Chandigarh, 1 June (IANS) Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Monday called upon officers of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Haryana to translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a clean and developed India into tangible outcomes on the ground.

He directed the ULBs to implement projects under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 in mission mode and to develop cities that set benchmarks in cleanliness, urban management, and quality of life.

“The cities must emerge as models of efficient urban governance and sustainable development, setting an example for other states across the country,” said the Union Minister.

He gave these directions while chairing a state-level review meeting with District Municipal Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners of the Urban Local Bodies Department. State Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel was also present at the meeting.

Union Minister Manohar Lal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed cleanliness into a nationwide people’s movement and stressed the mission must now be implemented with greater commitment, seriousness, and measurable outcomes.

He directed officers to establish clear timelines for all projects and to ensure high quality in execution.

During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of a wide range of urban development and sanitation initiatives, including sustainable solid waste management, sewerage systems, drain cleaning, toilet infrastructure, door-to-door waste collection and segregation, sewage treatment plants (STPs), legacy waste management, multi-level parking facilities, and bio-CNG plants.

The Union Minister directed officers to work with a spirit of healthy competition and develop cities in accordance with the 166 benchmarks prescribed under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. He also emphasised the need to formulate development projects that not only improve public amenities and civic services but also strengthen the revenue-generating capacity of Urban Local Bodies.

Union Minister Manohar Lal directed all Urban Local Bodies to complete a comprehensive survey of private, community, and public toilets by 30 June.

He said no household, market, park, or public place should remain without access to adequate toilet facilities. Wherever necessary, third-party surveys should also be conducted to ensure accurate assessment and effective planning.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, June 1 (IANS) Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday said Odisha has been chosen to host the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group under India’s presidency owing to its internationally recognised expertise in disaster preparedness and cyclone management.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India, chaired the first technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, held virtually on 29–30 April 2026, bringing together member countries to advance a shared agenda on disaster resilience.

The first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group under India’s BRICS Presidency is scheduled from 3 to 5 June 2026. The venue is the Taj Puri Resort in Puri, Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the workshop on 4 June.

Addressing the media on Monday, Pujari said the meeting would bring together delegates, policymakers, and disaster management experts from BRICS member countries to discuss strategies to strengthen disaster resilience and enhance international cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

The three-day technical meeting is expected to include several delegates from BRICS member countries and partner nations. Representatives from the Government of India, disaster management agencies, and technical experts will also attend the deliberations.

Highlighting Odisha’s achievements, Pujari said the state has successfully managed several major cyclones and natural disasters over the past two decades through timely evacuation, effective preparedness, and community participation.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would provide Odisha with an opportunity to showcase its disaster management expertise while learning from global best practices. The discussions will focus on sustainable disaster risk reduction (DRR) financing, resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response, and the integration of traditional knowledge into disaster resilience strategies.

As part of the programme, delegates will be taken on a study visit to cyclone shelters and disaster management facilities to provide first-hand exposure to Odisha’s disaster preparedness model. A sightseeing programme has also been planned for the visiting delegates.

Senior officials from the state government, including departmental secretaries and disaster management experts, will interact with the delegates during a formal dinner on 4 June.

“The exchange of ideas and experiences among participating countries will further strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience. Odisha will benefit from these interactions, while delegates will also gain valuable insights from the state’s proven disaster management model,” the minister said.

--IANS

gyan/dan

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday that the Cabinet has approved important proposals related to the Ad-Hoc Monthly Relief (AMR) scheme for the 1,832 Jammu & Kashmir migrant families in the city.

The Chief Minister said the scheme will apply only to those registered Jammu & Kashmir migrant families who have received relief up to March 31, 2024.

Reiterating the BJP government’s commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, and social security of migrant families, Chief Minister Gupta said that the government has decided to remove the income-related eligibility condition for providing relief to Jammu and Kashmir migrant families.

Now, the eligibility for relief will not be affected by a family’s income or ownership of any immovable property, she said.

Chief Minister Gupta said that the government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 30 crore for the smooth implementation of the scheme during 2026-27.

The government will ensure that no eligible Jammu & Kashmir migrant family faces any difficulty in receiving relief.

Eligible migrant families registered with the Delhi government will receive relief in accordance with the existing rules. Relief benefits will be available for a maximum of four members in a family, she said.

According to the Chief Minister, the One-Time Amnesty Scheme is being introduced to ensure that beneficiary records are completely accurate and properly maintained.

Under the scheme, migrant families will have another opportunity to update the correct information for their existing family members and their Aadhaar details, she said.

During this process, if any beneficiary had earlier received excess relief due to an inadvertent error or a technical issue, the amount will not be recovered from them.

The main objective of this initiative is to correct errors in government records so that, in the future, relief provided by the government reaches only genuine and eligible families without any interruption, she said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, June 1 (IANS) Winning and retaining the confidence of Karnataka’s AHINDA communities in the post-Siddaramaiah era is likely to be one of the biggest political challenges facing Chief Minister-designate and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, according to political observers and party insiders.

The issue has gained significance after the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) elected Shivakumar as its leader, paving the way for a leadership transition in the state. Announcing the change, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in the 2028 Assembly elections.

However, political analysts argue that the party’s electoral success will depend largely on whether Shivakumar can consolidate support among the AHINDA communities, considered the Congress party’s core support base in Karnataka.

AHINDA is a Kannada political acronym that stands for Alpasankhyataru (Minorities), Hindulidavaru (Backward Classes or Other Backward Classes), and Dalitaru (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes). The term refers to a social and political coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, and has been a defining political platform associated with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Analysts note that Shivakumar, despite his organisational and political strengths, is not widely perceived to have achieved the same level of influence among AHINDA communities as Siddaramaiah. His approach to key issues such as the caste census report and reservation for Muslims under Category 2B will be closely watched, particularly as both issues continue to generate political debate and opposition criticism.

At the same time, Shivakumar faces the challenge of balancing the interests of AHINDA communities with those of other influential social groups, including Vokkaligas and Lingayats, which play a significant role in Karnataka’s electoral landscape.

Political observers note that Siddaramaiah consistently projected himself as a champion of AHINDA communities while retaining support from sections of the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. This broad social coalition was widely credited with helping the Congress secure a landslide victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.

The consolidation of AHINDA votes behind the Congress in 2023 was often described as a “rainbow coalition.” The party secured overwhelming support from minority communities, particularly Muslims, as well as significant backing from Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities.

The Kuruba community, to which Siddaramaiah belongs, the Dalit community represented by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and tribal groups all voted in substantial numbers for the Congress. Political observers believe retaining this support without Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister could prove challenging for the party.

Shivakumar, on the other hand, is credited with consolidating Vokkaliga support in southern Karnataka and helping the Congress make inroads into the Janata Dal (Secular) 's traditional support base. The Congress also benefited from a split in the Lingayat vote during the 2023 elections.

The political landscape has since changed, with the BJP and JD(S) now aligned. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy have intensified efforts to strengthen support among Vokkaligas, while the BJP is working to consolidate its traditional Lingayat base and expand its reach among backward and marginalised communities.

With less than two years remaining before the next Assembly election cycle begins in earnest, political analysts view this united BJP–JD(S) strategy as a significant challenge for the Congress leadership.

Karnataka has 51 reserved Assembly constituencies out of its 224 seats, including 36 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and 15 for Scheduled Tribes. In the 2023 elections, the Congress won 35 of these reserved seats, underscoring the importance of AHINDA support to the party’s electoral success.

Political columnist Dharaneesh Bookanakere, speaking to IANS, said Shivakumar faces an uphill task in winning the confidence of AHINDA communities.

He remarked that it would be difficult for Shivakumar to secure the same level of support from the AHINDA vote bank, as over the years, he has not actively cultivated these communities or built the kind of connection that Siddaramaiah enjoys.

Bookanakere noted that while Siddaramaiah has stepped down as Chief Minister, he remains the undisputed leader of the AHINDA movement. He added that Siddaramaiah has left the Chief Minister’s post, not politics, and continues to be the AHINDA leader. It will be difficult for Shivakumar to emerge as a similar figure. Siddaramaiah ensured a smooth transition of power and made it clear that he would not engage in any anti-party activities. How Shivakumar handles his relationship with Siddaramaiah will be important.

According to Bookanakere, the Congress government’s approach to issues such as the caste census, Muslim reservation, allocation of Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds, and representation of Dalits and backward classes in the cabinet will significantly influence the party’s support among AHINDA communities in the coming years.

As the Congress prepares for a new phase under Shivakumar’s leadership, retaining the broad social coalition that powered its 2023 victory may prove crucial to its prospects in the next Assembly election.

--IANS

mka/dan

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Actress Trisha Krishnan, who recently made headlines for her appearance at the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay Thalapathy, shared a glimpse of the month gone by on social media.

Looking back at some fond memories of May, which she described as ‘Magical", Trisha wrote on her official Insta handle, "A few more from Magical May I’ll be smiling about for a long time to come (sic)."

The first image in the album showed her posing for a cute selfie with her dog. This was followed by a string of candid pictures, providing an insight into her daily life.

From random selfies to an overview of her beautifully decorated living room full of flowers, her post included the simple things from everyday life.

It must be noted that with so much buzz around her alleged relationship with Vijay, Trisha chose to share snippets from her everyday life, rather than her professional milestones.

However, while Trisha did not specify anything in the caption, many netizens connected the post to the 2 significant accidents in May, Trisha's birthday, and Vijay taking charge as the Chief Minister.

One of the Insta users wrote, "Unforgettable and most luckiest may of the year".

Pointing out the flowers in the living room, another one shared, "I think all flowers Cm Vijay gets comes to Trisha house."

Recently, Trisha and Vijay went over to offer their condolences at actor Ajith Kumar’s house, who had lost his mother.

Meanwhile, Trisha's latest post also included a thought-provoking quote that went. "The idea isn't to look like 25 in your 40s. The goal is to show women in their 20s that 40s is something to look forward to."

Work-wise, Trisha recently graced the screen in "Karuppu" opposite Suriya.

Up next, she will be seen in superstar Mohanlal's forthcoming Malayalam drama "Ram".

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) West Bengal’s Congress leaders once used to term the Left Front as “Harmad” – a distorted version of the Spanish and Portuguese word “Armada”, which defines a fleet of warships.

Fleets were said to have frequently raided the coastal regions of southern and southeastern Bengal in the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, local people corrupted the word Armada into Harmad to describe plunderers. The term gained national attention centuries later, amidst clashes between the then-ruling Left Front and Opposition groups, where opposing factions frequently accused each other of using a “Harmad Bahini”, or militia.

A senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader had once – tracing the etymology of the word – in turn pointed to the earlier Congress regime’s “oppression” and “thuggery” in the state. He had pointed out how the then government had come down heavily on the Opposition, especially in the 1960s and 70s.

It’s a different issue that the same leader was a strong votary of a “tactical understanding” at the “state level” with Congress against the then ruling Trinamool Congress. However, it was the same Congress that had helped prop Mamata Banerjee to power in 2011, removing the Left Front government.

West Bengal is no stranger to attacks and intimidation. The turbulent 1960s and 70s witnessed the fierce Naxalite movement. Beginning 1967, it left the state in disarray. Rampant killing of “class enemies” – landlords, police constables, and political opponents – prompted brutal state crackdown. The movement rapidly degenerated into an urban “cult of the bomb”, where symbolic destruction of statues and assassination of political opponents became routine.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) role was alleged behind the gruesome Sainbari killings of March 1970, where three Sain brothers, ardent Congress supporters in Bardhaman district, were hacked to death and beheaded. When the Left Front came to power in 1977, violence became a tool for political control. The Marichjhapi massacre of around 40,000 Bengali Hindu Dalit refugees from Bangladesh in 1979 is alleged to have marked a founding moment of Left Front violence. In 34 years of Left Front rule, its principal component, CPI(M), is held responsible for establishing dominance through targeted violence.

On July 21, 1993, Kolkata Police, on Left Front Government orders, fired on a protest march of Youth Congress workers led by Mamata Banerjee, demanding photo voter ID cards. Thirteen people were killed, and several were injured in the resultant stampede. CPI(M) cadres and local leaders were alleged to have killed 11 landless Muslim labourers in Nanoor, Birbhum, simply because they were opposition supporters resisting land encroachment.

Similar incidents were later reported, among others, from Chhoto Angaria and Netai villages of Midnapore. Later, during protests against forced land acquisition for the Tata Nano in Singur, 18-year-old Tapasi Malik, an activist, was raped and burnt to death, allegedly by CPI(M) leaders. In Nandigram, 14 unarmed protesters opposing land acquisition for a chemical hub were gunned down by policemen who, some claimed, were CPI(M) cadres.

Meanwhile, between 2008 and 2011, Maoist insurgency in the Junglemahal area targeted Left cadres, killing more than 100 CPI(M) workers. Available reports suggest an average of 20 political killings annually from 1999 to 2016, with violence surging after the 2019 elections.

Under Trinamool, the same instrumental violence allegedly continued since 2011, where the 2013 and 2018 panchayat polls saw structured violence, with the ruling party bagging several rural bodies without contest. The 2021 Assembly election was among the bloodiest in recent history, where 300 violent events and 58 deaths were reported. Then the 2023 West Bengal local elections again witnessed violence, with at least 11 killed and dozens injured during the panchayat poll day on July 8, 2023.

Going by reports, since the May 2026 Assembly election, at least four individuals have died in clashes across West Bengal. While the Trinamool claimed two of its workers were beaten to death, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reported two members killed. Most gruesome and daring was perhaps the murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to Suvendu Adhikari, now Chief Minister of West Bengal.

--IANS

jb/uk

Quetta, June 1 (IANS) A leading human rights organisation on Monday highlighted escalating abuses by Pakistani forces in Balochistan, documenting 53 killings and 124 cases of enforced disappearance across the province.

In its latest report, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) recorded a total of 53 killings in April, including 44 men and 9 women, while the identities of seven victims could not be verified.

“Targeted killings were the most frequently recorded category, accounting for 16 cases, followed by bombardment and shelling with 12 cases, and custodial killings with 11 cases. Honour killings were documented in seven cases, while fake encounters and firing incidents accounted for four and three cases, respectively,” the report noted.

As per the findings, a total of 124 individuals were forcibly disappeared during the same period, including eight women and five teenagers. It added that while a limited number of victims were later released, most remain unaccounted for.

“Most enforced disappearances occurred through house raids, which account for the overwhelming majority of cases (98 out of 124). Detentions (16 cases) and road interceptions (8 cases) were also documented, while summonses to camps were recorded in 2 cases. Overall, the data shows a heavy reliance on direct home-based operations compared to other methods,” it detailed.

Meanwhile, human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) stated that Pakistani security forces reportedly carried out operations on the eve of Eid, in Wadsar areas of Reikpusht, and in the main bazaar of Pasni district in Balochistan, causing severe hardship for the civilians that has endured years of conflict and suffering.

“Homes belonging to Baloch families were raided and damaged. Household belongings and valuables were confiscated, and several young Baloch men were detained. Due to communication restrictions and the climate of fear created by state actions, only a limited number of cases have been verified so far,” the BYC noted.

The rights body stated that several Baloch civilians were subjected to enforced disappearance during the operation, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty. The victims were identified as Sartaj, Shiraz Shareef and Zari Khan.

“For decades, the Baloch people have faced enforced disappearances, military operations, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment. Despite these hardships, they continue to demonstrate resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to seeking justice. Every disappearance leaves families searching for answers, every raid deepens collective trauma, and every act of repression reinforces demands for dignity and human rights,” it added.

The BYC called on the international human rights organisations, the United Nations, independent observers, and the global community to urgently monitor the worsening human rights situation in Balochistan, demand transparency regarding the whereabouts of the missing individuals, and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.

--IANS

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Islamabad, June 1 (IANS) Hundreds of polio workers and security personnel have been killed in Pakistan in recent years as militants continue to weaponise fear against the most vulnerable segment of society, a report has stated.

"This obstruction of polio eradication efforts perpetuates a preventable suffering, which is a direct attack not just on a critical global health mission but on humanity itself. These health workers carry vaccines, not weapons, yet extremist groups hunt them as though they are enemies rather than individuals dedicated to safeguarding children's futures. By obstructing vaccination efforts, militant groups effectively place children at risk of a preventable and life-altering disease," a report in leading Pakistani daily 'The Express Tribune' stated.

People have suspicions about the polio vaccines due to extremist narratives. Islamist extremist groups, especially Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have used this narrative to target polio workers. Amid the rise in attacks on polio workers, it has become impossible for authorities to reach all children, which has led to an increase in polio cases in Pakistan.

In addition, TTP disseminate the false narrative that polio drops are forbidden as they have pig extracts. Many people in the tribal societies of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall victim to these narratives, leading to children not receiving polio drops, according to the report in The Express Tribune.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus remains endemic.

On May 24, a police official deployed with the polio vaccination team was seriously injured in a firing incident near Ishaqzai Qila area of Chaman district in Pakistan's Balochistan province. However, the members of the polio team remained safe, local media reported on Monday.

Police officer guarding the polio team was injured after unidentified assailants opened fire at him on Sunday, according to police, Pakistan's daily Dawn reported. The injured police personnel was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police officials said that polio team was safely taken to a safe location after the attack and additional police personnel were deployed in the area. A search operation has been initiated in the area and efforts are being made to find the attackers.

On May 18, at least two police personnel escorting polio vaccination teams were killed in separate incidents in Bajaur district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified assailants attacked the polio vaccination teams in Tabbai and Dag Qila regions of Salarzai, Pakistan-based Geo News reported, citing a senior police official.

--IANS

akl/as

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

sj/rad

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

sps/svn

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

na/vd

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut, who will soon be seen in the upcoming drama "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata," opened up about the various challenges faced by working mothers, expected to balance both family and career.

In a promotional interaction with co-stars Smita Tambe and Girija Oak published on the official handle of makers Pen Studios, the 'Queen' actress shared an incident from the shoot. Kangana remembered how Smita's daughters would often visit the set of "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata".

This made Kangana realize that our workplaces are still not designed keeping working mothers in mind.

Pointing out that there were no rooms for children, the 'Tanu Weds Manu' actress said, "Smita ji's daughters used to come to the set, and Akshat's child was also there. They used to play there, so this question always came to my mind. We talk so much about having prayer rooms and other facilities at workplaces, but why are there no rooms for children?"

Kangana further pointed out that simply encouraging women to join and remain in the workforce is not enough; we also have to provide facilities so that mothers can bring their children to work without hesitation.

She added that while women are increasingly taking up demanding careers, the lack of support at the workplace often forces them to make the unfair choice between their families and professional ambitions.

"The government has a dream, and they want women to participate. When women participate on this scale, this will be a huge challenge. They will have only one choice — family or career. If you want women to go into this very aggressively, they need a lot of support," explained Kangana.

Talking about "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata", besides Kangana, the film also stars Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Amrutha Namdev, Esha Dey, Priya Berde, Asha Shelar, Suhita Thatte, Rasika Aghase, Aditya Mishra, and Zahid Khan in crucial roles, along with others.

Backed by Pen Studios, Manikarnika Films, Paramhans Creations, in association with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata" is set for a theatrical release on June 12.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) The makers of Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor starrer "The End of Oak Street" unveiled the captivating trailer of the upcoming science fiction survival drama on Monday.

Going by the preview, as a mysterious cosmic event rips Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to an unknown location, the Platt family realizes that they will not be able to survive unless they stick together while navigating their now unrecognizable surroundings.

Sharing the trailer on social media, the makers wrote, "Survive What’s Coming. Here's the Trailer for 'The End of Oak Street' only in Cinemas in August 2026. In English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu. Also in IMAX. (sic)"

Besides Anne Hathaway as Denise Platt and Ewan McGregor as Greg Platt, "The End of Oak Street" also stars Maisy Stella as Audrey Platt and Christian Convery as Brian Platt, along with Jordan Alexa Davis, P. J. Byrne, and Chris Coy, in key roles, among others.

The film has been written and directed by David Robert Mitchell with J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Jon Cohen, David Robert Mitchell, Matt Jackson, and Tommy Harper on board as the producers.

Additionally, the executive producers for this movie are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Joanne Lee, and Leeann Stonebreaker.

Coming to the technical crew of the drama, Michael Gioulakis is the director of photography with Maya Shimoguchi as the production designer.

The editing department of the film is being headed by John Axelrad, with the music composed by Michael Giacchino. The costumes for the film have been designed by Erin Benach.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Bad Robot Production, A Jackson Pictures Production, A David Robert Mitchell Film "The End of Oak Street"

Distributed across the globe by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie is expected to be out in cinemas and IMAXÒ in India in August this year.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 1 (IANS) The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney doesn’t have the confidence that the UK government could run the nation.

The Beatles frontman doesn't think the government "know how to" make the UK run efficiently, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The 82-year-old Beatles legend was quizzed on what he would change if he was elected Prime Minister and he is keen to see taxpayers money put to good use so people can see a difference in their lives.

Speaking during a TikTok Live, he said when asked what he would do as Prime Minister, “That’s a big question, that is. I’d like to try get things running efficiently, for a change. “People pay all their taxes, money into the government, and I don’t think there’s people in there who kind of know how to do it. So, yeah, I’d like to get a bunch of people to work it all out, to actually make people have happier lives, and have all these systems like roads, and potholes, and taxes, so people can feel a little bit better”.

But to raise the money to make such changes, Paul would rather only raise taxes for the well-off, such as himself.

He said, “You earn some money, and you keep more of it. I don’t mind too much, I get taxed at a very high rate, and I don’t mind, I figure I’m giving back, it’s not so bad. But people who don’t have that much money get ripped off, you know. So, they might need to fix that, the National Health Service, we need to fix all these things”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the legendary musician recently opened up about the current state of the music industry and compared pop sensation Taylor Swift to the Beatles because she has achieved a level of fame comparable to the hysteria which surrounded the Fab Four in the mid-1960s.

During an appearance on BBC show Tracks Of My Years, the musician was asked if he would give any advice to Taylor and he replied, “You do see the parallel, you know the fame and the amount of fame and the worldwide fame that Taylor Swift has and that we had, but I don't think she needs any advice to tell you the truth. If she asked for it, I definitely would. I'm like the older brother to that generation, or more like the granddad, actually”.

Paul went on to reveal he met Taylor at a party organised by his wife Nancy Shevell and his daughter, fashion designer Stella McCartney, which was also attended by a number of other female singers including Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.

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Los Angeles, June 1 (IANS) English actress Rosamund Pike takes a very dim view of distraction while performing. The actress recently scolded a member of the audience for texting while she was performing in London's West End.

The ‘Gone Girl’ star is currently appearing in legal drama Inter Alia at the Wyndham's Theatre and she surprised fans during a recent performance when she returned to the stage after the curtain came down to admonish someone in the crowd for using their phone while she was trying to act, reports ‘Female First UK’.

In a video of the moment posted on social media, Rosamund explained that during a crucial moment of the play, she saw someone using their phone.

She said, "I just wanted to say for anyone going to the theatre, it’s a huge thing that we’re trying to give you. I am trying to tell you a story, and I’m feeling you, and I hope you’re feeling me too. Somebody was texting in this part (of the play), you know who you are and I'm not going to single you out but you know it upsets the performance”.

She added, “Maybe it was very important. Maybe you're a doctor and you're saving someone's life and I hope you are. "ut we do see (these things), we do feel them. I've got you, I feel like I have to hold you and so when I feel that and see it, it's hard”.

As per The Times newspaper, an audience member who was in the crowd when Rosamund gave her speech said, "She suggested that someone texting in the climax of this devastatingly emotional play broke this bond”.

She further mentioned, “She seemed genuinely upset. We all felt a bit stunned. It’s a very emotional play. She indicated the area of the stalls where the person was sitting but said she would not single them out. She joked that maybe they were a doctor who saved someone’s life and she hoped that was the case”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Rosamund won an Olivier Award earlier this year for her performance in Suzie Miller's play and it was recently confirmed the actress will be making her Broadway debut when the production transfers to New York in November.

Inter Alia will run at The Music Box Theatre in New York from November 10, 2026 to February 21, 2027.

--IANS

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