Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that India is targeting $2 trillion in exports over the next five years as part of its vision for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). He was addressing a national conclave of trade leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, organized by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), where he also launched the website for the Bharat Vyapar Mahotsav.
He expressed confidence that the upcoming Bharat Vyapar Mahotsav, scheduled to begin in 86 days at Bharat Mandapam, would serve as a platform to promote Indian-made products, encourage import substitution, and strengthen India’s position in global markets. According to him, the participation of 140 crore citizens would ensure that the country achieves its goal of becoming a developed nation.
The Bharat Vyapar Mahotsav, a Swadeshi-focused trade fair, is being organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with CAIT and supported by various trade, logistics, and Swadeshi organizations. The event is expected to feature around a thousand businesses and emphasize quality, branding, packaging, and marketing to improve global competitiveness of Indian goods.
Goyal noted that India’s exports have already reached about $863 billion this year, marking a growth of around 5% over the previous year, and said the government has set a revised target of $1 trillion for the current year. He also highlighted ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements with 38 countries, mainly developed economies, including one with Oman expected to take effect from June 1, which would improve market access for Indian exporters.
He further emphasized reducing import dependence through domestic production, pointing to sectors like capital goods, medical devices, and value-added agriculture and fisheries, where Indian MSMEs are making progress in cities such as Rajkot, Ludhiana, Pune, and Visakhapatnam. He also mentioned that the MSME definition has been expanded to include firms with turnover up to ₹500 crore, while excluding export turnover to ensure continued benefits as they scale globally.
Goyal encouraged greater participation of women entrepreneurs and young traders, suggesting that each state should nominate 25 women entrepreneurs for the event. He also proposed installing 50–60 kiosks to promote digital payments through RuPay and UPI, describing it as a step toward a cashless and Swadeshi economy.
He described Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Dwarka as examples of world-class infrastructure reflecting India’s capabilities and craftsmanship. He also said that government support schemes like PLI would act as initial support, but long-term success would depend on active participation from industry and trade. He concluded that India should showcase a strong model of self-reliance by the 80th Independence Day in 2027.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Fear and confusion have gripped Datta Khel tehsil in North Waziristan as hundreds of families continue to abandon their homes amid concerns of an imminent large-scale military operation. According to The Express Tribune, residents are leaving both day and night, while roads remain blocked, markets are closed, and essential supplies are quickly running out.
Locals report that movement in and out of Datta Khel has been tightly restricted for several days, bringing everyday life to a standstill and heightening anxiety among civilians. People from multiple villages have begun relocating to safer areas, often carrying only basic belongings as they rush to avoid possible conflict.
Eyewitnesses described disorderly scenes during nighttime evacuations, with women, children, and elderly individuals traveling in overcrowded vehicles or walking long distances in extreme heat. Many displaced families said they were unable to collect their belongings before fleeing. One resident shared that widespread fear has forced people to escape without knowing where they will settle next. Elderly and ill individuals are particularly affected, with many struggling to move while children show signs of trauma due to sudden displacement. Women are also reportedly experiencing severe emotional stress during the evacuation.
Locals have questioned why civilians continue to bear the brunt of repeated security operations despite a strong security presence in the region. A trader criticized the ongoing disruption, saying poor families are repeatedly forced to rebuild their lives after every wave of conflict. Tribal elders have also condemned the silence of elected representatives, accusing them of abandoning people during crises. They pointed out that communities in Waziristan have faced repeated displacement over the past two decades due to militancy and military operations.
Government officials state that the heightened security measures are based on intelligence about militant activity in Datta Khel and are necessary for public safety. However, recurring operations have deepened mistrust and psychological distress among residents, who are now calling for peace, stability, and urgent humanitarian assistance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Actor-writer Dheeraj Sarna feels that some of the most relatable stories come from everyday middle-class life. In a conversation with ANI, he spoke about social media, daily struggles, family issues, and how digital platforms are giving people a stronger voice. An active content creator, Sarna often posts humorous and relatable reels based on common situations people experience in their daily lives. He shared that many of his ideas are drawn from his own experiences as someone from a middle-class background.
He explained that “pain” is often the starting point for his content, as small household problems—like getting things repaired or dealing with misleading service providers—frequently inspire his work. According to him, these experiences are not unique to him but reflect issues faced in many homes. Sarna believes that when his own struggles feel widely relatable, they are worth sharing. He added that if his content helps someone gain insight or improve their situation, he considers it successful.
Discussing social media’s growth, he noted that it has transformed how people express themselves. Unlike earlier times when film and television were the main storytelling platforms, today anyone with a phone can create and share their voice. He concluded that social media has empowered people from all backgrounds to share their experiences freely, and that honest, real-life stories—whether about family moments or middle-class challenges—tend to connect most strongly with audiences.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met South Korea’s Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Lee Yong-Cheol, during his official visit aimed at strengthening defence ties between the two countries. The visit is part of Singh’s broader engagement in South Korea to deepen bilateral defence cooperation. Earlier, he held talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul, where both sides agreed to expand collaboration in defence, cybersecurity, and strategic areas under their growing special strategic partnership.
In a post on X, Singh described the meeting as “excellent,” noting that discussions focused on enhancing defence industry cooperation and advancing technological collaboration between India and South Korea. He said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability, and stronger technological ties.
According to Singh, the meetings also led to the exchange of several agreements designed to boost institutional cooperation in defence and security. These include initiatives to promote cyber defence collaboration between India’s National Defence College and the Korea National Defence University, along with cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
He added that the agreements would further strengthen the partnership by making it more comprehensive and multidimensional, particularly in the areas of cyber security and defence training. In a key development, India and South Korea also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in defence, cyber security, and defence information sharing. The MoU was signed in Seoul during Singh’s visit, in the presence of South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back.
The agreement focuses on addressing emerging cyber threats, protecting critical military infrastructure, and improving information sharing mechanisms to enhance situational awareness and regional security. Singh arrived in Seoul on Tuesday after visiting Vietnam. He was received by India’s Ambassador to South Korea, Gourangalal Das, along with senior officials.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
DRDO has successfully completed the final development trials of the indigenous ULPGM-V3 (also known as ULM-ER), a UAV-launched precision-guided missile, marking a major boost to India’s drone warfare capabilities. The tests, conducted at a range near Kurnool, were successful in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes using an advanced integrated Ground Control System. The missile is designed to be fire-and-forget and can target both ground and aerial threats. Developed by DRDO labs including RCI Hyderabad, DRDL, TBRL, and HEMRL, the system has been built entirely within India’s defence ecosystem with industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat praised the achievement, calling it a key step toward defence self-reliance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.
An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
This discussion reviews the 32 final recommendations from Singapore’s Economic Strategy Review aimed at safeguarding workers from AI-driven disruption through measures like career transition pathways and earlier retrenchment assistance. Andrea Heng and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore how these proposals seek to raise wages in people-focused sectors such as healthcare and education, while building a more proactive system for lifelong learning, featuring insights from Desmond Choo, Minister of State, MINDEF and Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
