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India is the world’s top shipper, and its move to ease export restrictions has helped push Thai prices – an Asian benchmark – down almost 40% from a 15-year high in January 2024.

India’s stash of rice is running at the highest for this time in at least two decades, raising the risk it will run out of room to store it all as another record crop looms.

Overflowing reserves – equal to more than one-tenth of the annual global production – are becoming a headache for the world’s second-biggest grower as authorities struggle to create extra storage. Forecasts of above-average rains have raised expectations that the nation will reap another bumper crop this year, increasing the risk of the grain rotting in open storage facilities.

“Our outlook for Indian production is favorable, pointing to another record Indian crop being harvested in 2025-26,” said Shirley Mustafa, an economist at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. The arrival of the new crop in September and October raises the prospect of increased supply pressure on public granaries, she said.

India is the world’s top shipper, and its move to ease export restrictions has helped push Thai prices – an Asian benchmark – down almost 40% from a 15-year high in January 2024. Still, the country’s swelling surplus shows its struggle to find enough demand to meet rising supply. Global stockpiles are expected to reach a five-year high in the coming season, which could keep prices under pressure.

India heavily influences the global rice market, Mustafa said. “But we also have to see how crops fare in competing suppliers and in important rice buyers.”

Inventories totaled almost 38 million tons this month, according to the state-owned Food Corporation of India. It’s also holding more than 32 million tons of the unprocessed grain, equivalent to about 22 million tons of rice, data showed. The country maintains wheat and rice reserves for various welfare programs, including 5 kilograms of free grains per person every month to needy people.

The government last month allowed the use of 2.8 million tons of rice from state reserves for ethanol manufacturing, in addition to 2.4 million tons approved earlier, according to the Hindu Businessline newspaper. It was a highly unusual move for the important food staple, and a bigger crop could spark further steps.

Still, more than 140 million people remain excluded from the food distribution program, due to the continued use of decade-old population data to calculate beneficiaries. India plans to spend about 2 trillion rupees ($23 billion) in the fiscal year ending on March 31 to run the world’s biggest food program.

The federal government purchases cereals such as rice and wheat from farmers at guaranteed prices and distributes the grain to about 800 million people through a vast network of retail shops. These assured prices aim to shield farmers from distress sales in the open market.
 

The report is based on the analysis of 66 school education boards across India including 54 regular and 12 open boards. While the top 33 boards cover 97 per cent of students, the remaining 33 boards cover just 3 per cent of students.

For the first time, the pass percentage of class 12 girls from the science stream surpassed those from the arts stream in 2024, a Ministry of Education report stated.

The report is based on the analysis of 66 school education boards across India including 54 regular and 12 open boards. While the top 33 boards cover 97 per cent of students, the remaining 33 boards cover just 3 per cent of students.

In 2022, 28.2 lakh girls passed with the arts stream, compared to 23.3 lakh with the science stream, while in 2023, 29.6 lakh girls passed Class 12 with the arts stream and 25.6 lakh with the science stream.

“There has been a consistent rise in the number of students graduating from Class 12 with the science stream over the last 11 years, from 2013 to 2024. In 2013, 36.3 lakh students passed with the science stream and this surged to 61 lakh in 2024. “The number of girls passing with the science stream also increased exponentially during these years, from 13.4 lakh in 2013 to 28.1 lakh in 2014,” School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said.

Kumar further noted that in 2024, science was the most sought-after stream.

“For the first time, girls passing out from the science stream was more than girls from the arts stream. This might be due to improvement in the availability of facilities viz., Subject wise labs, teachers, ATLs, Smart class in schools,” he said. According to the report, in 2013, 1.7 lakh girls from marginalised sections passed Class 12 with science, which increased to 4.1 lakh in 2024. Similarly, the number of Scheduled Tribe (ST) girls passing with the science stream rose from 60,000 in 2013 to 1.4 lakh in 2024.

The report also pointed out a decline in the number of students passing Class 12 with the commerce stream.

In 2022, 18 lakh students passed with commerce, which dropped to 16.8 lakh in 2024.

The changing gender dynamics are also notable with the rise in girls choosing the science stream in Class 11.

The number of students scoring above 60 per cent in India’s Class 12 board examinations has risen by 85.8 per cent over the past 11 years, with girls outperforming boys across all social categories, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Education.

In 2013, a total of 43.1 lakh students scored more than 60 per cent in their Class 12 exams. By 2024, that number had surged to 80 lakh, reflecting a significant rise in academic performance at the higher secondary level.

Girls have led this upward trend. The number of female students scoring above 60 per cent nearly doubled during the period from 21.9 lakh in 2013 to 42.8 lakh in 2024, marking a 95.7 per cent increase. 

Ministry officials noted that girls have consistently outperformed boys across all social and demographic groups. “The data clearly indicates a steady improvement in overall academic outcomes and a narrowing of the gender gap in education,” a senior ministry official said.

The changing gender dynamics are also notable with the rise in girls choosing the science stream in Class 11. 

Around 28.1 lakh girls in the science stream cleared the Class 12 board exam in 2024 while 27.2 lakh passed in the arts stream. In contrast, the 2022 figures stood at 23.3 lakh in science and 28.2 lakh in arts, showing a clear shift in preference.

“The number of girls passing their Class 12 exams in science subjects has surpassed those in the arts for the first time in 2024,” said a ministry official.

The growth is even more pronounced among marginalised groups. Girls from Scheduled Caste category recorded a 157.8 per cent jump in top scorers from 2.4 lakh to 6.2 lakh, while girls from Scheduled Tribes category saw a striking improvement with a 251.6 per cent rise from just 60,000 to 2.3 lakh.

The overall performance in the science stream has seen steady growth. From just 36.3 lakh science pass-outs in 2013, the number has soared to 61 lakh in 2024, a 68.2 per cent increase. Among girls, the rise was more so evident from 13.4 lakh in 2013 to 28.1 lakh in 2024, registering a 110 per cent increase.

Participation among SC students rose 16.1 per cent during the same period from 21.2 lakh to 24.7 lakh, while ST participation grew by 24.4 per cent from 8.4 lakh to 10.5 lakh.

The data highlights a significant increase in students opting for and passing with science as their stream, especially among girls and students from marginalised groups.

Anushka also emphasised how weekly mock tests at her coaching centre played a pivotal role, “Weekly mock tests and sectional tests-especially in Mathematics and static GK-kept me on track,” she said.

Anushka advised students to try to improve their weak subjects more. “Be consistent, stay honest with your efforts, and don’t fear failure. Revise your strengths but also face your weak areas head-on. I did that with Mathematics,” she said.

Through her preparation, Anushka learned that revision matters more than trying to cover everything. “One major takeaway from my prep was the power of revision. I didn’t chase multiple sources. Instead, I revised key areas like GK, Computers, and abbreviations several times. Some topics needed five or six revisions before I felt confident,” she explained.

Omisha talked about how keeping yourself in check with the previous year questions and planning rigorously helps you to achieve good marks.

“Getting a clear idea of the kind of questions asked and aligning your prep accordingly is key. Practicing previous years’ papers and having a strong plan helped me score well,” she said.

Both students shared how crucial their coaching centres were in their exam preparation. They credited Maansarovar Law Centre with helping them realise their dreams. Omisha said, “Lectures on Law, GK, and Mock Discussions were the most valuable parts of my coaching.”

“I started noticing how people exploit legal loopholes to escape accountability. The law, while a tool for justice, can also be misused-and that complexity really intrigued me,” Anushka, while sharing how her interest in LAW grew from observing how it is often manipulated.

Talking about her inspiration to pursue law, Omisha said, “To me, law represents empowerment. Legal knowledge can be the most powerful driver for a life dedicated to social service and justice.”

Anushka also emphasised how weekly mock tests at her coaching centre played a pivotal role, “Weekly mock tests and sectional tests-especially in Mathematics and static GK-kept me on track,” she said.

Anushka advised students to try to improve their weak subjects more. “Be consistent, stay honest with your efforts, and don’t fear failure. Revise your strengths but also face your weak areas head-on. I did that with Mathematics,” she said.

Through her preparation, Anushka learned that revision matters more than trying to cover everything. “One major takeaway from my prep was the power of revision. I didn’t chase multiple sources. Instead, I revised key areas like GK, Computers, and abbreviations several times. Some topics needed five or six revisions before I felt confident,” she explained.

Omisha talked about how keeping yourself in check with the previous year questions and planning rigorously helps you to achieve good marks.

“Getting a clear idea of the kind of questions asked and aligning your prep accordingly is key. Practicing previous years’ papers and having a strong plan helped me score well,” she said.

Both students shared how crucial their coaching centres were in their exam preparation. They credited Maansarovar Law Centre with helping them realise their dreams. Omisha said, “Lectures on Law, GK, and Mock Discussions were the most valuable parts of my coaching.”

“I started noticing how people exploit legal loopholes to escape accountability. The law, while a tool for justice, can also be misused-and that complexity really intrigued me,” Anushka, while sharing how her interest in LAW grew from observing how it is often manipulated.

Talking about her inspiration to pursue law, Omisha said, “To me, law represents empowerment. Legal knowledge can be the most powerful driver for a life dedicated to social service and justice.”

LAW 2025 Toppers : Omisha highlighted the importance of mock tests for aspirants, “I would suggest regular mock practice and a solid grasp of GK. This advice is common because it truly works.”

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) released the revised results for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) Postgraduate 2025, following a directive from the Delhi High Court on June 10, 2025.

Over 120 rank holders were accepted provisionally to the NLSIU, Bengaluru, and 44 to the National Law University, Odisha, as per the first provisional merit list.

Anushka Johari, who secured an All-India Rank (AIR) of 35 with 216 marks, earned a spot at National Law University, Odisha. Meanwhile, Omisha Sharma achieved her dream of joining NLSIU, Bengaluru with an AIR of 62 in her second consecutive attempt at the CUET PG 2025. Both studied at Maansarovar Coaching, Delhi.

Omisha highlighted the importance of mock tests for aspirants, “I would suggest regular mock practice and a solid grasp of GK. This advice is common because it truly works.”

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) released the revised results for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) Postgraduate 2025, following a directive from the Delhi High Court on June 10, 2025.

Over 120 rank holders were accepted provisionally to the NLSIU, Bengaluru, and 44 to the National Law University, Odisha, as per the first provisional merit list.

Anushka Johari, who secured an All-India Rank (AIR) of 35 with 216 marks, earned a spot at National Law University, Odisha. Meanwhile, Omisha Sharma achieved her dream of joining NLSIU, Bengaluru with an AIR of 62 in her second consecutive attempt at the CUET PG 2025. Both studied at Maansarovar Coaching, Delhi.

Omisha highlighted the importance of mock tests for aspirants, “I would suggest regular mock practice and a solid grasp of GK. This advice is common because it truly works.”

spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”

“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.

Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.

The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”

The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.

The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.

The High Commission said the UK government has been working closely with its Indian counterpart, as well as the Air Force, Navy, and airport officials, throughout this time.

They said, “The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.”

F-35 is a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) developed by the US to replace the fleet of existing US fighter jets, like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, since the carrier version of the aircraft, the F-35C, is operated by the US Navy. The F-35A variant is used by the US Air Force, and the F-35B, the one operated by the Royal Navy, can vertically take off and land. The US Marine Corps uses this variant.

spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”

“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.

Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.

The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”

The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.

The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.

The High Commission said the UK government has been working closely with its Indian counterpart, as well as the Air Force, Navy, and airport officials, throughout this time.

They said, “The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.”

F-35 is a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) developed by the US to replace the fleet of existing US fighter jets, like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, since the carrier version of the aircraft, the F-35C, is operated by the US Navy. The F-35A variant is used by the US Air Force, and the F-35B, the one operated by the Royal Navy, can vertically take off and land. The US Marine Corps uses this variant.

spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”

“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.

Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.

The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”

The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.

The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.

The High Commission said the UK government has been working closely with its Indian counterpart, as well as the Air Force, Navy, and airport officials, throughout this time.

They said, “The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.”

F-35 is a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) developed by the US to replace the fleet of existing US fighter jets, like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, since the carrier version of the aircraft, the F-35C, is operated by the US Navy. The F-35A variant is used by the US Air Force, and the F-35B, the one operated by the Royal Navy, can vertically take off and land. The US Marine Corps uses this variant.

spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”

“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.

Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.

The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”

The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.

The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.

The High Commission said the UK government has been working closely with its Indian counterpart, as well as the Air Force, Navy, and airport officials, throughout this time.

They said, “The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.”

F-35 is a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) developed by the US to replace the fleet of existing US fighter jets, like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, since the carrier version of the aircraft, the F-35C, is operated by the US Navy. The F-35A variant is used by the US Air Force, and the F-35B, the one operated by the Royal Navy, can vertically take off and land. The US Marine Corps uses this variant.