India emerged as a net exporter of finished steel in October, signalling a dramatic shift in trade dynamics. According to provisional government data, steel shipments totalled 0.6 million metric tonnes, a 44.7% increase over the same month last year. Imports, on the other hand, declined dramatically to 0.5 million metric tonnes, representing a 55.6% year-on-year decrease. The increase in exports coincided with a steady rise in domestic production. In October, India's finished steel output increased by 10% to 13.4 million metric tonnes, boosted by consistent manufacturing across major steel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the grand Silver Jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, marking 25 years since the hill state's establishment in 2000. During the ceremony, he unveiled and laid the foundation stones for many projects totalling over ₹8,000 crore that aim to transform the state's infrastructure and economy. The projects address critical sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, urban development, and energy, with a special emphasis on skill training, technical education, and youth sports facilities. These projects are desig
India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will launch its Global Curriculum in April 2026, a significant step towards internationalising Indian education. It is intended for CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE and other countries, with the goal of integrating global learning standards with India's strong academic framework. The announcement was made during the Sahodaya School Complexes Conference in Dubai, which brought together over 800 educators from India and the Gulf region to explore educational innovation. Dr Ram Shankar, Director of the CBSE Regional Office in Dubai, stated
The Executive Council of Dubai has approved an AED 18.3 billion development strategy to improve the city's green infrastructure, education, and employment sectors. The Public Parks and Greenery Strategy comprises more than 800 projects, including 310 new parks and 120 open spaces. Green areas would increase to 187 square kilometres, increasing the number of trees and aiming for 95 million annual park visits by 2040. The proposal aims to make parks accessible to 80% of residents within a five-minute walk, and watering will be done entirely with recycled water. The Council also approved Avia
Zambia is pioneering the use of behavioural science to promote climate-smart agriculture and improve food security. Through the Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Zambia (SIFAZ) and FACE-NDC initiatives, the nation is assisting thousands of smallholder farmers in adopting climate-resilient technology and sustainable practices. The initiative, which was announced at the 19th FAO Subregional Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting for Southern Africa, represents a new phase in linking science, behaviour, and agricultural innovation. Agriculture remains one of Zambia's largest contributors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's outstanding achievement in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, where seven Indian institutions ranked among the Top 100. The report, announced on November 4, displays India's steady progress in higher education on the global stage. PM Modi took to his official X account to express his joy at the country's record growth in the rankings, citing it as evidence of India's developing academic ecosystem. He stated that the government is still genuinely dedicated to fostering quality education, emphasising the value of research, innovation, and
Mauritius hopes to establish a long-term rice supply agreement with India as part of its overall food security strategy. The island nation, which imports between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes of rice every year, has traditionally relied on open tenders and different vendors. However, shifting market conditions and trade policies have forced the country to seek long-term partnerships for key food products. India has been a significant rice supplier to Mauritius, primarily through government-to-government agreements. However, when India banned non-basmati white rice exports in 2023, Pakistan fill
Abu Dhabi has reached a significant worldwide milestone by ranking fifth in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, alongside the world's most advanced and resident-focused cities. The capital's rise from tenth place last year demonstrates its quick transition into a technology-driven metropolitan powerhouse that prioritises safety, sustainability, and internet access. The IMD Smart City Index, created by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development in collaboration with WeGO, examines how cities employ technology to improve citizens' lives. Abu Dhabi's excellent rating is due t
Qatar's manufacturing industry contributed 26.84 billion Qatari riyals ($7.25 billion) to the national GDP in the first half of 2025, highlighting the country's significant industrial and economic growth. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that 13.44 billion riyals were added in the second quarter alone, indicating consistent momentum in the country's production base. The data were discussed at the ministry's third quarterly meeting in 2025, which was led by Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani and attended by key officials. The gains are consistent with Qatar's
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed confidence in India's ability to manage rising rupee volatility through increasing exchange rate flexibility. According to the IMF, India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals and deep foreign exchange markets enable it to absorb such movements. According to the institution, a two-way flexible exchange rate allows the rupee to appreciate or fall in response to market demand and supply. It went on to say that India's balance sheet mismatches are minimal, exchange rate movements have little influence on inflation, and the forex market is deep