ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a written address to the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), called on the automotive industry to adopt global best practices while focusing on sustainable, green mobility. He stated that the sector's progress should be both rapid and environmentally conscious, setting an example for others. PM Modi also expressed confidence that the industry would drive higher economic growth, fuelled by rising demand, and that the convention’s discussions would act as a catalyst for future innovation.
PM Modi led the first meeting of the Governing Board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), focusing on reshaping India’s Science and Technology landscape. He highlighted the need to remove obstacles in the research ecosystem, set ambitious goals, and prioritise innovative, localised solutions to global challenges. PM Modi also called for the upgradation and standardisation of institutions, proposing the creation of a domain expert list and a dashboard to track research and development activities across the country.
India urges Germany to boost defence and economic ties: In a speech to German ambassadors in Berlin, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for updates to Germany's export control regime to enhance defence cooperation with India. He noted the need to increase bilateral trade and investments, highlighting India's $4 trillion economy and 8% growth prospects. Jaishankar advocated for greater collaboration in innovation and technology, particularly in AI, fintech, and green technologies. He noted progress in the India-Germany green partnership, with 38 agreements worth €3.2 billion already concluded. The minister also stressed the importance of close consultations on global issues to strengthen trust between the two nations.
India-U.A.E. ties: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal praised the India-U.A.E. relationship as "owner’s pride and neighbour’s envy" at the U.A.E.-India Business Forum. The forum, organised by the U.A.E. Ministry of Economy, U.A.E. Embassy, and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, featured U.A.E. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and various cabinet ministers. The event, which also included industry leaders and experts, saw the signing of ten agreements between UAE and Indian companies. The theme “Beyond CEPA: Innovation and Future-Ready Economies” focused on sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, sustainability, AI, logistics, and agricultural technology.
Irish embassy launches network to bridge Ireland-India gap: The Irish Embassy in India is set to launch the Ireland-India Affinity Diaspora Network today. This initiative aims to unite Indian professionals with Irish work or study experience, offering networking opportunities and cultural events. Ambassador Kevin Kelly highlighted the network's timely launch, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Ireland-India diplomatic relations. The project seeks to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Cybersecurity vital for national progress, says Amit Shah: Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the critical role of cybersecurity in national security, stating that the country's progress hinges on a secure cyberspace. Speaking at the foundation day of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, he highlighted the borderless nature of cyber crime and called for collective efforts to combat the threat. Shah also announced plans to train 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years to strengthen India's defences, noting that 46% of the world's digital transactions occur in India.
NTH Ghaziabad gains QCI approval for drone certification: The National Test House (NTH) in Ghaziabad has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a Certification Body for drone type certification under the Drone Rules 2021. This approval bolsters India's "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, ensuring that domestically developed drones meet international standards.
India ready to advise on Ukraine peace talks: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference in Berlin, said that the Ukraine conflict cannot be settled on the battlefield and urged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate. He also affirmed India’s willingness to offer advice if sought.
Lockheed Martin and Tata Partner for Indian Air Force transport aircraft bid: Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have teamed up to bid for the Indian Air Force’s medium transport aircraft (MTA) competition, which seeks up to 80 planes. Lockheed Martin has proposed its C-130J Super Hercules and is considering establishing a production line in India, competing with Airbus Defence and Space’s A-400M and Embraer Defense and Security’s C-390 Millennium. The partnership also includes plans to expand C-130J manufacturing in India, subject to government approvals, and to set up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the IAF’s current fleet of 12 C-130Js and other global Super Hercules fleets.
India's electric vehicle surge: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India is experiencing significant growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales, with expectations to reach one crore annual sales by 2030, creating five crore jobs. Gadkari highlighted that nearly 30 lakh EVs are registered in the country, with 45% growth in EV four-wheelers and 56% in EV two-wheelers during the 2023-24 financial year. He noted that 400 startups began manufacturing electric two-wheelers during this period. The Minister urged the industry to innovate in scrapping old vehicles, given the three crore end-of-life vehicles and insufficient scrapping centres.
Delhi Today: Partly cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms.
Rajya Sabha: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar administered oath to newly elected members Mission Ranjan Das and Rajib Bhattacharjee at Parliament House on Tuesday.
Lok Sabha: Not in session.