India's economy now less vulnerable to monsoon shocks: Report

IANS | July 7, 2026 4:14 PM

New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) India's economy has become less dependent on monsoon rains, with expanding irrigation networks and changing cropping patterns over the last decade insulating agriculture and rural demand from the kind of shocks seen in earlier years, according to a report

Global rights groups flag 'politically motivated exclusion' of lawyers in B'desh from bar association polls

IANS | July 7, 2026 4:07 PM

Paris, July 7 (IANS) At least 16 international human rights organisations, bar associations, and law societies worldwide on Tuesday strongly condemned the widespread obstruction, intimidation, and "politically motivated" exclusion of lawyers identified as supporters of the Awami League or as independent candidates from participating in bar association elections across Bangladesh.

Centre dismisses reports of E-25 petrol rollout: Report

IANS | July 7, 2026 3:38 PM

New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) The Centre has dismissed reports of an imminent rollout of E-25 petrol, clarifying that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending beyond the current E-20 level and that any future move will be based on scientific testing and technical validation, according to a report.