India Archives - Page 207 of 267

05 Jul

India-Pakistan Trade Endures Through Third-Party Channels Despite Conflict

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsConflicts, India-Pakistan, Trade

Islamabad, July 5 – Despite heightened tensions and a brief military standoff in May, trade between India and Pakistan quietly continued largely through third countries underscoring the resilience of economic links even amidst political hostility.According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data cited by Dawn, imports from India reached a three-year high of USD 211.5 million during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025, outpacing USD 207 million in FY24 and USD 190 million in FY23.In May alone during which a four-day cross-border conflict unfolded Pakistan imported goods worth USD 15 million from India, only a slight dip from…

05 Jul

India Becomes World’s 4th Most Equal Society, Says World Bank

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiafinancial inclusion, Gini Index, income equality, India, poverty reduction, World Bank

New Delhi, July 5 — India has emerged as the fourth most equal society in the world, achieving a Gini Index of 25.5, according to the latest data released by the World Bank. The nation now ranks just behind the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus in income equality, outpacing major economies including China, the United States, and all G7 and G20 nations.“It reflects how India’s economic progress is being shared more evenly across its population,” stated a release from the Ministry of Social Welfare. “Behind this success is a consistent policy focus on reducing poverty, expanding financial access, and delivering…

05 Jul

Nehal Modi Arrested in US, Extradition to India Underway in Rs 13,000 Crore PNB Scam Case

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingNehal Modi

New Delhi/Washington (National Times): In a major development in the ongoing probe into the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request by Indian authorities. The arrest, confirmed by officials from India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was carried out after U.S. law enforcement authorities accepted India’s formal request seeking his custody in connection with money laundering and conspiracy charges. Nehal Modi has long been accused of playing a key role in helping Nirav Modi escape India…

04 Jul

PIL in Bombay High Court Accuses Prada of Copying Kolhapuri Chappals, Seeks Compensation for Indian Artisans

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBombay High Court, Geographical Indication, Kolhapuri chappals, PIL, Prada

Mumbai, July 4 — Italian luxury fashion house Prada has come under legal fire in India, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court alleging the unauthorised use of the traditional Kolhapuri chappal design in its high-end footwear collection.The PIL, filed by six Pune-based lawyers, contends that Prada’s recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals,’ showcased in the brand’s spring/summer collection and priced at around ₹1 lakh a pair, closely resemble the iconic Kolhapuri chappals a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship.Kolhapuri chappals are protected under India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, granting exclusive rights…

04 Jul

India, US Near Interim Trade Deal as Key Hurdles Remain in Agriculture, Auto Sectors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaagriculture tariffs, auto tariffs, India-US trade pact, interim trade deal, US-India trade negotiations

New Delhi, July 4 — India and the United States are inching closer to finalising an interim trade pact, with negotiations in their last phase and a conclusion anticipated before July 9, officials confirmed on Friday. However, critical sticking points persist in the agriculture and automotive sectors.An Indian delegation led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, returned to New Delhi this week after a round of talks in Washington held from June 26 to July 2. Although progress has been made, discussions are set to continue virtually or through further meetings to iron out…

04 Jul

Centre Notifies Waqf Management Rules Amid Ongoing SC Challenge to Amendment Act

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaUnified Waqf Management Rules, Waqf Amendment Act 2025, Waqf database

New Delhi, July 4 — The Centre has notified the ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025’, even as the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The rules, issued under Section 108B of the amended Waqf Act, aim to digitize and streamline waqf property administration across India.While the Waqf Amendment Act itself was notified on April 8, 2025, a batch of petitions challenging it remains pending before the apex court. The Supreme Court, having reserved its verdict on May 22, is expected to pronounce a judgment later this month.…

04 Jul

Fadnavis Defends Shinde’s ‘Jai Gujarat’ Remark Amid Congress Outrage in Maharashtra

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PoliticsDevendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Jai Gujarat, Maharashtra politics

Mumbai, July 4 — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday defended Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after the latter sparked controversy by chanting “Jai Gujarat” alongside “Jai Hind” and “Jai Maharashtra” during an event in Pune attended by Union Minister Amit Shah.“Just because Shinde said ‘Jai Gujarat’, it doesn’t mean that Shinde loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra,” Fadnavis told reporters, dismissing the criticism as narrow-minded. He recalled similar instances in the past, pointing out that former Union Minister Sharad Pawar had said “Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka” during a statue unveiling in Karnataka. “Does this mean that Sharad Pawar loves…

03 Jul

Delhi Urges Hold on Fuel Ban for Overage Vehicles, Cites Tech and Enforcement Hurdles

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaair pollution, ANPR cameras, Delhi fuel ban, overage vehicles, vehicle

New Delhi, July 3: The Delhi government has formally urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to suspend the fuel ban on overage vehicles, citing significant technological and logistical challenges in its implementation. The appeal comes just days after the ban, targeting diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, took effect on July 1 under court orders.Addressing reporters on Thursday, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government stands with citizens who are distressed over the restrictions and is seeking an alternative approach. “We are trying to ensure that vehicles are not…

03 Jul

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Renaming of Bengaluru City University After Dr Manmohan Singh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Punjab, TrendingDr Manmohan Singh, Karnataka

Bengaluru (National Times): In a significant tribute to one of India’s most respected statesmen, the Karnataka Cabinet on Wednesday approved the renaming of Bengaluru City University to "Dr Manmohan Singh City University." The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting held in Nandi Hills, honours the late former Prime Minister's lasting legacy and his transformative role in India’s economic history. This marks the first university in India to be named after Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. The move fulfills a promise made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his state budget speech…

02 Jul

Modi Embarks on Historic Five-Nation Tour, Highlights BRICS Commitment and Global South Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBrazil visit, BRICS Summit 2025, Global South, India foreign policy, Narendra Modi

New Delhi, July 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Wednesday for a week-long, five-nation tour aimed at deepening India’s engagement with the Global South and reaffirming the country’s role in multilateral forums such as BRICS. The visit includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.A major highlight of the trip will be the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. “As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order,” said…