APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Sea Shipment of Value-Added Flavoured Makhana from Bihar to Canada

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the flag-off of the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured Makhana (fox nuts) from Darbhanga, Bihar, to Canada on 29 July 2026. The milestone export marks a significant step in promoting Bihar's premium agricultural produce in global markets while expanding the state's basket of value-added agricultural exports.

The consignment, comprising 7 metric tonnes packed in two containers, was dispatched through Mundra Port to ZKV Foods, Canada. The flavoured Makhana was processed and packaged by Nutrivin Agro Private Limited in accordance with international quality and food safety standards, reflecting Bihar's growing capabilities in food processing, value addition and export-oriented manufacturing.

The export of value-added flavoured Makhana has enabled associated Makhana farmers to realise over 50 per cent higher returns through value addition and improved access to international markets. It also demonstrates the potential of processing, branding and export-oriented value addition in enhancing the competitiveness of India's agricultural products while strengthening farmers' integration with global value chains.

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India rises from 82nd to 57th in global rankings, in structural and pro-competitive reforms: Report by Competere Foundation

India has advanced 25 places in the global rankings, from 82nd to 57th, reflecting significant progress in structural and pro-competitive reforms between 2010 and 2023, according to the report India's Next Growth Frontier: Reducing Anti-Competitive Market Distortions to Build on India's 2010–2023 Reform Progress, released by the Competere Foundation. The report assesses India's performance under its Market Distortions Performance Index, examining the country's reform trajectory between 2010 and 2023, and attributes the improvement to sustained efforts in reducing market distortions and strengthening competitiveness.

The report was launched during a discussion on "India's Reform Trajectory, Market Distortions and the Next Frontier for Growth and Competitiveness", organised by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Competere Foundation for Trade and Competition Policy, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The discussion focused on India's structural reform journey, policy measures to enhance competitiveness, and the next phase of reforms required to sustain growth in an evolving global trade environment.

The report evaluates market distortions across three broad pillars—property rights protection, domestic competition and international competition. It highlights reforms such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), improvements in the regulatory environment and the modernisation of trade facilitation systems. It also examines developments relating to competition, investment conditions, digital markets and external regulatory barriers affecting India's competitiveness and participation in international trade.

The inaugural session commenced with welcome remarks by Professor and Head, Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Dr James J. Nedumpara, who highlighted the importance of assessing India's reform trajectory in the context of global competitiveness and international trade.

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Department of Telecommunications Signs MoU with Government of Madhya Pradesh for Establishment of Telecom Manufacturing Zone

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

The Telecom Manufacturing Zone is envisaged as an integrated 350-acre plug-and-play industrial cluster, designed to provide world-class infrastructure and a conducive ecosystem for telecom and electronics manufacturing, research and development, innovation and allied activities. The initiative is aimed at positioning Gwalior as a premier industrial and technology hub in Central India and strengthening India’s position as a global telecom manufacturing and innovation hub.

The signing of the MoU will pave the way for the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the TMZ, with 51 per cent equity from the Government of Madhya Pradesh and 49 per cent from the Department of Telecommunications.

The Central Government is providing 100 per cent funding support for Phase-I, with an allocation of Rs. 493 crore for development of core infrastructure. The Government of Madhya Pradesh, in turn, has extended significant support for the project, including approximately 170 acres of land free of cost.

Under the special policy package extended by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, 100 acres in the SADA region and 70 acres in the Gwalior IT Park have been allocated free of cost, with a combined value of approximately Rs. 596 crore. Additional land will be made available at a nominal premium of Rs. 1 and a fixed lease rent of Rs. 1 per square metre per annum for 30 years. Units established in the TMZ will also benefit from reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges, power tariff rebates and other fiscal incentives.

The policy package provides substantial support to investors and manufacturers, including 50 per cent capital subsidy on Eligible Fixed Capital Investment (EFCI), subject to a maximum of Rs. 200 crore, along with employment generation assistance of Rs. 5,000 per month per employee for five years for eligible mega projects. Skill development support of up to Rs. 13,000 per new employee will also be available, subject to applicable conditions.

To promote exports, eligible units will receive a 50 per cent freight subsidy on finished goods transported to seaports or air cargo facilities, subject to prescribed limits. The package also provides incentives for research and development, including reimbursement support for standalone R&D units and 100 per cent reimbursement of expenses incurred for filing patents, copyrights and trademarks, within specified limits.

The TMZ is expected to serve as a major investment catalyst, with initial commitments of approximately Rs. 5,000 crore for Phase-I and projected total investments of Rs. 12,000–15,000 crore over time. The project is expected to generate approximately 14,000 direct skilled jobs, including around 3,500 jobs in Phase-I, besides creating tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities.

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Delivery Of Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel - ‘Nipun’

‘Nipun’ the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 Jul 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

‘Nipun’ draws her name from Sanskrit signifying ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’. True to the name, the ship is highly specialised and is capable of undertaking deep sea dive operations and rescue operations at sea.

The ship is installed with state-of-the-art Dive Equipment and has capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving. A side diving stage has also been provided for undertaking Diving Operations. The Remotely Operated Vehicles further enhance the ship’s operational capabilities by facilitating diver monitoring and salvage operations. In addition, the ship would also serve as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to evacuate personnel in case of an emergency in a submarine.

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Progress under PMKSY

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing the Central Sector umbrella scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) across the country. The scheme aims to create modern food processing infrastructure and value addition facilities, enhance processing and preservation of agricultural produce, generate employment opportunities, and provide better remuneration to farmers. As on 30.06.2026, a total of 1,735 projects have been approved under various component schemes of PMKSY, out of which 1,256 projects have been completed, creating 294.21 LMT/Annum of processing and preservation capacity and generating 9.16 lakh employment opportunities across the country.

The component schemes under PMKSY provide financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid/subsidy for creation of modern food processing and preservation infrastructure with the objective of reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition. The creation of food processing infrastructure enhances demand for agricultural produce, leading to better price realization and improved income for farmers. PMKSY is a demand driven scheme and applications are invited from all eligible applicants, including Farmers Producing Organisation (FPOs) through Expression of Interest (EoI). To strengthen farmer–producer linkages, PMKSY provides enhanced financial assistance to FPOs along with relaxed eligibility conditions such as lower equity contribution, lower minimum bank loan requirement and a reduced net-worth requirement compared to the general category applicants. Further, Under the centrally sponsored PMFME scheme of the Ministry, FPOs are eligible for a 35% credit-linked subsidy up to ₹10 lakh for setting up or upgrading micro food processing enterprises, 35% grant of up to ₹3 crore for establishing Common Infrastructure and Branding & Marketing support in terms of grant upto 50% for groups of FPOs, at State/regional level.

As on 30.06.2026, 1,256 projects have been completed under PMKSY, benefiting about 37.76 lakh farmers and creating 294.21 LMT per annum of processing and preservation capacity, thereby strengthening the food processing ecosystem, promoting value addition, and contributing to the overall exports of food products and growth of the food processing sector.

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Ministry of Tourism Signs MoU with IndiGo to Promote India as a Global Tourism Destination

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) to promote India as a preferred global tourism destination through a strategic, non-exclusive and non-financial collaboration.

Under the MoU, the Ministry of Tourism and IndiGo will jointly undertake a global communication initiative titled “Incredible India by IndiGo.” The campaign will showcase India’s rich and diverse tourism offerings, including cultural heritage, natural landscapes, spiritual destinations, wellness, adventure, wildlife and other experiential tourism products.

The MoU will remain valid for an initial period of two years. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and IndiGo to promote India’s tourism potential, enhance international tourist arrivals and position India as a leading global tourism destination.

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Progress Under PM-JANMAN

Replying to a question in Lok Sabha the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed that Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) was launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 15th November, 2023 for the socio-economic development of the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) communities residing in 18 States including Gujarat and one Union Territory.

The mission aims to provide basic facilities to improve their socio-economic conditions such as safe housing, clean drinking water and improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, electrification of unelectrified households and sustainable livelihood opportunities. These objectives are being met through 11 interventions implemented by 9-line Ministries. The details of the benefits given under PM JANMAN, as on 30.06.2026, Ministry-wise & State-wise and District-wise in Gujarat. The progress so made under the abhiyan has contributed to the socio-economic development of PVTGs through improvement in basic amenities and livelihood opportunities.

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Union Minister of Communications Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia confers Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards

Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia today conferred the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards- 2025 to two organizations for their outstanding contributions in Telecom Technology. The awardees are as follows:

1. Amantya Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

2. Finaara

The selection process for Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards included nomination by all Indian citizens as well as institutions registered in India through Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, managed by Director General, Awards at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards:

‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards’ have been instituted by Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, to encourage innovations in telecom sector and stimulate/ inspire Telecom Skill ecosystem by rewarding the successful telecom skilled people and institutions of India annually for their exemplary and outstanding contributions in the areas of Telecom Innovations, Telecom Skilling, Telecom Services, Telecom Manufacturing, Telecom Applications in deploying telecom dependent sectoral solutions for different fields such as agriculture, commerce, health, education etc.

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DAANVEER Initiative Launched; To Boost Digital Infrastructure Across India's Gram Panchayats

DAANVEER, a citizen participation initiative to strengthen the digital infrastructure of Gram Panchayats across the country was launched today by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj in New Delhi. DAANVEER is a platform designed not just to close the immediate computer gap in the Gram Panchayats but to evolve into a long-term, citizen-powered ecosystem for strengthening local institutions. It is a transparent, end-to-end digital and verifiable platform that enables citizens and organisations to contribute towards the identified technology and infrastructure needs of Gram Panchayats in India. The initiative institutionalises the spirit of voluntarism in the society by providing a structured, accountable and seamless mechanism for supporting grassroots digital infrastructure. An initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, it has been developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and DigiHaat.

About DaanVeer-

DAANVEER builds upon India’s long tradition of voluntary public contribution while introducing a technology-enabled institutional framework to enhance trust, transparency and ease of participation. Drawing on the experience of earlier voluntary contribution models, the initiative incorporates verified institutional needs, standardised contribution options, end-to-end digital tracking, and direct delivery, thereby creating a credible standardized mechanism through which citizens can participate in strengthening public institutions. Carrying the tagline “Give Back to Your Village”, DAANVEER is entirely voluntary. Available through the Meri Panchayat mobile application, DAANVEER enables individuals and organisations to contribute standardized, quality-verified computer bundles directly to eligible Gram Panchayats. The initiative integrates the Meri Panchayat app with the DigiHaat marketplace, allowing donors to choose from pre-approved computer bundles that are mapped to State-specific technical specifications. Delivery details are automatically populated, eliminating additional paperwork. Donors can also track their contribution from dispatch to installation and receive a digital certificate of appreciation in recognition of their support. Details of the initiative, including the list of eligible Gram Panchayats and the contribution process, are available through the Meri Panchayat app.

India has nearly 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, which form the foundation of grassroots democracy and local service delivery. Building on the Ministry’s digital governance ecosystem-including e-GramSwaraj, Meri Panchayat, Sabha Saar, AuditOnline, Gram Manchitra and other digital platforms – DAANVEER seeks to bridge digital infrastructure gaps and ensure that every Gram Panchayat is equipped to deliver citizen-centric services efficiently and transparently. The initiative also provides citizens living away from their native villages, including members of the Indian diaspora, with a credible and transparent mechanism to contribute to the development of the Gram Panchayats to which they remain connected. Through DAANVEER, citizens can meaningfully participate in strengthening rural digital infrastructure while contributing to the broader vision of a digitally empowered and self-reliant rural India.

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SBI Card, Google Pay launch new credit card with Rs 18,000 annual rewards

Google Pay and SBI Card have launched a new co-branded credit card aimed at making everyday spending more lucrative for users. Called the Google Pay Flex SBI Card, the card promises rewards worth up to Rs 18,000 annually, offers flexible bill repayment options and allows customers to manage the entire credit card journey within the Google Pay app.

The launch comes as digital payments expands rapidly in India, with more consumers using UPI and contactless payments for routine expenses. The new card seeks to combine the convenience of Google Pay with SBI Card’s credit offerings, targeting users who frequently spend on groceries, utility bills, travel and shopping.

The Google Pay Flex SBI Card is available on both RuPay and Visa payment networks.

SBI Card said the partnership aims to make payments simpler while combining convenience, rewards and security for customers. Google Pay said the offering is intended to make digital credit as accessible and seamless as everyday UPI payments.

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Fields Medal: Hong Wang makes history as star mathematicians claim 2026 honours

The Fields Medal — one of the top honours in mathematics for 2026 was awarded to Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman, and Hong Wang.

The Medal is awarded every four years and recognises important contributions to mathematics research by people who are younger than 40 at the time they receive it.

Of this year’s laureates, Wang has become the third woman to win the Medal in its 90-year history, after Maryam Mirzakhani (2014) and Maryna Viazovska (2022). Wang and Deng are also the first Chinese nationals to win since Shing-Tung Yau in 1982.

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India and Romania sign three agreements in the fields of Science and Technology, Education and Sports

India and Romania have signed three agreements for cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology, Education and Sports. The agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between President Droupadi Murmu and her Romanian counterpart, President Nicușor Dan, in Bucharest.

President Murmu said India and Romania have set a target of doubling bilateral trade over the next three years. She said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will open unprecedented opportunities for industries and skilled professionals. She added that both countries have agreed to expand cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, renewable energy, green hydrogen, agricultural production, fertilisers, science and technology, digital public infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a State Visit to Romania, will hold talks with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at the Victoria Palace in Bucharest. She will also address the India-Romania Business Forum along with Romanian President Nicușor Dan.

Later in the day, President Murmu will visit the Romanian Parliament, where she will interact with President of the Senate Mircea Abrudean and President of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu. She will also pay homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by laying a wreath.

The President’s engagements will also include a visit to the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and the National Village Museum, highlighting India’s emphasis on strengthening educational, cultural and people-to-people ties with Romania.

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Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane (38-year-old) one of Indian cricket’s most understated performers and the architect of one of its greatest overseas triumphs announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats through a video posted on social media. His final appearance in India colours came in the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.

Rahane made his international debut in 2011 and went on to become one of India’s most dependable batters overseas. Rahane played 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries. He also represented India in 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals, amassing 2,962 and 375 runs, respectively.

His international returns tapered off over the next two years, but Rahane continued to remain a force in domestic cricket. He captained Mumbai to its 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, reaffirming his enduring value to the domestic giant’s cricketing ecosystem. He also continued to enjoy the confidence of IPL franchises, leading Kolkata Knight Riders over the last two seasons after earlier leadership stints with Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiants.

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ISSF World Cup: Indian finishes its campaign with four medals

In shooting, India finished its campaign at the ISSF World Cup 2026 with four medals after Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon won bronze in the 10-meter air rifle mixed team event yesterday.

The Indian pair, competing as the country’s second team, scored 441.2 points to finish third. China’s Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao won gold, while Du Yuchen and Zhang Changhong took silver. India’s first team of Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth.

India ended the combined rifle, pistol and shotgun competition with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Esha Singh won gold in the women’s 25-meter pistol, while Manu Bhaker claimed bronze in the same event. Sainyam Vij added a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol.

China topped the medal tally with 7 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals (18 total), followed by the United States of America (USA) with 2 gold and 2 silver medals (4 total).

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Glen Hansard dies at 56

Irish singer-songwriter and Oscar winner Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin, his management company confirmed.

Hansard, whose career stretched from busking on Dublin streets to winning an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” from the acclaimed film Once, died following a road traffic accident in the Irish capital.

Hansard began busking as a teenager before forming The Frames in 1990. The rock band went on to build a devoted following in Ireland and beyond, establishing Hansard as a distinctive songwriter and performer.

Alongside his work with The Frames, he released music as a solo artist and later formed The Swell Season with Czech musician Markéta Irglová.

It was his collaboration with Irglová that would eventually take Hansard from the independent music scene to Hollywood’s biggest stage.

Hansard reached a much wider international audience through the 2007 independent film Once, in which he starred alongside Irglová.

The film’s songs became central to its success, particularly “Falling Slowly,” written and performed by Hansard and Irglová.

The track won Best Original Song at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, producing one of the most memorable moments of Hansard’s career.

Once was subsequently adapted for the stage, with the Broadway production becoming a major success in its own right. The musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Musical, extending the cultural reach of the story and the music associated with Hansard and Irglová.

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Saudi Arabia & 13 other countries announce maritime defence alliance to protect shipping in key waterways of West Asia

Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries have established a maritime defence coalition aimed at protecting shipping in key waterways of West Asia. The announcement came after military figures from dozens of countries met in Riyadh to discuss the alliance. A joint statement issued by the alliance said that the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition aims to tackle the growing challenges facing global maritime security.

It said the alliance will serve as a framework for maritime defence cooperation, aimed at enhancing maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, securing international trade routes and energy supply lines. The alliance is part of efforts to safeguard shared maritime interests in Bab El-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden, in accordance with the provisions of international law.

The founding members of the coalition include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia. Member states said the coalition is purely defensive in nature, does not target any state, alliance, or international organisation, and conducts all its activities in full compliance with international law, respect for state sovereignty, and the protection of freedom of navigation. They agreed that Saudi Arabia is the founding and leading state of the coalition and serves as its permanent headquarters.

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