‘Significant moment in India-UK partnership’: PM Modi hails landmark free trade agreement

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the coming into force of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the accompanying Agreement on Social Security as a “significant moment” in bilateral ties.

He said the landmark pacts would deepen economic engagement and create new opportunities for businesses, workers and investors in both countries.

Sharing a post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on X, the Prime Minister said, “This is a significant moment in the India-United Kingdom partnership. With the coming into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, our economic linkages are going to get even deeper.”

Highlighting the benefits of the trade pact, the Prime Minister said, “Together, these agreements translate our shared ambition into tangible opportunities for our people. The CETA will give fresh momentum to our farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Several vibrant sectors will gain stronger access to the UK market,” he said.

“It will also deepen cooperation in technology, professional services and innovation, while supporting greater mobility for skilled Indian talent. The Social Security Agreement will provide invaluable support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian enterprises,” he added.

Describing the development as a reflection of the mutual trust between the two democracies, the Prime Minister said, “This moment reflects the trust between our democracies and our resolve to build a forward-looking partnership driven by trade, technology, investment and innovation. India and the UK will continue working together for shared prosperity.”

Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal termed the agreement a defining milestone in India-UK relations and a major achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security have come into force, delivering zero-duty market access for nearly 99 per cent of India’s exports, covering almost 100 per cent of trade value,” Goyal said.

According to the minister, the FTA is expected to unlock unprecedented opportunities across key sectors, including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals and processed food, while providing a significant boost to MSMEs, farmers and manufacturers.

Goyal also said the agreement would open new avenues for India’s IT, financial, education, professional and business services sectors, while facilitating greater mobility for Indian professionals. The accompanying Social Security Agreement is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies and workers by exempting Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK from paying double social security contributions for up to five years.

The twin agreements are being seen as a major step towards expanding trade and investment flows between India and the UK, while strengthening cooperation in emerging sectors and supporting long-term economic growth in both countries.

–IANS

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Jain community to hold protests tomorrow over the death of two Sadhvis in MP’s Rewa

Rewa, May 24 (IANS) The Jain community across India has expressed deep grief and outrage following the tragic road accident in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, that claimed the lives of two Jain Sadhvis and left a third critically injured.

Enraged by the incident, the community has announced a series of peaceful demonstrations to demand justice and better safety measures for Jain ascetics on May 25.

The heartbreaking accident occurred on the morning of May 20 near the Collectorate in Rewa’s Civil Lines area. Three Jain Sadhvis, who were on a religious foot journey (padvihar), were walking when a speeding car allegedly mowed them down.

Shrutmati Mata, a native of Sagar district and disciple of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, died on the spot. The other two Sadhvis, identified as Upsamiti Mata from Tamil Nadu and Arika Mata from Jabalpur, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital, with one placed on ventilator support while the other succumbed to injuries.

The driver, identified as Rashid Ali Shah, fled the scene along with his family but was later intercepted by police near Jabalpur after a high-speed chase covering nearly 270 kilometres.

Video footage that has surfaced on various media platforms clearly shows the car swerving from the centre of the road and moving directly towards the Sadhvis, who were walking along the edge of the road.

A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving and hit-and-run.

Police have confirmed that the vehicle was returning from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, to Nagpur in Maharashtra. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Jain community, which views the Sadhvis with immense reverence.

Many members have raised suspicions about whether the accident was truly unintentional, with some demanding a thorough investigation to rule out any conspiracy. In response, Jain organisations have called for peaceful protests and marches on May 25 across major cities, including Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and other places.

Community leaders have appealed for calm while stressing the need for accountability and enhanced security for Jain monks and nuns who travel barefoot as part of their religious practices.

Senior Jain monks, including Muni Shri Praman Sagar Ji, have issued messages urging the community to maintain patience, faith, and restraint during this difficult time.

Rajya Sabha member Naveen Jain also expressed condolences and solidarity with the grieving community.

The Madhya Pradesh government has assured strict action against the accused.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Jain ascetics on public roads and the growing concern over road safety in the state.

As preparations for the demonstrations gain momentum, the entire Jain community stands united in seeking justice for the departed souls and protection for their religious leaders. The peaceful protests are expected to draw significant participation, reflecting the community’s collective anguish and resolve.

–IANS

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Stir in K’taka Congress: Sacked Minister Rajanna’s supporters threaten ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest

Bengaluru, Aug 29 (IANS) Following the Congress high command’s decision to downplay the act of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar singing the RSS anthem in the state Assembly, supporters of sacked Minister K.N. Rajanna are preparing to reach Delhi and stage a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding his reinstatement into the state cabinet.

Rajanna was sacked after he made statements against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the voter fraud issue. However, the high command chose to ignore Shivakumar, who triggered controversy by singing the RSS anthem in the Assembly. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge even stated that the matter was a closed chapter and should not be repeated.

Rajanna’s supporters have decided to approach the Congress high command to demand that Rajanna be forgiven and reinstated into the cabinet. Rajanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had openly opposed Shivakumar.

Dhaniya Kumar, a local leader from Tumakuru, said on Friday, “We condemn the dropping of former minister and leader of the oppressed classes, K.N. Rajanna. Agitations have already been staged in his native Tumakuru district and across the state. Now, we have planned a ‘Delhi Chalo’ programme from Tumakuru under the Federation of Backward Classes and the K.N. Rajanna Fans Association. Dalit leaders, farmers, and artistes will also take part in the event.”

He further said, “Many organisations are participating in the programme. We plan to stay in Delhi for two days and stage protests at Jantar Mantar. Religious seers and writers are also expected to join. A meeting has already been held to prepare for the Delhi protest, and two more meetings will be conducted. After the final meeting, we will hold a press conference and then leave for Delhi.”

“Already, 8,000 to 10,000 people from Tumakuru district alone have expressed willingness to travel to Delhi. We will also decide on participants from other parts of the state. A hunger strike, shirtless protests, and other forms of agitation are being planned. For the Ahinda group, K.N. Rajanna is a key leader. His removal amounts to injustice to the entire Ahinda community,” Dhaniya Kumar said.

“We will ensure that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who have so far turned a blind eye to this issue, open their eyes and ears to the reality,” he said.

“As the party has overlooked and forgiven Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar for singing the RSS anthem in the Assembly, Rajanna too should be forgiven. If justice is not done even after the Delhi protest, we will continue our agitation. Dates for the programme are being finalised,” he added.

The development is likely to trigger fresh controversy.

–IANS

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Gujarat receives ‘ad-hoc’ 1,452 KL kerosene supply amid global energy concerns

Gandhinagar, March 13 (IANS) The Central government has allocated an ad-hoc quantity of 1,452 kilolitres (KL) of kerosene to Gujarat for the year 2025-26, in response to risks to energy supply arising from the current global geo-political situation.

The allocation is intended primarily for cooking and lighting purposes, and the state government has begun distributing kerosene to rural Antyodaya and PHH families in tribal districts.

Each district will receive 36 KL under the supervision of the Collector, who, along with the District Supply Officer, will monitor the distribution.

From the district allocation, families will receive five litres each, while institutions will receive 25 litres.

The kerosene will be lifted in larger consignments based on the district’s demand requirements.

Priority in distribution has been defined to ensure supply reaches those most in need.

Beneficiaries include rural families, residents of remote areas, children in school hostels, institutions under the ‘Mid-Day Meal Scheme’, registered old-age homes, annakshetras (community kitchens), and other service institutions.

Workers in construction and industrial units requiring kerosene for meal preparation, as well as social institutions reliant entirely on LPG, are also included.

The state government has advised citizens that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available.

Guidelines have been issued to maintain a gap of 25 days between cylinder bookings in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, preventing unnecessary bookings and reducing online system load.

Households are encouraged to conserve cooking gas through the use of pressure cookers, soaking and steaming vegetables, and alternative energy sources such as solar cookers.

Energy conservation at home can also be supported by keeping air conditioning temperatures at 25°C or above.

The government has further appealed to the public to use public transport and shared travel wherever possible to maximise petrol and diesel conservation.

Earlier in the day, the state government announced that restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, and social-religious organisations located in areas with existing city gas pipeline networks can now obtain new PNG (piped natural gas) connections immediately upon request.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting on the status of PNG and petroleum products in the state, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

–IANS

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