New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur congratulated the Indian women's hockey team on its gold medal in Asian Games 2026 and qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, describing the triumph as a ‘proud moment for Indian sports’.

The Indian hockey team ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women's title after defeating defending champions China 1-0 in the final on Friday. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, while captain Savita Punia produced a crucial penalty-stroke save as India held on to secure the gold and the LA 2028 berth.

"Proud moment for Indian sports! Heartiest congratulations to our Indian Women’s Hockey Team on winning Gold at the Asian Games and qualifying for the LA Olympics! Mazaaaa aa gaya kudiyo," Harmanpreet wrote in a post on Instagram.

"Your hard work, resilience, and determination continue to inspire millions. Wishing you all the very best for the journey ahead. Keep making India proud! Chak De India!" she added.

Harmanpreet's message came after the Indian women's cricket team themselves won gold at the ongoing Asian Games, adding another women's team title to India's campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

The cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final to claim the gold medal, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 79 as India posted 216/3 before restricting Sri Lanka to 69/8.

For the hockey team, the victory marked only their second Asian Games gold and their first since 1982, when the women's competition made its continental debut in New Delhi.

India had topped Pool A with four wins before defeating Japan 7-2 in the semi-finals. They then produced a disciplined defensive display against China, with Lalremsiami's early strike proving decisive.

Savita's penalty-stroke save emerged as another defining moment as India protected their narrow lead against sustained Chinese pressure.

The gold medal also secured India's direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, giving the historic triumph added significance.

--IANS

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Nagoya, Oct 2 (IANS) Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal claimed gold medals while the women's hockey team and the women's recurve team bagged historic gold medals as India bagged 12 medals, including six gold, to surge to the fifth position with 76 medals in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Friday.

The women's hockey team made history by beating China 1-0 to win gold in the Asian Games after a gap of 44 years. In archery, the Women’s recurve team ended a Korean hegemony to win India’s first-ever Asian Games gold in the event, while the Mixed Team & Men’s Team added silver medals.

Sujeet Kalkal ended India’s wait for a wrestling gold at the Asian Games 2026 with a stunning comeback victory in the men’s freestyle 65kg category, overcoming Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiyev 10-9 in a dramatic final at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Centre on Friday.

India picked a silver and two bronze medals in sailing, with Nethra Kumanan finishing third in women’s dinghy sailing while another bronze came in Sepaktakraw, the Men’s Quadrant team making some history of its own by bagging India's first-ever Asian Games medal.

Friday's haul of 12 medals -- six gold, three silver and three bronze -- took India's total to 73 medals -- 16 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals. India has now moved to fifth position in the standings behind China (316 medals - 162 gold), Japan (240 medals -- 72 gold), South Korea (134 - 33 gold) and Uzbekistan (65 medals -- 20 gold).

But the spotlight was on the boxing contingent, and it did not disappoint, producing a golden hat-trick.

Lovlina Borgohain delivered the perfect birthday gift for herself and the nation at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, winning Gold in the women's 75kg boxing final at the Nishio Gymnasium.

In the final, Lovlina was at her clinical best against China's Bao Ziyi, the reigning 2026 Asian Championships gold medallist, sealing a 5-0 victory to upgrade her Silver from Hangzhou 2022. With this, 12 years after Mary Kom in 2014, she became only the second Indian woman ever to win an Asian Games boxing gold, and helped India record its best-ever boxing performance at the continental event in the last 16 years.

Parveen Hooda saved her best for the biggest stage at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, striking Gold in the women's 65kg final at the Nishio Gymnasium. Up against former World Champion Chen Nien-chin of Chinese Taipei, Parveen held her nerve in a tight final, sealing a 3-2 split decision win to claim her first Asian Games title.

It was a moment of redemption for Parveen, whose Asian Games journey from Hangzhou 2022 to Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has seen triumph, heartbreak and now glory. In doing so, she became only the third Indian woman to win boxing Gold at the Asian Games after Mary Kom (2014) and Lovlina Borgohain (2026), confirming 2026 as India's best-ever women's boxing sh…

Ankush Panghal clinched the men’s 80kg title with a 4-0 victory in Friday’s final, securing India’s third gold and sealing its most successful Asian Games boxing campaign. India finished with three gold and three bronze medals from 11 entries, recording its highest-ever gold medal haul in the sport and topping the boxing medal table ahead of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

India’s three golds placed it above Uzbekistan, which finished second with two gold, one silver and four bronze medals, and Kazakhstan, which took third place with two gold and three bronze medals.

In hockey, the women's team returned to the top of the podium after four decades, beating China 1-0 in the final to win gold for the first time since 1982, when the discipline made its Asian Games debut.

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-hit finish as India held their nerve under sustained Chinese pressure to reclaim the continental crown for the first time since 1982.

The goal came at the end of a well-crafted attacking move, with Salima Tete providing a precise pass into the circle before Sakshi delivered the ball to Lalremsiami, who unleashed a fierce reverse hit that flew into the roof of the net, leaving the Chinese goalkeeper with no chance.

There was more history for India as the women’s recurve team of Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti stunned 10-time champions South Korea to clinch the country's first-ever gold at the Asian Games.

Marking India’s first-ever appearance in the Asian Games women’s recurve team final, India registered a 5-3 win over the mighty Koreans in the challenging conditions to clinch the historic gold medal here at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square.

In 2010 and 2022, India won a bronze medal after losing in the semi-final. Notably, the Korean team had not lost a final except for the inaugural Asian Games in 1982 until Friday.

India earlier defeated China 5-1 in the semi-final to enter their first-ever recurve team final.

Later, India duo Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod bagged a silver medal in the mixed recurve team event after losing to China in the final here at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Friday.

With a gold medal win, China also secured the LA 2028 Olympic quota, while India missed out on an Olympic quota after finishing second on the podium.

This is India's second medal in recurve archery, as the women's team clinched its first-ever gold at the Asian Games earlier this morning after beating 10-time champions South Korea in their first-ever final appearance.

Sujeet Kalkal ended India’s wait for a wrestling gold at the Asian Games 2026 with a stunning comeback victory in the men’s freestyle 65kg category, overcoming Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiyev 10-9 in a dramatic final at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Centre on Friday.

For most of the match, the 23-year-old Indian was behind 2-9, but then pulled off a remarkable late rally by scoring eight consecutive points in the final stages and won from Kudiyev to secure India's first wrestling gold at the Games.

The triumph of Kalkal was the climax of an impressive series of results in Aichi-Nagoya, having already beaten an Olympic champion and overcome tough opponents from Iran and Japan on his way to the final.

--IANS

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Agartala, Oct 2 (IANS) Like previous years, Tripura will import electricity from neighbouring Mizoram to meet the expected surge in power demand during the five-day Durga Puja beginning from October 16, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Friday.

Nath added that the state's peak-hour power demand is expected to rise to 370-380 MW during the festival, compared to the normal demand of 310-330 MW.

The Minister was speaking to IANS after chairing a review meeting at the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) to assess preparations for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the festival.

"We have an understanding that during Christmas, we supply electricity to Mizoram in December. In a reciprocal manner, Mizoram supplies electricity to Tripura during the Durga Puja festival," Nath said.

The meeting, attended by TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu and senior officials of the corporation, focused on ensuring reliable power supply across the state during the festive period.

Nath reviewed the preparedness of the Power Department and TSECL and discussed measures to minimise the possibility of power disruptions during the Puja celebrations.

He directed officials to remain vigilant and take necessary preventive measures to address technical problems and other challenges that could affect power supply.

The Minister also stressed the need to strengthen the response mechanism so that power-related complaints and faults are attended to promptly.

"With large numbers of people expected to participate in Durga Puja celebrations across Tripura, we have to ensure adequate manpower, equipment and field-level preparedness throughout the festival," Nath said.

He emphasised close coordination among officials and field-level teams so that emerging issues are identified and resolved without delay.

Nath called for round-the-clock preparedness during the festive days, particularly in areas witnessing large public gatherings and major Puja celebrations.

He said that maintaining a stable power supply was essential for the smooth functioning of Puja pandals, public spaces, markets and other important installations during the festival.

The Minister urged TSECL officials and employees to remain dedicated and responsive throughout the period and work collectively to ensure that consumers do not face inconvenience.

Nath expressed confidence that with proper planning, coordination and continuous monitoring, TSECL would be able to meet the increased demand and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted power supply across Tripura during Durga Puja.

--IANS

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Kohima, Oct 2 (IANS) North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla on Friday stressed the need for an integrated approach to coffee cultivation in Nagaland, saying better infrastructure, mechanisation, value addition and market linkages are essential to substantially enhance farmers' incomes.

Bhalla made the remarks during his visit to Tuophema village in Kohima district to review the progress of coffee cultivation and associated infrastructure under the Coffee USP Project.

He inspected coffee plantation sites and the Hi-Tech Coffee Washing Station and interacted with coffee growers and members of the Tuophema Cluster.

Bhalla said the Union government was committed to the development and prosperity of every citizen and that Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states had collectively evolved strategies aimed at substantially increasing farmers' incomes.

He added that the Coffee USP Project was not merely a plantation initiative but an integrated livelihood and economic development programme aimed at enabling villages, societies and clusters to derive greater value from the natural and human resources of the region.

"The larger objective is to create sustainable livelihoods and enable communities to access better education, healthcare, modern amenities and an improved quality of life, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047," he said.

The NEC Secretary said coffee development could not be limited to planting coffee trees and stressed the need for good road connectivity, modern processing machinery, efficient post-harvest infrastructure, quality assurance, value addition and strong market and export linkages to make the sector commercially viable and competitive.

He said the project was expected to contribute to a substantial increase in the income of farmers and communities, adding that this would require the collective efforts of the Centre, Nagaland government, Coffee Board, local administration, farmers, technical institutions and the private sector.

Bhalla urged the Nagaland government and the Coffee Board to engage with central agricultural institutions to identify suitable intercrops and complementary agricultural activities that could be undertaken in coffee plantations.

He said that crop diversification would improve land productivity, provide farmers with additional sources of income and strengthen the overall economic viability of coffee cultivation.

The NEC Secretary also assured the farmers that possibilities for water harvesting, mechanisation, new technologies and appropriate equipment would be examined to address the challenges faced by coffee growers.

He encouraged the local administration to engage with industrial houses, investors and exporters who could support mechanisation and automation in the coffee sector through appropriate financial and institutional arrangements.

Bhalla appreciated young coffee grower Vibei Kense, who travelled to Vietnam and obtained specialised certification in coffee, saying such initiatives would help create local expertise and strengthen the coffee ecosystem in the region.

He also urged the present generation and elders to work towards creating sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for the younger generation.

Nagaland Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema said coffee cultivation initiatives in the state date back to 1981 but the sector could not achieve its full economic potential due to limited awareness, inadequate market linkages and other constraints.

He encouraged farmers to adopt a diversified and integrated approach, including cultivation of black pepper and other suitable crops alongside coffee wherever technically feasible.

--IANS

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Madanapalle, Oct 2 (IANS) Rayalaseema will be transformed from a land of drought into a land of prosperity through the Global Horticulture Hub to be developed with an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Friday.

He, along with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, laid the foundation stone for the Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle in Annamayya district.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh also addressed the event.

Global Horticulture Hub project will be implemented in three phases with an estimated investment of Rs 1 lakh crore.

Of this, the Centre will contribute Rs 40,352 crore, while efforts will be made to mobilise Rs 60,000 crore in investments from the private sector.

According to officials, the project will cover Anantapur, Annamayya, Chittoor, Kurnool, Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Kadapa, Prakasam and Markapuram districts.

Development works will be undertaken through 201 clusters spread across 303 mandals and 5,869 villages in these 10 districts.

The government plans to expand the existing horticulture cultivation area of 8.41 lakh hectares by another 6 lakh hectares, taking the total to 14.41 lakh hectares.

The project aims to increase horticultural production from the current 222 lakh tonnes to 435 lakh tonnes, directly benefiting 9.6 lakh farmers.

As part of the initiative, an additional ayacut of 9 lakh acres will be created, while irrigation facilities in 4.3 lakh acres will be stabilised.

Addressing the public meeting, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the government was delivering on its promise to transform the fortunes of Rayalaseema farmers by turning the drought-prone region into a land of prosperity.

Stating that Rayalaseema farmers can now grow everything from apples and strawberries to bananas, avocados, kiwis and dates, he expressed confidence that, with the Global Horticulture Hub, Rayalaseema would emerge as a global “fruit bowl”.

The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for funding the Global Horticulture Hub, specifically acknowledging the support provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

He also praised Nirmala Sitharaman for providing funds whenever the state requests them.

The Chief Minister noted that the foundation stone had also been laid for the Indian School of Agriculture (ISA).

He said that just as IIMs produce management experts, IITs produce technical experts, and ISB hones the skills of entrepreneurs, the ISA would groom leaders in the field of agriculture.

The ISA, being established in Madanapalle, will be pivotal for the horticulture sector, he added.

CM Naidu pointed out that Anantapur is the second-driest district in the country and had previously faced desert-like conditions.

He said the government came to the aid of Rayalaseema by completing irrigation projects initiated by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao to remove the region's hardships.

“We introduced technologies like drip irrigation to alleviate the region's water-related struggles,” he said.

Naidu added that the government had implemented action plans to boost groundwater levels through water-conservation measures.

Chandrababu Naidu said he was happy to be recognised as the “Water Man”.

“Throughout my five-decade political career, I have been called the ‘Hi-tech CM’ and ‘CEO CM’; now, I am recognised as the ‘Water Man’. This brings me great happiness,” he said.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Oct 2 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday interacted with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers from the Jaipur, Dausa and Sawai Madhopur regions and called upon them to strengthen the organisation and work with full dedication for the upcoming Panchayat elections.

Chief Minister Sharma urged BJP workers to remain fully committed to their respective areas and set an ambitious target of achieving 100 per cent success rather than limiting their goals.

The Chief Minister said that India is progressing rapidly and that the world is looking toward the country with hope.

He added that the BJP is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is working continuously with a commitment to national development and public service.

Chief Minister Sharma called upon BJP workers to take this message and resolve to every village.

He said that party workers are not merely members of an organisation but play an important role in realising the vision of a developed India and a developed Rajasthan.

Chief Minister Sharma alleged that despite being in power for a long period, the Congress failed to provide lasting solutions to the basic problems faced by villages and the poor.

He said that Congress politics had remained focused on election promises and appeasement, while the BJP government was prioritising development, good governance and public welfare.

The Chief Minister added that the state government was working to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the last person in the queue.

He urged BJP workers to counter what he described as the Congress' "misleading narratives and negative politics" by highlighting the state government's development initiatives and governance record.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the success of an organisation depends not only on contesting elections but also on the hard work and dedication of its party workers.

He said the efforts of party workers enable MLAs, MPs and other public representatives to get elected and receive the opportunity to serve the people.

Chief Minister Sharma said public representatives have a responsibility to respect party workers and value their sentiments.

He described BJP workers as the "true strength" of the organisation and said those who have worked for the party over the years should be given opportunities to advance.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, former State President Ashok Parnami, BJP General Secretary Shravan Singh Bagdi, Bhupendra Saini, along with other office-bearers and party workers, were present at the programme.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Oct 2 (IANS) Gujarat will honour 93 progressive farmers with state and district-level 'Best ATMA Farmer Awards' at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Friday, recognising work across natural farming, horticulture, animal husbandry and value-added agricultural products.

The ceremony, scheduled for October 3, will be held under the chairmanship of Governor Acharya Devvrat and in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani and Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramesh Katara.

Of the 93 awards, 10 will be presented at the state level and 83 at the district level. Fifteen awards will be given for work in natural farming, 45 for fruit, flower and vegetable cultivation, 15 for animal husbandry, and eight for excellence in value-added products, packaging and other areas.

As part of the programme, around 100 sales centres for natural farming produce will also be inaugurated across Gujarat. The centres include 24 at municipal corporation and municipality headquarters, 18 at district headquarters and 58 at taluka headquarters.

According to the agriculture department, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the link between “farmer to market and market to consumer”, providing natural farming producers with a platform to sell their produce while improving consumer access to such products.

The event will also see the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Directorate of Agriculture and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to promote the use of satellite and geospatial technology in agriculture.

The technology is expected to provide farmers with timely advisories covering different stages from sowing to harvesting, along with crop-wise area estimation, production estimates and assessment of crop damage.

Appointment letters will also be handed over to 14 newly appointed officers selected as Assistant Directors of Agriculture (Class-II).

The move is aimed at strengthening and making agricultural extension services more effective. In addition to the main state-level event, district-level programmes have been planned at 34 locations across Gujarat in the presence of ministers in charge, MPs and MLAs.

Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary will attend the programme at Vav-Tharad, while Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Assembly Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi will be present at the programme in Surat.

Thousands of farmers from across Gujarat are also expected to join the ceremony through digital platforms.

--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, Oct 2 (IANS) Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha, who suffered an injury in Bali, has landed in Mumbai for further treatment. The actress was airlifted to Mumbai on Friday for a spine surgery.

The videos of the actress arriving in Mumbai have gone viral on the Internet. In the video, the actress can be seen on a stretcher surrounded by her family and medical professionals.

Earlier, the actress’ publicist had issued an official statement issued on her behalf, and stated that the was under medical observation with further evaluation underway.

The statement read, “Nushrratt Bharuccha, who was in Bali for a work-cum-holiday trip, met with an unfortunate accident and suffered a fracture in her spine.

The statement mentioned that at present the immediate priority is the actress’ health and ensuring she receives the necessary medical care.

It read, “At present, our immediate priority is her health and ensuring she receives the necessary medical care. We are currently making arrangements to bring Nushrratt back to Mumbai from Bali via an air ambulance, where she will undergo the surgery”.

It also stated that her work commitments over the next few weeks would hit the pause button. “Given the nature of the injury and the surgery, Nushrratt will need time to rest and recover, and her work commitments over the next few weeks are likely to be affected. We request everyone to respect her privacy at this time and allow her the space to focus on her treatment and recovery. We are grateful for everyone’s concern and good wishes and will share further updates as and when appropriate”, it added.

She actress was on a work plus and holiday trip, suffered a fracture in her spine following an unfortunate accident and was earlier hospitalised in Bali.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 2 (IANS) Actor Sumeet Raghavan, who is receiving a lot of positive response to his work in the recently released show ‘Chumbak’, has lauded the director of the show Aatish Kapadia.

The actor spoke with IANS along with Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Vyas, Sumeet Raghavan, Neena Gupta and Manasi Parekh during the promotions of the show in the BKC area of Mumbai.

The actor heaped praise on the director for his emotionally invested style of narration, which instantly hooks the listeners, and presents a clear picture in front of the actors to sketch their characters.

He told IANS, “You can either be intimidated by Atish's brand of humour, or you're in awe of that. So, all the people here, we all are in awe. And you have to keep your fingers crossed. If you can't bring anything of your own, then just follow him to the T. As everyone has said, all those characters are inside him. You know, actually, he's like a chameleon”.

He further mentioned, “So, you need to just follow Atish. And he knows everyone's plus point. Even JD. Anyway, jokes apart. So, Atish said, this is my sixth show with them. Wow. So, they know me well. I know them well. And he always encourages you. He pushes you. So, you're ready”.

Talking about ‘Chumbak’, it is a multi-generational comedy set in a contemporary urban Indian neighbourhood where no celebration is too small, no crisis ever stays private and everyday comes with a healthy dose of chaos. The show brings back the warmth, wit and razor-sharp observations that have made their storytelling a favourite across generations, while introducing audiences to this vibrant community that functions as an extended family.

The show is available to stream on Netflix.

--IANS

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Chennai, Oct 2 (IANS) Ace cinematographer Rathnavelu, whose work in director Shankar's huge blockbuster 'Endhiran', featuring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead came in for praise, has penned a note of gratitude on the occasion of the film completing 16 years.

Taking to his social media timelines to post Behind the Scene images shot on the sets of the film, Rathnavelu, who is also called Randy by his fans, wrote, "ENDHIRAN 16 years… and these frames still carry the same magic.

Looking back at these BTS moments from Endhiran feels like opening a time capsule — filled with the people, passion, madness, challenges, and unforgettable memories that shaped this extraordinary journey."

The cinematographer then thanked his director Shankar for the trust he had placed in him. He wrote, "Deeply grateful to Shankar sir for the opportunity, trust, and incredible collaboration; Superstar Rajinikanth sir, AR Rahman, Aishwarya Rai, Sabu Cyril, Srinivas Mohan, Resul Pookutty, Ken Metzker,Madan Karky,Legacy Effects, Sun Pictures, and the entire team for making this journey so special."

The ace cameraman, who has worked in a number of blockbusters across film industries in the country, also made it a point to mention his young team of assistant cameramen, who had worked with him on the film.

He wrote, "And a heartfelt shout-out to my young camera team, who gave it their all. Sixteen years later, Endhiran still holds a very special place in my heart. Some journeys never really leave you."

For the unaware, 'Enthiran', which was also known as 'Robot', released in the year 2010 and went on to emerge as one of the country's biggest blockbusters. The Tamil film, which belonged to the sci-fi action genre, was directed by Shankar and featured Rajinikanth in dual roles. Rajinikanth played a scientist and a robot in the film that featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the heroine. Apart from Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai, the film also featured actors Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam and Karunas in pivotal roles.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 2 (IANS) Actress Komal Rani Swarnkar, who is at the centre of the ongoing controversy surrounding her alleged affair with Govinda, has reacted strongly to the chatter and allegations around her association with the actor.

On Friday, she took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and penned a long note making a scathing attack against those who are raising speculations around her.

She wrote, “Recently, I have seen some celebrities openly commenting on Govinda Ji, and my personal life, and our character. Yet I have never seen them come forward so strongly to express their opinion on any serious issue, whether it was terrorism, politics, the death of actors or even another actor's multiple marriages. why, then, has our personal life suddenly become such a public spectacle that everyone feels entitled to comment on it? Since when did going before Ganpati Bappa alongside my Hero and praying for the success of my upcoming Film, ‘Roopa’, become a matter of shame, a national issue or ‘Dikhawa’ for others? And when these very so called celebrities visit various public places with their own male co-stars to promote their Films. Don't they feel ashamed when they do exactly the same thing themselves?” We announced our film ‘Roopa’, not a romantic affair”.

She asked those raising allegations as to who they are to decide that their appearance together is meant to showcase a personal relationship rather than promote the film.

She further mentioned, “We are working together, and we will continue to be seen together. If that bothers anyone, let them burn. Some actresses in the film industry, whose careers have gone cold, whose films are no longer working at the box office, seem to have nothing left except their washed-out brand tags. They are trying to stay relevant by sticking their noses into other people's ongoing controversies and trying desperately to keep themselves in the limelight. I have no interest in taking lessons on sindoor, marriage, or our Indian culture and traditions from women who themselves mock sindoor, whose own marriages are falling apart, and who cannot even uphold the sanctity of their own marital relationships”.

She went on, “I do not consider such women worthy of judging me-especially those who idolise and support people who have spent their lives drinking all night, indulging in multiple affairs with other men, and even fantasising about one-night stands with three three men in their old age, while publicly humiliating for their own fame to the very husbands they lived with and benefited from throughout their lives. ‘I honestly don't give a damn whether these people think I am good person or a bad one’. I feel they are all part of the same group, taking out their frustration over their own failed marriages on someone else”.

Members of the film fraternity like Kashmera Shah and Divya Khossla had criticised the actress for appearing alongside Govinda, and raised allegations against her.

“They behave like man-eaters-women who destroy their husbands' dignity and reputation. Stop trying to stay relevant by constantly associating yourselves with my name. Perhaps the saying is true, ‘Your dignity is in your own hands’. People like that should know their limits and stop provoking others to the point where your own past may be exposed”, she added.

--IANS

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