Government data presented in the Rajya Sabha reveals that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits in 2025 across 23 countries cost nearly Rs 187 crore, with major expenditures in France, the US, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, and the UK. For 2026 so far, the figure stands at Rs 74.58 crore, covering trips to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
India's cotton production declined to 290.91 lakh bales in FY26 from 352.48 lakh bales in FY21 as cultivation area shrank. The government said productivity remained stable and assured that domestic demand would continue to be met through production, carry-over stocks and imports
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will represent India at the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The MEA said the visit reflects the strong civilisational and diplomatic ties between India and Iran
MoS Pabitra Margherita met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin in Cape Town, discussing bilateral ties and G20 issues, alongside meetings with leaders from South Africa and France during the G20 DMM.
During the event, the Telangana Police were also felicitated for its excellence in passport verification and service facilitation and the award was received by Battula Shivadhar Reddy, Director General, Intelligence.
