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Tharoor: India values US, but won't seek Pakistan mediation

In a meeting with the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation, emphasized India's stance against seeking U.S. mediation in its relations with Pakistan, asserting that India can manage its own affairs. This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of facilitating peace between the two nations, which India has dismissed. Concurrently, senior officials from India and the U.S. are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, focusing on tariff reductions despite Trump's insistence that trade deals hinge on the resolution of Indo-Pak tensions. Tharoor reiterated that India will not engage in dialogue under duress, stating, "We will not dialogue with people who are pointing a gun at our heads." Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighted the potential for a trade deal, urging India to lower its tariffs to address the significant trade deficit. sources

Published:
Jun 05 2025, 7 pm

Kerala Agri Varsity to Advance Climate-Resilient Farming Practices

In a significant advancement for Kerala's agricultural sector, the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) to implement innovative climate-smart farming practices. The agreement, signed by KERA's Additional Project Director Vishnu Raj and KAU's Registrar A. Sakeer Husain, aims to promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) across the state's diverse agro-ecological zones. Key initiatives include upgrading soil testing laboratories, modernizing advisory systems, and piloting low-carbon paddy cultivation techniques like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). Raj emphasized the MoU as a milestone in enhancing agricultural resilience against climate change, combining KAU's scientific expertise with KERA's development goals. The partnership will also establish the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre at KAU, further supporting research and capacity building for farmers. This initiative aligns with Kerala's vision to utilize technology and global partnerships to create a more resilient agricultural sector. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 12 pm

"Stellantis India CEO: Consistent policies vital for auto growth"

Stellantis, the European automotive giant behind brands like Jeep and Citroen, has emphasized the need for a stable and uniform policy framework for electric vehicles (EVs) across India to facilitate long-term business planning. In a recent interview, Stellantis India CEO Shailesh Hazela highlighted that inconsistent state policies hinder investment and growth in the auto sector. He urged the government to establish long-term policies that would allow companies to strategize nationally rather than regionally. Stellantis is also expanding its presence in India, particularly for the Citroen brand, with plans to nearly double its sales touchpoints from 80 to over 150 in the next year, focusing on smaller towns and semi-urban areas. The company aims to increase its market share significantly and is committed to exploring various energy platforms, including CNG and EVs, to meet market demand. Stellantis has also announced a ₹2,000 crore investment in Tamil Nadu over the next six years. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 12 pm

"Industry Prepared if US Trade Deal Fails: CII President"

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani has stated that Indian businesses are ready for any outcome regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, emphasizing that there is no pressure to finalize a deal that compromises national interests. Memani praised the Indian government's thorough consultation with industry stakeholders, ensuring that all sectors' concerns are considered. He highlighted the potential benefits of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), particularly in reducing tariffs, which could enhance India's competitiveness against countries like Mexico and Vietnam. However, he acknowledged that some sectors may face challenges if the deal does not materialize, particularly in the automotive and textiles industries. Memani underscored the importance of a mutually beneficial agreement, stating that trade deals are complex and require adjustments from both nations to maximize benefits. His comments reflect a pragmatic approach to international trade negotiations, balancing industry interests with national priorities. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 12 pm

Delhi HC to decide Celebi's security clearance plea Monday

The Delhi High Court is poised to deliver its judgment on Monday regarding a contentious legal dispute involving Turkey-based ground handling firm Celebi, which is contesting the Indian government's revocation of its security clearance due to alleged national security threats. Justice Sachin Datta reserved the order after extensive arguments from Celebi and the Union Government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Celebi's senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the government's actions were arbitrary and violated due process, as no prior notice or hearing was conducted before the clearance was revoked. He emphasized that the revocation has severely impacted Celebi's operations, leading to the termination of contracts with major airport operators. In contrast, Mehta defended the government's decision, citing classified intelligence inputs that raised concerns about Celebi's operations, particularly regarding sensitive data and airport security, asserting that national security considerations take precedence. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 11 am

Finance Minister Meets Russian, Brazilian, Chinese Officials at BRICS

During the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in bilateral discussions with her counterparts from Russia, Brazil, and China. In her meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, she emphasized the enduring partnership between India and Russia, expressing gratitude for President Putin's support following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The two ministers explored financial cooperation and initiatives under the BRICS framework. Sitharaman also met Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, commending Brazil's leadership in promoting a multipolar world and pledging India's support for its priorities as it prepares to assume the BRICS chair in 2026. Additionally, she discussed the potential for collaboration with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an, highlighting the economic significance of India and China in fostering inclusive global growth and representing the Global South. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 8 am

Untapped Potential in Warehousing

The warehousing industry is crucial to India's economic growth, particularly in agriculture and industry, with a total agricultural storage capacity of 215 million tonnes as of 2023-24. The private sector accounts for about 110 million tonnes, while only 20% of this capacity is registered with the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). Despite significant growth in private warehousing, with capacity increasing fourfold since 2014, 91% of commercial agri-warehouses remain unregistered. Challenges such as high registration costs and stringent compliance hinder the adoption of electronic warehouse receipts (e-NWRs), which currently represent only 8.8% of the agri-warehouse receipt financing market. To unlock the potential of warehouse receipt financing, experts recommend financial incentives for registration, support for e-NWR adoption, and integration of non-agricultural commodities into the regulatory framework. Without cohesive policy interventions, India risks underutilising its vast warehousing capacity, limiting its position in global trade. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 9 am

"Financing Micro-Irrigation: Key to Agriculture in UP"

The Indian government's 'Per Drop More Crop' initiative, alongside Uttar Pradesh's Micro Irrigation Project (UPMIP), aims to significantly expand micro irrigation adoption, targeting an increase from 30,000 to 750,000 hectares by 2028. This strategy is crucial for enhancing climate-smart agriculture, which is vital as climate change poses increasing risks to food security. Micro irrigation methods can reduce water usage by 30-70%, improve crop yields, and lower reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. The UPMIP, launched in July 2023, offers substantial subsidies—up to 90% for small farmers—facilitated through a digital platform, with over 350,000 farmers already registered. However, a financing gap remains, with many farmers seeking support for the remaining costs. Collaborative efforts among financial institutions and government bodies are essential to bridge this gap and promote sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring resilience against climate impacts and enhancing food security across the region. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 9 am

Agartala Airport excels in customer satisfaction survey

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (MBB) in Agartala has been recognized as the top airport in the Northeast and ranked 15th nationally in the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey, according to airport director KC Meena. This achievement was announced during a meeting of the airport advisory committee, chaired by MP Biplab Kumar Deb. Meena highlighted the successful implementation of the Inline Baggage Handling System, which has enhanced baggage screening and passenger flow. Plans are also underway to introduce a childcare room to provide a safe and clean environment for traveling mothers and infants. Additionally, the committee discussed the ongoing development of Kailashahar Airport in Unakoti district, which aims to bolster regional air connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth in Tripura and the broader Northeast region. The meeting was attended by key officials, including West Tripura district magistrate Vishal Kumar and Agartala municipal commissioner D K Chama. sources

Published:
Jul 05 2025, 8 pm

Indian Air Force unveils future unmanned force strategy

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its capabilities with a comprehensive "unmanned force plan" aimed at acquiring 30 to 50 units of various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the next three to five years. This initiative aligns with global trends in unmanned warfare, as seen in Ukraine's establishment of dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces. The IAF's roadmap includes the procurement of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAVs for short-term needs and high altitude long endurance (HALE) UAVs for medium-term operations. Air Commodore Sandeep Singh emphasized the importance of flexibility and minimal human resources in deploying these systems, which are designed to operate in contested environments. Additionally, the IAF has launched a school for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Bhatinda to foster research and development, and a 100 km drone corridor near Hyderabad is being developed to support these efforts. sources

Published:
Jul 05 2025, 7 pm

West Central Railway adopts mAadhaar for passenger verification

The West Central Railway in Bhopal has launched a new initiative to enhance passenger identity verification using the mAadhaar mobile application, following guidelines from the Railway Board. This initiative aims to combat unauthorized travel and the misuse of fake Aadhaar cards or tickets booked under different names. The mAadhaar app, developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), will facilitate real-time identity authentication through QR code-based verification, ensuring the authenticity of passengers' Aadhaar cards. In a bid to further strengthen this process, the app will soon be accessible on Handheld Terminals (HHT devices), allowing railway officials to effectively prevent the misuse of reserved tickets and confirm the true identity of travelers. This move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and streamline operations within the railway system. sources

Published:
Jul 05 2025, 7 pm

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