AAPI: August 2025

DELHI, July 2025

Index of this Newsletter

INDIA

INDIA & THE WORLD

21. India-UK Trade Deal: Gains for Farmers, Food Processors, Fisherfolk
22. IMEC offers hope as Trump tariffs threaten Indian markets
23. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of EEA Aircraft & Maintenance, S.A. (Portugal) and AXISCADES Technologies Ltd (India)
24. Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen: Uttar Pradesh Government Explores Green Hydrogen Partnerships in Japan
25. US, India to launch powerful Earth-monitoring satellite

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DELHI, July 2025

NEWSLETTER, July 2025

INDIA

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

1. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement: A gamechanger for bilateral prosperity

India Today, 26, Jul. 2025, Tuhin A Sinha

In a world grappling with economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and shifting geopolitical alignments, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), finalised on May 6 and executed on July 24, emerges as a beacon of strategic collaboration.

This landmark deal between the world's fourth and sixth-largest economies is more than a trade pact - it's a transformative step toward mutual prosperity, resilience, and global influence. Against a volatile global backdrop, the FTA not only strengthens the economic and strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom but also sets a precedent for future trade agreements, including the much-anticipated India-US trade deal

For both nations, the FTA eliminates or reduces tariffs on a vast majority of goods, making exports more competitive. The UK will remove tariffs on 99% of Indian tariff lines, covering nearly 100% of India's trade value, while India will reduce tariffs on 90% of UK tariff lines, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.

This translates to lower prices for consumers - UK shoppers will enjoy cheaper Indian apparel, footwear, and marine products like frozen prawns, while Indian consumers will access affordable UK goods like whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, and salmon. The agreement also fosters job creation in labour-intensive and high-tech sectors. In India, industries like textiles, leather, and engineering goods will see significant employment growth, while the UK will benefit in manufacturing, clean energy, and services.

The FTA's pioneering chapters on anti-corruption, labour rights, gender equality, and environmental standards mark a progressive approach, aligning trade with global ethical normsâ€”a first for India in any FTA. Professional mobility is another cornerstone of the deal. The agreement facilitates easier movement for professionals, such as Indian IT workers, yoga instructors, and chefs, and UK financial service providers and engineers.

2. VA Tech Wabag wins ₹380-crore World Bank-funded water reuse project in Bengaluru

MSM, 26 Jul. 2025 Jomy Jos Pullokaran

Water treatment player VA Tech Wabag Ltd (WABAG), on Friday (July 25), said it has secured a ₹380-crore order from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for the development of state-of-the-art, energy-efficient water reuse facilities in Bengaluru. The project is funded by the World Bank and falls under the design, build, operate (DBO) model.

The project’s green initiative includes anaerobic digestion of sludge to generate biogas, which powers plant operations, lowers external energy use, improves efficiency, and supports broader sustainability goals.

S Natrajan, Vice President, Head-Sales & Marketing, India Cluster, said, "Securing this prestigious repeat order from BWSSB not only reinforces WABAG’s leadership in the recycling and reuse sector, but also underscores our commitment to pioneering innovation and sustainability in the water sector."

3. Silent Sanctions War: Can Financial Sanctions Replace Military Conflict?

ETGov. 1 Aug. 2025

In today’s world of shifting power dynamics, war is no longer always waged with tanks and troops. Instead, nations are turning to financial warfare - economic sanctions, as their weapon of choice.

Once a diplomatic sideline, sanctions have become a defining feature of 21st-century foreign policy, used to punish adversaries, enforce norms, and assert global influence.

For rising powers like India, this silent but potent form of warfare presents a complex dilemma: how to protect national interests while navigating a fragmented and increasingly hostile financial order.

Sanctions Take Center Stage

Economic sanctions aren’t new. They were used as early as the 1930s, when the League of Nations sanctioned Mussolini’s Italy. The United States has long relied on sanctions against Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, among others.

But the nature and scope of these tools have evolved dramatically since the 9/11 attacks. In the wake of the global war on terror, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control now enforces restrictions on more than 30 countries, targeting over 12,000 entities and individuals.

The full might of the modern sanctions regime came into view after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and reached new heights following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Western nations responded with sweeping sanctions: over $300 billion in Russian central bank reserves were frozen, and major Russian banks were ejected from SWIFT - the global messaging system for cross-border payments. The goal was to cripple Moscow’s financial capacity and isolate it from global markets.

But effectiveness remains elusive. Iran continues to function under decades-long sanctions. Cuba’s regime persists despite more than 60 years of U.S. restrictions. North Korea, perhaps the most sanctioned nation on Earth, still develops its weapons program. In many cases, sanctions have led to black-market growth, humanitarian crises, and closer cooperation among authoritarian states. These results raise a serious question: do sanctions work, or do they simply punish populations while entrenching regimes?

Caught in the Crossfire: India’s Dilemma

India finds itself in a peculiar position - rarely an issuer of sanctions, but often affected by them. Nowhere was this more visible than during the Russia-Ukraine war. India has long relied on Russia for defence supplies, with nearly 60% of its military equipment sourced from Moscow.

The war and resulting sanctions put India under Western scrutiny, particularly over its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. By 2023, India’s oil imports from Russia had surged to 1.6 million barrels per day; about 35% of total imports, up from just 2% before the conflict.

The U.S. and EU viewed India’s stance as troubling, especially amid expectations of a unified front against Moscow. Washington’s CAATSA law (Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act) threatened penalties on any country doing significant business with Russia.

India’s $5.5 billion deal for Russia’s S-400 missile system came dangerously close to triggering sanctions. Although a waiver is being considered, the episode highlights how sanctions can undermine sovereign decision-making and strategic autonomy.

India also faces a balancing act in its international partnerships. On one hand, its economic and technological ties with the U.S. and EU are deepening. Bilateral trade with the U.S. reached $128.6 billion in 2023, and cooperation with the EU spans critical technologies, from semiconductors to digital infrastructure.

On the other hand, India maintains strong historical ties with Russia and the broader Global South. Walking this tightrope without surrendering autonomy remains one of the country’s toughest foreign policy challenges.

At home, the RBI has sought workarounds. It developed a rupee-ruble payment mechanism and explored localised alternatives to SWIFT. But these fixes are incomplete. What’s missing is a systemic strategy that future-proofs India against the ripple effects of others’ economic wars.

A New Financial World Is Emerging

While sanctions grow sharper, so too does resistance. The dominance of the U.S. dollar and Western-led financial institutions is no longer unchallenged. China has enacted its own counter-sanctions framework, an “unreliable entities” list, and created the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, a rival to SWIFT.

Russia has promoted its MIR payment system and increasingly settles trade in rubles and yuan. Iran and Venezuela are experimenting with cryptocurrencies and direct currency swaps.

This emerging multipolar financial landscape presents both opportunity and risk for India. As a growing economic powerhouse, India is vulnerable to external shocks. But it also has a unique chance to lead efforts that reimagine and democratise the global financial architecture.

India is already making moves. It plays a pivotal role in the BRICS New Development Bank, which is exploring non-dollar financing models. Rupee trade agreements have been signed with over 18 countries, including the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. The aim is to shield trade flows from global currency volatility and political risk.

Digital innovation is another bright spot. India’s Unified Payments Interface, a homegrown instant payment system, has been linked with similar platforms in Singapore and the UAE. It now handles more than 12 billion transactions every month. The government is also testing a Digital Rupee under the supervision of the RBI, a step toward enhancing monetary sovereignty.

These tools give India an edge. But to truly shape the future, it must go further. Establishing a dedicated sanctions response unit within the Ministry of External Affairs or the Department of Economic Affairs could help. Such a body would assess exposure to sanctions, coordinate diplomatic responses, and recommend policy measures that protect national interests.

Leading, Not Just Surviving

As economic sanctions increasingly become the tools of modern conflict, their power and pitfalls are more visible than ever. For India, simply weathering the storm is not enough. The country must actively shape the structures that define the global financial system.

Strategic autonomy must evolve from a guiding principle into a resilient capability. This means diversifying trade, building financial alternatives, strengthening digital sovereignty, and advocating for a more inclusive and balanced economic order. In the quiet war of sanctions, leadership, not compliance, will determine which nations thrive and which falter.

In a world where money talks louder than missiles, India has a rare chance to become a voice not just for itself, but for the Global South. The challenge is enormous, but so is the opportunity.

4. Over 3,000 Fruit-Laden Apple Trees Ordered to be Cut by Himachal HC in the Name of Forest Conservation

14 July 2025, Tikender Singh Panwar

This incident is a lesson in how not to reclaim forests, and why reclaiming forests cannot be an excuse for ecological destruction masquerading as environmental justice.

Fruit-laden apple trees being axed after Himachal high court's order over forest land encroachment in from Chaithla village, Himachal Pradesh.

In a recent and deeply troubling development, the Himachal Pradesh high court has ordered the cutting down of over 3,000 fully fruit-laden apple trees that were reportedly planted on forest land under encroachment. Images of farmers watching helplessly as healthy, productive trees – laden with red, shining apples – were being axed to the ground have surfaced across media platforms, evoking pain, outrage, and most importantly, confusion.

What is the meaning of environmentalism if it fails to empathise with life itself – both human and ecological? What does it mean to care for the environment?

If the answer lies merely in a black-and-white legalistic view of forest encroachments, devoid of socio-ecological understanding, then we risk confusing compliance with conscience.

Environmental stewardship, by its very definition, must entail empathy – towards trees, towards people, and the ecosystem as a whole. And this act of felling healthy, fruit-bearing apple trees, regardless of their legal status on forest land, is neither scientific nor ecologically sound.

Fruit-laden apple trees being axed after Himachal high court’s order.

In the name of forest protection

At the heart of the issue is a paradox: we are destroying trees to “protect” forests. Any day, anywhere, cutting down trees – especially healthy, fruit-bearing ones – goes against the principles of environmental conservation. Whether these trees are growing on legally-owned orchards or on encroached government land, they remain living organisms contributing to ecological health. They sequester carbon, regulate temperature, retain soil moisture, attract pollinators, and in this case, even feed people.

The fruit trees in question were not concrete structures, nor were they invasive alien species wreaking havoc on biodiversity. They were, quite literally, nurturing life. The urgent need to reclaim forest land cannot be an excuse for ecological destruction masquerading as environmental justice. By that logic, tomorrow, one could order the bulldozing of traditional mud houses or community plantations that serve no commercial interest but occupy the ‘wrong’ parcel of land.

A long-term ecological process

It is understandable – even justifiable – that the government seeks to reclaim forest land from encroachments. Forests are critical ecological assets, and their encroachment, especially for concrete and commercial purposes, has long-term repercussions for biodiversity, climate resilience, and water security. But forests are not bureaucratic checkboxes; they are evolutionary systems.

The ecological succession of a forest – from grassland to shrubs to diverse tree species like oak (Quercus spp.), Cedrus deodara, and others – takes decades. It is not as if cutting apple trees today would miraculously bring back cedar or pine forests tomorrow. If the objective was ecological restoration, then a more meaningful strategy would have been to initiate reforestation on these lands gradually, in phases, while allowing the existing apple trees to live out their productive cycles.

The forest department, in consultation with ecological experts, could have simultaneously planted native tree saplings on the fringes or in planned succession. Over a period of years, these saplings would grow into young forests while the apple orchards continued to offer fruit, carbon sequestration, and livelihood to communities.

Such coexistence is not only scientifically viable – it is the very model of participatory environmentalism that the world today advocates.

Fruit-laden apple trees being axed in presence of police personnel in Himachal’s Chaithla village.

Fence, harvest and transition

One could propose a far more pragmatic alternative that balances legality, ecology and humanity. The entire belt of so-called encroached land could have been fenced and formally taken under state control.

Rather than axing the trees, the horticulture department could have been tasked with managing the orchards temporarily, harvesting the fruit and directing the proceeds to public welfare – perhaps even to flood victims, who currently reel under the weight of displacement and loss across Himachal.

This transitional approach would have served multiple objectives:

Ecological protection: No new encroachment could occur within the fenced area.

Public welfare: The fruit harvest could be monetised for flood relief, generating goodwill and redistributing public resources effectively.

Phased reforestation: Simultaneous plantation drives with native species could begin, ensuring that in 10–15 years, true forest ecosystems would begin to emerge.

Instead, the state chose the path of destruction – instantaneous, irreversible and deeply damaging.

NGT and its false equivalence with green justice

If the argument for the axe is that “law is law”, then why is this strictness not uniformly applied?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), for instance, has taken robust positions against illegal constructions, particularly cement and concrete structures on forest land and eco-sensitive zones. In multiple orders – for instance, NGT Application No. 141/2014 and several others – it has recommended immediate demolition of resorts, guest houses and hotels built on forest land or violating environmental clearance norms.

There is a world of difference between cutting down a fruit-laden tree and razing a multi-storey concrete structure. One is alive, regenerative and integrated into nature; the other is dead material encasing ecological violation. The same urgency that the state now exhibits in cutting down apple trees must be applied to illegal tourism infrastructure, hydro projects flouting environmental norms, and real estate expansion that eats into common and forest land under the garb of “development”.

Where are those demolition orders being implemented with the same swiftness?

Fruit-laden apple trees being axed after Himachal high court’s order in Chaithla village, Himachal Pradesh.

Reimagining justice through empathy and ecology

Environmental justice cannot be procedural alone; it must be ethical and ecological.

The farmers who planted these trees – right or wrong in their land claims – were not mining the hills or building shopping malls. Their trees stood tall, providing shade, feeding birds, sequestering carbon and nourishing generations. To reduce them to “encroachments” is to deny the moral and ecological value of life.

The courts and the State must reimagine their role – not as punitive enforcers of colonial-era forest laws, but as stewards of both ecology and equity. Reclaiming forests should begin with a vision of forest rejuvenation, not mere land recovery.

We need long-term strategies where ecology leads, science supports and communities participate. It is in this convergence that true environmental restoration can take root.

Cut red tape, not trees

The high court’s order is a lesson in how not to reclaim forests. It shows how, in the absence of nuance and empathy, even well-intentioned actions can become deeply harmful. If the goal is to save the forests of Himachal, then we must start with respect for trees, people, and for nature’s slow, sacred rhythms.

Let us not forget: it takes years to grow a tree. It takes a second to cut it down. And in that second, we don’t just fell a tree – we fell our faith in a system that claims to protect the environment.

We must stop confusing axes with action.

This is a call to conscience – not just for the courts and forest officials, but for all the people who believe that protecting the environment must begin with protecting life.

Tikender Singh Panwar has authored three books on urbanisation. He is the former deputy mayor of Shimla, and currently a member of the Kerala Urban Commission.

This article went live on July fourteenth, two thousand twenty five, at thirty-six minutes past six in the evening.

5. National Cooperation Policy 2025: Apex Institution and Youth at the Core of Cooperative Transformation

RuralVoice, 28 Jul. 2025

The National Cooperation Policy 2025 aims to transform India’s cooperative sector into a professionally managed, youth-driven ecosystem. It proposes an apex national institution to standardise education, promote innovation, and build capacity. The policy also focuses on skilling rural youth, launching cooperative-centric courses, and creating a digital job platform, ensuring inclusive growth and long-term sustainability in the cooperative movement.

The Government of India has unveiled a visionary blueprint to transform the cooperative sector into a professionally managed and economically vibrant ecosystem with the recent announcement of the National Cooperation Policy 2025. Central to this policy are two ground breaking initiatives: the creation of an apex national-level organisation for cooperative education, training, and innovation, and a comprehensive strategy to engage and shape the young generation for long-term growth in the cooperative movement.

The policy envisions a paradigm shift in how cooperatives operate in India—infusing professionalism, promoting entrepreneurial innovation, and preparing a new generation of leaders rooted in cooperative values.

Professionalising Cooperatives through an Apex Body

To meet the growing demands of the modern economy and to enable cooperatives to function as competent economic entities, the policy proposes the establishment of a national apex organisation. This institution will lead the standardisation and institutionalisation of cooperative education and capacity building, acting as a national umbrella body for cooperative training centres and institutes across India.

The apex organisation will create a pan-India network of cooperative training and education institutes through affiliation, regulating aspects such as course content, admission norms, teacher recruitment, curriculum design, and examinations. This move is aimed at ensuring a consistent and high-quality education system that aligns with the evolving needs of the cooperative sector.

Additionally, the body will work towards developing Centres of Excellence in cooperative education, research, and incubation. These centres will support domain-specific innovation in agriculture, fisheries, agro-processing, and other emerging fields such as renewable energy, rural tourism, and digital services.

In a bid to ensure a steady supply of qualified manpower, the apex organisation will also collaborate with existing skill development institutes and promote cooperative-centric courses in universities and colleges. Specialised training in cooperative laws, accounting, governance, and operations will make youth industry-ready.

The policy also recommends the strategic utilisation of the Cooperative Education Fund (CEF) held by the central and state governments. These funds will be used to create multi-level, language-inclusive academic content, enabling grassroots learning in vernacular languages.

A Structured Pathway for Research, Innovation and Incubation

A key pillar of the policy is the institutionalisation of research and innovation within the cooperative ecosystem. The apex organisation will promote sponsored research, establish practice track Chairs in collaboration with private and cooperative institutions, and initiate social enterprise incubators in new sectors. These incubators will help launch new cooperatives, support rural startups, and promote local resource-based innovation.

A robust institutional mechanism will also facilitate technology incubation, entrepreneurial development, and dissemination of sustainable business models that are tailored for cooperative functioning.

The policy emphasises the inclusion of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and sectoral ratings to track the performance of cooperatives, helping federations identify and amplify areas of strength.

In order to build leadership within cooperatives, societies will be encouraged to amend their bye-laws to include mandatory training and capacity-building programs for board members and staff. Member education based on cooperative principles and values will be implemented across the country in a time-bound and universal manner.

Youth-Led Growth: Shaping the Next Generation of Cooperators

Perhaps the most ambitious and socially impactful element of the National Cooperation Policy 2025 is its focus on the young generation. Labeled as Strategic Mission Pillar VI, this initiative aims to inspire, equip and engage rural and semi-urban youth in cooperative entrepreneurship.

The apex body, along with affiliated institutions, will implement district-level campaigns, workshops, exhibitions, and multimedia outreach showcasing success stories of cooperative societies. Biographies of veteran cooperators and films will be used to instill pride and awareness among youth about the cooperative movement.

A comprehensive experiential learning model will be introduced to promote understanding of rural economies, cooperative principles, and real-world functioning of societies. Education in cooperative governance, finance, auditing, legal compliance, and business management will prepare youth for leadership roles.

To support this effort, the policy recommends the design of cooperative-focused diploma and degree courses, including certified short-term programs and professional training. Through consultations with national and state federations, these courses will align with market needs, ensuring that graduates are employment-ready.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering degrees in social sciences will be encouraged to introduce cooperative diplomas certified by the apex body, making these programs widely accessible.

Skilling for Employment: A Cooperative Jobs Ecosystem

One of the bold steps envisioned by the policy is the creation of a National Digital Cooperative Employment Exchange. This digital platform, managed by the apex body, will match job seekers with employment opportunities in cooperatives, simplifying the hiring process and expanding outreach to underrepresented communities.

A national database of cooperative teachers, trainers, and resource persons will be established, ensuring that sufficient qualified human resources are available. The policy calls for a standardised recruitment process and attractive remuneration structure for teachers and instructors in affiliated institutions.

The government will also develop a national ecosystem for training and skill development, mapping all government-funded and affiliated training centres and partnering with them through MoUs. A special emphasis will be placed on the digital and financial literacy of rural youth and women, empowering them to take up employment in cooperatives.

The policy underscores the need to equip technical and non-technical workers, especially those in remote regions, with market-relevant skills, including refrigeration, aquaculture, farm management, marine engineering, and biosecurity screening.

Research Fellowships and Vernacular Learning Hubs

To promote deeper academic engagement with cooperative models, the policy encourages federations and national societies to fund doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships. These fellowships, supported in collaboration with reputed institutions, will focus on critical areas like cooperative economics, digital cooperatives, governance reforms, and innovation.

Grassroots-level cooperative learning centres will be established using local languages and cultural mediums to increase understanding and participation in cooperative activities. These centres will act as community hubs for extension services, awareness programs, and leadership training.

A Vision Rooted in Principles, Driven by Innovation

The National Cooperation Policy 2025 envisions an India where cooperative institutions are no longer seen as outdated rural relics, but as future-ready economic platforms capable of driving inclusive growth, sustainability, and grassroots empowerment.

By professionalising cooperatives, empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship, and promoting a culture of research, innovation, and collaboration, the policy charts a bold and future-facing path for the sector.

As India moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, this national policy positions the cooperative model as a key pillar of inclusive and self-reliant development, ensuring that growth reaches every corner of the country, from the urban startup to the rural self-help group.

- Agriculture, Fishing & Rural Development

6. Significant rise in acreage of oilseeds, pulses in Uttar Pradesh

ET, 24 Jul. 2025

Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a rise in the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses with the Kharif season witnessing a significant expansion in the acreage of sesame, groundnut, and soybean, an official statement said on Thursday. According to the latest data from the Agriculture Department, in 2024, the total area under oilseed crops stood at 432.25 thousand hectares, which has jumped to 547.14 thousand hectares in 2025, it said.

Farmer interest in cotton cultivation is also on the rise, with the area expanding from 7,000 hectares to 18,000 hectares, it said.

Overall, the total area under Kharif crops in Uttar Pradesh has increased substantially from around 6,574 thousand hectares last year to 8,262 thousand hectares in the current season, it added.

7. Meghalaya signs 13 pacts to turn agri-waste into rural wealth, boost farmers' incomes

The new India Express, 26 Jul. 2025

SHILLONG: With hundreds of tonnes of pineapple peels, banana stems, and flower waste going unused each year, the Meghalaya government on Friday signed 13 MoUs with leading technical and research institutions to convert farm and floral waste into organic compost and herbal colours, including gulal, officials said on Friday.

Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh called PMJVM a "far-sighted transformation that is already bearing fruit".

She said flagship initiatives like the CM Farm Plus Scheme and the State Organic Farming Mission, currently implemented across 52,000 hectares and targeting 1 lakh hectares by 2028, are vital to reviving the rural economy.

She also informed that 169 Vikas Divyangta Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have been sanctioned, benefiting over 50,000 people.

Each VDVK supports 15 self-help groups (SHGs) of which 60 per cent are from tribal communities, and provides Rs 15 lakh in financial assistance for equipment, training, and marketing support.

Dr Vijay Kumar D of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) said the MoUs will help convert VDVKs into viable rural enterprises by connecting them with reputed institutions across India.

He also recalled Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's praise of Meghalaya as a self-reliant and resilient model for the country.

8. India’s Seafood Industry Poised to Ride CETA Wave with Estimated 70% Export Growth to UK

RuralVoice, Jul 26, 2025

India’s seafood exports to the UK are set to grow by an estimated 70% following the India–UK CETA, which eliminates import tariffs on shrimp, squid, and other marine products. The deal boosts India’s competitiveness in the UK’s $5.4 billion seafood market, supports coastal livelihoods, enhances value-added exports, and positions India as a key global player in sustainable seafood trade.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed between India and UK bodes well for India’s seafood industry as it eliminates tariffs on Indian shrimp, squid, lobsters etc. for UK Entry.

For the marine sector, the agreement removes import tariffs on a wide range of seafood products, enhancing Indian exporters' competitiveness in the UK market. This is expected to particularly benefit exports of shrimp, frozen fish, and value-added marine products—boosting India’s presence in one of its major seafood destinations alongside labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery.

India’s key seafood exports to the UK currently include Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), frozen squid, lobsters, frozen pomfret, and black tiger shrimp—all of which are expected to gain further market share under CETA’s duty-free access.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, under the CETA, all fish and fisheries commodities falling under the UK tariff schedule categories marked ‘A’ now enjoy 100% duty-free access from the date of entry into force of the agreement.

The products as per different codes are the following:

HS Code 03: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, tuna, mackerel, sardines, squid, crab, cuttlefish, frozen pomfret, lobsters)

HS Code 05: Coral, cowries, Artemia, etc.

HS Code 15: Fish oils and marine fats

HS Code 1603/1604/1605: Prepared or preserved seafood, caviar, extracts, and juices

HS Code 23: Fish meal, fish & shrimp feed, and residues used in animal fodder

HS Code 95: Fishing gear (rods, hooks, reels, etc.)

These products previously attracted tariffs ranging from 0% to 21.5%, all of which are now removed, substantially improving cost competitiveness in the UK market. However, products under HS 1601 (sausages and similar items) remain excluded under staging category ‘U’ and receive no preferential treatment.

Seafood exports from India

India’s total seafood exports in 2024-25 reached $7.38 billion (₹60,523 crore), amounting to 1.78 million metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp remained the top export, accounting for 66% of earnings with $4.88 billion. Marine exports to the UK specifically were valued at $104 million (₹879 crore), with frozen shrimp alone contributing $80 million (77%). However, India’s share in the UK’s $5.4 billion seafood import market is just 2.25%. With CETA now in force, industry estimates project a 70% surge in marine exports to the UK in the coming years.

The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 28 million Indians and contributes around 8% of global fish production. Between 2014–15 and 2024–25, India's seafood exports rose from 10.51 lakh metric tonnes to 16.85 lakh metric tonnes (60% growth), while value increased from ₹33,441.61 crore to ₹62,408 crore (88% growth).

The number of export destinations expanded from 100 to 130 countries, with value-added product exports tripling to ₹7,666.38 crore signaling a shift towards high-end global markets. Coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, already key players in seafood exports, are well-positioned to capitalize on CETA. With targeted efforts to meet UK sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, these states can further expand their export footprint and enhance compliance with international norms.

The India–UK CETA marks a turning point for India’s fisheries sector not just by offering duty-free access to a premium market but also by uplifting coastal livelihoods, enhancing industry revenues, and strengthening India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, sustainable seafood. For fisherfolk, processors, and exporters alike, this is a unique opportunity to step onto a larger global stage. This agreement contributes meaningfully to India’s broader goal of becoming a global leader in sustainable marine trade.

Indian seafood now competes on par with countries like Vietnam and Singapore, which already benefit from FTAs with the UK. This levels the playing field and removes tariff disadvantages that Indian exporters previously faced especially for high-value products like shrimp and value-added goods. With India’s vast production capacity, skilled manpower, and improved traceability systems, CETA enables Indian exporters to seize a larger share of the UK market and diversify beyond traditional partners like the US and China.

9. Government to set up three new multi-state cooperative societies for dairy sector

, Jul. 4 2025, Ajeet Singh

The first society will focus on ‘animal feed production, disease control and artificial insemination’, the second will promote ‘developing cow dung management models’ and the third will promote ‘circular use of dead cattle remains’.

In a major push towards sustainable and circular practices in India's dairy sector, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Tuesday announced the formation of three new multi-state cooperative societies. The decision was made during a high-level meeting held in the national capital, focusing on “Sustainability and Circularity in the Cooperative Dairy Sector.”

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Secretary Alka Upadhyaya, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, and NABARD Chairman Shaji KV. As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), the three new societies will address key areas of the dairy value chain:

The first society will focus on animal feed production, disease control, and artificial insemination.

The second will work on developing cow dung management models.

The third will promote the circular use of dead cattle remains.

Shah underlined that to achieve White Revolution 2.0, India must go beyond expanding dairy cooperatives and aim to create a sustainable, circular ecosystem in the sector. He stressed that increasing farmers’ income requires integrated cooperative networks, where key operations—from production to processing—are managed through collaboration among cooperatives.

Highlighting the role of carbon credits, Shah emphasized the need to ensure that their direct benefits reach farmers through scientific implementation models. He also advocated for the strengthening of milk unions, cooperative societies, and food processing in dairy plants, stating these measures will enhance both income and environmental sustainability.

Calling cooperation the cornerstone of rural development, Shah noted that dairy cooperatives are vital to rural livelihoods, offering farmers access to markets, veterinary care, breeding support, and credit. He also acknowledged their role in empowering women, whose participation in dairy cooperatives is steadily growing.

Drawing attention to successful models like Amul, Shah said, “The vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi is being realised through Cooperation among Cooperatives.” He added that ministries and stakeholders are now working together at a fast pace on policy-making, financing, and creating multipurpose village-level cooperatives.

Shah praised institutions like NDDB, NCDC, and NABARD for their contributions to cooperative development, noting that NDDB’s work in biogas and dung management is now being scaled up nationally. He concluded that these coordinated efforts would contribute meaningfully to realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India, powered by cooperative strength.

10. Home calling: How a Gurdaspur man returned from Australia, built a thriving banana business

The Indian Express, Anju Agnihotri Chaba, 3 Aug. 2025

Farmer Satnam Singh in his Banana orchard.

It all began with planting just 3-4 banana saplings for self-consumption. But after witnessing the remarkable yield from a single plant, 61-year-old Satnam Singh decided to scale up cultivation on his farmland.

In Punjab, where wheat, paddy, and Basmati dominate the agricultural lands, banana has never been considered a commercially viable crop. But Satnam, a determined farmer from Gurdaspur city, is challenging that perception. In 2023, he converted half of his 6-acre land, located along Pandori Road, into a thriving banana orchard — proving that this tropical fruit can indeed flourish and turn a profit in Punjab’s soil and climate.

He initially began with three acres, planting approximately 1,500 banana plants per acre, with 5 feet between plants and 5.5 feet between rows. Now, as more farmers seek guidance and planting material from him, he recommends a spacing of 5x5 feet between plants and 7x7 feet between rows — accommodating around 1,250 per acre.

The cultivation process begins with meticulous preparation: beds are laid out 3 feet wide, with pits dug half a foot deep. As 2 to 2.5 months old saplings are transplanted. These saplings are sourced from a tissue culture lab in Maharashtra when they are 2-3 weeks old are first raised in a net house—under 80% shade initially, reduced to 40% as the plants mature.

“Then a puddle is created in the prepared pits, and each plant is transplanted into the puddled water when it has 4–5 leaves and is about 6–7 inches tall,” he explains. The puddling water is prepared 10 days in advance using a mixture of bio-fungicide, jaggery, and besan (gram flour). “We use around 200 ml of this solution per plant at the time of transplanting,” he adds.

After transplanting, the banana plant takes around 20 days to strengthen its internal system, including its DNA structure. During this period, to promote healthy growth, Satnam provides a mix of 16 different micronutrients, including magnesium, calcium, zinc, and others.

Planted in June or July, the G-9 variety is not only high-yielding but also popular in the market for its colour and taste. The plants grow up to 8–9 feet tall within a year, start flowering by mid-May — about 10 months after transplanting — and begin fruiting by June. Harvesting of raw bananas begins in September and can continue till the end of October. If farmers opt to sell ripened bananas, harvesting can extend up to January.

“Each plant produces a bunch with 7 to 10 hands, which are clusters of individual bananas, also known as fingers, growing together on the stem. Each hand carries 2 to 3 dozen bananas,” he explains. A full bunch can weigh between 14 and 16 kgs.

“I have three ripening chambers of my own, but I prefer selling raw bananas because they can be sold in bulk and the harvesting is completed within one and a half months,” he says, adding, “Harvesting takes around 4–5 months if rippned bananas are to be sold. When I do ripen them, I maintain the chamber temperature at 16–18°C.”

As for marketing, Satnam admits that he faced some challenges in the first year. “Buyers here initially preferred bananas from Maharashtra and doubted the colour and taste of ours. But once I ripened them in my own chambers, the colour and taste came out exceptionally well.”

Each acre of banana farming requires an initial investment of about Rs 1.5 lakh, covering plant material, fertilisers, labour, and drip irrigation. But the returns are promising. “We get around 250–300 quintals of raw bananas per acre. Even at Rs 16–24 per kg for raw bananas and Rs 26–35 per kg for ripened ones, the profit margins are substantial,” says Satnam, adding, “After expenses, we earn between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 6 lakh per acre, depending on yield and rates.”

He also recommends intercropping in the first year with crops like turmeric or cauliflower to optimise land use. “In the following years, the expenditure drops to around Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh per acre,” he adds.

Satnam also explains the plant’s life cycle: “Technically, a plant can continue producing for 5–7 years, but I recommend replacing it after three years. As the plant ages, fruiting and harvesting become irregular, which disrupts the marketing season. After each harvest, the main stem is almost cut, and a new sucker is allowed to grow, which becomes the next fruiting plant for the following year.”

Satnam also cultivates Basmati on two acres during Kharif season and uses the same land for wheat cultivation in the Rabi season. He also dedicates one acre to growing turmeric.

He highlights that banana farming requires significantly less water and fewer chemicals compared to conventional crops. “There’s no flood irrigation—just drip. Banana uses 10 times less water than paddy,” he says.

With both his sons settled abroad—one an IT engineer in Melbourne and the other in the trucking business in Canada—Satnam says he wanted to show them the potential of agriculture back home.

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11. Tata is now riding the new wave: What lies ahead?

The Economic Times, 25 Jul. 2025

Tata Group, one of India's biggest conglomerates which has been almost a proxy for the country's industrial strides over decades -- from steel to automobiles to software -- now stands at a crossroads as technological, regulatory and geopolitical shifts alter the business landscape across the world and demand the behemoth to be nimble. Over the past five years, Tata group nearly doubled revenue and more than tripled net profit and market cap when it spent Rs 5.5 lakh crore to be "future fit," said Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, in the latest annual report. Group revenue from all listed and unlisted entities was Rs 15.34 lakh crore in FY25, with net profit at Rs 1.13 lakh crore and market cap at Rs 37.84 lakh crore, according to the Tata Sons report.

The group has high expectations for Tata Electronics, Air India and Tata Digital, which are in the "building-up" phase to gain in scale and turn into financially strong businesses over the next three years. The holding company's mandate is that they should be among the Tata Group's top 10 businesses in the next three years. The biggest investments in 2024 have gone into these three units besides battery manufacturing. The total investment committed across businesses, estimated at $90 billion currently, will exceed $120 billion in the next five years.

A few weeks ago Chandrasekaran briefed the board of Tata Trusts about the conglomerate’s performance and plans in a closed-door meeting at Bombay House, in what long-time group watchers said was a notable departure from precedent, ET reported. The Trusts own a controlling 66% in the group holding company. The update covered progress in the group’s high-stakes bets across semiconductors, electric mobility, the consumer app ecosystem and Air India, people aware of the matter told ET. Tata has committed over Rs 1.84 lakh crore in these segments in recent years.

The challenges for Tata Group

While Tata Group performance as detailed by Chandrasekharan in the annual report is impressive, there are critical questions about what comes next. Sustaining such performance across a highly diversified portfolio, amid rapidly changing economic and technological landscapes, will require the group to confront a series of challenges over the coming few years. The macroeconomic environment in which the Tata Group operates is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. With a significant global footprint, through companies like Tata Motors (it owns Jaguar Land Rover), Tata Steel Europe, and TCS, the Group is exposed to risks stemming from geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and sluggish growth in key markets.

Currency volatility and shifting trade policies further complicate the landscape. For instance, fluctuations in the British pound or euro can directly affect JLR’s profitability, while protectionist policies in the US or EU could impact TCS's service contracts or Tata Steel’s exports. In this context, Tata’s overseas entities may find it harder to sustain robust growth rates while margins could come under pressure.

One of the most profound shifts currently underway is the global race for dominance in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. TCS, the Group’s largest profit generator, is under increasing pressure to evolve beyond traditional IT services. Competitors are rapidly integrating generative AI and automation. Also, the pressure to embed AI across other Tata businesses is also mounting. The sheer pace of change in AI poses both an opportunity and a threat. While Tata has invested heavily in becoming digitally future-ready, keeping up with global technology leaders will demand continuous innovation and deep transformation across its verticals.

The Tata Group faces the enormous task of decarbonizing some of its most capital-intensive businesses. These include steel, energy, automotive manufacturing and aviation, the sectors traditionally associated with high carbon footprints. Transitioning to greener technologies will require massive investments in R&D, clean energy, supply chain restructuring, and compliance mechanisms. In the near term, such efforts may impact profitability, especially as global and domestic regulators increase pressure to adhere to stricter environmental norms.

On the home front, Tata faces escalating competition across nearly every consumer-facing domain. In digital retail, logistics, aviation and EVs, it is now up against highly aggressive players. Tata Neu, the group’s super app, has yet to gain widespread traction. Air India’s transformation is still in progress while an unfortunate accident has shaken the company. In automobiles, Tata Motors leads in the EV segment, but competition from MG, Hyundai and BYD is intensifying. Tata’s ability to differentiate its offerings, invest in cutting-edge user experiences, and build loyal consumer bases will be tested repeatedly in an increasingly crowded and price-sensitive market.

The group is currently executing several high-stakes transformation projects simultaneously. These include the turnaround of Air India, the expansion of Tata Electronics as a semiconductor and precision manufacturing player, and the EV revolution led by Tata Motors. Delays, cost overruns or missteps in any one of these large programmes could impact the group’s credibility or financial health. The execution risk is particularly acute given the sheer scale and ambition of these parallel transitions. Over the past five years, Tata has invested a staggering Rs 5.5 lakh crore toward building a future-ready ecosystem. While this has yielded strong top-line growth and increased market cap, the coming years will require sharper focus on capital efficiency. Several newer ventures are still in investment mode and may take time to deliver positive returns.

As a truly global business entity, Tata Group is subject to a wide array of regulatory frameworks covering data privacy, ESG compliance, taxation and antitrust laws. Rising geopolitical tensions and digital sovereignty concerns could create additional complexity, especially in areas like AI, data storage and cloud computing.

The Tata Group’s transformation since 2020 has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the leadership of Chandrasekaran, it has repositioned itself as a modern, globally integrated industrial powerhouse. Yet, the challenges ahead are multifaceted and require a delicate balancing act between ambition and discipline, speed and stability.

12. Electronics Makers Shop for Cos to Tap Western Clients

ET, 30 Jul. 2025

Indian contract manufacturers of electronics goods are acquiring or partnering with companies globally to get access to their clients in the US, Europe and other markets, trying to tap into the opportunity from the tariff turmoil that has triggered a search for alternative supply chains.

They are also using this opportunity to acquire new technologies and capabilities, which would otherwise take years to develop in-house even as there is uncertainty over how long India’s tariff advantages will last amid intense trade talks among countries. The development aligns with the government’s push for self-sufficiency in electronics manufacturing and increasing exports from India.

“Given the small window of opportunity, companies are taking the shortcut route of acquisitions to tap into clients looking to establish alternative supply chains beyond China. The idea is that you can sell not only what the target entity is selling, but also your own expertise and products,” a top executive from a contract manufacturing firm told ET.

Companies like Kaynes, Dixon Technologies, Syrma SGS, Cyient, and Amber are actively acquiring and partnering with companies to access new technologies and tap into the global market.

Consumer durables and electronics maker Amber Group is spending more than ₹400 crore to acquire a controlling stake in Israel-based industrial automation company Unitronics. Calcom Vision is setting up a unit to steer exports.

“Amber's acquisition is driven by the need to cater to aerospace and defence globally, which requires specific certifications. Acquiring a company that already possesses these certifications is crucial for Indian players tapping into global markets, as obtaining them independently is challenging and time-consuming,” said an industry analyst, who did not wish to be named.

The acquisition provides the Amber Group with access to US and European clients in the defence industry, which is experiencing significant traction since the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, he said.

Dixon has formed joint ventures with several Chinese component makers to acquire technology, investing over ₹1,000 crore in equity and capacity-building.

Kaynes and Syrma SGS have partnered with Korean companies to enter the PCB segment. They have also acquired stakes in US, Austrian and German companies to get access to their global clients.

Kaynes and Cyient did not respond to emails seeking comment, while the Amber Group declined to comment.

Syrma SGS posted a 29% sequential increase in exports of industrial components during the June quarter at ₹232 crore.

“Exports, we are primarily doing to Western Europe and the USA…The tariff uncertainty is definitely holding back customers from receiving large orders. Hopefully, within this quarter, this uncertainty will be a thing of the past,” Syrma SGS managing director Jasbir Gujral said during a recent earnings call.

LED lighting and ceiling fan maker Calcom is setting up a unit to steer exports amid rising demand for alternative supply chains, executive director Abhishek Malik said.

“The tariff wars are the trigger for us to re-enter the export business after the pandemic. Two US companies have already audited us and our products are currently undergoing testing. We expect to hear from them by the end of the month,” Malik said.

India currently faces a 10-15% tariff for lighting products exported to the US under the deferred reciprocal tariffs, while Washington’s tariffs on China are unclear right now. If the tariffs work in India’s favour, Malik sees a bulk of US brands working with Indian manufacturers, especially in lighting and fans. However, analysts warned that multiple acquisitions present concerns for investors regarding frivolous allocation of capital and returns.

“Investors could be worried that money is constantly being reinvested into the market in the form of new investments and acquisitions, but they are not seeing peak asset turns. Returns are being deferred, meaning investors have to wait longer to realise their profits,” an analyst said.

13. India's Semiconductor Projects to Produce 24 Billion Chips Annually, Says IT Official

ETGov. 2 Aug. 2025

Semiconductor projects approved by the government till date will produce over 24 billion chips per annum and there are more projects in the pipeline as well, a senior IT ministry official said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event organised by Germany-based applied research organisation Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Amitesh Sinha, Additional Secretary in Ministry of Electronics and IT and India Semiconductor Mission CEO, said that the government has approved six projects comprising a wafer fabrication plant by Tata Electronics and five packaging units.

"Tata fab is going to produce 50,000 wafers per month. The other 5 packaging units are going to produce 24 billion chips per annum. There are many more proposals under appraisal. So in near future you will see lot of approvals coming up," he said

Sinha said that India is going to be a long-term player in the semiconductor space

"We are here for a long-term journey. Semiconductor is not a business for a few years. We assure all of you that the policies will be continued and support for development of the entire ecosystem will be provided," he said.

The government has put in place a Rs 76,000-crore scheme to boost the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

A significant amount of the fund has been committed to the approved projects.

"A lot of rare earth materials and permanent magnet recycling, all those are the areas where you can see synergy with Fraunhofer. Coming back to semiconductors, we are seeing that India has approved some proposals and is going to approve many others," Sinha said.

He asked German semiconductor companies to support fabrication activities in India.

Sinha said that there are a lot of collaboration opportunities with Germany as India is looking to enter in the space of high technology research.

"Now we are also going to develop the supply chain ecosystem in India. In the supply chain, a lot of technologies will be required for the high grade purity of chemical gases and materials. Fraunhofer's research is very strong in materials. In 2D materials or graphene also, there is a lot of scope and few of our R&D organizations are doing research in 2D and graphene technologies also. So there also I see scope," he said.

2D materials have the potential to produce over 10 times smaller chips than silicon-based chips being developed at present.

Sinha said India is a trusted player in the global supply chain and has policies which are very transparent.

"The honourable prime minister of India has already announced that we would like to be a trusted player in the global supply chain. Whatever industry we are setting here, whether it is semiconductor or artificial intelligence or quantum computing, it is for the better use for the entire world," Sinha said.

14. Reviving India’s Handloom Sector: A Policy-Driven Transformation

ETGovernment, 4 Aug. 2025

Handloom is not just a craft—it is a living legacy that binds India’s cultural identity, rural livelihoods, and sustainable practices into one continuous thread.

At a time when the sector faces both opportunities and challenges, the Ministry of Textiles is weaving a future-oriented vision that marries tradition with innovation. From empowering artisans with digital tools and upgraded looms to positioning handloom as India’s signature sustainable luxury brand, a silent revolution is underway.

In this exclusive conversation with ETGovernment's Anoop Verma, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, shares the government’s multi-dimensional strategy to revitalise the sector.

Dr. M. Beena speaks on the integration of welfare schemes with design training, the emergence of park and factory models to attract younger generations, the use of sustainability studies to boost global branding, and the upcoming National Handloom Day celebrations as a rallying call for national pride. Her vision is clear: handloom must be owned by the nation, cherished by its people, and celebrated globally—not as nostalgia, but as the fabric of India’s future.

Edited excerpts:

What is the significance of the coffee table book, Threaded Tales of Vidarbha in the run-up to the National Handloom Day?

The coffee table book titled Threaded Tales of Vidarbha is a tribute to the unique weaving traditions and motifs specific to the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The idea behind the book was to capture and document the distinct craftsmanship of the local weavers—what designs they use, the intricate patterns they follow, and the cultural aesthetics they preserve.

Handloom is a heritage craft, and if it's not recorded, digitised, or conserved, there’s always a risk that it may fade away with time. This book is a significant step in safeguarding that knowledge and ensuring that the legacy of Vidarbha’s weaving tradition is preserved for future generations.

Who has collaborated on the creation of this book?

The book has been brought out by the Weavers' Service Centre in Nagpur, under the Ministry of Textiles. It has been created under the charge of the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with a well-known designer from the region—Shruti Seth. Together, they have curated and beautifully presented this compilation. The launch of this coffee table book is a celebration of the timeless talent and art of India's weavers.

August 7 is observed as National Handloom Day. What is the historical significance of this date?

August 7 holds deep historical significance for India’s handloom sector. It was on this day in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was formally launched in Calcutta. The movement encouraged Indians to wear clothes made in India—to reject foreign-made goods and support indigenous craftsmanship.

Handloom was at the heart of the Swadeshi spirit. When our Hon’ble Prime Minister declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015, it was to commemorate that very legacy and to revive that pride in our traditional hand-woven fabrics. Since then, we have been celebrating it every year across the country.

What can we expect from this year’s National Handloom Day celebration?

Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles

This year, like every year, we will honour the extraordinary skill and dedication of our weavers. One of the highlights of the celebration is the presentation of National Awards to outstanding weavers. These include the prestigious Sant Kabir Award—the highest recognition in the handloom sector—as well as National Awards in various categories.

We have introduced several inclusive award categories: for instance, awards for tribal weavers, linguistic minority weavers, women weavers, startup entrepreneurs in handloom, and design innovation. Our aim is to recognise and encourage excellence in every segment of this traditional sector and to ensure that no weaver community is left behind.

What special events are being planned around National Handloom Day this year?

Alongside the main ceremony, we are organizing several satellite events. At Hunar Haat, we will showcase 116 unique weaves under one roof. We're also launching a new initiative called ‘Haat on Wheels’—a mobile vehicle that brings handloom products to gated communities and residential hubs, much like a mobile boutique.

Another key event is the ‘Weave of the Future’ exhibition at the Crafts Museum starting August 8. It will focus on sustainability, indigenous cotton varieties, and innovation in handloom.

Is the Ministry collaborating with fashion designers or celebrities to promote handloom?

Designers like Vaishali Shadangule—India’s first woman designer to showcase at Paris Fashion Week—work exclusively with handlooms. For this year’s National Handloom Day, we've already received confirmation from Kangana Ranaut to attend the event. The idea is to mainstream handloom just like Women’s Day—something everyone celebrates, not just a government department.

How do you address the challenge of making handloom more affordable and accessible while also sustaining artisan livelihoods?

There are two ways to look at it. One, handloom is a deeply personal and creative craft—many weavers work on individual or family-run looms, and that uniqueness must be protected. Two, we also need to ensure scalability and affordability so that handloom can reach wider audiences without compromising the artisans’ earnings.

This balance—between preserving the authenticity of the craft and introducing innovations in production and marketing—is what we are constantly working on. Affordability doesn’t have to come at the cost of quality. We need to strengthen market linkages, promote design innovation, and support clusters to achieve economies of scale.

What is the overarching vision of the Handloom Department in the Ministry of Textiles?

Our vision is threefold: to preserve and promote India’s rich handloom tradition, to ensure better livelihoods for weavers, and to make handloom a source of national pride and international appeal. Handloom is not just a textile—it's a cultural asset. Our aim is to create sustainable employment through this heritage sector while positioning it as a niche product both domestically and globally.

How do you ensure that handloom products become accessible and appealing to all classes of people?

Accessibility begins with awareness. That’s where branding and celebration come in. National Handloom Day, celebrated on August 7, is observed not just in Delhi but across the country—through our Weavers' Service Centres, state governments, and regional clusters. This year, states like Madhya Pradesh are organizing massive events like 'Madhurya Diwas.' Through such efforts, we want to ignite public interest and pride in handloom.

However, we also recognize the need for innovation. While handloom will always be a niche, we must evolve. Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram cluster, for example, has pioneered a ‘handloom factory’ model with a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. Workers are picked up from their villages and brought to a central weaving park—offering them employment in a structured, factory-like setting. This model could shape the future of handloom clusters elsewhere in India.

What are some of the most transformative outcomes of government schemes in the last five years? Have they encouraged more people to join the sector?

Our focus has been on providing end-to-end support to weavers—loom upgradation, workspace construction, training in new designs and dyeing techniques, marketing assistance, and infrastructure support.

A major success has been the launch of Indiahandmade.com—a zero-commission e-commerce platform linked to ONDC where shipping costs are borne by the government. This gives artisans direct access to markets without middlemen. We’ve also introduced designers into handloom clusters to encourage diversification and contemporary design thinking.

From a welfare perspective, two schemes stand out. One is the monthly pension of ₹8,000 for aged, award-winning weavers. The second is a scholarship of up to ₹2 lakh per year for children of weavers pursuing textile-related courses.

Through these interventions, we are seeing people from the agricultural sector and even young women in rural areas take up handloom weaving as a viable profession—especially in regions with exposure to IT and marketing support.

Could you tell us about the prestigious Sant Kabir National Handloom Awards and the selection process?

These awards are the highest recognition in the handloom sector and are given on National Handloom Day by the President of India. The selection process is rigorous and transparent. It begins with verification at the Weavers’ Service Centre level, followed by a skill test to ensure authenticity. Then we have three levels of expert juries—zonal, headquarters, and central—who evaluate the entries blindly. No identities are revealed, even if MPs send recommendations. Only the product speaks.

With technology becoming integral to every sector, how is the Ministry integrating innovation into the traditional handloom industry?

We have established 11 Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs), including five state-run institutions where we provide diploma-level, practice-oriented education in textile technology and handloom innovation.

One of the biggest technological transformations is the introduction of the electronic jacquard system. Previously, designs required manually punched cards—an exhaustive process. The new electronic jacquard allows quick design changes and has proven transformative in areas like Kanchipuram and Varanasi, where saris have intricate pallu designs.

Other innovations include youth-friendly looms, advanced dyeing techniques, and improved colour-fast processing—all of which are helping modernize the handloom sector without compromising its essence.

Has the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme benefited the handloom sector?

Many handloom products fall under ODOP classifications. Though handloom items like fabric may fall under different Harmonized System (HS) codes once stitched or processed, the core weaving still benefits from ODOP focus. We are also synergizing handloom with ODOP, Geographical Indications (GI), and local exhibitions like Hunar Haat to boost visibility and income.

Sustainability is a growing global concern. How is the Ministry integrating sustainability into handloom policy?

This is something we’re actively working on. Handloom is inherently sustainable—it consumes no electricity, uses local fibres, and creates minimal waste. Yet this narrative hasn’t been communicated well enough.

To address this, we commissioned a lifecycle analysis study by IIT Delhi, which compares the carbon footprint of handloom and powerloom products. The study, to be released on August 6, will provide scientific validation of handloom’s environmental benefits. Based on this, we are also exploring carbon trading models to financially reward weavers for eco-friendly production. We hope this branding will appeal to the eco-conscious youth.

Do you have export numbers or insights into how Indian handloom is doing internationally?

Exact numbers can be obtained from our office, but we’ve seen encouraging growth. Indian handloom enjoys strong appeal in Europe, North America, and Japan. However, export data gets fragmented since processed handloom products (e.g., dresses, shawls) fall under different categories like apparel or home décor. But cities like Kanchipuram alone have a ₹3,000 crore annual turnover, treating their saris as collector’s items.

Are you planning to integrate handloom hubs with PM MITRA mega textile parks?

PM MITRA parks are directed to integrate handloom units to create cohesive textile ecosystems. This would ensure raw material supply, wastewater management, effluent treatment, and shared infrastructure support—all of which would boost weaver productivity and incomes.

15. Global capability centers : Opportunities in tier 2 cities

ER, 9 Aug. 2025

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India have traditionally been concentrated in metropolitan cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai, due to the availability of skilled talent, infrastructure, and industry ecosystems. However, according to Arjun S Harsh from leading real estate consultancy Excelsior India Consultancy Services LLP based in Chandigarh and Gurugram, rising operational costs, talent saturation, and increasing competition for skilled professionals are pushing GCCs to explore Tier 2 cities such as Mohali, Jaipur, Kochi, Indore, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar. These cities offer cost advantages, lower attrition rates, and a growing talent pool, making them attractive for GCC expansion.

According to research by Excelsior India, GCCs must focus on talent availability, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration to fully leverage this shift and ensure a sustainable workforce in tier 2 cities. These cities offer advantages in terms of cost-effective talent, with salaries being 20-30% lower than in metros, reducing operational costs for GCCs. Moreover, employees in Tier 2 cities exhibit higher retention rates due to better work-life balance and proximity to hometowns. These towns and cities also have a strong engineering college education base, producing a steady stream of graduates, while state government incentives include subsidies, tax benefits, and infrastructure support to attract GCCs.

However, relocation to Tier 2 cities is not without its risks either, as per Arjun S Harsh. Some challenges include skill gaps in terms of a mismatch between industry requirements and graduate skills. Other issues may include infrastructure constraints such as international connectivity and bandwidth issues, and a limited skilled talent pool as well.

Focus on soft skills and global competency, including training employees in communication, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration to meet global client expectations, and implementing language training programs (especially for BPO/KPO GCCs).

In conclusion, Tier 2 cities present a compelling opportunity for GCCs to expand beyond metros. Proactive collaboration between corporations, academia, and government will be key to building a sustainable talent pipeline in India’s emerging GCC hubs.

(Excelsior India Consultancy Services LLP (www.eics-india.com) is a corporate services consultancy with offices in Chandigarh and Gurgaon. They can be reached here.

Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.

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16. Starlink Satellite Internet Service: Starlink to Localize Data Storage in India Amid Growing Market

ETGov. 9 Aug. 2025

The network data, traffic and other details accumulated by Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service from its operations in India will be locally stored, minister of state for communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said in Parliament on Thursday.

Domestic user traffic will also not be mirrored to any system or server located abroad, Pemmasani said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

"Security conditions, inter-alia, include the establishment of earth station gateway(s) in India for providing satellite-based communication services with no user traffic originating from or destined for India to be routed through any gateway located outside India, no copying and decryption of the Indian data outside the country, and the Indian user traffic is not to be mirrored to any system/server located abroad," Pemmasani said.

US-based Starlink is the third satcom operator after Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio-SES JV to secure all clearances for offering commercial broadband from space services in India, a market expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

Starlink received its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) permit last month.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) authorised Starlink's Gen 1 constellation to provide satellite communication services in India. Gen 1 is Starlink's low-earth orbit (LEO) network of 4,408 satellites, which can offer 600 Gbps throughput in India.

The minister, meanwhile, said the satcom sector is expected to generate employment as it is an emerging area.

"Satellite-based communication services is an upcoming area and, as any new economic activity would do, it is also expected to generate employment in the country, as it involves, inter alia, the installation, operation and maintenance of the telecom network including user terminal equipment," Pemmasani said in his reply.

Starlink now needs to acquire spectrum from the government and establish ground infrastructure for its services.

Two other global satcom majors-Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Kuiper and Apple's satcom partner Globalstar-are also awaiting approvals from Indian authorities.

17. India's GCCs: Transforming Economy through Innovation and Strategic Growth

E.T. Gov. 7 Aug. 2025

The strategic push, outlined in the Union Budget 2025, aims to create a virtuous cycle: easing demographic pressure on big cities while seeding high-skilled employment in emerging urban centres.

Among the many economic transformations shaping modern India, few have been as swift or profound as the rise of its Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

What was once a narrative of cost arbitrage has evolved into a story of strategic partnership and innovation, placing the nation at the very heart of global business operations. This evolution is not a product of circumstance, but the result of a deliberate, forward-looking policy vision.

Sheer numbers of GCCs demonstrate a landscape that has been cultivated in India for success. Those have increased exponentially to around 1,950 now, up from 1,000 in FY14. These centers represent nearly 1.9 million high-value jobs and a projected revenue poised to cross $100 billion by the decade's end. The estimated $182 billion in Gross Value Added for FY25, accounting for a remarkable 2% of the nation's GDP, is a testament to the sector's immense economic power.

A Deliberate Strategy for Decentralized Growth

This success is being propelled by a clear policy agenda, particularly the strategic expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Historically concentrated in metros like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, GCCs are now moving to emerging hubs such as Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Vadodara. This shift is driven by increasing costs and talent saturation in Tier-1 cities. The move offers compelling advantages, with operational costs in smaller cities being 30–40% lower.

This strategic push, outlined in the Union Budget 2025, aims to create a virtuous cycle: easing demographic pressure on big cities while seeding high-skilled employment in emerging urban centres. This shift will create an eco-system for increasing opportunities besides following benefits:

Access to Untapped Talent Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities produce over two million graduates annually and often demonstrate higher employee loyalty and lower attrition rates.

Improved Quality of Life Employees in these cities benefit from lower commute times, more affordable housing, and cleaner environments.

Proactive State Policies States like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are offering incentives such as land subsidies, tax exemptions, and payroll subsidies to attract investment.

From Back Office to a Global Brain Trust

The most significant aspect of this revolution is the sector’s evolution from operational efficiency to strategic necessity. While cost savings remain a vital advantage, the true paradigm shift lies in the metamorphosis of GCCs into centres of excellence. This is no longer confined to major metros; GCCs in smaller cities are increasingly taking on high-value roles in analytics, AI, and R&D.

Indian GCCs are no longer just handling back-office tasks; they are driving core R&D, creating intellectual property, and leading digital transformation. This is most apparent in the embrace of deep tech. A remarkable 86% of India's GCCs are now engaged in AI and machine learning projects. With over 500 centers specializing in AI and more than 120,000 AI professionals in their ranks, India is becoming the indispensable brain trust for global corporations navigating the age of artificial intelligence.

Charting the Course Ahead

Sustaining this momentum, however, requires a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges that lie ahead. Continued progress is contingent on addressing several key areas.

First, the talent paradox must be managed. While India has a vast talent pool, a critical challenge is the shortage of professionals with specialized, advanced skills in fields like AI and cybersecurity, particularly in Tier-2 cities. There is also a notable lack of senior, experienced leaders outside of the major metropolitan hubs, which can limit the complexity of operations.

Second, the push into smaller cities must be matched with uncompromising infrastructure. While improving, issues such as inconsistent power supply, variable internet speeds, and limited international flight connectivity can still pose hurdles. The ancillary ecosystem of vendors and consultants is also less mature in these emerging locations.

Finally, there must be a focus on reducing regulatory and compliance complexities. Navigating different state-level tax laws and business regulations can be complicated. Furthermore, companies must invest in cultural integration to align global corporate values with local workforce expectations and regional diversity.

India's journey to becoming the world's GCC powerhouse is a landmark achievement built on ambition, skill, and strategic governance. By continuing to reform, invest, and adapt, particularly in developing its emerging urban centers, the nation is poised to solidify its role as a global leader in innovation for generations to come.

(The author is former Secretary MeitY; Views expressed are personal)

18. India's 165,000 posts offices to go digital by Aug 4 in big tech push to speed up delivery

ETGov, 1 Aug. 2025

New Delhi: More than 86,000 post offices across the country have gone digital and by August 4 this year the entire network of nearly 1,65,000 post offices will have migrated to the new platform as part of the reform initiative launched by the Centre to reposition India Post as a technology-driven, citizen-centric logistics and e-commerce enabler, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

The technological transformation of India Post under the IT 2.0 framework is designed to introduce real-time track and trace capabilities, customised services for bulk customers, electronic proof of delivery, OTP-based authentication, digital payments, and open API integration, the statement said.

In line with industry's best practices, the Department has introduced centralised delivery for all categories of mail and parcels by setting up dedicated delivery centres that consolidate the service areas of existing post offices.

These delivery centres will enable the Department to offer flexible delivery services, including Sunday and holiday deliveries, as well as morning and evening delivery options.

A total of 344 delivery centres have been launched nationwide during Phase 1, the statement added.

One of the core pillars of this transformation is the integration of India Post's systems with major national digital commerce ecosystems.

According to officials, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will enable wallet-based prepaid bookings, centralised order tracking, and automated reconciliation with ONDC's accounting systems.

Through its collaboration with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), India Post will provide API-driven automated pricing and centralised dashboards for payment tracking and cash-on-delivery (COD) settlements, they said.

Union Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, on Tuesday, chaired a high-level review of the mail operations, parcel operations, and business strategy divisions of the Department of Posts.

"These enhancements must enable India Post to offer seamless, end-to-end logistics services comparable to those of leading market players," Pemmasani said while addressing the briefing.

"India Post's unmatched physical footprint must now be complemented by cutting-edge digital capabilities. This transformation is about scale, speed, and service for every Indian -- from the remotest village to the busiest metropolitan area," he added.

India Post is currently undergoing a comprehensive, technology-driven transformation under the IT 2.0 framework.

This initiative is part of a strategic roadmap aimed at positioning India Post as a strong competitor in the logistics industry, especially in the rapidly expanding e-commerce parcel delivery sector.

To drive this transformation, India Post has on-boarded a dedicated data analytics team working with IT 2.0 to enhance operational efficiency through route optimisation, smart sorting, and demand forecasting.

The focus is also on data-driven revenue generation, positioning India Post as a modern logistics force aligned with India's digital economy vision, the official statement added.

19. RDI Fund Sovereign Technology India: India Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund to Propel Global Tech Leadership

ETGovernment, 2 Aug. 2025

In a decisive push to fortify India’s position in the global technology arena, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sovereign technological advancement through the launch of a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform India from a technology importer into a cradle of indigenous innovation, anchored in self-reliance and strategic foresight.

The RDI Fund: A Catalyst for Private Sector R&D

At the core of this strategy lies the RDI Fund, envisioned to catalyse private sector-led research in deep-tech and sunrise sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technologies.

Anchored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, the scheme will offer long-term, low-interest loans and risk capital to boost innovation. A dedicated Deep-Tech Fund of Funds will further scale up private investment in transformative technologies.

Addressing India’s R&D Gap

India’s current Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) remains low, standing at around 0.64 percent of its GDP. This lags significantly behind the world’s leading innovation economies—Israel invests approximately 5.7 percent, South Korea nearly 4.8 percent, the United States about 3.5 percent, and China around 2.4 percent.

Notably, while private enterprise accounts for 70 to 90 percent of total R&D investment in many of these countries, in India it contributes only about 36 percent. The RDI Fund, therefore, seeks to reverse this imbalance by empowering Indian industry to lead in research and innovation.

Industry as a Strategic Partner

The government’s policy shift reflects a maturing confidence in the private sector's ability to partner in nation-building. Over the past decade, previously restricted sectors such as space and atomic energy have been opened up, triggering a wave of commercial interest and technological breakthroughs. India’s space economy has grown to $8 billion and is expected to reach $40 billion in the coming years.

Dr. Singh underscored the urgency of harnessing this momentum: “India’s technological footprint is expanding, and the world is watching. This is not the time to lag; it is the time to lead.” The Minister emphasised that sovereign technology is not just a buzzword—it is a strategic imperative in a world shaped by geopolitical flux and technological dependency.

The Prime Minister’s Endorsement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the RDI Fund as a “game changer in the world of research and innovation.”

He has repeatedly emphasised that India must build not only economic strength but also “techno-strategic autonomy,” where the journey from an idea to a scalable product is driven by Indian talent, tested in Indian conditions, and deployed with Indian values. The Prime Minister has also called for India to emerge as a global hub of ethical, inclusive, and affordable AI solutions—balancing scale with social conscience.

Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Infrastructure

Dr. Singh stressed the need for India to own and build its data repositories, warning against over-reliance on foreign datasets that lack the contextual nuance essential for solving India-specific challenges.

He cited the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) as a pioneering initiative in this direction. The IBDC now hosts over 10,000 whole-genome sequences collected under the Genome India project, making it a foundational pillar for biomedical research and national data sovereignty.

Innovation from the Heartland

Equally significant is the geographic and demographic diversification of India’s startup ecosystem. Nearly half of all new startups are emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, many led by women entrepreneurs. This shift marks a quiet but powerful decentralisation of innovation. The government has introduced targeted schemes to mainstream the participation of tribals, women, and rural youth, ensuring that the benefits of high-tech development are both inclusive and equitable.

Responsible AI and Human Intelligence

On the issue of artificial intelligence, Dr. Singh advocated a hybrid model that integrates human intelligence with algorithmic power. He warned against a blind rush into automation and underscored the ethical risks of unchecked AI proliferation. Instead, the emphasis must be on designing systems that complement human insight, rooted in India’s pluralistic values and cultural sensitivities.

The Road to Viksit Bharat @2047

As India charts its journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, sovereign technology is set to play a pivotal role. Dr. Singh identified key sectors that will define India’s ascent—space exploration, biotechnology, and the blue economy. These are not merely engines of GDP growth but strategic frontiers that will shape India’s place in the emerging multipolar world.

A Declaration of Technological Independence

The ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund is not merely a financial package—it is a declaration of technological independence. It signals India’s intent to stop playing catch-up and start setting the pace. In a global landscape where control over critical technologies determines strategic leverage, India is determined to emerge not as a client state of imported innovation but as a producer, partner, and pioneer.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded with a call to action: “In the next decade, the countries that lead in science and tech will lead the world. India has the talent, the institutions, and now the political will. The time to act is now.”

20. World’s First Fully Autonomous Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery Successfully Performed In Delhi

MSM, 1 Aug. 2025, Lifestyle Desk

World’s first fully autonomous robotic joint replacement surgery marks a turning point in medical innovation with unmatched precision and faster recovery.© Copyright (C) new18.com. All Rights Reserved.

Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospitals has made medical history by successfully conducting the world’s first fully autonomous robotic joint replacement surgery. This landmark procedure was carried out by the Arthroplasty Team using an advanced, next-generation robotic system that features the world’s only saw-based robotic arm with 7-axis movement.

“This autonomous robotic system delivers unmatched accuracy and supports minimally invasive surgery, ultimately resulting in quicker recovery, fewer complications, and greater surgical consistency. With over 20% of our joint replacements already performed robotically, we are confident this technology will redefine the future of orthopedic care in India.”

Founded by globally renowned joint replacement surgeon Dr Vikram Shah, Shalby Hospitals continues to lead in orthopedic innovation. With this breakthrough, the hospital reaffirms its status as a center of excellence for advanced joint replacement surgeries.

This revolutionary advancement is expected to benefit millions of patients worldwide, offering a safer, more precise, and less invasive approach to joint replacement surgery.

India and the World

21. India-UK Trade Deal: Gains for Farmers, Food Processors, Fisherfolk

Rural Voice, Jul. 24, 2025, R. Suryamurthy

Indian farmers are set to gain preferential access to the UK's substantial $37.5 billion agricultural market. Under CETA, 95% of agricultural and processed food tariff lines will attract zero duty, a monumental shift from previous tariffs that could reach as high as 70% on some processed food items. This direct pathway aims to make Indian produce more competitive for UK consumers.

India's agricultural and processed food sectors are poised for significant growth following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom. The landmark deal, inked today in New Delhi, is expected to unlock unprecedented market access for Indian farmers, food processors, and marine product exporters.

Key agricultural products slated for duty-free access include:

Fruits and Vegetables: A wide array of fresh and prepared Indian fruits and vegetables, benefiting farmers from states like Maharashtra (grapes, onions) and those growing spices in Kerala.

Cereals: Indian cereals, including various rice varieties like Basmati from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, will see smoother entry.

Spices: Turmeric from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, pepper, and cardamom will become more competitive in the UK market. The UK already imports a significant portion of India's spice exports, which are now primed for exponential growth.

Tea and Coffee: Indian tea and coffee, including specialty items such as Darjeeling Tea and Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh, will benefit from zero duties, enhancing their competitiveness.

This comprehensive market access is projected to increase India's agri-exports by over 20% in the next three years, contributing significantly to India's ambitious goal of achieving $100 billion in agri-exports by 2030.

Processed Food Sector Sees Major Gains

The processed food sector stands as a major beneficiary, with tariffs on 99.7% of its tariff lines slashed from up to 70% to zero. This includes a wide range of products crucial to India's agri-processing sector and rural economy, such as ready-to-eat meals, mango pulp and pickles, pulses, and packaged foods.

This duty elimination is expected to foster growth in food processing units nationwide, creating jobs and empowering rural communities by connecting them directly to global value chains.

Safeguarding India's Dairy Sector

Crucially, CETA has been meticulously designed to fully protect India's sensitive agricultural sectors, including dairy products, apples, edible oils, and oats. India has not offered any tariff concessions on these categories, safeguarding the interests of its domestic farmers and producers in these vital segments. This demonstrates a balanced approach, ensuring that while new opportunities are created, the foundational interests of India's agricultural economy remain secure.

Marine Products Set Sail for Growth

Beyond traditional agriculture, India's marine product exporters are poised for substantial gains. UK import duties on marine products, previously as high as 20% (with shrimp and tuna facing 4.2% to 8.5%), will now fall to zero. This opens up a significant $5.4 billion UK market for Indian seafood, directly benefiting coastal fisherfolk through improved price realization and higher procurement rates, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Exports of shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feeds are expected to see rapid growth.

Wider Benefits and Farmer Prosperity

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that the agreement will be a "catalyst for inclusive growth, benefiting farmers, artisans, workers, MSMEs, startups, and innovators." The provisions within CETA will also encourage innovation and promote sustainable practices, ensuring that Indian farming communities gain from easier access to the UK market and better returns for their produce. By reducing compliance costs and time-to-market, the agreement directly enhances the competitiveness of Indian agri-exporters, promoting rural prosperity and solidifying India's place as a key player in global agricultural trade.

Experts also weighed in on the deal's broader implications. Anil Talreja, Partner, Deloitte India, hailed it as a "watershed moment," emphasizing its role in strengthening trade, boosting investments, and fostering cooperation in emerging sectors. Shashi Mathews, Partner, CMS INDUSLAW, noted the swift phasing down of tariffs will lay the foundation for a deeper, forward-looking alliance.

The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) lauded the FTA as a landmark economic achievement. Mohit Singla, Chairman, TPCI, stated, "This landmark agreement not only grants nearly 99% of Indian goods duty-free access to the UK market, significantly boosting our export potential, but also introduces a historic provision: for the first time in any of India's trade agreements, Indian professionals working in the UK will be exempt from paying taxes for the first three years of their employment." He added that the agreement aligns with the vision of building globally recognized Indian brands and sets the stage for doubling India's exports and driving rural prosperity.

22. IMEC offers hope as Trump tariffs threaten Indian markets

Hindustan Times, 8 Aug. 2025

Two distinctly different yet related events took place on August 5-6, 2025, with regards to India. On the one hand, US President Donald Trump initially announced a tariff of 25% on Indian goods being exported to the US and then added another 25% the next day as a ‘punishment’ to India for supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine by buying cheap crude oil. Concurrently, the first official meeting of the eight signatory countries of the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEC) was held in Delhi, hosted by the National Security Council Secretariat. Along with the other country representatives, the US was represented by Ricky Gill, who is the special assistant to the US President for national security affairs and the US National Security Council’s senior director for South and Central Asia. The aim of the meeting was to find a way to kickstart the long delayed economic corridor, the IMEC.

The proposed structure of the IMEC has three distinct sections. The eastern section links India with West Asia via sea links, the central section is the overland route across the West Asian region, culminating at the port of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast in Israel. The western leg of the corridor is sea-bound, where the containers have to be put back on ships in Haifa, to be transported to various ports in Europe.

The success of IMEC depends upon developing a seamless connectivity network of ports, ships and rails. A digitally connected, uniform and fully integrated customs and regulatory framework is the backbone for success of such a project. In addition to transporting containers, IMEC also plans to include infrastructure for electricity transmission, digital connectivity, as well as pipelines for clean hydrogen export. When implemented in full, it promises to unlock new opportunities of multi-dimensional trade through multi-modal transport linkages across regions that have traditionally been close trade partners. It has the potential to facilitate faster and more efficient movement of goods, bypassing existing bottlenecks, reducing shipping delays, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting costs.

What does IMEC aim to achieve—for a start, closer integration of the three regions (India, West Asia and Europe) through trade and better connectivity. With Trump hitting India hard with tariffs, there were some speculation that the American delegation may not travel to India, but that did not happen and the delegation participated in the talks, the first of its kind since the announcement of IMEC on the sidelines of India’s G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023.

IMEC is one of the most transformative and ambitious projects announced with regards to economic integration and trade connectivity. In its concept, it is a bold vision to connect India with Europe across the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. It envisions a multi-modal economic corridor involving multiple businesses, integrating railways, ports, highways, energy networks, and digital infrastructure to enhance trade, investment, and connectivity across the continents. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project was signed by India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union (EU).

There is even talk of developing a southern leg in the IMEC later, which would then link up with key connectivity corridors in Africa to facilitate two-way trade with Africa too. For India, in particular, IMEC represents a strategic vision beyond physical infrastructure and is an instrument for building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive global order. For India, it aligns with its Act East and Link West policies and reinforces its role as a bridge between regions, enhancing both economic engagement and geopolitical influence.

As India charts its course towards becoming a developed nation and a $30 trillion economy by 2047, infrastructure corridors such as IMEC are vital drivers. Considering China’s current dominance in global manufacturing, which is at 30% versus India’s 3% share, India has a lot of ground to cover. For India to become the ‘factory of the world,’ industrial corridors would need to be scaled up, manufacturing capacity boosted, and these hubs must be linked through strategic infrastructure like IMEC.

In terms of trade between the Europe and India, IMEC can be an economic game changer and an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to India in March 2025, had pitched for the IMEC as an important cornerstone for enhancing India-EU trade. Earlier, the French President had described IMEC as a “fabulous catalyst” for concrete projects and investments while pitching Marseille port as one of the entry points for IMEC during PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 for the Global AI Summit.

The enthusiasm comes from the fact that the EU is India's largest trading partner, accounting for €124 billion worth of trade in goods in 2023 or 12.2% of total Indian trade, surpassing the US (10.8%) and China (10.5%). The EU is also the second-largest destination for Indian exports (17.5% of the total) after the US (17.6%).

On the other hand, however, India is the EU’s 9th largest trading partner, accounting for 2.2% of the EU's total trade in goods in 2023, well behind the US (16.7%), China (14.6%), or the UK (10.1%). Within this overall trade figures, trade in goods between the EU and India has increased by almost 90% in the last decade, whereas the trade in services between the EU and India reached €50.8 billion in 2023, up from €30.4 billion in 2020.

With this considerable volume of trade, the EU and India are looking for ways to enhance the trade potential further. Both sides are also negotiating an ambitious FTA (free trade agreement) which promises to increase trade beyond € 200 billion. One key issue that could help reach the agreement on FTA is a faster, more secure, and cheaper transit route, which the IMEC promises.

One of IMEC’s most unique dimensions is its integration of green hydrogen into the corridor’s architecture. The ability to transport green hydrogen across borders offers a major breakthrough for the global clean energy transition. India’s twin objectives—energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070—are closely tied to the successful deployment of renewable energy technologies. Green hydrogen emerges as a transformative energy carrier within this shift, offering long-duration energy storage, a replacement for fossil fuels in hard-to-abate industrial sectors, and clean mobility solutions.

Indian companies have taken huge strides in developing infrastructure for producing green hydrogen. Europe is looking at reliable markets to offer green fuel as they strive to achieve net zero emissions. IMEC offers India a unique opportunity to position itself as a global hub for green hydrogen. India has committed $2.5 billion toward building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem, with companies like Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro, and ReNew Energy Global leading infrastructure and technology deployment.

India has also emerged as the leader in producing and promoting solar energy. It is closely linked to India’s call for establishing One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative which envisions a globally interconnected solar grid, enabling real-time cross-border energy sharing. This model benefits India by reducing dependence on costly storage systems while maximising the efficiency of renewable generation. This too presents a unique opportunity for India to deepen its economic integration with the region as also deepen climate preservation, promote energy interdependence, and generate industrial and financial synergies.

Also, the combination of a faster route using IMEC for perishable, fast moving and costly goods while keeping the option of Suez Route running for bulk products like crude oil can become a win-win strategy for all stakeholders. When overlapped with the economic benefits of transporting green hydrogen, solar energy, high speed internet etc, IMEC can be a game changer in years to come.

Trump tariffs may have presented a challenge for India but it is also an opportunity to seek diversified and reliable partnerships. Europe too, which is reeling from tariff threats from the US and had to submit to its tariff demands, is looking at India as a reliable partner. Other signatories of IMEC, along with some potential additions like Egypt, Oman, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus and Greece already have close strategic ties with India. IMEC offers the perfect link for a faster, secure and more efficient between India and these countries. The fact that the project brings together economically strong, politically influential, and ideologically compatible countries, offering India a vital opportunity to cement its presence and deepen its influence in the region, is an added advantage.

The lessons from recent global shocks—including the Covid pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza War and the tariff war under the Trump administration highlight the urgent need for and secure connectivity options and resilient supply chains. IMEC offers a critical response to these disruptions by providing an alternative and reliable trade route.

With the right mix of infrastructure investment, diplomatic engagement, and institutional coordination, IMEC can become a cornerstone of 21st-century connectivity, linking continents and creating new avenues for shared prosperity. For India specifically, IMEC offers the perfect opportunity to look beyond the US tariff war, to explore all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

This article is authored by Rajeev Agarwal (retd), senior research consultant, CRF, Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi.

23. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of EEA Aircraft & Maintenance, S.A. (Portugal) and AXISCADES Technologies Ltd (India)

Miguel Braga, Board Member, EEA

India’s leading technology solutions provider in defense and aerospace, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EEA Aircraft & Maintenance S.A., a Portugal-based innovator behind the LUS-222 – Portugal’s first light regional aircraft.

The agreement marks a strategic alignment to jointly develop, industrialize and commercialize the LUS-222 program, across global markets, in particular India.

The MoU represents a key milestone in advancing Portugal’s regional aviation capabilities, creating new opportunities for international cooperation in aerospace development.

Under the agreement, AXISCADES will serve as the exclusive Indian partner for the LUS-222 program, contributing end-to-end expertise across aircraft engineering, industrialization, manufacturing, business development and funding initiatives.

EEA Aircraft & Maintenance, S.A. is leading the LUS-222 program with CEiiA Évora as its engineering base. Developed in partnership with the Portuguese Air Force, the LUS-222 aircraft has been designed from the ground up with focus on the operational realities and evolving mission needs of end-users. The LUS-222 is a next-generation light regional aircraft platform known for its versatility, STOL (short take-off and landing) capability on unpaved runways, and rear ramp door configuration, allowing flexible multi-role applications. It offers superior technical, operational, and logistical performance, making it a compelling solution in both civil and military aviation markets.

24. Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen: Uttar Pradesh Government Explores Green Hydrogen Partnerships in Japan

ETGov. 30 Jul. 2025

A delegation from the Uttar Pradesh government is in Japan to explore opportunities for collaboration, technology transfer and investment in green hydrogen and renewable energy. The visit is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen its clean energy initiatives and attract global partnerships in the sector.

The delegation is led by Awanish Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister and includes Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO of Invest UP and Inderjit Singh, Director of the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), as per the official statement. Their engagements are aimed at positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in clean energy innovation and development.

A major focus of the visit was a detailed interaction on the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that emits only water by converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The vehicle was highlighted as an example of the kind of sustainable mobility solutions the state is interested in promoting.

The Uttar Pradesh team is exploring potential partnerships for green hydrogen production and the establishment of Centres of Excellence to support innovation in sustainable energy and mobility. During the visit, the delegation toured the University of Yamanashi’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center, known for its research in advanced fuel cell technologies.

UPNEDA Director Inderjit Singh expressed interest in expanding collaboration with international institutions to enhance the state’s capacity for clean energy production. Areas of focus include solar energy, small-scale hydropower and biomass-based electricity.

The delegation is also seeking technology transfers that could enable domestic production of affordable renewable energy. These efforts align with the state’s long-term goals to support India’s clean energy transition and climate commitments.

The team also visited several advanced facilities, including the NESRAD Green Hydrogen Plant, the Suntory Hakushu Distillery—which utilizes Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology—and the Hydrogen Research Centre in Yamanashi. These visits are expected to provide insights into global best practices that could be implemented in Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative reflects Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, clean energy innovation and international cooperation.

25. US, India to launch powerful Earth-monitoring satellite

ETGov. 31 jul. 2025

Washington: A formidable new radar satellite jointly developed by the United States and India is set to launch Wednesday, designed to track subtle changes in Earth's land and ice surfaces and help predict both natural and human-caused hazards.

Dubbed NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), the pickup truck-sized spacecraft is scheduled to lift off at 5:40 pm (1210 GMT) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's southeastern coast, riding an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket.

Highly anticipated by scientists, the mission has also been hailed as a milestone in growing US-India cooperation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Our planet surface undergoes constant and meaningful change," Karen St Germain, director of NASA's Earth Science division, told reporters.

"Some change happens slowly. Some happens abruptly. Some changes are large, while some are subtle."

By picking up on tiny changes in the vertical movement of the Earth's surface -- as little as one centimeter (0.4 inches) -- scientists will be able to detect the precusors for natural and human-caused disasters, from earthquakes, landsides and volcanoes to aging infrastructure like dams and bridges.

"We'll see land substance and swelling, movement, deformation and melting of mountain glaciers and ice sheets covering both Greenland and Antarctica, and of course, we'll see wildfires," added St Germain, calling NISAR "the most sophisticated radar we've ever built."

Equipped with a 12-meter dish that will unfold in space, NISAR will record nearly all of Earth's land and ice twice every 12 days from an altitude of 464 miles (747 kilometers).

- Microwave frequencies -

As it orbits, the satellite will continuously transmit microwaves and receive echoes from the surface.

Because the spacecraft is moving, the returning signals are distorted -- but computer processing will reassemble them to produce detailed, high-resolution images.

Achieving similar results with traditional radar would require an impractically large 12-mile-wide dish.

NISAR will operate on two radar frequencies: L-band and S-band. The L-band is ideal for sensing taller vegetation like trees, while the S-band enables more accurate readings of shorter plants such as bushes and shrubs.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and India's ISRO shared the workload, each building components on opposite sides of the planet before integrating and testing the spacecraft at ISRO's Satellite Integration & Testing Establishment in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.

NASA's contribution came to just under $1.2 billion, while ISRO's costs were around $90 million.

India's space program has made major strides in recent years, including placing a probe in Mars orbit in 2014 and landing a robot and rover on the Moon in 2023.

Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force, recently became the second Indian to travel to space and the first to reach the International Space Station -- a key step toward India's own indigenous crewed mission planned for 2027 under the Gaganyaan ("sky craft") program.

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

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