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"India must boost deep-tech to cut China import reliance"

India must urgently address its increasing reliance on Chinese imports, as highlighted in a recent report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report advocates for reverse-engineering low- to mid-tech imports, enhancing domestic production incentives, and investing in deep-tech manufacturing to bolster economic resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions with China. With India's trade deficit with China reaching $100 billion, the report emphasizes the need for targeted fiscal and regulatory support for domestic firms capable of designing advanced components. It also calls for a reassessment of Chinese involvement in sensitive sectors like telecom and power, suggesting potential restrictions and partnerships with trusted nations such as Japan and the EU. The GTRI concludes that India can achieve self-reliance through strategic investment and import substitution, aiming for economic autonomy without isolation. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 8 am

Early monsoon boosts hopes for bumper grain harvest in India

Early monsoon rains in India have prompted farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district to accelerate the sowing of rice, oilseeds, and pulses, raising hopes for a record grain harvest this year, according to Farm Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi. With rainfall arriving ahead of schedule, farmers are benefiting from an extended growing season, which could enhance both current and winter crops if conditions remain favorable through September. India, a major global producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, relies heavily on the monsoon for irrigation, impacting food security and economic growth for its 1.4 billion citizens. Chaturvedi assured that fertilizer supplies are adequate, despite reliance on imports, and emphasized the government's commitment to diversifying crop production, including support for pulses and specialty rice varieties. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall in July, further supporting agricultural prospects. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 am

BRICS to create fund to enhance member investment, sources say

The BRICS group of developing nations is poised to unveil a new guarantee fund, backed by the New Development Bank (NDB), aimed at reducing financing costs and enhancing investment opportunities. Modeled after the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, this initiative seeks to address global investment shifts amid uncertainties in US economic policy. Brazilian officials regard the fund as central to their financial agenda during the country's presidency of BRICS, with an announcement expected at the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro. The proposed BRICS Multilateral Guarantee mechanism has received technical approval from member states and is anticipated to mobilize significant private capital for pre-approved projects without requiring additional capital from member countries. The fund's establishment is seen as a politically significant move, reinforcing BRICS's commitment to addressing the investment challenges faced by developing nations, particularly in infrastructure and sustainable development. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 am

India's ad spending to rise 7.8% by 2025

In a significant shift, digital advertising surpassed traditional advertising in India in 2024, capturing a 51% market share, according to MAGNA’s Global Advertising Forecast. The total ad expenditure in India is projected to grow by 7.8% to ₹1,37,100 crore ($15.9 billion) this year, with further growth expected to reach ₹1,47,600 crore by 2026. Digital ad spending is anticipated to rise by 12% in 2025, while traditional media will see a modest increase of 3.4%. Social advertising is set to become the largest format, potentially overtaking television within five years. Hema Malik, Chief Investment Officer at IPG Mediabrands India, highlighted that sectors like finance, media, and technology will drive dynamic ad spending, despite potential challenges from global trade disruptions. The outlook for media owners remains positive across both linear and digital formats, although uncertainties persist regarding the impact of trade on the economy. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 9 pm

KisaanSay aims for 500 FPO partnerships in 5 years

**Headline Suggestions:** 1. KisaanSay to Partner with 500 Farmer Producer Organisations in Ambitious Expansion Plan 2. KisaanSay Aims for Major Growth with 500 FPO Partnerships Over Next 4-5 Years 3. Directly Sourcing from Farmers: KisaanSay's Vision for the Future **Summary:** KisaanSay, a B2C food brand that sources directly from farmers, has announced plans to partner with 500 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) over the next four to five years. Founder Nitin Puri revealed during a recent webinar that the company has already collaborated with 20 FPOs, reaching 50,000 farmers and expanding its product range to over 100 items. The partnership model involves a 50:50 profit-sharing agreement, with KisaanSay providing marketing support and packaging materials. To enhance logistics, the company plans to establish distribution centres nationwide. Currently available on platforms like Amazon and Reliance Jio, KisaanSay is also set to launch on Flipkart. Puri noted that some FPOs have achieved significant revenue, with potential annual earnings of ₹4 crore. The brand is also exploring sales opportunities in Dubai, bolstered by aggressive social media marketing. **SEO Keywords:** 1. KisaanSay 2. Farmer Producer Organisations 3. B2C food brand 4. Profit sharing model 5. Agricultural supply chain **SEO URL:** www.example.com/kisaansay-partners-farmer-producer-organisations **SEO Title:** KisaanSay Plans to Partner with 500 FPOs in Major Expansion Initiative **SEO Description (160 characters):** KisaanSay aims to partner with 500 FPOs in 4-5 years, enhancing farmer revenue and expanding its product range through a unique profit-sharing model. **Sub-Headlines:** 1. **KisaanSay's Ambitious Growth Plans** - Discusses the company's goal to partner with 500 FPOs and its current achievements. 2. **Innovative Supply Chain Strategy** - Outlines the logistics and profit-sharing model that KisaanSay employs with its FPO partners. 3. **Expanding Market Presence** - Highlights KisaanSay's online availability and plans for international sales, including in Dubai. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 9 pm

India's key reservoirs exceed 40% storage capacity

India's major reservoirs have seen a significant increase in water storage, now exceeding 40% of their total capacity, thanks to a 12% surplus in rainfall attributed to the south-west monsoon. The Central Water Commission reports that the reservoirs are filled to nearly 43% of their 182.444 billion cubic metres capacity, with five reservoirs at full capacity and key southern reservoirs, including Krishna Raja Sagara and Mettur, nearly full. This year's water levels are 89 percentage points higher than last year and 75 percentage points above the 10-year average. The southern region, particularly Tamil Nadu, is faring well, with storage levels at 91%, enhancing prospects for the kharif crop. Other regions also show improvement, with northern reservoirs at 37.27% and eastern reservoirs at 39%. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall, which is expected to further boost storage levels and agricultural prospects. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 8 pm

Amitabh Kant appointed non-executive director at IndiGo

InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of India’s largest domestic airline IndiGo, has appointed Amitabh Kant, a former bureaucrat and G20 Sherpa, as a non-executive director on its board. Kant, an IAS officer from the 1980 cadre, recently stepped down from his role as G20 Sherpa and previously served as CEO of Niti Aayog for six years, contributing to initiatives like Make in India and Startup India. He has also taken on an advisory role with Canadian investment firm Fairfax Financial Holdings. Vikram Singh Mehta, chairperson of IndiGo, expressed confidence that Kant’s leadership and extensive experience will significantly aid the airline's ambitious international expansion plans, aiming to establish itself as a global player by 2030. The appointment reflects IndiGo's strategy to leverage diverse expertise as it navigates the competitive aviation landscape. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 8 pm

India-US BTA won't mimic Vietnam-US deal, sources reveal

India's negotiating position in its bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US is notably stronger than Vietnam's, as its export share to the US is significantly smaller, providing greater flexibility. Unlike Vietnam, which relies heavily on the US for nearly 30% of its exports, India’s exports to the US accounted for about 19% of its total goods exports in FY25, amounting to $86.51 billion. This contrasts with Vietnam's $136.6 billion in exports to the US, which resulted in a substantial trade deficit for the US. Indian negotiators are currently in Washington, D.C., attempting to secure an interim deal before a July 9 deadline to avoid steep tariffs. However, they face challenges in meeting US demands, particularly regarding sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, while also seeking reductions in US tariffs on labor-intensive products. The unique economic and political contexts of both countries mean that the Vietnam-US trade deal cannot serve as a template for India. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

Airport lounges vie for traveler loyalty amid fierce competition

The Adani Group is revolutionizing airport lounge access by enabling passengers to connect directly with lounges through its digital platform, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This move comes amid rising tensions in the industry, as DreamFolks' CEO Liberatha Peter Kallat accused major airport operators of pressuring banks to restrict lounge access for cardholders. In a LinkedIn post, Adani's airports CEO Arun Bansal emphasized the importance of innovation, likening their approach to fintech companies that streamline services. The shift has put pressure on DreamFolks, which integrates lounge access for banks and corporate clients, particularly after it announced the discontinuation of certain programs with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank. Adani operates seven airports that served 94.4 million passengers in FY25, and while it did not address Kallat's allegations directly, it highlighted ongoing collaborations with banks to enhance customer experiences in the lounge sector. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

Kerala warns India-US trade deal may harm agriculture

Kerala's Agriculture Minister P Prasad has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, emphasizing the need for consultations with state governments to prevent detrimental socio-economic and ecological impacts. In letters to Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Piyush Goyal, Prasad expressed strong opposition to any agreement that could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions and threaten the agricultural foundation of Kerala and India. He highlighted the risks posed by US demands for concessions in agriculture, particularly for agrarian states like Kerala, where cash crops such as coconut and rubber are vital. Prasad also criticized NITI Aayog's recommendation for duty-free imports of GM soybeans and maize, which contradicts India's stance against GM crops for food. He warned that such imports would favor large US agribusinesses at the expense of local farmers, undermining Kerala's sustainable agricultural practices and threatening biodiversity in the Western Ghats. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 7 pm

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