The Prime Minister’s “Report to the People 2009-10” says his government has pursued a foreign policy which combined India’s firm commitment to its core national values with dynamic adaptation to changes in the international environment.

After a robust GDP growth in FY10, the new fiscal began on a positive note with India’s export surging by 36 per cent in April to $16.9 billion
However, what could be worrying is that the trade deficit widened in April due to strong non-oil imports. The imports during the month rose by 43.3 per cent. Due to this the trade deficit increased to $10.4 billion from $7.8 billion in March.

In a major boost for the health sector, the report card for the first year of UPA-2 stated that the over 20,000 doctors and paramedical personnel have been added to the public health system in the country.

Auto sales zoomed in May on the back of high consumer confidence in light of the economy showing signs of a recovery. Maruti Suzuki and Hero Honda, both market leaders in their category sold the highest number of vehicles in May. Analysts expect the growth story in the auto sector to continue till Diwali.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the writ of the “state” would be enforced in dealing with the challenge of Naxalism and declared his government’s intent to fight terrorism “root and branch”. He also viewed that the price rise can be tackled with a “firm action” and assured that his government will take corrective steps to rein in inflation.

The Congress-led UPA government on Tuesday took credit for bringing India out of the slowdown during a period of a severe global financial crisis.
“The recovery of the Indian economy owes largely to stimulus measures initiated by the government,” said the report released by the UPA-II on the completion of its first year in office.

Keeping the promise made to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the Praja Rajyam on Tuesday unanimously decided to extend unconditional support to the ruling party in the ensuing Rajya Sabha elections.

The Union Cabinet’s decision on Tuesday to impose President’s Rule in Jharkhand came as a shock to both the BJP and the JMM in Jharkhand, making the two parties in Shibu Soren’s doomed coalition government condemn the decision and blame the Congress for the crisis.

A combination of international uncertainty, economic problems and strong demand from consumers has pushed gold prices to a new record. On Tuesday, gold prices in Delhi shot past Rs 19,000/10 gm. In Mumbai, gold prices closed at Rs 18,840/ 10 gm. Silver prices were also up in the day’s trade.

Cricket’s debut at this year’s Asian Games suffered a severe setback with India pulling out of the event.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday decided against sending either the men’s or the women’s teams to the November 12-27 Games in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, citing international commitments.