During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes India and Norway natural partners. The two countries also exchanged views on issues related to West Asia and global tensions.

PM Modi said, “I am delighted to be attending the India-Nordic Summit today. I thank the President for convening this summit. I welcome all Nordic leaders to this summit. Our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes us natural partners. Eight years ago, we established this format to energize and accelerate our relations with the Nordic countries.”

He said, “I am very pleased that we have made significant progress in our relations over the past few years. Our bilateral trade has quadrupled in 10 years. Investment funds from Nordic countries are also becoming important partners in India’s rapid growth. Investment from Nordic countries in India has increased by almost 200 percent in the last decade. India’s growth story has contributed to rapidly growing trade and investment, and has also played a very positive role in the economies of the Nordic countries, creating thousands of new jobs. Building on this strong foundation, we have recently taken some important initiatives to take our relations to the next level.”

PM Modi said, “We have implemented a trade and economic partnership with Norway, Iceland, and other EFTA countries, effective October 2025. Just a few months ago, we signed the India-EU FTA, in which Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also partners. With these trade agreements, we are ushering in a new golden era in India-Nordic relations. We have decided to transform the India-Norway relationship into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.”

The Prime Minister said that through this Green Technology Partnership, we will combine Iceland’s zero thermal inefficiencies, Norway’s blue economy, and sustainability expertise in the Arctic and maritime sectors of all Nordic countries with India’s scale to ensure a better future for the entire world. By forming this unique strategic partnership, we will combine Sweden’s advanced manufacturing and defense, Finland’s telecom and digital technologies, Denmark’s cybersecurity and high-tech with India’s talent to develop reliable solutions for the entire world. Our extensive research and innovation are also an important pillar of the India-Nordic partnership. To strengthen this, we will work together to enhance linkages between universities, startups, and the lab ecosystem. We will deepen our cooperation in Arctic and polar research. We will ensure new opportunities for skill development and mobility between India and the Nordic countries.

He said, “We also shared our views on global issues. In times of global tension and conflict, India and the Nordic countries will continue to work together to promote a rules-based global order. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for an early end to conflict and peace. We agree that reform of multilateral institutions is necessary and urgent.”

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Referring to Adani Group’s projects in Bihar during the inauguration of the ‘Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital – Adani Centre for Eye Diseases’ in Mastichak, Saran, he said, “We have laid the foundation stone for a 2,400 MW power project in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district. Work on these projects is progressing rapidly. Road projects are also underway.”

He further stated, “Our goal is to invest between ₹50,000 crore and ₹60,000 crore in Bihar’s progress and infrastructure over the next three to four years.”

Gautam Adani stated that the time has come for Bihar’s growth. There is a significant need for infrastructure in Bihar, including roads, infrastructure, and industrialization. The people of Bihar should take full advantage of this time.

Gautam Adani arrived in Bihar for the inauguration of the ‘Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital – Adani Center for Eye Diseases’ in Mastichak, Saran, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus. He was accompanied by his wife, Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation.

He stated, “I feel very happy and honored to be in this sacred land of Bihar, especially Mastichak. This land is not just a state, but a symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.” Visiting the Gayatri Shaktipeeth here has given me immense peace, and chanting the Gayatri Mantra brings peace to the mind, and coming here has inspired me to do something better for society.

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CNG prices in Delhi rose by Re 1 to Rs 80.09 per kg on Sunday. This is the first time that CNG prices in Delhi have crossed the Rs 80 mark. Following this increase, CNG prices in Noida and Ghaziabad will now cost Rs 88.70 per kg.

Earlier, on Friday, CNG prices were increased by Rs 2 per kg. At that time, the price of CNG in Delhi had risen to Rs 79.09 per kg.

Petrol prices were also increased by approximately ₹3 per liter and diesel by approximately ₹3 per liter in the national capital on Friday. Following this change, petrol is selling at ₹97.77 per liter and diesel at ₹90.67 per liter in Delhi.

This surge in fuel prices comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy trade routes. Nearly a fifth of global oil and gas trade passes through this narrow strait, and supply disruptions have led to a sharp rise in international crude oil prices.

Responding to criticism over rising fuel prices, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently stated that India has managed to contain the increase in petrol and diesel prices despite the sharp surge in global crude oil prices.

He pointed out that while fuel prices in many countries have seen increases ranging from 20 percent to nearly 100 percent, petrol and diesel prices in India have risen by only 3.2 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. Rijiju said that while global markets are volatile, India’s public sector oil marketing companies bore heavy losses for weeks to protect consumers from the major impact of inflation.

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He said that India is now continuously strengthening its role as a reliable semiconductor supplier in the global market.

Prime Minister Modi recalled that in 2021, India launched the ‘India Semiconductor Mission’. This mission is not just an industrial policy, but a declaration of India’s self-confidence. Under this mission, 10 major projects worth ₹1.60 lakh crore are underway in six states.

Referring to recent achievements, PM Modi said that production began at Micron’s plant on February 28th, and now, on March 31st, production at Keynes Technology’s semiconductor plant has also begun. This is no coincidence, but a testament to the rapid development of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

He expressed happiness that an Indian company has shown interest in semiconductor chip manufacturing, and today its results are visible. PM Modi said, “India’s own company, Keynes Technology, has now become a strong part of the global semiconductor supply chain. This is a great beginning and a proud moment for the country.”

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that in the future, many Indian companies will play a key role in providing a strong semiconductor supply chain to the world through global collaboration. Today truly embodies the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.”

PM Modi also said that the 21st century is not just a time of economic competition, but an era of shaping the technology of the future. India is no longer just witnessing change, but is moving forward with the resolve to lead it.

He said that the technology initiatives India is taking in this decade will further strengthen the country’s global leadership in the decades to come.

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Gasoline prices in the US have risen to more than $4 (approximately Rs. 380 in Indian rupees) per gallon (1 gallon = 3.8 liters). This is the first time in the last three years that gasoline prices have exceeded this level.

According to US media, the average price of gasoline across the country has risen to $4.018 per gallon. Gasoline prices have increased by more than 30 percent since the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Diesel prices in the US have also seen an increase, surpassing $5 per gallon (approximately Rs. 475 per gallon). Prices have risen by more than 40 percent since tensions began in the Middle East.

Petrol and diesel prices are rising in Gulf countries.

The Fuel Price Committee of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a price increase. This increase will be effective from April 1.

According to the new prices, the price of Super 98 petrol has increased by approximately 30 percent to 3.39 dirhams per liter (approximately ₹87 per liter in Indian rupees), from 2.59 dirhams per liter previously.

The price of Special 95 petrol has increased by approximately 32 percent to 3.28 dirhams per liter, from 2.48 dirhams per liter previously.

Diesel prices in the UAE have seen a record increase, rising 72 percent to 4.69 dirhams per liter (about 120 rupees per liter), up from 2.72 dirhams per liter previously.

Crude oil prices have seen a sharp rise due to the US, Israel, and Iran war. Benchmark Brent crude prices have risen 48 percent in a month and are currently at $107.28 per barrel.

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The inaugural ceremony will be held on 25 February 2026 . The theme of this year’s Mela is “Viksit Krishi – Atmanirbhar Bharat”, emphasizing sustainable, climate-resilient, and income-oriented agricultural development to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and national food security.

The Mela will be inaugurated by Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.

Dr L. Jat, Secretary DARE & Director General ICAR will also grace the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela serves as a flagship national platform that bridges scientific research with farmers’ fields by showcasing advanced crop varieties, climate-smart technologies, precision farming tools, water-saving solutions, natural and organic farming models, and digital agriculture innovations. More than 1 lakh farmers from across the country will have the opportunity to interact directly with scientists and experts for location-specific solutions to their field problems.

In recognition of farmers’ contributions to grass-root innovations and sustainable agriculture, 7 progressive farmers from across the country will be conferred with the IARI Fellow Farmer Award and 36 farmers will be honoured with IARI Innovative Farmer Award during this Mela.

In a significant new initiative, ICAR–IARI has instituted a “Young Farmer Award” for the first time, marking a new paradigm to attract youth towards agriculture by recognizing young achievers who have adopted scientific, entrepreneurial, and technology-driven farming practices.

Aligned with the theme, the Mela will highlight solutions for climate change adaptation, water conservation, soil health management, input-use efficiency, crop diversification, and value addition. Special emphasis will be laid on:

Agricultural Schemes & Farmer Support Initiatives

Many farmers are unable to access benefits of Govt. schemes due to lack of awareness. This attraction bridges the information gap between policy and practice, enabling farmers to fully utilize government support mechanisms. The Mela will provide comprehensive information on major central and state government agricultural welfare schemes, subsidies, crop insurance, agricultural credit facilities, and digital farmer services at a single platform.

Crop Diversification & Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Climate variability poses a major risk to farm incomes. This attraction encourages farmers to move away from monocropping and adopt resilient, sustainable systems that ensure income stability.

Exhibits will focus on crop diversification, drought- and heat-tolerant varieties, alternative crops, climate-smart farming practices, risk management strategies, and adaptive agricultural models suited to changing climatic conditions.

Empowerment of Women and Youth in Agriculture

Women and youth are pivotal for the future of agriculture. This attraction positions agriculture as a modern, profitable, and dignified enterprise while promoting rural employment and entrepreneurship.
Dedicated sections will showcase women- and youth-led agri-enterprises, value addition models, nutrition-based agriculture, start-ups, and skill development initiatives.

 Agricultural Marketing, Farmer Organizations & Start-upsPost-harvest losses and weak market access reduce farmers’ profitability. This section helps farmers to understand market dynamics, collective bargaining through FPOs, and pathways to better price realization.

The Mela will highlight agricultural marketing systems, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-startups, value chains, processing technologies, and direct market linkage models.

Digital Agriculture Solutions

Recently India has organized AI summit of a global level, and the digital agriculture is the future. Digital agriculture improves efficiency, reduces input costs, and minimizes risk. This attraction prepares farmers to adopt future-ready technologies for precise and profitable farming.

During the mela, digital platforms, mobile-based advisory services, sensors, data-driven decision tools, AI/IoT-enabled smart farming solutions, and precision agriculture technologies will be demonstrated.

 Innovations in Agricultural Science

Innovation is the backbone of sustainable agriculture. This attraction demonstrates how scientific research directly addresses field-level challenges faced by farmers.

Displays will include improved crop varieties, biofertilizers, soil testing tools, residue management technologies, post-harvest innovations, and cutting-edge scientific solutions developed by ICAR–IARI.

 Live Crop Demonstrations & Sale of Pusa Seeds

“Seeing is believing” for farmers. Live demonstrations build confidence, accelerate adoption of new technologies, and ensure access to reliable, high-quality seed material.

Live field demonstrations of crops and farming practices will be organized, along with information and availability of improved and quality Pusa seeds developed by ICAR–IARI.Overall Significance of the Major Attractions

• Strengthen the Lab-to-Land continuum
• Focus on reducing cost of cultivation, enhancing income, and managing risk
• Empower small and marginal farmers, women, and youth
• Translate the vision of “Viksit Krishi – Atmanirbhar Bharat” into field-level impact
• The Mela will feature a wide array of ICAR–IARI developed technologies, including live demonstrations on climate-resilient crop varieties of wheat, chickpea, lentils, mustard, vegetables, and flowers; biofortified cereals and pulses, quality seed technologies, Pusa Decomposer for eco-friendly residue management, Pusa STFR Meter for rapid soil testing, biofertilizers for improving soil health, Integrated Farming System, Hi-Tech Horticulture, Vertical Farming, Hydroponics, Precision irrigation solutions, Sensor-based crop monitoring, AI- and IoT-enabled farm machinery, and non-chemical post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and enhance value addition.
• Additionally, Farmer Hospitality & Comfort will be taken care of: Free of cost stay arrangements have been made to ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience for farmers visiting from across the country.

Free and hygienic food will be provided to registered farmers during the Mela days, reflecting ICAR–IARI’s commitment to farmer welfare and inclusivity.

• Transportation & Accessibility: To facilitate easy access, free transportation services will operate from Pusa Gate to the Mela venue at regular intervals. Special arrangements have been made for elderly farmers, women, and differently-abled visitors to ensure smooth mobility within the campus.
• Seed Sale with Farmer Convenience: The sale of Pusa seeds has been organized in a farmer-friendly and streamlined manner, minimizing waiting time and congestion. To ease the physical burden on farmers, electric vehicles (EVs) will be deployed to transport purchased seeds from the Mela grounds to the IARI exit gates, ensuring hassle-free movement.
• Cultural Evening & Social Engagement: Two cultural evenings on 25^th and 26^th February 2026 are being arranged by our media partner All India Radio to provide a relaxed and engaging environment for farmers after a day of technical interactions. The cultural programme aims to celebrate India’s rural heritage, foster social bonding, and make the Mela a memorable experience for participants.

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Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the SCOPE Eminence Awards are a celebration of the significant contribution of public sector enterprises to the development of India. Performing well on all parameters, social, economic, environmental, technological and ethical, is the hallmark of a good enterprise. She appreciated SCOPE for honouring good performance across multiple dimensions such as sustainable development, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and innovation. She said that it represents a holistic approach towards progress and development.

The President said that since independence, the Public Sector has been a powerful vehicle for economic development and social inclusion. Public Sector Enterprises have laid the foundation for industrialisation, infrastructure development, social upliftment and balanced regional development. With time, these enterprises have evolved and changed. The expectations of the government and society from Public Sector Enterprises have also changed. She was happy to note that, amid all these changes, Public Sector Enterprises, through their performance, are playing an important role in achieving economic and national goals.

The President said that apart from the economic and financial contributions, Public Sector Enterprises have given priority to balanced and inclusive growth, keeping the national goals paramount. Looking at their role and contribution, it is appropriate to say that Public Sector Enterprises are catalysts of growth and pillars of prosperity for the nation and its people. She stated that these enterprises have also presented many good models and examples of governance and transparency.

The President was happy to note that Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are playing an effective role in national campaigns like Aatmanirbhar Bhaarat and ‘Make in India’. She said that during Operation Sindoor, the indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System – Akashteer demonstrated its infallible capability. She noted that Public Sector Enterprises have played a role in the creation of this system. She said that this is a matter of special pride for the Public Sector Fraternity.

The President said that the contribution of public enterprises has been proven in self-reliant innovation in national security and India’s growing technological self-reliance. Public Sector Enterprises have played a very important role in the important areas of agriculture, mining and exploration, manufacturing, processing and generation and services. Public Sector Enterprises have always played a leading role in meeting the challenges faced by the country. She stated that CPSEs will play an important role in achieving the national goal of building a developed India by the year 2047. It is expected from CPSEs that their decisions will be dedicated to nation-building, actions will be based on ethics and thinking will be inspired by sensitivity and social service.

The SCOPE Eminence Awards, instituted by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), are an endeavour to commemorate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Public Sector Enterprises.

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Tata Motors has launched models like Punch (compact SUV), Curve (coupe inspired SUV), Tiago (hatchback) and Harrier (premium SUV) in the South African market. All these models are based on conventional fuel (petrol-diesel) and will be available for sale from September.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, said, “Our return to South Africa is an important milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. We are excited to bring our new generation vehicles with cutting-edge technology, unmatched safety and modern design to a market that values ​​safety, quality and innovation. By having Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident of providing customers with a great ownership experience that will also contribute meaningfully to the local economy of South Africa.”

According to an official statement, the company will operate through 40 dealerships, which is planned to be expanded to 60 by 2026. Tata’s passenger car division has appointed Motus Holdings as its exclusive distributor in South Africa.

Tata Motors is expected to compete with the currently dominating Chinese brands in the South African markets. The growing demand for budget-friendly cars is pushing global automakers to offer more choices to customers and also prompting overseas automakers to stop relying on low-cost imports from India and China.

In South Africa, Tata Motors faces competition from Chinese automakers such as Chery Group, BYD, Beijing Automotive and GWM, which have introduced competitively priced vehicles with various powertrains in recent years.

The Indian carmaker had quit the South African passenger vehicle market in 2019 after selling brands such as the Indica hatchback. The Indica hatchback was affordable but received a mixed response from consumers. However, the company retained its commercial vehicle operations in South Africa.

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Government sources said that the proposal sent by the Finance Ministry to the GST Council. In it, only two GST rates – 5 percent and 18 percent are proposed.

This means that the current 12 percent and 28 percent slabs will be abolished in the coming time.

Sources further said that the government has proposed to keep low tax rates on products related to farmers, health and insurance. At the same time, GST on products like tobacco and pan masala can be up to 40 percent.

The GST Council meeting is held in September. In this, a decision is taken regarding the tax rates.

Next generation GST reforms were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at sweeping changes in the GST system in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, saying, “This Diwali, I am going to celebrate a double Diwali for you. The countrymen are going to get a big gift, there will be a huge reduction in GST on common household items.”

Prime Minister Modi stressed the urgent need to review GST rates and called it the “demand of the hour”. He announced, “GST rates will be reduced drastically. Tax will be reduced for the common people.”

Prime Minister Modi has made this announcement at a time when the country has completed eight years of GST implementation, making it one of India’s most important tax reforms since independence. Since its introduction in 2017, GST has integrated the country’s indirect tax structure and significantly improved the ease of doing business, especially for small and medium enterprises.

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The proposal comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in which he said that next-generation reforms in GST will be unveiled by Diwali, providing “substantial” tax relief to the common man and benefiting small businesses.

The government has sent its proposal for rationalising GST rates to a Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by the GST Council.

The key areas identified for next-generation reforms include rationalising tax rates to benefit all sections of society, especially the common man, women, students, middle class and farmers.

The proposals include reducing taxes on essential commodities for the common man. This will increase affordability, boost consumption and provide greater access to essential and aspirational goods to the population.

According to the ministry, the abolition of compensation cess has created fiscal space, providing greater flexibility to rationalise and align tax rates within the GST framework for long-term sustainability.

The reform of the inverted duty structure aims to align input and output tax rates thereby reducing input tax credit accumulation. This will boost domestic value addition.

Another key proposal is to streamline rate structures by resolving classification issues, reducing disputes, simplifying compliance processes and ensuring greater parity and uniformity across sectors.

According to the ministry, “It also aims to provide long-term clarity on rates and policy direction to boost industry confidence and enable better business planning.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a detailed vision for reforms and achieving self-reliance in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, which includes some important reforms ranging from changes in tax rates to empowering small businesses.

Hinting at sweeping changes in the GST system, he said, “This Diwali, I am going to celebrate a double Diwali for you. The countrymen are going to get a big gift, there will be a huge reduction in GST on common household items.”

Prime Minister Modi stressed the urgent need to review GST rates and called it the “need of the hour”.

He announced, “GST rates will be reduced drastically. Tax will be reduced for the common people.”

The announcement comes at a time when the country has completed eight years of GST implementation, making it one of India’s most important tax reforms since Independence. Since its introduction in 2017, GST has integrated the country’s indirect tax structure and significantly improved the ease of doing business, especially for small and medium enterprises.

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