Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan on Wednesday lauded the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, describing it as the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil using an Indian rocket. He said the satellite was accurately placed into its designated orbit, calling the mission a major milestone for ISRO, reported news agency ANI. During his speech, V Narayanan said, "Launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block 2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA, that is AST SpaceMobile... This is our 104th launch from Sriharikota, also the 9th successful mission of the LVM-3 launch vehicle, demonstrating its 100 per cent reliability... " This mission, which was the first dedicated commercial launch for US-based AST SpaceMobile, also marked the 104th launch from Sriharikota and the 9th successful flight of the LVM-3 launch vehicle. "This is a back-to-back mission of the LVM-3 in just 52 days... This is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher. This is also the third fully commercial mission of LVM-3 and the vehicle has demonstrated its excellent track record," he said, reported ANI. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile, marking another major milestone for India’s space programme. The satellite was precisely placed into its designated orbit, following which the mission was declared a success. The launch took place at 8:55 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission carries a next-generation communication satellite designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones across the globe. Notably, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, underscoring the growing capabilities of India’s heavy-lift launch systems. The satellite is part of the next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones, ISRO said, reported ANI. LVM3, developed by ISRO, is a three-stage launch vehicle comprising two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). It has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, a height of 43.5 meters, and a payload capability of 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). In its earlier missions, LVM3 successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites. The previous launch of LVM3 was the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which was successfully accomplished on November 2 this year. AST SpaceMobile, as per its website, is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications. According to AST SpaceMobile, its BlueBird satellites provide broadband directly to standard smartphones without specialised hardware or phone modifications, allowing users to make video calls, browse the web, and use 4G and 5G internet speeds from anywhere on Earth. (With ANI inputs)
24 December,2025 11:47 AM IST | Sriharikota | mid-day online correspondentA thick layer of toxic smog enveloped parts of the national capital on Wednesday, with visuals from the ITO area highlighting the deteriorating air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR. According to the news agency ANI, the Air Quality Index (AQI) at ITO was recorded at 374, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Similar conditions were reported near India Gate, where Republic Day parade rehearsals continued despite the heavy smog. The AQI in the area was 354, also categorised as ‘very poor’, CPCB data showed. Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday approved a series of significant measures to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance, according to a press release. Announcing the outcomes, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiatives would bring “a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.” The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. Out of approximately 1,000 water bodies in Delhi, 160 fall under the Delhi government’s domain, reported ANI. Sirsa stated, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.” Elsewhere in northern India, the weather remained harsh due to dense fog and cold waves. Weather in cities of India In Haryana’s Ambala, dense fog was reported, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert. The minimum temperature is forecast at 11 degrees Celsius. In Uttar Pradesh, dense fog engulfed Ayodhya as the cold wave intensified. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and issued a yellow alert. A dense layer of fog also enveloped Kanpur, where the IMD issued a yellow alert and forecast a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Moradabad too woke up to dense fog as a cold wave gripped the city. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and issued an orange alert. (With ANI inputs)
24 December,2025 11:15 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentKing George's Medical University (KGMU) spokesperson KK Singh has said that strict action has been taken against the doctor accused in a case involving serious allegations, including misconduct and an alleged forced religious conversion, with authorities initiating both administrative and police action. The incident took place on December 17, when a first-year resident doctor from King George's Medical University was harassed by a fellow doctor, which later triggered her to attempt suicide. On the chief minister's portal, an MD pathology student accused a fellow resident doctor of allegedly insisting on religious conversion as a condition for marriage. Speaking to ANI, KGMU spokesperson KK Singh said the university's Vice-Chancellor had constituted a Vishakha Committee to examine the matter. He said the committee has submitted its report, following which the accused doctor has been suspended and barred from entering the university premises. "The Vice-Chancellor had constituted a Vishakha Committee, which has submitted its report. Based on that committee's report, the accused doctor has been suspended and barred from entering the premises. He will only be allowed to come when summoned for the investigation," Singh said. He further stated that the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case and that the university has sought security for the victim, underlining the seriousness of the allegations. "The police have also registered an FIR. We request that the victim be provided with security," he added. Highlighting another grave dimension of the case, Singh said there are allegations that the accused doctor had earlier converted a woman to his religion and married her, and was allegedly attempting to influence and convert another woman. "Another aspect that makes this case serious is that the accused had previously converted someone to his religion and married her. Now he was living with this woman and trying to brainwash her and convert her as well," the KGMU spokesperson said. Singh stressed that all aspects of the case would be thoroughly investigated, including the role of others who may have been aware of the alleged acts or helped conceal them. "First, it will be investigated whether this is true or not, then who all are involved, who were his accomplices, and who knew about this but concealed it from the administration. Everyone will be investigated, and action will be taken," he said. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that the government has taken cognisance of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) incident following allegations of religious conversion by a female resident doctor on the chief minister's portal. "A high-level enquiry has been ordered. Strict action would be taken against the accused," Deputy CM told ANI. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 10:52 AM IST | Lucknow | ANIThe Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared three long-pending and critical projects: the Modi Mill Flyover, Savitri Cinema Flyover, and the MB Road Storm Water Drain project. Together, these projects are designed to ensure signal-free traffic flow and enhanced road capacity, benefiting thousands of daily commuters, according to an official statement. The projects will be executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) with a combined investment of over Rs. 759 crore, underscoring the government's focus on integrated and future-ready urban development. According to the release, the corridor from Modi Mill Flyover to the IIT Gate intersection would have three lanes in each direction, enabling smoother, uninterrupted traffic flow. The project includes the construction of a new two-way Modi Mill Flyover at the Outer Ring Road-Captain Gaur Marg intersection, doubling of the existing Savitri Cinema Flyover at the Savitri Cinema intersectionand capacity augmentation along the Outer Ring Road corridor. The total approved project cost is Rs. 371.75 crore, with the financial break-up for the Modi Mill Flyover to be Rs. 312.84 crore and for the Savitri Cinema Flyover to be Rs. 58.81 crore. According to the release, the project will be completed in 30 months. If the Modi Mill Flyover is taken into consideration, then the length of the three-lane carriageway from Kalkaji Mandir to Modi Mill would be 1,140 metres. At the same time, the length of the three-lane carriageway from Modi Mill to Kalkaji Mandir is 870 metres. If the Savitri Cinema Flyover is taken into consideration, then the length of the three-lane carriageway would be 435 metres. According to the release, once operational, the flyovers will provide signal-free movement, improve traffic speeds, and eliminate congestion at key junctions, particularly at Captain Gaur Marg-Outer Ring Road and Outer Ring Road-GK-II Road. Complementing the flyover works, the MB Road Storm Water Drain Project has been approved to resolve long-standing waterlogging issues caused by damaged and inadequate drainage infrastructure. The key features of the project are the stretch from Lado Sarai T-Point to Pul Prahladpur, the road length of 11.38 km, the total drain length of 22.76 km, the drain type is a pre-cast RCC box drain, the cost of the project is Rs. 387.84 crore, and the implementation period is 2.5 years, including the pre-construction. The project addresses missing drain stretches, damage during metro construction, and insufficient carrying capacity of existing drains, in line with the Delhi Drainage Master Plan. PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the EFC clearance reflects the government's resolve to end delays and deliver visible outcomes. "These projects were pending for years due to indecision and lack of coordinated planning. With EFC clearance now in place, we are firmly moving towards execution.", he said. Emphasising an integrated approach, he added, "Flyovers alone cannot solve urban problems. That is why traffic decongestion and storm water drainage are being planned together, so that citizens receive lasting relief, not temporary fixes." Reiterating accountability, the Minister said, "PWD will ensure strict quality control and adherence to timelines. These projects will be closely monitored and completed within the approved framework." According to the release, once completed, the projects will ensure smoother traffic flow, flood-free roads during monsoon, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and long-term maintenance savings, marking a decisive step towards a more resilient and commuter-friendly South Delhi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 10:49 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India is proud to stand by Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah and has proposed an assistance package worth USD 450 million. Jaishankar, who is in Sri Lanka as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, made these remarks alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Just as Sri Lanka was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created “new difficulties,” Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to the island nation, said. “Prime Minister Modi directed that we now engage with the Sri Lankan government to address their priorities. In that regard, the assistance package that we have proposed is worth USD 450 million, Jaishankar said. “The package will include USD 350 million in Concessional lines of credit, and USD 100 million of grants,” he said. “This package is being finalised, in close consultation with the government of Sri Lanka. Our assistance will cover sectors worst affected by the cyclone, including rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 08:13 AM IST | Colombo | AgenciesCongress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the BJP is proposing “elimination of the Constitution” that grants equal rights to all and vowed to create a system of opposition’s resistance that will succeed in removing the party from power. Speaking at the Hertie School in Berlin, he also alleged that the BJP has launched a full-scale assault and has captured the institutional framework of the country to help use it as a tool for building its political power, and that is what the opposition is fighting against. In an hour-long video released by the Congress on Monday, Gandhi said India’s largest and complex democracy is a global asset, and the “assault” on the Indian democratic system is also an attack on the global democratic system. “What the BJP is proposing essentially is the elimination of the Constitution. Elimination of the idea of equality between states, languages, religions, and the central core of the Constitution,” he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 08:00 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesHolding saffron flags and shouting slogans against the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, hundreds of supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal broke barricades and clashed with police near the fortified Bangladesh High Commission on Tuesday. The high security area witnessed a beefed-up police presence in the morning ahead of the protest announced by the Hindu groups. An officer said a 1500-strong police force was deployed ahead of the demonstration. He said police managed to hold the protesters about 800 metres from the high commission. DTC buses were parked as an obstacle to thwart the protesters’ bid to reach the high commission. Protesters slam Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus A sea of banners and placards bobbed in the air, reading denunciatory messages against the Bangladesh government. A placard read: “Hindu rakt ki ek ek boond ka hisaab chahiye (Each drop of blood of a Hindu must be accounted for).” On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over blasphemy in Baluka in Mymensingh. According to the police, Das was first beaten by a mob outside the factory and then hanged from a tree. The crowd left the body by the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and later set it on fire. Angry protesters accused the Bangladesh authorities of failing to protect minorities and demanded strong diplomatic steps by India to ensure the safety of Hindus living in the neighbouring country. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma amid concerns over the security of Bangladeshi missions in India. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned the Indian High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner was also present at the time, the Dhaka Tribune reported. According to Foreign Ministry sources, Verma was summoned due to the emerging security situation surrounding Bangladesh missions in various parts of India. He was requested to strengthen security at Bangladesh missions across various locations in India, the report added. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following that meeting said that India’s cooperation was sought to prevent the attackers who assaulted Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi from fleeing to India, the report added. Bangladesh requested that if the accused manages to enter Indian territory, they be immediately arrested and extradited to Bangladesh. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 07:55 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesMaharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday urged voters to give the Congress a decisive mandate in the upcoming Dhule Municipal Corporation Elections, calling for single-party rule similar to the party’s performance in the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a public meeting in Dhule, Sapkal said the Congress was a party that believed in unity in diversity, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in divisive politics by fuelling caste and religious differences. He said the Congress had delivered strong results in the Lok Sabha Elections and municipal polls and had sent Shobha Bachhav to Parliament from Dhule, and now deserved full control of the civic body. Referring to the freedom struggle, Sapkal said the Congress had led the country’s fight for independence, with countless people making sacrifices under its banner. In contrast, he alleged that the ideological predecessors of the BJP had aligned with the British during the freedom movement and had no role in the Quit India Movement. He also claimed that the Jana Sangh had once allied with the Muslim League to share power. “The country belongs to everyone and not to any single community. Those who had no contribution to India’s freedom are today in power,” Sapkal said. Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Congress leader accused him of betraying promises made to the people. Sapkal said Fadnavis had once vowed not to marry until Vidarbha was made a separate state and had ruled out any alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), but later went back on those commitments. He also alleged that promises related to farm loan waivers and financial assistance to women had not been fulfilled. Sapkal further claimed that Fadnavis made more false promises than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of civic polls, Congress inducts leaders from multiple parties in Dhule Meanwhile, several leaders from various political parties joined the Congress in Dhule in Sapkal’s presence. Among those who switched sides were three-time Samajwadi Party corporator Amin Patel, NCP leader and former deputy mayor Haji Shavval Ansari, Parvez Sheikh, Azhar Pathan, AIMIM leaders Gani Dollar and Juned Pathan, Shiv Sena’s Prem Sonar and BJP’s Murtuza Ansari. Welcoming the new entrants, Sapkal said their induction would strengthen the Congress ahead of the civic polls. Lok Sabha MP Dr Shobha Bachhav, senior Congress leaders Bhai Nagarale, Rajaram Panghavane, Dhule city Congress president Sabir Sheikh, Javed Farooqui, Dhule rural district Congress chief Pravinbapu Chaure, Dr Darbarsing Girase and a large number of party workers were present at the event.
23 December,2025 06:17 PM IST | MumbaiThe Maharashtra Government has approved a development plan worth Rs 36.35 crore for the Jain pilgrimage site Namokar Tirtha at Malsane in Chandwad Taluka of Nashik District. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. CM Fadnavis directed that all works under the plan be completed in a way that allows devotees to experience not only spiritual fulfilment but also a deep sense of inner satisfaction when visiting the site. He emphasised that all the works must maintain high-quality standards and be completed within the stipulated timeframe. The approved plan allocates Rs 24.26 crore for permanent infrastructure works, including concrete roads, protective boundary walls, boating facilities, a helipad, parking arrangements, electricity supply, and sanitation-related infrastructure. An additional Rs 12.09 crore will be spent on arrangements for the International Panchkalyanak Pratishthan Mahotsav, scheduled at Namokar Tirtha from February 6 to 25, 2026. Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ashish Jaiswal, and legislator Rahul Aaher were present at the meeting. CM Fadnavis directed all the agencies concerned to ensure that devotees visiting from across India and abroad do not face any inconvenience. Sanitation works, water supply schemes, and other necessary facilities were given top priority. “The festival should be organised in such a way that every visitor feels satisfied with their experience,” Fadnavis said. He also called for close coordination among all government agencies for the successful execution of the development plan and the festival. The development of Namokar Tirtha is expected to generate local employment and enhance the site as a major religious centre for the Jain community in Maharashtra and across the country. It is estimated that 10 to 15 lakh devotees will attend the International Panchkalyanak Pratishthan Mahotsav. Officials review Namokar Tirtha festival preparations in Nashik Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad presented details through video-conferencing, while Additional Chief Secretaries OP Gupta (Finance) and Manisha Mhaisakar (Public Works), Secretary (Planning) Shaila A, Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam, District Planning Officer Vijay Shinde, and Namokar Tirtha officials were also present. Temporary arrangements for the festival will include water tanks, 450 toilet units, electrification, CCTV surveillance, a control room, and temporary medical units to ensure the comfort and safety of devotees.
23 December,2025 05:57 PM IST | MumbaiBomb threat emails sent to three district collectorate offices in Rajasthan on Tuesday triggered panic and led to large-scale security operations, reported the IANS. The collectorates in Ajmer, Dholpur and Barmer received threatening emails at around 11.45 am, prompting authorities to immediately evacuate the premises as a precautionary measure. Police teams, bomb disposal squads and dog squads were deployed to carry out thorough search operations at all three locations. Officials later confirmed that no suspicious objects have been found so far. Email reportedly sent from Tamil Nadu In Barmer, the district collectorate received a bomb threat email reportedly sent from Tamil Nadu, as per the IANS. Superintendent of Police Narendra Singh Meena said the entire premises was sealed following the alert, and an extensive search was conducted. Security agencies are continuing efforts to trace the origin of the email. District Collector received email In Ajmer, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Himanshu Jangid said District Collector Lokbandhu received the threatening email during the ongoing Urs festival, causing panic in the surrounding area. Police immediately reached the site and evacuated the collectorate building. This marks the third bomb threat received by the Ajmer District Collectorate this month. Earlier threats were reported on December 4 and December 10, targeting both the collectorate and the Ajmer Dargah. Police evacuated the building The Dholpur District Collectorate also received a similar threat via email. Police evacuated the building without delay, and the nearby office of the Superintendent of Police was also cleared as a safety measure. A dog squad was summoned from Bharatpur, while SP Vikas Sangwan personally supervised the search operation. Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with cyber teams working to identify and track the source of the threatening emails, the news agency reported. Bomb threat emails to Mumbai courts and banks Meanwhile, last week, bomb threat emails were sent to multiple courts and banks in Mumbai which had triggered heightened security on December 18, prompting an extensive security sweep across judicial premises in the city. The threats targeted at least five courts, including the Bombay High Court, as well as two to three banks, police sources said. After detailed searches, no suspicious or explosive material was found at any location. Officials said the emails were sent using Outlook-based email IDs, following which standard operating procedures were immediately activated. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, local police teams and senior officers conducted thorough checks at the high court and at least four to five magistrate courts across Mumbai. Banks that received similar emails were also searched as a precaution. Investigators believe the threats were sent by a repeat hoaxer who has been targeting sensitive institutions in Mumbai for over a year. Police said courts in the city have received similar bomb threat emails five to six times in the past year. All alerts eventually turned out to be hoaxes, but each is treated as a high-risk input. According to officers, the emails follow a consistent pattern. (with IANS inputs)
23 December,2025 05:26 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand has made a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact coming into force to enable the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods other than wines and spirits, news agency PTI reported. At present, New Zealand’s GI framework permits registration only for India’s wines and spirits. Under the FTA, the island nation will extend this benefit to “other goods” as well, a concession it had earlier granted to the European Union. GI is a form of intellectual property right, applying to agricultural, natural or manufactured products—such as handicrafts and industrial goods—that originate from a specific geographical region. The tag assures quality and distinctiveness linked to the place of origin and provides legal protection against unauthorised use, while also helping promote exports. “Commitment is now in place to taking all steps necessary, including amendment of its law, to facilitate the registration of India’s wines, spirits and ‘other goods’… Timelines for this are 18 months from agreement entering into force,” the commerce ministry said, according to PTI. India and New Zealand on Monday announced the conclusion of FTA negotiations. The agreement is expected to be implemented after signing, a process that may take about seven to eight months. Indian products with GI tags include Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea, Chanderi fabric, Mysore silk, Kullu shawl, Kangra tea, Thanjavur paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad prints, Lucknow Zardozi, and Kashmir walnut wood carving. Ganesh Hingmire, founder and chairman of Great Mission Group Society (GMGS), said the move would help boost exports of GI products. “Getting a GI tag for non-agri goods will help increase the income of our people also,” he told PTI. India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans under FTA India has linked quota-based duty concessions granted to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island nation under the FTA. The implementation of these plans will be monitored by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council (JAPC). According to the agreement, the approach aims to balance market access with protection of sensitive domestic agricultural sectors. New Zealand has agreed to focused action plans for kiwifruit, apples and honey to improve productivity, quality and sectoral capabilities in India. Cooperation will include setting up centres of excellence, improving planting material, capacity building for growers, technical support for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains and food safety. Projects aimed at premium apple cultivation and sustainable beekeeping practices are expected to enhance production and quality standards in India. (With PTI inputs)
23 December,2025 05:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
