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Assam: 3 ex-MLAs join Congress; party targets BJP over corruption

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Guwahati, Sep 8: In a boost to its preparations for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, the Congress on Monday welcomed three former legislators into its fold, while launching a sharp attack on the ruling BJP over “corruption and company-style governance”.

Former Sipajhar MLA Binanda Saikia, former Kamalpur MLA Satyabrata Kalita and former Karbi Anglong MLA Dr. Mansingh Rongpi formally joined the Congress at Indira Bhawan in Guwahati.

The joining ceremony was attended by AICC General Secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi and several senior party leaders.

The Congress said the induction of the three leaders, each with influence in different regions of the state, reflects growing disillusionment among political figures and common people with the BJP-led government.

“All sections of Assam are yearning for change. What the people have got in the past years is the most corrupt rule in the state’s history – a government run like a private company by Himanta Biswa Sarma. Rampant corruption and loot of public resources, along with divisive governance, have been its hallmark,” Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said in a post on X.

The Congress leadership stressed that the party was working to consolidate its organisation at the grassroots level and present itself as a credible alternative to the BJP. Gaurav Gogoi said that the party’s emphasis would be on “restoring governance based on honesty, unity and justice”, claiming that people are increasingly turning to Congress for a pro-people government.

Party insiders said the induction of former MLAs would help strengthen its presence across constituencies, particularly in lower Assam and the hill districts. The APCC has been holding a series of outreach programmes across the state in the run-up to the polls expected early next year. With the BJP facing questions over price rise, unemployment and corruption, Congress leaders believe the mood is gradually shifting in their favour.

“The upcoming Assembly elections will be decisive. The people of Assam will support Congress to bring back an inclusive and transparent government,” Venugopal asserted.

IANS

US media watch: Expert welcomes PM Modi-Trump exchange

Washington, Sep 8: Gordon Chang, a Senior Fellow at Gatestone Institute, has welcomed the lowering of tensions between India and the US after Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “special relationship” remark last week.

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Chang highlighted the change in the US position. “President Trump walked that back a little bit, and he should because we haven’t lost India to China. Remember, PM Modi, although he did go to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, he did not go to the military parade. That was a message to China and to the world that he did not want to be part of this anti-Western group,” he said.

Chang added that India has a “point” when it says the tariffs are “unfair” as New Delhi was singled out with punitive measures, as other buyers of Russian crude were spared. At a White House press conference on September 5, Trump said, “”I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi” and called him a “great Prime Minister”. Hours after this comment, PM Modi reciprocated on Saturday by saying that he appreciates and fully reciprocates President Trump’s sentiments.

Meanwhile, The New York Times, on Sunday, reported that the two main stock indexes in Mumbai have risen by 10 per cent in the last six months, and the imposition of US tariffs of 50 per cent doesn’t seem to have an impact yet. The report titled, “India’s Investors, Defying Tariffs, Keep Pouring Money Into Stocks,” argues that the trend reflects the “growing confidence of India’s middle class and the development of its domestic financial sector”.

It highlighted that foreign entities’ share of stocks in the Indian markets has reduced from 24 per cent to close to 16 per cent. The Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that India’s domestic solar industry may be well-positioned to withstand the impact of US tariffs.

The report, “India’s solar industry, aiming to compete with China, finds strength as US tariffs hit home,” says that, “India’s domestic demand for solar power will likely reduce disruption from tariffs imposed by the US,” and “ambitious domestic clean energy targets and domestic demand will help them find buyers within India if sales in the US slow”.

It noted that “India is making huge efforts to harness the power of the sun” and the cost of solar power is now half of new coal-powered plants, and the country’s “installed solar power increased 30 times in the last decade”.

IANS

USTM celebrates the 100th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika

Guwahati, Sept 8: On the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary “Sudha Kontho” of Assam and a beacon of universal brotherhood, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) marked the day with a vibrant celebration that echoed the spirit of his timeless legacy.

Themed “Voice of Bhupen Hazarika: Voice of the People; Leading to a Harmonious
Society,” the event was held at USTM’s Central Auditorium in collaboration with the
university’s Cultural Forum. It was a heartfelt homage to the multifaceted
maestro—renowned singer, composer, writer, filmmaker, and politician—whose work
transcended borders and inspired generations.

The program began with a powerful visual presentation capturing Bhupen Hazarika’s
enduring dedication to humanity and his unforgettable melodies. A floral tribute was offered in his honour, setting a reverent tone for the day.

Faculty members and students showcased vibrant dances and melodious group performances that resonated with the maestro’s message of unity and peace.

Keynote speaker Prasanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief of Prag News, congratulated USTM for
organizing the event and illuminated the audience with a captivating timeline of five of Dr.
Hazarika’s iconic songs. Each song was contextualized with its historical significance,
highlighting Bhupen Hazarika’s core message: “We all share the same sky, there is no
monopoly.”
Adding to the celebration was a special tribute performance by actor Shri Kamal Singh, who
brought the legend to life with a lookalike act, captivating the audience as he donned the
maestro’s signature cap.
Dr. Abhinandan Das, Principal of PIMC, felicitated the guests and provided insightful
commentary on the comprehensive life and contributions of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
Eminent writer, musician, botanist, and former All India Radio composer Dr. Aparna
Buzarbaruah was also part of the distinguished panel of dignitaries.
In recognition of talent and enthusiasm, three students were awarded prizes for their
outstanding performances in a cultural event held on September 6th, followed by a group
photograph commemorating their achievement.
The celebration concluded with a warm vote of thanks from Prof. Gayatree Goswamee, Dean and Professor of the Qomrul Hoque School of Education, who eloquently summarized the event’s highlights and the enduring legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
The event was a moving tribute to the man who taught the world the heartbeat of humanity, leaving attendees inspired and enriched.

RGU Chancellor declares ₹1 crore corpus fund for the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity

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GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Shri Bimal Bora, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, today inaugurated the “Sudhakantha Museum” at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU). On the same occasion, RGU Chancellor Dr. A.K. Pansari launched the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Oration Series, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the timeless legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and inspiring the younger generation with his vision and ideals, on the auspicious occasion of the bard’s birth centenary. Announcing a significant initiative, Dr. Pansari also declared a ₹1 crore corpus fund for the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity at RGU.

The ceremony was graced by RGU Vice Chancellor Prof. A.K. Buragohain, Professor Emeritus & Chair Professor of the Centre Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, Former Asam Sahitya Sabha president and Padma Shri awardee Surjya Hazarika, renowned Sattriya exponent Mridusmita Das Bora, noted writer Anuradha Sarma Pujari, Dr. Akashitora Saikia, Prof. Rakhee Kalita, along with a host of dignitaries, scholars, artists, and admirers of Dr. Hazarika.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Pansari paid tribute to Dr. Hazarika’s unparalleled contributions to art, culture, and society, emphasizing his enduring relevance in contemporary times. He reiterated that the newly created Centre would serve as a hub for nurturing creativity and carrying forward the bard’s vision for generations to come.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury said, “This year marks the birth centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, and we see it as an opportunity to regenerate public enthusiasm and admiration for him in a way that can endure for another hundred years—until the next centenary.”

He further stressed the importance of a comprehensive and scientific study of Dr. Hazarika’s songs and creations to showcase his contributions on the global stage. “His genius lay in being deeply rooted in his culture while reaching out to universal dimensions. Our goal is to study his creative process and apply its principles across disciplines at the University, so that students learn how creativity can connect them to society and bring recognition and rewards in return,” he added.

The inaugural session of the Centenary Oration Series featured thought-provoking addresses. Prof. Choudhury delivered the opening oration on “The Song that Fetched New Seeds: Sudhakantha at His Creative Height.” Eminent historian Prof. Shiela Bora spoke on “Mohabahu Brahmaputra: The Sentinel of History and the Multifaceted Cultural Traditions of Assam,” while Bimal Kumar Dev Medhi reflected on the musical works “Xaagor Xongomot” and “Mahabahu Brahmaputra.”

In the coming days, the series will continue with lectures by P.J. Baruah, Distinguished Professor, RSCOM, RGU, on “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: Philosopher and Guide to Assamese Identity,” Prof. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, Department of English, RGU, on “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Art Persona and Sankaradeva,” and Prof. Surajit Mukhopadhyay, Director, Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Research, on “Songs of Resistance and Hope: The Idea of Universality in Bhupen Hazarika.” Several other distinguished speakers will also join the Centenary Oration Series, enriching the ongoing dialogue on the enduring legacy of Sudhakantha.

“RGU Chancellor declares Rs 1 crore corpus fund for the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity”

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Guwahati, Sep 8:  Shri Bimal Bora, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, today inaugurated the “Sudhakantha Museum” at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU). On the same occasion, RGU Chancellor Dr. A.K. Pansari launched the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Oration Series, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the timeless legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and inspiring the younger generation with his vision and ideals, on the auspicious occasion of the bard’s birth centenary. Announcing a significant initiative, Dr. Pansari also declared a ₹1 crore corpus fund for the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity at RGU.

The ceremony was graced by RGU Vice Chancellor Prof. A.K. Buragohain, Professor Emeritus & Chair Professor of the Centre Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, Former Asam Sahitya Sabha president and Padma Shri awardee Surjya Hazarika, renowned Sattriya exponent Mridusmita Das Bora, noted writer Anuradha Sarma Pujari, Dr. Akashitora Saikia, Prof. Rakhee Kalita, along with a host of dignitaries, scholars, artists, and admirers of Dr. Hazarika.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Pansari paid tribute to Dr. Hazarika’s unparalleled contributions to art, culture, and society, emphasizing his enduring relevance in contemporary times. He reiterated that the newly created Centre would serve as a hub for nurturing creativity and carrying forward the bard’s vision for generations to come.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury said, “This year marks the birth centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, and we see it as an opportunity to regenerate public enthusiasm and admiration for him in a way that can endure for another hundred years—until the next centenary.”

He further stressed the importance of a comprehensive and scientific study of Dr. Hazarika’s songs and creations to showcase his contributions on the global stage. “His genius lay in being deeply rooted in his culture while reaching out to universal dimensions. Our goal is to study his creative process and apply its principles across disciplines at the University, so that students learn how creativity can connect them to society and bring recognition and rewards in return,” he added.

The inaugural session of the Centenary Oration Series featured thought-provoking addresses. Prof. Choudhury delivered the opening oration on “The Song that Fetched New Seeds: Sudhakantha at His Creative Height.” Eminent historian Prof. Shiela Bora spoke on “Mohabahu Brahmaputra: The Sentinel of History and the Multifaceted Cultural Traditions of Assam,” while Bimal Kumar Dev Medhi reflected on the musical works “Xaagor Xongomot” and “Mahabahu Brahmaputra.”

In the coming days, the series will continue with lectures by P.J. Baruah, Distinguished Professor, RSCOM, RGU, on “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: Philosopher and Guide to Assamese Identity,” Prof. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, Department of English, RGU, on “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Art Persona and Sankaradeva,” and Prof. Surajit Mukhopadhyay, Director, Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Research, on “Songs of Resistance and Hope: The Idea of Universality in Bhupen Hazarika.” Several other distinguished speakers will also join the Centenary Oration Series, enriching the ongoing dialogue on the enduring legacy of Sudhakantha.

Assam pays glowing tributes to Bhupen Hazarika on birth centenary

GUWAHATI, Sept. 8: The Assam government on Monday inaugurated the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, honouring the life and legacy of the legendary singer-composer.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the state in paying glowing tributes to the music maestro on his birth centenary at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha here.

In his address, the Governor described Hazarika as “The soul of Assam and a symbol of India’s cultural consciousness. The centenary celebration is not merely an event of remembrance, but a festival of inspiration, aimed at igniting the imagination of generations to come. This is a celebration of the soul of Assam, a tribute to a man whose voice echoed not only across our state but throughout the nation and the world.”

In his address, chief minister Sarma said the yearlong celebrations of the birth centenary of Sudhakantha have given an opportunity to the people to remember a multi-faceted personality who could stir every heart through his immortal creations.

The chief minister said Bhupen Hazarika’s entire life was a symbol of uniqueness, protest, deep passion, and loyalty. “His songs were never served only as a means of entertainment, they themselves were movements. His songs truly carried the hopes of the oppressed, the cries of the displaced, and the dreams of the common people,” he said.

“Bhupen Hazarika belonged to the whole world. Yet his Assamese spirit and thoughts always kept him rooted in Assam,” Sarma said.

“On September 13, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of the state would once again pay tribute to Bhupen Hazarika. During the event, the Prime Minister would also release a special commemorative coin prepared by the Reserve Bank of India in the honour of the legendary singer,” he said.

The chief minister said that as a part of the centenary celebrations, the state government would organise events in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. The centenary inauguration would be graced by the Prime Minister, while the concluding ceremony would see the presence of President of India as the chief guest.

He also mentioned that the construction of a museum dedicated to Bhupen Hazarika’s dreams would be completed within this period at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra here. “This museum would play a crucial role in preserving Hazarika’s songs and creations,” he said.

Assam minister of cultural affairs Bimal Bora; education minister Ranoj Pegu; PHE minister Jayanta Malla Barua; West Guwahati MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita; Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) mayor Mrigen Sarania, dignitaries along with the family members of Bhupen Hazarika – son, Tez Hazarika, his wife and their son, were present at the ceremony.

Earlier, hundreds of talented artists came together at the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha to pay tributes to the legendary singer through drawing and his portraits.

‘Uphold sense of national pride’: Rajnath Singh tells students of Navy School

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New Delhi, Sep 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asked students to uphold a strong sense of national pride in all their endeavours and emphasised the role of discipline, service, and patriotism in shaping their character and aspirations.

As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Navy Children School (NCS), Delhi, Rajnath Singh interacted with the students and the Principal of the school at his office in South Block. Addressing the students, the Defence Minister encouraged them to dream with purpose, pursue their goals with sincerity.

He exhorted them to stay humble yet strong and fulfil their duties in whichever capacity with honesty and respect. Emphasising character development of children in their formative years, the Defence Minister lauded the role of NCS in shaping the character and aspirations of students through discipline, service, and patriotism.

He acknowledged the vital role schools under the Ministry of Defence play in nation-building, emphasising that these institutions are not just centres of learning, but platforms that imbue the next generation with values of leadership, integrity, and responsibility.

During the event, the Defence Ministry was given a brief overview of the NCS’s vision and achievements, with the students sharing their experiences of how the school is playing a central role in their holistic development.

The students also presented handcrafted tokens of respect to the Raksha Mantri, along with a Coffee Table Book and Crest. Earlier, the Defence Minister underscored the importance of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the defence sector, calling it a “condition for survival and progress” in the 21st century. He said that in the prevailing geopolitical circumstances, dependence on foreign countries for defence requirements is “not an option” for India.

Highlighting the rapidly changing global environment, he said, “Be it pandemics, terrorism, or regional conflicts, this century has proven to be the most unstable and challenging on every front so far. In such circumstances, if we talk about today’s strategic requirements, it becomes clear that Atmanirbharta is not just an advantage but has become a necessity.” IANS

‘Not proof of citizenship’: SC asks ECI to accept Aadhaar as ’12th document’ in Bihar SIR

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New Delhi, Sep 8: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept the Aadhaar card as the “12th document” for identification purposes in the revised voters’ list being prepared as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Directing the poll body to issue instructions to its officials on the ground regarding the acceptance of Aadhaar — in addition to the 11 documents already permitted for identification, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi clarified in its order that while Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, it could be used to establish the identity of a person.

The Justice Surya Kant-led Bench added that the ECI officials will be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of Aadhaar cards furnished by the voters. The apex court was hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the ECI order directing the SIR exercise in poll-bound Bihar.

The direction regarding the acceptance of Aadhaar came after senior advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that the ECI had not issued instructions to its officials on the ground to accept Aadhaar cards, and therefore, the earlier apex court orders were not being implemented.

The Justice Surya Kant-led Bench, in an order passed on August 22, had ordered that the claim form for inclusion in the voters’ list could be submitted with any of the 11 documents originally listed by the ECI, or with an Aadhaar card. During the hearing, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the ECI, submitted that the Aadhaar card cannot be accepted as proof of citizenship and urged the apex court to adjudicate whether, for the purpose of electoral rolls, the ECI has the authority to decide if an applicant is a citizen. In its interim order, the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench observed that Aadhaar may be accepted at least as proof of identity and should be treated as the “12th document” during the revision of the voters’ list. “Adhaar card shall be taken into consideration as one of the documents for establishing the identity of a person for inclusion/exclusion in the revised voter list of Bihar. Aadhaar card shall be treated as the 12th document by authorities,” it said. “However, it is clarified that authorities shall be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself. It shall not be accepted as proof of citizenship. ECI shall issue instructions in this regard during the course of the day,” the apex court added. Amid the pending legal challenge to the SIR in Bihar, the sources claimed that the ECI is considering conducting SIR across the country and has called a meeting of all the state Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) in Delhi on September 10. The meeting will be attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commissioners, and other senior poll body officers. The issue assumes significance as polls are due next year in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, and according to reports, the poll body is likely to conduct the SIR in the whole country. –IANS pds/vd

Two terrorists killed in ongoing security operation in J&K’s Kulgam

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Srinagar, Sep 8:  Another terrorist was killed in the ongoing operation by joint security forces in J&K’s Kulgam district on Monday, taking the number of terrorists killed to two. Officials said that two terrorists were killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists in the Gudar forest area of Kulgam.

The soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were injured in this gunfight. The injured soldiers were shifted to the hospital for treatment. A gunfight had broken out as joint teams of the security forces started a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) in the Gudar forest area, following information about the presence of terrorists.

“As the joint forces came closer, hiding terrorists opened fire, after which an encounter started,” an official said. Joint forces have started aggressive anti-terrorist operations in J&K, and these operations are targeted against the terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers.

Security forces believe that in order to dismantle the ecosystem of terror in the UT, the focus should not merely be on the elimination of the gun-wielding terrorist, but also those helping to sustain terrorism. After ‘Operation Sindoor’ was suspended, there have been attempts by the terrorists to infiltrate into J&K from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).

J&K has a 740-Km-long LoC, which is guarded by the army. In addition to the LoC, there is nearly a 240-km-long International Border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts that is also guarded by the BSF. With the help of Pakistan, terrorist outfits have been using drones, especially along the International Border, to drop weapons, drugs and cash on the Indian side for the terrorists.

The BSF has been using special anti-drone technology to ensure that the handlers of terrorism sitting in Pakistan are prevented from using these means to sustain terrorism in J&K. Drug smugglers and drug peddlers are also under the radar of the security forces since it is believed that the funds generated by drug smuggling and hawala money rackets are ultimately used to sustain terrorism.

In the majority of such cases, the roots of drug smuggling and hawala money rackets have been traced to Pakistan and the handlers of terror operatives based there.

IANS

Piyush Goyal urges exporters to prioritise local supply chains

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New Delhi, Sep 8: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday urged exporters to give priority to local supply chains to strengthen India’s economic security amid global trade uncertainties that can disrupt domestic production schedules.

“We have recently seen whenever any nation limits or puts export controls, then it impacts our exporters and industry. This is why Atmanirbhar Bharat is the key,” Goyal said in his address at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC).

Goyal’s advice came in the backdrop of China’s restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets which have disrupted the production schedules India’s automobile and electronics manufacturing.

The minister also urged the industry to pass on to consumers the entire benefit of the reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) announced by the government. He also highlighted that steps to simplify the indirect tax system and reduce rates would lead to an increase in domestic demand, which would spur economic growth.

India’s economy grew 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025-26, surpassing market estimates, driven by buoyant growth in the services sector. Goyal has assured Indian exporters that the government is actively engaged in creating an enabling environment to help them navigate the challenges arising from rising trade tariffs.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, said the Indian exporters must also adopt new technologies and sustainable practices, and expressed confidence that businesses will be able to tackle the present uncertainties.

“The global environment is not without challenges. Geopolitical tensions and the rising protectionism in some regions pose uncertainties, but I am confident our exporters will rise to the occasion with innovation and resilience,” Prasada added.

Meanwhile, Goyal chaired a meeting with Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations last week to chart a path forward amid shifting trade dynamics. He urged exporters to upgrade product quality, align with global standards, diversify supply chains, and explore alternate markets.

There was a broad consensus on the need for alternative mechanisms, with the Government committed to addressing sectoral concerns and driving sustained export growth. The Union Minister emphasised that India’s long-term goal is to strengthen domestic manufacturing, boost exports.

He assured EPC and industry representatives that the government remains committed to providing a supportive ecosystem through ease of doing business initiatives, targeted trade support, and timely policy interventions to mitigate the impact of rising tariff measures.

IANS