Mahindra to pump Rs 45 Bn for new electric brands

02 Dec 2024 CW Team

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has highlighted opportunities for India and France to expand partnerships in key sectors such as aerospace, electric vehicles, agriculture, and food processing, benefiting both nations. Addressing the Asia Pacific Commission (APAC) 2024 Forum, organised by the French Foreign Trade Advisors, he stressed the importance of adopting sustainable practices to counter climate change globally. Bilateral trade between India and France stood at $15 billion in 2023-24, with Indian exports valued at $7 billion and imports at $8 billion. Goyal noted that France ranks as the 11th largest foreign direct investor in India, with over 750 French companies operating in the country and around 70 Indian firms established in France. On renewable energy collaboration, Goyal lauded the success of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a joint initiative led by India and France, which now includes over 100 member countries. In the aerospace sector, Goyal pointed out India’s position as a burgeoning aviation market, with 1,500 aircraft already on order and the potential for orders to rise to 2,000. He urged the French aviation industry to explore manufacturing opportunities in India. Goyal also emphasised the potential for co-innovation in automobiles and electric vehicles, noting India's large base of first-time vehicle buyers. He remarked that offering sustainable mobility options to this demographic would be easier and impactful. Turning to digital technology, Goyal identified promising areas for collaboration, including fostering startups in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and quantum technologies. He further called for enhanced defence sector cooperation, highlighting India’s strong patent protection regime and its approach of not insisting on technology transfers, which makes it an attractive partner for defence innovation.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..