Agroforestry push: Centre issues model rules to ease tree felling on farmland, boost legal timber trade

In a step to promote agroforestry and streamline tree felling norms on agricultural lands, the Centre has notified a new set of model rules aimed at easing procedural hurdles for farmers, increasing tree cover outside forests, and supporting India’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.In a letter dated June 19 to all state governments, the…

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Consumer electronics reshuffle: Panasonic exits refrigerators and washing machines segment in India, to focus on HVAC and B2B

Japanese electronics major Panasonic has exited India’s refrigerator and washing machine segments as part of a global restructuring strategy, marking a shift toward more profitable and future-ready verticals such as HVAC, B2B, and home automation.The two segments had been loss-making for the company in India, where it struggled to gain market share. According to GfK…

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Cement sector trends: Volume rises 9% in May, average bag price up 8%, industry output seen at 480 MT in FY26

India’s cement industry experienced robust growth in May 2025, with volumes increasing by 9% and prices rising by 8%. ICRA projects continued volume growth of 6-7% for FY26, driven by housing and infrastructure demand. Improved operating margins are expected due to price hikes and favorable cost environment, with lower coal and steady diesel prices. India’s…

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India’s economic outlook: PHDCCI says India will remain fastest growing among G7 peers, cites 61% trade surge

India will continue its robust economic growth trajectory and outpace major industrialised G7 countries, supported by strong domestic demand, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and a favourable demographic profile, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) said in a report. The report, titled Population, Productivity, Partnership: Rethinking G7-India Collaboration, highlights that with an average real GDP…

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Big remittance cheer for NRIs! US Senate draft of Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ reduces remittance tax to 1% from 3.5%; details here

United States contributed approximately $32 billion in remittances to India in 2023-24. (AI image) US remittance tax relief on the cards! Non-Resident Indians or NRIs have reason to breathe a sigh of relief as the final draft of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ proposes just 1% tax on remittances, as against 3.5% earlier. Originally,…

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Digital power push: Centre sets up task force to build India Energy Stack, aims seamless data access for utilities and consumers

The Ministry of Power on Saturday announced the formation of a task force to develop the India Energy Stack (IES)—a unified digital public infrastructure aimed at transforming India’s power sector with secure, standardised, and interoperable systems.Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the IES will be instrumental in integrating renewable energy, boosting DISCOM efficiency, and ensuring…

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Bangladesh-Adani dues: Bangladesh pays $384 million to Adani Power, trims outstanding to $500 million

Bangladesh has paid $384 million to Adani Power this month, significantly reducing its outstanding dues under a 2017 power supply agreement with the Indian company, according to sources.As of June 27, Bangladesh has paid $384 million of the committed $437 million scheduled for the month. Sources said this amount clears the country’s “admitted” dues till…

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