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The Print
38 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Print
G7 is no more than a relic of the past. India should focus more on G20, BRICS
It's worth remembering how the G7 began. A 'fireside chat'-turned-'Library Group' started by US treasury secretary George Shultz in 1970 to address currency turbulence bloomed into G6 five years later. On 15 November 1975, about five months after Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in India, leaders of six democracies — the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — met at the Castle of Rambouillet near Paris. By keeping India out, Canada has missed a golden opportunity to reset bilateral ties and make a new beginning for peace and development. The exclusion is not only unfortunate but might prove to be a great setback for the G7's own ambitions, whether it is addressing climate change and global inequality or building cooperation with emerging economies, agendas it has taken up in the last three decades or so. Canada, which took over the G7 presidency from Japan in December 2024, has made a surprising and controversial decision: to exclude India from the upcoming G7 summit. At a time when the world's economic centre of gravity is shifting towards Asia, and when India has proven its leadership on multiple global platforms — including its recent G20 presidency — this move is not just irrational, it may be self-defeating. Today, none of the leaders from the 'Summit of the Six' — James Callaghan (UK foreign secretary), Henry Kissinger (US secretary of state), Gerald Ford (US president), Takeo Miki (Japan prime minister), Helmut Schmidt (German chancellor), Jean Sauvagnargues (French foreign minister), Valery Giscard d'Estaing (French president), and Mariano Rumor (Italian foreign minister) — are alive, and most of the countries no longer dominate the global economy. The G6 became the G7 in 1976 with Canada's inclusion, and the G8 between 1997 and 2013 with Russia onboard— until Russia's suspension after the Crimea annexation in 2014. Collectively, the group expressed concern about their respective economies, donned the mantle of the 'white man's burden' to discharge their responsibilities toward the 'Third World', and decided to meet again. Fifty years later, none of the world's problems have been solved by these countries, and except for the US, the rest are no better off than the countries of the 'poor South.' Also read: India is walking a geopolitical tightrope. It can shape New Delhi's diplomatic power G7's expanding mandate, shrinking impact Over the years, G7 summits have taken on a broad agenda: gender equality, global health, climate change, and sustainable development. In 2021, the UK-led summit committed itself to a 'green revolution' and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Germany's 2022 presidency established a 'Climate Club' to implement the Paris Agreement, and the 2023 Hiroshima summit reaffirmed commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. India participated in all these meetings, contributing immensely to the resolution and their implementation. Ironically, it was Donald Trump-led 'G1 within G7' that derailed consensus, dismissing global warming as a 'hoax.' Now, with Trump 2.0 back in the mix and India 3.0 out, can the G7's green agenda survive? Patronising rhetoric, no real support The G7's agenda of connecting with emerging economies and adopting an inclusive approach has often rung hollow. Italy included an 'African Segment' in the 2001 summit, but without serious financial commitments and steps to resolve issues of poverty and migration. African leaders left disappointed, questioning the G7's sincerity. In contrast, India, during its G20 presidency, successfully pushed for the African Union—representing 55 African countries—to become a permanent G20 member. Who, then, is more relevant and committed to inclusive global development: the G7 or the G20? The 2021 G7 summit in London also introduced the Global Minimum Tax (15 per cent), aiming to rewrite international tax rules and discourage multinational corporations from taking undue advantage of lower taxes in smaller or developing economies. This again faced serious objections, with critics arguing that the G7 had no democratic legitimacy to act as the captain of the global economy. India: From Bandung to BRICS India's global economic role didn't begin yesterday. New Delhi has emerged as the fulcrum of Asian economic development since hosting the 1947 Asian Relations Conference and leading the Bandung Conference in 1955, where the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement was laid. Now, it has positioned itself at the centre of South-South Cooperation. The successful Indian presidency of the G20 followed by its developmental agenda with IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) are proof of India's unique leadership position in the geo-economic dynamics of Asia and South Asia. It has also championed inclusive global governance in a way that the G7 often only gestures toward. Time to re-evaluate the relevance of G7 The economic, political, and cultural divides of the 1950s and 1960s are out of syllabus, phased out of academic discourse due to globalisation and rapid rise of 'Southern' economies. Between the 19th and the 21st century, there was a total metamorphosis that has left several centuries-old theories, perceptions and ideas redundant. The old binaries of the Cold War — East vs West, North vs South — have blurred into insignificance in the face of a new and emerging global economic order, necessitating a new approach to the contemporary history of global economic development. The G7, once seen as the anchor of global economic stability, is no more than a relic of the past today. India would do well to invest its diplomatic energy elsewhere: G20, BRICS, IBSA, and regional platforms that better reflect the world as it is, not as it was. Let the G7 gently go into oblivion — and take the outdated and irrelevant worldview it represents with it. Seshadri Chari is the former editor of 'Organiser'. He tweets @seshadrichari. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
No more plastics please
This World Environment Day, the Government of India has called for One nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution and launched a nation-wide campaign to promote eco-friendly alternatives to single use plastic. While India is in the race to the podium as the fastest growing economy, we must carefully and consciously balance this phenomenal growth with our consumption of plastics to set an unprecedented example to the world. Plastic production accounts for 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions – more than the airlines or shipping industry. This estimate does not consider how microplastics disrupt the natural cycles that store carbon. It is not an uncommon sight to see the burning of plastics in our country. Lack of climate literacy and the sheer scale of plastic use expected to rise to 70.5 million tonnes (MT) by 2035 from the current production of 24.1 MT, can create India has, through its Mission Life, identified ways to achieving sustainable living through the very ethos of Indian culture. Now is the time to amplify this through the Make in India, formation of global consortiums such as the Solar Alliance and the advocacy through platforms like G20. This should be done through the various Indian embassies overseas, trade associations, trade fairs and partnerships forged through FDIs and other business alliances. Though the aspect of measuring the traces of plastics may be present through various sustainability reporting mechanisms, ESG rankings and reporting, the country's companies and leadership must show resolve in thinking about long-term impacts versus short-term profits. Though many companies claim that they are trying to reduce plastics in their manufacturing processes and bringing in a rate of circularity, it is often a mismatch from factory floor to shop floor. Take for instance the example of a Toyoto Innova vehicle, which has been running on the road for 20 years. If Toyota aspires to bring in the idea of circular economy and identifies the process of investing in a scrap yard to recycle the old cars that come back to its yard--this is a far-fetched idea, since rarely do these models come back to their own scrap yard. Hence it becomes a challenge for companies to account for and calculate the rate of recycling while projecting their commitment to circularity. This is largely emphasised for products and services where plastics are used. Many studies have shown that we end up burning plastics contributing to air pollution, water pollution rather than meticulously recycling plastics at a granular level. The less said about microplastics the better, which is said to have entered the blood stream of foetuses while their mothers may have unknowingly ingested food containing microplastics, used a cosmetic such as soap, shampoo, moisturiser, nail polish or simply added pharmaceutical products as part of their maternity kit into their environment, while exposing the mother and baby to harmful effects of this microplastics. Finally, the clarion call must come through the youth of the country who constitute most of our population. They comprise of consumers, whether they are young children who influence their parents' consumption patterns or Gen Z who have higher purchasing power, choices and demands as consumers. Sustainability in fashion, e-commerce, food orders, travel, purchase of gadgets and automobiles - there are plethora of claims and choices. Yet, literacy in sustainability is key. The reading between the lines, understanding of the entire value chain, implications on health and long-term impacts on environment have to be assessed and analyzed carefully. It is here that greening the curriculum and courses at the school and college level matter. The UNESCO greening the curriculum states the following: This article is authored by Deepti Ganapathy, teacher, courses on climate action, IIMB, Bangalore.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Industry group urges edible oil makers to pass on duty cuts to consumers
New Delhi: The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), an industry body, on Wednesday urged its 875 members to pass on the benefit of reduced import duties to consumers and reduce the prices of packaged edible oils. The communication comes after the government's 31 May decision to cut the basic customs duty on crude soybean, palm and sunflower oil from 20% to 10%. This change reverses over eight months of higher import duties on these oils. Consequently, the effective import duty on these three products, which includes basic customs duty and additional fees, has decreased to 16.5% from 27.5%. Also read: ITC expects consumption uptick on rains, rate cuts 'It is pertinent to note that the Government of India has downward revised the import duty on crude oils, with the expectation from the industry that the accrued benefit would be shared/passed on to the consumer. Members are requested to pass-on the reduction in cost to the consumers and reduce their marked M.R.P. on the package," according to a letter circulated by B. V. Mehta, executive director, SEA to its members, a copy of which has been reviewed by Mint. SEA is an industry body representing the solvent extraction and vegetable oil industries. With 875 members, SEA encompasses approximately 350 operational solvent extraction plants with a combined annual oilcake-oilseed processing capacity of about 30 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the basic customs duty on refined oils remains unchanged at 32.5%. Industry bodies believe this decision will help safeguard domestic refiners. The government increased the import duty difference between crude and refined oils by reducing the duty on crude oils. This significant reduction in the duty on crude edible oils will vitalize the vegetable oil refining industry by enabling increase capacity utilization, SEA said in an advisory. Also read: Consumer goods makers' appetite for deals is only growing bigger This policy shift is a 'perfect strategic shot" by the government for lower food inflation, affordable prices for consumers, a robust framework for 'Make in India' promoting domestic manufacturing and a resilient and self-reliant edible oil ecosystem, according to the SEA letter. SEA's communication follows a letter to its president from the department of consumer affairs, food and public distribution. In this letter, dated 2 June, the department requested SEA to direct its members to implement immediate and transparent price cuts. This measure aims to benefit consumers and strengthen the domestic refining sector, with a further request for weekly submission of updated brand-wise MRP sheets to the department. Edible oil manufacturers said they are closely monitoring input costs and inventory cycles. 'The recent reduction in import duties is a welcome move and will provide relief to consumers. At AWL Agri Business Ltd. we are closely monitoring input costs and inventory cycles. Once the higher-duty stocks are consumed, we will suitably reduce prices in line with the new duty structure. As always, we remain committed to passing on any sustained benefits in costs to our consumers," said Angshu Mallick, chief executive officer and managing director, AWL Agri Business Ltd, which sells edible oils under the Fortune brand. 'The edible oil market remains stable, supported by a strong domestic supply scenario," he said. The current mustard crop has been robust, with seed production estimated between 10–12 million tonnes and high oil content, contributing to overall supply comfort, he added. Also read: Adani Wilmar to raise cooking oil prices by 20% following import duty hike 'These factors are expected to support bulk demand and B2B agri-sales in the near term. In this stable environment, we have not made major changes to our sourcing or inventory strategies. However, we have enhanced our direct distribution reach by 19%, ensuring availability of essential commodities across markets," Mallick said.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
This Region Just Got 6 Vande Bharat Trains: And It's Changing How India Travels
Last Updated: Six high-speed trains, one game-changing shift, this region is now at the heart of India's rail revolution. Odisha has joined the growing list of Indian states expanding their semi-high-speed rail infrastructure, with six Vande Bharat Express trains now serving key routes across and beyond the state. These state-of-the-art trains, operated and maintained by the Western Railway zone, are set to transform the travel experience in the region with faster journeys, enhanced comfort, and improved efficiency. Among the key services is the Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express, which covers a distance of 504 kilometres, linking the coastal pilgrim city with Odisha's industrial hub. The Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam train connects the state capital to Andhra Pradesh's scenic coast, further boosting interstate connectivity. Other vital routes include Brahmapur–Tatanagar, Rourkela–Howrah, Raipur–Visakhapatnam, and Berhampur–Tatanagar, effectively knitting together important urban centres across Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. The addition of these trains marks a significant milestone in Odisha's transport evolution. With reduced travel time and modern amenities, cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Rourkela, and Berhampur are now more accessible than ever before. This surge in high-speed rail expansion isn't limited to Odisha. Across the country, Indian Railways is fast-tracking the rollout of Vande Bharat Express trains. Recently, a new service was launched between Sabarmati and Veraval in Gujarat, while September 2024 saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flag off six new routes, including Tatanagar–Patna, Brahmapur–Tatanagar, Rourkela–Howrah, Deoghar–Varanasi, Bhagalpur–Howrah, and Gaya–Howrah. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Railways is exploring additional corridors for these premium trains. One proposed service will link Vijayawada to Bengaluru via Tirupati, covering approximately 713 km in just nine hours. The latest Vande Bharat 2.0 trains come equipped with upgraded features such as faster acceleration, onboard WiFi, the Kavach safety system, and an anti-virus air filtration mechanism—demonstrating a leap in passenger safety and technological innovation. According to the ministry, 'Vande Bharat Express services represent a transformative shift in Indian travel, combining speed, safety, and service excellence. They reflect the strength of the 'Make in India' initiative and set new global benchmarks in railway innovation." With every new route, Indian Railways continues to redefine domestic travel—bringing cities closer, reducing carbon footprints, and paving the way for a faster, more connected India. First Published: June 03, 2025, 10:56 IST
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Paraguay interested in importing Made in India 'Vande Bharat' trains: Ashwini Vaishnaw
ANI 03 Jun 2025, 11:35 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw met the president of Paraguay, Santiago Pena and discussed opportunities regarding the growth of Indian his meeting with Vaishnaw on Monday, Paraguay's president showed interest in importing India's Vande Bharat trains. On the other hand, he also invited India to join the Central Bi-Oceanic Railway Corridor project (connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans). Ashwini Vaishnaw said on social media platform 'X' 'Called on President H.E. Mr. @SantiPenap of Paraguay. Paraguay has expressed keen interest in importing India's Vande Bharat trains and has invited India to join the Central Bi-Oceanic Railway Corridor project (connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans).' Vande Bharat is a reflection of the Government of India's efforts towards strengthening the 'Make in India' campaign. The first Vande Bharat Express train was flagged off on February 15, 2019, on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi train has a capability to run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph and has travel classes like Shatabdi Train but with better Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a Railways Production unit, has been the force behind a completely in-house design and manufacture, computer modelling and working with a large number of suppliers for system integration in just 18 objective behind the train is to upgrade maintenance technologies and methodologies and achieve improvement in productivity and performance of all Railway assets and manpower, which inter alia would cover reliability, availability, utilisation and Vande Bharat comes with different features such as intelligent braking system which enables better acceleration and deceleration. All coaches in the train are equipped with automatic doors; a GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, on-board hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, and very comfortable seating. The executive class also has rotating chairs. (ANI)
