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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Hyderabad teen scales Seven Summits challenge
1 2 3 4 5 6 Hyderabad: City lad Padakakanti Vishwanath Karthikey made history on Tuesday by becoming the second youngest in the world and the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits challenge — scaling the highest peaks in each of the seven continents. Considered the toughest of mountaineering expeditions, Vishwanath scaled Mount Everest , the final frontier, to complete the remarkable achievement aged 16 years, six months and 27 days. American mountaineer Jordan Romero, at 15 years, five months and 12 days, holds the world record for the youngest to complete Seven Summits, which he achieved in 2011. Vishwanath had scaled Aconcagua (highest peak in South America), Denali (North America), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Kilimanjaro (Africa) and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia) earlier. But for the new rule that prevents those below 16 from scaling Everest, Vishwanath could have had the world record in his bag, reckon his mentors Bharath Thammineni and Lt Romil Barthwal. "Vishwanath had to turn 16 to complete this final trek to achieve Seven Summits," Bharat told TOI from the base camp in Kathmandu, Nepal. "He has been training for this for the last four years and worked very hard to achieve it. He has been very committed in his training," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo Lt Barthwal and Vishwanath are on their way back to the base camp. An intermediate MPC second year student at Resonance College, Vishwanath's interest in mountaineering began as an 11-year-old in 2020 when he forced his parents to allow him and his sister Vaishnavi to trek Mount Rudugaira in Uttarakhand. Though he couldn't finish the trek, it motivated him to take up mountaineering seriously. He then attended a 10-day adventure course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering to learn essential skills. He first attempted to scale Europe's highest peak Mount Elbrus aged 13, but had to return as one of his teammates fainted. But he went on to conquer the Everest Base Camp trek, Nangkartshang Peak (5,364m), and tackled Friendship Peak, gaining priceless trekking and mountaineering experience. He also scaled Kang Yatse II and Dzo Jongo within 72 hours, becoming the youngest to do so. "This journey tested every part of me — physically, mentally, and emotionally," said Vishwanath. "But standing on the summit of Everest and completing the Seven Summits is a dream come true. I am deeply grateful for the love and support I've received throughout this journey," Vishwanath said. He dedicated his achievement to his parents — Padakanti Rajendra Prasad and Laxmi. While his father Rajendra runs a rice mill in Gummadidala, his mother Laxmi is a homemaker. Vishwanath has been pursuing his dream of Seven Summits for five years and has been putting the hard yards under the guidance of Bharath and Lt Barthwal, who is an Indian army veteran and an accomplished mountaineer. "We were impressed with his dedication. Whenever we chose any expedition for him, we assigned him to a trainer. He would then work on his strength training, endurance and cardio. He would put in hours of hard work for his goal," added Bharath.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Government to promote Indian tea with local spices
NEW DELHI: The government has asked its agencies, the Tea Board of India and the Spices Board of India to join hands in marketing Brand India globally, a senior official said on Wednesday. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal on Wednesday said he has directed the Tea Board to evolve a strategy to market the domestic tea industry in a big way. He also spoke about promoting 'tea literacy' through various promotional and awareness programmes so that people better appreciate the various specialities and nuances of Indian tea. The two boards come under the commerce and industry ministry. He also directed the Tea Board to explore the possibility of launching certification courses in tea tasting with an aim to skill the youth, and promote tourism in the sector. 'The Tea Board is trying to take steps to establish a centre for tea tasting certification courses in the country,' Barthwal said at the International Tea Day Convention held at Vanijya Bhawan. International Tea Day is observed on May 21. The government is keen to promote the tea industry in a big way. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal, who is currently visiting the United States, said in a post on X: 'Most of us cannot imagine a morning without our cup of tea. I am one of them! The strong flavour, mixed with aromatic spices and just enough sweetness, will get you ready to face the day. We owe this morning's magic potion to the countless hardworking tea growers across the country who have made India one of the top tea producers and key global exporters of tea. From our gardens spread across the north-east to the south, India's tea tells a story of tradition and taste. This #InternationalTeaDay, we pledge to make Indian tea an indispensable part of homes globally.' A second official said the tea sector has tremendous export potential and grew 11% to $920 million in FY25 on an annualised basis. Assam, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are major tea producing states. Over 80% of the tea produced in the country is consumed domestically. Main varieties of Indian tea include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, and Kangra. Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada emphasised the importance of tea in the socio-economic fabric of the country and the need to explore innovative avenues of branding and marketing Indian teas, so as to reinforce its position as a world leader in tea export. He exhorted the Indian tea industry to achieve greater heights in the export scenario and to reinvent itself with new and innovative varieties of teas, especially targeted towards the youth and niche markets. He also stressed on the fact that we need to ensure the best facilities for all the stakeholders in the entire supply chain from the grower to the consumer.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tea Board looking at tea tasting certification course to skill youth: Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal
The Tea Board of India plans to launch tea tasting certification courses. This initiative aims to skill the youth and boost tea literacy. It will also promote tea tourism in India. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal announced this on International Tea Day. India's tea exports increased to $920 million in FY25. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: The Tea Board of India will explore the possibility of launching certification courses in tea tasting to skill the youth and promote tea literacy and tourism in the sector, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said Wednesday on the International Tea Day.'The Tea Board is trying to take steps to establish a centre for tea tasting certification courses in the country,' Barthwal said, adding that this will also contribute to promoting tea tea exports rose to $920 million in FY25 from $830 million in FY24. Major producing states include Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, with 81% of the production consumed courses will provide structured training in tea tasting segment as it is a specialised skill essential to the industry. It would also help standardise tasting practices and provide young professionals with a recognised varieties of tea in India include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, and Kangra.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Exports increase 9% in April; US exports surge 27%
Despite the 10% tariff imposed by the US in April, India's merchandise exports rose by 9% during the month with exports to the US surging by 27%.Total exports during the month was at $38.5 billion, compared to $35.3 billion a year ago. Exports to the US surged to $8.5 billion in April 2025 from $6.6 billion a year ago. It must be noted that the US had announced a reciprocal tariff of 26% on Indian goods on 2 April this year, and a baseline tariff of 10% was imposed from 5 April. Later, the 26% tariff was put on hold for 90 days. Releasing the April 2025 trade numbers, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said Indian exports demonstrated resilience despite global supply chain disruptions and increase in insurance cost. He attributed the strong April numbers to government strategies focusing on 30 key countries and six major commodity sectors, which he says have proven effective. When asked why exports to the US increased despite the baseline tariff coming into force, Barthwal said when tariffs affect one country, others may gain relatively. 'Our export advantage may grow if tariffs remain higher for others,' he added, though he declined to pinpoint the exact factors (for surge in US exports) without comprehensive analysis.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘India is a competitive hub for smartphone manufacturing': Commerce secretary shrugs off US President Donald Trump's swipe at Apple's India plans
Representational photo NEW DELHI: After US President Donald Trump claimed he had advised Apple CEO Tim Cook against manufacturing in India, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal on Thursday pushed back, saying that companies will decide based on where the advantage lies, and India, he emphasized, is now a competitive global hub for smartphone production. 'Companies will see competitive advantage while deciding their manufacturing strategy. India has emerged as a competitive hub for smartphone manufacturing,' Barthwal told reporters. Asked directly about the US President's remarks, Barthwal responded, 'We don't comment on what the President (of another country) says.' His remarks come days after reports emerged that Trump had privately suggested to the Apple boss that the company should steer clear of manufacturing in India. The tech giant, however, has already made major inroads into India's manufacturing ecosystem. Apple currently assembles iPhones in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, partnering with contract manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Group to set up large-scale production units. Zero-tariff trade deal? India says negotiations still on Barthwal also weighed in on a separate claim made by the US president during a recent appearance in Doha, that India had offered the United States a trade deal with zero tariffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo 'Any statement which is coming from the head of a government elsewhere, I think it has been appropriately replied to at the level of the external affairs minister. So, I would not like to comment any further,' the commerce secretary said. Earlier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar addressed the President's remarks, saying, 'Trade is going on between India and the US. These are complicated negotiations and no final agreement has been reached yet.' Trade talks 'progressing well' Despite the political noise, Barthwal signaled that bilateral trade negotiations with the United States are moving in the right direction. 'The talks are progressing very well, and a team is set to go to the US to conduct further discussions with them,' he said. On April 23, Trump had said that both countries had finalized the terms of reference for the ongoing trade negotiations. 'Both governments are working on a trade agreement built on shared priorities, including creating new jobs, building durable supply chains, and achieving prosperity for workers,' he said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
