Category Archives: News

President Murmu Highlights Tribal Communities’ Deep Connection with Nature

New Delhi, June 18: President Droupadi Murmu lauded India’s tribal communities for their deep-rooted connection with nature and their commitment to preserving human values, emphasizing their vital role in promoting sustainable living and cultural heritage.

Speaking at a recent event, the President highlighted that tribal societies have long demonstrated a balanced and respectful relationship with the environment, offering valuable lessons in conservation, community living, and responsible resource use.

President Murmu noted that tribal traditions embody principles of coexistence, mutual respect, and social harmony, which remain highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. She emphasized that their indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

The President also underscored the importance of empowering tribal communities through education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive development initiatives while preserving their unique cultural identities.

Calling tribal communities an integral part of India’s social and cultural fabric, President Murmu urged society to recognize and learn from their sustainable way of life and enduring human values.

The remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare, empowerment, and holistic development of tribal populations while celebrating their contributions to the nation’s heritage and environmental sustainability.

Centre Clears 8.25 pc EPF Interest Rate for FY26, Payout Process to Begin Shortly

New Delhi, June 18: The Government of India has officially ratified an annual interest rate of 8.25% on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY2025-26, paving the way for the interest amount to be credited to the accounts of more than 7 crore EPF subscribers across the country.

The approval follows recommendations by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and ensures continued attractive returns for millions of salaried employees contributing to the retirement savings scheme.

With the ratification now in place, EPFO is expected to initiate the process of crediting the approved interest to members’ accounts in the coming weeks. The move reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding the long-term financial security of India’s workforce.

The EPF scheme remains one of the country’s most widely used retirement savings instruments, offering stable and tax-efficient returns to subscribers. The 8.25% rate maintains EPF’s position as a competitive savings avenue amid evolving market conditions.

Industry observers note that the timely crediting of interest will benefit millions of workers by enhancing their retirement corpus and strengthening confidence in India’s social security framework.

Commercial Energy Storage in India Projected to Expand More Than 30 Times by 2032

New Delhi, June 18: India’s commercial energy storage sector is poised for exponential growth, with deployments projected to increase by more than 30 times by 2032, signaling a major shift in the country’s energy infrastructure landscape.

The rapid scale-up is being driven by the accelerating integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which require advanced storage systems to ensure grid stability and reliable power supply. As India continues its transition toward a low-carbon energy ecosystem, commercial and utility-scale battery storage is expected to play a central role.

Industry analysts suggest that falling battery costs, supportive government policies, and increasing investments in clean energy infrastructure are collectively fueling this growth trajectory. The expansion is also closely tied to rising electricity demand, electrification of transport, and the need for peak load management across industrial and commercial sectors.

By 2032, commercial energy storage systems are expected to become a foundational pillar of India’s power sector, enabling greater flexibility, efficiency, and resilience in the national grid.

Experts note that this growth represents not just an infrastructure upgrade but a structural transformation of how energy is generated, stored, and consumed in India.

India’s CAD Seen Rising to 2.2 pc of GDP in FY27 Amid Elevated Crude Oil Prices

Madagascar and Zanzibar Announce New National Shark and Ray Protections at Our Ocean Conference

MOMBASA, KENYA, June 18: At a side event this evening at the Our Ocean Conference, the governments of Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new national protections for sharks and rays, marking the latest milestone in a decade of conservation progress across East Africa.

Sharks and rays are experiencing one of the fastest extinction crises of any vertebrate group on Earth—more than 37 percent of species are now threatened with extinction, driven largely by overfishing and an international trade that, for decades, went largely unregulated. Over the last decade major gains in international management of these species have begun to change the trajectory for these species, and we’re now seeing countries implement these protections at a national and local level.

“Sharks are an essential part of healthy ocean ecosystems,” said Luke Warwick, Senior Director of WCS’s Threatened Marine Species program. “This rapidly accelerating global framework of laws, coupled to enforcement and local level conservation action gives us hope we can end the declines of the last half century, and start these ancient predators on the long road to recovery.”

Madagascar announced it will offer full national protection for 14 species of sharks and rays under the country’s Wild Fauna Decree, including the Critically Endangered oceanic whitetip shark, as well as whale sharks and iconic manta rays. Zanzibar also announced full protection for 34 species in its coastal waters, including hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and the endemic Zanzibar guitarfish. 

“The actions taken by the Madagascar government to protect these species, among other positive actions, comes at a time when sharks and rays need conservation efforts more than ever,” said Ravaka Ranaivoson, Partnership and Program Development Director for WCS Madagascar. “This highlights Madagascar’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of its marine resources.”

As recently as a decade ago, the global trade in sharks and rays was largely unregulated, and these species were fast running out of time. Today, that trade has rules, those rules are being enforced, and governments around the world are writing them into national law via species protections and the inclusion of shark specific conservation measures in fisheries and protected area laws and designations. The announcements from Madagascar and Zanzibar are the latest proof that momentum, once built, continues to grow.

Today’s announcements build on past successes and three years of historic global progress. At CITES CoP20 in November 2025, countries adopted every shark and ray proposal on the table, listing more than 70 species and bringing 96 percent of the global shark fin trade and 70 percent of shark and ray meat trade under international regulation for the first time. In total, 180 species are now listed under CITES, with 33 carrying a full commercial trade ban.

“From global decisions to local action on the water, the scale and pace of progress in shark conservation is truly remarkable,” said John Mandelman, Executive Director, Shark Conservation Fund. “Yet threatened sharks and rays, and the habitats they depend on, still require the strongest protections. Together, these efforts are creating an essential pathway toward recovery.”

The announcements were made at a private reception entitled “Celebrating a Decade of Shark Conservation in East Africa: Profiles of Shark Champions,” hosted by Shark Conservation Fund in partnership with the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar, and supported by WCS.

Monsoon Rains Ease India’s Peak Power Demand as Cooling Load Drops

New Delhi, June 18: India’s peak electricity demand has eased in recent days as the onset of monsoon rains across several regions has reduced the use of cooling appliances, particularly air conditioners, officials and industry data indicated.

The moderation in demand comes after a period of high summer consumption, when elevated temperatures had pushed electricity usage to record levels in multiple parts of the country. With rainfall improving weather conditions, residential and commercial cooling loads have declined, leading to a temporary easing of pressure on the power grid.

Officials said the seasonal transition has helped stabilise supply conditions, with lower demand during monsoon months typically allowing for better grid management and reduced peak load stress.

Power sector experts noted that while monsoon-related demand softening provides short-term relief, electricity consumption is expected to gradually stabilise again as industrial activity and agricultural power usage continue during the season.

They added that grid operators remain alert to regional fluctuations in demand, especially during periods of uneven rainfall distribution and humidity-driven consumption spikes.

The power system continues to be monitored closely to ensure uninterrupted supply, with authorities maintaining readiness to manage any sudden changes in demand patterns.

FIA President Ben Sulayem says Macau conference can help shape future of motorsport, mobility

Three-day event will welcome over 450 senior FIA delegates from 149 countries

Dubai, UAE, June 18: H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, says the Federation’s Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference in Macau next week has an important part to play in guiding the future of motorsport and mobility.

Hosted in partnership with the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC) and Galaxy Entertainment Group, and held at the Galaxy International Convention Centre, the three-day event starting on Tuesday will welcome over 450 senior FIA delegates across mobility and motorsport from 149 countries.

It offers opportunities for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, to address key initiatives in regional sporting growth, road safety, sustainable mobility, and innovation in transport.

Macau is an iconic location for motorsport fans, playing host to the Macau Grand Prix at the Guia Circuit since 1954. Now, the event welcomes competitors across four FIA categories and is notorious for its demanding course, combining fast straights and tight corners.

Speaking ahead of his return to Macau, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “This conference provides a valuable opportunity to bring together our community and help shape the future of global motorsport and mobility. As we continue to grow participation, advance innovation and improve road safety worldwide, these discussions are more important than ever.

“I am delighted to be returning to Macau, a truly iconic location for motorsport fans and a fitting location for the FIA to host one of the most important weeks of our calendar. My thanks to our hosts, the AAMC, Chairman Chong Coc Veng, and President Roberto Carlos Osorio.”

Chong Coc Veng, Chairman of the AAMC, said: “We are honoured to welcome the FIA and our fellow Members from across the world back to Macau. The Annual Conference provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made together over the past year and shape the priorities that will drive our Federation forward. We look forward to welcoming delegates for what promises to be a productive few days.”

The conference will be attended by representatives from the 245 FIA Member Clubs who represent motorsport and mobility at a global scale. This structure forms the backbone of the federation’s governance and operations, with each full Member Club holding voting rights across the FIA’s elections and regulatory decisions.

Clubs are grouped into two primary categories, with some serving in both roles. Mobility Clubs provide mobility services and represent the interest of road users, with a focus on road safety, travel and tourism, consumer rights, and sustainable mobility.

National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) govern and develop motorsport at a national level, are responsible for sporting events, issuing licenses, and engagement across regulations.

Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged, but Split Projections Highlight Uncertainty Over Policy Path

 By:- Ajitabh Bharti, Executive Director and Co-founder of CapitalXB

The Federal Reserve held rates steady, but the latest dot plot reveals a more complex internal outlook. With nine members projecting a 25 bps hike and six expecting a 50 bps increase by end-2026, the committee appears notably divided on the policy path ahead. Attention, however, centered on the new Fed Governor. While his decision to refrain from offering personal projections was anticipated, it also represented a key opportunity to reinforce credibility by clearly reaffirming the Fed’s commitment to price stability.

 

Markets were looking for stronger conviction. The immediate reaction in short-term U.S. yields underscores lingering skepticism toward the new leadership.

Government Allocates INR 18,907 Crore for 26,474 km Rural Road Network in FY27

New Delhi, June 18: The Government of India has earmarked ₹18,907 crore for the construction of 26,474 kilometres of rural roads during the financial year 2026–27, aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening rural infrastructure across the country.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The allocation is expected to support continued expansion of all-weather road networks in rural and remote areas, facilitating better access to markets, healthcare, education, and essential public services for rural populations.

Officials said the initiative will play a key role in enhancing last-mile connectivity and supporting inclusive development by linking villages with nearby towns and economic centres. The programme is also expected to generate employment opportunities in construction and allied sectors.

The rural road development programme has been a key focus area of the government’s infrastructure push, with emphasis on improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting economic activity in rural regions.

Experts note that improved rural road infrastructure is likely to have a multiplier effect on agricultural supply chains, rural trade, and overall socio-economic development.

The construction targets for FY27 continue the government’s broader effort to expand and upgrade rural connectivity across states and union territories.

Kharif Sowing in India Crosses 84 Lakh Hectares, Early Monsoon Progress Supports Agriculture

New Delhi, June 18: The total area sown under India’s ongoing kharif season has crossed 84 lakh hectares so far, indicating steady progress in early sowing operations across key agricultural regions of the country.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

According to preliminary agricultural data, sowing activity has picked up momentum with the onset of the monsoon season, supporting timely cultivation of major kharif crops. Farmers across several states have begun planting operations, aided by improving rainfall conditions in many regions.

Officials said the early progress in sowing is an important indicator of the overall agricultural outlook for the season, as kharif crops depend heavily on monsoon rainfall patterns and distribution.

The kharif season typically includes major crops such as rice, maize, cotton, pulses, and oilseeds, which form a significant part of India’s agricultural output and rural economy.

Agricultural experts note that consistent rainfall distribution in the coming weeks will be crucial for sustaining sowing momentum and ensuring healthy crop development across different states.

The data reflects initial progress in the current season, with further updates expected as sowing activity continues across the country.