India

December 20, 2024 9:56 PM

Centre, ADB sign $350 million loan to boost India’s supply chains

The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $350 million policy-based loan agreement to support the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme. This loan, under the programme's second subprogramme, is aimed at improving the logistics framework to enhance manufacturing capabilities and build resilient supply chains in the country. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that the SMILE programme supports wide-ranging reforms in ...

December 19, 2024 8:52 AM

India, China agree on resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river cooperation, Nathula border trade

Following the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives, India and China reaffirmed their commitment to promote the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, cross-border river cooperation and Nathula border trade. During the meeting, both sides agreed on measures to maintain peace and tranquility along the border, and strengthen mechanisms for diplomatic and military negotiations, with plans for a follow-up meeting in India next year. The 23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of In...

December 17, 2024 3:58 PM

India’s school education advances in infrastructure and digital access: Dharmendra Pradhan

India's school education system has seen steady progress over the past decade, with key initiatives focused on infrastructure development, digital inclusion, promotion of regional languages, and equity in education. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan outlined these developments, emphasizing the holistic growth in school education under the government’s leadership. Pradhan highlighted advancements in school infrastructure between 2013-14 and...

December 17, 2024 3:39 PM

India’s higher education sector witnesses significant growth: Dharmendra Pradhan

India’s higher education sector has seen substantial growth over the last decade, with a focus on enhancing access, improving quality, and promoting inclusivity. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the sector's progress during a press conference in New Delhi, outlining the key initiatives and achievements under the Ministry of Education. Expansion of Higher Education Institutions The number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) grew from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23, re...

December 16, 2024 10:38 PM

India’s total exports rise to $67.8 billion in November

India's total exports, including merchandise and services, reached $67.79 billion in November 2024, reflecting a 9.59 percent growth compared to November 2023, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Merchandise exports during April-November 2024 totaled $284.31 billion, a 2.17 percent increase from $278.26 billion during the same period in 2023. However, merchandise exports for November 2024 amounted to $32.11 billion, down from $33.75 billion in November 2023, mainly due to reduce...

December 16, 2024 7:56 PM

297 antiquities to be returned to India from the US

The Indian Consulate General in New York has received custody of 297 antiquities that are set to be transported to India. A sanction order for the transportation has been issued, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, informed the Lok Sabha. The responsibility for protecting monuments, sites, and antiquities in India rests with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI deploys regular watch and ward staff, along with private security personnel and the Central ...

December 16, 2024 6:19 PM

Centre receives Rs 8,625 crore as disinvestment receipts so far in 2024-25

The government has received Rs 8,625 crore through disinvestment receipts during the financial year 2024-25, with these funds raised through various minority stake sale transactions, MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. In response to a query on disinvestment targets over the last five years, the minister said that the government stopped setting specific disinvestment targets beginning in the 2023-24 financial year. For 2024-25, no disinvestment estimate or...

December 16, 2024 4:31 PM

India and Sri Lanka sign key MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties

India and Sri Lanka signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in New Delhi on Monday, aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a three-day state visit to India. During a joint press conference, PM Modi highlighted India's ongoing support to Sri Lanka, saying that India has provided $5 billion in lines of credit and grant assistance to th...

December 13, 2024 10:43 PM

India announces women’s squads for T20I and ODI series against west indies

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Women's Selection Committee has unveiled the 15-member squads for India’s upcoming series against the West Indies. The series includes three T20Is and three ODIs, scheduled to take place over the next two weeks. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side in both formats, with Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Titas Sadhu, Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Renuka Singh Thakur, Minnu Mani, and Priya Mishra also included across b...

December 13, 2024 7:28 PM

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to visit India from December 15-17

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to embark on a state visit to India from December 15 to December 17, 2024. This will mark his first visit to India following the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), President Dissanayake is expected to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. Discussions will focus on strengthening bil...