
India's goods and services exports are on a remarkable upward trajectory, with projections indicating a surge beyond $900 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, during his address to an Indian business delegation in Stockholm, highlighted this optimistic outlook despite the backdrop of global economic uncertainties. The minister's confidence stems from India's export performance in the previous year, which reached an all-time high of $825 billion, up from $778 billion in 2023-24.
The resilience of India's export sector is evident as it navigates through challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, and the Red Sea crisis. These geopolitical tensions have not deterred the country's trade momentum, showcasing the strength and adaptability of its economy. Goyal's statements underscore the government's commitment to fostering trade and investment, both domestically and internationally, to sustain this growth.
During his official visit to Stockholm, Goyal engaged with his Swedish counterpart and local companies to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investments. This diplomatic effort is part of India's broader strategy to expand its global trade footprint and secure new markets for its goods and services. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) supports this vision, projecting a 21% year-on-year growth that could elevate India's exports to $1 trillion by 2025-26.
The consistent growth in India's exports, with the U.S. remaining its largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, reflects the country's increasing prominence on the global stage. As India continues to navigate through global turmoil, its export sector stands as a testament to the nation's economic resilience and potential for future expansion. The government's proactive measures and the private sector's dynamism are pivotal in achieving these ambitious targets, setting a positive outlook for India's trade landscape.

Oslo police have issued a stark warning to parents about the dangers of encrypted messaging applications on children's phones, stating there is "no reason" for minors to use such services. During a digital parenting meeting streamed online Sunday afternoon, authorities highlighted how platforms including Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, and Zangi are being exploited by criminal networks to recruit young people for serious offenses.
Section leader Astri Johanne Holm of Oslo East's local police station emphasized that adults have been "too naive" about children's online activities. "Be interested in what your child is doing on social platforms," Holm advised parents. "There's no reason for a child or youth to walk around with an encrypted app on their phone." The warning comes amid growing concerns about criminal groups targeting vulnerable minors through digital channels.
Recent police operations have resulted in multiple arrests of underage individuals across Norway, with cases linked to criminal networks including Sweden's Foxtrot network. Authorities report that children as young as eleven are being recruited for criminal activities. Holm noted that while many people use encrypted apps legally to protect privacy, criminals exploit these platforms to avoid scrutiny from both police and parents.
The digital parenting event attracted significant public interest, with between 5,000 and 10,000 people following the broadcast across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord platforms. During the session, parents submitted over 200 questions about monitoring children's online activity without violating their privacy. Police recommended maintaining open dialogue and curiosity about children's apps and interests as the best prevention strategy, while also implementing broader measures including collaboration with child protection services and schools.