New York/New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) US-based lawyer Jim Walden said on Tuesday that the US court's dismissal of criminal charges against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani started out as a tough prosecution but was at par for the course.

Speaking to IANS, the attorney said that clearly, it was an attempt by “our federal government to reach across the waters and in some ways regulate and enforce activity occurring beyond its borders that didn't impact US citizens”.

“That's always a tough place for the American government to be. And so you can take different perspectives on that. And with respect to the other people whose cases are still pending, there'll be a process through which DOJ will respond to the court's issues. And then at the end of that process, I'm sure the same result will happen for them,” he noted.

A US judge dismissed criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after the Justice Department abandoned the prosecution. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis dismissed with prejudice securities fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and securities fraud conspiracy charges against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain. The charges cannot be filed again.

On the broader legal impact of the US Court dismissal of criminal charges against Adani Group officials, Walden said that the judge was obligated to follow the prosecutor's request.

“And obviously, with respect to some defendants and some counts, he had more questions. And he was certainly no fan of the dismissal. But, you know, at the end of the day, we're, you know, we are courts are the courts of limited jurisdiction and, and enforcement priorities change between administrations,” he told IANS.

Walden further stated that only lessons learned are when cases are brought that are at the fringes of enforcement, there is always a risk that the cases will go away if there's a new administration.

“And so, frankly, Democrats and Republicans should learn a lesson from that,” he mentioned.

—IANS

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Pune, Aug 11 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that the Maharashtra government is determined to make the state India's leading and most preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

Speaking at the GCCProj Leadership Summit, the Chief Minister outlined an ambitious target to establish 400 new GCCs, generate 400,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract Rs 50,000 crore in investments.

Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis highlighted how the nature of GCCs in India has fundamentally evolved from low-cost back-office assistance to high-value innovation nodes.

"By 2030, Global Capability Centres will no longer be limited to support operations. They will serve as core hubs for engineering, artificial intelligence, product development, cybersecurity, financial services, data analytics, and research & development (R&D)," CM Fadnavis said, adding that key strategic decisions for global enterprises will increasingly originate from these centres.

Fadnavis stressed that Maharashtra offers a complete, interconnected ecosystem that gives it a distinct edge over other states. Rather than relying on a single metropolitan area, the state provides a network of specialised cities including Mumbai as Financial and institutional headquarters, Pune as Engineering, automotive, technology, and product development hub, Navi Mumbai as Global business and technology centre, Nagpur as specialised technology and shared services hub, Nashik as industrial engineering and technical capability centre and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation centre.

Pointing to Pune's rapid rise, the Chief Minister noted that in 2025, Pune emerged as India's second-largest office market for GCCs, doubling its centre count compared to the previous year. He expressed confidence that Pune would lead the nation in the GCC sector by the end of 2026.

While the state's GCC policy includes wage subsidies, capital/rental support, interest subvention, and R&D assistance, Fadnavis clarified that financial incentives alone do not build sustainable success.

"Subsidies can attract initial investment, but a lasting ecosystem relies on talent, infrastructure, ease of doing business, quality of life, university research, and trust between government and industry," he noted.

Key policy provisions will also offer higher Floor Space Index (FSI), flexible land use, prioritised land allotment, digital data infrastructure, and 24/7 operational support.

With rapid shifts brought on by artificial intelligence, the Chief Minister urged the industry and academia to collaborate closely to build a robust talent pipeline. Demand is rising sharply for AI engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, semiconductor engineers, quantitative finance specialists, and life sciences researchers.

"Industry must guide universities on what skills will be needed over the next five years, rather than focusing on what was required five years ago," CM Fadnavis stated. He also highlighted the state's agreement signed in Davos to set up an AI research, application, and innovation centre at BKC in Mumbai.

To support this rapid growth, CM Fadnavis committed to reforming government administrative processes to mirror corporate efficiency. The state is developing a single-point contact system for GCC investors.

"Investors shouldn't have to wait weeks or months for approvals. A single point person and unified system will handle establishment, expansion, and issue resolution," he assured.

The Chief Minister emphasised that GCCs will play a pivotal role in driving Maharashtra toward its $1 trillion economy target, bringing in not just capital, but institutional knowledge, global best practices, and high-value leadership opportunities.

Echoing this vision, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar reaffirmed the state's commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and digital integration. She emphasised that Pune's unique blend of IT, manufacturing, and skilled talent positions it as a natural launchpad for AI, robotics, and advanced R&D.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Aug 11 (IANS) Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani on Tuesday questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his response to the student protests in Jharkhand, asking why a leader who raises students' issues at Delhi's Jantar Mantar did not "see the pain" of students protesting in Jharkhand.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP's state office in Gandhinagar, Vaghani alleged that students in Jharkhand had been subjected to "atrocities" while peacefully raising concerns over their future, competitive examinations and irregularities in recruitment, including paper leaks.

"Why does Rahul Gandhi, who politicises students' issues at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, not see the pain of students in Jharkhand?" he said.

He questioned why Rahul Gandhi had "different standards for Delhi and Jharkhand", alleging that students were being treated harshly under the Congress-JMM coalition government in Jharkhand.

Vaghani said the students had been putting forward their demands in a peaceful and disciplined manner, without indecent behaviour or abusive language.

He referred to reports of the use of barbed wire, cane charges, tear gas and water cannons against the protesters, describing such treatment as "extremely serious and condemnable".

He said the alleged treatment of students in Jharkhand raised questions about Rahul Gandhi's silence.

"The youth of the country have recognised Rahul Gandhi and Congress' double standards, selective politics and insensitivity," he said, adding that issues concerning young people's future and rights should be addressed with sensitivity and responsibility rather than "selective politics".

Vaghani also criticised the alleged mistreatment of journalists covering the student protests in Jharkhand.

"Videos had emerged showing journalists who had gone there to perform their duties being treated improperly. The media is an important pillar of democracy. Any attempt to prevent journalists from performing their duty is condemnable," he said.

On examination-related irregularities, Vaghani added that anyone compromising the future of young people should face strict action.

"The Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced stringent legal provisions against serious offences such as paper leaks and provided for strict punishment for those found guilty. Congress should explain why similar stringent mechanisms had not been created during its previous governments," he said.

Vaghani also turned his criticism towards the Opposition's conduct in the ongoing Parliament session.

He said Union ministers J.P. Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal had said that the Central government was ready to respond to issues raised in Parliament.

He specifically said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to give a reply.

"When the government is ready for discussion and to give answers, why is Congress disrupting the proceedings of Parliament?" he asked.

Vaghani alleged that Congress had been disrupting Parliamentary proceedings for the past 15 days and preventing discussion on important national issues.

Parliament, he said, was a "sacred temple of democracy" where matters concerning citizens, government policies and issues of national importance should be debated.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation, referring to an alleged claim that firing had taken place at Jantar Mantar.

Vaghani said former BJP President J.P. Nadda had said that not a single gun shot had been fired there.

He alleged that Congress did not want Parliament to function or Home Minister Amit Shah to respond because a debate would expose what he described as Rahul Gandhi's "false and misleading" claims.

"If the Opposition has questions, they should raise them in Parliament according to the rules and constitutional provisions. If there is no discussion in Parliament, where will the discussion take place?" Vaghani added.

He said that people wanted to see their elected representatives discuss national issues in Parliament rather than obstruct its proceedings.

"Repeatedly changing the issue, making misleading claims and diverting public attention from the core question of the discussion has become Congress' politics," he added.

Vaghani demanded that Rahul Gandhi and Congress apologise for what he described as "brutal atrocities" against students in Jharkhand by the Congress-JMM coalition government.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 11 (IANS) Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway is pretty sure about the gender of her child but she has decided to keep it a secret.

The pregnant actress recently appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’, where she was asked about her 3rd child’s gender by guest host Anthony Anderson.

He said, “I consider myself to be a baby whisperer. Now, this is my first time seeing you pregnant and what not. It looks like it’s a boy. Am I correct, or you’re waiting?”.

The actress gave a small smile as she replied, “We know (but) we’re not saying”.

The audience cheered for the actress, and the latter said that she always “feels bad” for not revealing the baby’s sex when she is probed.

She said, “Thank you for the support. It always feels so rude saying that”.

Anne and her husband Adam Shulman are already parents to Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, with ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star admitting her older kids are more than a little excited to be getting another sibling.

She said, “(They’re) over the moon. It feels really beautiful. It feels like the family’s having a baby. I mean, it’ll feel like I’m having a baby while it’s happening, but the emotional feeling is that we’re all going to welcome this little one”.

The actress has been showing off her baby bump on the red carpet in recent weeks, and kept the trend going as she wore a stomach-baring black top and matching trousers for her appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’.

Earlier, the actress was compelled to hit back at speculation that she was sporting a fake baby bump. She took to her Instagram, wrote, “Fake hair, real bump. Enjoy The @endofoakstreet Block Party chaos with me as my outfit literally melts in the heat”.

‘The End of Oak Street’ is set to release on August 13, 2026.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Aug 11 (IANS) On the suggestion of advocate Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the disciplinary committee of Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party on Tuesday suspended its Pulwama District President, Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi pending inquiry against him in connection with the the FIR registered against him in an extortion case.

A BJP statement said that on the suggestion of advocate Sunil Sethi and in consultation with Sat Sharma, MP and Jammu and Kashmir BJP President, and Mohammad Anwar Khan, J&K BJP General Secretary, disciplinary proceedings have been started against Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi.

The statement also added that till completion of the inquiry against him, Er Syed Showkat Andrabi has been suspended from the BJP in view of the FIR of extortion registered against him.

The statement said that BJP reiterates its commitment of maintaining highest standards of discipline, integrity and morality in public life.

Prior to Tuesday's disciplinary action, J&K BJP unit has suspended nine local functionaries and removed them from their posts on August 7, 2026, following an unauthorised rally in Anantnag on August 5 that featured derogatory and 'anti-women' slogans regarding the abrogation of Article 370.

The BJP leadership said that the Anantnag procession was neither authorised nor organised by the Union Territory's party unit.

Party leaders, including J&K General Secretary Ashok Koul and spokesperson Altaf Thakur, publicly distanced the organisation from the objectionable remarks.

Nine local office-bearers, including district and constituency functionaries from Anantnag, Shangus, and Pahalgam had their primary memberships suspended pending further inquiry.

Mainstream political parties in the Valley heavily criticised the slogans, calling them an insult to the dignity of Kashmiri women.

National Conference leaders demanded formal police FIRs against the individuals involved.

In response, the suspended BJP members countered by issuing public apologies while alleging that their suspension was part of an internal party dispute after they raised corruption complaints against the party's local leadership.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking creation of a time-bound, URL-specific and legally or judicially supervised mechanism to deal with grave forms of online harm, including rape and death threats, doxxing, exposure of children’s private details and non-consensual intimate or deepfake content.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed the Union government to consider the issues raised by the petitioner in his representation and take such remedial measures as may be required.

During the hearing, advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami highlighted the urgency of dealing with online threats and asked: “Suppose a woman's home address is posted with a rape threat tonight, at 9 p.m. Will it be allowed to remain online at this stage?”

The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that the petitioner had “highlighted very well” the various modes, kinds and facets of cybercrime, but said that issues concerning their detection and preventive measures were matters for domain experts.

The petitioner then submitted that he had already raised the issue through a representation. When the apex court asked whom the representation had been addressed to, Goswami replied that it was sent to the Union Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology, Home Affairs, and Law and Justice.

In its order, the CJI Kant-led Bench noted that the petition sought directions for creation of an effective supervisory mechanism to address grave unlawful digital harms, including acts or threats of physical violence, disclosure of private particulars such as children's school locations, non-consensual intimate content and harmful digital impersonation.

The Supreme Court recorded that the petitioner had already raised these issues through a representation dated June 22, 2026, addressed to the concerned Ministries of the Union government. “At this stage, we direct respondent authorities, along with all other stakeholders, to look into the issues raised in the petitioner's representation and take such remedial measures as may be required,” the CJI Kant-led Bench said, disposing of the petition.

The PIL contended that digital harms can spread within minutes, while conventional legal remedies may take considerably longer, creating a gap between the speed of online harm and the speed of legal response.

The petitioner had specifically sought an emergency mechanism for cases involving specific threats of physical violence, sexual violence or death; doxxing and unauthorised disclosure of residential, contact or location details; disclosure of private details or identity markers of minor children; non-consensual intimate, morphed, synthetic or AI-generated content; and harmful deepfake or digitally manipulated impersonation.

The petition also stated that the proposed mechanism was not intended to introduce censorship or blanket takedowns, but to ensure that grave unlawful content could be addressed through URL-specific, content-specific, reasoned and time-bound action subject to legal or judicial supervision and review.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 11 (IANS) White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would work directly to resolve differences over India’s purchases of Russian oil and the threat of steep US tariffs.

"The President and your prime minister have a very good working relationship,” Navarro told reporters at the White House. “They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it’s not for me in any gaggle to get between that."

Navarro was responding to a question about legislation associated with the late Republican senator Lindsey Graham. The measure could lead to tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian energy.

The reporter asked whether the proposed tariff, combined with continuing trade negotiations, could further strain India-US relations.

Navarro did not address the possible tariff directly. He instead referred to an opinion article he had written for the Financial Times several months ago about India’s energy trade with Russia.

Navarro said he had argued in the article that India’s Russian oil purchases expanded after Moscow invaded Ukraine.

“Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterwards it got heavily involved,” he said.

Navarro also accused India of selling products linked to Russian oil and said the trade had helped finance Moscow’s war effort. He offered no supporting figures during the exchange.

He said the issue had since been resolved but did not explain what action had been taken or whether he was referring to India’s oil purchases, the sale of petroleum products or another aspect of the trade.

"And that issue has been resolved," he said. "Maybe I had a little bit to do with that with that op-ed."

His remarks came as Washington and New Delhi continued negotiations over trade.

Earlier in the gaggle, Navarro defended the Trump administration’s broader tariff policy. He said tariffs were encouraging foreign companies to build factories in the United States and were also stimulating domestic investment.

"The signature there are the tariffs, which are bringing onshore both dollar investment from foreigners when they’re building here to avoid the tariffs, but also indigenous investment here," he said.

Navarro acknowledged that Americans continued to face economic hardship because of inflation. But he argued that the administration’s tax, trade and deregulation policies were beginning to produce results, particularly in construction and manufacturing.

"We all understand that we’re grappling with inflation and problems that are creating hardship for Americans; we understand that," he said.

The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last week by an 86-11 vote. The legislation authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, as well as the five leading countries involved in sanctions evasion. It does not name India as an automatic tariff target.

--IANS

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Patna, Aug 11 (IANS) The controversy surrounding police action against students protesting alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks in Siwan has once again become a major political issue in Bihar.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been requested by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to visit Bihar, as Yadav criticised the state government and announced that he will raise the matter with the Governor.

Speaking to the media, Yadav said he had not yet received a satisfactory explanation regarding the alleged firing during the police action against protesting students. He said he had already met the Director General of Police (DGP) and conveyed his concerns over the incident.

Yadav said he would now meet the Governor and present the details available to him. He added that he would seek accountability and demand an impartial investigation into the entire episode.

The RJD leader alleged that the police action could not be dismissed as routine law‑enforcement action. He claimed that the students were deliberately targeted and demanded clarity over the circumstances that led to the use of force.

Yadav questioned who authorised the alleged opening of fire on the students and specifically raised questions over the use of AK‑47 rifles. He argued that the identity and responsibility of the officials who ordered the action must be established.

According to Yadav, holding a single constable responsible would not be sufficient to determine accountability for the entire incident. He demanded that responsibility be fixed at the appropriate level, including among senior officials associated with the Home Department, and asked authorities to establish where the alleged order originated.

Yadav also said he had requested senior opposition leaders LoP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav to visit Bihar and meet students who were allegedly injured during the police action. He said opposition parties were raising the issue collectively and would continue to press for accountability and an impartial inquiry.

Apart from the Siwan incident, Yadav also criticised the state government over what he described as financial difficulties being faced by employees and other sections of society. He raised the issue of pending salaries of Sanskrit, Urdu and Persian teachers, along with outstanding payments to sanitation workers, pensions and other employee dues.

Yadav alleged that whenever questions concerning the rights of employees and the public are raised, the government cites financial constraints and an empty treasury. He demanded that the government clear pending payments and ensure that employees and beneficiaries receive their dues on time, particularly during the festive season.

With Tejashwi Yadav announcing plans to meet the Governor, political activity surrounding the Siwan student‑police confrontation is expected to intensify. The Leader of the Opposition has repeatedly demanded accountability over the incident and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police action.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Veteran actress Zeenat Aman revealed in her latest social media post that 'sharing the journey with her son has made work more fun' for her lately.

While she did not specify which of her two sons she was talking about, it seems like the 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' actress enjoys collaborating with her children on a professional level.

On Tuesday, Zeenat Aman used her social media handle to provide her Instagram family an insight into what life looks like for her these days.

From a garden filled with flowers, to occasional health struggles, to meeting new people at work, Zeenat Aman is enjoying these little things to the fullest.

Dropping a couple of stunning pictures of herself posing in black, she penned, "Minutiae of life at present. Lily. And joy. A little garden, looking particularly pleased with itself in this balmy weather. Fresh flowers. A favourite homemade kadhi sent to me from a good friend. Better conversations. (sic)."

"The occasional negotiation with immunity and health - apparently the body has opinions of its own, and one must learn to listen! Work, which continues to surprise me with interesting new people, competent staff and the occasional adventure. These days, sharing the journey with my son has made work more fun than it has any right to be," she went on to add.

Zeenat Aman concluded her post by expressing gratitude for the little treasures of life, saying, "And then there are days when one puts on a rather magnificent black outfit, sunglasses that mean business, and remembers that life is also meant to be enjoyed. I am grateful for all of it. The grand moments, certainly. But increasingly, it is the little things that seem to hold the greatest charm."

While Zeenat Aman has not shared the screen with her sons, she often collaborates with her younger son, Zahaan Khan, on social media. Zahaan also helps his mother with her account. Zeenat Aman's elder son, Azaan Khan, works as a filmmaker.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Veteran actress Jaya Prada is all set to mark her return to the big screen with 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh'. The director of the drama, Indrajeet Lankesh, revealed that he grew up watching her films during an exclusive interaction with IANS.

The director added that to have the opportunity to direct Jaya Prada in her comeback film is a 'pleasure and an honour' for him.

He was asked, "What has it been like working with Jayaprada? She is making a comeback with your film."

Indrajeet Lankesh told IANS, "Of course, she is making a comeback with 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh'. It is a pleasure because I grew up watching her films, including her work with Dr Rajkumar sir. There was a fantastic film called 'Sanadi Appanna', which was a biopic. Jayaprada ma’am played an amazing role as a dancer in that film. It was a huge blockbuster in the South. I grew up watching those kinds of films featuring Jaya Prada ma’am. And then, of course, there was 'Sharaabi'. Who can forget 'Sharaabi' with Bachchan sir? We were all in college when we watched that film."

Expressing his delight at getting to work with Jaya Prada, the filmmaker added, "For me to direct her in a comeback film is a pleasure and an honour. To be able to say “action” and “cut” for her is truly a dream come true."

Speaking about the rest of the cast, which includes both veterans and young actors, Indrajeet Lankesh continued, "Apart from that, we have an impressive cast comprising Mahesh Manjrekar, Rahul Dev, and Indira Tiwari. I loved Indira Tiwari in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. Then there is Vikram Kochhar, whom I watched in 'Dunki' and really loved his performance. There are several senior actors, including actors from the National School of Drama. Mahesh Manjrekar sir is the senior-most among them."

"At the same time, the young generation of actors has a huge platform through this film because they are newcomers. Two girls and two boys are the central characters in the foreground. This is a huge breakthrough for them, and it is something I have been doing throughout my career — giving youngsters a platform, a career opportunity ,and a stage to express themselves," he concluded.

--IANS

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Chennai, Aug 11 (IANS) Actor and producer Vishnu Vishal on Tuesday announced that his upcoming project with director Arunraja Kamaraj had now been dropped as a result of budgeting issues and creative differences cropping up between the director and him.

Taking to his social media timelines to share a statement on the decision to drop the film, Vishnu Vishal said, "Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation in the air recently about my next project with director Arunraja Kamaraj, and I felt it was only right to clear the air and let audiences know exactly where things stand - it's something they deserve to know."

Stating that the project in question had been one that he had been looking forward to for the past year, Vishnu Vishal said he had been preparing strenuously for it over the last 10 months.

"It was a film I hoped to begin after the release of Gatta Kusthi 2, and I was excited to bring it to life," he claimed.

However, the actor said, "Unfortunately, in recent times, the project has run into creative differences with the director, along with budgeting issues. Budgeting, in fact, seems to be one of the biggest challenges the industry is grappling with right now."

Pointing out that he had tried his best to make things work, Vishnu Vishal said that despite every effort that had been made, they had decided not to move forward with the project.

"I understand that it is a difficult decision for both Arunraja Kamaraj and myself, but we have to part ways with this project and I wish him all the best for his future endeavors. The legal processes attached, will take their own time to settle and get sorted. As always, I remain excited about what lies ahead. But sometimes, as an actor who also wears the hat of a producer, difficult decisions have to be made - and this was one of them," he explained.

The actor and producer concluded the statement, saying, "Right now, my focus is on the upcoming release of my film 'Irandu Vaanam' and my brother's film 'Yellow Yellow Dirty Fellow'. Also, I'm working on something really exciting and unique, and will be dropping the official announcement very soon. Thank you all for your continued love and support. I hope to receive the same in the days to come."

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Actress Sadia Khateeb got a little emotional as her movie 'Raksha Bandhan' completed 4 years of release on Tuesday.

Commemorating the occasion, Sadia decided to look back on her time on the set of the drama. She shared that working with Akshay Kumar in the movie turned out to be a memorable and enriching experience for her.

The film has given Sadia the opportunity to learn and explore, all the while creating some fond memories that she will cherish forever.

She said, “Raksha Bandhan will always hold a very special place in my heart. It has been four years since the film was released, but the memories of working on it still feel so fresh. Getting the opportunity to share the screen with Akshay Kumar sir and such a wonderful ensemble was truly an enriching experience."

" I learnt so much during the making of the film, both as an actor and as a person. The warmth on set, the beautiful relationships we built, and the memories we created are something I will always cherish,” she went on to add.

Helmed by Aanand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma, along with Kanika Dhillon, 'Raksha Bandhan' is a remake of the 2005 Bengali film 'Dadar Adesh'.

The movie revolves around a brother who has vowed to marry off his four sisters before tying the knot with his ladylove. The film sheds light on the struggles of dowry, societal pressures, and sibling bonds.

The project features Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekkar, Sadia Khateeb, Sahil Mehta, Sahejmeen Kaur, Smrithi Srikanth, and Deepika Khanna in pivotal roles, along with others.

'Raksha Bandhan' got a theatrical release on 11 August 2022, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day. While the movie received mixed-to-positive reviews, it failed to perform at the box office.

--IANS

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