Index of this Newsletter
INDIA
– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.
1. Building a more prosperous future for farmers
2. Great Nicobar port project enters first phase amid strategic debate Critics warn of ecological and cultural loss.
3. From waste to wealth: How agri-food firms are making money from discarded byproducts
4. Founder recalls meeting ex-kirana shop owner who built ₹6 crore business: 'You don’t know what's possible until...'
5. $15 billion game-changer: Reliance Jio readies for a big bang in space
– AGRICULTURE, FISHING & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
6. Scientists discover a plant that can wipe out weeds naturally: The eco-friendly the solution farmers have been waiting for
7. UP tops India in horticulture output again: Leads in potato, mango, peas
8. APEDA eyes UK, EU FTAs as 'game changers' for India's agri-exports
9. The new green revolution in Andhra Pradesh
10. Brinda Karat urges Agriculture Minister to withdraw rules undernew rural Employment Law, retain MNERGA
– INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURE
11. Adani Group, Brazil's Embraer finalize Dholera for setting up aircraft assembly line
12. CM Vijay backs Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai shipyard project in Thoothukudi; set to generate 15,000 jobs
13. India's big step towards clean fuel with green hydrogen from a nuclear reactor
14. NIO plans India's 1st hybrid floating renewable energy platform off Goa
15. Odisha lands largest-ever FDI as Adani-IHC JV signs ₹1 lakh cr aluminium project.
– SERVICES (IT, R&D, Tourism, Healthcare, etc.)
16. QS World University Rankings 2027: IITs lead as usual, but higher ranks for universities signal a shift
17. Soil's treasure: Scientists discovered a hidden phosphorus reservoir that could transform the future of food
18. BCA | The digital talent factory | CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
19. India's next pharmaceutical revolution
20. India emerges as world's largest retail, FMCG GCC hub; AI talent demand, hiring set to surge
INDIA & THE WORLD
21. India's solar farming model offers roadmap for Africa's food security
22. Why the next wave of Indian entrepreneurship will be global
23. Foreign degrees now at half the cost: 15 foreign university campuses to open in India by August
24. TN to get India’s first marine export SEZs with $1 Bn investment
25. India-Japan partnership is transforming Northeast: Where historic ties meet the future
* * *
DELHI, July 2026
NEWSLETTER, July 2026
INDIA
– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.
1. Building a more prosperous future for farmers
Hindustan Times, Jun.18. 2026 Ajay Govale
Key takeaways
Sustainable Practices: Focus on soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, and ecosystem resilience through crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, agroforestry, and integrated farming systems.
Economic Benefits: Reduces Reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, lowers input costs, improves yield stability (7–16% increase), and creates diversified income sources for farmers.
National Impact: Enhances food security, restores ecosystems, conserves groundwater, and strengthens long-term agricultural sustainability, requiring collective efforts from governments, communities, and institutions.
Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood for around 46% of the 1.47 billion people in India; it plays a critical role in the nation's economic, cultural and social stability. Over the past two decades, more people have left agriculture as their primary occupation and entered the secondary or tertiary sectors. Besides the limited resource (land) for output and earning capacity, an inherent issue in the agricultural sector, there are other issues, such as declining soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and climate volatility. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), around 1.7 billion people worldwide live in areas where productivity has declined due to land degradation.
According to ISRO's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India approximately 29.7% of India's total geographical area—about 97.85 million hectares—was undergoing land degradation in 2021.
One solution to the issue is regenerative agriculture, in which, beyond production, the focus is on restoring ecological balance. This is critical for restoring farmer welfare and the future of food systems.
Regenerative agriculture is not a new concept for conventional farmers in India. It is a practice that involves focus on soil health, strengthening biodiversity, conserving water, and improving ecosystem resilience. This is quite the opposite of modern intensive agricultural processes, which aim to maximize short-term yield and promote the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and monocropping.
Effective practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, agroforestry, organic nutrient management, and integrated farming systems have long been part of Indian agricultural practices. With regenerative farming practices, all of these should make a strong comeback.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (2024), India has one of the largest areas under cultivation (around 219.16 million hectares). The average value of ecosystem services provided by land commons in India is $90.5 billion (range: $24–192 billion), as highlighted by Sandhu et al. (2023).
Farmer prosperity is one outcome of sustainable agricultural development. Here is how regenerative practices can be a real game-changer. First, input costs can be lowered by reducing overall Reliance on fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation. Pesticides and fertilizers account for a major share of the pressure on Indian farmers (and the economy), and reducing their use will have a dual positive impact, as PM Modi advocated a couple of days ago.
Another factor here could be improved productivity and yield stability. According to a recent global meta-analysis by Hounkpatin et al. (2026), regenerative agriculture practices can increase crop yields by 7-16% in tropical and subtropical regions, making it an excellent option for Indian farmers.
Adding to the farmer prosperity angle, the incomes earned from agricultural practices are largely seasonal. As regenerative practices combine crops, trees, and livestock, they not only improve ecological resilience but also create diversified, multiple income sources for farmers.
At the end of the day, agricultural products are the most crucial part of a nation's sustenance and survival. If the country has farmland with greater biodiversity, healthier soils, and improved water retention, it will remain productive over the long term, a claim supported by research (a systematic 15-year review by Das et al., 2025).
The benefits of regenerative agricultural practices will not be limited to individual farms or farmers' incomes. When the agricultural ecosystem is healthy, it contributes to groundwater conservation, biodiversity restoration, improved air quality, reduced land degradation, and the supply of healthy food. From a national perspective, these things are critical to support food security.
First, India has a long legacy of conventional wisdom in farming, rooted in ecological balance and resource conservation. This traditional knowledge, when combined with innovation, technology and institutional support, can make the country a leader in regenerative agriculture. Real discussions are going around as awareness of sustainability, rural resilience, and responsible agricultural practices has increased.
However, regenerative farming cannot be the responsibility of a region, a state, or a group of organizations or farmers. It has to be a collective and collaborative effort. Besides stakeholders in the agricultural sector, governments, civil society organizations, financial institutions, and local communities, everyone needs to come together to create systems that benefit everyone. Sensitizing stakeholders to the benefits of regenerative agriculture requires a concerted effort to replace abstract training with empirical field trials. We cannot expect farmers to abandon ancestral wisdom for new techniques without visible justification. The most effective way to foster this evolution is through demonstration plots that provide undeniable proof: that regenerative farming isn't just environmentally sound but also economically superior, with reduced inputs and improved output.
Rural resilience and farmer prosperity are the two direct outcomes of regenerative agricultural practices. The long-term impact will be much more than this. By restoring soil health, conserving natural resources, and strengthening ecosystem services, it will be possible to address serious issues the country (and the world) is currently facing.
The future of agriculture should not be measured by per-hectare output but by ensuring the very foundation that farming remains feasible and possible for future generations. Thus, the need of the hour is for the government, the civil society organizations and the private sector to join hands and make concerted efforts on the ground across the country to strongly advocate for the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in the near future.
(The views expressed are personal)
This article is authored by Ajay Govale, senior vice president, Climate & Community Resiliency, United Way Mumbai.
More from Hindustan Times on their site
2. Great Nicobar port project enters first phase amid strategic debate
Daily Jagram, June 19. 2026, Pratap Heblikar
Mega port launch: The Great Nicobar Project's first phase begins with a deep-water transhipment terminal designed to handle six million TEUs.
Strategic chokepoint: Located near the Strait of Malacca, the project aims to boost India's trade capacity and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Environmental concerns: Opponents cite deforestation, disruption of endangered species, and risks to the isolated Shompen tribe.
India launches the first phase of a deep-water port.
The Great Nicobar Project has entered its initial phase, anchored by the International Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay. Designed to handle six million TEUs in phase one, the Rs 20,000 crore facility aims to complete construction within three years. Authorities aim to reduce Reliance on foreign ports such as Colombo and Singapore, keeping more transhipment revenue within India.
Strategic location near vital shipping lanes
Great Nicobar lies close to the western entrance to the Strait of Malacca, a chokepoint that carries nearly 80% of China's crude oil imports and two-thirds of its trade. Indian officials and analysts see the port and planned airport as enhancing maritime domain awareness, offering leverage in regional security, and countering China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean under its 'String of Pearls' strategy.
This island has strategic value because it sits right at the mouth of Malacca…And if it is [developed as] a commercial setup, no one would be able to object. It is a great place to monitor all the traffic, coming in and out of the strait…It would give India an edge in maritime domain awareness.
Shekhar Sinha, former vice chief of the Indian Navy
Supporters tout economic and security benefits.
Proponents argue the project's natural deep-water advantage will attract global shipping, lower costs, and position India as a transhipment hub on the busy east–west maritime trunk route. They contend it will create jobs, improve connectivity, and provide dual-use infrastructure for both commercial and defence purposes, aligning with India's Act East policy and long-term Indo-Pacific ambitions.
The merits or otherwise of the Great Nicobar Project (GNP) can be examined in four domains—strategic, economic, environmental and aspirational. With China expanding its naval presence and port footprints, the Indo-Pacific region is now the world's most contested maritime space. The Strait of Hormuz reiterates the deterrent value of geography. Something we too are blessed with at the Great Nicobar. It strengthens India's position in three ways: Maritime domain awareness: In the region and across the chokepoint of the 6-degree channel; Dual-use infrastructure: Ports and airports bestow dual-use, enhance disaster response, logistics and operational reach; and, Strategic redundancy: As China deepens its presence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, India needs sovereign infrastructure that external political shifts cannot compromise.
Critics warn of ecological and cultural loss.
Environmentalists and tribal rights groups warn that the project could destroy critical habitats, including leatherback turtle nesting beaches, and lead to large-scale deforestation. They caution that the influx of settlers and construction could devastate the Shompen tribe, one of the world's most isolated communities, and alter the island's fragile ecosystems. Opponents also question the adequacy of environmental assessments and the relocation of coral reefs. Counterview + 2
The Great Nicobar debate is not about choosing between development and the environment; it is about balancing both. India needs strategic infrastructure, energy security and economic growth. At the same time, the island's forests, coral reefs and indigenous heritage are national assets that cannot be replaced.
Pratap Heblikar, emeritus visiting faculty at Rashtriya Raksha University
3. From waste to wealth: How agri-food firms are making money from discarded byproducts
CNBC-TV18, June 04 2026, Sharad Vats
Key takeaways
Circular Economy Impact: Agri-food firms are transforming byproducts such as almond hulls, citrus peels, and pistachio shells into high-value products, including bioplastics, functional foods, cosmetics, and livestock feed.
Corporate Integration in India: Companies such as ITC Limited, Godrej Agrovet, and Suguna Foods are using agricultural residues as strategic raw materials, reducing costs and generating new revenue streams.
Operational Challenges & Innovation: Scaling circular models requires managing perishable waste, aligning farm yields with corporate demand, and investing in long-term AgTech solutions to maximise commercial value.
From waste to wealth: How agri-food firms are making money from discarded byproducts© Copyright (C) https://cnbctv18.com. All Rights Reserved.
For decades, the standard operating procedure for industrial agricultural processing was linear: harvest, process, and discard the residuals. Today, an escalating combination of climate volatility, supply chain vulnerabilities and regulatory pressures is forcing a fundamental rewrite of that playbook.
Agricultural byproducts—long written off as costly waste management liabilities—are rapidly being transformed into premium revenue streams.
Driven by the systemic integration of circular economy principles, forward-thinking food and agriculture companies are no longer focused solely on mitigating environmental impact; they are actively re-engineering their waste streams to unlock untapped commercial value and improve operational margins.
The Economics of the Circular Agri-Food System
The shift from conventional waste management to resource optimisation marks a critical stage in the evolution of corporate sustainability initiatives. Rather than viewing sustainability efforts as a compliance burden, global business leaders are increasingly recognizing that circular food systems can provide a direct hedge against raw-material price volatility.
By assessing residual biomass not through the lens of disposal costs but as a source of valuable raw materials, companies are identifying high-margin commercial opportunities.
Materials such as nutrient-rich almond hulls, citrus peels containing essential oils, and pistachio shells are being systematically evaluated for high-value applications, including bio-based plastics, functional food ingredients, cosmetic products, and specialised livestock feed.
This trend is gaining momentum as businesses seek to balance ambitious environmental targets with the commercial imperative of expanding margins across global supply chains.
Corporate Integration: Institutional Blueprints in India
While international processors have focused heavily on fruit and nut residuals, the practical implementation of circular agribusiness is also taking shape across major Indian corporate supply chains. Data from large diversified conglomerates and agribusiness firms show that processing waste is increasingly being treated as a strategic raw material asset:
• ITC Limited (Paperboards & Speciality Papers Division): The conglomerate systematically utilises agricultural residues, including wheat straw and bagasse from sugar processing. This approach diverts crop waste directly into industrial paper production, reducing Reliance on virgin wood pulp and lowering raw-material procurement costs.
• Godrej Agrovet: The agribusiness company focuses on processing oil palm and poultry waste streams. By recovering residues from palm oil extraction and processing, the company converts byproducts into specialised animal feed ingredients and organic fertilizers, maximizing value from every metric tonne of biomass.
• Suguna Foods: The poultry producer processes organic manufacturing waste into high-protein animal meals and specialized poultry fats, using closed-loop production systems to reduce primary feed formulation costs.
Navigating the Farm-to-Precision Friction
However, scaling these circular models introduces significant operational complexities that distinguish agribusiness from other industrial sectors. Aggregating, processing, and stabilizing biological waste streams requires extensive logistical coordination, particularly when dealing with perishable, highly seasonal raw materials.
The central challenge lies in farming itself, which must align with strict, standardized corporate demand. Agribusiness executives are tasked with maintaining consistent quality standards for customers while managing highly unpredictable, climate-exposed crop yields at the sourcing stage.
"You're trying to reconcile unpredictability at the farm level with precision at the customer level," says Siraj Cotecha, a Los Angeles-based food and agriculture executive.
"Sustainability initiatives must also make commercial sense to achieve long-term success. I don't see sustainability and business goals as competing. The best solutions solve both."
The Horizon of Long-Term AgTech Innovation
While investment in sustainable agriculture, alternative ingredients and waste-reduction technologies continues to accelerate, industry data suggest that the development cycle for agricultural innovation remains distinctly long-term.
Unlike software-based solutions that can be deployed rapidly, biological systems require multi-year time horizons shaped by natural crop cycles, extensive field testing and stringent regulatory compliance requirements.
Nevertheless, as resource constraints become more pronounced, the ability to optimize processing residuals is likely to become a key differentiator between low-margin processors and high-performing, vertically integrated agribusiness leaders. The future of global food production will belong to those capable of extracting the maximum commercial value from every harvested acre.
More from CNBC-TV18 on their site
4. Founder recalls meeting ex-kirana shop owner who built ₹6 crore business: 'You don't know what's possible until...'
Hindustan Times, 13 Jul. 2026, Bhavya Sukheja
Key takeaways
Kirana to $700k ARR: A former grocery shop owner in Dharamshala built a business generating around $700,000 annually with just 2 team members, showing the power of leverage.
Niche entrepreneurship: Founder met individuals running specialised businesses, including a visa consultancy and a quantitative trading business using AI, highlighting careers beyond conventional city paths.
Perspective shift: Experiencing these stories firsthand teaches that boundaries of success are broader than commonly believed, inspiring new ways to think about possibilities.
In the post, the founder recalled meeting several people who had built highly specialised businesses.
A startup founder has sparked a discussion on unconventional career paths after sharing how meeting a former grocery shop owner in Himachal Pradesh changed his perspective on success.
Harshil Tomar, founder of Dream Launch Studios, shared on X that he met a man who went from running a kirana store to building a business generating around $700,000 (approximately ₹6 crore) in annual recurring revenue (ARR) with a team of just 2 people. "I met a guy in Dharamshala who went from running a kirana shop to building a $700k ARR empire with a 2-person team," he wrote.
The founder said that growing up in a city often limits people's understanding of career opportunities to conventional professions such as technology, marketing, sales or human resources. He said many are taught to choose one of these paths and build their careers within those boundaries.
"Growing up in a city teaches you a narrow menu of careers. Tech, marketing, sales, HR. You pick one and build inside its boundaries," he wrote.
Certified for Your Project
Describing his experience in Dharamshala, Tomar said that the former shopkeeper was not the only person who broadened his perspective during the trip. He recalled meeting several people who had built highly specialised businesses.
The founder shared that he also met someone running a business that helps people navigate international visa processes, a niche industry whose day-to-day operations he admitted he had never fully understood.
Another individual had left an MNC job to focus on quantitative trading and built a personal simulation engine using Anthropic's AI assistant Claude, not as a product to sell, but solely to improve his own trading strategies. Tomar said that the trader had "more clarity about his one narrow thing than most founders I know have about their entire company."
Reflecting on the experience, he wrote that reading about niche businesses online was very different from meeting the people behind them. "I'd read about niche businesses like this before. Reading about it and sitting across a table from someone living it are two completely different experiences," he said.
Tomar concluded by saying such interactions reshape one's understanding of what is possible. "You don't know what's actually possible until you're surrounded by people who've already proven the boundaries you grew up believing in were never real to begin with," he said.
Social media reactions
The post struck a chord with many users, who echoed Tomar's views on leverage and unconventional entrepreneurship.
"The 2-person part is the whole story. Nobody's city career menu tells you a kirana shop owner can out-earn an entire department with the right leverage. Sitting across from someone living it hits different than reading about it," one user wrote.
Another commented, "GOAT doing GOAT things."
Visit Hindustan Times
5. $15 billion game-changer: Reliance Jio readies for a big bang in space
The Economic Times, June 18 2026
Key takeaways
Massive Satellite Network: Planning 1,600–1,650 LEO satellites at ~650 km altitude for broadband and direct-to-device connectivity, potentially rivalling Starlink and Amazon Leo.
Digital Sovereignty aims to secure Indian-controlled orbital slots, reduce Reliance on foreign operators, and enhance national security for communications.
Economic & Market Edge: High capital intensity ($10–15B), but Jio's existing telecom base could enable faster adoption and competitive pricing in rural, enterprise, and emerging markets.
$15 billion game-changer: Reliance Jio readies for a big bang in space
Reliance Jio is quietly laying the groundwork for what could become India's most ambitious telecom infrastructure project yet. The company is planning a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of around 1,600 to 1,650 satellites at roughly 650 km altitude, according to an ET report based on sources.
The goal is not just broadband from space but also direct-to-device connectivity, effectively extending Jio's terrestrial dominance into orbit. The project, still under evaluation by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), could cost between $10 billion and $15 billion and be executed over the next two to three years. If realised, it would mark the first large-scale Indian entry into a domain currently dominated by global giants like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper, now called Amazon Leo.
Reliance Jio plans 1,650-satellite LEO network for broadband services.
A full-stack telecom push into orbit.
What stands out in the Reliance Jio plan is the scale and ambition. A 1,600-plus satellite network places Jio in the same league as the biggest global LEO players. Starlink currently operates the largest constellation in the world, with about 10,000 satellites in orbit. Amazon Leo already has a few hundred satellites in this orbit and is also building a multi-thousand-satellite system, while Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by the Bharti Group, has over 600 satellites already deployed.
Jio's plan indicates something more structural than competition. It suggests the creation of a vertically integrated telecom stack in which connectivity is no longer dependent on towers, fibre, or even geography. Instead, Jio Platforms could control everything from spectrum-backed terrestrial networks to space-based broadband beams, and potentially even user devices in the future through direct-to-device connectivity.
The sovereignty angle
One of the most important undercurrents in this move is digital sovereignty. The ET report says that government support for Jio is likely to be used to file with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to secure orbital slots for an Indian entity entering a strategically sensitive sector. This is not just a commercial play but a geopolitical one.
Globally, satellite communication has increasingly become entangled with national security concerns. Satellite internet systems such as Starlink played operational roles in conflict zones, reinforcing the idea that LEO constellations are dual-use infrastructure. Against this backdrop, India's push to develop domestic capacity is consistent with broader policy thinking around reducing Reliance on foreign-controlled infrastructure for critical communications.
Musk's Starlink may face curbs on satellite data routing in India.
ET reported recently that the government is unlikely to allow interlinked satellites for providing internet services, as that would allow data to bypass national borders, according to people aware of the matter, posing a hurdle for Elon Musk's Starlink, which uses the technology to channel traffic. "The laser inter-satellite link (LISL) tech allows the new generation Starlink satellites to beam data directly to one another in space, forming a mesh network above Earth, creating a unique security challenge," said one of the persons.
This could mean Indian data being routed through hostile jurisdictions or surveillance hubs before reaching its destination. The issue has been raised with satellite firms, including Starlink, and safeguards are being planned to prevent it, the person said. "The older generation of Starlink satellites don't have the laser link tech," said another person. "For the newer ones, the laser links are likely to be disabled or heavily restricted for traffic routing involving Indian users."
The government is taking a cautious approach toward Starlink's security approval due to the threat potential, the ET report said. SpaceX controls the interlinked satellite system in the US, which allows the satcom firm to turn connectivity on and off remotely, said a third person, underscoring the serious nature of the concern. "The tech was widely used during the Ukraine and West Asia wars, wherein the coverage was geofenced and modified by SpaceX remotely," the person told ET. "Starlink has to programme its routing tables to ensure that any data packet originating from an Indian terminal must downlink to an Indian gateway. It won't be allowed to jump to a foreign gateway."
Companies planning to provide satcom services, such as the Jio-SES satellite joint venture and Eutelsat Oneweb, don't use laser link technology, leaving Starlink as the only player affected. However, none of the three have got security clearance to start services yet.
In such a situation, if Jio succeeds, India would gain a sovereign communications layer in space, reducing dependence on foreign operators for rural connectivity, disaster recovery networks and potentially even defence-adjacent communications resilience.
The capital intensity challenge
A big question mark would be over economic viability. A $10–15 billion investment is only the beginning. LEO constellations are notoriously capital-intensive because satellites have limited lifespans, typically around five to seven years, requiring constant replenishment.
The ET report says the system could generate multi-terabit capacity depending on satellite configuration. That is significant but monetisation will depend heavily on usage density. Unlike terrestrial telecom, where infrastructure costs are amortised across dense urban populations, satellite broadband must recover costs from sparsely distributed users in rural, maritime, and aviation segments, as well as enterprise customers.
This is where Jio's domestic advantage becomes crucial. Unlike Starlink or Amazon Leo, which must build markets from scratch in many regions, Jio already has one of the largest telecom subscriber bases in the world. Bundling satellite broadband into existing Jio services could be the key to utilization rates that justify the economics.
Reliance eyes billions in LEO satellites to build India's answer to Starlink.
Pressure on global players
Jio's entry might also reshape the competitive landscape of the LEO industry. Today, the sector is defined by a few dominant players -- SpaceX with Starlink, Amazon with Amazon Leo and regional consortia like Eutelsat OneWeb. Amazon is already deploying its own constellation, while OneWeb has advanced deployments with Bharti Group as a major stakeholder. Jio's entry effectively creates a new heavyweight backed by India's largest telecom ecosystem.
Unlike many Western entrants, Jio's model is likely to be deeply price-sensitive and volume-driven. That could put downward pressure on global pricing if it scales successfully, particularly in emerging markets across Asia, Africa and parts of the Middle East where cost is a decisive factor.
Another important implication will be convergence. Jio Platforms already operates across telecom, digital services and cloud infrastructure. A satellite layer completes the stack. In practical terms, this could allow Jio to deliver uninterrupted connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, switching seamlessly between fibre, 5G and satellite links. For enterprise customers, this could mean resilient global connectivity solutions without dependence on multiple vendors. It also opens up new possibilities in edge computing. With LEO satellites acting as distributed nodes, latency-sensitive applications such as remote industrial operations, maritime logistics tracking, and aviation connectivity could become more reliable.
However, several complexities are involved. Orbital slot allocation through the ITU is highly competitive, and spectrum coordination is complex. The ET report indicates that the Indian government is likely to support Jio's filings, but global coordination may still be required. There is also the question of space congestion. With thousands of satellites already in orbit and tens of thousands more planned globally, low Earth orbit is becoming increasingly crowded. Collision risk, space debris management and long-term orbital sustainability are emerging issues that regulators and operators will need to address collectively.
The inorganic option?
An earlier ET report from last month said that Reliance was also exploring inorganic entry into the satellite sector, including potential acquisitions of existing operators with orbital assets and infrastructure. While the latest report does not emphasize this route, it might remain strategically relevant.
In a fast-moving spectrum market, acquisitions can be a shortcut to spectrum rights, orbital positioning, and technical expertise. If organic deployment timelines stretch or regulatory delays emerge, inorganic moves could re-enter the picture as a parallel strategy. However, Reliance has not confirmed any move so far, neither organic nor inorganic.
A platform play disguised as a satellite project
At its core, this is not just a space project but also a platform expansion strategy. By embedding satellite connectivity into Jio Platforms, which is also preparing for a public listing, Reliance is effectively broadening the definition of telecom from national infrastructure to global infrastructure.
If executed at scale, the implications go beyond competition. It could redefine how India connects rural populations, how enterprises design resilient networks and how the country positions itself in the global satellite communications economy. What is visible in the Reliance plan is a layered connectivity architecture in which space is no longer separate from telecom but an extension of it. And in that architecture, Jio is attempting not just to be a participant but one of its pioneer builders.
For more news like this, visit The Economic Times.
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- Agriculture, Fishing and Rural Development
6. Scientists discover a plant that can wipe out weeds naturally: The eco-friendly the solution farmers have been waiting for
TOI Trending Desk, November 21
Key takeaways
Natural Compound Discovery: Researchers found that Manchurian walnut leaves contain 2Z-decaprenol, a compound that kills weeds naturally by disrupting root growth and stress-response genes, outperforming traditional herbicides.
Multi-Pathway Action: Unlike synthetic herbicides, this plant-based compound targets multiple biological pathways, reducing the likelihood of weed resistance.
Environmental Benefits: The compound is renewable, biodegradable, and safe for soil, water, and beneficial organisms, offering a sustainable alternative for organic farming and gardens.
Most discoveries in agriculture come from laboratories, chemical formulations or major research programmes. Yet sometimes nature itself holds the real breakthrough. That is exactly what researchers realized when a simple plant leaf from the Manchurian walnut tree showed extraordinary weed-killing potential. Instead of relying on synthetic sprays or harsh chemicals, this natural compound works quietly within the soil to stop weeds from growing. The finding surprised many scientists because it suggests that a plant leaf natural weed killer could outperform some standard herbicides and offer a safer alternative for farms and home gardens.
A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry identified a compound called 2Z-decaprenol extracted from Juglans mandshurica leaves. The research showed that this compound disrupted root development, triggered defence pathways and interfered with stress-response genes in weeds. What shocked scientists most was its strength. The plant leaf natural weed killer proved far more potent than juglone, a previously known allelopathic compound found in walnut species. This discovery has opened a new chapter in eco-friendly weed management.
Walnut leaf extract found to trigger a powerful natural weed-killing effect
The discovery began with a soil-based test designed to copy what happens when walnut leaves fall to the ground and start decomposing. Researchers from Kyushu University and collaborating institutions were studying how certain leaves release chemicals into nearby soil. When they isolated the non-polar fraction of the leaf extract, they noticed an intense effect on the roots of test plants. The seedlings curled, struggled to grow and showed signs of stress. These consistent results led researchers to identify the plant leaf's natural weed killer responsible for the changes.
How does this plant kill the unwanted weeds?
Scientists discover a plant that can wipe out weeds naturally: The eco-friendly solution farmers have been waiting for
Unlike many synthetic herbicides that target a single enzyme or protein, this natural compound appears to act through multiple pathways simultaneously. The peer-reviewed study found that the walnut leaf compound both activated defence signals and suppressed essential stress-resistance pathways in weeds. This combination made the targeted plants highly vulnerable. What makes the plant leaf natural weed killer remarkable is how efficiently it disrupts internal processes. Because it acts on multiple biological layers, plants may struggle to develop resistance in the future, a major problem with modern chemical herbicides.
Why this plant could be safer for the environment
One of the most promising aspects of this discovery is its environmental impact. The compound comes from a plant leaf, making it renewable, biodegradable, and less likely to leave persistent residues in soil or water. Walnut trees, including the Manchurian walnut, shed leaves seasonally, and the compounds can be extracted from agricultural byproducts such as leaves, husks and trimmings. Farmers and environmental scientists are particularly interested in this plant-based natural weed killer because it may provide weed control without contributing to pollution or harming beneficial insects, microbes, or surrounding ecological systems.
How this natural weed killer could change farming
Although the discovery is groundbreaking, it is not yet ready for direct commercial use. Further tests are needed to understand dosage, application methods and safety for crops and non-target plants. However, the potential applications are wide. The plant leaf natural weed killer could become part of new organic herbicide products for farms, gardens, orchards and public green spaces. It may also inspire future research into other plant species with hidden allelopathic compounds that naturally suppress weeds. If developed into a spray or soil treatment, this compound could drastically reduce Reliance on synthetic chemicals.
What challenges does the plant still face?
Like any scientific breakthrough, this one comes with challenges. Extracting the compound at scale requires cost-effective techniques. Researchers must also test how it performs under different climates, soil types and levels of organic matter. Another concern is selectivity. The plant leaf natural weed killer must target weeds without harming crops. Regulatory reviews and environmental assessments will also be necessary before widespread adoption. Still, experts believe the challenges are worth addressing because of the long-term benefits to agriculture and the environment.
This discovery marks a major moment in sustainable agriculture. A simple plant leaf, often overlooked, contains a compound powerful enough to challenge established weed-control methods. The plant leaf natural weed killer is more than a scientific curiosity. It is a reminder that nature often has solutions hidden in plain sight. As researchers continue to study and refine this finding, we may soon see a new generation of natural herbicides that protect crops, reduce chemical use and maintain ecological balance. The future of weed control may begin not in a factory, but in the quiet fall of a walnut leaf, inspiring broader innovation rooted directly in nature's wisdom.
More from Entertainment Times on their site
7. UP tops India in horticulture output again: Leads in potato, mango, peas
The Times of India, June 17, 2026
Key takeaways
Top Crops: UP is the largest producer of potatoes (250.6 lakh MT), mangoes (61.9 lakh MT), and green peas (37.6 lakh MT), contributing 16.4% of India's total horticulture output.
Horticulture Area & Support: Crops are grown on 26 lakh hectares (~8.6% of the national area). Farmers benefit from 40% subsidies under MIDH, boosting crop survival and income.
Diverse Production: UP also leads in guava, capsicum, bottle gourd, watermelon, muskmelon, mushrooms, and honey, ranking high in several other fruits and vegetables, with horticulture contributing 28% to the state's agricultural economy.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has retained its position as the country's biggest contributor to horticulture production, emerging as the largest producer of potatoes, mangoes and green peas, according to the second advance estimates for 2025-26.
The state produced 250.6 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of potatoes, 61.9 lakh MT of mangoes and 37.6 lakh MT of green peas (matar) during the period. At the national level, production stood at 598.8 lakh MT for potatoes, 236.2 lakh MT for mangoes and 72.3 lakh MT for peas.
With 16.4% of India's total horticulture output, Uttar Pradesh remains the single largest contributor. The state ranks first in vegetable production and third in fruit production, reflecting continued gains in both acreage and yield.
Horticultural crops are cultivated across about 26 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, around 8.6% of the country's total horticulture area of 301.5 lakh hectares. The state's horticulture production is estimated at 618.2 lakh MT, out of the national total of 3,777.7 lakh MT.
Under the centrally sponsored Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), farmers are provided a 40% subsidy on input costs for several crops, subject to an 80% crop survival rate in the first year.
State minister Dinesh Pratap Singh said the performance reflects sustained government efforts to raise farm incomes, promote crop diversification and strengthen the horticulture value chain.
Uttar Pradesh also leads in guava, capsicum, bottle gourd, watermelon, muskmelon, water chestnut (singhara), mushrooms, and honey production; ranks second in amla, sweet potato, and carrot; and ranks third in banana. Horticulture accounts for about 28% of the state's agricultural economy.
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8. APEDA eyes UK, EU FTAs as 'game changers' for India's agri-exports
Asianet News Central, June 17 2026
Key takeaways
FTAs as Game Changers: APEDA views the UK and EU free trade agreements as key to levelling the playing field for Indian exporters, especially for processed food products through tariff liberalization.
Startups & FPOs Boost: Over 100 agri-startups supported under APEDA's Bharti programme and nearly 1,400 FPOs integrated into export chains, aiming to reach 3,000 members soon.
Expanding Export Reach: Agricultural exports account for 12% of India's merchandise exports, with efforts to diversify products and regions, including litchis and Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand.
APEDA eyes UK, EU FTAs as 'game changers' for India's agri-exports
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is banking on upcoming free trade agreements (FTAs), agri-startups and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to drive the next phase of growth in India's agricultural exports, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said.
FTAs as 'Game Changers'
In an interview with ANI, Dev described the recently concluded FTAs with the UK and the European Union as potential "game changers" for India's agricultural exporters. He said the agreements would place Indian exporters on a level playing field with competitors in the UK and EU markets, particularly benefiting processed food products as tariff lines are liberalized. According to Dev, APEDA's regional offices are actively educating exporters on rules of origin to ensure they can avail themselves of the benefits offered under the FTAs.
Strengthening Ecosystem with Startups and FPOs
Apart from trade agreements, APEDA is focusing on strengthening the agricultural export ecosystem through innovation and greater farmer participation. Highlighting the success of APEDA's Bharti programme for agri-startups, Dev said more than 100 startups were supported in its first edition. Eight of these startups will be showcased at an event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He also underlined efforts to integrate FPOs into export value chains. APEDA currently has around 1,400 FPO members and aims to increase the number to nearly 3,000 this year. A dedicated FPO export promotion programme is also expected to be launched within the next two to three months.
Expanding Export Share and Reach
Dev said agricultural exports currently account for around 12 per cent of India's total merchandise exports and expressed confidence that the share would increase further in the coming years. He also highlighted efforts to source exportable produce from untapped regions, including the Northeast and landlocked states. As examples, he cited recent exports of litchi and Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand, which he said reflected APEDA's efforts to diversify both India's export geography and product basket. (ANI)
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9. The new green revolution in Andhra Pradesh
Hindustan Times, June 19. 2026, Ramanan Laxminarayan
Key takeaways
Natural Farming Success: The APCNF programme has reached 1.8 million farm families, promoting zero budget natural farming that replaces synthetic inputs with biological alternatives, boosting profits by 124% without reducing yields.
Women-Led Networks: Self-help groups play a key role, providing peer learning, local accountability, and training, empowering women farmers while supporting gradual adoption.
Sustainable Transition: Unlike Sri Lanka's rushed shift, Andhra Pradesh uses a voluntary, phased approach that requires farmer-trainers, demonstration plots, and social networks to scale natural farming safely and effectively.
Entire agricultural systems can change when farmers are given the knowledge and confidence to experiment for themselves. This is worth remembering because the original Green Revolution did not spread overnight either.
This month, a government-run farming programme in Andhra Pradesh was awarded the prestigious $1.5 million Food Planet Prize. The winner was the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), which the jury described as one of the most ambitious transitions to agroecology ever attempted. Over the past decade, around 1.8 million farm families have adopted APCNF's natural farming practices across thousands of villages and nearly 1 million hectares. Organized through women's self-help groups and a network of farmer-trainers, the programme aims to reach all six million farmers in the state by 2030.
APCNF's zero-budget natural farming method draws on the work of farming innovator Subhash Palekar. It replaces synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with locally prepared biological inputs and practices designed to restore soil ecology. Instead of feeding plants with concentrated doses of soluble nutrients, the aim is to feed the soil's living community, allowing it to nourish the crop.
Conversion to natural farming under APCNF has been entirely voluntary. Farmers typically begin on a fraction of their land, keep the remainder under conventional cultivation, compare results for a season, and then decide whether to expand. Each village receives several years of support. This gradual approach separates the state's experience from the cautionary tale of Sri Lanka that is often invoked in discussions about natural farming.
In April 2021, the Sri Lankan government which was facing a forex crisis, banned the import of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides almost overnight and ordered the country's farmers to go organic without any warning. Within a season, paddy yields fell sharply, rice imports surged, and tea exports suffered major losses. Although the policy was reversed within months and led to a fall in government, it became the standard warning that natural farming cannot feed a nation, and can cause civil instability. But Sri Lanka's experience of a hurried, unplanned transition that did not give farmers time to adapt stands in sharp contrast to Andhra Pradesh's.
In fact, a peer-reviewed study based on APCNF suggests that across 206 harvests, natural farming did not alter yields. Yet, by eliminating the cost of purchased inputs, it increased farmers' profits by an estimated 124%. The same study also found higher biodiversity on natural-farming land, particularly among bird species associated with pest control and ecosystem health. However, results varied across farms, suggesting that natural farming is not guaranteed to succeed everywhere. Also, biodiversity gains will depend on broader land-use policies, not just farming practices.
The more interesting question is how Andhra Pradesh managed to spread natural farming at such scale and speed. Part of the answer lies in women's self-help groups. These village collectives already existed as trusted financial and social institutions and provided peer learning, local accountability, small loans, and a channel to reach the women who do much of the actual cultivation, but often own little of the land. Natural farming depends less on purchased inputs, than on knowledge and farmer-to-farmer learning. Conventional extension systems were designed to distribute standardised packages of seeds and fertiliser, but natural farming requires a shift in thinking and practice, which takes time and works better through farmer social networks and handholding.
Scaling beyond these self-help networks has proven more difficult. State agriculture departments are focused on the chemical model, with performance often measured by fertiliser utilisation and crop production targets. India spends enormous sums subsidizing synthetic fertilizer, reinforcing the very dependence that natural farming seeks to reduce. Meanwhile, natural farming requires knowledge that is difficult to deliver through conventional extension systems, and risk-averse smallholders need support during transition years. Overcoming these barriers will require investment in farmer-trainers, demonstration farms, and modest protections against losses during conversion.
Then, there is the question whether natural farming shifts additional labour onto women, who often prepare biological inputs, manage cover crops, and undertake tasks that chemicals once replaced. However, studies suggest that women participating in these programs report greater access to training, stronger roles in decision-making, and a more visible identity as farmers rather than helpers. This is not to deny the female labour involved, but to reduce female drudgery through better tools and innovation while preserving the gains in agency.
The Andhra Pradesh experience shows that, while natural farming is not costless, millions of farmers can be persuaded to convert to this more sustainable farming method. Over time, entire agricultural systems can change when farmers are given the knowledge and confidence to experiment for themselves. This is worth remembering because the original Green Revolution did not spread overnight either. It took two decades or more to become the dominant model across much of Indian agriculture, beginning in the mid-1960s. Its success depended not only on improved rice and wheat varieties but also on enormous public investments in irrigation, fertiliser production, rural electrification, agricultural research, extension services, credit, procurement, and price support.
Natural farming requires a different kind of infrastructure. Instead of dams, fertilizer factories, and input distribution networks, it depends on farmer-trainers, demonstration plots, local experimentation, social networks, and support during transition years. If governments were willing to invest heavily in the institutions that enabled the first Green Revolution, there is no reason they cannot invest in those required for a second one.
Ramanan Laxminarayan is president of One Health Trust. The views expressed are personal
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10. Brinda Karat urges Agriculture Minister to withdraw rules undernew rural Employment Law, retain MNERGA
Rural Rural Voice, Jun. 29 2026
Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat has urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to withdraw the rules framed under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB GRAM-G) and continue MGNREGA, alleging that the new framework weakens workers' rights, centralises decision-making and relies excessively on technology.
Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking the withdrawal of the rules notified under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-GRAMG Act) and demanding that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continue in its existing form.
In her letter, written ahead of the rollout of the new law, Karat claimed that the replacement of MGNREGA had severely affected rural workers, particularly in tribal areas. Referring to her recent visit to Barapala village in Rajasthan's Udaipur district, she said workers, mostly women, were unable to begin work because the online attendance system failed to function for several hours. She alleged that such technical problems had become common and had reduced employment opportunities.
According to Karat, workers in the village had received only 18 days of employment between January and June after MGNREGA was discontinued. She also claimed that several elderly women were unable to register attendance because biometric face recognition technology failed to identify them.
The CPI(M) leader alleged that the rules for implementing the new law were framed without consulting rural workers' organisations or trade unions. She questioned whether some provisions were consistent with constitutional principles governing Centre-State relations, arguing that the rules impose financial and administrative responsibilities on states while limiting their role in decision-making.
Karat also criticised the proposed system for allocation of funds, claiming that linking financial assistance to recommendations of the Sixteenth Finance Commission could disadvantage states with lower populations despite high demand for rural employment. She cited Kerala and Tamil Nadu as examples of states that could receive fewer funds despite providing a higher number of workdays under MGNREGA.
The letter further raised concerns over the use of mandatory online registration, Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification and biometric attendance, arguing that these requirements could exclude a large number of rural workers who lack smartphones or face technological barriers.
Karat also objected to the composition of the proposed National Level Steering Committee, saying it provides limited representation to state governments and excludes workers' organisations as well as ministries dealing with tribal affairs, social justice and women.
She urged the minister to withdraw the rules, continue MGNREGA and reconsider the provisions after wider consultations with workers' organisations, state governments and other stakeholders. According to the letter, discontinuing MGNREGA from July 1 would adversely affect rural workers dependent on the employment guarantee programme.
- Industry and Manufacture
11. Adani Group, Brazil's Embraer finalize Dholera for setting up aircraft assembly line
ET, 16 Jun 2026
Key takeaways
Aircraft Assembly Line: Adani Group and Embraer have chosen Dholera, Gujarat for setting up a final assembly line (FAL) for Embraer's regional jets, boosting India's aviation manufacturing.
Strategic Collaboration: The partnership, formalised through an MoU, aims to support India's Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme and align with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Market Potential: Embraer sees India as a key market with huge growth potential in commercial, defence, business aviation, and urban air mobility, though airline orders are crucial before scaling production.
New Delhi: Adani Group and Embraer have finalized Dholera in Gujarat as the site for setting up a final assembly line for the Brazilian aerospace major's regional jets, according to sources.
Embraer, which opened its office in the national capital in October last year, is betting big on the Indian market, especially tapping opportunities in the civilian and defence aircraft areas.
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January this year for a strategic collaboration on regional transport aircraft in India.
Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer makes a strong pitch to win tender for Indian military's transport aircraft.
Sources said Dholera has been finalised as the site for the FAL for Embraer jets.
Specific details, including possible aircraft orders for Embraer jets, could not be ascertained.
Adani Group and Embraer did not offer any comments.
Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), near Ahmedabad, is being developed as a planned, greenfield, smart industrial city.
In January, Adani Defence & Aerospace said the collaborative industrial partnership will aim to establish an assembly line, followed by a phased increase in indigenisation to advance India's Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the UDAN regional connectivity vision.
UDAN is the government's regional air connectivity scheme, which has been operational for ten years now.
Regarding progress on site selection for the planned facility as part of the collaboration with the Adani Group, and on orders for new aircraft in India, Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer said last week that teams were working.
Adani partners with Brazil's Embraer to make regional jets in India for the first time: Report
"It is we need to get the commitments from the airlines because there's no need to set up a line if there are no airline orders in parallel...," he had said and also mentioned that India is a complex market from a revenue perspective.
During an interaction at the company's headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, last week, Meijer also said India is the largest market in the world, with well over a billion people and a very low travel propensity.
"So we think that the potential of India is just amazing... we also know that to get into India, we need to work from a holistic perspective," he had said.
Embraer is looking to strengthen its presence in the country's commercial aviation, defence, business aviation, services and support, and urban air mobility segments.
At present, Embraer, whose E-Jets began operations in India in 2005, has nearly 50 aircraft in the country serving the Indian Air Force, government agencies, business jet operators and commercial airline Star Air.
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12. CM Vijay backs Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai shipyard project in Thoothukudi; set to generate 15,000 jobs
TOI City Desk, June 18. 2026,
Key takeaways
Mega Project: HD Hyundai's shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi involves an investment of Rs 38,000 crore ($4B) and is expected to generate 15,000 direct jobs.
Economic Impact: The project will boost ancillary industries, strengthen the local supply chain, and create a multiplier effect in southern Tamil Nadu.
Government Support: Tamil Nadu government, through NSHIPTN, SIPCOT, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, provides institutional backing and ensures timely implementation.
CHENNAI: Chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday reaffirmed the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to facilitating the early establishment of HD Hyundai's mega shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi, a project involving an investment of about $4 billion (Rs 38,000 crore) and expected to create around 15,000 direct jobs.
A high-level delegation from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), one of the world's largest shipbuilders, met the chief minister to review the project's progress and discuss the next steps. The South Korean company has already signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up the greenfield shipbuilding facility.
According to an official release, the project is expected to spur significant growth in ancillary industries and strengthen the local supply chain, generating a substantial multiplier effect in the region.
To support the venture, a special purpose entity, National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Ltd (NSHIPTN), has been formed jointly by SIPCOT and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. The project has also secured first in-principle approval from the Directorate General of Shipping.
The delegation, led by Young Hoon Kwon, director of global business at HD KSOE, conveyed the company's interest in commencing the project at the earliest. Vijay assured the delegation of proactive institutional support at every stage and stressed the state's commitment to ensuring timely implementation.
The meeting was attended by industries minister Selvi S Keerthana, chief secretary M Saikumar, additional chief secretary (industries) S Vijayakumar, SIPCOT managing director SA Raman, Guidance Tamil Nadu managing director Deepak Jacob, and other senior officials. HD KSOE representatives, including team leader Sunjoon Hong and senior manager Hongcheol Kim, were also present.
The project is expected to strengthen southern Tamil Nadu's maritime and industrial ecosystem and position Thoothukudi as a major shipbuilding and heavy industries hub.
(With agency inputs)
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To support the venture, a special purpose entity, National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Ltd (NSHIPTN), has been formed jointly by SIPCOT and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. The project has also secured first in-principle approval from the Directorate General of Shipping.
The delegation, led by Young Hoon Kwon, director of global business at HD KSOE, conveyed the company's interest in commencing the project at the earliest. Vijay assured the delegation of proactive institutional support at every stage and stressed the state's commitment to ensuring timely implementation.
The meeting was attended by Industries Minister Selvi S Keerthana, Chief Secretary M Saikumar, Additional Chief Secretary (industries) S Vijayakumar, SIPCOT Managing Director SA Raman, Guidance Tamil Nadu Managing Director Deepak Jacob, and other senior officials. HD KSOE representatives, including team leader Sunjoon Hong and senior manager Hongcheol Kim, were also present.
The project is expected to strengthen southern Tamil Nadu's maritime and industrial ecosystem and position Thoothukudi as a major shipbuilding and heavy industries hub.
(With agency inputs)
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13. India's big step towards clean fuel with green hydrogen from a nuclear reactor
NDTV, 24x7, June 29 2026, Pallava Bagla
India's fast-breeder reactor programme has achieved a major global breakthrough by opening a new pathway to produce green hydrogen from the heat generated by nuclear power. In a first-of-its-kind development, Indian scientists at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu have demonstrated that advanced nuclear reactors can now generate not just electricity but also hydrogen, creating two powerful clean energy carriers from the same source.
At the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, NDTV visited the iconic Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), the cornerstone of India's advanced nuclear journey.
This reactor, operational since October 18, 1985, has been at the heart of India's second-stage nuclear programme and has played a crucial role in developing future technologies. Now, it has added another milestone by supporting hydrogen production through nuclear heat.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has now inaugurated a hydrogen production facility based on the Copper Chlorine thermochemical process, developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. What makes this truly unique is that the process uses heat directly from the fast-breeder reactor rather than relying on fossil fuels or electrical heating.
This makes the hydrogen produced completely clean, with no carbon emissions.
For decades, nuclear reactors have primarily been seen as sources of electricity. But this breakthrough changes that understanding. Now, nuclear energy can be used to produce hydrogen, which can be stored, transported and used for multiple purposes, including fuel cells and industrial applications.
In simple terms, nuclear energy is no longer just about power generation; it is now about powering an entire clean energy ecosystem.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, highlighted the significance of this development.
"The integration of nuclear energy with emerging clean energy technologies such as hydrogen production represents a strategic pathway towards a sustainable energy future. Nuclear power can provide reliable carbon-free electricity as well as high-temperature process heat, which is ideal for hydrogen production," he said.
Dr Mohanty also emphasized that this achievement reflects India's growing strength in advanced nuclear technologies and clean energy systems. He congratulated the teams at BARC and IGCAR for transforming a complex scientific concept into a working reality.
NDTV's visit to Kalpakkam also provided a close look at how the Fast Breeder Test Reactor operates.
Inside the control room, scientists monitor every aspect of reactor performance—from coolant systems to power levels. The reactor's unique design allows it to produce more fuel than it consumes, a feature that makes fast-breeder technology critical to India's long-term energy security.
Importantly, the reactor operates at high temperatures, which are essential for driving thermochemical processes such as hydrogen production. This capability is what sets fast reactors apart from conventional reactors and enables this new application.
Adding perspective to this achievement, Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director of IGCAR, said, "The successful demonstration of hydrogen production using nuclear process heat showcases the versatility of advanced nuclear systems and underscores our commitment to developing innovative solutions for India's clean energy transition."
The story of FBTR is deeply linked to the evolution of India's nuclear programme. Commissioned in 1985, it has accumulated decades of operational experience and has been used to develop the fuels, materials, and technologies required for fast reactors. It is widely regarded as the mother reactor of India's breeder programme.
Its big brother, the 500 megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, has recently achieved a major milestone by attaining criticality. This marks the beginning of a sustained nuclear chain reaction in the reactor and signals India's readiness to scale up fast-breeder technology. Together, FBTR and PFBR form the backbone of the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme.
What makes the current development even more important is its potential impact on India's climate goals. Hydrogen is widely seen as the fuel of the future, especially for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. By producing hydrogen using nuclear heat, India can create large volumes of clean fuel without emitting carbon dioxide.
This aligns directly with India's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide both electricity and high-temperature heat, is now emerging as a key pillar of that strategy.
The Kalpakkam hydrogen facility is currently a technology demonstrator, but it lays the foundation for future large-scale plants. Scientists will use this facility to optimize the process and to explore commercial deployment in the coming years.
What is clear is that India has taken a significant step forward. The fast breeder programme has moved beyond its traditional role and is now contributing to a broader clean energy mission. From generating electricity to producing hydrogen, these reactors are shaping the future of sustainable energy.
As India pursues its vision of becoming a developed nation, breakthroughs like this highlight the power of indigenous innovation. At Kalpakkam, the atom is not just lighting homes; it is now helping fuel a cleaner tomorrow.
14. NIO plans India's 1st hybrid floating renewable energy platform off Goa
Times of India, June 29 2026, Nida Sayed
Key takeaways
Multi-source Energy: The platform integrates solar, wind, wave, tidal, and ocean current energy, providing a reliable, year-round renewable energy source.
Offshore Design: Anchored offshore with flexible mooring systems, it can adapt to rough seas and monsoon conditions, ensuring safety and durability.
Future Innovation: Plans include offshore green hydrogen production, using renewable electricity to generate hydrogen directly at sea, reducing Reliance on subsea transmission cables.
Panaji: The Goa-based CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is developing a hybrid floating platform anchored offshore that will generate multiple forms of renewable energy from a single structure.
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The proposed platform will integrate five renewable energy technologies — solar, wind, wave, tidal and ocean current energy — making it one of the country's most comprehensive marine renewable energy projects.
"Our idea is to develop a floating platform that does not occupy valuable land space while simultaneously harvesting energy from multiple natural sources available in the marine environment," CSIR-NIO director Sunil Kumar Singh told TOI.
The floating structure will be installed in coastal waters, with solar panels and vertical-axis wind turbines mounted above the platform. Beneath it, specialized converters will generate electricity from waves, tidal movements and ocean currents.
"During the monsoon there may be less sunlight because of cloud cover, but wind, waves and ocean currents are stronger. During the non-monsoon period, solar generation increases while wave and current energy may reduce. Together, these systems complement one another and provide a more reliable source of renewable energy," Singh said.
The pilot project is expected to come up off the South Goa coast, where wind conditions are considered more favourable than in other parts of the state. The platform will be anchored offshore using mooring systems while retaining enough flexibility to adapt to changing sea conditions.
A prototype is expected to be ready within a year.
"We are very excited about this project. The pilot version should be visible within a year, although several engineering challenges remain," Singh said.
He said that designing a structure capable of withstanding rough seas remains one of the key challenges.
"If the platform is completely rigid, powerful waves and strong winds could damage it. Future designs will allow the structure to flex and adapt to changing sea conditions," the CSIR-NIO director said.
Initially, researchers will test a smaller pilot platform, which may be shifted closer to the coast during severe monsoon conditions for safety. In the long term, however, the team aims to develop a permanently deployed system capable of operating throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Singh said future versions of the platform could incorporate offshore hydrogen production units. Instead of transmitting electricity to shore through expensive subsea cables, the power generated offshore could be used to produce green hydrogen directly on the platform.
The concept involves desalinating seawater and using renewable electricity to generate green hydrogen, which can then be stored and transported for industrial and energy applications.
"Hydrogen is one of the future energy carriers. Rather than bringing electricity to shore through large transmission cables, we may eventually produce hydrogen directly at sea," he said.
"Goa can lead by example in this new form of renewable energy. If successful, the project could demonstrate how marine resources can contribute to India's clean energy transition while reducing carbon emissions and supporting the country's net-zero ambitions," Singh said.
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15. Odisha lands largest-ever FDI as Adani-IHC JV signs ₹1 lakh cr aluminium project.
Hindustan Times, 03 July, 2026, Debabrata Mohanty, Bhubaneswar
Key takeaways
Massive Investment: Odisha signs $11.5 billion (₹1.10 lakh crore) MoU with Adani Group and IHC for an integrated aluminium project covering bauxite mining, alumina refining, smelting, and downstream manufacturing.
Job Creation: Project expected to generate ~35,000 construction jobs and ~18,500 operational jobs, totalling over 53,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Strategic Growth: Combines Odisha’s rich mineral resources with Middle East capital and technology, aiming to transform the state into a value-added manufacturing hub and boost long-term economic growth.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi meets the CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company (IHC), Syed Basar Shueb, in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
In the largest foreign direct investment in Odisha’s history, the Mohan Majhi government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Adani Group and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) Group for an $11.5 billion (around ₹1.10 lakh crore) integrated aluminium project spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, and downstream manufacturing.
The agreement was signed at the state secretariat between the state’s industrial promotion agency, IPICOL, and a newly formed 50:50 joint venture between Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and International Resources Holding (IRH), the natural resources investment platform of IHC Group. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, IHC Group CEO Syed Basar Shueb, and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Managing Director Karan Adani were present.
The proposed greenfield project will include bauxite mining, an alumina refinery in Rayagada district, an aluminium smelter in Sundargarh district, captive power generation, downstream aluminium manufacturing, and supporting infrastructure. The project will require around 7,300 acres across the two locations.
Calling the investment a milestone in Odisha’s industrialisation, Majhi said it would help the state move towards value-added manufacturing while generating large-scale employment.
“Our efforts to build a prosperous, modern, inclusive and industrially advanced Odisha by 2036 are progressing successfully. This partnership combines Odisha’s rich natural resources and skilled workforce with the capital and technology of the Middle East, paving the way for long-term economic growth,” he said.
According to officials, the project is expected to generate around 35,000 jobs during the construction phase and another 18,500 after commissioning, taking the total direct and indirect employment potential to more than 53,500.
Karan Adani said Odisha’s vast mineral resources made it one of India’s most attractive destinations for metals manufacturing. He noted that the state has the country’s largest bauxite reserves and accounts for more than half of India’s iron ore resources.
He said Odisha had evolved from being primarily a supplier of raw materials to a value-added manufacturing hub and that the proposed investment would further integrate the state’s economy with global industrial value chains.
To fast-track implementation, the government announced the formation of a special task force headed by the Chief Secretary to review progress every 15 days.
The Adani Group already has a significant presence in Odisha through its port business. It operates Dhamra Port in Bhadrak district, acquired in 2014, and Gopalpur Port in Ganjam district, acquired in 2024. Dhamra, one of India’s deepest all-weather ports, serves the mineral-rich hinterland of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. At the same time, Gopalpur handles bulk cargo, including iron ore, alumina, coal, limestone, and agricultural commodities, catering largely to southern Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
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16. QS World University Rankings 2027: IITs lead as usual, but higher ranks for universities signal a shift
The Print, June 18. 2026, Pakhi Khare
Key takeaways
Top Performers: IIT Delhi leads India at 118th globally, with 18 universities achieving their highest-ever ranks, including private institutes like Shoolini University and Chandigarh University.
Strengths: India excels in research impact and employability, with 11 universities in the world's top 100 for Citations Per Faculty and the University of Mumbai ranking 25th globally for employment outcomes.
Challenges: Weak academic reputation, limited internationalization, and ongoing faculty shortages remain key issues, affecting global perception and teaching quality.
QS World University Rankings 2027: IITs lead as usual, but higher ranks for universities signal a shift
New Delhi: Indian universities have continued to rise in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, maintaining its position as the country's top-ranked university at 118th globally. This is not the only victory for India, however.
No fewer than 18 universities have achieved their highest-ever ranking, and more than half of Indian universities on the list have moved up. Interestingly, private universities also figure in this all-round improvement.
The ranking shows a definite shift, with not just IITs but also central, state, and private institutes improving their performance over last year. The University of Delhi is now ranked 322, and Anna University is ranked 470. Private institutes, such as Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh University, have also improved their ranks.
A total of 18 Indian universities have, for the first time, secured their highest-ever positions on the list. Of these, 13 of them were not IITs.
This is an important shift, as it shows that the academic curriculum is improving across institutes nationwide. The report notes that India's higher education system is becoming balanced with multiple Indian universities contributing to its growth.
Strengths in India's higher education
India has shown strong performance in research impact, one of the country's biggest strengths in the ranking. Eleven Indian universities have been ranked in the world's top 100 for Citations Per Faculty, which measures the number of times a university's research is cited globally. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, tops these 11 Indian universities, followed by IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur.
Bharathiar University has also made a name for itself as it has entered this list, showing that it is not just central universities that have strong research. Shoolini University is also mentioned in this category, again proving that private universities are now contributing to global research.
Indian universities have also improved their performance in employability, too. The University of Mumbai has made a decent mark, rising to 25th globally in employment outcomes, which shows how graduates of a particular university are doing in the current job market.
More than a third of Indian universities have improved their employer reputation scores in this ranking. India's top 10 universities have improved in this category, meaning that Indian graduates are now being hired by employers both within the country and abroad.
Challenges in higher education
Challenges remain, however. Academic reputation in India remains a weak area for many universities. Only about 8 per cent of Indian institutions improved in the category, and around 28 per cent saw a decline in ranking. This shows that the global perception of Indian universities has not improved much, particularly in terms of research output and employability.
The second concern is lower levels of internationalization. About 90 per cent of Indian universities show no change in the number of international students they admit. Only one Indian university has ranked in the global top 500 universities for international faculty. This indicates a limited global presence and international diversity in Indian institutes.
Faculty shortages remain a structural issue across India. Only about six per cent of universities have managed to improve their faculty-student ratio, while 30 per cent saw a decline. Indian institutes currently have around 44.6 million students, and this low student-to-faculty ratio creates problems for faculty and impacts teaching quality.
(Edited by Nardeep Singh Dahiya)
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17. Soil's treasure: Scientists discovered a hidden phosphorus reservoir that could transform the future of food
TOI Science Desk, June 19. 2026
Key takeaways
Microbial Reservoir: Scientists discovered DNA-bound phosphorus (DNA-P) inside soil microbes, forming a dynamic biological pool rather than a stable underground reserve.
New Measurement Method: The revised Paraskova method simplifies and reduces the cost of measuring DNA-P while maintaining accuracy, eliminating unnecessary enzyme steps.
Agricultural Impact: Understanding this hidden phosphorus could improve soil fertility, reduce fertilizer losses, and support sustainable food production.
Soil's treasure: Scientists discovered a hidden phosphorus reservoir that could transform the future of food
A growing population and finite phosphorus reserves have made efficient nutrient management one of the biggest challenges facing modern agriculture. Scientists have now uncovered new details about a little-known form of phosphorus hidden within living soil microbes. The findings, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, come from an international team of researchers who developed a simpler and more cost-effective way to measure DNA-bound phosphorus, a biologically active form of the nutrient involved in soil recycling processes. Their work offers fresh insights into how phosphorus moves through soils and could eventually help researchers improve soil fertility and support more sustainable food production systems.
The hidden phosphorus reservoir living inside soil microbes
Phosphorus is one of the three major nutrients required by plants, alongside nitrogen and potassium. It plays a crucial role in energy transfer, root development and seed production. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus cannot be extracted from the atmosphere. Agriculture depends largely on phosphate rock, a non-renewable resource that scientists have long warned could become scarcer and more expensive over time.
At the same time, excess phosphorus from fertilizers can pollute rivers and lakes, leading to harmful algal blooms. This has made efficient phosphorus management one of the biggest challenges facing modern agriculture.
The research team, led by Margaret Massam and including scientists from Sultan Qaboos University, the James Hutton Institute, Lancaster University and Rothamsted Research, focused on DNA-bound phosphorus, or DNA-P.
This form of phosphorus exists inside the DNA of living microorganisms in soil. Although it represents only a small fraction of total organic phosphorus, researchers found that it is closely linked to microbial activity.
According to the study, DNA-P concentrations showed strong correlations with soil pH, microbial biomass phosphorus, organic matter content, and dissolved phosphorus in soil water. These relationships suggest that DNA-P is associated with living soil organisms rather than stable long-term phosphorus reserves.
"The modified Paraskova method can be used as an effective way to understand the biological relevance of this functionally important form of phosphorus," the researchers wrote in the paper.
The breakthrough was not a new nutrient but a new way to measure it
The scientists were not searching for a previously unknown nutrient. Instead, they improved a method originally developed by Paraskova and colleagues in 2013.
The team tested the revised procedure on 32 different soils across the United Kingdom. They discovered that the enzyme treatments previously used in the protocol were unnecessary, simplifying and reducing the cost of the process.
However, one important step, ultrafiltration, remained essential. Without it, phosphorus measurements became inaccurate because other phosphorus compounds could interfere with the results.
"The revised Paraskova method proved to be more cost-effective and simpler, while retaining precision and sensitivity," the authors reported.
Soil microbes appear to be the hidden reservoir
One of the study's biggest conclusions was that DNA-bound phosphorus appears to belong to a dynamic biological pool rather than a stable underground reserve.
The researchers found strong positive relationships between DNA-P and microbial biomass phosphorus. This suggests that much of this phosphorus comes from living microbes and not from old, inactive soil stores.
The paper states that "the sampled DNA-P pool was associated with the living soil biota and not with stabilized soil P fractions."
In other words, the hidden reservoir is not buried rock. It is part of a constantly changing microbial ecosystem beneath our feet.
Why this could matter for future farming
Scientists have increasingly recognized the importance of soil microbes in making nutrients available to crops. Understanding how microorganisms store and recycle phosphorus could eventually help researchers develop more efficient farming practices.
Better knowledge of these biological processes may lead to improved soil fertility management, reduced fertilizer losses and lower environmental impacts.
The authors note that this phosphorus pool "is considered an important source of P for plants in natural and managed ecosystems" and that understanding it could help support environmental sustainability.
A tiny pool with potentially huge importance
The amount of DNA-bound phosphorus found in soils was small compared with total organic phosphorus. Yet the researchers believe its significance could be far greater than its size.
The study concludes that the revised method provides a robust means to investigate "this functionally important form of phosphorus" across diverse soil types.
As agriculture faces mounting pressure to feed a growing population while protecting finite resources, understanding the hidden world beneath our feet may prove just as important as discovering new resources above ground.
More from The Times of India on their site
18. BCA | The digital talent factory | CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
India Today, 01 Jul. 2026, Ajay Sukumaran
Key takeaways
Curriculum & Learning: The BCA program emphasises agility and fundamentals, updates courses annually, and uses lab evaluations across three tiers to teach responsible tech use.
Research & Industry Exposure: Students must present research papers, develop prototypes/products, and receive guidance from industry mentors and alumni.
Global Opportunities & Placements: Offers a dual-degree with THWS, Germany, 90% of internships are paid, and top recruits earn up to Rs 28 lakh per annum.
In the age of artificial intelligence, agility has become the mantra of the Bachelor of Computer Applications programme at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. The challenge is to maintain focus on the fundamentals while ensuring alignment with technological innovation. Earlier, the norm was to overhaul the curriculum every three years. "Now we will make changes yearly, at least in the final-year papers," says Deepthi Das, associate dean of the School of Sciences.
AI allows users to build applications without writing software code. But programming remains essential for logical and critical thinking, says Das. All lab evaluations follow a three-tier approach. First, students are given a set of programmes they must execute without internet access. Then, they can use the internet but not generative AI. In the third, they have unrestricted access. The idea, explains Rupali Sunil Wagh, head of the Department of Computer Science, is to make the evaluation tough while teaching students how to use technology responsibly.
The institute is also tapping its alumni network to give students exposure to industry trends. In the past year, BCA alumni have taught part of the courses offered every semester. Dr Vinay M., HoD of BCA at CHRIST's Yeshwanthpur campus, adds that the institute works with industry partners to train employees in AI workflows.
In the new academic year, the focus will be on deepening research skills. At CHRIST, undergraduate students are required to present research papers. The current focus is on encouraging students to develop products or prototypes from their research problems. "We are planning industry mentorship right from the problem statement phase. They will give students direction in such a way that their project can lead to a product or prototype," says Wagh. Overall, the university has committed Rs 19 crore in various incentives to increase students' research output, adds Dr T.V. Joseph, dean of the School of Sciences.
Starting in June, the BCA course will also offer a dual-degree option in collaboration with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) in Germany. Under this arrangement, a student can study a full fourth year at the German institute and receive a Bachelor of Engineering degree in computer science from THWS in addition to the BCA degree.
In 2025-26, all 125 students of the BCA batch underwent internships, of which 90 per cent were paid. Over 70 per cent of the batch was recruited by companies, with the highest salary package touching Rs 28 lakh per annum, says Wagh. The remaining students have opted for the extended, year-long BCA Honours course, which commenced in June.
The college that has topped the overall rankings with the highest score
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19. India's next pharmaceutical revolution
Hindustan Times, 03 Jul. 2026, Ramanan Laxminarayan
Last month, an Indian pharmaceutical company accomplished something unprecedented. Wockhardt became the first Indian pharmaceutical company to win approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for a new chemical entity it had discovered, developed, and commercialised. Its new intravenous antibiotic, Zaynich — a combination of cefepime and the novel agent zidebactam — marks a turning point for an industry that has typically worked on producing cheaper versions of medicines invented elsewhere. But this is changing and Indian companies are beginning to create new drugs that the world needs.
At a time when many antibiotics are failing because of bacterial resistance, Zaynich was approved for complicated urinary tract infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, among the most difficult pathogens to treat because resistance has advanced furthest against them.
In its pivotal trial, the drug achieved an overall treatment success rate of 89% compared with 68% for meropenem, one of the antibiotics doctors currently reserve for the most resistant infections. Truly novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria have been exceptionally rare for decades. Most of the world's large pharmaceutical companies have abandoned the field because antibiotic development is costly, commercially uncertain, and aimed primarily at high-income markets where the number of patients requiring these drugs is too small to sustain traditional business models.
Meanwhile, in Bangalore, a smaller company, Bugworks has been developing an antibiotic of its own, BWC0977, built around a new mechanism designed to inhibit bacterial replication and overcome existing resistance. It, too, targets multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections that kill patients in intensive care units and has attracted funding and partnerships from international organisations established to revive antibiotic research, including CARB-X and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership. Until recently, work of this kind was concentrated in places such as Boston or Basel, rather than Bangalore or Mumbai.
Taken together, these two programmes suggest that Indian companies are beginning to invest in the riskiest part of pharmaceutical science: discovering entirely new medicines. Antibiotics are also among the least attractive commercial products. Drugs for diabetes or cancer may be taken for years; a good antibiotic is prescribed for days and then deliberately held in reserve to slow the emergence of resistance. But there is a good reason to focus on new antibiotics, because many of the patients in need are right here.
Indian innovation could also transform access for Indian patients. When a new antibiotic is invented in a high-income country, it often remains there. Research from the One Health Trust found that of 25 novel antibiotics approved between 1999 and 2014, only 12 were ever registered in more than 10 countries. Newer drugs have fared little better: Of 18 antibacterials approved during the decade to 2020, most were commercially available in only three high-income countries — the US, Britain, and Sweden — while the rest of the wealthy world had access to fewer than half of them. If rich countries wait years for these medicines, poorer countries often wait far longer, if they receive them at all. Manufacturers price these drugs for wealthy markets, and have little incentive to navigate dozens of smaller regulatory systems for uncertain commercial returns.
For an Indian company, the largest market is often India itself, followed by the low- and middle-income countries where its commercial networks already run deep.
These are also the countries bearing the greatest burden of drug-resistant infections. India alone reports resistance rates approaching 80% for some infections caused by Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and E. coli. When the inventor and the patient are in the same part of the world, the gap between regulatory approval and clinical use can shrink dramatically. Innovation that originates in the Global South is far more likely to reach patients there quickly.
All this is encouraging, but it is not enough to meet the full challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The conditions that produced Zaynich and BWC0977 remain fragile, and governments can strengthen them. The priority is to invest in the wider research ecosystem, including academic laboratories, microbiology departments, and translational institutes that generate the science and trained personnel on which companies can build. The second is to make clinical trials faster, more predictable, and less expensive by staffing the regulator effectively and establishing a national network of high-quality trial sites. Finally, antibiotics require different economic incentives from other medicines. The government's recent push to expand domestic biopharmaceutical capacity and accredited trial sites is a welcome start. Still, antibiotics — with their uniquely weak commercial economics — will also require targeted support, including advance purchase commitments and other pull incentives that make antibiotic discovery commercially viable.
Innovation alone cannot solve antimicrobial resistance. Every antibiotic prescription gives bacteria another opportunity to evolve, and we need to do our best to reduce the need for these powerful drugs. We can build a stronger pipeline, but we cannot innovate faster than the bacteria can adapt. As we celebrate new antibiotics, we must also ensure that we do not squander them through unnecessary prescribing, unrestricted over-the-counter sales, and indiscriminate use in agriculture.
That means the less glamorous work must accompany scientific breakthroughs. Vaccines prevent infections that would otherwise require antibiotics, preserving these medicines and protecting patients.
Clean water and sanitation reduce the spread of resistant organisms before treatment is ever needed. Strong infection control in hospitals prevents the most dangerous bacteria from passing between the sickest patients.
For half a century, India earned its place as the pharmacy of the world by making essential drugs affordable. It now has the opportunity to become a country that discovers them as well.
In the case of antibiotics, the promise of leading the fight to treat bacterial infections will depend not just on whether the country can build new antibiotics, but also on its discipline in using them judiciously without squandering their effectiveness. While there is hope on the former, the latter remains an open question.
Ramanan Laxminarayan is the president of the One Health Trust. The views expressed are personal
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20. India emerges as world's largest retail, FMCG GCC hub; AI talent demand, hiring set to surge
News 18, 08 Jul. 2,2026
As retail GCCs scale up their AI capabilities, demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is rising rapidly.© Copyright (C) news18.com. All Rights Reserved.
India has emerged as the world’s largest hub for retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) Global Capability Centres (GCCs), outpacing several major global markets combined, according to a Moneycontrol report citing a TeamLease Digital study. The country currently hosts 180 retail and FMCG GCCs employing more than 2.72 lakh professionals, with artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and hiring expected to accelerate in the coming years.
India Outpaces Global Peers In Retail GCCs
The TeamLease Digital report, cited by Moneycontrol, said India’s retail GCC ecosystem is around 34 per cent larger than the combined retail GCC markets of Poland, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany and Egypt.
India also leads other major markets in AI adoption within the retail GCC sector. Around 5-7 per cent of the workforce in these centres is engaged in AI-related roles, giving the country an edge over global peers, including Germany.
“The scale of retail GCC growth has accelerated in India. It is not just American retailers; European companies are also coming to India in large numbers. We are also seeing strong demand from Japanese and South Korea retailers,” Neeti Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of TeamLease Digital, told Moneycontrol.
According to Sharma, India’s attractiveness extends beyond its large talent pool. Factors such as business-friendly policies, tax incentives, competitive infrastructure costs and government support have encouraged multinational companies to expand their operations in the country.
Majority Of GCCs Are Nano Centres
Of the 180 retail and FMCG GCCs operating in India, nearly 130 are nano GCCs, typically employing 200-250 people each.
These centres are located across major technology hubs such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, the National Capital Region (NCR), Pune and Hyderabad, while companies are also increasingly expanding into tier-II and tier-III cities, including Mangaluru.
The report estimates that 60-70 per cent of existing nano GCCs are expected to expand their workforce and operations over the next few years.
Some of the leading retail and FMCG companies with GCC operations in India include Lowe’s, Tesco, H&M, Walmart Global Tech, Target, L’OrĆ©al and AB InBev.
AI Talent In High Demand
As retail GCCs scale up their AI capabilities, demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is rising rapidly.
However, despite the sector’s growing AI adoption, India currently has only around 320 professionals with more than eight years of AI experience across all 180 retail GCCs. This translates to fewer than two senior AI specialists per GCC on average.
Bengaluru remains the country’s biggest AI talent hub, accounting for 54 per cent of the retail GCC AI workforce. Hyderabad has emerged as the second-largest AI talent centre, while Pune is strengthening its position as an engineering hub.
Hiring Expected To Accelerate
Hiring across India’s retail GCC sector nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, creating more than 52,000 job opportunities during the year, the report said.
Technology, customer success, and supply chain functions currently account for nearly 60 per cent of the total retail workforce in the GCC. These functions are expected to generate more than 80 per cent of total hiring demand by 2028.
Demand for technology and engineering professionals alone is projected to increase from around 25,100 roles in 2025 to nearly 41,000 positions by 2028.
According to Sharma, professionals with specialised AI and technology skills are currently commanding 50-60 per cent higher salaries than those in comparable conventional roles, reflecting the growing demand for advanced digital capabilities.
INDIA and the World
21. India's solar farming model offers roadmap for Africa's food security
Hindustan Times, Euronews, News 18, June 17 2026
India's model abroad: India's PM-KUSUM and solar feeder programmes are inspiring African efforts to expand irrigation and boost rural incomes.
Why it matters: Low irrigation coverage and poor cold storage drive crop losses in Africa; solar solutions can transform yields and market access.
Keys to success: Clear policy, accessible finance, and skilled technicians are vital for scaling solar agriculture sustainably.
India's solar farming blueprint expands to Africa
India's distributed solar initiatives, including PM-KUSUM and Maharashtra's solar feeder programme, have lowered irrigation costs and improved reliability. In Uganda, farmers replacing diesel pumps with solar units report halved costs and year-round water access. Through the International Solar Alliance, India's policy-backed, decentralized approach is being shared to cut costs and raise productivity in African agriculture.
From diesel pumps to daytime solar power
African farmers face high diesel costs, unreliable grids, and minimal irrigation coverage. India's shift to daytime solar power has enabled better irrigation scheduling, diversified cropping, and higher farm incomes. Competitive tendering for small solar plants in Maharashtra cut irrigation power costs by more than half, freeing subsidies and attracting industrial investment — offering a replicable model for African contexts.
Cold storage innovations reduce post-harvest losses
Solar-powered cold storage in Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda allows farmers to preserve produce for weeks instead of days, cutting spoilage rates from up to 50% to under 2%. Pay-per-use models make these facilities accessible without large upfront costs, increasing farmer incomes by up to 50%. These systems complement solar irrigation by securing gains along the agricultural value chain.
When farmers can store produce for longer, they gain access to better markets, reduce waste and increase incomes.
What's next for Africa's solar agriculture push?
Mission 300, led by the World Bank and African Development Bank, aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, with solar irrigation central to the plan. Experts note that energy for agriculture can also power homes, clinics, and processing units, creating broad economic benefits. Integrating energy and food security strategies through decentralized solar could build resilience to climate and market shocks. News18 + 1
22. Why the next wave of Indian entrepreneurship will be global
India.com News Desk, June 22 2026
Key takeaways
Rapid Growth: By 2025, India will recognize ~198,000 startups under the STARTUP INDIA program, generating millions of jobs and billions in innovation.
Global Reach: Technology such as AI, cloud computing, and digital payments enables startups to serve international markets from day one, breaking down traditional geographic barriers.
Strong Foundations Needed: Long-term success relies on corporate governance, compliance, financial management, IP protection, and customer trust, not just innovative products.
The last decade has seen a tremendous number of entrepreneurs start new businesses in India. By 2025, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will have recognized approximately 198,000 companies as formal startups in the 'STARTUP INDIA' program. During FY2025-2026 alone, there were over 55,200 newly registered startups, the largest number since the inception of the STARTUP INDIA program. In aggregate, these companies have generated millions of direct jobs and contributed billions to innovation in various sectors of the economy.
Perhaps the most exciting trend is not just the number of new startups but the increasing number of entrepreneurs creating companies for international markets from day one.
Entrepreneurs of the Future.
Traditionally, businesses tended to first concentrate on domestic development prior to contemplating international development.
The advent of technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, remote work, digital payments, and global marketplaces has changed that.
A software company based in Bengaluru can reach customers in London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney without having to build physical offices in those cities. A consultant based in Kolkata can deliver services to clients worldwide via digital channels. Companies that offer Software as a Service (SaaS) can attract international subscribers within months of launching operations.
Technology has fundamentally changed the perception of location as a barrier to entering the international marketplace.
The Global Opportunity for India
With its vibrant and rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, India has become one of the world's top startup hubs. It is seeing substantial investment from sectors such as technology, fintech, healthtech, artificial intelligence, and deep tech. This has resulted from a combination of government initiatives, improved digital infrastructure, and increased investor confidence.
As a result, Indian entrepreneurs now have access to global markets that were previously available only to previous generations through large multinational corporations.
More importantly, this means that more businesses will be designed for international operations, rather than becoming international through expansion.
The Foundations of a Strong Business Are Essential
The advent of technology has removed many of the barriers to entering business; however, there are still significant barriers created by a lack of solid foundations to support a business's growth when building a global business.
There are five essential areas for the long-term success of a business: corporate governance, compliance, financial management, intellectual property protection, and customer trust.
The majority of startups do not fail because of poor products, but rather because they cannot establish the systems to sustain their growth.
According to Robert Engeham, Managing Director of Your Company Formations, specialists in UK company formation and compliance:
"As global entrepreneurship has never been easier due to technology, businesses that successfully scale are those who innovate along with having a solid business foundation, governance and long-term great plans."
Examples of Entrepreneurial Activity in Developed Nations
The effect of small enterprises on the economies of developed nations is apparent.
According to official statistics from UK government agencies, there were about 5.7 million companies in the UK private sector at the beginning of 2025. 99.85% of them were small- or medium-sized businesses with approximately 16.9 million employees and an estimated annual turnover of 2.8 trillion. 60% of all private-sector jobs and 51% of the private sector's total turnover in the UK were provided by SMEs.
These figures illustrate that entrepreneurship represents not just a means of innovation but also an important driver of employment and economic stability.
AI will increase the Rate of Entrepreneurship.
The emergence of artificial intelligence will likely accelerate the pace of new startup creation and launches.
According to research on India's startup ecosystem during the AI-driven economy, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how companies are structured, funded and run. Founders today have access to various tools to support software development, marketing, customer service, research, and operations.
With these new technologies becoming more widely available, smaller businesses will be able to compete with larger companies on a more equal footing than before.
Future Outlook
India's successes with startups are now more than just helping develop new companies.
Now, the focus is on creating companies that can compete globally.
Entrepreneurs, companies with a strong digital infrastructure, the rise of AI technology, and access to international markets all offer incredible opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Over the next 10 years, the companies that succeed will be those that understand that entrepreneurship has moved from local to much more international.
23. Foreign degrees now at half the cost: 15 foreign university campuses to open in India by August
Business Today Desk, 30 Jun.
Key takeaways
International Degrees Locally: 15 foreign university campuses will open in India by August, allowing students to earn globally recognised degrees at roughly half the cost of studying abroad.
Global Exposure & Exchange: Students can participate in semester exchanges, 2+1 pathways, and access international faculty and research facilities, combining global education with local convenience.
Cost & Scholarships: Tuition at Indian campuses ranges around Rs 30–36 lakh vs Rs 1.55–2.4 crore abroad. The government offers scholarships up to full fee waivers, making international education more accessible.
For years, a foreign degree meant clearing IELTS, applying for a visa, taking out a loan and moving abroad. That equation is changing. The Indian government has now given the go-ahead to 15 foreign university campuses on Indian soil, and most are expected to start classes by August, letting students earn an internationally recognised degree without leaving the country.
Industry experts estimate that studying at these campuses could cost roughly half as much as pursuing an identical degree overseas, making the option financially compelling for a large pool of students.
Momentum from government talks
The push picked up pace after India's Education Ministry held discussions with senior officials from Australia, the UK and the US. Those conversations cleared the path for four additional foreign universities to set up Indian campuses, bringing the total count to 15.
A report by Deloitte and Knight Frank projects that more than 5.6 lakh students could be enrolled across these campuses by 2040, a scale that could help India retain an estimated $113 billion, or roughly Rs 10.67 lakh crore, in foreign exchange that would otherwise flow out of the country.
What students gain
Professor Lindsay Oades, Provost at the University of York Mumbai, told India Today that the Indian campus model gives students the best of both worlds, international exposure and cultural exchange, without the steep price tag of studying entirely overseas.
"Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to undertake a semester exchange at the University of York's UK campus during their second year or choose the 2+1 pathway, enabling them to complete the final year of their degree in the UK, subject to meeting the relevant academic and visa requirements," Oades said.
The cost difference is significant. While a degree at most overseas campuses can run upward of Rs 50 lakh, the same qualification through an Indian campus costs roughly Rs 30 lakh, based on the proposed fee structures most institutions have put forward.
Who's already here, and who's coming next
Three foreign university campuses are already operational in India: Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, both in GIFT City, and the University of Southampton in Gurugram.
The next wave includes the University of Liverpool (Bengaluru), Victoria University (Delhi NCR), the University of Bristol (Mumbai), the University of York, the University of Aberdeen, and Illinois Institute of Technology.
Why the timing matters
These campuses are landing at a time when Indian demand for international education is rising. Around 18 lakh Indian students are projected to be studying overseas in 2025, together spending close to $70 billion — about Rs 6 lakh crore — annually on tuition, housing and living costs.
A cost comparison for the University of Southampton starkly illustrates the gap. A four-year undergraduate degree at the UK campus costs an estimated Rs 1.55–1.75 crore in tuition alone, against Rs 30–36 lakh for the entire programme at the Gurugram campus. Add accommodation, food, transport, insurance and flights, and the total cost of studying in the UK comes to roughly Rs 2.1–2.4 crore, compared to Rs 40–48 lakh in India.
Admissions and what students will study
Each new campus is expected to admit around 200–250 students in its first intake, with plans to scale annual enrolment to 1,000–1,200 students per campus within five years. More than 10,000 applications have already come in for the current academic session.
These Indian campuses will mirror the curriculum, exams and assessment standards of their parent universities, and students will receive the same degree awarded at the home campus. The first set of programmes will lean heavily toward Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and other STEM fields.
Eligibility requirements
Most programmes will require at least 75% in Class 12 and between 55% and 70% in undergraduate studies, depending on the course. Students who scored between 70% and 85% in English in their board exams will be exempt from taking IELTS.
Exchange opportunities and global access
Students will have the chance to spend one or two semesters at their university's parent campus through exchange programmes. The University of York is introducing its 2+1 model, while students at the University of Bristol's India campus will have access to the university's UK-based AI supercomputer.
Oades emphasised that the focus extends well beyond classroom learning: "Beyond academics, employability is central to our offering. Students will benefit from course-specific industry placements, structured internship pathways, live industry projects, entrepreneurship support, personalised career guidance and strong industry engagement throughout their academic journey."
Faculty mix
A combination of Indian and international faculty will staff campuses. A third of Victoria University's teaching staff will come from its Melbourne campus, while Illinois Institute of Technology is actively recruiting both international academics and India-origin faculty based abroad.
"Students will also learn from a diverse mix of international and India-based faculty, bringing together global academic excellence with local expertise and industry relevance," Oades added.
Scholarships on offer
The government has set aside roughly Rs 1,000 crore for scholarships over the next five years, with awards ranging from 10% to full fee waivers depending on merit and financial need. University of Aberdeen will offer scholarships worth up to Rs 2 lakh annually, while University of Bristol's scholarships will go up to Rs 10 lakh a year.
The bigger cost picture
Overall, studying at these Indian campuses is projected to cost 30-40% less than spending Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore on a comparable degree abroad, while still offering a globally recognised qualification, international faculty, research facilities, and access to global alum networks and career pathways.
The number of Indian students heading overseas for higher studies has nearly tripled in five years, climbing from around 6.8 lakh in 2020 to close to 18 lakh in 2025. But growth is expected to slow in 2026, driven by tighter visa norms, stricter immigration rules and softer job markets in several popular destinations.
The US, Canada and the UK are likely to remain the top choices for Indian students, though with smaller intakes. Experts caution that the road to studying abroad will only get tougher as the US, UK, Australia and Canada continue tightening their respective policies.
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24. TN to get India’s first marine export SEZs with $1 Bn investment
ToI, 30 Jun. Yogesh Kabirdoss
Key takeaways
Marine Export Zones (MEZs): Five integrated SEZ clusters across coastal Tamil Nadu will include feed mills, processing units, cold storage, packaging, and export logistics, with a total investment of $1 billion.
Economic Impact: MEZs have an annual export potential of Rs 32,000 crore, expected to generate 1.4–1.8 lakh jobs and attract Rs 8,000 crore in investments.
Seafood Sector Boost: The zones will enhance the production of value-added seafood products, support hatcheries and marine MSMEs, and modernise existing factories to meet growing export demand to the US and EU.
Chennai: In a first, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for marine exports are being set up in the country to promote the seafood export sector. The five Marine Export Zones (MEZs) to be established across coastal Tamil Nadu will be integrated SEZ clusters comprising feed mills, processing units, cold storage, packaging, and export logistics facilities, along with common infrastructure. About $1 billion will be invested in developing the infrastructure.
An initiative of the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) under the Union commerce and industry ministry, the MEZs have an annual export potential of Rs 32,000 crore. About 2,500 acres of salt pans in Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts have been identified for the project. Currently, the land parcels are owned by the Salt Commissioner’s Organisation (SCO) under the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT). MEPZ has written to DPIIT seeking the transfer of the land for developing the MEZs.
“This will be the first set of MEZs to be established in the country. The land parcels offer several advantages, including brackish water, a rich coastal ecosystem, potential for integrated farming, and proximity to ports and processing facilities,” an official with the Union commerce and industry ministry told TOI.
The MEZs will also house hatcheries and marine ancillary MSMEs. While the five SEZs are projected to attract investments of Rs 8,000 crore, they are expected to generate employment for between 1.4 lakh and 1.8 lakh people.
The development comes as India exported 19,72,018 metric tonnes of seafood worth $8.5 billion in 2025-26, marking an all-time high in both volume and value of marine product exports.
Mohamed Athif, secretary of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, Tamil Nadu region, said the MEZs will be a major boost for the seafood sector.
“The facilities will go a long way in enhancing our value-added products and introducing new categories in this segment because a significant share of exports to the US and the European Union comprises ready-to-cook products. Several existing factories in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh are looking to modernise and expand, and the MEZs will play a major role in this. Moreover, the ease of doing business offered by SEZs is an attraction that will encourage investors to explore the MEZs,” he added.
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25. India-Japan partnership is transforming Northeast: Where historic ties meet the future
Firstpost, 3 July 2026, RK Mathur
Key takeaways
Strategic Ties: India and Japan share a special strategic partnership, combining historical ties with modern development goals, particularly in India's Northeast.
Infrastructure & Development: Japan, via JICA, funds roads, bridges, water supply, forestry, and urban projects, including the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge and Bamboo Value Chain Initiative, boosting connectivity and local industries.
Future Growth Areas: Cooperation is expanding into clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure, aiming to turn the Northeast into a hub for sustainable industry and resilient supply chains.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is received by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after she arrived to attend her ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India. File/Reuters© Copyright (C) https://firstpost.com. All Rights Reserved.
India and Japan describe their relationship as a "special strategic and global partnership", a designation reached in 2014 after the bond was upgraded from a global partnership (2000) to a strategic and global partnership (2006). Beneath these diplomatic labels lies an unusually deep civilisational rapport – from the Indian monk Bodhisena consecrating the Great Buddha at Nara's Todaiji temple in 752 AD to Rabindranath Tagore's visits and Justice Radha Binod Pal's dissent at the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal, which remains honoured in Japan. Today, Japan is among India's most reliable development partners and its largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Nowhere is that partnership more distinctive than in India's Northeast, where Japan is the only foreign country India has actively invited to undertake socio-economic development.
Why the Northeast and Why Japan
The Northeast – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim – is a landlocked, mountainous region, tethered to the rest of India by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, yet it shares borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China. This makes it India's land bridge to Southeast Asia and the fulcrum of New Delhi's Act East Policy, launched in 2014 as the successor to the Look East Policy. For Japan, engagement dovetails with its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision and offers a quiet counterweight to China's regional influence. There is even a layer of historical reconciliation: the Battle of Imphal and the occupation of Kohima in 1944 were among the bloodiest of the Second World War, and Japanese involvement today is sometimes framed as turning a site of past conflict into one of shared prosperity.
The partnership was institutionalised in December 2017 with the India-Japan Act East Forum, a standing platform that identifies concrete projects in connectivity, infrastructure, industrial linkages and people-to-people contact. It marries India's Act East policy with Japan's Indo-Pacific perspective and feeds into sub-regional groupings such as BIMSTEC. In March 2023, then–Prime Minister Fumio Kishida went further, unveiling the "Bay of Bengal–Northeast India industrial value chain" concept, which reimagines the Bay of Bengal — ringed by India, Bangladesh and Myanmar — as a single integrated economic zone with the Northeast at its heart.
The Concrete Footprint: Roads, Bridges and More
The most visible Japanese contribution is physical infrastructure delivered through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has financed projects in energy, water, forestry and urban development in the region since 1981. JICA has supported the construction of more than 750 kilometres of new roads across the Northeast. Its flagship Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Programme spans multiple phases. In February 2024 alone, JICA signed loans of roughly ₹877 crore to upgrade National Highway 127B between Phulbari and Goeragre in Meghalaya and ₹1,946 crore as a second tranche for the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge – India's longest river bridge, which will link Assam and Meghalaya across the Brahmaputra and is targeted for completion in 2028. More recently, the agency committed about ₹1,592 crore to three Meghalaya corridors, including the Shillong–Dawki road, which runs toward the Bangladesh border. These corridors are designed not merely to move people but to bridge "missing links" to neighbouring countries and turn the Northeast into a manufacturing and trade hub.
Japanese cooperation extends well beyond highways. Tokyo has committed around ₹13,000 crore (roughly 205.8 billion yen) to a portfolio that includes the Guwahati water supply and sewerage schemes, biodiversity conservation in Sikkim, sustainable forest management in Tripura and Nagaland, and technical cooperation for sustainable agriculture and irrigation in Mizoram.
A particularly creative initiative is the Bamboo Value Chain Initiative, launched in 2022. Backed by JICA, the National Bamboo Mission and the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council, it uses a hub-and-spokes model to upgrade product design, train artisans and explore novel uses such as bamboo-based animal feed and paving materials — converting one of the region's most abundant resources into a modern industry. Together these projects address the region's core handicaps: its lack of a sound industrial base and the difficulty of building a self-sustaining economy within mountainous, isolated terrain.
Expanding into Futuristic Frontiers
For all this progress, the relationship has room to grow. Bilateral trade still lags the ambition behind Japan's pledged investment target of ¥5 trillion by 2027, and infrastructure alone cannot transform the region. The next phase of India-Japan cooperation — increasingly framed around "economic security" and resilient supply chains — opens several futuristic avenues for the Northeast to participate in rather than merely receive. There is a need for the creation of an India–Japan–ASEAN supply chain and logistics hub in Guwahati.
Clean Energy and Green Fuels
This is the most natural fit. The Northeast's forests, rivers, and biodiversity make it a proving ground for India's net-zero-by-2070 goal, and Japan is already engaged through sustainable agriculture and forestry projects. Japanese firms such as Sumitomo Corporation, together with green-ammonia export agreements to Tokyo, point toward a future in which the region's hydropower and biomass feed green-hydrogen and ammonia value chains. Pairing Japanese financing and technology with the Northeast's renewable potential could make the region an exporter of clean fuels rather than a perennial aid recipient.
Semiconductors and Electronics
The 2023 India-Japan Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership and tie-ups, such as Renesas's partnership with Indian research institutions and Tokyo Electron's with Tata Electronics, have so far focused on Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Over time, design, assembly and testing units could be seeded in the Northeast — especially if the dedicated Japanese business park proposed near Guwahati materialises, supported by skilling and testing centres for Japan's technical intern programmes. It would also be feasible to work on establishing an Assam–Japan semiconductor and electronics ecosystem.
Critical Minerals
Both countries are racing to reduce dependence on Chinese-dominated supply chains for rare earths and critical minerals, cooperating through the Mineral Security Partnership and Quad initiatives. The Northeast's underexplored geology could, with responsible Japanese investment in exploration, processing and recycling, become part of a trusted minerals network rather than a blank spot on the map.
Digital Infrastructure and Human Capital
Japanese interest in 5G, Open RAN, AI, and data centres, already visible in NEC's partnership with Reliance Jio and NTT's expanding footprint, can be channelled toward connecting the Northeast's remote districts. Equally important are people: Assam's request for technical-intern testing centres hints at skilling pipelines that would send trained Northeastern youth to Japan's ageing, labour-short economy while building local capacity. Tourism, leveraging the region's waterfalls and untouched landscapes, rounds out the menu of high-value, low-footprint sectors. Recently Prime Minister Takaichi, in her visit to Vietnam, mentioned the “FOIP Digital Corridor Concept", and this plan could be expanded among the other Southeast Asian countries and link to India’s Northeast, which would help support and benefit Prime Minister Takaichi’s initiative regionally as well.
Climate Change and Disaster Management Upskilling
With the developments in climate change, it is vital to also work on climate change efforts, as even in the recent situation, the Pacific Ring of Fire experienced earthquakes, and Northeast India also faces regular earthquakes and tremors, and so it would be vital to work in coordination and set up a Climate Plus Disaster Management and Resilience Network among the Northeast States and the different prefectures in Japan, which will help the sub-national aspect of relations between India and Japan. Through the case studies in their specific countries, India and Japan can also co-create a playbook on best possible solutions and outcomes which can be shared with other like-minded countries.
Food Security and Biotechnology Strategies
Another point which is interlinked to climate change is food security. As there are possible transitions taking place in the global climate crisis, with an advent of floods, droughts and effects of El NiƱo leading to extremities in the climate situation, food is bound to be scarce, and so India and Japan must look at developing and researching methods linked to biotechnology for future agricultural developments, medicinal needs and environmental protection strategies.
Conclusion
Japan's role in Northeast India is unique in its depth, longevity, and the trust it reflects; India has opened a sensitive border region to no other foreign partner so fully. What began as roads, bridges and water systems is maturing into a strategic compact that could place the Northeast at the centre of a Bay of Bengal economic zone and a China-resilient supply network. If clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, digital infrastructure and skilling are woven into the connectivity backbone already being laid, Japanese support can help transform the Northeast from India's remote frontier into a dynamic gateway linking South and Southeast Asia – a fitting culmination of a partnership rooted in centuries of goodwill and sharpened by the strategic logic of the present.
(RK Mathur, IAS (Retd), is Chairperson of SHARE and former Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh as well as former Defence Secretary of India. BJ Mahanta, IPS (Retd), is Secretary of SHARE and former Director General of Police, Assam. Subimal Bhattacharjee is Head of Critical and Emerging Technologies at SHARE. Gitanjali Sinha Roy is Assistant Professor of Japanese Studies and Indo-Pacific Studies at the Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal Global University. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.)
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