New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) BJP leaders on Thursday lashed out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him “anarchic” and “frustrated”.

The reactions came a day after LoP Rahul Gandhi said during an event that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may impose “something like an Emergency” to ward off “people’s pressure” following the “collapse of the system he once controlled”.

Earlier, LoP Rahul Gandhi said it was very likely that PM Modi would lose power in a year.

In a harsh critique, Union Minister Giriraj Singh compared Rahul Gandhi to Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, saying, “Rahul Gandhi will be the last ruler of this Maoist Muslim Congress.”

BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari referred to the LoP as a “dangerous and anarchic man”.

“Rahul Gandhi has realised that he cannot come to power in the country democratically. Wherever he travels, the country’s youth and Gen-Z appear to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, because Rahul Gandhi is a dynastic person and cannot stay away from power, he has started speaking against the democracy of India,” he told IANS.

He added: “Citizens will not allow Rahul Gandhi’s conspiracy to succeed.”

BJP Telangana President N. Ramchander Rao reminded that it was the Congress that imposed the Emergency in 1975, under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

He said: “Rahul Gandhi’s statement suggesting that Prime Minister Modi is likely to take very strict steps similar to an ‘Emergency’ is a big joke. It is the Congress party that has an ‘Emergency’ mindset, as they were the ones who imposed ‘Emergency’.”

“It is the then Jan Sangh which fought against the Emergency and restored democracy in the country,” he told IANS.

Calling Congress “anti-democracy”, the state BJP President added: “Rahul Gandhi is frustrated as his party is out of power (at the Centre) for many years. His frustration is being expressed through such silly statements.”

Addressing the media, Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said: “As long as PM Modi is the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi should not worry about the country; he should rather focus on his family and his party.”

Echoing a similar view, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said: “Nobody has, so far in the last more than 12 years, acknowledged what Rahul Gandhi has said. Even today, India is the fastest-growing economy.”

“Even before this, they used to say that India is a dead economy. Whatever they say, there is no seriousness. He always wants to belittle India in front of the world and in front of its citizens. But people of India have continuously rejected him,” he added.

According to Haryana Minister Anil Vij, LoP Gandhi has “gone into depression after repeatedly losing elections”.

“He should get himself treated by a good doctor,” he remarked.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, June 4 (IANS) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting 24 alleged failures of the BJP-led state government.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty outlined the alleged failures on the occasion of the completion of two years of the historic mandate that brought the party to power in Odisha. He said, “Today, 4 June, marks two years of your government in Odisha. Although the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured more votes than the BJP in the 2024 General Elections, it was the BJP that eventually formed the government.”

In response to the Chief Minister’s social media post on the government’s achievements in the last two years, Mohanty listed 24 top alleged failures of the BJP government.

Targeting the BJP-led state government over the law-and-order situation, he stated that 48,798 cases of crimes against women were reported in just 18 months under the BJP government.

Referring to NCRB reports, Mohanty alleged that Odisha tops the list of states in the country in cases of sexual harassment in public places and ranks second in crimes against women as well as incidents of violent crime.

He also alleged that Odisha tops the list in connection with incidents of violent crimes. Odisha recorded 229,881 cognisable crimes in 2025, a 7.3 per cent increase from 214,113 cases in 2024.

He stated that Odisha’s GSDP growth had declined sharply from 9.6 per cent in 2023–24 to 7.2 per cent in 2024–25 and 7.9 per cent in 2025–26, while the state attracted a mere Rs 39 crore in FDI in FY 2024–25, accounting for just 0.009 per cent of the national total.

The BJD spokesperson further alleged that the BJP government had failed on several economic and governance fronts, citing Odisha’s poor rankings in the Export Preparedness Index and National Startup Index, the exit of major industrial projects to other states, alleged irregularities in national-level examinations, rising fiscal and primary deficits, underutilisation of budgetary allocations, reduction in central grants, and rising inflation.

He also accused the government of neglecting welfare initiatives and of failing to meet public expectations, despite having completed two years in office.

--IANS

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Shillong/Agartala, June 4 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday urged the Centre to enhance the funding ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), introduce direct Agartala-Chittagong flight services, and provide a subsidy on natural gas to accelerate the state’s development and connectivity.

Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Saha said the Union Finance Ministry has fixed a ceiling of Rs 4,146 crore for Tripura under the EAP framework and requested that it be increased to Rs 10,000 crore to facilitate the approval of all projects currently in the pipeline.

The plenary session was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, and the Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states.

The Chief Minister placed a series of demands before the Centre, including the operationalisation of direct Agartala-Chittagong (Bangladesh) flights, early commencement of the Badarpur (Assam)-Sabroom (southern Tripura) double-line railway project, a 40 per cent rebate on natural gas prices, establishment of an IT Park, and enhancement of allocations under the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme from Rs 3,450 crore to at least Rs 6,000 crore annually for Tripura.

Highlighting the state’s development trajectory, Saha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the support of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Tripura has made significant strides in socio-economic growth.

“We have doubled our Gross State Domestic Product over the past six years, while per capita income has reached the national average. The state has also received more than 350 national and regional awards in the last eight years for achievements across various sectors,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that investment-friendly policies have helped attract investments worth over Rs 30,000 crore in the past year, while projects valued at more than Rs 8,000 crore have already been grounded. He added that over 200 startups have been recognised under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024.

Saha also highlighted progress in the healthcare sector, stating that improved medical infrastructure has reduced out-of-state patient referrals by 80 per cent. Over the past four years, MBBS seats in the state have increased from 225 to 550, while postgraduate medical seats have risen from 85 to 196.

On infrastructure, he urged the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ensure quality road construction and prioritise four-laning of the Churaibari-Mugaikami, Agartala-Udaipur, and Udaipur-Amarpur stretches.

The Chief Minister further requested the extension of the runway at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, the operationalisation of Kailashahar Airport under the UDAN scheme, the introduction of electric passenger train services up to Sabroom, and the launch of a Vande Bharat Express connecting Agartala and Guwahati.

He also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala and urged the Ministry of DoNER to sanction an Information Technology Park and a World Skill Centre under the PM-DevINE scheme.

Referring to the recommendations of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, Saha noted that no Revenue Deficit Grant has been proposed for Tripura and appealed for enhanced support through the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme to address the state’s developmental needs.

As Chairman of the High-Level Task Force on Investment Promotion in the Northeast, Saha also outlined strategies for attracting investment across the region. He highlighted key sectors in goods and services, identified challenges and mitigation measures, and presented development snapshots of all eight Northeastern states.

The Chief Minister proposed a series of regional initiatives, including developing the Northeast as India’s Green Industrial Hub, creating an Eastern Startup Corridor, establishing a North East Industrial Free Trade Authority, promoting cross-border cluster diplomacy, setting up a North East Skills University with campuses in all states, and strengthening community-based tourism.

On connectivity, he advocated coordinated multi-state planning and the implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects with private sector participation to unlock the Northeast’s full economic potential.

--IANS

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Seoul, June 4 (IANS) Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back held a phone call with his Canadian counterpart, David McGuinty, on Thursday and underscored the commitment to expanding bilateral defence ties amid South Korea's push to win Canada's submarine procurement project, the defence ministry said.

During the talks, Ahn expressed hope that the two countries would strengthen solidarity as key partners across a wide range of areas, including the submarine project, security and defence cooperation, and broader industrial collaboration.

The ministers agreed that their joint exercise last month helped further enhance interoperability between their navies, while reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ahn also praised the port visit of the 3,000-ton ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine to Esquimalt in Victoria last month, which marked the first trans-Pacific voyage by a South Korean submarine, the ministry said.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) is a major procurement program involving up to 12 diesel-electric submarines, which is estimated at up to 60 trillion won (US$39.7 billion), including construction, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

A consortium of Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. has been shortlisted for the project and is competing with Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Canada is expected to announce its preferred bidder later this month.

South Korea has proposed a hydrogen-powered truck project as part of its bid for a major Canadian submarine contract to boost its offer against Germany, according to a Canadian media report.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik unveiled the proposal in an interview with Canada's CTV News on Wednesday (local time) during his visit to Canada as President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy supporting Seoul's campaign to supply 12 submarines to Ottawa.

During the interview, Kang said South Korea would invest more than $2.3 billion in Canada to help establish a hydrogen-powered trucking industry and create about 9,000 jobs through a project code-named "Project Beaver" if the Korean consortium wins the submarine contract.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) India and the United States have made further progress in negotiations for a proposed bilateral trade agreement, with officials from both countries holding extensive discussions in New Delhi this week on a range of trade-related issues, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Thursday.

A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by the Chief Negotiator, visited India from June 1 to June 4 to advance talks on the India-U.S. Trade Agreement.

The discussions covered key areas including trade in goods, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, economic security alignment, and other matters of mutual interest.

The latest round of engagements follows the Joint Statement issued by India and the United States on February 7, 2026, in which both sides agreed on a framework for an interim agreement aimed at ensuring reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

The framework also reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to continue negotiations towards a broader India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement.

According to an official statement, the discussions during the USTR delegation's visit were constructive and positive, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism between the two sides. Officials reviewed progress across multiple negotiating tracks and explored ways to deepen economic engagement.

Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement that would strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties while promoting greater economic cooperation.

The negotiations are part of ongoing efforts by New Delhi and Washington to expand commercial relations and address trade-related concerns through a structured framework, amid growing strategic and economic collaboration between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies.

"The engagements were marked by a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens bilateral trade and economic ties," the ministry added.

--IANS

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Washington, June 4 (IANS) President Donald Trump is expected to announce what the White House described as “three historic, beautiful, clean coal announcements” focused on preserving existing coal-fired power plants, expanding coal exports and supporting new coal-fired generation projects, according to a White House official.

The measures, set to be unveiled in the Oval Office Thursday afternoon (early morning India time), include federal funding to extend the life of ageing coal plants, support construction of a long-delayed coal export terminal in California and help finance new coal-fired generation projects in the United States.

Trump is expected to be joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The three initiatives together will support and create more than 14,000 jobs in the coal, construction, rail and maritime sectors while helping avoid an estimated USD 50 billion in new electricity generation costs that otherwise could be passed on to consumers, a White House official told IANS.

The largest component of the package allocates USD 425 million under the Defence Production Act to support 13 coal-fired power plants across the country.

The White House said the funding would allow the facilities to invest in upgrades that extend their operational life, reinforce grid reliability and help keep electricity prices low as demand for power increases.

The plants receiving support are located in West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Administration officials said the funding would also benefit coal mines that supply fuel to those plants. Those mines are located in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wyoming, North Dakota and New Mexico.

In a second announcement, Trump is expected to allocate USD 75 million in Defence Production Act funding to support construction of the West Gateway Terminal in Oakland, California.

The White House said the project, which has faced delays for years, would break ground this summer and begin exporting coal by the summer of 2028.

According to administration estimates, the terminal will operate around the clock and handle more than 12 million tonnes of American coal annually, representing more than USD 1 billion in exports each year.

The administration said the project is expected to create more than 1,400 jobs on-site and support thousands of additional jobs across the western United States, including miners, railway workers, port workers, engineers and construction workers.

Coal-producing communities in Wyoming, Utah and other western states are expected to benefit from increased export demand as production expands to supply overseas markets.

The third element of the package involves nearly USD 200 million in Department of Energy grant funding to support the construction of two new coal-fired power plants in Alaska and West Virginia and the restart of a coal plant in Maryland.

According to the White House, these would be the first new coal plants built in the United States since 2013.

Administration officials said participating companies would match or exceed the federal funding, bringing total investment in the projects to approximately USD 386 million.

The White House also projected that about 12,500 coal-related jobs would be retained by keeping existing coal plants operating. Officials argued that investment in coal-based power generation would help preserve baseload electricity capacity and support employment at power stations, coal mines and industries linked to coal combustion products.

--IANS

--IANS lkj/ksk

Washington, June 4 (IANS) Four Democratic senators have challenged a Trump administration policy that has paused immigration and citizenship cases involving nationals from 39 countries, saying the move has stalled green cards, naturalisation applications and work permits while leaving families and employers in limbo.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow, the senators said the policy amounts to an indefinite freeze on legal immigration processing based on nationality.

“We write to express serious concern regarding US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) overbroad and indefinite pauses on completions of immigration and citizenship cases, particularly when they are based solely on national origin,” the senators wrote.

The letter was signed by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia and Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland.

According to the lawmakers, USCIS issued memoranda in December 2025 and January 2026 directing officials to place holds on pending and future immigration benefit requests involving nationals from 39 countries.

The senators said the policy affects green card petitions and applications, naturalisation interviews, citizenship ceremonies and employment authorisation requests.

They also criticised a directive ordering a “comprehensive re-review” of previously approved immigration cases involving individuals from the affected countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021.

“USCIS cannot stop adjudicating or re-adjudicate previously approved applications and petitions based solely on arbitrary factors such as the subject’s national origin, date of entry, or the type of application they filed,” the senators wrote.

“This approach is overbroad, imposes significant harm on immigrants and their American families and employers, and raises questions about USCIS’s discretion and operational capacity.”

The lawmakers said USCIS has provided little information about how the pause is being implemented. They also questioned reports that some applicants have been required to resubmit fingerprints, adding to delays and uncertainty.

The senators argued that the administration was using a single incident involving a foreign national to justify restrictions affecting applicants across nearly 40 countries.

“Imposing a blanket ban on legal immigration processing based on the actions of a single individual is neither proportionate nor consistent with due process principles that undergird our immigration system,” they wrote.

The lawmakers said the consequences are already being felt by families and businesses.

“Our offices are hearing from constituents whose naturalisation interviews have been cancelled, whose green card applications have stalled, and whose employment authorisation documents have lapsed while awaiting renewal,” the senators wrote.

“These lapses in work authorisation are forcing individuals out of jobs, threatening their families’ financial stability, and creating losses for employers who depend on their contributions.”

The letter also raises concerns about a May 2026 USCIS policy memorandum and related guidance that, according to the senators, could force many immigrants seeking permanent residence to return to their home countries to complete the process.

The lawmakers said such a change would depart from decades of immigration practice that allowed eligible applicants already in the United States to adjust their status without leaving the country.

The senators asked USCIS to explain the expected duration of the pause, the number of affected applications and the legal basis for nationality-based reviews. They requested a response within two weeks.

“As a country, we have long pledged that individuals who follow the law and navigate our legal immigration system in good faith deserve timely and fair adjudication of their applications,” the senators wrote.

“An indefinite, nationality-based freeze on processing, without clear operational guidance, a defined timeline, or adequate transparency, undermines that commitment and imposes real consequences on families and communities across the nation,” they said.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 4 (IANS) A team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police visited the house of Trinamool Congress MLA and former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim in connection with the investigation into the forged signatures incident in the state Assembly. The former mayor will be questioned about the signature incident.

Apart from this, handwriting samples of three more Trinamool MLAs were collected in court on Thursday in this incident. They are Canning Purba MLA Baharul Islam, Howrah Central MLA Arup Roy, and Maheshtala MLA Subhasish Das.

The CID had approached the court seeking to collect handwriting samples of the Trinamool MLAs. The City Sessions Court granted their application. As per the court’s order, the three MLAs appeared in person on Thursday and gave handwriting samples.

A letter was sent to the Speaker of the Assembly on behalf of the Trinamool parliamentary party seeking to make Sovandeb Chattopadhyay the Leader of the Opposition. It is alleged that some inconsistencies were found in that letter. The state government has handed over the investigation to the CID. As a Trinamool MLA, Firhad also signed the letter. Detectives may question him about when and how the signature was made.

Earlier, the CID had raided the houses of several other Trinamool MLAs. The CID team went to the houses of Chowrangee MLA Nayna Bandyopadhyay and Beleghata MLA Kunal Ghosh. Their statements were heard and videographed.

The CID also went to Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s house in connection with the investigation into the signature case in the Assembly. His signature was on the letter as the All India General Secretary of Trinamool. In that incident, the CID has also summoned Abhishek to Bhabani Bhawan. Fearing arrest, Abhishek has approached the court seeking protection. The hearing of the case is scheduled for Friday in the Calcutta High Court.

On Wednesday, 58 Trinamool MLAs wrote a letter to the Speaker in the Assembly proposing to make the expelled Ritabrata Banerjee the Leader of the Opposition. As a result, the division within Trinamool became clear. Although these rebel MLAs accepted Mamata Banerjee as the President, they did not want to accept Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition. Amidst speculation about the future of Trinamool, the CID is actively investigating the signature case.

--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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Chennai, June 4 (IANS)Director Aathiran Rakkeppen's upcoming film, featuring actress Lijomol Jose in the lead, has now been titled 'The One: Within you', its makers announced on Thursday.

Harshini Pictures Private Limited, the production house producing the film, on Thursday released a teaser to reveal the title of the film.

Produced by Gopal Balakrishnan and Siva Ramanathan, the film promises a powerful blend of action, emotion, suspense, and human drama set against a deeply rooted backdrop.

Sources close to the unit say that 'The One: Within you' had been crafted as a compelling hyperlink action drama thriller that will explore how seemingly unrelated lives can become interconnected through destiny, circumstances, and survival.

Set against the breathtaking yet unpredictable landscapes of the Western Ghats in Coimbatore, the story unfolds during a fateful Shivaratri night, where four strangers from entirely different walks of life find themselves drawn into an extraordinary chain of events.

The film boasts a talented ensemble cast led by Lijomol Jose, alongside Saravanan, Paval Navageethan, and Namita Krishnamurthy in pivotal roles. The supporting cast includes Geetha Kailasam, Praveen Raja, Rajeev Anand, Ganesan Kaliyamoorthy, JS Kavi, Shreedar, Aathira, Porkodi, Anupama Unni, Heena Rathore, and Smruthi, with several promising newcomers making their debut.

Adding immense strength to the project is an accomplished technical team headed by acclaimed composer Ghibran, whose music is expected to elevate the film's emotional and suspenseful narrative. The visual world of the film is brought to life by cinematographer Vinoth Raja, while editor C.S. Premkumar shapes the film's intricate storytelling. Art direction for the film is by Srikanth Gopal while VFX Supervision is by A. Muthukumaran.

Sources claim that with its intriguing premise, emotionally layered characters, realistic backdrop, and edge-of-the-seat narrative, 'The One: Within you' will aim to offer audiences a thought-provoking thriller that explores the idea that every individual carries within them the power to alter their destiny.

The teaser promises a gripping thriller packed with suspense, action, emotions, and unexpected connections.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia revealed how the universe prepared for the arrival of Devi at her home.

In her latest post, Tamannaah shared that while she was worried about the heat in Mumbai ahead of the Linga Bhairavi Devi Punya Puja at her house, she was pleasantly surprised to see that it had rained, completely switching the weather.

The 'Baahubali' actress revealed that she felt that Devi had arrived to bless her home, along with the rain.

Putting her experience into words, she wrote on the photo-sharing app, "For days, Mumbai had been unbearably hot. One of the things we quietly worried about was how everyone would sit through the puja, how we would make the day comfortable for those who had come. Then, at dawn, I woke up and looked outside my window. The trees were swaying. The flowers were drenched in rain. The wind had arrived. The heat that had hung over the city for days had simply disappeared. And standing there, looking out at that unexpected morning, I remember feeling that something had already begun long before the first lamp was lit. The puja happened hours later. But in some ways, it felt like Devi had arrived at home with the rain. (sic)."

The 'F3' actress went ahead and described how the atmosphere felt divine even after everyone had left.

"Everyone had left. The chants had faded. The puja was complete. Yet I found myself sitting beside Devi, not wanting the day to end. There was still so much life in the space. The energy of a home that had spent the day in prayer, celebration, laughter, devotion, and togetherness. It felt as though something beautiful was still lingering in the air, refusing to leave," she shared.

"What made the day even more special was sharing it with family, loved ones, and everyone who gathered under one roof. I’ve always felt that when a spiritual process is brought into a home, it touches not just those who organize it, but everyone who walks through the door. It creates a moment to pause, connect, and experience life a little more deeply", added Tamannaah.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 4 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has shared details about her physical assaulted, which happened roughly a decade ago.

The actress, 68, shared that she was attacked from behind and was taken by surprise, reports ‘People’ magazine.

She said on the latest episode of ‘The Person Who Believed in Me’ podcast, hosted by David Begnaud, “I don’t know how much I can tell about this. I was hit from behind. I didn’t really know ’til 10 years later what had happened to me because I woke up. I was unconscious on the floor. The two couches were sideways”.

She further mentioned, “The coffee table was all over the place. It was sort of upside down. Everything that had been on the coffee table was all over the floor and I didn’t know how I got there”.

As per ‘People’, the actress declined to name her attacker. The actress explained that a decade later, the attack was brought up after she’d gone to see a doctor after experiencing problems with the back of her neck and her shoulders.

She went on, “I went to a clinic because I was having a lot of problems with the back of my neck and my shoulders were so sore and I went to a neck and spine clinic in Marina Del Rey and they had given me propofol and they’d done a lot of X-rays of my front and back and all this stuff”.

“They were going to do some kind of injections into what they thought was arthritis in my neck and shoulders, and they had done all these preliminary X-rays of my thoracic rib cage and my neck and my shoulders and my spine and the doctor came in and he’s like, ‘We’re not going to be able to do this surgery’. I was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’. And he’s like, ‘Your thoracic rib cage is all fractured and scarred back together. It’s clear that you were attacked and that what happened to you was a felony”, she added.

She said that her doctor urged her to report it, and she had a panic attack, even though she was still on propofol (used to help you relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures).

When asked who attacked her, the actress responded, “I am not going to say publicly, but I am going to say that we did report and we did do everything”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Ahead of the release of Emraan Hashmi's highly anticipated sequel, "Awarapan 2", the makers announced on Thursday that they have wrapped up the shoot for the forthcoming drama.

Producers, Vishesh Films, took to social media to announce the latest update with a post that read, "OGs know this isn’t just a wrap.

He came back for you. In cinemas August 14. #Awarapan2 #ShivamReturns #ItsAWrap (sic)."

Shot across Rajasthan and South East Asia, "Awarapan 2" comes together on a larger canvas, while staying true to the story at its heart.

Along with Hashmi returning as beloved Shivam, a character that has stayed with audiences for nearly two decades, the project further marks actress Disha Patani's first collaboration with Vishesh Films.

Made under the direction of Nitin Kakkar and written by Bilal Siddiqui, "Awarapan 2" is set to release in cinema halls across the globe on 14th August this year.

Shedding light on his decision to make the sequel to the 2007 outing "Awarapan", producer Vishesh Bhatt said, “‘Awarapan 2’ is an emotion so large that it's meant for the big screen. It also presents exotic settings and large scale sequences but fundamentally it's built on our core principles of layered storytelling with powerful characters and rich music”.

He went on to add, “Emraan felt the angst of Shivam so deeply that he stepped into character in a heartbeat. And with Disha Patani joining us, the world of the film opened up to new possibilities”.

Over the years, "Awarapan’ has gained a cult status. Despite not performing well at the box office, the film ended up gaining a lot of love and admiration during its television reruns.

The songs of the film such as ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ and ‘Toh Phir Aao’ have become timeless classics, ingrained in the memories of music lovers.

--IANS

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