India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: The Centre has decided to provide full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products for three months due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, providing the much-needed "temporary and targeted relief" to the industry. Addressing the Inter Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Sanjay Mangal, member CBIC said the move has been taken to provide continuous availability of critical petrochemical inputs for domestic industry, reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors and provide supply stability in the country.
Mathura, Jul 19 (PTI) Six people died and two were injured when a mini-van collided with a truck on the Yamuna Expressway here, police said on Saturday. "The accident took place at milestone 140 at around 3 am. The Agra-bound mini-van rammed into a heavy vehicle, possibly due to the driver falling asleep at the wheel," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said. "Six people died on the spot, while two have sustained serious injuries and were admitted to a hospital," he added. The family members of the deceased have been informed, and further action is being taken, he said. In a ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a significant shift in strategy, Donald Trump is reportedly willing to end the ongoing US military campaign against Iran without ensuring the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to local report. The development signals a possible recalibration of Washington's war objectives, with the administration prioritising a quicker end to hostilities over securing the crucial oil transit route. As per the report, Trump told aides that the complex and time-consuming task of reopening the Strait through which a major share of global oil supplies passes could be ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) The government has extended fiscal benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for exporters by six months, until September 30, amid disruptions to global trade caused by the ongoing West Asia crisis. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme, launched in 2021, provides for a refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods, and not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the Centre, state or local level. Refunds under the scheme range from 0.3 per cent to 3.9 per cent. T ...Read More >
New Delhi: An Indian commerce ministry team has reached Washington for another round of talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which will begin on Monday, an official said. Chief negotiator of India and special secretary in the department of commerce Rajesh Agrawal will join the team on Wednesday. The four-day talks will end on Thursday. India's deputy chief negotiator for the proposed BTA has reached Washington for the talks on the first phase of the BTA, the official said. The visit assumes significance as both sides have to iron out issues in sectors, like agriculture an ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): Brazilian Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Brazil. In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, "Adding momentum to the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership." The post also mentioned that Geraldo Alckmin has arrived in New Delhi, highlighting the visit as a step to strengthen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Images shared in the post showed Alckmin b ...Read More >
The shockwaves of a war being fought nearly 3,000km away are now reaching India's kitchens. As the US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupt energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are tightening across India, forcing restaurants to cut menus, shorten hours and in some cases shut down altogether. Social media is awash with video clips showing queues outside cooking-gas dealers across Indian cities and towns as worries over fuel supplies spread. Commerci ...Read More >
New Delhi: The government has extended fiscal benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for exporters by six months, until September 30, amid disruptions to global trade caused by the ongoing West Asia crisis. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme, launched in 2021, provides for a refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods, and not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the Centre, state or local level. Also read: Big jolt for Indian exporters as shipping rates up 40% on higher fue ...Read More >
Biswanath (Assam) [India], April 1 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a huge attack aimed at the Congress, accusing the party of being "the root cause" of corruption in Independent India. Speaking at a public rally in Biswanath, the Prime Minister accused Congress of playing with Assam's identity, pride, and security, adding that it compromised with Assamese identity for the sake of power. "The entire country knows that Congress is anti-development and has been the root of corruption in independent India. In Assam, Congress committed acts that the people are well aware ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) Two people died and four others were injured after a fire broke out at a house in east Delhi's Old Govindpura area on Tuesday evening, an official said. Police have identified the deceased as Tanveer (28) and Nusrat. A call was received at Jagatpuri police station at 8.46 pm regarding a fire incident at Band Gali, Old Govindpura, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said. When a police team reached the spot, it found that 10 people were trapped inside a residential building that caught fire, the DCP said. With the help of police personnel and fir ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) India on Thursday played down the threat of the US imposing sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, saying it is confident of meeting its needs from alternative sources. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the world's third largest oil importer should be able to deal with any problems with Russian imports by seeking supplies from other countries. India imports more than 85 per cent of its requirement of crude oil, which is turned into fuels like petrol and diesel in refineries. Traditionally, the Middle East was the main source, but Russia has been the mainstay s ...Read More >
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, focusing on the volatile situation in West Asia and strengthening bilateral ties. In a post on X on Tuesday, Jaishankar said he had "a good conversation" with Rangel. The two leaders exchanged views on the West Asia conflict and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between India and Portugal. This outreach comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to address regional instability. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held high-level talks with Russian Deputy F ...Read More >
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal suggested that the ongoing trade hurdles with US will not impact New Delhi's security partnership with Washington. The ministry of external affairs on Friday said that India-US ties have withstood many challenges over the years and expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship remains on a positive trajectory, just two days after Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods. In a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal suggested that ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 2 (ANI): Waiel Awwad, West Asia Strategist and Journalist, said that the US saw the outcome of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit as against its hegemony, and the US recognised its importance. Awwad, while talking to ANI, said that US President Donald Trump, therefore, sought his convenience and imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India. "So therefore, the United States, under tremendous pressure of President Trump, he might have come up with this statement only just to say that because of the development and because the outcome of this summit is again ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) India has hardened its position on issues related to agriculture as negotiations with the US team in Washington have entered a crucial stage, an official said on Monday. The official also said that the stay of the Indian team, headed by special secretary in the department of commerce Rajesh Agrawal, is expected to be extended further. The team is in Washington for negotiations on an interim trade agreement with the US. Both sides are rushing to close a deal ahead of the July 9 deadline for the full implementation of a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff which has been suspe ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 1 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Tuesday after falling in the previous trading session, amid a rally in global markets. Moreover, buying in blue-chip stocks -- Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank -- also added to the markets optimism during the initial trade. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 177.79 points to 83,784.25 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 51.2 points to 25,568.25. From the Sensex firms, Asian Paints, Bharat Electronics, UltraTech Cement, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank and HCL Tech were among the gainers. How ...Read More >
Nagpur, Oct 12 (PTI) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday linked the unrest in India's neighbourhood to a disconnect between governments and societies and the lack of able administrators, cautioning that forces wanting to create such disturbances in Bharat are active inside as well as outside the country. He advocated 'swadeshi' (use of indigenous resources) and 'swavalamban' (self-reliance), stressing that international trade and economic relations should be on India's terms and not out of compulsion. He asserted that US tariffs would not pose a challenge to the country. Addressing the annua ...Read More >
In a response to the persistent geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions in West Asia, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday announced the continuation and expansion of key relief measures aimed at supporting exporters struggling to meet payment realisation deadlines. The central bank said it has been receiving multiple representations from stakeholders highlighting difficulties in adhering to prescribed timelines for the realisation of export proceeds. These challenges are l ...Read More >
Biswanath (Assam) [India], April 1 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a huge attack aimed at the Congress, accusing the party of being "the root cause" of corruption in Independent India. Speaking at a public rally in Biswanath, the Prime Minister accused Congress of playing with Assam's identity, pride, and security, adding that it compromised with Assamese identity for the sake of power. Also Read | Oracle Layoffs: Employee Laid Off After 25 Years of Service Writes Emotional LinkedIn Post for Impacted Colleagues, Says 'Stay Strong!'. "The entire country knows that C ...Read More >
Mumbai: To cushion exporters from the ongoing disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, the RBI on Tuesday extended the enhanced export credit period of 450 days for pre- and post-shipment finance to June 30, 2026, from the earlier March deadline. The relaxation on realising and repatriating full export value from nine to 15 months will also remain in force, said the central bank. These measures, effective immediately, apply to all regulated entities involved in export financing, aiming to ease debt servicing burdens caused by geopolitical disruptions and supply chain delays. The RBI first ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's billionaire club is growing at a record pace, with the country adding more than one billionaire every week this year, a new report said on Wednesday. The M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 shows that India now has 350 billionaires, six times higher than when the list was first released 13 years ago. The 14th edition of the Hurun list features 1,687 individuals with wealth of over Rs 1,000 crore. This includes 284 new entrants, with the total number rising by 148 compared to last year and by 859 in the past five years. "Together, the listers added wealt ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-27, if the American leader confirms his participation, according to reports. Modi is expected to travel to the Malaysian capital for the ASEAN-India Summit, which is held alongside the main ASEAN meet, and also attend the East Asia Summit where both India and the US are participants. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already extended an invitation to President Trump. If the meeting takes place, it will be the first between the two leaders since ...Read More >
Chennai: With the West Asia crisis impacting the fuel prices and availability, CPI inflation is expected to move up to 4.1 - 4.3 per cent in FY27, find rating agencies. The GDP growth could also ease to 6.5 per cent in FY27 from 7.5 per cent estimated for FY26. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a surge in energy prices and impacted availability, which could lead to higher inflation, impacting consumer demand. The average CPI inflation is anticipated to more than double to 4.3% in FY2027 from the 2.1% estimated for FY2026, with risks tilted to the upside owing to the extent of the ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government on Thursday announced full customs duty exemption on a range of critical petrochemical products to ensure supply stability and shield the domestic industry and consumers from the impact of disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The exemption, which covers 40 key products, including anhydrous ammonia, methanol, toluene, styrene, vinyl chloride monomer and polybutadiene, will remain in force until June 30. According to the federal Ministry of Finance, the move was a temporary and targeted relief measure aimed at ensur ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 26 (PTI) Indian team, headed by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, has reached Washington for the next round of trade talks with his US counterparts, an official said on Thursday. The visit is important as both the countries are engaged in negotiations for an interim trade deal and are trying to finalise the pact before July 9, though there are challenges in areas like agriculture and dairy. "The Indian team is in Washington for two-day trade talks," the official said. Agrawal is special secretary in the department of commerce. The high tariffs, announced by the US on April 2, ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) With US President Donald Trump announcing that a "very big" trade deal is on the cards with India, the Congress on Friday took a swipe at the government and said it seems that India gets to know decisions of great importance to it from the White House. The opposition party's swipe at the government came after President Donald Trump said a "very big" trade deal is on the cards with India, hinting at significant progress in the negotiation process of a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. "We are having some great deals. We have one coming u ...Read More >
Lucknow, Jul 17 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh's capital city has secured the third position in the category of urban spaces with population exceeding 10 lakh, while Prayagraj was adjudged the Cleanest Ganga City in the ninth edition of the Swachh Survekshan. Lucknow also became the first city in the state to achieve a 7-star Garbage Free City rating in the 2024-25 survey. Gorakhpur achieved double success, ranking third in the Safai Mitra Surakshit Sheher category and fourth among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh. Agra has been recognised as the Emerging Clean City of Uttar Pradesh, securi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], August 1 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday responded to the US announcement of sanctions on Indian companies involved in trading with Iran. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during weekly media briefing stated that India has taken note of the sanctions and is currently reviewing the situation. Jaiswal stated, 'We have taken note of the sanctions, we are looking into it.' The US has imposed sanctions on 20 entities involved in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical trade, and is identifying 10 vessels as blocked property, including sev ...Read More >
NEW DELHI - Some Indian refiners are preparing to cut Russian oil imports, three sources told Reuters on Thursday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said India had given an assurance it would stop its buying to help end the war in Ukraine. India and China are the biggest buyers of Russian sea-borne crude, taking advantage of discounted prices Russia was forced to offer after losing sales to Europe following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Indian refiners are preparing to shift away from Russian oil, with a drop in purchases possible from December given orders for November have already ...Read More >
New Delhi: Amid the West Asia conflict, the Government of India exempted customs duty on key petrochemical products till June 30, 2026, Finance Ministry said on Thursday. Import duty was cut to benefit including plastics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive components and other manufacturing segments and also provide relief to the end users, i.e, the consumers, the ministry said. The government took the decision to remove customs duty on critical petrochemical products as global supply chains have been disrupted due to the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war. The finance m ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday exempted import of critical petrochemical products from customs duty to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers of final products amid the crisis in West Asia. The duty exemption, which is valid till June 30, will benefit sectors dependent on petrochemical feedstock and intermediates such as plastics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive components and other manufacturing segments. In a statement, the finance ministry said in light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the consequent disruptions in global supply ...Read More >