ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address nine rallies and a roadshow across Maharashtra as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the November 20 state assembly elections.

Supply chains, tax reforms, and satellite communications

Jaishankar sees supply chain shift as US election reshapes ties: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the reordering of global supply chains is set to accelerate, presenting opportunities, following Donald Trump's re-election as US President.

Reforms drive India’s global growth: NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer BVR Subrahmanyam highlighted a growth rate of 8.2% last fiscal year and projected India to be the third-largest economy by 2027, attributing the growth rate to policy reforms, green initiatives, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Tax reforms top business wish list ahead of budget: Industry bodies, including the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), called for comprehensive tax reforms, rationalised capital gains tax, streamlined customs processes, and a dedicated dispute resolution mechanism during pre-budget talks with the revenue secretary.

Satellite broadband spectrum to be allocated administratively: Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed satellite broadband spectrum will be assigned at a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)-decided price, aligning with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) norms.

Satellite communication set to complement 5G and 6G: Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said satellite communication will complement 5G and 6G networks for widespread and last-mile connectivity, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships under policies like SatCom Reform 2022.

Government explores uninterrupted power for data centres: The government is evaluating options to provide dedicated power to large data centre parks as demand for uninterrupted power increases due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) servers and graphic processing units (GPUs).

FDI flow news - brought to you by

US-India trade valued at $190 billion, says External Affairs Ministry: The External Affairs Ministry highlighted $190 billion in US-India trade last year, with both nations aiming to strengthen their strategic partnership.

India targets 400 billion dollar nutraceutical market: India aims to grow its under 2% share in the 400 billion dollar global nutraceutical market with new industry standards, government task forces, incentives, and international trade alliances.

Chabahar Port offered to Afghan businesses for trade: Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary J. P. Singh, met Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister and other leaders to propose using Iran's Chabahar Port for trade.

Brazil emerges as key pulse supplier for India: Brazil is positioned to become a major source of black gram and pigeon peas imports, with shipments of urad increasing from 4,102 tonnes in 2023 to over 22,000 tonnes by October 2024, according to India's Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Zambia-India Joint Commission unveils new tech, energy, and trade initiatives: Zambia and India discussed strategic collaborations, including a 400 MW solar plant, affordable housing projects, and increased training in critical sectors, while India pledged maize aid amid Zambia's drought.

Nepal-India collaboration advances hydropower and energy projects: Nepal and India agreed to fast-track the Pancheshwar Multipurpose and Arun Third hydropower projects, while also discussing electricity trade, transmission line construction, and a tripartite deal to enable Nepal’s electricity exports to Bangladesh.

First Integrated Check Post with Bhutan opens in Assam: Assam’s first Integrated Check Post (ICP) with Bhutan, inaugurated by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, features advanced customs facilities and connectivity to streamline cross-border trade.

Tata Steel warns of Chinese steel threat

Tata Steel warns of unfair Chinese imports hurting domestic plans: Tata Steel cautions that underpriced Chinese steel imports are challenging domestic investment, as Indian steel demand hits a seven-year high and anti-dumping investigations begin on Southeast Asian imports.

Goyal sets $300 billion engineering exports target: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal set a $300 billion target for engineering exports, stressing efforts for compliance easing, sustainable practices, and resilient supply chains.

Pixxel launches Fireflies satellites for climate data insights: Bengaluru-based space start-up Pixxel unveiled its flagship Fireflies constellation, set to provide data for agriculture, deforestation, and ocean pollution monitoring.

Vehicles top source of Delhi’s pollution crisis: Vehicles accounted for 51.5% of Delhi's air pollution from 12 October to 3 November, surpassing stubble burning's 8.19%.

Delhi Today: Plenty of sun; air quality remains hazardous.

What we are reading: