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Centre enlists Interpol, CERT-In for new gaming ban enforcement

The Indian government has announced strict enforcement of the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits all forms of money-based gaming while allowing e-sports and social gaming. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized that the government will utilize international processes, including Interpol, to target offshore money-gaming operators and shut down their services. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will play a crucial role in blocking apps that violate the ban. The government's compliance-heavy approach follows a recognition of the inadequacies of self-regulation within the gaming industry, which has been linked to significant social issues, including addiction and financial distress. Krishnan highlighted the need to prioritize societal well-being over the interests of a few thousand jobs associated with money-gaming platforms, asserting that compliance with the new law will be enforced rigorously, even beyond India's borders. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 12 pm

Modern Farming: Technology and Innovations in Agriculture

Renowned agricultural scientist Dr. MS Swaminathan's vision for Indian agriculture is being realized through the innovative efforts of farmers like Hariman Sharma, L Hangthing, and Subhash K Sharma, who were recently awarded the Padma Shri for their sustainable practices. Sharma, dubbed the "Apple Man of India," has transformed apple cultivation with his HRMN–99 variety, making it viable in warmer climates. This shift is part of a broader 'Green Revolution 2.0,' where farmers are increasingly adopting modern techniques and technology to enhance productivity and sustainability. The Indian government is actively supporting this transformation through initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and digital platforms that facilitate market access and resource management. As farmers embrace precision agriculture and digital tools, the sector is poised for significant growth, promising economic stability and food security while addressing environmental challenges. This evolution reflects a commitment to making agriculture both intellectually satisfying and economically rewarding. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 6 pm

India's seafood exports steady at $7.45 billion in 2024-25

India's seafood exports remained stable at $7.45 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, despite a decline in volume to 1.7 million tonnes, according to the commerce ministry. This figure reflects a slight increase in value from the previous year's exports, which were worth approximately $7.38 billion for 1.78 million tonnes. Frozen shrimp continued to dominate the export market, accounting for a significant portion of both quantity and revenue, with the US and China being the largest importers. The US imported seafood worth $2.71 billion, an increase from $2.55 billion in 2023-24, while China imported $1.27 billion. Other notable markets included the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East. The primary ports for seafood exports were Vizag and JNPT, underscoring India's strategic position in the global seafood trade. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 4 pm

India confirms ongoing US trade talks amid looming tariffs

India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed on Saturday that trade negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing, but emphasized that New Delhi has "redlines" it must defend, particularly concerning the interests of farmers and small producers. This statement comes just days before the implementation of additional U.S. tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, linked to India's increased purchases of Russian oil. A planned visit by U.S. trade negotiators to India has been cancelled, dampening hopes for a resolution. Jaishankar criticized the U.S. approach, noting that President Trump's public foreign policy stance is unprecedented. He also pointed out that concerns over India's oil purchases are not consistently applied to other major buyers like China and the EU. Analysts warn that if the tariffs take full effect, India's economic growth could be adversely impacted by 0.8 percentage points in the coming years, potentially undermining its status as a global manufacturing hub. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 2 pm

Adani Group launches ₹600 crore logistics park in Kerala

The Adani Group has inaugurated a ₹600 crore logistics park in Kalamassery, Kerala, covering approximately 70 acres, with the promise of creating 1,500 jobs in the region. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attended the ceremony, highlighting the project as part of the "Invest in Kerala" initiative, which aims to foster inclusive development. Ashwani Gupta, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, emphasized the park's role in establishing a comprehensive multimodal infrastructure in Kerala, linking air, sea, and land transport to enhance the state's economic prospects. The facility will incorporate electric vehicle charging stations and advanced logistics solutions, positioning it as a global logistics hub. Gupta noted that India's warehousing sector is growing at a 16% annual rate, and the new park will expand Adani's network to 21 logistics parks nationwide, with plans to increase this to 30, while also projecting that Vizhinjam port will soon handle over one million containers annually. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 1 pm

Meghalaya's Pineapple Agri-Economy: From Soil to Shelf

Meghalaya is advancing its agrarian economy with the Vision @2032 initiative, aiming to transform the state into a $16 billion economy by its 60th anniversary. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasizes agriculture as a key pillar under Mission 10, focusing on enhancing the incomes of small and marginal farmers. The state is developing sustainable agricultural value chains, particularly for high-potential crops like pineapples, which meet international quality standards. The recent Meghalaya Pineapple Festival showcased over 15.4 tonnes of pineapples, bolstered by partnerships with Reliance Fresh and Amazon Karigar. With over 500 farmer collectives mobilized, the state is investing in processing and logistics infrastructure, including cold storage and processing units, to minimize post-harvest losses. Export initiatives have gained momentum, with significant shipments to the EU and the Middle East. This comprehensive strategy aims to elevate farmer incomes and unlock Meghalaya's agricultural potential, aligning with the Chief Minister's vision. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 11 am

A Framework for Better Regulation of Essential Commodities

The Indian government has launched the Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (VOPPA) Regulation Order, 2025, marking a significant reform in the vegetable oil sector, which is crucial for national food security. Despite being the fourth-largest oilseed producer globally, India imports around 60% of its edible oil. The new order, replacing the 2011 framework, aims to enhance transparency and market intelligence while enabling real-time monitoring of production and stocks. Effective from August 1, all vegetable oil producers must register with the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils and submit detailed digital reports monthly. This digitisation addresses longstanding issues of price volatility and supply chain opacity, empowering inspectors to enforce compliance. VOPPA 2025 could serve as a model for managing other essential commodities in India, promoting structured oversight and potentially stabilising food inflation through consistent governance rather than reactive measures. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 10 am

GST Council to Discuss Major Tax Cuts on September 3-4

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to convene on September 3-4 to deliberate on significant tax reductions. The council, which includes representatives from various states, will explore reforms aimed at simplifying the indirect tax framework, potentially consolidating it into just two primary tax rates. This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on August 15, emphasizing the government's commitment to streamlining the tax system. The upcoming meeting is expected to address these changes, reflecting a broader effort to enhance economic efficiency and ease the tax burden on businesses and consumers alike. As discussions unfold, stakeholders will be keenly watching for the implications of these proposed reforms. This is a developing story. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 9 am

2025 Ganpati Festival: Railways to run 380 special trains

Indian Railways has announced a record 380 Ganpati Special train trips for 2025, aimed at facilitating smooth travel for devotees during the festive season. This marks a significant increase from 305 trips in 2023 and 358 in 2024. Central Railway will operate the majority of these services, with 296 trips, while Western Railway will run 56, South Western Railway 22, and Konkan Railway 6. The special trains will serve numerous stops across the Konkan region, including key locations such as Ratnagiri, Kudal, and Udupi. The Ganpati Puja celebrations are scheduled from August 27 to September 6, 2025, with services commencing on August 11 to accommodate the expected surge in passenger demand. Detailed schedules are available on the IRCTC website and the RailOne app, as Indian Railways continues its commitment to providing safe and reliable travel during peak festive periods. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 7 am

Indian buyers halt US agri imports over government fears

India has emerged as the sixth-largest export market for the United States, according to data from the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture. However, Indian importers have recently "paused" their purchases of US agricultural products, particularly pulses and lentils, amid concerns that the Indian government may retaliate against US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While some contracts have been signed, loading of shipments has been halted until the end of August, as buyers fear potential retaliatory tariffs. This situation is compounded by worries among US farmers regarding China's lack of forward contracts for soybeans and minimal corn purchases. Despite these challenges, US agricultural exports to India reached $2.27 billion in 2024, with significant shipments of tree nuts, ethanol, and cotton. India's recent decision to temporarily eliminate cotton import duties offers some relief to US growers, although this measure is set to expire on September 30. sources

Published:
Aug 22 2025, 11 pm

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