New Dehli (The Hawk): India’s exports of Ceramics &amp; Glassware products for 2021-22 hit a record at US$ 3464 Million. During FY 2013-14; India’s Ceramic &amp; Glassware products exports were valued at US$ 1292 Million. The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted the achievement in a Tweet.44444 The export growth of Ceramic tiles has been achieved because of a surge in shipments of Ceramic Tiles and Sanitary wares products. Today Indian Tile Industry has become global player and earns foreign exchange for the nation with “Make In India” approach and today India’s is World’s second largest manufacturer of tiles.The export growth of Glassware products has been achieved because of a surge in shipments of Articles of Glass Packing of Goods, Made-ups Articles of Glass Fibre, Sanitary fixtures of Porcelain, Glass Mirror, Tinted Non-Wired Glass, Glass Bead and Glass Wool. RELATED POSTSBLK – Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi… Apr 25, 2022PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate 7th edition of Raisina… Apr 25, 2022PM Narendra Modi receives Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award at… Apr 24, 2022India exports to more than 125 countries and top destinations are Saudi Arabia, United States, Mexico, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, Indonesia, United Kingdom and Poland. New markets, like Russia and Latin American Countries, have also been added. The surge in Ceramic and Glassware products exports has been achieved because of sustained efforts on the part of the Department of Commerce.&nbsp;Also, various initiatives have been taken by CAPEXIL, by using Grant in Aid under Market Access Initiative Scheme, such as organizing B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets through product-specific and marketing campaigns with the active involvement of Indian Embassies. This export growth has been achieved in spite of unprecedented logistical challenges like high freight rates, container shortages, etc.&nbsp;Increase in Ceramic and Glass ware products exports has benefitted small and medium exporters from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Over the years, the industry has been modernizing through new innovations and product profile, quality and design to emerge as a modern World class industry ready to take on global competition. Our innovations in terms of new designs, digitally printed tiles and larger sized tiles with varied colours have also found acceptance in overseas markets.

 India’s exports of Ceramics & Glassware products for 2021-22 hit a record at US$ 3464 Million. During FY 2013-14; India’s Ceramic & Glassware products exports were valued at US$ 1292 Million.

Exports of Indian Ceramics and Glassware Products register growth of 168% in 2021-22 over 2013-14

 India’s exports of Ceramics & Glassware products for 2021-22 hit a record at US$ 3464 Million. During FY 2013-14; India’s Ceramic & Glassware products exports were valued at US$ 1292 Million.



The Scientific Advisory Committee(SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra(KVK) Lahaul and Spiti-II at Tabo was organised recently. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ravinder Sharma, Director of Research, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.

Promote local crops and products: Dr Sharma 

Shimla (The Hawk):&nbsp;&nbsp;The Scientific Advisory Committee(SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra(KVK) Lahaul and Spiti-II at Tabo was organised recently. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ravinder Sharma, Director of Research, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.Dr. Divender Gupta, UHF Director of Extension Education, Gunjeet Singh Cheema, SDM Spiti along with members from the different line departments and farmer members attended the meeting while Dr. Rajbir Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI-Zone I participated virtually. In his welcome address, Dr. Gupta highlighted the work done by KVK Tabo and its impact on the farming community of Spiti valley. He focused on the need for diversification and the use of digital tools for the dissemination of technical know-how. Dr. Sudhir Verma, Head, KVK Tabo presented a brief report on the activities of the KVK carried out last year and the annual Action Plan for the upcoming year.Dr. Sharma stressed on being vocal for local and promoting local crops and products. He emphasized on the involvement of local farmers in post-harvest of products using indigenous technical knowledge. He also asked the scientists to use geo indicators for promoting indigenous products. He urged the KVK staff to work on post-harvest of local coarse grains like barley and wheat, testing different genotypes of pea for suitability in Spiti valley and promoting tribal food products.&nbsp;Dr. Sharma also advised the KVK to promote agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry among the school students for a better understanding of science and to create interest among them. The SAC members also appreciated the efforts of KVK in promoting crop diversification, providing vegetable and fruit nurseries, advisories and providing the latest technical knowledge through demonstrations and training programmes.&nbsp;The participants also visited the KVK main farm and reviewed various ongoing operations and research trials including trials on high-density apple planting under HP-HDP. Field visits to various On-farm trials and Front Line Demonstrations at farmers’ fields in different villages of Spiti were also conducted. The Kendra also organised training camps in which vegetable nurseries were distributed among farmers to promote crop diversification at Kurith, Maane, Chicham and Lossar of Spiti valley.

Promote Local Crops And Products: Dr Sharma	

New Delhi: The country's exports rose by 21.1 per cent to USD 23.7 billion during May 1-21, on account of healthy growth in various sectors, such as petroleum products, engineering, and electronic goods, an official said. During the second week of this month (May 15-21), the exports grew by about 24 per cent to USD 8.03 billion, the official added. Petroleum products, engineering, and electronic goods' exports during May 1-21 expanded by 81.1 per cent, about 17 per cent and about 44 per cent, respectively. The total figure for May is likely to be realised by the commerce ministry in June. In April, the exports rose by 30.7 per cent to USD 40.19 billion. Imports during the month grew by 30.97 per cent to USD 60.3 billion.—PTI

The country's exports rose by 21.1 per cent to USD 23.7 billion during May 1-21, on account of healthy growth in various sectors, such as petroleum products, engineering, and electronic goods, an official said.

Exports rises 21 pc to USD 23.7 bn during May 1-21

New Delhi: Coffee chain operator Tata Starbucks Ltd has reported a 76 percent growth in revenue to Rs 636 crore for 2021-22 and ''significantly'' reduced its net loss, driven by normalization of operations following the easing of COVID-related restrictions.Its revenue growth was led by higher realization from existing stores and new stores added during the financial year ended on March 31, 2022, as per the latest annual report of Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL).''Revenue from Operations at Rs 636 crores, grew by 76 percent and net loss declined significantly,'' TCPL said while sharing details of the performance of its JV. However, it did not specify the net loss for FY22. It ''saw a strong recovery since re-opening following the second wave of the pandemic'' and accelerated its store openings during the year with 50 new stores, the highest number of store openings in a single year so far. The company now has 268 stores across 26 cities.Formed in 2012, Tata Starbucks is a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Corporation and Tata group's FMCG arm Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL). ''During the financial year 2021-22, the Company has invested several Rs 86 crore towards equity capital,'' TCPL added. ''As COVID restrictions eased through the year, robust sequential recovery of sales was achieved and added 50 new stores with expansion into 8 new cities. The new stores are a mix of landmark store openings viz., Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Jio World Drive in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, and Brahmaputra Riverfront in Guwahati, and smaller footprint stores,'' it said. Moreover, the loyalty program My Starbucks Rewards' member base witnessed a growth of 21 percent last year. It boasts of a loyalty base of close to 1.1 million customers. ''Tata Starbucks focused on innovation, digital and deep customer connections to navigate this pandemic and make the Starbucks experience as engaging and personalized as ever,'' it added.Its delivery vertical continues to perform well even after the easing of dine-in restrictions. ''The business was able to deliver breakeven at the operating profit level before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA),'' it said. As COVID restrictions eased through the year, Tata Starbucks witnessed a robust sequential recovery of sales in the business and by March, the store operation index reached 95 percent, it said. ''We also saw an increase in average daily transactions on our delivery channel with the restrictions, and the levels stabilized higher versus pre-COVID even as the restrictions eased,'' the company said.—PTI

Coffee chain operator Tata Starbucks Ltd has reported a 76 percent growth in revenue to Rs 636 crore for 2021-22 and ''significantly'' reduced its net loss, driven by normalization of operations following the easing of COVID-related restrictions.

Tata Starbucks revenue up 76 pc to Rs 636 cr in FY22

Kochi: India aims to double marine product exports to Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years from the present around Rs 50,000 crore, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday. “This target will be achieved through sustainable fishing, ensuring quality and variety, promotion of coastal shipping and aquaculture, and by supporting the entire fisheries ecosystem,” Goyal said while addressing media persons at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in Kochi, Kerala. The minister said the government has been making efforts to provide market access and new opportunities for the country’s exporters. He said the marine product exports would give fishermen a better future.Replying to a question, Goyal ruled out the possibility of shifting the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) office from Kochi. Elaborating on the government’s measures to boost exports, the minister said that the Free Trade Agreements have been finalised with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia, while negotiations are in progress for such an agreement with UK and Canada. He said negotiations to reach an FTA with the EU will begin in Brussels on the 17th of this month. Earlier, the Minister had an interaction with Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) at MPEDA and had an extensive discussion on various issues, challenges and solutions facing the sector.He also met with fishermen from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka. The Minister assured interventions from the Ministry to minimise the hurdles on the import of raw materials for value addition so that India can be transformed to a seafood processing hub in the near future. Goyal urged the exporters to educate, assist and encourage fishermen to follow sustainable measures in fishing and also to preserve the quality of the catch so that it will fetch better returns. Indian missions abroad have been geared up to help exporters in expanding their trade, he added.The Minister also had a discussion with stakeholders of the Rubber Sector at MPEDA. He assured the government’s support for the further development of the sector and exhorted all stakeholders to work towards making India self-sufficient in rubber.He reiterated the need for increase in production and productivity to bridge the gap between production and consumption of rubber in the country. KN Raghavan, Chairman, MPEDA, presented a roadmap to achieve the target of Rs 1 lakh crore marine product exports. He also presented the roadmap for making India self-sufficient in rubber production.—ANI

India aims to double marine product exports to Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years from the present around Rs 50,000 crore, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday.

India aims to double marine products export to Rs 1 lakh cr in 5 yrs

New Delhi: Plant-based diets are becoming more popular for health and environmental reasons, as they include animal welfare. Those who follow this diet, frequently worry about getting enough protein, especially because there are several types of meat and dairy products that are high in protein.Lentils, almonds, and millets are all high in plant protein and can be eaten on a regular basis as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Almonds, for example, are not only high in nutrition but also add a unique texture to a variety of dishes, whether sweet or savoury. They are a great source of plant-based protein and can be eaten in a variety of ways, including almond milk, almond flour, raw, roasted, lightly salted, and so on.Emphasizing the rise of plant-based diets, actress and influencer, Soha Ali Khan said, "It's a myth that plant-based diets don't contain enough protein. Interestingly, I have heard that 100 gm of almonds contains roughly 21 gm of protein and are also rich in over 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and zinc. I believe in the long run, eating a balanced diet is the key to good health and I always include healthy plant-based proteins such as almonds, chickpeas and tofu in my meals to make them more nutritious and wholesome."Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant said, "Protein is needed for the formation of tissues, muscles, hormones, and enzymes, and also to repair cells and tissues in the body. It's critical to carefully plan your diet once you've decided to follow a plant-based diet. If you are used to getting your calcium from dairy products, you can now get it from ragi, soybean, leafy greens, and almonds. Nuts like almonds, dals and pulses like toor dal and moong can contribute to the protein requirement for your body if you are on a plant-based diet. Almonds are also a great snack option, especially when you're hungry in between meals. Almonds are a rich source of protein, a nutrient which known to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass."Emphasizing the change in eating patterns and plant-based lifestyles, Fitness Expert and Celebrity Master Instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala said, "As a fitness instructor, I have people constantly quizzing me on one diet or another. Trends come and go; the key is to eat balanced meals and to follow a regular workout routine. According to a study, interventional trials have consistently demonstrated that consumption of plant-based diets reduces body fat in overweight and obese individuals, even when controlling for energy intake. From that perspective, I strongly believe that plant-based diets can help with weight maintenance. One excuse I often hear from clients is that it is difficult to cook a healthy meal. The best part of plant-based diets is that you can eat nuts like almonds which are a powerhouse of a protein, with no preparation required. A handful of almonds may have satiating properties that promote feelings of fullness. Similarly, you can also eat a bowl of quinoa with slivers of almonds as a breakfast. This will take you less than 5 min to prepare." —IANS

Plant-based diets are becoming more popular for health and environmental reasons, as they include animal welfare. Those who follow this diet, frequently worry about getting enough protein, especially because there are several types of meat and dairy products that are high in protein.

Should You Try Plant-Based Protein?

Along with the youth, Consortium for Tobacco Free Karnataka, Anti-Tobacco Forum, National Law School of India University, and others have also urged the Prime Minister to pass the COTPA amendment bill 2020 drafted by the Union Health Ministry. In their letters, the youth stressed that to contain tobacco use and prevent youth from addiction, COTPA has to be amended to make it stronger and more comprehensive. They requested the Prime Minister to increase the legal age for tobacco use from existing 18 to 21 years, ban the provision for Designated Smoking Areas at airports, hotels and bars, completely ban the direct and indirect advertisement of tobacco, and levy hefty penalties for smoking in public places and to make the public places 100 per cent smoke-free. "We find that COTPA is being violated blatantly. As per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, children even before attaining 10 years of age are getting addicted to tobacco. Children and youths are lured into tobacco through illegal advertisements. We have to ban all forms of direct and indirect tobacco advertisement by amending COTPA", said S.J. Chander, convenor of Consortium for Tobacco Free Karnataka, a coalition working on tobacco control in the state. "Youth are getting lured by direct advertisements and indirect promotion of tobacco. They are the main target of the tobacco companies as once they get addicted it is difficult to get out of this vicious cycle. We request the Prime Minister to increase the legal age for smoking to 21 years, when youth realize that tobacco is not good for their health," said Eshaan S, one of the youth who wrote a letter to PM Modi. --IANS

"Youth are getting lured by direct advertisements and indirect promotion of tobacco. They are the main target of the tobacco companies as once they get addicted it is difficult to get out of this vicious cycle. We request the Prime Minister to increase the legal age for smoking to 21 years, when youth realize that tobacco is not good for their health," said Eshaan S, one of the youth who wrote a letter to PM Modi.

Save youth from tobacco, amend COTPA: PM Modi

More than 1,000 youth from Bengaluru have written to PM Modi requesting him to pass the COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act) Amendment Bill 2020 in the ongoing Monsoon Session.


Save youth from tobacco, amend COTPA: Bangaluru youth urge PM Modi

New Delhi: Vietnam's Deputy Chief of Mission in India Do Thanh Hai on Monday said that stronger connectivity has bolstered trade between the two countries, while pointing out towards having higher trade targets with growth in sectors like electronics, automobiles, computers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products."Trade between India and Vietnam is growing stronger. We should have higher target. We're optimistic about growth in sectors like electronics, automobiles, computers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products," Do Thanh Hai said during a roundtable session on Bilateral Trade Opportunities between India and Neighbouring countries."Trade has been further enhanced by stronger connectivity between the two countries. We also have direct maritime links," Thanh Hai added.The Roundtable session on Bilateral Trade Opportunities between India and Neighbouring countries was held on Monday in New Delhi, with a special focus on the North East Region. The event was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, North East Council. Ambassador of Myanmar to India, Moe Kyaw Aung, said that India and Myanmar share good relations and a lot has to be done in the field of trade and investment.Speaking at a roundtable session on Bilateral Trade Opportunities between India and Neighbouring countries, Moe Kyaw Aung said, "India and Myanmar enjoy good relations. We've strong cultural ties and share a long land border. A lot has to be done pertaining to trade and investment." "We are happy to be a part of ASEAN as it's a bridge between India and Southeast Asia," the Myanmar envoy added.India and Vietnam have a broad convergence of interest as emerging economies and important countries with respect to creating alternative supply chains in Asia after global disillusionment with the China-centric supply chain during the Covid pandemic.Besides, the two countries are equally concerned about the aggressive and expansionist policies of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries also share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016 and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. Bilateral defence engagements have expanded over a period of time to include wide-ranging contacts between the two countries, including Defense Policy Dialogue, military-to-military exchange, high-level visits, capacity building and training programmes.The two countries have also cooperated in UN peacekeeping, ship visits and bilateral exercises.The Indian Defence Minister, during his visit, had a wide-ranging discussion with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phan Van Giang, at Hanoi to jointly pursue effective and practical initiatives to further expand bilateral engagements. The relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of "Strategic Partnership" in 2007 when Vietnam's then Prime Minister Nguyan Jan Dung visited India.The relations were further upgraded to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in 2016, as Vietnam serves as an important partner in India's "Act East" Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. The two countries signed a cultural agreement in 1976 and since then, it has led to the creation of many channels of cultural cooperation. A recent development in this regard is the establishment of the Swami Vivekananda Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi in 2016. Earlier, the Institute of Indian and South-West Asian Studies under the aegis of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences was inaugurated in Hanoi in 2012.Around 1,69,000 Indians visited Vietnam and 31,000 Vietnamese visited India before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam is the 15th largest trade partner of India and India is its 10th largest partner with bilateral trade standing at USD 11.12 billion in 2020-21. There is an upswing in India-Vietnam relations and it is rising up to new heights. —ANI

Vietnam's Deputy Chief of Mission in India Do Thanh Hai on Monday said that stronger connectivity has bolstered trade between the two countries, while pointing out towards having higher trade targets with growth in sectors like electronics, automobiles, computers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.

India, Vietnam Should Raise Trade Targets: Vietnam's Deputy Chief Of Mission

New Delhi (The Hawk): On Friday, the Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) announced that 72 out of 214 items have been indigenized by the DPSUs, which is a significant amount of time earlier than the DPSUs' original indigenization timeline.&nbsp;
Within the prescribed timeframe of December 2022, the remaining 142 items will be indigenously produced. Some of the most important sub-systems and linereplacement units (LRUs) that have been indigenously developed are as follows: a magazine fire fighting system for ships; a steering gear system and fin stabilisers with control for frigates; pressurised containers for Akash missiles; KOE charge for Konkurs missiles; electric motors, decontamination sets, and prism optical instruments for battle tanks.&nbsp;
In addition to these things, other essential components includepolychloroprene rubber bands, high pressure regulating valves for ships, intermediate castings for helicopters, and polychloroprene rubber bands for submarines.&nbsp;
In December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022, respectively, the Ministry of Defense notified three positive indigenization lists (PIL) for LRUs/sub-systems/assemblies/sub-assemblies/components, along with an indicative timeline for their indigenization.&nbsp;
The first PIL includes indigenization of 351 items, while the second PIL includes 107 items, and the third PIL includes 780 items.&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Inputs from Agencies)

On Friday, the Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) announced that 72 out of 214 items have been indigenized by the DPSUs, which is a significant amount of time earlier than the DPSUs' original indigenization timeline.

In the defence sector, 72 products have been indigenized ahead of schedule by PSUs

New Delhi (The Hawk): Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of cases filed against adulterated, subpar, or misbranded food products.
According to official statistics, during 2020–21, the relevant food safety authorities in various parts of the country filed a total of 24,195 civil cases and 3,869 criminal cases; in 2021–22, this number grew to 28,906 civil cases and 4,946 criminal cases.
In 2020–21, the food safety authorities analysed 1,07,829 samples, of which 28,347 samples were determined to not meet the required criteria. Similar to this, 1,44,345 samples total were analysed in 2021–2022; of these, 32,934 were determined to be non–confirming.
Out of the total samples analysed in 2020–21 and 2021–22, according to government data, 5,220 and 4,890 samples, respectively, were deemed hazardous.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the nation's top authority on food safety, has the responsibility of establishing science-based standards for food products and enforcing laws governing their production, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure that wholesome, safe food is available for human consumption.
No individual may start or operate a food business without a licence, according to Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. States and UTs routinely conduct comprehensive surveillance drives to monitor food business operators.
Officials stated that the state and UT governments are largely responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the FSS Act 2006, Rules, and Regulations enacted thereunder. According to the requirements of the FSS Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations, the Food Safety Officers of states/UTs begin criminal action against the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) while authorities analyse samples.
Protein powder and other products used for medical purposes are covered by the FSS (Food or Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods Special Dietary Use, Foods for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016, which outline the rules for their regulation in the nation.
The FSS (Packaging and Labelling) Laws, 2011, which govern the articles of food covered by these regulations, include generic labelling requirements.
According to officials, labelling provisions for particular food product categories have been specified under the said regulations because these products are intended for specific physiological conditions or general health maintenance and must be taken by the specific targeted group according to the regulated usage levels.
These requirements provide that the objective, target consumer group, physiological or disease issues they address, and suggested usage time should all be specified on the label of such food products.
Each type of food item's label, accompanying leaflet, or other labelling and advertisement should also include sufficient information about the item's nature, purpose, and specific usage instructions and safety precautions. The format of the information should also be suitable for the intended consumer.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of cases filed against adulterated, subpar, or misbranded food products. According to official statistics, during 2020–21, the relevant food safety authorities in various parts of the country filed a total of 24,195 civil cases and 3,869 criminal cases; in 2021–22, this number grew to 28,906 civil cases and 4,946 criminal cases.

Consumer Alert! Food adulteration and mislabeling instances rise sharply

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of cases filed against adulterated, subpar, or misbranded food products.
According to official statistics, during 2020–21, the relevant food safety authorities in various parts of the country filed a total of 24,195 civil cases and 3,869 criminal cases; in 2021–22, this number grew to 28,906 civil cases and 4,946 criminal cases.

New Delhi: Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal suggested on Friday that the industry set a goal of exporting organic products worth USD 1 billion by 2030.
This was during his speech to the Gangtok audience of the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry's interaction programme.
"He urged to set a target to export USD 1 billion organic product by 2030 from existing USD 1 million organic produce in Sikkim," the ministry said in a statement.—Inputs from Agencies

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal suggested on Friday that the industry set a goal of exporting organic products worth USD 1 billion by 2030

Let us set a target to export organic products worth USD 1 billion by 2030: Goyal

Mumbai News: Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has expressed opposition to the Centre's plans to import dairy products like fats, butter and ghee, here on Thursday.

In a letter to Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Parshottam Rupala, Pawar said that the proposal would prove detrimental to the interests of the domestic milk industry.

"Any decision by the Central government in this regard will be totally unacceptable because the import of these products will directly affect the income of the domestic milk producers," Pawar stated.

The Centre is toying with the idea of importing ghee-butter as milk production in the country apparently remained 'stagnant' owing to the lumpy skin disease which had hit cattle in many parts of India.

However, in contrast, the demand for milk products had shot up by 8-10 per cent as the country rebounded in the post-pandemic, with lower stocks of fats, ghee, butter compared with the previous year.

The NCP supremo, a former Union Agriculture Minister, pointed out that dairy farmers have recently emerged from the unprecedented two-year long Covid-19 crisis and such a measure will severely impede the sector's steps in the revival process.

"My concern may please be heeded. I shall be happy if the matter is looked into and the ministry deters itself from taking any decision to import the milk products,'' Pawar urged the Minister. IANS

Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has expressed opposition to the Centre's plans to import dairy products like fats, butter and ghee, here on Thursday.

Pawar red-flags Centre's plan to import dairy products

New Delhi (The Hawk): During the National Conclave Mann Ki Baat@100, the dignitaries and the panellists were presented with unique products made by the artists across the country. These artists have been lauded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his various Mann ki Baat addresses for reviving traditional art forms. The Vice President was gifted with a unique Kaavi Painting made by artist Shri Sagar Mule from Goa. Shri Sagar Mule is re-inventing Kaavi paintings of the Konkan region with a modern touch. The bright red found in Goa’s laterite soil is expertly infused with mixed media to bring to life diverse themes, ranging from traditional temple designs and festivals to life in the village. Sagar’s efforts have revived the centuries-old art form, bringing wide interest and attention to its conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated Sagar’s efforts through Mann ki Baat in December 2016. Other dignitaries and panellists were gifted with Pattachithra paintings on stone made by Bhagyashree Sahu from Odisha and Etikoppaka Wooden Toys made by C V Raju from Andhra Pradesh. Bhagyashree Sahu, through her deft brush strokes pays obeisance to Lord Jagannath and keeps alive the oldest artform to emerge from eastern India, Pattachitra. While traditional Pattachitra is done on natural cloth scrolls, Bhagyashree has chosen stones of varying sizes and shapes as her muse. Etikoppaka Wooden Toys, the GI tagged handicraft of Andhra Pradesh has its origins dating back to the Rajas of Vizianagaram. Made out of wood and coloured with natural dyes, these toys are finally coated with lac, a colourless resinous secretion of numerous insects. CV Raju has successfully revived the age-old tradition of Etikoppaka wooden toy craft and has managed to make the craft community quality conscious through his efforts. The National Conclave on Mann Ki Baat @100 was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting yesterday at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Inaugurated by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, the event witnessed the participation of Union Ministers Shri Amit Shah, Shri Anurag Thakur and Shri Ashwini Vaishnav.

During the National Conclave Mann Ki Baat@100, the dignitaries and the panellists were presented with unique products made by the artists

Unique Domestic Products Presented To Panellists During National Conclave Mann Ki Baat@100

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed a Digital India Dialogues session in Bengaluru today, focusing on the revised production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. The session brought together stakeholders from the tech industry, such as experts, industry representativesand startups. The minister actively interacted with them, addressing their queries on improving the ecosystem. While addressing the session the minister said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi, the Government is working closely with Startups, Industry and Academia to create rapidly expanding server &amp; IT Hardware manufacturing ecosystem in India. Our ambitions are clear — a $300 billion Electronics industry and a $1 trillion Digital Economy by 2026. The government will act as an enabler in catalysing India’s IT hardware ecosystem that includes data centres, servers, etc. This PLI scheme for IT hardware has been carefully designed this time with inputs from the industry. India represents one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the electronic manufacturing ecosystem as we have digitised our economy, Government and public services at an unprecedented rate.” The discussions were focused around stimulating ecosystem development while encouraging enterprises and startups to expand their presence in the country. “While we welcome big foreign companies to set up their base in India, we are also enabling the industry to benefit from incentives and expand the EMS ecosystem in India,” the Minister added. In May, the Government approved the PLI 2.0 scheme for IT hardware with an outlay of Rs 17,000 crore, doubling the budget from the 2021 scheme. The scheme aims to encourage domestic manufacturing, attract investmentsand promote the localisation of IT hardware components and sub-assemblies. It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra-small form factor devices. In doing so, the government aims to catalyse the domestic IT hardware manufacturing ecosystem of India, thereby creating Indian champions in the IT hardware industry. The scheme is set to run for six years and is projected to generate a significant increase in production worth Rs. 3.35 Lakh crore, with an expected investment of Rs. 2,430 crore. It is also likely to create approximately 75,000 new direct job opportunities. Since 2014, the electronics manufacturing industry in India has achieved a consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%. Starting from around Rs. 1 Lakh crore the production has now surpassed the significant benchmark of 105 billion USD. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar also highlighted India’s significant growth in smartphone manufacturing, he said, “We clearly aware of the smartphone success and I can very confidently state that what you’ve seen in the smartphone segment is just the tip of the iceberg. It is clear that we are going to be a significant source of smartphone production and overall ecosystem around the smartphone in the coming decade and the large brands are certainly clear in their mind that they want to make India an expanded presence in India and expand it significantly.”

Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed a Digital India Dialogues session in Bengaluru today

India Gears Up To Reach Scale In Making Original Electronic Products: MoS IT

New Delhi: Even if global uncertainty and internal disruptions may keep inflationary pressures elevated for the next months, the finance ministry stated on Tuesday that the inflation in food products is likely to be transitory as preemptive steps by the government and the arrival of fresh crops will lower prices.
<a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/'bharat-jodo'-is-deeply-rooted-in-every-indian-no-power-can-suppress-this-voice:-rahul" target="_blank">India News: Bharat Jodo' is deeply rooted in every Indian, no power can suppress this voice: Rahul</a> 
The ministry forecasts that domestic consumption and investment demand will continue to drive GDP moving forward in its July Monthly Economic Review but that increased funding for capital spending by the government in the current fiscal is now leading to crowding in of private investment.
In July 2023, retail inflation measured by the consumer price index reached a 15-month high of 7.44 percent, with increases in the cost of several food items accounting for most of the increase. However, core inflation has remained unchanged at 4.9% for the past 39 months.—Inputs from Agencies

Even if global uncertainty and internal disruptions may keep inflationary pressures elevated for the next months, the finance ministry stated on Tuesday that the inflation in food products is likely to be transitory as preemptive steps by the government and the arrival of fresh crops will lower prices.

Price pressure in food items to be transitory; global uncertainty, domestic disruption to keep inflation elevated: FinMin

New Delhi: In a statement released on Saturday, the European Union expressed worry over the "rapid" increase of refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil in India making their way to the European market, arguing that this undermines the goal of the sanctions against Moscow, which are intended to reduce its capacity to finance the war with Ukraine.
It has been reported that "large quantities" of oil products refined from Russian crude oil have entered the European market, prompting the EU's Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, to announce that measures are being considered to address the issue.
The EU Vice President, now in India, made these accusations to a select group of journalists, saying that Russia is using its energy and food supply as "tools" of "war and manipulation" in its ongoing assault on Ukraine.—Inputs from Agencies

In a statement released on Saturday, the European Union expressed worry over the "rapid" increase of refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil in India making their way to the European market, arguing that this undermines the goal of the sanctions against Moscow, which are intended to reduce its capacity to finance the war with Ukraine.

EU looking at petroleum products made from Russian crude oil in India finding way to its market

Morena (MP): Five labourers including three brothers died after inhaling a suspected poisonous gas at a factory in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, a government official said.  The incident took place at the Sakshi Food Products factory in Dhanela area of the district.
Gas started emanating from a tank inside the factory around 11 am and two labourers entered it to check it, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Bhupendra Singh Kushwaha told PTI.  They took ill after inhaling the gas. Three more labourers got affected subsequently, he said.
All of them were rushed to the district hospital where civil surgeon Gajendra Singh Tomar declared them dead and sent the bodies for autopsy, the official added.  The factory makes processed cherries and sugar-free chemicals used in food products.  The deceased were identified as brothers Ramavtar Gurjar (35), Ramnaresh Gurjar (40) and Veersingh Gurjar (30), all residents of Tiktoli village; Ganesh Gurjar (40) and Girraj Gurjar (28).  After the incident, district officials got the factory vacated and further probe was on.  Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the deaths, an official said.
—PTI

Five labourers including three brothers died after inhaling a suspected poisonous gas at a factory in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, a government official said.

Madhya Pradesh: Five labourers die after inhaling suspected poisonous gas leak at factory in Morena district

Washington DC: A peer-reviewed study conducted by Environmental Working Group experts discovered disturbing details regarding the potential health dangers of common household cleaning products. The study, published today in Chemosphere, analyzed 30 cleaning products, including multipurpose and glass cleaners, air fresheners and more. The study revealed that these everyday products may release hundreds of hazardous volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs.  Researchers tested both conventional products and “green” cleaning products and detected a total of 530 unique VOCs in the 30 products. Of these, 193 VOCs were hazardous – identified as having the potential to cause health harms such as respiratory system damage, increased cancer risk and developmental and reproductive impacts. VOCs in cleaning products affect the quality of air both indoors and outdoors. But they contaminate indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air, with some estimates putting it as high as 10 times more. Some products emit VOCs for days, weeks or even months.  “This study is a wake-up call for consumers, researchers and regulators to be more aware of the potential risks associated with the numerous chemicals entering our indoor air,” said Alexis Temkin, PhD, a senior toxicologist at EWG. “Our findings emphasize a way to reduce exposure to hazardous VOCs – by selecting products that are ‘green,’ especially those that are ‘green’ and ‘fragrance-free,’ ” she said. The study concluded that products labelled “green” emitted fewer VOCs, compared to conventional products – about half the number, on average. The green products categorized as “fragrance-free” also produced the fewest VOC emissions – nearly eight times fewer than conventional and four times fewer than green products that included fragrance on their label.  That pattern also held true for the number of VOCs considered hazardous in the products. The green products emitted just four chemicals classified as hazardous, on average, compared to about 15 in green products with fragrance and 22 for conventional products. This suggests that choosing green, or green and fragrance-free, cleaning products could be prudent for consumers concerned about indoor air quality and potential health risks. Effect of VOC hazards VOCs’ health harms are especially concerning because of how many Americans may be exposed to them in the workplace. Research shows people working in the cleaning industry have a 50 per cent higher risk of developing asthma and a 43 per cent higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Women working in this field also face an increased risk of lung cancer.  Children’s health may also be at risk. Some studies show that higher use of certain indoor cleaners in utero and in infancy is associated with a greater risk of asthma and wheezing in childhood. “These cleaning products may hurt our health, but they may also harm the environment,” said Samara Geller, EWG senior director of cleaning science. The study’s results carry implications not only for human health but also for environmental health. VOCs emitted by consumer products can contribute to outdoor air pollution, adding to existing environmental concerns. A study from 2018 estimated that half of the VOCs responsible for air pollution stem from consumer products. “Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This may be especially important for women’s and children's health,” said Geller. —ANI

A peer-reviewed study conducted by Environmental Working Group experts discovered disturbing details regarding the potential health

Cleaning Products Emit Hundreds Of Hazardous Chemicals: Study

New Delhi: The global foldable market is expected to experience substantial growth in 2024, driven by the introduction of entry-level products, thus heralding the era of the mass foldable phones led by Samsung and Huawei, a report showed on Friday.
In the second half of this year, competition in the global foldable product market is set to escalate significantly, driven by the entry of Chinese companies like OPPO and Honor, according to Counterpoint Research.
“Although Samsung’s market share may dip due to increased competition, we believe that it will be a natural result. However, competition among manufacturers usually has the effect of increasing the size of the market for the product,” said senior analyst Jene Park.
“We believe that the era of the mass foldable phone is expected to start in 2024, mainly led by Samsung and Huawei with their entry-level foldables,” park added.&nbsp;
Entry-level foldables are expected to be priced around $600 to $700, making them more accessible to consumers.
Meanwhile, the global foldable smartphone market increased 10 per cent YoY in the second quarter this year to reach 2.1 million units.
This growth is in stark contrast to that of the global smartphone market, which showed a 9 per cent decline in shipments during the quarter to reach 268 million units, the report mentioned.&nbsp;
Due to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing high global inflation, the smartphone market is expected to grow sideways.&nbsp;
“Nevertheless, the foldable smartphone sector continues to exhibit robust and sustained growth,” the report added.
In Q2, the Chinese foldable smartphone market achieved notable success, surging 64 per cent YoY to reach 1.2 million units.&nbsp;
China now commands the largest share of the global foldable smartphone market, with a 58.6 per cent share.
Chinese manufacturers are expanding their presence internationally during this period, with notable releases including the HONOR Magic V2, OPPO Find N3 Flip, and the yet-to-be-named OnePlus foldable device.&nbsp;
Notably, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, considered to be some of the top-tier foldable offerings, were launched in August and are expected to capture a substantial market share in H2 2023, the report mentioned.
—IANS

The global foldable market is expected to experience substantial growth in 2024, driven by the introduction of entry-level products

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Exports of Indian Ceramics and Glassware Products register growth of 168% in 2021-22 over 2013-14

Sunil Aswal

Tag : products

Exports of Indian Ceramics and Glassware Products register growth of 168% in 2021-22 over 2013-14

Sunil Aswal

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