and the spirit of "Humanity First".

Noting that the progress achieved during India’s Chairship reflects months of dialogue, negotiation and collaboration, he called for building resilience without leaving communities behind, pursuing innovation with responsibility and placing sustainability at the centre of development.

The minister further stressed that BRICS can "convert cooperation into collective and co-operative capability" through knowledge networks, technical exchanges, training, technology cooperation, and stronger institutional partnerships.

Yadav highlighted the growing global environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, particularly for developing countries where environmental vulnerability is often closely intertwined with broader development priorities. He called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and post-fire recovery, while stressing the importance of climate finance, adaptation and empowering local communities.

Emphasising India’s approach, the minister said “ecological restoration and human development can advance together”, citing 'Mission LiFE' and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' as examples of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership. He also called for bringing traditional knowledge and modern science together to ensure solutions are "scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive".

The minister highlighted that India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035 further reflects the ambitious commitment to advancing climate action while supporting inclusive development and energy security.

The Environment Ministers’ Meeting also witnessed engaging panel discussions and side events, including the BRICS High-level Dialogue on Climate Change - People-Centric, Community-Based Adaptation.

In a discussion on integrated landscape-based greening, there was a sharing of BRICS experiences for resilient landscapes and sustainable development.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Aug 18 (IANS) Ahmedabad must use the 2030 Commonwealth Games to build a sporting and urban legacy for India rather than allow the event itself to dictate what the country builds, according to Dr Utsav Chaware, Director of the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Chaware said the centenary Commonwealth Games should become a practical test of India's ability to host major sporting events sustainably and could provide important lessons for the country's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“India must use the Games strategically. As a nation, a city and a state, we need to leverage the opportunities they create. The Games themselves are not the most important thing; what matters is how our cities, states and country use and benefit from them,” he said.

The remark comes as Ahmedabad prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games after the city was formally awarded the event at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow in November 2025. The Games will mark 100 years of the Commonwealth sporting movement. India is also pursuing its 2036 Olympic ambition, with the Indian Olympic Association's bid currently in the International Olympic Committee's Continuous Dialogue phase with its Future Host Commission.

Chaware, who heads India's first IOC-recognised Olympic Studies Centre, said the central question for Ahmedabad should not simply be whether it can stage the Games, but what the city and country want to achieve through them.

“We should not prepare ourselves merely for the Games; rather, we should use the Games to advance our own broader objectives,” he said. He questioned, “How do we want to come up as a country on the global map? How do we want to project Ahmedabad on the global map as a city and Gujarat as a state on the global map?” His comments come against the backdrop of a fundamental change in the way major sporting events are being designed.

Commonwealth Sport's Games reset framework explicitly calls for lower hosting costs, greater use of existing venues, host-specific Games, mixed public and commercial funding and legacy planning. It says hosting costs should be reduced by at least 60 per cent from historic Commonwealth Games levels and that governments should no longer be expected to provide an unlimited financial guarantee.

Chaware said India should learn from countries that have hosted the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, studying their experiences and adapting successful models to suit India’s own needs. He pointed to Barcelona 1992 Olympics as an example of a city using a major sporting event to transform itself rather than developing infrastructure solely for the event.

“Barcelona’s 1992 Olympics is a strong example, where the Games were used to accelerate urban regeneration, improve infrastructure, transform the waterfront and create new public spaces. Similarly, India should plan the Games not just as a sporting event, but as a catalyst for long-term city development and improved quality of life.” he said, adding that India should “set the terms” instead of becoming entirely following organising bodies.

That approach, he argued, is particularly important because Ahmedabad is already developing substantial sporting infrastructure. Existing facilities such as the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex and Karai facilities could provide a foundation, but he said the Games should be viewed as an ecosystem rather than a collection of competition venues, specailly for the society.

“It is not just the venue where the competition happens. Around the venue, there are many avenues that we should be ready to attend- accommodation, hospitality, transport, training and acclimatization centers, gyms, medical facilities and commercial spaces. Countries often look for suitable locations to establish training bases and acclimatize their athletes before competition. This also brings additional footfall through athletes, officials, spectators, media and tourists, creating demand for hotels, restaurants, retail and local transport. So all these facilities and the wider economic activity have to be planned in tandem as part of the city,” he told IANS.

Ahmedabad's preparations already include major sporting infrastructure projects. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is being developed as a key part of the city's sporting plans, while the Gujarat Police Academy area at Karai is being developed into a sports hub. But Chaware warned against assuming that every facility required for the Games must be permanent. One lesson India should draw from recent Olympic hosting, he said, is the greater use of temporary and makeshift venues.

"Paris 2024 demonstrated how temporary structures could allow existing urban spaces and landmarks to become part of the Games without creating a permanent stock of facilities that may struggle to find a post-event purpose. Paris has showcased that instead of building any new venue for the Games, we have been working on the temporary venues,” he said. India would still need permanent infrastructure where it serves longer-term sporting needs, he added, but temporary facilities could allow Ahmedabad to experiment with a more flexible model.

“These makeshift arrangements, these temporary venues can be one of the highlights of how India presents itself.. how do we bring that culture of having temporary venues, using the existing venues in scaled form, in some forms, which represent our own unique innovative ideas?," he emphasised. Chaware cautioned, however, that temporary does not automatically mean cheaper. “Temporary venues can also be more costly than the permanent venues,” he said.

That is where he believes India's preparation should differ from the troubled legacy associated with the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, which faced questions over expenditure, governance and the eventual use of infrastructure. Chaware said Ahmedabad should be prepared from the outset for independent scrutiny of what the Games deliver. He backed the idea of an independent economic and legacy assessment mechanism that would examine the Games after they are over, including infrastructure utilisation, employment, tourism, transport, accommodation, broadcasting, logistics and sporting participation.

“We can have an independent organisation; we can have someone else to scrutinise these Games and pull out some of the challenges and to pull out some of the loose angles,” he said. Such assessments, he said, should not be limited to a government-generated legacy report. “If we simply say everything is good, we risk overlooking the gaps and challenges that come with organising the Games,” he said.

He added, “It is important to critically assess what works, where the shortcomings are and what needs to improve, so that the experience can inform better planning and delivery in the future.”

He proposed that the problems, challenges and gaps identified during major sporting events should be shared with research institutions, universities, organising bodies and management firms. This would allow experts to assess these issues, identify existing solutions and develop India-specific approaches where required, particularly in areas such as accommodation, transportation, traffic management, hospitality, logistics, broadcasting and viewership. The approach would be particularly relevant for India because Ahmedabad is not being prepared for only one major event.

The city and Gujarat are expected to gain experience through a succession of international competitions before 2030, including the World Police and Fire Games in 2029.

The Commonwealth bid itself has been presented as part of a wider effort to build experience and infrastructure ahead of India's Olympic ambition. For Chaware, the sporting legacy should also be measured in athletes and participation rather than only in buildings.

He said Ahmedabad has traditionally been known more for commerce and business than for sport, and the Games should change that. “Legacy is what happens after the Games. Every school, every college, every university should be so packed enough maybe by the end of 2030 that every university might be having an Olympian or an international athlete,” he said.

The question of what sports India should prioritise in 2030 is another area where Chaware believes the host should exercise greater influence. He supports bringing shooting, wrestling, hockey, archery back into the Commonwealth Games programme, along with retaining India's strengths in wrestling and boxing. Shooting has been absent from the Commonwealth Games since Gold Coast 2018, while India has traditionally been a strong performer in the discipline.

“India is very explicitly performing in shooting. Maybe Glasgow was not our home, but India is, Ahmedabad is. So that is one area," he said. He also suggested that yoga could be considered, subject to the formal requirements for recognising a sporting event, while arguing that cricket should not be excluded from the conversation. “With cricket, why not? It will give all the viewership, attendance, sponsorship and it could mold the game how India wants to fashion the game," he said.

The sports programme, he said, should ultimately be used strategically rather than simply expanded for the sake of scale. Commonwealth Sport's Games Reset already envisages a flexible, host-specific sports programme developed jointly with the host, while maintaining integrated para-sport. “We should invite global sponsors, but again, marketing ourselves as a nation, it has to be the cycle economy,” he said.

At the same time, he cautioned against assuming that government funding alone should carry the Games. The experience of previous mega-events shows how quickly costs can escalate. "We need to identify potential gaps and financial risks in advance, test different scenarios and put contingency plans in place so that we are prepared to manage the scale and economical complexity of a mega sporting event," he said.

India, he argued, should combine public funding with partnership and commercial models rather than reducing the scale of the Games simply because of financial concerns. “India should bring some models which are borrowed from international standards, but also create internal models where we fund, yes, the government funds because we want to achieve it, but also the other global and local or regional partners should fund,” he said.

Another area he believes requires attention is athlete safeguarding. BCORE has made Safe Sport and athlete safeguarding a major part of its work, with a national programme planned for the 2026-27 academic session at Rashtriya Raksha University. The programme is intended to bring together athletes, coaches, administrators, safeguarding professionals and researchers and examine issues ranging from risk assessment and safe coaching to reporting mechanisms and the Indian legal framework. BCORE was established in 2024 and is recognised by the IOC as an Olympic Studies Centre. Chaware said safeguarding cannot begin only when athletes arrive at a competition venue.

“Why don't we make Safe Sport an integral part of the training ecosystem, as an integral part of the coaching ecosystem?” he said. He noted that the IOC framework identifies physical, psychological, neglect and sexual abuse as areas of concern, and argued that safeguarding should apply not only to athletes but also to coaches and support staff.

While national sports governance provisions provide for safeguarding officers and policies within federations, he said the critical question is how effectively those mechanisms are implemented. “We have to see that we prepare a Safe Sport that is value-based and it is there in the institution throughout the year, throughout the training session,” he said.

Anti-doping is another area where Chaware believes India needs to strengthen its systems as it prepares for both 2030 and 2036. He said India's sporting performance itself is not the primary concern. “Performance is not a matter,” he said, pointing to India's ability to win medals even at the reduced Glasgow programme, where several of its traditional medal sports were absent. Instead, he identified anti-doping as one of the three areas that India must strengthen, alongside broader participation and its global presentation of the Games.

"India needs more technologically advanced solutions, stronger research and education in anti-doping, and better compliance mechanisms," he noted.

The second priority is participation. Chaware wants the Games connected to India's wider Fit India movement and extended more deeply into rural and tribal communities. The second would be this: sports has to be the vertical or the vehicle for social change in India,” he said.

The third priority is India's global narrative. He said, "Ahmedabad 2030 should give India an opportunity to tell a story about how a major sporting event can be economically, environmentally and socially sustainable."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Bangladesh’s statement of a rethink on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s India tour, linking Dhaka’s demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, interestingly came the same month that the latter herself announced her intention of returning home in December.

The official statement chose to overlook her specific comments while condemning the very press conference she held online from a remote location.

A day before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Bangladesh ruled out Rahman’s India visit, a very senior bureaucrat, now leading a think tank in Dhaka, wrote in one of the country’s leading English dailies that relations with India “are currently at a point where there is a clear need to rethink the relationship from a new perspective”.

Admitting that “India's renewed interest is understandable”, given the two countries “are deeply interconnected because of geography, history and mutual interdependence”, M. Humayun Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute and a former ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States, wrote in The Daily Star Sunday, “The departure now is that Bangladesh says it will no longer lean excessively on one particular partner for political or domestic reasons. Instead, it will work with everyone according to its own needs and interests.”

That is a sentiment raised by a section to put pressure on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government, which completes six months in power and is facing criticisms at home over what another media report on Tuesday termed “Strong on optics, less so on delivery”. It pointed out, quoting analysts, among other alleged shortcomings, that the government “still had a long way to go to make people feel secure in terms of law and order and energy”. Some analysts, the report said, claimed that some of the Prime Minister’s efforts to project a people-centric government “were being undermined by the conduct of party colleagues”.

Meanwhile, the Opposition alliance led by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party is criticising the government for reaching out to Pakistan – from whose oppression the country gained independence in 1971 – even if at the cost of India relations.

The Jamaat, a major Islamist political party in Bangladesh, has a controversial past for its opposition to independence. It was banned by the Hasina regime, a ban that was lifted during the tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. It is currently the principal Opposition force in Parliament. The Jamaat is also exhorting the government to implement the July Charter, which still faces legal and Constitutional challenges.

Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Bangladesh Development Update projected growth to slow to 3.9 per cent in FY26, where a “protracted conflict in the Middle East could have significant implications for Bangladesh”, including higher inflation, reduced fiscal space from rising energy subsidies, and a weaker current account due to higher import costs, weaker exports, and lower remittances.

A media report on Tuesday iterated that among the challenging tasks before the government are reducing the inflation rate, revenue mobilisation, and tackling the energy crisis. “Overall, after six months of the BNP government, the economy has yet to show a promising performance,” wrote economist Fahmida Khatun. Under such circumstances, Dhaka cannot afford turmoil amidst Hasina’s return, which can translate into instability, where it may unsettle investors and disrupt the fragile recovery of Bangladesh’s economy.

Her announcement to return home in December was to coincide with the time celebrated in Bangladesh as “Victory Month”, marking the liberation of Bangladesh in the 1971 war. Evoking emotions, she acknowledged that imprisonment or even death could await her. She sought to invoke the spirit of national resilience and sacrifice, presenting herself as a leader willing to endure personal risk for the sake of her country’s democratic future.

Politically, her arrival can ignite tensions between the government and the Awami League, which has been banned from political activity. But her arrest can fan unrest and draw international condemnation, while any negotiation may be seen as weakness. As mentioned in the MOFA statement, India and Bangladesh did sign an extradition treaty in 2013, which was amended in 2016, but in Article 6, it states that the process may be refused for political offences. However, it also specifies that certain crimes, like murder, manslaughter, assault causing grievous harm, possession of explosives or firearms intended to endanger life, and violations of multilateral treaty obligations, are not considered “political offences”.

India, as stated officially, now needs to examine the matter in light of the legal and judicial processes involved before handing over a former Prime Minister who has a death sentence hanging over her head. The death sentence looms over the 78-year-old leader of Bangladesh Awami League like the proverbial Damocles’ Sword. Ironically, Hasina and her sister, Rehana, are the only survivors of the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman family, who were shot dead in 1975. They were abroad at that time.

Sheikh Mujib, hailed as the founding father of Bangladesh, his wife Begum Fazilatunnesa, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and 10-year-old Sheikh Russel, were brutally murdered. Other relatives were also killed in coordinated attacks across Dhaka. Thus, pragmatically, it is time to wait and watch.

--IANS

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Yerevan, Aug 18 (IANS) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Tuesday visited the Military Academy of Armenia and reviewed the IT Lab established with New Delhi's support, the Ministry of Defence stated.

During his visit to the military academy, Singh was also briefed on weapon systems supplied by India. He underlined the expanding cooperation in capacity building and training and reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Armenia in areas of mutual interest.

India and Armenia on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in research, development, innovation and shared production in the defence industry, the ministry noted.

“Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Minister of High Tech Industry, Armenia Mr Davit Tadevosyan in Yerevan on August 17, 2026. The two sides signed an MoU on cooperation in research, development, innovation and shared production in the defence industry, reaffirming their commitment to expand bilateral defence industrial cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” it mentioned on X.

Earlier on Monday, the Defence Secretary called on Armenian Defence Minister, Suren Papikyan, in Yerevan, where they explored new avenues to further strengthen defence cooperation.

"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Minister of Defence of Armenia Mr Suren Papikyan in Yerevan on August 17, 2026. The two sides explored new avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening and elevating the India-Armenia defence partnership," the Ministry of Defence stated on X.

Ambassador of India to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha, also participated in the meeting. Secretary Singh also called on the Chief of General Staff, Armenia, Lt Gen Edvard Asryan, in Yerevan.

"The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Armenia defence partnership, with renewed focus on bilateral defence industrial cooperation and defence research and development," the ministry noted.

Secretary Singh arrived in Yerevan on Sunday on a two-day visit. He was received by Ambassador Sinha and senior representatives of the Armenian Defence Ministry.

–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, Aug 18 (IANS) On the 6th death anniversary of legendary vocalist Pandit Jasraj, singer and musician Anoop Jalota recalled some heartfelt memories of the music maestro during an exclusive conversation with IANS.

Anoop Jalota revealed that Pandit Jasraj used to fondly call him “Jamairaj” because his wife used to learn music from him.

He told IANS, "This is an opportunity to remember Panditji and to make our body and mind melodious. By remembering him, we are experiencing the sounds that resonate throughout our body."

"I have received a lot of love from him. He used to call me 'Jamairaj' (son-in-law) because my wife used to learn music from him. He had a very good relationship with my father. We have a family relationship. And I hope it will remain so", he went on to add.

Anoop Jalota further recalled how Pandit Jasraj was so impressed by one of his bhajans that he honoured him with a pearl necklace.

When asked to share a fond memory with the legend, the singer said, "I have a lot of memories. Once I was singing in Hyderabad, and he was sitting in front of me, crying. I was singing, and tears were coming out of his eyes. He really used to like my bhajan 'Kabhi kabhi bhagwan ko bhi bhakto se kam pade'. On the last line of the bhajan, he started crying and came to the stage. He was wearing a very beautiful pearl necklace. He took it off and put it on my neck. Today, I feel that this is the biggest blessing for me."

For those who do not know, Pandit Jasraj belonged to the Mewati gharana. During his glorious career spread over 75 years, he has left a massive legacy as both a performer and a teacher.

Earning global recognition, he was also honored with many prestigious awards.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Reality star Prince Narula has shared that he would like to bring his wife Yuvika Chaudhary on the reality show, ‘Indian Game Show’ hosted by Bharti Singh and her husband, Haarsh Limbachiyaa.

Prince spoke with IANS on the sets of the show along with Mannara Chopra, and shared that currently his wife is out of India, and he would love to bring her on the show just so he could have fun on the sets while participating in the show with her.

He told IANS, “She will come very soon. She has just come back from abroad. So, as soon as she comes back, we will have a game show”.

Bharti and Harsh can often be seen getting romantic on the show. When asked how much he is missing Yuvika, he said, “She is my wife. I want her to be romantic. But yes, I miss her in the show. When she comes, we will have a game show. People will enjoy it”.

He also spoke about the demanding nature of reality shows, as he said, “Mentally, physically (it is stressful). But in such game shows, there is no stress. In other shows, we go to compete. Here, if someone is playing seriously, he will feel like, I don't want to play seriously. I want to enjoy. I am not playing with that spirit. I want to enjoy as much as I can because I have done those things in my time. And I go to other shows too”.

The comedy family game show is set to premiere on August 24, 2026 on Sony TV.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Actor Suniel Shetty celebrated the strong bond between India and the UAE. He expressed pride in the Indian diaspora and the growing collaboration between the two countries.

Taking to Instagram, the ‘Dhadkan’ actor shared glimpses from an event and described the evening as a wonderful celebration of India, its people and the special connection shared with the UAE. “What a wonderful evening of celebrating India, our people and the beautiful bond we share with the UAE,” he wrote.

The ‘Hera Pheri’ actor also praised the Indian community in the UAE and highlighted the work being done through collaboration between India and the UAE. “Proud, proud, proud of our Indian diaspora and the incredible work being done together with the UAE,” Suniel added.

He also mentioned Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his post. The actor also shared pictures from the event on social media.

Organized by the Indian People’s Forum (IPF), one of the largest community associations representing Indian expatriates in the UAE, the gathering saw attendees collectively recite a pledge of allegiance to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Suniel Shetty also joined the audience in taking both pledges.

Speaking at the event, Suniel described the UAE, particularly Dubai, as “an extension of our very own India” and praised the country and the Indian community for their resilience in overcoming challenges and crises.

Suniel Shetty has often spoken about his pride in India's culture and global community.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shetty was last seen in the action-comedy film “Welcome to the Jungle,” which also starred Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, and Jackie Shroff.

“Welcome to the Jungle” was released worldwide on 26 June 2026

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Singer Benny Dayal has opened up about the inspiration behind his new single “Yaaro Neeyo,” saying he wanted to create a song that felt “honest, intimate, and timeless.”

Speaking about the song’s release, he shared, “As an artist, we tend to express emotions that are hard to express in words and ‘Yaaro Neeyo’ is one such song for me. I wanted to make something that was honest, intimate and timeless.”

“Something that people could own, wherever they were in their lives. It’s been such a rewarding experience writing this song and I hope people can relate to it as much as I did creating it,” added Benny.

The singer also took to his Instagram handle to share the song and wrote, “Yaaro neeyo out on all platforms! go bless this audio!

Benny made a strong return to the Tamil independent music scene with his new single, “Yaaro Neeyo,” which released worldwide on Tuesday. Produced by Prito Intiacandy, with lyrics by Vignesh Ramakrishnan and mixing and mastering by Ranbeer Sidhu, the song offers an emotional and engaging musical experience.

Benny Dayal is a prominent Indian playback singer known for his work across several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi. He began his career as a member of the band S5, which was launched by SS Music.

The playback singer also made his acting debut with the Malayalam suspense thriller “By the People.” The songs in the film were performed by the members of S5, which eventually brought him to the attention of music maestro A.R. Rahman, who invited him for an audition.

Benny’s most popular songs include “Udta Punjab,” "Badtameez Dil," "Lat Lag Gayi," "Daaru Desi," "Sher Khul Gaye," and "Locha-E-Ulfat."

--IANS

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