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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Eyeing trillion $ goal, T sets sights on defence, aerospace, biotech
Hyderabad: The Telangana govt will focus on three high-potential sectors - defence, aerospace, and biotechnology - to achieve its goal of becoming a trillion dollar economy by 2047. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has said at a number of fora that the state would achieve this goal well ahead of the national timelines. Sources in the expert group working with the state govt on numerous projects told TOI that Telangana has so far followed the Karnataka model, which emphasised services as a major driver of growth. Now, the state may follow a model similar to that of Tamil Nadu, where manufacturing is expected to play a crucial role in boosting the economy. This strategic shift comes at a pivotal moment. India has recently become the fourth largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan. "One specific reason for this potential shift is availability of skilled manpower across Telangana, not just in Hyderabad. This creates an ideal situation for sectors like defence, biotechnology, and aerospace," said a senior official. For an added impetus, the state has been requesting the Centre to make Telangana part of the National Semiconductor Mission. "The government is working closely with some experts to strengthen the economy," an official added. Several prominent economists, including Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, have visited the secretariat in recent months in a bid to steer the state towards its goal. However, experts caution that apart from identifying key sectors to boost the economy, there is a need for a strategic shift in the way the govt operates. "Freebies or welfare schemes that simply dole out cash need to be rationalised, and everyone must be encouraged to work. Job creation in the private sector is essential for achieving balance," said Krishna Reddy Chittedi, associate professor at the School of Economics, University of Hyderabad. Telangana's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2024-25 (advanced estimates) at current prices is pegged at Rs 16,12,579 crore, reflecting a growth rate of 10.1%. This surpasses the national GDP growth rate. "At this rate, it would take Telangana more than a decade to reach the trillion dollar mark," Krishna Reddy added. INDUSTRY TAKES LEAD Industries contributed Rs.2,77,270 cr to the state gross state value added (GSVA) in 2024-25, manufacturing (47.60%) & construction (29.07%) being largest contributors State aims for 15% annual growth in MSME registrations Share of jobs in the industrial sector stood at 23%, according to Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2023-24
The Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
US flags Apac for border woes
PETALING JAYA: The United States has flagged Asia-Pacific as a growing source of illegal immigration, with 17% of its undocumented migrants reportedly originating from the region. To tackle this, US officials have launched a new initiative encouraging voluntary returns through a mobile app called CBP Home. The app allows undocumented individuals to register for self-deportation, with a US$1,000 (RM4,270) stipend and potential support for travel documents and other expenses. 'Self-deportation is the safest and most dignified way to leave the United States,' said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, during a digital press briefing. She noted that forced deportations cost over US$17,000 (RM72,590) per person, while the new programme could reduce those costs by 70%. The initiative is part of a wider campaign targeting East Asia and the Pacific, where US embassies have been instructed to raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration. Since February, the US State Department has pushed editorials and op-eds in over 10 languages, generating 17 million digital engagements, said Sean O'Neill, the department's senior bureau official for East Asian and Pacific affairs. The two officials reiterated that those who self-deport using the app would be de-prioritised for detention and removal and would retain the opportunity to apply for legal re-entry in future. In contrast, they said individuals who are arrested and forcibly deported may be banned from returning to the United States. Asked whether specific nationalities were being targeted under the new scheme, McLaughlin said the programme applies to all undocumented individuals regardless of origin. 'If you are in the country illegally, you are a priority for us,' she said. The briefing also addressed the treatment of visa holders amid concerns that lawful visitors were being deported. McLaughlin said that while the administration was not targeting legal immigrants, any visa holder found to be in violation of US laws could have their visa revoked. O'Neill added that holding a valid visa does not guarantee continued stay if one breaches its terms. 'For example, if someone enters the US on a tourist visa and begins working or committing crimes, that constitutes a violation. If you are removed for such reasons, you may be barred from obtaining another visa,' he said. The officials stressed that the administration's stance is not anti-immigration, but anti-illegal immigration. 'No country supports illegal activity within its borders,' O'Neill said. Although questions were raised during the session about country-specific data, including from Malaysia, the officials said they did not have a detailed breakdown but would follow up if possible. In closing, O'Neill said the United States would continue working with its partners across the region on broader areas of cooperation, but urged the public to respect immigration laws. 'Please obey the laws of the United States so that we can focus on all of the many opportunities that we have in front of us,' he said. More information on the CBP Home programme is available at
Time Out Dubai
08-05-2025
- Time Out Dubai
flydubai launches new daily route to Peshawar
flydubai has announced the launch of a new daily service to one of the biggest cities in South Asia. Starting from Thursday May 15, the Dubai-based carrier will operate a daily service to Peshawar in Pakistan. Flights to Bacha Khan International Airport will take off from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport. The new route from DXB allows travellers from the UAE and the rest of the GCC more options when flying to Pakistan. Since 2010, when the carrier launched its first flights to Karachi, it has expanded its network in Pakistan to include Faisalabad, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Quetta and Sialkot. You may like: New flydubai flights from Dubai for 2025 (Credit: flydubai) flydubai flights to Bacha Khan International Airport will leave DXB daily at 8.55pm GST with an arrival time of 1.05am Pakistan Standard Time. And return flights will take off from Peshawar at 2.05am Pakistan Standard Time and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 4.15am. Return business class fares from DXB to PEW start from Dhs5,270 and economy class Lite fares start from Dhs1,300. Return business class fares from PEW to DXB start from around Dhs5,110 and economy class lite fares start from around Dhs1,371. Located in northwestern Pakistan, Peshawar has a rich history that makes it one of the oldest cities in South Asia. Peshawar dates back all the way to 39 BCE and it's the oldest city in Pakistan. Walk around the Masjid Mahabat Khan Mosque, which was built in 1630, and head indoors for a look at a lovely tiled interior. The city is also great if you like to shop. Things to buy include semi-precious stones, carpets and honey. Peshawar features cultural landmarks like the historic Bala Hisar Fort and the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, which once served as a gathering place for traders and poets. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list 50 free things to do in Dubai Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do Here's how to eat at 10 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Early bird dinners, lunch specials and more
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
United States flags Asia-Pacific region as emerging hotspot for illegal immigration
PETALING JAYA: United States officials have flagged the Asia-Pacific region as an emerging hotspot for illegal immigration, where 17% of undocumented migrants reportedly come from. This comes as Washington steps up its campaign to promote voluntary returns under a newly launched mobile application. In a digital press briefing titled "Digital Press Briefing with Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security, and Sean O'Neill, Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State," both agencies outlined the government's strategy to counter illegal immigration. The centrepiece of the initiative is the CBP Home app, which enables undocumented migrants to register for self-deportation. Users of the app will receive a US$1,000 (RM4,270) stipend after their return is confirmed and may also be eligible for financial and travel document assistance. "Self-deportation is the safest and most dignified way to leave the United States," McLaughlin said during the virtual briefing on Thursday (May 8). O'Neill said 17% of the illegal immigrant population in the United States comes from the East Asia and Pacific region. According to him, embassies and consulates across more than 20 countries in the region have been directed to amplify messaging on the risks of illegal migration. Since February, the US State Department has published editorials and op-eds in over 10 languages as part of its campaign, reportedly generating around 17 million digital engagements, he said. "We want people overseas to understand the process for legitimate travel, which begins by applying for a visa at the US embassy or consulate. "We want to make it clear that those who enter or remain in the United States illegally will face serious consequences," O'Neill said. McLaughlin added that the CBP Home website would soon be updated with additional language support. "The app is currently only available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. But we will be expanding that," she said. The two officials reiterated that those who self-deport using the app would be de-prioritised for detention and removal, and would maintain the opportunity to apply for legal re-entry in future. In contrast, they said individuals who are arrested and forcibly deported may be banned from returning to the United States. McLaughlin said the programme applies to all undocumented individuals regardless of origin. She said that while the administration was not targeting legal immigrants, any visa holder found to be in violation of US laws could have their visa revoked. The officials stressed that the administration's stance is not anti-immigration, but anti-illegal immigration. "No country supports illegal activity within their borders," O'Neill said. While several questions were raised during the session about country-specific data, including from Malaysia, the US officials said they did not have a detailed breakdown but would follow up where possible. More information on the CBP Home programme is available at
The Sun
07-05-2025
- The Sun
KPDN raids illegal store, 1,800 litres of diesel seized
IPOH: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 1,800 litres of diesel in Kampung Kepayang here yesterday which was found stored at a premises without a permit. KPDN Perak director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said enforcement officers from the state KPDN office conducted the raid at the premises at about noon under Ops Tiris. 'The syndicate's modus operandi is to buy diesel from unlicensed suppliers and then store the fuel in illegal stores before selling it to industries in Ipoh at a lower than market price,' he said in a statement today. Kamalludin said the raid resulted in the seizure of 1,800 litres of diesel, two intermediate bulk containers (IBC) and hoses, as well as a lorry, with a total value of the seizure estimated at RM55,270. The case is investigated under the Control of Supply Act 1961.
