J-K: LoP Sunil Sharma calls on LG, discusses welfare of families hit by Pak shelling
Srinagar, May 25 (PTI) Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed various issues including the welfare of families affected by Pakistani shelling.
Sharma was accompanied by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma and several other party MLAs from Jammu region.
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Indian Express
31 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Pakistan boosts defence budget by 20% but slashes overall spending in 2025-26
Pakistan will raise defence spending by a steep 20% after a military clash with its old enemy India last month, but will slash overall federal expenditure for fiscal 2025-26 by a hefty 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion). The budget presented on Tuesday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government allocated 2.55 trillion rupees ($9 billion) to defence in July-June 2025-26, up from 2.12 trillion. It projected a deficit of 3.9% of GDP against the 5.9% targeted for 2024-25. Inflation was projected at 7.5% and growth at 4.2%. The South Asian nation wants to kickstart growth while boosting its defences after the worst fighting with its neighbour in nearly three decades – which it has cast as a victory – and meeting the strictures of an International Monetary Fund finance programme. 'After defeating India in a conventional war, now we have to surpass it in the economic field,' Sharif said in a statement. Pakistan must also contend with the uncertainty of new import tariffs being imposed by the United States, its biggest export market. The clash with India was sparked in April by Islamists who killed 26 men in an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir. Islamabad denied New Delhi's allegation that the militants were backed by Pakistan. Four days of fighting featured jets, missiles, drones and artillery. For the coming year, Pakistan's government allocated 742 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.63 billion) to military pensions, taking the entire defence budget to 3.292 trillion Pakistani rupees ($11.67 billion). That included 704 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.5 billion) in spending on equipment and other physical assets. India's defence spending in its 2025–26 (April-March) fiscal year was set at $78.7 billion, up 9.5%, including pensions and $21 billion earmarked for equipment. It has indicated that it too will boost defence spending further. Sharif's government has projected 4.2% economic growth in 2025-26, saying it has steadied the economy, which looked at risk of defaulting on its debts as recently as 2023. Growth this fiscal year is likely to be 2.7%, against the budgeted target of 3.6%. Pakistan's growth lags far behind the region. In 2024, South Asian countries grew by an average of 5.8% and the Asian Development Bank expects 6.0% in 2025. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government intended to complete the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, a request of the IMF. Growth should be aided by a sharp drop in the cost of borrowing, the government says, after a succession of interest rate cuts. But economists warn that monetary policy alone may not be enough, with fiscal constraints and IMF-mandated reforms still weighing on investment. Aurangzeb said that the budget was the start of a strategy to boost exports, increase foreign currency reserves to avoid the balance of payments crises of the past, and create a more competitive economy. 'In short, our budget strategy is to change the economy's DNA by bringing basic changes,' he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Like cat guarding milk': Rajnath Singh slams UNSC for naming Pakistan in anti-terror panel; says PoK will join 'Bharat' soon
Defence minister Rajnath Singh addresses a gathering during a dialogue on the topic 'National Security & Terrorism', in Dehradun. (PTI) NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday criticised the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for appointing Pakistan as the vice-chair of its counter-terrorism panel. Singh said this decision is similar to "making the cat guard the milk" as Pakistan has a known history of protecting and supporting terrorists. "What is astonishing is that this Counter-Terrorism panel, was formed after the 9/11 terror attacks. Pakistan had sheltered the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This (decision) is akin to cat guarding the milk," Singh said. At an event in Dehradun, Singh said Pakistan has supported terrorism for many years and described Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in response to the Pahalgam attack, as the "biggest action" against terrorism in India's history. Singh pointed out that both India and Pakistan became independent at the same time, but while India is now seen as the "mother of democracy", Pakistan has gained the label of "father of global terrorism". He said this comparison should be kept in mind. Singh also said Pakistan is "stubborn" and needs to be dealt with using "strategic, diplomatic and economic pressure" from the global community to stop terrorism from its land. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.89 Cr.* Hero Homes Learn More Undo "Pakistan has always given shelter to terrorists, trained them on its soil and helped them. Pahalgam (attack) was just an example, but I want to tell you that list of Pakistan-aided terrorists is very long. And, Pakistan always tries to justify terrorism. So, it is important that we eliminate not just these terrorists but the entire terror infrastructure that aids them," he said. He added that Pakistan has not been able to stop development in Kashmir despite efforts. "Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link is a shining example of the government's relentless pursuit of progress in Jammu & Kashmir. Soon, PoK will join us and say 'I, too, am Bharat'," he said. Shashi Tharoor, Priyanka Chaturvedi Share Key Insights After Meeting PM Modi At His Residence Calling terrorism a problem for humanity and a global issue, Singh said that no society should accept it. He also mentioned that some people glorify terrorists as "freedom fighters" and said, "no revolution is born out of the womb of terrorism, it only engenders destruction and hatred". Singh further stated that "No religious, ideological or political reason can justify terrorism. No human objective can ever be achieved through bloodshed and violence." He said Pakistan supports terrorism and a large portion of its foreign aid is used to fund this support. "Funding Pakistan means funding the infrastructure of terrorism. Pakistan is a nursery of terrorism. It should not be nourished," he said, asking other countries to stop giving money to Pakistan. Singh said that Pakistan's land has been a shelter for global terror groups. He named terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar who move freely there, and added that even senior officers of the Pakistan Army have attended terrorists' funerals. "Now, the same country is expected to lead the global community against terrorism. This raises serious questions on the intentions and policies of the international system," he said. Singh urged the international community and organisations like the UN to take the issue of terrorism seriously. He said, "Only when we are free from terrorism, will we be able to move towards the goal of global peace, progress and prosperity."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India-US trade deal: What Indian & American officials discussed during the week-long deliberations; first phase likely soon
Both countries have agreed to maintain negotiations to swiftly conclude the first phase of the BTA. (AI image) India-US trade deal soon? During week-long discussions on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, Indian and American teams deliberated on various aspects including market access, digital commerce, and customs facilitation procedures. To progress towards finalising a comprehensive BTA, a delegation from the United States, headed by the Additional US Trade Representative, conducted meetings in India from June 4-10. Both countries have agreed to maintain negotiations to swiftly conclude the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The two countries are engaged in negotiations for the first segment of a mutually advantageous, multi-sector BTA, with a target completion by fall 2025. India-US trade deal discussions: An official told PTI, "During the visit, in-depth negotiations were held on various elements of the proposed BTA that among others included areas such as market access, SPS (sanitary and phyto-sanitary/TBT (technical barriers to trade), digital trade, customs and trade facilitation and legal framework." The United States maintains particular focus on digital commerce, with its digital service companies frequently highlighting how data flow limitations and competition regulations create operational challenges in India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures concentrate on safeguarding human, animal and plant wellbeing from food safety risks and diseases. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) encompasses the regulatory standards and compliance procedures related to SPS. These regulations primarily affect the agricultural sector. The customs and trade facilitation component aims to enhance and simplify trading procedures. Also Read | 'Unfairly low prices': India slaps anti-dumping duty on China & Japan for two substances; says harming local producers Discussions with American representatives proved constructive, advancing towards a balanced and mutually advantageous agreement, including some immediate benefits. The American delegation's visit held significance as both nations are expected to reach an interim trade arrangement by June, with India seeking complete exemption from the 26 per cent reciprocal duty on domestic products. The United States has delayed implementing proposed tariffs until July 9, with anticipation of finalising an interim trade agreement before this deadline. America retained its position as India's principal trading partner for the fourth straight year in 2024-25, with two-way trade reaching $131.84 billion. The United States represents approximately 18 per cent of India's total goods exports, 6.22 per cent of imports, and 10.73 per cent of the country's overall merchandise trade. Also Read | 'Adopt dual-track approach to…':NITI Aayog has important suggestion on India-US trade deal Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday expressed confidence regarding the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, noting it as a crucial chance for both countries to enhance their economic collaboration during current discussions. During his Switzerland visit, Goyal spoke to journalists, emphasising the vital nature of India-US ties and the possibilities for considerable expansion in two-way trade through a properly structured agreement. "We believe this presents an opportunity for us to expand our bilateral trade and strengthen our partnership," Goyal stated, underlining the strong basis of India-US relations. He described the two countries as "close friends, allies and strategic partners" with established connections across business, geopolitical and cultural spheres. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
