Pakistan’s  billion trade deficit rings alarm bells as PKR faces pressure despite forex gain

Pakistan’s $35 billion trade deficit rings alarm bells as PKR faces pressure despite forex gain

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are nearing the government’s $18 billion target for FY26, but a widening trade deficit, mounting external payment obligations and pressure on the rupee are raising concerns about the country’s economic stability, PTI reported.Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed the country’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $43 million…

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‘Bangla-birodhis’: Mamata Banerjee reminds Centre of Bengal proposal after Kerala’s ‘Keralam’ nod

‘Bangla-birodhis’: Mamata Banerjee reminds Centre of Bengal proposal after Kerala’s ‘Keralam’ nod

Mamata Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: A political row erupted on Tuesday after the Centre approved the Kerala government’s proposal to rename the state “Keralam,” with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee questioning why a similar proposal for her state remains pending.Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, Banerjee…

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Amitabh Bachchan drops cryptic note on seeking answers about life: ‘Never does the search end in a find’

Amitabh Bachchan drops cryptic note on seeking answers about life: ‘Never does the search end in a find’

Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan isn’t just loved for his iconic movies and performances on-screen but he makes sure to also stay connected with his fans through social media and his blog. The actor is known for recently shared that he spent a “quiet contemplated day,” reflecting deeply on life’s uncertainties and the endless pursuit of…

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‘That’s all you need’: Ricky Ponting reveals ‘big decision’ behind India’s T20 World Cup title

‘That’s all you need’: Ricky Ponting reveals ‘big decision’ behind India’s T20 World Cup title

Ricky Ponting speaks about Team India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has praised India’s decision to back Sanju Samson as an opener during their victorious campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to Ponting, the trust shown in Samson by captain Suryakumar Yadav and the coaching staff…

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Pro-Palestinian protest at Stanford leads to felony trial for five students: Here’s what to know

Pro-Palestinian protest at Stanford leads to felony trial for five students: Here’s what to know

A jury trial began Friday for five current and former Stanford University students charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that occupied the university president’s offices in June 2024. The case is a rare instance in which demonstrators from the wave of campus protests that year are facing trial.Authorities initially arrested and charged 12 people…

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To woo women voters in Assam, BJP and Congress have pitched competing cash-transfers. In Assam, the BJP sankalp patra promised that the monthly direct bank transfer under Orunodoi scheme would be increased to Rs 3,000 for women and that it aims for 40 lakh “lakhpati baideos , a flagship initiative to economically empower women. Congress, in its manifesto for Assam, has promised an unconditional bank transfer of a stipulated amount to every woman’s account and Rs 50,000 for women entrepreneurs. At the national level, Narendra Modi govt has already moved to implement women’s quota in legislatures from the 2029 general elections. While the overall voter turnout touched an all-time high in Assam and Puducherry (85.9% and 89.9%, respectively), male voter turnout was also the highest ever in these two states. However, the 75.2% male voter turnout in Kerala was much lower than the all-time high of 80.5% recorded in 1987 assembly polls in the state. The massive participation by women electors in these states/UT is not a new phenomenon. In Puducherry, women turnouts have been higher than male turnouts in 18 of the total 30 Lok Sabha and assembly elections held since 1964. In Kerala, women’s participation has been higher in nine of the 34 parliamentary/assembly elections held in the state since 1957. Female turnout had surpassed male turnout in Assam first during the 2016 assembly polls. Since then, women voters have shown better participation than their male counterparts, barring 2019 Lok Sabha polls when female and male turnouts were exactly the same. This translates into four of 33 Lok Sabha/assembly elections in the northeastern state having seen higher female polling percentage.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Police Crack Down on ISI-Linked Spy Module, 10 Arrested; Second Network Busted After Pan-India Surveillance Plot’Chokepoints Now A Global Anxiety’: Jaishankar Invokes West Asia Crisis At Indian Ocean ConferenceMathura: Boat Carrying Devotees Capsizes In Yamuna; 10 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Ops OnQatar Assures Reliable Energy Supply To India Amid West Asia Crisis After Hardeep Puri’s Doha VisitPakistan-ISI Spy Network Busted: 11 Arrested For Recce Of Military Sites Across North IndiaCentre Notifies CAPF General Administration Act 2026; Families, Retired Officers Protest in DelhiJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in Washington123PhotostoriesFrom Vivek Dahiya getting emotional during Divyanka Tripathi’s pregnancy scan to pampering her midnight cravings, the couple share their journeyHow to differentiate between naturally and chemically ripened banana: FSSAI’s rulebook on ripening temperature for the fruit4 high-profile business family feuds that made headlines globally5 things that make Bandhavgarh National Park irresistible to nature loversFrom Yashasvi Jaiswal-Maddie Hamilton to Hardik Pandya-Mahieka Sharma: 5 Indian cricketers and their rumoured girlfriendsGold or platinum with diamonds: Which one actually makes you look richer?Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares secrets on how to use moong (whole, split with skin, and split skinless) for maximum benefitsShubman Gill’s new house in Juhu, Mumbai is a ₹20 crore luxury apartment with sea views, full-floor privacy and luxury amenitiesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStephen Curry charityLaura Loomer reactionIndia Lebanon civilianRajouri grenade recoveryUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Hinjewadi Metro lineUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case

To woo women voters in Assam, BJP and Congress have pitched competing cash-transfers. In Assam, the BJP sankalp patra promised that the monthly direct bank transfer under Orunodoi scheme would be increased to Rs 3,000 for women and that it aims for 40 lakh “lakhpati baideos , a flagship initiative to economically empower women. Congress, in its manifesto for Assam, has promised an unconditional bank transfer of a stipulated amount to every woman’s account and Rs 50,000 for women entrepreneurs. At the national level, Narendra Modi govt has already moved to implement women’s quota in legislatures from the 2029 general elections. While the overall voter turnout touched an all-time high in Assam and Puducherry (85.9% and 89.9%, respectively), male voter turnout was also the highest ever in these two states. However, the 75.2% male voter turnout in Kerala was much lower than the all-time high of 80.5% recorded in 1987 assembly polls in the state. The massive participation by women electors in these states/UT is not a new phenomenon. In Puducherry, women turnouts have been higher than male turnouts in 18 of the total 30 Lok Sabha and assembly elections held since 1964. In Kerala, women’s participation has been higher in nine of the 34 parliamentary/assembly elections held in the state since 1957. Female turnout had surpassed male turnout in Assam first during the 2016 assembly polls. Since then, women voters have shown better participation than their male counterparts, barring 2019 Lok Sabha polls when female and male turnouts were exactly the same. This translates into four of 33 Lok Sabha/assembly elections in the northeastern state having seen higher female polling percentage.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Police Crack Down on ISI-Linked Spy Module, 10 Arrested; Second Network Busted After Pan-India Surveillance Plot’Chokepoints Now A Global Anxiety’: Jaishankar Invokes West Asia Crisis At Indian Ocean ConferenceMathura: Boat Carrying Devotees Capsizes In Yamuna; 10 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Ops OnQatar Assures Reliable Energy Supply To India Amid West Asia Crisis After Hardeep Puri’s Doha VisitPakistan-ISI Spy Network Busted: 11 Arrested For Recce Of Military Sites Across North IndiaCentre Notifies CAPF General Administration Act 2026; Families, Retired Officers Protest in DelhiJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in Washington123PhotostoriesFrom Vivek Dahiya getting emotional during Divyanka Tripathi’s pregnancy scan to pampering her midnight cravings, the couple share their journeyHow to differentiate between naturally and chemically ripened banana: FSSAI’s rulebook on ripening temperature for the fruit4 high-profile business family feuds that made headlines globally5 things that make Bandhavgarh National Park irresistible to nature loversFrom Yashasvi Jaiswal-Maddie Hamilton to Hardik Pandya-Mahieka Sharma: 5 Indian cricketers and their rumoured girlfriendsGold or platinum with diamonds: Which one actually makes you look richer?Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares secrets on how to use moong (whole, split with skin, and split skinless) for maximum benefitsShubman Gill’s new house in Juhu, Mumbai is a ₹20 crore luxury apartment with sea views, full-floor privacy and luxury amenitiesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStephen Curry charityLaura Loomer reactionIndia Lebanon civilianRajouri grenade recoveryUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Hinjewadi Metro lineUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case

To woo women voters in Assam, BJP and Congress have pitched competing cash-transfers. In Assam, the BJP sankalp patra promised that the monthly direct bank transfer under Orunodoi scheme would be increased to Rs 3,000 for women and that it aims for 40 lakh “lakhpati baideos , a flagship initiative to economically empower women. Congress,…

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Did Tanmay Bhatt call Ranveer Singh unprofessional amid the ‘Don 3’ row? Comedian jokes to Varun Dhawan, ‘You’re professional… Farhan Akhtar is looking for’

Did Tanmay Bhatt call Ranveer Singh unprofessional amid the ‘Don 3’ row? Comedian jokes to Varun Dhawan, ‘You’re professional… Farhan Akhtar is looking for’

The reported fallout between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar over ‘Don 3’ has become one of the most talked-about controversies in Bollywood, and comedian Tanmay Bhatt recently added fuel to the conversation with a cheeky joke during a YouTube appearance featuring Varun Dhawan.In a clip that has since gone viral across social media, Tanmay playfully…

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DGCA Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a three-member committee to examine complaints regarding alleged out-of-syllabus questions in the Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) examination conducted on May 20, reviving a long-running debate within the Indian aviation industry over the way pilots are tested for radio communication proficiency.According to a DGCA order dated May 21, the committee comprising three DGCA top officials has been asked to examine complaints received in the RTR examinations and submit its report within a week.The RTR examination, formally called the `Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical)’ certification exam, is mandatory for pilots and tests radio communication skills and standard phraseology used between pilots and air traffic controllers.For years, senior pilots and pilot bodies have campaigned for changes in the RTR examination system. The argument was that the test was conducted by officials from the Department of Telecommunications’ Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing who have no operational flying experience. Following consistent protest from the pilots’ fraternity, in 2024, the DGCA took on the responsibility of conducting these tests.Capt Manoj Hathi, former director (operations) Air India, said not much had changed despite the handover. “It’s old wine in a new bottle.The concerns over the RTR examination process had first been formally raised in 2018 after complaints about alleged malpractices and irrelevant questioning patterns,” he said. Speaking about the latest development, Capt Hathi criticised the composition of the newly formed DGCA panel, saying none of its members were pilots. He said internationally such proficiency tests are generally conducted by qualified flight instructors or domain experts and that most countries follow a simplified version based on ICAO Doc 4444 for pilot examinations. Back in 2023, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) , in a representation to the government had alleged that the problem with the RTR exams was that the examiners often used their discretion to examine candidates on irrelevant topics that have no bearing on the core subject at hand.“About the AuthorManju VManju V, senior Editor at the Times of India in Mumbai writes on civil aviation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHome Minister Amit Shah To Review India-Pakistan Border Security In RajasthanTwisha Sharma’s Last Rites Performed In Bhopal As Supreme Court Steps Into Alleged Dowry Death CaseSonam Wangchuk Says Ladakh Was “Heading Towards Another Manipur”, Trust Deficit Still RemainsFalta Repoll Shock: BJP’s Debangshu Panda Wins Big As TMC Slips To Fourth Position’Fastest Man In India Wears Whites’: Indian Navy Lauds Gurindervir Singh As He Sets National RecordRajarhat New Town Booth Flip Sparks Debate After BJP Wins Narrow Bengal Election Contest | WatchDMK Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Says Congress Lacks Gratitude And Political Credibility | WatchCentre Rolls Out Major Health Support For Bengal Urges State Govt To Accelerate Ayushman BharatTharoor Cites India’s Maldives Water Aid As Example Of Strategic Regional Diplomacy“Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne”: Fadnavis Mocks Rahul Gandhi’s Prediction On NDA Government123Photostories10 underrated wildlife destinations in Asia that are less crowded than popular safari parksThese birds hunt the world’s deadliest snakes5 amazing red snakes found in IndiaFeeling tired? 5 worst morning habits for your bodyAvocado vs. Egg: Which is healthier?Stop using basic tiles in 2026: These luxury flooring trends are redefining modern real estateThe ‘secret’ to Cristiano Ronaldo’s unstoppable success isn’t what you think5 amazing ideas to make the right impression with your home entranceFeeling breathless while climbing stairs? Harvard doctors say it could be an early warning sign of coronary artery disease that many people missIndia’s most scenic monsoon road trips: safety tips travellers should know123Hot PicksWhite House ShootingDelhi traffic advisoryNaseer BestUPSC prelims 2026Mumbai local train newsBengaluru suicideBengal bakrid holidayTop TrendingKarnataka NEET Aspirant SuicideTwisha SharmaCBSE Revaluation Photocopy ProcessBhagwant MannRishabh PantJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionFalta election resultWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a three-member committee to examine complaints regarding alleged out-of-syllabus questions in the Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) examination conducted on May 20, reviving a long-running debate within the Indian aviation industry over the way pilots are tested for radio communication proficiency.According to a DGCA order dated…

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Updated: Mar 13, 2026, 13:28 IST

Updated: Mar 13, 2026, 13:28 IST

Orijit Chaliha, India Men’s Badminton Player Behind the medals and victories, mental health plays a big part in an athlete’s life and career. Athletes are often admired for their strength and toughness, but many quietly face mental health challenges.Top athletes like Michael Phelps, Naomi Osaka, Tyson Fury, Serena Williams and Indian stars such as PV…

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The  million mystery: Why a secret donor handed a small Canadian hospital the gift of a lifetime | World News

The $22 million mystery: Why a secret donor handed a small Canadian hospital the gift of a lifetime | World News

A remarkable $22 million donation to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in Nova Scotia has transformed local healthcare. Image Credits: Google Gemini A remarkable $22 million donation to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in Nova Scotia has transformed local healthcare. Image Credits: Gemini A remarkable $22 million donation to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in Nova Scotia has transformed local healthcare….

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Are you being ‘throned’? Find out if your partner is using you for social media clout |

Are you being ‘throned’? Find out if your partner is using you for social media clout |

A new dating trend, ‘throning,’ sees individuals partnering for social status and online clout rather than genuine connection. Partners become mere ‘social upgrades,’ boosting image and likes. This superficial approach, driven by social pressure and ego, leads to emotional burnout, shallow bonds, and identity loss, urging readers to seek authentic connections beyond the spotlight. Ever…

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IPL 2026: Virat Kohli scripts history with unbeaten ton, becomes fastest ever to…

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli scripts history with unbeaten ton, becomes fastest ever to…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli celebrates his century (AP Photo) Virat Kohli added yet another golden chapter to his legendary T20 career on Wednesday, becoming the fastest batter in history to complete 14,000 runs in the format during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. The RCB superstar reached the landmark…

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Doug McMillon education and career path: The associate-turned-CEO now stepping down from Walmart after over a decade

Doug McMillon education and career path: The associate-turned-CEO now stepping down from Walmart after over a decade

In a year marked by significant shifts across global retail, Walmart has entered a new chapter. The company confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon will retire early next year, marking the end of one of the most enduring internal leadership journeys in corporate America. John Furner, who currently serves as the CEO of Walmart…

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