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.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the “Metro Monday” initiative in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. To inaugurate the campaign, she travelled from Kashmere Gate Metro Station to ITO by metro and then used an electric feeder bus to reach the Delhi Secretariat. She was joined by Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Verma and Ravindra Indraj during the journey.
The initiative, launched under the broader "Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan" programme, is aimed at encouraging the use of public transport and promoting fuel conservation. On its first day, the campaign saw strong participation, with several ministers and senior officials also opting for metro and other public transport modes for commuting.
During the launch, the Chief Minister urged citizens to rely more on public transport, saying it would help save fuel for the country and also reduce pollution in Delhi. She noted that government representatives, including ministers and officials, had also adopted public transport that day, and expressed appreciation for public support.
She announced a set of administrative measures including two days of work-from-home, “Metro Monday,” a one-year ban on official foreign trips, and a proposal for a weekly "No Vehicle Day." These steps follow Prime Minister Modi’s call for reduced fuel use and greater sustainability in response to global uncertainties linked to the West Asia situation. She also suggested that Delhi government offices will operate from 10:30 AM to 7 PM, while MCD offices will function from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and encouraged citizens to voluntarily observe a weekly “No Vehicle Day” by avoiding private vehicles and using public transport instead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from DelhiCMO.
A major scare unfolded on Sunday at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show held at Mountain Home Air Force Base, when two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during a performance, triggering a temporary lockdown at the base. According to reports, the incident took place shortly after 12:30 pm local time, when the aircraft were performing an aerial display as part of the air show. Moments after the collision, thick black smoke was seen rising near the crash site, which was located about two miles outside the base.
Emergency teams rushed to the area immediately as the situation escalated. Authorities confirmed that all four crew members on board the two jets successfully ejected before impact. Videos shared on social media appeared to show the aircraft colliding in the air and breaking apart, followed by four parachutes descending safely to the ground.
Officials later stated that emergency responders remained on-site to secure the area and begin a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. A spokesperson also confirmed that all remaining Sunday events were canceled as a precaution while authorities assessed the situation. The U.S. Navy said that a formal investigation has been launched, with teams reviewing flight data, communication records, and eyewitness footage to determine what led to the accident.
The Mountain Home Air Force Base was placed under lockdown following the incident, and local police also assisted in securing the area. The air show, which had returned this year after an eight-year gap, had drawn thousands of spectators. Organizers had reportedly spent nearly two years preparing for the event, with extensive safety arrangements and technical teams deployed across the base.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to past accidents at the same location. In 2018, a hang glider pilot died during an air show at the base, and in 2003, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet crashed during a performance, though the pilot survived after ejecting. Authorities have assured that further details will be released as the investigation continues.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from India Today.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday, marking the start of the Vietnam segment of his two-nation visit aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and defence engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. He was welcomed at the airport by the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), along with India's Ambassador to Vietnam and the Defence Attache at the Indian Embassy in Hanoi. Officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence and members of the Indian diplomatic mission were also present.
The visit follows the recent state trip of Vietnam's To Lam to New Delhi, reflecting growing momentum in defence cooperation between the two countries. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is expected to be a key topic of discussion, with both sides likely to assess progress on a long-pending potential supply agreement.
During the visit, Rajnath Singh will meet his Vietnamese counterpart for wide-ranging talks on defence and security cooperation, including military exchanges, defence production, and regional security concerns. Vietnam is the first stop of his two-nation tour, after which he will travel to the Republic of Korea. In South Korea, discussions are expected to focus on defence manufacturing, industrial cooperation, and technology partnerships.
He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back to review ongoing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration, along with discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest. He will meet Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India–Korea business roundtable. A joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul is planned for May 21.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to Norway in 43 years and the fourth stop of his ongoing five-nation tour after Sweden. The visit aims to strengthen India-Norway ties in trade, investment, and emerging sectors like green energy and the blue economy. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store personally welcomed Modi at the airport, calling it a historic occasion and expressing interest in deeper cooperation between India and the Nordic region. The Indian ambassador to Norway and other senior officials were also present for the reception. During the visit, PM Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit, hold bilateral talks with Norwegian leadership, and meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja. He will also co-chair a business and research summit focused on boosting economic collaboration. Both countries highlighted strong existing ties, including significant trade and Norway's major investments in India, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and sustainable development.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@jonasgahrstore.
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.
On the eve of Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore how the US president’s stance on relations with Xi Jinping has evolved since his first presidential campaign, and what both leaders are likely hoping to gain from the meeting. The discussion also highlights the group of technology CEOs accompanying Trump, including Elon Musk of Tesla and Apple chief Tim Cook, and explains why trade issues are expected to dominate the agenda. The segment examines how Trump’s ballroom project escalated to an estimated billion-dollar cost and questions who is ultimately expected to fund it.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Football is being redesigned for a new generation of players and fans, with a shift toward shorter game formats, quicker play, and a stronger emphasis on live engagement. From seven-a-side matches to evolving fan behavior, community involvement, and the sport’s wellness aspects, we look at how Faster Football is creating a more dynamic way to enjoy the game. Cheryl Goh talks with Dom Lane, CEO of Faster Football, to learn more about this movement.
Disclaimer: This podcsat is taken from CNA.
