New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) India has now graduated to becoming a “preferred security partner” in the Indo-Pacific region, forming defence partnerships that not only include joint exercises and capacity building but also exports of defence equipment either as a grant or under a defence Line of Credit at the request of the partner state, according to former Indian diplomat Suchitra Durai. Trilateral maritime security cooperation with Sri Lanka and the Maldives, which began in 2011, has extended to o…

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) As India prepares for its 79th Independence Day next week, its digital governance ecosystem has made citizens more independent in accessing services and participating in governance. Tech-enabled citizen-centric governance has led to the empowerment of citizens and inclusive development.The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, transformed India into a digitally enabled society and knowledge economy. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms, including Aadhaar, UPI…

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) The Indian Railways has expanded its modern train fleet, with 144 Vande Bharat services now running across the country’s broad gauge electrified network. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the update in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha recently — highlighting the government’s push to modernise the nation’s rail infrastructure.Vande Bharat trains are semi-high-speed services designed and developed by Indian Railways to offer passengers a faster, safer, and…

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has formed an expert committee to review the 2019 norms for issuing licenses for petrol pumps, keeping in mind market efficiency and India’s push for alternative fuels, decarbonisation, and e-mobility.The expert committee will “assess the effectiveness of the framework envisaged in Resolution dated November 8, 2019, in ensuring energy security and market efficiency; align the policy framework with national commitment towards de…

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) State Bank of India has hit a historic jackpot with its early investment in National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) as what began as a modest Rs 1.20 crore stake has ballooned into Rs 7,801.80 crore in just three trading sessions — delivering an unbelievable return of over 6,50,000 per cent.The company made its stock market debut on August 8 at Rs 880 per share, a 10 per cent premium to its IPO price of Rs 800.Since then, its shares have surged to Rs 1,300.30 — mark…

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Sunday called for urgent and comprehensive land reforms to help India achieve its goal of becoming a leading global manufacturing and investment hub by 2047. It said that while India has made significant progress in many areas of reform, the land sector still faces challenges that are slowing industrial growth and discouraging investors.In a statement, CII said India’s strong policy framework, industrial capabilities, large…

Quetta, Aug 10 (IANS) Education, online businesses and media reporting have faced widespread disruptions in Pakistan’s Balochistan due to the suspension of internet services for the past several days, with the provincial government claiming that the decision was taken to curb communications among armed groups active in the region, local media reported on Saturday. Officials said that the decision has been taken on the security agencies’ recommendation, keeping in view rising tensions in August, …

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) India and Oman are poised to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering goods, services, investments, and labour mobility with a formal announcement expected this month. The India-Oman CEPA is more than a tariff deal as it will open up a strategic economic bridge between South Asia and the Gulf. It offers India tariff-free access to a receptive market, secures energy and labour interests, attracts Gulf investment, and deepens geopolitical engagem…

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Broader indices lagged behind benchmark indices, declining for the third consecutive week as US President Donald Trump threatened 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. BSE largecap and midcap indices fell 1 per cent each this week, while the BSE smallcap index declined nearly 2 per cent.The Nifty smallcap 100 dropped 8.31 per cent in a month, closing at 17,478. The Nifty midcap 100 fell 5.62 per cent in a month ending at 57,094.PG Electroplast, Kitex Garments, Titagarh, Ramc…

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) The reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump are a “slow burn” for Wall Street, as they rarely trigger an immediate crisis – but over time, they warp markets, squeeze consumers, and invite retaliation, according to a new report. Investors and policymakers alike would do well to remember that just because the storm isn’t here yet doesn’t mean it isn’t coming, says Zoya Najeeb in an opinion piece in One World Outlook.”While Wall Street pours champagne over…