Jaipur, May 29 (IANS) Nine workers of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) were detained by police on Friday for staging a black-flag protest during BJP state President Madan Rathore’s visit to Kuchaman City in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district.

The protest led to a tense situation, following which police intervened and detained nine workers.

Meanwhile, RLP convenor and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal said: “Our fight against dictatorship will continue. It is everyone’s right to democratically protest, and the government cannot silence our voice through the might of lathis.”

“I have spoken to the senior officials of the Rajasthan Police and asked them to immediately release the RLP workers taken into custody in Jaipur.”

It needs to be mentioned here that Madan Rathore had arrived in Kuchaman to attend a two-day Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay training camp when RLP supporters, already gathered near the venue, began raising slogans and waving black flags in protest.

As the situation grew tense, police and administrative officials stepped in and removed the protesters from the area. Authorities reportedly used mild force to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The confrontation came amid an escalating political clash between the BJP and RLP over the Bherana Dham issue, with leaders from both parties accusing each other of attempting to derive political mileage from the matter.

Beniwal had supported an agitation by saints at Bherana Dham against the acquisition of land by RIICO for industrial use. The administration accepted his demands and Beniwal withdrew the protest.

However, the war of words that intensified after the agitation spilled onto the streets on Friday, when RLP workers were seen gheraoing Rathore’s vehicle and showing black flags.

Meanwhile, BJP state Vice-President Jyoti Mirdha launched a sharp attack on Nagaur MP and RLP convenor Hanuman Beniwal, alleging that the RLP sought to politicise an issue linked to religious faith.

Mirdha claimed that the BJP government was already engaged in addressing the concerns of sadhus and saints and accused the RLP of using the agitation for political gain.

She also questioned Beniwal’s political conduct and language, remarking that despite not having representation in the state Assembly, he often projects himself as though he were the Chief Minister.

Mirdha further alleged that certain statements made on public platforms were inconsistent with political decorum.

The BJP organisation also continued its criticism of the RLP over recent political remarks.

Nagaur BJP district President Ramdhan Potlia accused Beniwal of using inappropriate language against Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.

Potlia termed such remarks a violation of democratic norms and said that while political disagreement is natural, public representatives must maintain dignity in their language and conduct.

Madan Rathore and several other BJP leaders had earlier objected to Beniwal’s comments about Chief Minister Sharma.

Rathore accused him of lowering the standards of political discourse and said Beniwal had insulted Cabinet ministers and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma by using objectionable language. He added that such conduct was “highly condemnable”.

Responding to Rathore’s statement, Beniwal launched a counterattack through a series of posts on X, targeting the BJP over alleged controversies involving party leaders and ministers.

He questioned the BJP’s “values and principles” while sharing posts related to a viral audio clip involving Minister Gautam Kumar Dak, against whom an FIR was lodged for allegedly abusing a police officer in Chittorgarh district.

He also shared posts raising allegations of corruption against a BJP MLA and a video of Education Minister Madan Dilawar allegedly using offensive remarks against teachers.

“BJP's state president @madanrrathore, who preaches lessons on disciplined conduct and values, why did you ultimately stand as a shield for your own party's MLA who takes a 40 per cent commission in exchange for MLA funds? Is it your and your party's values, Madan ji, to stand up and take his side just to protect a commission-hungry MLA?” he questioned.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Secretary Alka Upadhyaya on Friday released a study on “Contribution of Jain Community in the Field of Education.”

Upadhyaya said that the study reflects NCM’s continued efforts towards inclusive development and informed policymaking.

She said the Commission is committed to research-driven policy inputs and evidence-based initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of minority communities.

The study was undertaken by the Socio-Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS).

The study documents the historical evolution, institutional contribution and educational philosophy of the Jain community in India, said a statement.

It captures the role of Jain trusts, philanthropists, educational institutions and community organisations in promoting learning, research, scholarships, value-based education and inclusive access to education.

The study’s report highlights that the Jain community has contributed not only to academic advancement, but also to social responsibility and nation-building through education, it said.

Guided by values such as knowledge, service, compassion and inclusiveness, Jain educational initiatives have enriched India’s educational and ethical landscape.

The study is expected to serve as a useful reference for policymakers, researchers, educational institutions and community organisations working on minority education, value-based learning and community-led models of educational development, said the statement.

Earlier, the NCM celebrated the Minorities Day and invited community leaders from six minority communities – Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) to speak on the occasion.

The Guest Speaker, Dr Michael V. Williams of Mount Carmel School, reminded the gathering why Minority Day matters, underlining the Christian community’s long and quiet contribution to nation-building through education and healthcare institutions that serve far beyond denominational boundaries.

Md. Tauhid Alam of Jamia Hamdard set minority welfare within the broader framework of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas, and emphasised that governance today is all about inclusion.

Harbans Singh of Khalsa College drew a message from Gurbani to explain how coexistence and collective prosperity are not merely slogans but lived traditions.

Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok and Indu Jain spoke candidly about the challenges faced by Buddhist and Jain communities, seeking responsive redressal from the National Commission for Minorities.

Veteran Parsi leader Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla closed the discussion held last December by detailing minority-focused programmes and the NCM’s role as a bridge —bringing India’s many communities onto a shared civic platform.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is falling short of a four-digit number in the local urban body election where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears poised to have its Mayor and Chairman elected in many municipal bodies, according to BJP leader Amit Malviya.

"BIG HIGHLIGHTS: AAP falls short of the 1,000 mark in the Punjab Urban Local Body elections. The BJP will have its Mayor and Chairman in multiple municipal bodies," he said on social media platform X on Friday.

Malviya is the BJP's National Executive member and also in-charge of party's IT department.

Counting of votes began early Friday amid tight security arrangements after polling was held on May 26 using ballot papers.

"A total of 7,555 candidates is in the fray for various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across the state," reports said.

The ruling AAP nominated 1,801 candidates, Congress 1,550, BJP 1,316, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielded 1,251 contestants for the civic body elections, reports added.

"The deep dive: Punjab's local body election trends over the last decade tell a fascinating political story," Malviya claimed in an X post.

According to the BJP leader, this is the first time in 11 years that a ruling party in Punjab has failed to cross the 1,000-seat mark in local body elections.

He claimed of "a series of serious allegations raised by the Opposition during the poll campaign".

The BJP leader claimed that in the 2015 local body election, 1,060 SAD candidates, 360 of the BJP, and 356 from Congress registered victories, among others, who numbered over 400.

"The SAD-BJP alliance looked dominant, yet it went on to lose the Assembly Elections," he said.

"In 2021, the Congress surged ahead with 1,432 wins, while the SAD got 284, BJP 59, AAP 69, and Independents 364," he noted.

"Congress appeared unbeatable but lost the very next Assembly Elections," Malviya said.

"Now look at 2026: (1,941 out of 1,977 seats declared) AAP: 945, INC: 380, SAD: 191, BJP: 169, BSP: 7, Independents: 249," he wrote.

"Opposition candidates alleged that several nominations were rejected on technical grounds, while 63 AAP candidates were elected unopposed after no rival nominations were filed in those wards. Congress and other opposition parties also accused AAP MLAs of intimidating Opposition supporters during the elections," Malviya claimed.

He stressed that there were other allegations of misuse of the state police and administrative machinery by the AAP government where "Reports of booth capturing and violence against Opposition candidates also emerged from several areas during polling," he added.

According to Malviya, AAP "remained below the symbolic 1,000-seat mark, reflecting visible anti-incumbency against the Bhagwant Mann government", though it enjoyed "the advantages of incumbency and the state machinery".

He criticised the Congress for appearing "directionless", adding that SAD has still not fully recovered politically.

"Amid this churn, the BJP's performance stands out," he said, adding, "In 2021, the BJP had fought the local body elections independently and won 59 wards. In 2026, once again contesting without any alliance support, the BJP has already crossed 169 wards, an increase of 110 wards in just five years."

In his words, the BJP has "performed beyond expectations despite lacking both administrative backing and alliance arithmetic", and indicated "Punjab's political churn has begun and the saffron surge is loading".

--IANS

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Jaipur, May 29 (IANS) In a major anti-terror operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday conducted raids at multiple locations in Rajasthan, including Ajmer and Neemrana, in connection with suspected links to Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and alleged terror-funding activities.

The case is linked to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti and operative Jasvir Chaudhary, who is accused of procuring weapons and IEDs from across the border using drones.

In Ajmer, an NIA team raided a rented house in Ambika Vihar Colony on Boraj Road and detained Parmesh Meena after nearly five hours of questioning. Meena, originally from Bhilwara, had been living in the house with his wife.

Following the interrogation, the NIA team took him to Delhi for further questioning.

According to sources, intelligence agencies had received inputs suggesting that Parmesh Meena was in contact with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti through social media platforms.

During the operation, the NIA, assisted by local police, also questioned nearby residents and examined Meena’s activities.

Investigators reportedly found that he frequently played online games and was allegedly involved in debt recovery-related work.

The agency seized his mobile phone, laptop, social media account details and call detail records (CDRs) as part of the investigation.

Following the raid, Ajmer Police and intelligence agencies began questioning his family members and acquaintances to trace possible links and networks.

Officials said the operation is part of a broader crackdown after several youths from Sri Ganganagar were earlier detained over suspected links with Shahzad Bhatti’s online network.

Intelligence agencies believe the network was attempting to lure young individuals with promises of quick money.

In a separate operation early on Friday morning, another NIA team raided a labour colony in Madhosinghpura village in Neemrana.

The team questioned Nandkishore, father of Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastava, who was arrested earlier this year by Punjab Police’s Special Operations Cell with an IED, a foreign-made pistol, remote-control devices and other suspicious materials.

In an early morning operation, a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached Madhosinghpura village in the Neemrana area at around 4.30 a.m. on Friday and conducted a raid at the residence of Nandkishore Sain, officials and family members said.

The NIA team searched the house for nearly two hours and seized several documents during the operation.

At around 6 a.m., Nandkishore Sain was taken to Neemrana Police Station, where he was questioned in a separate room as part of ongoing investigation proceedings.

According to his wife Rampati, the family had arrived in Neemrana from Sitawali in Uttar Pradesh only a day earlier.

She said Nandkishore works at a company in the Keshwana industrial area and the family currently lives in a rented house.

She further stated that a team of 10-15 NIA and police personnel carried out the search operation early in the morning.

During the raid, the premises were thoroughly examined before Nandkishore was taken away for questioning.

Family members also said that their son, Shubham Sain, was arrested by the NIA on February 3 in connection with a case involving alleged links with Pakistan and has been in custody for the past four months.

Following Friday’s operation, Nandkishore has reportedly been under continuous interrogation at Neemrana Police Station.

However, there has been no official statement from the NIA regarding the latest developments.

Sources indicated that the agency is probing multiple aspects of the case, including suspected cross-border links.

Local police and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation as the investigation continues.

Investigators reportedly questioned Nandkishore regarding alleged foreign funding and possible associates linked to his son.

Local police officials confirmed that the NIA conducted the searches with assistance from Rajasthan Police as part of an ongoing investigation into terror-related activities and funding networks.

Simultaneous raids were conducted across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, officials said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) The CBSE said on Friday its Post-Result Activities portal will now be operational on June 1.​

Once the portal is operational, Class 12 students will be able to file applications on the CBSE portal for verification and re-evaluation of answer books, an official said.​

Verification will include retotalling of marks at a fee of Rs 100, and rechecking will incur a fee of Rs 25 per question.​

In a message on X, the CBSE said, “To ensure a transparent and glitch-free process for verification and re-evaluation of answer books of students who intend to submit their applications on the Post-Result Activities portal, it has been decided that the designated portal will now be operational from 1st June 2026.”​

“This is to ensure the highest standards and protocols of evaluation. Students who may have queries may reach out to the CBSE Tele-Counselling Helpline- 1800 11 8004 and Email- resultcbse2026@cbseshiksha.in,” said the CBSE.​

The option to seek verification and re-evaluation of answer books is available only to students who have already received scanned copies of their evaluated answer books.​

So far, approximately four lakh students have accessed around 11 lakh scanned answer sheets through the portal, the CBSE said.​

Upon receiving an application for re-evaluation, the questions will be reviewed by subject experts, who will update the marks if discrepancies are found.​

Earlier, glitches forced the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to repeatedly extend the deadline for filling revaluation applications and depositing the fee.​

On Thursday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a review meeting at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) headquarters in New Delhi to review issues related to the evaluation and post-result processes of Class 12 examinations.​

During the meeting, the Minister directed officials to take all necessary measures to resolve the issues faced by students in a timely, transparent, and amicable manner, according to a Ministry of Education statement.​

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and a student-centric examination system, while assuring students and parents that all genuine concerns would be addressed effectively and expeditiously, it added.​

Minister Pradhan also reviewed the progress of post-result services, focusing on strengthening student support systems, improving the evaluation and monitoring framework, enhancing the CBSE digital platform, and making examination-related services more accessible and efficient for students.​

Nearly 18 lakh students had appeared for the Class 12 examinations this year, which involved around 98 lakh answer sheets and nearly 40 crore scanned pages, officials informed Pradhan.​

--IANS

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Chandigarh, May 29 (IANS) Saying the BJP could not save its deposits on more than 1,000 seats, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s sweeping victory in municipal elections was a decisive endorsement of the government’s development‑driven governance model.

Stating that Punjabis had “swept out” the Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP, CM Mann said the verdict reflected people’s faith in free electricity, quality education, better and free healthcare, employment generation, and other public welfare initiatives.

Pointing to the party’s dominance across the state, including its emphatic victory in Dhuri, where the party won 19 of 21 seats, he said the results had reduced the BJP, which he called the “ED Party”, to fifth position and sent a clear message that Punjab was firmly backing the politics of performance.

The Chief Minister said the mandate also indicated that AAP was on course to surpass its historic 2022 Assembly election performance in 2027, while assuring that every city, town, and village in Punjab would witness equal development without discrimination.

CM Mann told the media that the people of Punjab had shown the door to communal forces and given a resounding verdict in favour of secularism and the Aam Aadmi Party. He said that despite the scorching heat, people came out to vote for safeguarding democracy, which was a very encouraging sign.

Highlighting the party’s electoral performance over the past four years, he said people from every section of society had consistently stood with AAP and its policies. “AAP won more than 11,000 panchayat seats out of nearly 13,000. The by‑elections to the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat, four Vidhan Sabha seats, Zila Parishads, Block Samitis, and now Nagar Councils and Nagar Panchayats have all demonstrated that public support for the AAP continues to grow.”

The Chief Minister said the combined strength of Opposition parties had failed to match the support received by AAP. “The Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP, which I call the ED party, together could not even reach the number of seats won by AAP. The people have completely rejected their negative and divisive agenda. Even in urban areas, which the BJP considers its traditional vote base, voters have decisively rejected them,” he said.

Referring to the BJP’s performance, CM Mann said the party could not save its deposits on more than 1,000 seats. He added that, despite the hype, it had ended up in fifth place in these elections. “In many places, even Independents have won more seats than the BJP. It appeared as though the BJP was competing only with NOTA,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister said AAP had secured a sweeping mandate in the elections and thanked party workers for their tireless efforts.

“These results have made it clear that the path for the AAP in 2027 is becoming stronger. The people have also taught a lesson to those who tried to misuse the ED and central agencies to harass AAP leaders and workers,” he said.

Commenting on former AAP Rajya Sabha members who left the party, CM Mann said those who chose to backstab the party had received an answer from the people. He added that they should reflect on what they had achieved because the people of Punjab had rejected them.

Citing constituency‑wise results, the Chief Minister said the verdict reflected strong support for AAP across Punjab. “In Gidderbaha, the home turf of the Punjab Congress president, the AAP won 17 out of 19 seats. In Barnala, associated with the newly appointed Punjab BJP chief, the BJP was nowhere in the picture while the AAP won 37 out of 50 seats,” he added.

--IANS

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Jaipur, May 29 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday inaugurated the ‘Neendad-Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco-Trail’ in the Neendad forest area and participated in the state’s ongoing water conservation campaign by performing shramdaan (voluntary labour) at an anicut under the ‘Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign’.

The Chief Minister said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of water self-reliance in Rajasthan is becoming a reality and called upon citizens to actively contribute to the conservation and augmentation of water resources.

During the event, the Chief Minister planted a white sandalwood sapling, installed water pots for birds, and distributed Tulsi saplings to women, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

He also performed worship of a Peepal tree amid Vedic chanting and offered prayers at a Shiva temple for the prosperity of the state.

Chief Minister Sharma said the Neendad forest region has immense ecological and tourism potential and added that the state government plans to develop it through large-scale afforestation and eco-tourism initiatives.

He further stated that, under the campaign, efforts are underway to construct anicuts and water-harvesting structures at suitable locations to ensure effective rainwater conservation.

Referring to national initiatives, the Chief Minister said the government is also promoting plantation drives inspired by the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, with a target of planting 100 million saplings during the current year.

He added that programmes such as ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’ and ‘Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan’ will strengthen community participation in environmental and water conservation efforts.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to develop eco-friendly public amenities in the Neendad forest area, including a walking track for visitors.

Minister of State for Forests and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma, local public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion.

--IANS

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Jammu/Bhopal, May 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Friday that the state government is studying the management system of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen crowd management, security and pilgrim facilities at major religious destinations across the state.

Speaking to media persons in Jammu before leaving for the Mata Vaishno Devi Dham, Chief Minister Yadav added that a Madhya Pradesh government delegation had been assigned to conduct a detailed study of arrangements at the shrine, including digital registration systems, crowd control measures, accommodation facilities and streamlined darshan management.

"We are working continuously to improve facilities for devotees at religious places in Madhya Pradesh. Our aim is to develop the state as a model destination for pilgrims by adopting successful systems from across the country," the Chief Minister said.

During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, CM Yadav also held discussions with officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department regarding pilgrimage management and tourism infrastructure.

He said the study would help the state government modernise administrative systems and improve services at key religious centres, including Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Omkareshwar Dham and Bhojshala in Dhar.

"The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has created a highly organised and service-oriented system for devotees. Along with darshan arrangements, it is also operating educational and healthcare institutions. We want to study this model in detail and develop similar facilities in Madhya Pradesh," he added.

Highlighting ongoing religious infrastructure projects in the state, Chief Minister Yadav said development works worth nearly Rs 30,000 crore were underway in Ujjain for Simhastha 2028.

He added that the Ekatm Dham project at Omkareshwar, estimated to cost around Rs 3,000 crore, was also progressing rapidly.

The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to upgrading civic amenities, strengthening security arrangements and expanding facilities for pilgrims at religious destinations across the state.

He added that recommendations from the delegation studying pilgrimage centres across the country would be used to improve overall management systems and create a smoother experience for devotees visiting Madhya Pradesh.

--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, May 29 (IANS) Actress Sakshi Tanwar, who serves as the co-host on the show ‘Tum Ho Naa - Ghar Ki Superstar’, has shared that the characters that stay with the audience long after they see something, often mirror their own experiences, emotions, and relationships.

The makers of the show unveiled a new promo in which the actress joins Rajeev Khandelwal as the host. The promo beautifully captures the essence of the show by celebrating the everyday superstars whose efforts often go unnoticed despite making the biggest difference in the lives of those around them.

The actress said, “Throughout my journey on television, I have always believed that the stories and characters we choose become a reflection of what we stand for. I have been fortunate to portray characters whom audiences have welcomed into their homes and hearts. It has taught me the importance of choosing narratives that are authentic, meaningful, and rooted in real life. The roles that stay with people are often the ones that mirror their own experiences, emotions, and relationships”.

She further mentioned, ‘That is precisely what drew me to join Tum Ho Naa’s latest promo with Rajeev Khandelwal. At its heart, the show celebrates the Superstars who quietly hold everything together, whose contributions often go unnoticed despite making the biggest difference in our everyday lives. It is a thought I deeply connect with because appreciation is something we often feel, but rarely express. Rajeev, as a host, brings sincerity, warmth, and honesty that audiences have connected with for years, and those qualities beautifully complement the spirit of the show. Together, we hope to shine a light on the everyday heroes around us, the true Ghar Ki Superstars”.

Echoing the spirit of the show, Rajeev Khandelwal shared, “I’ve always felt that gratitude and appreciation form the foundation of every relationship – a woman. That emotion lies at the heart of Tum Ho Naa, a celebration of those silent pillars who hold everything together without ever seeking recognition. Having Sakshi Tanwar join us for this special promo made it even more meaningful. Beyond being a phenomenal actress, her sincerity and warmth create an instant connection with people. It is truly heartening to see these everyday heroes finally receiving the love, respect, and applause they so genuinely deserve”.

‘Tum Ho Naa - Ghar Ki Superstar’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 29 (IANS) The National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Governor’, has shared how he approached the diction of his character of an RBI Governor, who comes from Tamil culture.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film in Mumbai on Friday. He shared that he is extremely cautious of the character’s diction, and he went ahead with perfecting the minimal linguistic traits of the character.

Talking about perfecting his diction for ‘Governor’, he told IANS, “I was very scared and nervous because actors, especially people like me, I don’t like to go wrong with language and diction. I am from Bihar. So, I know how much I get offended (with language being wrongly spoken). So, it is better to go to the minimum, I always say because you are making it in Hindi. You need to play up the essence of that language. However, you are not supposed to be completely indulgent about the accent because it will take away the attention from the matter. That is why we have tried to keep a lot of measured things in this, the culture behind the language”.

The actor also cited other examples like ‘Satya’ and ‘Aligarh’ where he had to speak in 2 different accents despite both the characters sharing the same cultural background.

He further mentioned, “We live in Mumbai. Every class will speak in different languages. If Vikram was coming, Then his entire speech Comes from a particular class. Then his accent is different. But when you go to do Sirus, Then you know that He is a man of literature. He is an educated man. So, his Hindi Must have taken a special tone. So, a lot of work has to be done on all these things. All the accents cannot be the same. They change according to the character. And you do it according to that. So, if you see Bhosle here, The one with the flag, A lot of work has to be done on this. Because what is happening behind the curtain Is not a photo on Instagram”.

The film is inspired by true events and brings to light India's worst economic meltdown of the 1990s. The teaser offers a glimpse into a highly compelling story, featuring the National Award-winning actor as an RBI (Rashtriya Bank of India) Governor.

The film is reportedly inspired by S. Venkitaramanan, who served as RBI Governor during India’s 1991 economic crisis and was closely associated with the country’s financial rescue period.

‘Governor’ is presented by Sunshine Pictures, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar. It is co-produced by Aashin A. Shah and written by Suvendu Bhattacharyjee, Saurabh Bharat, Ravi Asrani, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah. With lyrics by Javed Akhtar, the music of the film is composed by Amit Trivedi. ‘Governor’ is set to release on June 12, 2026.

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Mumbai, May 29 (IANS) The poster of the upcoming film ‘Kaala Hiran’, which is based on the blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, was unveiled on Friday.

The film blends genres like courtroom drama and crime thriller, and will showcase the famous rivalry between Salman Khan and the dreaded gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in a cinematic way. The film has been shot in several cities of Uttar Pradesh including Sambhal, Moradabad.

Talking about the film, producer Amti Jani said, “In 1998, in Kakani village of Jodhpur, in the case of the hunting of a black buck by Salman Khan, the drama of the courtroom, the crime, the thriller, the rivalry between Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan, the whole sequence has been shot in the form of a movie. The film has been shot in Sambal, Moradabad, and other cities of Uttar Pradesh”.

He further mentioned, “Bollywood actors who had come to Jodhpur, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Satish Shah and other people, were together during the shooting. The hunting that took place at that time, Salman Khan's arrest and the punishment has been shown in the film. And its poster was very much awaited. People were waiting for a long time for a cinematic story around Salman Khan, Lawrence Bisnoi and the case of deer hunting. On June 20, we are going to release its first look, the teaser”.

Lawrence Bishnoi has been after Salman Khan in order to avenge the illegal hunting of the black buck, which is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community. Bishnoi has been going after those who are close to the superstar. In October 2024, politician Baba Siddique, who was close to Salman, was gunned down near his house in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang had claimed responsibility for the attack on the politician.

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Mumbai, May 29 (IANS) The makers of the upcoming film ‘Uttar Da Puttar’, which stars Annu Kapoor, have locked its release date. The film is set to debut in cinemas on July 24, 2026.

The film also stars Rukhsar Rehman, Brijendra Kala, Pavan Malhotra, Ishtiyak Khan, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Rajendra Sethi, Sumit Gulati and Nitin Arora.

The film is set against the backdrop of Vastu and destiny, and brings a fresh and novel theme to Hindi cinema.

‘Uttar Da Puttar’ is written and directed by Ravinder Siwach, with the story by Sandiip Kapur. The film is produced by Sandiip Kapur and Priya Kapur under the banner of Promodome Motion Pictures.

‘Uttar Da Puttar’ now officially joins the theatrical release calendar for July 2026. Producer Sandiip Kapur's latest film will arrive in cinemas worldwide on 24th July 2026.

Meanwhile, Annu Kapoor was last seen in ‘Luv Ki Arrange Marriage’. The film showcased that love is ageless and that the boundaries between romance and family can blur in the most delightful yet chaotic ways. Annu Kapoor is one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile character actors, and is known for balancing comedy, drama, satire and hosting with equal ease.

With a career spanning over four decades, he has delivered memorable performances in films like ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Dream Girl 2’ and ‘7 Khoon Maaf’. Apart from films, he is also widely loved for his radio storytelling and television presence. His recent screen appearance came in the comedy film Non Stop Dhamaal, where he shared screen space with Rajpal Yadav and Manoj Joshi in a chaotic industry-themed entertainer. Kapoor continues to stay active across films, television and live performances.

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