Jhansi, July 17 (IANS) Two habitual offenders, who were wanted in a theft case, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi after an exchange of fire, police said on Friday, adding that one of them sustained injuries in retaliatory firing.

Addressing the media, Sadar Circle Officer Priya Singh said, "On July 16, Babina Police arrested two habitual accused involved in a theft case following a police encounter. A theft had taken place on the night of June 29, under the Bhel outpost of Babina Police Station, and an FIR was registered at the police station."

She mentioned that the local police had been on alert for the last few days to uncover thefts and recover stolen valuables.

"When the staff of Babina Police Station, along with a SOG (Special Operations Group) team, jointly attempted to arrest the said accused and recover stolen items, the culprits opened fire with the intention of causing harm to the officers, and when the police personnel responded with retaliatory fire, one of the accused got injured in the leg," she added.

The injured accused has been identified as Kader, a resident of Rajasthan's Dholpura. The other accused, who was arrested, has been identified as Riyasat, a resident of Jalon in Uttar Pradesh.

Police recovered stolen gold and silver jewellery related to an alleged robbery in an area under Babina Police Station. Apart from it, Rs 3,350 in cash, an illegal .315 bore firearm, two empty cartridges, and one live cartridge were also recovered, the police officer said.

"The injured accused has been sent for treatment, and the forensic team are carrying out an investigation at the site," Priya Singh said.

Further investigation in the case is underway.

In a similar incident, the Mathura Police arrested two alleged history-sheeters and murder accused following an encounter, officials said on Tuesday.

The two accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs during retaliatory firing by the police and were subsequently admitted to the district hospital for treatment, officials said.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team with the intention of escaping and causing harm to the officers. In response, the police retaliated in self-defence, during which both accused sustained bullet injuries to their left legs before being overpowered and taken into custody.

--IANS

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump this week announced plans for a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrant truck drivers, saying his administration would remove those working illegally on American roads and replace them with military veterans under a new licensing initiative.

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit on Wednesday, Trump linked the proposed action to the recent death of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who he said was killed by "an illegal alien operating a semi-truck on a commercial driver's license."

"Today, I'm making one more important announcement," Trump said. "My administration will soon take historic action to get illegal alien truck drivers who are just killing a lot of people."

He alleged that undocumented drivers "can't read signs," adding that "many of them are on drugs or alcohol, and they shouldn't be driving these things."

"They came in illegally and we don't want them," Trump said. "But they are driving all over American roadways, and we're going to replace them with proud American veterans."

Notably, Sikhs dominate the American trucking industry both as drivers and owners. The overwhelming majority operate legally as US citizens, permanent residents or authorized workers.

There are allegations that a large number of Sikh drivers are illegal, but this might not be true.

To drive, one needs a commercial driving license, which is issued by the state governments. In some cases, illegal immigrants who present themselves before a court seek political asylum are issued temporary official work permits. It’s only after that they are issued commerical driving license, which comes after a rigirours driving tests.

Trump said the administration would automatically recognise military experience for commercial trucking jobs. Notably

"We're going to take our veterans... and we're going to teach them a lot about driving trucks," he said. "And in many cases they know. We're going to say any American who has driven a heavy truck for our military will automatically be eligible for a commercial driver's license."

The president presented the proposal as both a public safety measure and a jobs initiative for former service members.

"We're going to get them taken care of," he said after announcing the licensing proposal.

Trump also criticised political opponents over the plan.

"The radical left is very much opposed to that," he said. "But it doesn't matter what they want because we're the ones that are running it."

The announcement came during a speech largely focused on defence manufacturing and investment in Pennsylvania, where Trump unveiled nearly $10 billion in new projects for shipbuilding, military technology and weapons production. He repeatedly linked economic growth, manufacturing and stricter immigration enforcement as central pillars of his administration's agenda.

The proposed action could have implications for the US trucking industry, which has long faced driver shortages and increasingly relies on immigrant workers. The administration did not immediately provide details on how it would identify undocumented commercial drivers, review existing commercial driver's licences or implement the proposed changes.

--IANS

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) The Trump administration released newly declassified intelligence and cybersecurity assessments warning that America's voter registration databases remain vulnerable to foreign cyber attacks, arguing that compromised election data could be exploited long after it is stolen.

The documents, which were released after President Donald Trump's address on election security, allege that voter registration databases as one of the most attractive targets for foreign intelligence services and cyber actors seeking to disrupt elections or undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report released by the White House, hackers have attempted to breach voter registration systems in all 50 US states over the past decade, with confirmed successful compromises in at least 20 states.

"Statewide Voter Registration Databases are attractive targets for foreign adversaries," the report said, adding that the exposure of sensitive voter information presents risks that extend well beyond election day.

The report argues that stolen voter data could potentially be used to request absentee ballots, alter voter registration records, change polling locations or delete voter registrations. It says information taken in one cyber breach could remain useful for years because much of the personal information used to verify voter identity does not change.

The assessment traces a series of cyber incidents affecting election infrastructure since 2016, including Russian attempts to probe voter registration databases, Iranian efforts to obtain voter registration information and suspected Chinese cyber activity targeting election-related networks and publicly available voter data.

President Trump said during his address that newly declassified intelligence showed the United States had long been aware that election infrastructure was exposed to foreign cyber threats.

"As one assessment states, we judge that the United States adversaries, including at a minimum Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, as well as non-state groups, have the capability to compromise US election infrastructure," Trump said.

He added that intelligence assessments had identified voter registration databases, electronic poll books and official election websites as among the systems most vulnerable to exploitation.

The DHS report also recommends stronger cyber defences for state and local election authorities, including routine offline backups of voter databases, wider use of multi-factor authentication, improved network segmentation, stronger monitoring of internet-facing systems and comprehensive incident-response planning.

The report warns that large-scale breaches of personal information held by private companies—including financial institutions, healthcare providers and credit reporting agencies—could also affect election security because much of the same personal data is used to verify voter identities and process absentee ballot requests.

Trump said his administration had begun notifying governors, members of Congress and election officials in states identified as potentially affected by cyber vulnerabilities. He also said the Department of Homeland Security would work with states to address known technical weaknesses before next year's midterm elections.

While the report says cyber intrusions have repeatedly targeted election systems, it does not conclude that such activity altered the outcome of any US presidential election. Instead, it argues that protecting voter registration databases has become an increasingly important national security priority as foreign governments expand their cyber capabilities.

--IANS

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) Senior Democrats swiftly rejected President Donald Trump's claims of widespread foreign interference and election vulnerabilities after his prime-time address to the nation, accusing him of reviving false narratives about the 2020 election and laying the groundwork to influence next year's midterm elections.

The criticism came soon after Trump announced the declassification of intelligence, FBI and cybersecurity records that he said showed Chinese election activities, vulnerabilities in US election infrastructure and alleged efforts by government officials to suppress intelligence. He also called on Congress to pass the Save America Act, which would require photo identification, proof of citizenship and tighter restrictions on mail voting.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said Trump's address relied on "debunked lies" and accused the President of attempting to undermine confidence in American elections.

"Tonight, Americans watched Donald Trump air old grievances and desperately try to justify his assault on free and fair elections with lies about the 2020 election he lost," Martin said.

He argued that US intelligence had previously concluded "with high confidence" that China "did not attempt any direct interference with the US election process in 2020" and accused Republicans of trying to "lay the groundwork for interfering with the midterm elections."

Martin said Democrats would continue pursuing legal challenges, voter protection efforts and nationwide organising ahead of the 2026 elections.

Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, dismissed Trump's address as an attempt to revisit his 2020 election defeat.

"Donald Trump has chosen to use a primetime address to the nation to – once again – find a new way to relitigate his well-documented 2020 election defeat," Thompson said.

He said foreign governments had sought to influence US elections for years but argued Trump had presented "old, cherry-picked intelligence" while offering "no evidence" that altered previous conclusions about the 2020 election.

Thompson also criticised Trump's administration for ending federal election security programmes, saying Democrats had long supported investments in modern voting equipment and cybersecurity assistance for state election officials.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the Democratic vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also challenged Trump's presentation of the intelligence.

"Tonight, Americans heard the president once again repeat claims about our elections that have been investigated for years and repeatedly rejected by the Intelligence Community, the FBI, DHS, DOJ, bipartisan state election officials, audits, recounts, and the courts," Warner said.

Noting that China remained "a serious strategic competitor" that sought to advance its interests against the United States, Warned argued intelligence agencies had consistently concluded that while Beijing considered influence operations during the 2020 election, it ultimately did not deploy a campaign intended to affect the election's outcome.

He added that US intelligence agencies had also concluded that "no foreign government altered vote totals, hacked voting machines, or compromised the integrity of our election infrastructure."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also criticised Trump's address in a series of posts on social media before and during the speech.

"The 2020 election was not stolen. We won, and he lost," Harris wrote.

She later accused Trump of trying to undermine confidence in the electoral system ahead of the midterm elections, writing that he wanted Americans "to lose confidence in our electoral system so you stay home this November."

The competing claims underscore how election security remains one of the most politically divisive issues in the United States nearly six years after the 2020 presidential election.

--IANS

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Raipur, July 17 (IANS) The Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters has appointed IPS officer Jayant Vaishnav as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) for the security of the Chief Minister, following the transfer of the incumbent, Harish Rathore, to Korea district.

According to an official order issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Dev Gautam on July 16, Vaishnav, who is currently serving as Superintendent of Police (Security), Special Branch, Police Headquarters, Raipur, has been assigned the additional responsibility of SP, Chief Minister’s Security on a temporary basis until further orders.

The appointment follows an order issued by the Chhattisgarh government’s Home (Police) Department on July 10, under which Harish Rathore, an IPS officer who was serving as SP for the Chief Minister’s security, was transferred and posted as the Superintendent of Police, Korea district.

His transfer left the post vacant, prompting the police headquarters to make the new appointment.

The official order states that, in view of Rathore’s transfer, Jayant Vaishnav has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the security arrangements for the Chief Minister until further instructions are issued.

The order, signed by DGP Arun Dev Gautam, has been circulated to the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, senior police officers, the Raipur Police Commissioner, all Range Inspectors General of Police, all Superintendents of Police in the state, and other concerned officials for information and necessary action.

Vaishnav has been serving in the Special Branch at the Police Headquarters in Raipur, where he has been handling security-related responsibilities. With his new assignment, he will now oversee the security apparatus for the Chief Minister, one of the state’s most sensitive policing assignments.

The latest administrative reshuffle ensures continuity in the Chief Minister’s security arrangements following the transfer of Harish Rathore to lead the Korea district police.

--IANS

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Cardiff, July 17 (IANS) India batting coach defended Rohit Sharma’s lean run against England, saying the veteran opener is too good a player to feel pressured; he just faced tough playing conditions.

Rohit, who made 11 in the series opener, made 26 off 43 balls in the second ODI at Cardiff and looked scratchy as he ambled to his slowest 25-plus score in ODIs by strike-rate.

"I don’t think that a player as big as Rohit (Sharma) can feel any pressure. He’s too good a player to feel that. Yes, he didn’t get runs. I don’t think that makes any difference. Today also, it looked like he’ll probably get a good innings. But that’s okay," Kotak said in the post-match press conference.

"I have played a lot of cricket, and I have seen a lot of cricket. On a day, there are a lot of batters who don’t get the momentum they are looking for, and that can happen. You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord’s. So, I wouldn’t use the word "struggling". Maybe the shots he normally plays on the up, because of the double bounce, he probably felt were not comfortable.”

"Shubman (Gill) got a quick start, then Virat got a quick start, but Rohit probably didn’t get balls in his areas or didn’t get going. That’s what I felt. So I wouldn’t say he was struggling because you could definitely see a completely different innings from a player like Rohit. I have seen that happen to a lot of batters. So it’s not just Rohit. I wouldn’t use the word "struggling", he added.

Earlier, talismanic batter Virat Kohli, head coach Gautam Gambhir were reportedly seen avoiding direct interaction during India's Edgbaston practice. But, Kotak dismissed such claims and said there was no need for a bridge between the two.

"Virat and Gautam, they must have talked 10 times today. I don’t think he needs a bridge. Virat, basically, before going into batting, talked about certain things. Honestly, as a batting coach, till the time he doesn’t feel anything or he doesn’t see anything, his batting shouldn’t be disturbed. You shouldn’t say much because of the way he bats. Mainly, about how his footwork was going and certain things, he asked me before. Then, after the nets, we were talking. Apart from that, what you’re saying, I don’t know where the rumours come from, but they do come," Kotak said.

Batting first, India looked well placed at 178/3 before suffering a dramatic collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 55 runs to be bowled out for 233 in 44 overs. Chasing a modest target of 234, England rode on Root’s composed 99 not out off 133 balls. Gus Atkinson played a crucial supporting hand with an unbeaten 23, sealing the chase with 35 balls to spare.

Reflecting on India's innings, Kotak admitted that Washington Sundar’s injury and quick dismissals of Axar Patel and Shivam Dube derailed India’s scoring rate.

"When there is double pace or double bounce, it’s more about adapting better. Everybody knew because Virat, while he was batting, sent a message to us and also told the head coach that the short balls were actually not going through. So, we knew.

"Personally, I felt that Washington’s injury happened when he ran the first run towards mid-off. It looked like a hamstring injury, and it looks like a bad injury. Then, the next ball, he got out. From there, we again wanted a partnership, but unfortunately, we lost Axar and Shivam," he said.

With the series evenly poised at 1-1, both teams will look to seal the three-match series when they face off in the third ODI at Lord's on Sunday, which could be Rohit Sharma’s last match for India.

--IANS

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) Newly declassified US government records released by President Donald Trump's administration show sharp internal disagreements within the American intelligence community over how to assess and report alleged Chinese efforts to influence the 2020 US presidential election.

The documents include internal FBI emails, intelligence assessments and inter-agency correspondence that reveal officials disputed both the strength of available intelligence and how it should be presented to policymakers during the election year.

One set of records shows the FBI recalled an intelligence report shortly after it had been circulated, triggering weeks of internal debate over its sourcing, credibility and whether additional investigation was needed before the information could be shared more widely.

The correspondence also shows differing views among intelligence officials over China's intentions towards the 2020 election.

An August 2020 National Intelligence Council assessment concluded that Beijing preferred President Donald Trump to lose re-election but judged that China was reluctant to undertake a large-scale covert campaign because of the risk that such efforts could backfire. The assessment nevertheless said China had stepped up public criticism of the Trump administration, expanded online influence activity and collected information on US public officials.

Separate internal correspondence released this week shows some senior election analysts believed existing intelligence understated China's activities.

In an October 2020 email, the Director for Election Threat Analysis at the National Intelligence Council informed intelligence agencies that he and the National Intelligence Officer for Cyber held "a somewhat different take on the China/election story" from the broader intelligence community and planned to publish an "alternative analysis" setting out their views. The email said they believed Beijing had taken "some low-level, exploratory steps to denigrate the President and shape voter perceptions ahead of the election."

President Trump cited the documents in a White House address announcing the declassification, arguing that intelligence concerning China's election-related activities had been suppressed within sections of the government. He directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Justice Department, the FBI and the CIA to investigate how the intelligence had been handled.

The documents provide an unusually detailed account of how intelligence agencies debated the credibility, sourcing and dissemination of politically sensitive reporting during the 2020 election.

--IANS

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating a wide-ranging campaign to interfere in US elections, alleging that Beijing sought to undermine his presidency, acquire millions of American voter records and conceal its activities through what he described as a cover-up inside the US intelligence community.

In a nationally televised address from the White House, Trump announced what he called the immediate declassification of intelligence records relating to election security, saying the documents revealed "shocking vulnerabilities" in America's election infrastructure and detailed years of alleged Chinese efforts to influence US politics.

"The People's Republic of China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China's illicit acquisition of 220 million US voter files," Trump said.

He said the records showed the data included names, addresses, telephone numbers, political party preferences and other information that could be used "to register to vote and engage in other nefarious activities."

Trump alleged that US intelligence agencies first became aware in 2020 that "tens of millions" of voter records in 18 states had been "bought, stolen or hacked by China" but failed to disclose the information to him as president or to Congress.

"They did not disclose to me as President or to anyone else and, to the best of our knowledge, they did not inform Congress," he said.

The President also cited what he described as newly declassified CIA reporting alleging that Beijing had sought to influence both the 2018 US midterm elections and the 2020 presidential race.

According to Trump, one intelligence report stated that "the Chinese Communist Party's policy was to leverage all domestic and foreign elements that were opposed to the US President in an effort to reduce the US President's votes and make him resign or prevent his re-election."

He further claimed that another intelligence assessment concluded China's strategy was aimed at "undermining domestic confidence in the US President."

Trump said the intelligence also alleged that Beijing attempted to use contacts with major American companies to persuade business leaders to oppose his administration.

He further claimed the records said the Chinese government sought to identify US journalists who had written critically about him and pay them to produce additional negative reports.

"The Chinese government wanted US President to lose the next election," Trump said, arguing that Beijing opposed his administration's tariffs on Chinese goods and its national security policies.

The President also alleged that raw FBI intelligence from 2020 indicated Chinese activities included "an attempt to manufacture illegal ballots for Joe Biden."

He claimed dozens of CIA and National Security Agency reports concerning China's alleged election activities were withheld from his daily intelligence briefings.

Trump alleged that one internal intelligence email acknowledged officials had "deliberately massaged the Presidential Daily Briefing to withhold information regarding Chinese activities related to the election."

He said he had directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Justice Department, the FBI and the CIA to investigate why the information was allegedly withheld and to determine whether criminal charges were warranted against those involved.

The President said the declassified records would be made publicly available through the White House website. He said the purpose of releasing the material was "not to weaken confidence in election, but to earn that confidence by confronting vulnerabilities and correcting them very, very quickly."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) Actor Tom Hiddleston has shared insights into his docu-series ‘Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston’. On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a series of BTS pictures from the docu-series.

He also penned a long note detailing the history of the preserved ancient Roman city near Naples, Italy. He also heaped praise on the director of the series

He wrote, “On the day of the London Premiere of POMPEII: OUT OF TIME at the British Museum, I just want to salute this man, Tom Barbor-Might. Our director, showrunner, co-writer, steward and guide, a guide through time, and through the lives of the ordinary Romans caught up in the extraordinary moment of the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Tom has worked tirelessly on this project for years. With such respect for history, for the expertise of archaeologists, classicists, geoscientists, psychologists and ancient historians, with such attention to detail, with such rigour and such care”.

The actor lauded him for his empathy, and his passion to bring the story of people of Pompeii to life.

He further mentioned, “All supported by his profound empathy for those real people of Pompeii, and honouring them with extraordinary imagination and creative energy in bringing their stories back to life. Our series, a story 2,000 years old, is propulsive, immersive and emotional. It’s a new way of telling a story we think we know. To walk through Pompeii is to feel as though you’re travelling back in time. To stand in the ancient city, preserved by volcanic ash and pumice for almost two millennia, is to feel the 2,000 years between then & now compress and collapse. Those buildings contain the memories of our Western European ancestors. You can touch the past. See how they lived, how they loved”.

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, burying Pompeii in volcanic ash. This rapid burial froze the city in time, uniquely preserving its buildings, art and the people.

He went on, “They were families, farmers & fishermen. Mothers and sons, business owners, soldiers, and friends. We are reminded that we are bound forever to a thread of human history which connects us all. At every turn, our telling of the story of Pompeii asks us to pause, rewind, reflect, rethink, replay, rework, reimagine. The process of writing history is itself a process of redrafting. Redrawing the picture, as new pieces of the jigsaw puzzle, new fragments of evidence, become available. So much of the heart of the show comes from Tom. He never forgot that Pompeii is a story about people. Real people, ordinary people”.

“He wanted to honour them and their lives. His heart and compassion infused every creative decision and inspired every member of our cast and crew. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, commitment & care. Proud of this one. Can’t wait”, he added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has admitted of being overdressed in red, proving his trademark humour.

The actor, in his famous blogs on X (formerly Twitter), shared a picture of himself in an all-red ensemble with a festive fusion touch.

The 83-year-old actor took to his blog, addressing his "EF" (Extended Family), where he posted a photograph of himself dressed in a vibrant red outfit paired with white shoes, adding a contemporary edge to the traditional-inspired look.

Captioning the image, Bachchan wrote, “.. ok .. an overdressed RED. (sic)”

Amitabh Bachchan, as much as is a thorough professional at work, is equally regular and passionate about his blogs.

He pens all of his emotions and experiences in his daily blogs making it a fun read for his fans.

On the professional front, Amitabh Bachchan is currently shooting for filmmaker Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated sequel, Kalki 2. The latest schedule of the film commenced in Hyderabad earlier this month.

The sequel reunites Bachchan with Prabhas and Kamal Haasan, and continues the battle against Supreme Yaskin, portrayed by Haasan. Bachchan reprises his role as the immortal warrior Ashwatthama.

Meanwhile, the veteran star is also preparing to return as the host of the popular quiz-based reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati for its 18th season.

Amitabh Bachchan has been associated with the quiz reality show, KBC for almost two decades now.

Despite the fact that the veteran legendary actor is in his 83rd year, he is seen working day and night for his sheer love of cinema.

The actor, in his blogs has mentioned how many a times, he goes to bed at 4 or 5 AM, post work commitments.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) The makers of the upcoming film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ have approached the Supreme Court, and challenged the Odisha High Court’s verdict with regards to the release of the film.

The Odisha High Court had earlier imposed a ban on the film stating that it did not conform to the Skanda Purana. The makers of the film have filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the verdict of the Odisha High Court.

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamath presented the matter before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India. He argued that the film is an animated feature made for children and that the ban has caused crores of rupees in losses to the producers.

The makers also shared an official statement with regards to the film, and its content. They said, “‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’ is an extension of our animated series Jay Jagannath, created with the utmost honesty, sincerity and devotion for Lord Jagannath and His devotees”.

They further mentioned that they hope the audience gets to watch the film, and decide for themselves.

They went on, “The film is a heartfelt depiction of a devotee's bhav (devotion) towards Mahaprabhu Jagannath, and we make no claim otherwise. We deeply respect the sentiments of every devotee and everyone who follows the path of Lord Jagannath. We simply hope audiences get the opportunity to watch the film and decide for themselves. This Rath Yatra, our wish is for the film to reach children and families and bring them closer to learning more about Lord Jagannath and imbibe the culture and values. We have made this film giving our heart, soul and with pure intentions to celebrate faith, culture and devotion”.

“The film has received U certification from the CBFC in Hindi, Odia and Telugu and we have filed a review petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. As the matter is currently sub judice, we will refrain from commenting further and place our faith in the judicial process”, they added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) Playback singer Altaf Raja, opened the floodgates of nostalgia as he performed his iconic chartbuster, 'Tum To Thehre Pardesi’ on the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’.

Talking about his performance, the singer said, "There's something magical about a stage where every performance comes straight from the heart. ‘Indian Idol’ has given countless singers the opportunity to share their stories through music, and that's what makes this journey so meaningful. I'm happy to join this celebration and experience the passion that makes the show so loved”.

His soulful rendition captivated the judges, contestants, and the live audience, turning the set into a heartwarming sing-along as everyone joined in to celebrate the timeless classic.

Moved by the performance, Badshah said, “Aapko hamesha gaate hue sunna bahut achha lagta hai”.

Host Aditya Narayan said, “Pehli baar Indian Idol ke manch par Altaf Raja ji live audience ki farmaish par gaana gaa rahe hain”.

Responding with his warmth, Altaf Raja graciously fulfilled the audience's request, creating a heartfelt musical moment on the Indian Idol stage. The nostalgic performance and the audience's enthusiastic sing-along make it one of the most memorable highlights, celebrating the timeless appeal of one of Indian music's most beloved songs.

Altaf Raja shot to nationwide fame in the 1990s with ‘Tum To Thehre Pardesi’. The track became one of India's highest-selling non-film songs, making him a household name. He is known for his distinctive voice and emotionally charged renditions of ghazals and romantic songs, and carved a niche in the Indi-pop boom of the decade. Although his mainstream popularity later declined, he continues to perform at concerts and cultural events. His music remains nostalgic for fans of 1990s Indian pop and ghazals.

‘Indian Idol’ is available on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

--IANS

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