Government Action on rising Sugar Prices, Editorial 24 August 2026

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Government Action on Rising Sugar Prices
Sugar is still a highly important part of the diet, especially for those doing very hard physical work. In India, sugar has high importance.
According to a PIB report, sugar prices have increased in recent weeks, from ₹48.18 per kg on 20 July 2026 to ₹55.70 per kg on 20 August 2026. The Government is closely monitoring the situation and has taken a series of measures to ensure adequate availability of sugar and stable prices for consumers.
Rise in Sugar Prices Cannot Be Attributed to Ethanol.
It is incorrect to attribute the recent increase in sugar prices to the diversion of sugar for ethanol production.
In fact, the share of sugar diverted for ethanol has declined from around 12% in 2022-23 to around 9% in 2025-26. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the ethanol produced in the country now comes from grains, particularly maize.
The present increase in sugar prices is due to a combination of factors, including lower-than-expected domestic production, increased demand ahead of the festive season, weather-related damage to the sugarcane crop, tightening global sugar supplies, and speculation and hoarding by some sections of the industry.
Sugar Production Lower Than Initial Estimates.
Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 306 LMT, compared to the initial estimate of around 343 LMT by sugarcane-growing States.
Despite the lower-than-estimated production, adequate sugar stocks are available in the country to meet domestic demand until the new crushing season begins in October.
Sugar Prices Are Rising Globally Too.
The tightening of sugar supplies is a global phenomenon and is not limited to India.
The global sugar deficit for 2026-27 is estimated at around 33 LMT. Concerns over weather conditions have further affected the global outlook.

Kashmir’s Youth Must Stop Waiting for Jobs and Start Building the Future

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Kashmir’s Youth Must Stop Waiting for Jobs and Start Building the Future
Imtiyaz R. Chashti
There is no shortage of talent in Kashmir. The Valley’s young generation is intelligent, ambitious, hardworking and capable of competing with the best anywhere in the country and, increasingly, in the world. What Kashmir needs today is not a new generation of talented young people; it already has one. What it needs is a change in the way that talent is directed.
For decades, a government job has remained the most desired destination for an educated Kashmiri. That aspiration is understandable. A government job offers stability, social respect and financial security. But the reality is that government employment can absorb only a limited number of people, while the number of educated young men and women entering the job market continues to grow.
This is where Kashmir’s young generation needs to think differently.
The question should no longer be only, “Where is the job?” It should increasingly be, “What can I build?”
This does not mean abandoning the pursuit of government employment. Rather, it means recognising that a government job is only one of many possible paths to a successful life. Entrepreneurship, skilled trades, tourism, commerce, technology, professional services, agriculture, handicrafts and new digital businesses offer opportunities that were either unavailable or difficult to access for earlier generations.
Importantly, the policy environment is also changing.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has launched Mission YUVA, with the objective of creating an enterprise-driven economy and encouraging first-generation entrepreneurs. The programme envisages the creation of a large number of enterprises and employment opportunities over the coming years. It represents a significant shift from simply supporting employment to encouraging young people to become employment creators.
The J&K Skill Development Mission is another important component of this transition. Its programmes cover areas ranging from IT and electronics to tourism, hospitality, logistics, retail, construction and other trades. Its current dashboard records more than 15,000 candidates trained, over 10,500 certified and more than 3,300 placed. The Mission is also introducing emerging skills, including Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the changing nature of the employment market.
At the national level, young Kashmiris can also benefit from initiatives such as MUDRA, PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma, PMKVY and Startup India, which provide different forms of training, credit, entrepreneurship support and market opportunities.
The problem, therefore, is not simply the absence of schemes. It is whether young people are sufficiently aware of them and whether they are prepared to use them seriously.
A government loan cannot create a successful entrepreneur by itself. A subsidy cannot guarantee a profitable business. A training certificate does not automatically create employment.
What turns an opportunity into a livelihood is the ability to identify a market, understand a customer’s needs, manage money, maintain quality and remain committed when the first attempt fails.
This is where Kashmir needs a cultural shift.
Our young people must begin looking at their traditional strengths through a modern economic lens. Kashmir possesses enormous potential in handicrafts, carpets, horticulture, food processing, tourism, transport, hospitality and professional services. These sectors should no longer be viewed merely as traditional occupations. They can become modern, technology-driven businesses.
A young artisan should not remain only a producer. He or she can become a designer, brand owner and online seller.
A horticulture graduate can move beyond cultivation into processing, packaging, cold-chain management and agricultural marketing.
A young person with knowledge of tourism can build a travel company, manage homestays, develop specialised tourism packages or create a transport service.
A commerce graduate can build an accounting, taxation or digital-marketing practice.
An engineering graduate can develop software or technology services for clients outside Kashmir.
The digital economy has changed perhaps the most important limitation Kashmir’s young people once faced: geography.
A talented young person sitting in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama or Kupwara can now potentially provide services to a customer in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dubai, London or New York. A Kashmiri business no longer has to depend entirely upon Kashmiri consumers.
That should encourage our young people to think beyond the Valley.
The next economic opportunity for Kashmir may not necessarily be another large factory. It could be hundreds or thousands of small businesses providing specialised products and services to markets across India and abroad.
This also means that education must change.
A degree remains valuable, but a degree without a practical skill is increasingly insufficient. A commerce graduate who understands accounting software, taxation, digital marketing and e-commerce has a wider range of opportunities than someone who possesses only a certificate. An arts graduate who develops communication, content creation, tourism or digital skills can work for clients anywhere. An engineering graduate can become an entrepreneur instead of spending years preparing exclusively for competitive examinations.
The question facing students should therefore change from “Which degree will get me a job?” to “Which skills will make me useful to the market?”
Women must be equally central to this transformation. Kashmir cannot build a modern economy while a large section of its educated young women remains outside entrepreneurship and professional activity. Schemes such as Tejaswini provide a platform for women to pursue self-employment, but the larger objective must be to encourage women to become business owners, professionals and employers.
Technology has already reduced many of the barriers. A woman can operate a home-based enterprise, market products through digital platforms and reach customers far beyond her locality.
But government also has a responsibility.
Young entrepreneurs should not have to navigate a maze of departments simply to understand how to register a business, obtain finance or access a government scheme. District-level enterprise support should be strengthened so that a young person with a genuine idea can receive guidance on registration, training, finance, taxation, marketing and market access in one place.
Banks also need to understand that entrepreneurship cannot flourish if every young applicant is treated as a potential defaulter. Financial discipline is essential, but so is institutional confidence in genuine first-generation entrepreneurs.
At the same time, young people must understand that entrepreneurship is not an easy shortcut to wealth. It requires patience, financial discipline, risk-taking and the willingness to fail and start again.
This is perhaps the most important lesson for Kashmir’s youth.
A government job can provide employment to one person. A successful enterprise can create employment for an entire family, village or community.
That is the mindset Kashmir needs.
The Government can provide schemes. Banks can provide credit. Institutions can provide training. Technology can provide access to markets. But ambition, discipline, innovation and persistence must come from the young entrepreneur.
Kashmir’s future therefore cannot be measured only by the number of government vacancies announced every year. It must also be measured by the number of enterprises created, the number of businesses that survive and grow, and the number of jobs generated by young Kashmiris themselves.
The Valley’s young people have the intelligence. They have the talent. They have the energy. They have demonstrated repeatedly that they can excel when given the opportunity.
What they now need is the confidence to look beyond the traditional definition of success.
The real question before Kashmir’s youth is no longer simply, “Who will give me a job?”
It is:
“What can I build?”
And, ultimately:
“How many people can I take forward with me?”
Kashmir does not need a generation that waits for the future to arrive. It needs a generation confident enough, skilled enough and courageous enough to build that future itself.

India’s Great resolve on World Elephant Day

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India’s great resolve on World Elephant Day
Elephant is prominent animal of our planet. It is much cherished since ages and holds important position in our ecosystem.
World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12, honors the largest land mammals and raises awareness about their protection. Elephants face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict. This day reminds us to conserve forests, stop ivory trade, and support sanctuaries. Sane humans make pledge to protect these gentle giants so future generations can admire their wisdom, strength, and vital role in nature.
Recently on this eve, esteemed
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi  stated that on World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant, which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. He expressed gladness that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants.
The Prime Minister noted that our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. Shri Modi also expressed pride in all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared:
“On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants. Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.”
We Indians and humans world over need to take steps to make world a better place for marvellous and beautiful creatures like Elephants.

The Quiet Crisis of Loneliness in a Connected World, Cover story 17 August 2026

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The Quiet Crisis of Loneliness in a Connected World
By Dr. Sonali Narang
We live in an age of extraordinary connectivity. A message can travel across the world in seconds. A video call can bring distant relatives into our homes. And social media allows us to stay connected with hundreds of people.
Yet, despite being more connected than ever before, many people are experiencing something increasingly difficult to talk about: loneliness.
Loneliness is not simply about being alone. A person can live in a crowded house, work in a busy office, or have thousands of followers online and still feel emotionally isolated. At its heart, loneliness is the feeling that we lack meaningful human connection.
The Changing Nature of Relationships
Modern life has changed the way people communicate. Earlier, neighbors often knew one another, families spent more time together, and social interactions were frequently built around shared physical spaces. Today, busy work schedules, migration, urbanization, and digital communication have transformed those relationships.
In cities, people may live next door to one another for years without knowing each other’s names. Young professionals may leave their hometowns for education or employment, while older parents remain behind. Families may meet regularly on phones but spend less time together in person.
Technology is not the enemy. In fact, it can be an important source of connection, especially for people separated by distance. The problem begins when digital communication replaces meaningful relationships rather than supplementing them.
The Social Media Paradox
Social media has created a strange paradox. We can constantly see what others are doing, yet this can sometimes intensify feelings of isolation.
Photographs of holidays, celebrations, achievements, and apparently perfect lives can create the impression that everyone else is happier and more successful. People often compare their everyday reality with someone else’s carefully selected highlights.
The result can be a sense of inadequacy: _Why is everyone moving ahead while I am standing still?
But social media rarely shows the complete story. Behind a smiling photograph may be anxiety, financial difficulties, family problems, or personal struggles. We need to remember that online visibility is not the same as emotional connection.
Our Neighborhoods Can Become Communities Again
One solution may be surprisingly simple: rebuilding local connections.
A neighborhood does not need an expensive community center to become more connected. A shared morning walk, a local reading group, a children’s activity, a cultural program, or simply talking to an elderly neighbor can create meaningful relationships.
Cities can also encourage community spaces where people can interact without having to spend money. Public libraries, parks, cultural centers, and pedestrian-friendly spaces are not luxuries. They are part of the social infrastructure of a healthy society.
The Importance of Listening
Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer another person is our attention.
We often ask, “How are you?” without actually waiting for an answer. Genuine listening requires time and patience. It means putting the phone away, looking at the person, and allowing them to speak without immediately offering advice.
A society that listens is a society that cares.
Schools and workplaces can also play an important role by creating environments where people feel included rather than judged. Young people, in particular, need spaces where they can discuss their concerns without feeling that vulnerability is weakness.
Reclaiming Human Connection
The answer to loneliness is not to abandon technology or return nostalgically to the past. It is to create a healthier balance between digital and physical life.
We need technology that connects us without replacing human presence. We need cities that encourage interaction rather than isolation. And, above all, we need to recover the simple habit of being present for one another.
Sometimes the person sitting beside us may need a conversation more than another notification. Sometimes a cup of tea with a neighbor may matter more than hundreds of online reactions.
In a rapidly changing world, human connection remains one of our most basic needs. We may have developed extraordinary technologies to communicate across distances, but the most important conversation may still be the one we have with the person sitting next to us.
Perhaps the first step toward solving the loneliness crisis is also the simplest: look up from the screen, look around, and ask someone — not out of courtesy, but with genuine concern — _“How are you?”_

Keeping Kashmir’s Apples Growing … Opinion 10 August,2026

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Keeping Kashmir’s Apples Growing

Rameez Bhat

ramizspeaks77@gmail.com

For centuries, apple orchards have been woven into the social, cultural and economic fabric of Kashmir. They are not merely stretches of cultivated land but enduring symbols of the Valley’s heritage and perseverance. Every harvest season, millions of apples leave these orchards, generating livelihoods for thousands of farming families while supporting a vast network of traders, transporters, labourers, packaging units and other allied industries. The prosperity of rural Kashmir has long been inseparable from the success of its apple economy. Today, however, this vital sector is confronting challenges that threaten its very foundation.The changing climate has emerged as one of the most serious threats to apple cultivation. Kashmir’s traditional weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, disturbing the natural conditions on which apple production depends. Winters are growing warmer, snowfall has declined, rainfall has become erratic and prolonged dry spells are followed by sudden hailstorms and unusually high temperatures. Such changes disrupt the biological cycle of apple trees, reducing the winter chilling they require for healthy flowering and fruit development. As a result, many growers are witnessing lower yields and declining productivity, while untimely hailstorms continue to destroy blossoms and immature fruit, inflicting heavy financial losses.

The impact of these changes extends far beyond the orchard gates. The apple industry supports an extensive rural economy, providing seasonal employment to thousands of labourers involved in harvesting, grading, packaging, transportation, and marketing. Carton manufacturers, cold-storage operators, commission agents, and countless small businesses also depend on a successful apple season. Whenever production declines, the economic shock is felt across multiple sectors, affecting entire communities rather than individual growers alone. Infrastructure-related difficulties further compound the crisis. During the peak harvesting season, frequent disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway delay the movement of fruit to markets outside the Valley. Trucks carrying perishable produce are often stranded for long hours or even days, reducing fruit quality and increasing the risk of spoilage. Such delays translate directly into financial losses for growers who have already invested heavily throughout the year. Ensuring uninterrupted transportation during the harvesting season is therefore essential for protecting both farmers’ incomes and the wider horticulture economy. At the same time, the cost of producing apples has risen sharply. Farmers are spending substantially more on fertilisers, pesticides, labour, packaging material, and transportation than they did only a few years ago. Yet rising production costs have not been matched by stable or remunerative market prices. The dominance of multiple intermediaries and frequent price fluctuations often leave growers, particularly small orchard owners, with returns that barely cover their investment. For many families, the uncertainty surrounding income has become almost as worrying as the uncertainty of the weather itself.

Recognising these challenges, the government has promoted high-density apple plantations to improve productivity and fruit quality. These modern orchards have demonstrated encouraging results by producing earlier harvests and higher yields. However, establishing such plantations requires significant capital investment, making them inaccessible for many small and marginal farmers who lack adequate financial assistance or affordable credit. Without inclusive support mechanisms, the benefits of modern horticulture will remain concentrated among relatively better-off growers. Securing the future of Kashmir’s apple industry demands a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. Building climate-resilient horticulture should become a central policy objective. Expanding irrigation facilities, encouraging the installation of anti-hail nets, strengthening weather forecasting services, promoting scientific orchard management, and providing regular training to farmers can substantially reduce production risks. Crop insurance schemes also need to become more efficient and accessible so that growers receive prompt compensation whenever natural disasters damage their orchards.

Research institutions have an equally important responsibility. Scientists must work closely with orchardists to develop apple varieties capable of adapting to changing climatic conditions without compromising the exceptional taste and quality for which Kashmiri apples are internationally recognised. Greater emphasis should also be placed on sustainable cultivation practices that minimise excessive dependence on chemical pesticides, protecting both environmental health and the wellbeing of farming communities. Equally crucial are reforms in marketing and post-harvest management. Increasing cold-storage capacity, modernising grading and packaging facilities, strengthening market linkages, and encouraging digital platforms for fruit marketing can significantly improve growers’ earnings. Efficient logistics and uninterrupted transport during the harvest season should be treated as an economic priority, ensuring that Kashmir’s produce reaches national markets quickly and in excellent condition. Apple cultivation is far more than an agricultural occupation in Kashmir; it represents the identity and resilience of countless families. Every spring blossom carries with it the expectation of a successful harvest, while every basket of apples reflects months of dedication, patience, and hard work. Protecting this sector is therefore not only about preserving agricultural output but also about safeguarding the economic stability and cultural legacy of rural Kashmir. The future of the Valley’s apple industry cannot be left to the uncertainties of a changing climate. It requires determined policymaking, sustained public investment, scientific innovation, and stronger institutional support. Despite increasing hardships, Kashmir’s orchardists continue to nurture their trees with remarkable resilience. Their commitment deserves policies that match their perseverance.

Keeping Kashmir’s apples growing is ultimately about much more than sustaining fruit production. It is about protecting livelihoods, preserving a centuries-old tradition, and ensuring that one of the Valley’s most important economic pillars remains strong for generations to come. The choices made today will determine whether future Kashmiris inherit thriving orchards or only memories of the abundance that once defined the Valley.

 

India’s Stride Towards Clean Energy — 10 August 2026 Editorial

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India’s Stride Towards Clean Energy
Clean energy is a must for the sustainable development of the country. The importance of clean energy cannot be underestimated.
Clean energy reduces air pollution and protects public health. It cuts carbon emissions that drive climate change. Renewable sources like solar and wind are sustainable, lowering dependence on fossil fuels. Clean energy creates jobs, saves money in the long term, and ensures a healthier planet for future generations.
In a significant development related to this, recently, as per PIB, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved GOBARdhan, the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 23,731 crore.
GOBARdhan marks a defining moment in India’s clean energy journey. It will transform the country’s abundant agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste, and other biomass resources into clean fuel, organic manure, rural income, and national economic value.
The Scheme will be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 and will establish Compressed Biogas as a major pillar of India’s future energy mix.
Through assured demand, remunerative and stable pricing, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure, credit support, and technology development, GOBARdhan will provide the strong and predictable framework required to take India’s CBG sector to national scale.
The Scheme aims to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold, mobilize large-scale private investment, and create a vibrant circular bioeconomy across the country.
It reflects the Government’s clear vision:
India’s waste will fuel India’s growth.
India’s villages will become centres of clean energy production.
India’s farmers will become partners in the nation’s energy security.
It is indeed a great step by the esteemed Government.

Cover story 10 August 2026 India on The frontline: Leading the Global Fight Against Climate Change

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India on the Frontline: Leading the Global Fight Against Climate Change

By Dr. Sonali Narang

As the world grapples with rising temperatures, melting glaciers, devastating floods, and prolonged droughts, climate change has become one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century. Home to nearly one-fifth of the world’s population and one of the fastest-growing economies, India stands at a crucial crossroads balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. Today, India is not merely confronting the climate crisis; it is emerging as a global leader in climate action through innovation, renewable energy, policy reforms, and community participation.

India’s geographical diversity makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. From the melting Himalayan glaciers and rising sea levels along the coastline to erratic monsoons, heatwaves, floods, and droughts, millions of people face increasing climate-related risks. Agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, and public health are already experiencing significant impacts. These challenges demand immediate and coordinated action.

Recognizing the urgency, the Government of India has launched ambitious initiatives to reduce carbon emissions while promoting sustainable growth. The International Solar Alliance, the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative, and India’s Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26 reflect the nation’s determination to combine economic progress with environmental responsibility.

India’s renewable energy revolution, climate-tech startups, Swachh Bharat Mission, electric mobility, green hydrogen initiatives, and community participation are reshaping the country’s sustainable future.

However, government action alone is not enough. Every citizen has a role in conserving water, reducing plastic use, planting trees, adopting renewable energy, and promoting environmental awareness.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality. Through visionary leadership, innovation, and collective action, India is demonstrating that economic development and environmental protection can progress together. The fight against climate change is a fight for humanity’s future, and India is well-positioned to lead this global transformation.

Recent Delhi Protests ,Cover story 27 July 2026

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Recent Delhi Protests: A Test of Democracy, Accountability, and Public Trust
Dr. Sonali Narang
The recent protests in Delhi have once again brought the nation’s attention to the power of public participation in a democratic society. Thousands of students, youth, activists, and concerned citizens gathered in different parts of the national capital to express their dissatisfaction with issues affecting education, employment, and governance. While the immediate cause of the demonstrations was the growing concern over examination paper leaks and the demand for a transparent recruitment process, the protests gradually evolved into a broader movement reflecting the aspirations and frustrations of India’s young population.
Students argued that repeated incidents of examination paper leaks have severely affected their future. Many candidates spend years preparing for highly competitive examinations, investing considerable time, effort, and financial resources. When examinations are cancelled or compromised due to malpractice, students experience disappointment, anxiety, and uncertainty. Protesters demanded stronger security measures, strict punishment for those responsible for examination fraud, timely conduct of examinations, and greater transparency in recruitment and admission processes.
As the protests gained momentum, participants also raised concerns about unemployment, delays in government recruitment, and the need for more opportunities for educated youth. Many speakers emphasized that education should provide equal opportunities and that merit should remain the foundation of recruitment. They urged policymakers to introduce long-term reforms that would restore confidence in public institutions and ensure that deserving candidates are not disadvantaged by corruption or administrative failures.
The demonstrations were held at various locations across Delhi, with large gatherings attracting significant public attention. To maintain law and order, authorities deployed additional police personnel, erected barricades, and imposed traffic restrictions in several areas. In some places, confrontations occurred between protesters and security forces, resulting in the use of tear gas and lathi charges. Several protesters and police personnel reportedly sustained injuries during these incidents. These developments sparked debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The Delhi protests also generated extensive discussion on social media and news platforms. Citizens expressed a wide range of opinions. Many supported the students’ demands, arguing that transparency, accountability, and fairness are essential for strengthening democracy. Others emphasized the importance of ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful and do not disrupt public life or lead to violence. The differing perspectives reflected the complexity of addressing public grievances while maintaining law and order.
In response to the protests, government representatives acknowledged public concerns and announced measures aimed at improving examination security and strengthening legal action against those involved in paper leaks and examination fraud. Discussions also focused on introducing technological safeguards, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring faster investigation and prosecution of offenders. However, many protesters maintained that isolated measures would not be sufficient unless accompanied by comprehensive institutional reforms and effective implementation.
The protests highlight the significant role of young people in shaping democratic discourse in India. Youth participation in public affairs demonstrates a growing awareness of social and political issues and reflects the desire for transparent governance and equal opportunities. Peaceful demonstrations have long been an important feature of democratic societies, providing citizens with a platform to voice concerns and seek accountability from public institutions.
At the same time, the events underline the shared responsibility of both citizens and authorities. Protesters have a responsibility to conduct demonstrations peacefully and respect public property, while governments must remain open to dialogue, address genuine grievances, and ensure that law enforcement acts proportionately and respects constitutional rights. Constructive communication between the government and citizens can help resolve conflicts more effectively than confrontation alone.
In conclusion, the recent Delhi protests are more than a response to a single issue; they represent broader concerns about transparency, fairness, employment opportunities, and public trust in institutions. Whether through policy reforms, administrative improvements, or meaningful dialogue, addressing these concerns will be essential for strengthening democratic governance. The events serve as a reminder that a healthy democracy depends not only on the right to protest but also on the willingness of institutions to listen, respond, and work toward lasting solutions that benefit society as a whole.
The writer is eminent
Researcher from India

Chemical Parks Boost in India, Editorial 27 July

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Chemical parks boost in India
We know that in present era of progress and development the
Chemical parks boost competitiveness by offering shared infrastructure, cutting costs and logistics. They cluster upstream and downstream units, drive exports and import substitution, create jobs, ensure better environmental compliance through centralized waste treatment, and promote sustainable, efficient growth of the chemical industry.
In a significant development,
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan or BHAVYA – Rasayan Scheme to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks in India, announced in the Union Budget of FY 2026–27. The scheme carries a total outlay of Rs. 3,030 crore for five years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with Rs. 3,000 crore for Common Infrastructure Facilities and Basic Utilities inside the parks and Rs. 30 crore for administrative expenditure. Under this, the Centre will provide a grant of up to Rs. 1,000 crore per park, subject to a minimum Rs. 500 crore contribution from the concerned State Government. BHAVYA aims to strengthen the entire chemical value chain, cut logistics costs, and boost global competitiveness through shared facilities. It will also create eco-friendly ecosystems with centralized CETPs, waste management and TSDF units to ensure better environmental compliance. By integrating Indian chemical firms into Global Value Chains, the scheme targets higher exports, import substitution, downstream sector growth, more jobs, and progress toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Without doubt , BHAVYA is a timely push. With shared infra and green focus, it can make Indian chemicals competitive, create jobs, and drive sustainable industrial growth for Viksit Bharat.

Strengthening Defense of India, editorial 6 July

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Strengthening Defense of India
Defense is highly important sector of any country. In a great development for defence of India,  according to PIB report —
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on July 03, 2026, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) i.e., in-principle administrative approval to various acquisition proposals for the Defence Forces at an estimated cost of about Rs 52,000 crore. For the Indian Army, approval of granted for the procurement of Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Electronic Warfare System ‘AKASH TARANG’, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for Tanks and Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System.
In this regard,  PIB report mentioned
AKASH TARANG will provide effective anti-UAV protection to the Army Formations. The MPATGM will enhance the potential of the Infantry to counter mechanised threats of the adversary. The MRSAM system provides medium range air defence against a variety of stand-off aerial threats.
The V-SHORADS with multi-spectral sensing will enhance counter-measure resilience and effectiveness of the Indian Army. The Active Protection System will be capable of improving the defence mechanism of tanks and enhance their survivability. The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones provide better Electronic Warfare capability with greater lethality and survivability while also being cost effective.
 For the Indian Navy, approval was given for the procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS) and the setting-up of Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for Electric Propulsion System. The MIGM will deny freedom of manoeuvre to the adversary. The NSUAS, equipped with advanced sensors, will enhance situational awareness of the Indian Navy. The LBTF will meet the testing requirements for Motors and associated Propulsion Systems of the Indian Naval assets.
For the Indian Air Force, the approval was accorded for the procurement of Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS) and other proposals. The FW-HAPS will carry out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, telecommunication and remote sensing for the Indian Air Force.