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The Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
‘Some Progress' Yet Differences Over Farm Product Tariffs Hold Up US-India Trade Deal
Shipping containers at a port. Photo: Ali Mkumbwa on Unsplash. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now New Delhi: Differences over farm product tariff cuts is one of the reasons why officials of the United States and Indian sides have been unable to finalise an early trade agreement even after week-long negotiations, The Hindu Businessline has reported, quoting people aware of the matter. The outlet's sources said that 'some progress' had been made towards reaching a balanced deal. 'Differences continued over tariff cut demands by the US, especially for farm products, and the need to protect Indian sensitivities,' the source told Businessline. Reuters, meanwhile, has also reported on 'progress' in the latest round of talks in New Delhi on Tuesday. Government sources told the agency that talks focused on industrial and farm goods, tariff cuts, and non-tariff barriers. The US team has senior officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative. The delegation was in India from June 4-10. Indian trade ministry officials are headed by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Negotiations are likely to continue. 'During the visit, in-depth negotiations were held on various elements of the proposed BTA that among others included areas such as market access, SPS (sanitary and phyto-sanitary/TBT (technical barriers to trade), digital trade, customs and trade facilitation and legal framework,' an official told the news agency PTI. The report noted that the US has a special interest in digital trade, and its digital services providers have often flagged restrictions on cross-border data flows and competition policy as a hindrance in operating in India. Businessline's source told the outlet that India is ready to bring down tariffs for many US products and the list may include items like automobiles, alcoholic beverages, certain fruits and nuts and chemicals, among other items. India has not agreed to budge on items like rice and wheat. India has to arrive at a trade deal with the US by July 9, or face the brunt of the 26% 'reciprocal' duties imposed by Trump. The US president and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi had agreed earlier this year to conclude a bilateral trade agreement by fall 2025. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.


The Hindu
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Senior photojournalist P. V. Sivakumar passes away
Veteran photojournalist and former Special News Photographer of The Hindu and Businessline (66 years) passed away on Sunday after suffering heart attack. The award winning photojournalist collapsed in the washroom of his house in Photographers Colony in Banjara Hills and was rushed to nearby Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, where doctors tried to revive him. He was declared dead at 3 pm. He is survived by wife B. Satyavani and son P.V.S.S. Satyananth and daughter-in-law B.V.N. Ramya. Born on November 19, 1959 in Sindri, Bihar, Mr. Sivakumar had his early schooling there and on his father's transfer to Hyderabad joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Golconda. He was Bachelor of Science ( graduate from Osmania University but his passion for photography made him a professional news photographer. He joined the Indian Express in 1985 and shifted to Visakhapatnam edition of The Hindu in 1993. Later he was transferred to Hyderabad and worked in The Hindu and The Hindu Businessline as well and took voluntary retirement in 2015. Mr. Sivakumar was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the united Andhra Pradesh government and several other awards by the photographers association. Family members said the last rites would be performed on Monday at Mahaprasthanam at 11 am. CM extends condolences Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in a message expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of the senior photojournalist and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Mr. Revanth Reddy said Mr. Sivakumar was widely recognized for his contributions to journalism and was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including 'Best Photographer' honours. The Chief Minister noted that Mr. Sivakumar had also pursued multiple professional qualifications and was a highly respected figure in the field. 'He was an exceptional photographer whose legacy will be remembered. I offer my sincere condolences to his family,' he said. Former cricketers and Shivalal Yadav condoled the untimely passing away of Mr. Sivakumar.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials unsettled over unyielding threats to crops behind iconic beverage: 'Major concern'
A dry spell in Darjeeling, India, is threatening the world's most expensive tea. "Unfavorable weather conditions" delayed the picking of premium first-flush Darjeeling tea from mid-March to early April, when some rain finally fell, The Hindu Businessline reported April 1. The West Bengal city's "famous gardens" are home to the country's first product with a geographical indication. "All the gardens have not witnessed rainfall so far," Chamong Group Chairman Ashok Kumar Lohia said. "Gardens, located in different altitudes, are still suffering due to dry weather. Next seven to ten days are very crucial for the industry. If all the gardens do not receive rains in the next 7-10 days, then there would certainly be significant crop losses." This first crop accounts for 20% of the area's annual production and 40% of Darjeeling tea producers' yearly revenue, per Businessline. As a significant source for European and Japanese tea demand, India is the No. 2 black tea exporter after Kenya and the No. 3 producer overall after Kenya and China. Darjeeling tea production, however, dropped to 5.6 million kilograms in 2024 from 6.01 in 2023, and this year's crop could be the smallest in history because of unideal weather and a shrinking market, according to the outlet. Rapidly rising global temperatures are threatening crops around the globe, including rice in Malaysia and corn in the United States. This not only impacts consumers but farmers and suppliers as well, raising prices and disrupting economies. "The major concern for the Indian tea industry is net export did not increase much last year due to higher imports from the overseas markets," an anonymous expert told Businessline. "Import has almost doubled. These are mostly unchecked imports and these cheap teas are being exported as Indian tea. It is hurting the Indian tea industry." Because increasingly variable and extreme weather is the result of the burning of dirty fuels — coal, gas, and oil — for energy, the solution is to move to clean energy sources such as solar and wind. This cuts the heat-trapping pollution that envelops the planet like a blanket and even saves people money on their utility bills. To make changes in your neck of the woods, replace turf grass with natural alternatives or native plants, which have evolved to thrive in their local climates and require less water and maintenance. Use electric yard tools and turn to homegrown food and plant-based meals to pad your wallet, help nature, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.