Category Archives: News

India Shielded Consumers from Gulf Crisis: Ex-Petroleum Official

New Delhi, June 30: India successfully shielded its consumers from the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis through timely and well-planned energy management measures, a former senior petroleum official said.

According to the official, proactive steps taken by the government, including diversification of crude oil sourcing, strategic petroleum reserves management, and efficient supply chain coordination, helped maintain stability in fuel availability and prices.

The official noted that India’s energy security framework played a key role in minimizing disruptions despite global uncertainties arising from the Gulf situation. Coordinated efforts between policymakers, refiners, and distribution agencies ensured continuity in supply across the country.

Experts added that India’s approach to energy management highlights the importance of long-term planning, international partnerships, and flexible procurement strategies in safeguarding consumers during global supply shocks.

The remarks underline India’s growing resilience in managing external energy risks and maintaining stability in the domestic market.

Ravi Agrawal Reappointed CBDT Chairman for Six Months

New Delhi, June 30: The Government of India has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a period of six months, according to official sources.

The extension of tenure is aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership and maintaining stability in the functioning of the direct tax administration. The CBDT plays a key role in framing policy for direct taxes and overseeing the Income Tax Department.

Officials said the decision reflects the government’s focus on sustained implementation of ongoing tax reforms, improved compliance mechanisms, and efficient tax administration.

During his continued tenure, the CBDT Chairman is expected to oversee key initiatives related to revenue collection, digital tax systems, and taxpayer services.

Further administrative details will be issued by the concerned authorities in due course.

Odisha Plans Rapid Transport Corridor Linking Bargarh, Sambalpur and Veer Surendra Sai Airport

Bhubaneswar (UDN): The Odisha government is planning to develop a Rapid Transport Corridor (RTC) connecting Bargarh, Sambalpur and Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport at Jharsuguda to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth in western Odisha.

Representational image

The proposed corridor aims to provide faster, safer and more efficient transportation between the key urban centres and the airport, significantly reducing travel time for commuters, tourists and businesses. The project is expected to improve access to the region’s commercial, industrial and educational hubs while enhancing last-mile connectivity to the airport.

Official sources said the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to develop modern transport infrastructure and facilitate balanced regional development. Once implemented, the corridor is expected to boost trade, tourism, investment and employment opportunities across western Odisha.

The proposed transport network is also expected to benefit passengers travelling to and from Veer Surendra Sai Airport by providing seamless connectivity with major towns in the region. Authorities are examining various options for the corridor, including route alignment, mode of transport and implementation strategy.

The government is expected to undertake detailed feasibility studies and prepare a comprehensive project report before the project is taken up for execution. Officials said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to expanding world-class transport infrastructure and improving mobility for the people of western Odisha.

IRDAI to Introduce New Guidelines to Curb Insurance Mis-selling by Banks

New Delhi, June 30: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is set to issue fresh guidelines for banks to curb the mis-selling of insurance products, IRDAI Chairperson has said.

The proposed guidelines aim to strengthen transparency and ensure that insurance products are sold based on customers’ financial needs and informed consent. The regulator is expected to introduce measures that promote ethical sales practices and enhance accountability among banks distributing insurance products.

According to the Chairperson, the initiative is intended to safeguard policyholders’ interests and improve consumer confidence in the insurance sector. The guidelines are also expected to reinforce compliance standards and encourage fair business practices across the bancassurance channel.

Industry experts believe the move will help reduce complaints related to mis-selling and improve the quality of customer service by ensuring greater disclosure and suitability of insurance products.

The detailed guidelines are expected to be released by IRDAI in the coming weeks.

India’s Water Sector Poised for INR 20 Lakh Crore Investment by 2030

New Delhi, June 30: India’s growing water deficit is expected to create an investment opportunity of nearly ₹20 lakh crore by 2030, according to a recent report.

The report highlights that increasing water demand, rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and climate-related challenges are driving the need for significant investment in water infrastructure, conservation, treatment, and efficient resource management.

Experts said investments will be required across key areas such as water supply systems, wastewater treatment, irrigation, desalination, recycling, and smart water management technologies to address the country’s long-term water security needs.

The report noted that the expanding investment landscape presents opportunities for both public and private sector participation while supporting sustainable development and improving access to clean water.

Analysts believe that timely investments and policy support will be crucial in strengthening India’s water infrastructure and ensuring efficient management of water resources over the coming years.

19th HGH India opens with a grand inaugural ceremony in Mumbai

Mumbai, June 30: The 19th edition of HGH India, the country’s annual trade show for Home Textiles, Home Décor, Houseware, and Gifts, was officially inaugurated today at Hall 6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mumbai.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai IRS, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Guests of Honour included Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy and Mr. Vikas Pansare IAS, Managing Director, MSSIDC.. The ceremony was further attended by Special Guests ID. Ketan Sheth, Chairman, IIID MRC, Ar. Reza Kabul, President and Principal Architect, ARK Reza Kabul Architects, Ar. Raajeev Kasat, Principal Architect and Owner, Raajeev Kasat and Associates, and Ar. Makrand Pataskar, Principal Architect, Makrand Pataskar Architect. The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Geert Böttger, Director, Expo + Consulting Associates Ltd., organisers of HGH India.

The opening marks the beginning of a four-day showcase bringing together 700+ Indian and international brands and manufacturers, with 50,000+ expected trade buyers from across India and internationally.

“HGH India has been built on the belief that the Indian home industry deserves a platform that matches its ambition,” said Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd. “The 19th edition reflects the extraordinary pace at which this sector is evolving — in design, in sustainability, and in its global outlook. We are proud to welcome 700+ brands, thousands of trade buyers, and some of the finest names in government and design to Mumbai, and we look forward to four days of meaningful business and ideas.”

Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai (IRS), Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, said,

“It is encouraging to see the industry’s strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it has become an integral part of business strategy. Today, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable textiles, circularity, and traceability across the home textiles value chain. HGH India provides an excellent platform for manufacturers, buyers, and designers to come together, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful collaborations. I congratulate the organisers for creating such a diverse and dynamic platform that supports industry growth, innovation, and a more sustainable future.”

Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy, commented,

“India is one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, with a rapidly expanding demand for premium home furnishings, décor, and design-led products. Italy and India share a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation, and quality, creating strong opportunities for collaboration between our industries. Through the official Italian Pavilion at HGH India, we are proud to showcase the excellence of five distinguished Italian brands. Together, they represent the finest traditions of Italian design, creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. We look forward to strengthening business partnerships and further deepening the trade relationship between Italy and India.”

Organised by Texzone, with over 40 years of experience in market development, knowledge sharing, trend forecasting, and product intelligence, the 19th edition of HGH India advances with a clear three-pillar focus: Contemporary, Futuristic, and Sustainable.

This year’s highlights include:

PreSense: Trend Forecast 2026-27 – Dedicated pavilion showcasing four themes  bringing HGH India‘s design and colour forecast to life across all the categories.

Technical Textiles Pavilion -A dedicated showcase of high-performance home fabrics spanning flame-retardant furnishings, antimicrobial upholstery, thermal-regulated sleep solutions, and more, in a market projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2028.

Italian Pavilion – Organised by the Italian Trade Agency , the Italian Pavilion brings five prestigious Italian brands to India — IBIAGI, Kutyna, Laudarte, Moschella Sedute, and Rossini – showcasing home décor, accessories, seating, luxury lighting, glassware, and ceramics.

Sustainability Pavilion – Innovations in eco-conscious home products spanning natural and recycled materials, biodegradable composites, natural dyes, and responsible manufacturing.

Smart Kitchen Pavilion – Showcasing trends and the next generation of cookware, appliances, hydration and kitchen tools at the intersection of function, technology, and convenience.

H-Circle Product Innovation Awards – Recognising exhibitors across all categories for design innovation, functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, judged by a diversified jury.

Indian Heritage Pavilion -Connecting national award-winning artisans and handloom producers with retailers and institutional buyers, supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME, EPCH, HEPC, and more.

HGH India Interactive – Expert-led panel discussions and presentations covering retail innovation, consumer trends, technical textiles, sustainability, and the future of the Indian home market.

With 90% buyer retention and 80% exhibitor return across editions, HGH India continues to serve as a vital business enabler and thought leader for India‘s home and lifestyle industry.

Toward Riyadh 2027: The World Water Council Builds on the Momentum of the 11th World Water Forum in Jeddah

“We Are Dignity Defenders”—From Jeddah, the World Water Council Reaffirms Its Advocacy for Access to Water as a Prerequisite for Human Dignity, Ahead of the 11^th World Water Forum (Riyadh, March 2027)

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — June 30, 2026

Meeting in Jeddah on June 28 and 29, 2026, as part of the 2^nd Stakeholder Consultation Meeting, the World Water Council confirmed the progress of preparations for the 11^th World Water Forum, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027, under the theme “Action for a Better Future .” Designed as the premier global platform for the water sector, the Forum will bring together policymakers, technical experts, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to discuss concrete solutions to the water crisis.

This meeting in Jeddah, organized as part of Saudi Water Week, follows on from the 1^st Consultation Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2025, which brought together more than 600 participants from over 60 countries.

In his opening remarks, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon directly challenged participants to reflect on the meaning of their commitment: for whom are we acting? “First and foremost, for those whose dignity is violated because they are denied access to water and its benefits,” he said, referring to those who walk long distances to reach a water source, who lack toilets, or who cannot afford to pay for water and suffer the humiliation that comes with it.

“Providing access to water means restoring dignity to the most vulnerable,” said World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon at the opening of the Jeddah session, calling on the water community to become“Dignity Defenders.”

Stakeholders gathered in Jeddah approved the framework for the 11^th World Water Forum, organized around 6 themes and 30 topics, and made progress on planning the Forum week as well as on how to ensure the continuity of its work after the event. The Riyadh 2027 Forum is expected to bring together more than 20,000 participants from over 150 countries, making this edition one of the largest in the history of the World Water Forum, which has been held every three years since 1997.

The ministerial meeting, facilitated by UNESCO and held in parallel under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli, laid the groundwork for the Ministerial Declaration to be adopted in Riyadh. In line with the World Water Council’s slogan, “Water is politics,” the ministers and senior representatives in attendance reaffirmed their shared ambition to unite the water policy community around common commitments and concrete, sustainable solutions that can be implemented on a global scale.

To advance this ambition, the World Water Council presented several initiatives designed to shape the global water agenda leading up to Riyadh: a coalition for water in megacities, an international center for unconventional water resources, a laboratory for water conservation, a “New Deal” for sanitation, and a “One Water, One Health” alliance. These initiatives are centered on three priorities: health, food, and nature, all of which are closely linked to unconventional and renewable water and energy resources.

“We look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh in 2027 and to continue making water a global and political priority,” said the President of the World Water Council at the conclusion of the meeting.

The World Water Council invites all of its 240 member organizations, as well as governments, institutions, and civil society actors engaged in water issues, to take action now to make Riyadh 2027 a gathering that yields concrete results on the ground and a decisive milestone in the defense of human dignity through water.

Severe Heatwave Disrupts Life Across Europe; Germany Reports Infrastructure Damage

Berlin, June 30: A severe and prolonged heatwave is affecting several parts of Europe, causing widespread disruption to daily life and impacting transport systems, infrastructure, and public services in multiple regions.

In Germany, extreme temperatures have led to localized disruptions, including temporary suspension of tram services in Leipzig after heat-related deformation affected sections of railway tracks. Authorities said the situation forced precautionary stoppages to ensure passenger safety and prevent further damage.

High temperatures have also impacted commercial spaces, with reports of temperature-sensitive goods being damaged inside stores due to inadequate cooling conditions. Residents in several cities have shared visuals of melting or heat-affected products, highlighting the intensity of the weather conditions.

In response, local authorities and emergency services have increased monitoring and precautionary measures. In some areas, water cannons have reportedly been used by police and civic authorities to cool down hot surfaces and provide relief in heavily affected zones.

Meteorological agencies have attributed the extreme conditions to a persistent heatwave system affecting large parts of Europe. Experts have warned that such prolonged high temperatures may increase risks of heat-related illnesses, strain on power demand, and further pressure on urban infrastructure.

Authorities across affected regions have advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and follow official weather advisories. Emergency services remain on alert as the heatwave continues to impact multiple countries.

Indian Equity Markets Open Higher Amid Mixed Global Cues

Mumbai, June 30: Indian equity benchmarks opened higher on Monday amid mixed global market signals, reflecting cautious optimism among investors at the start of the trading session.

Market participants tracked developments in global equities, commodity prices, and macroeconomic indicators while assessing domestic earnings outlook and foreign fund flows. Early gains were supported by selective buying in key index-heavy stocks.

Analysts noted that investor sentiment remains balanced, with domestic economic resilience providing support even as global uncertainties continue to influence short-term market direction. Sectors linked to banking, energy, and information technology witnessed initial traction.

However, experts cautioned that volatility may persist through the session due to ongoing global cues, including interest rate expectations and geopolitical developments.

Further movement in the markets will depend on institutional activity, global trends, and domestic economic data releases scheduled later in the week.

Fire Breaks Out at Haldia Petrochemicals Pipeline in Purba Medinipur

June 30: A fire broke out at a pipeline of Haldia Petrochemicals in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from emergency services to contain the blaze.

According to preliminary reports, fire and safety teams were quickly deployed to the site after the incident was reported. Efforts are currently underway to control the fire and prevent it from spreading further to nearby installations. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and a damage assessment will be carried out once the fire is fully brought under control. No confirmed reports of casualties have been received so far.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to review safety measures at the facility.

Further details are awaited as firefighting operations continue.