The enigma of BlueKraft: The narrative factory behind Brand Modi Read the previous instalments of this series here and here. Newslaundry · Aug 4
India, Uzbekistan could explore FTA, says Piyush Goyal; Uzbekistan invites Indian investment in mining, rare earths India and Uzbekistan aim to double bilateral trade to three billion dollars within three years. Businesses are urged to increase investments and explore opportunities in key sectors. India offers strengths in information technology and a skilled workforce for collaboration. Uzbekistan presents opportunities in mining and cotton production for mutual benefit.… The Economic Times · Aug 3
Government aims to complete Mumbai's Coastal Road project by Dec 2028: Union Minister Piyush Goyal The Bandra-Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road project aims for completion by December 2028. This infrastructure development will significantly reduce travel times across Mumbai's western suburbs. Additional projects, including a desalination plant, are also under review for future implementation. The Economic Times · Aug 2
Rahul Gandhi feels threatened by PM Modi's popularity with youth: Piyush Goyal Union minister Piyush Goyal stated Rahul Gandhi feels threatened by Prime Minister Modi's growing youth appeal. Goyal asserted that Gen Z voters consistently support Modi's vision for India's development. He defended the government's stringent legislation against examination paper leaks. Goyal criticized opposition parties for opposing the anti-leak bill in Parliament.… The Economic Times · Aug 2
Exporters flag West Asia crisis concerns to Goyal Indian exporters face order uncertainty and higher logistics costs due to the West Asia crisis. Overseas buyers are cautious, seeking extensions and postponing new purchase decisions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with export promotion bodies to discuss the evolving situation. Goyal highlighted merchandise exports grew fifteen percent despite global uncertainties.… The Economic Times · Jul 30
"When no firing took place at all, what kind of allegations are they levelling...?" Union Minister Piyush Goyal hits out at Rahul Gandhi Union Minister Piyush Goyal condemned Rahul Gandhi's remarks regarding student protests. Goyal stated that no police firing occurred during the student demonstrations. He dismissed Gandhi's allegations as fictitious and a bundle of lies. The minister demanded Gandhi's remarks be expunged and an apology issued. Gandhi had earlier attacked Home Minister… The Economic Times · Jul 29
Rebel Trinamool Congress MPs who joined NCPI attend first NDA meeting, hail alliance's vision and Parliament agenda NCPI MPs attended their first NDA Parliamentary Party meeting after joining the coalition. Leaders described the gathering as enriching and well-organized, welcoming their inclusion. Discussions covered India's Free Trade Agreements and the blue economy sector. Upcoming legislation and the government's development roadmap were also detailed. The meeting concluded with addresses… The Economic Times · Jul 28
Government removes links to AI deepfake of union minister Piyush Goyal Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, in his post, flagged the altered video clip of his conversation with the media outside Parliament. He wrote that the video has been maliciously tampered with using AI to create a deepfake, which is being circulated on social media with the intent to… The Economic Times · Jul 25
AI-generated deepfake video of Piyush Goyal leads to FIR Piyush Goyal recently alerted authorities about a deepfake video misrepresenting his statements through AI manipulation. Following this, an FIR was filed at the Chanakyapuri Police Station. Goyal said in a post on X that his remarks to the media outside Parliament had been maliciously doctored using AI to create and… The Economic Times · Jul 25
Piyush Goyal files police complaint over AI deepfake video; FIR registered Union Minister Piyush Goyal said strict legal action would be taken against everyone involved in creating, circulating or amplifying the alleged fake video. The government also debunked a video circulating on social media that claimed Goyal made threatening remarks about students protesting in Delhi. The Economic Times · Jul 25
Centre transfers Higher Education Secy Vineet Joshi amid NEET row; Naresh Pal Gangwar takes over Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred amid ongoing exam irregularities scrutiny. Naresh Pal Gangwar now leads the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Several other secretary-level appointments were also announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This reshuffle occurs while the Education Ministry faces public and political… The Economic Times · Jul 23
UK PM Andy Burnham promotes British Indian AI minister to Cabinet post Prime Minister Andy Burnham has formed his new Cabinet team in London. British Indian minister Kanishka Narayan was promoted to the Cabinet as AI Minister. Lisa Nandy retained her department and gained new digital responsibilities. Shabana Mahmood continues as Home Secretary, and Jonathan Reynolds resumes trade. Several senior ministers allied… The Economic Times · Jul 21
India-EU Investment Protection Pact, GI agreements work in progress: Piyush Goyal India and the European Union are progressing on investment protection and GI agreements. These pacts will create significant business opportunities for both sides. India is now connected to the entire European market through recent trade agreements. Estonia offers opportunities in education, defense, and skill development sectors. India has implemented reforms… The Economic Times · Jul 17
The Bollywood pracharaks who found their place in Modi’s orbit Read the first part of this series here. Newslaundry · Jul 17
The Economic Times · Jul 16 India-EU trade pact to be signed by end of this year: Piyush Goyal By the close of 2026, India and the European Union will launch a transformative free trade agreement, taking effect in early 2027. This pact is designed to create vast business prospects, with 93% of Indian exports obtaining duty-free entry into the EU market. Luxury items such as cars and wines…
The Economic Times · Jul 15 India-EU TTC meet: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says work program on FDI screening concluded India and the European Union concluded a work program on FDI screening. Both sides exchanged best practices to further accelerate investment flows between them. The Trade and Technology Council meeting helped move discussions towards tangible delivery and outcomes. They are committed to de-risking dependencies and strengthening economic ties.
The Economic Times · Jul 15 How to crack a 'great deal' with India? UK reveals details of dealing with 'phenomenal negotiators' UK officials described securing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement as a tough negotiation. They praised India's phenomenal negotiating team and Minister Piyush Goyal's skills. Bilateral trade is expected to increase by over 25 billion pounds annually. This pact aims to reduce tariffs and improve market access for businesses. Both nations…
The Economic Times · Jul 15 "Cheaper, quicker and faster": British Deputy High Commissioner Sutapa Choudhury on India-UK CETA The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has officially entered into force. This landmark pact grants zero-duty market access for nearly ninety-nine percent of Indian exports. British Deputy High Commissioner Sutapa Choudhury hailed the agreement as a historic milestone. She emphasized the treaty will make doing business between the two…
The Economic Times · Jul 15 India-EU FTA key to boosting India-Belgium economic ties, says Piyush Goyal Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the India-EU Free Trade Agreement's potential for India-Belgium economic ties. He met with Belgian and EU officials to strengthen cooperation in various sectors. Discussions covered agriculture, clean energy, and sustainable industrial development with EU Commissioners. Bilateral economic cooperation was also expanded with Belgium's Deputy Prime…
The Economic Times · Jul 15 Piyush Goyal hails India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement coming into force today The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the concurrent Agreement on Social Security have officially entered into force, establishing a new framework for bilateral commerce.
The Economic Times · Jul 15 Piyush Goyal holds key meetings with EU, Belgian leaders to deepen trade, clean energy, agriculture cooperation Union Minister Piyush Goyal held high-level meetings in Brussels with EU Commissioners and Belgian officials. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, and sustainable industrial development. The meetings aimed to deepen India's strategic economic partnership with the European Union. Goyal also explored opportunities for India's gems and jewellery…
The Economic Times · Jul 14 India, Spain explore stronger partnership across trade, manufacturing India and Spain are exploring enhanced economic cooperation in trade and investment. Minister Piyush Goyal met his Spanish counterpart to discuss future growth opportunities. Both nations aim to significantly increase bilateral trade beyond current projections. They are committed to strengthening industrial partnerships and resilient supply chains. This collaboration seeks to…
The Economic Times · Jul 13 India, EU to soon finish legal scrubbing of trade pact text: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal India and the European Union expect to finish their trade pact legal scrubbing soon. This agreement will become operational a few months after the India-UK trade deal. Minister Piyush Goyal stated all EU member states fully support this partnership. He also highlighted significant potential to boost India-Spain bilateral trade. Both…
The Economic Times · Jul 13 India, US have framework trade deal ready; signing awaits right time: Official India and the United States are progressing well on a trade agreement framework. This framework deal is ready and will be signed at the appropriate time. India seeks a comparative advantage on tariffs compared to competitor nations. Both sides are fully engaged in achieving a balanced and meaningful trade pact.…
The Economic Times · Jul 13 'False, baseless': Piyush Goyal pushes back on India-US trade deal claims Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has dismissed reports that India rejected a quick trade deal with the US as "completely false, baseless and misleading." He said both countries remain committed to a balanced bilateral agreement, while Trade Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said negotiations are progressing well and India sees no challenges in…