Today's News Highlights – March 4, 2025
By [shivam kumar]
Welcome to today's roundup of significant news stories from Patna, Bihar, and across India. Here are the top developments:
Local News: Patna
Patna's Double-Decker Flyover Project Extended
The completion of Patna's ambitious double-decker flyover project has been delayed to February-March 2025, impacting traffic congestion in the area.
Bihar Aims for 95% Vaccination Coverage by March 2025
Health Minister Mangal Pandey has announced a target to achieve 95% vaccination coverage in Bihar by March 2025. All district civil surgeons have been directed to meet this goal, emphasizing the importance of routine immunization for public health.
State Initiatives to Combat Rising Temperatures
The Bihar government has issued forecasts indicating that several districts, including Buxar, Ara, Rohtas, Bhabua, Aurangabad, and Arwal, may experience heatwaves starting this month. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as temperatures are expected to rise from Monday.
National News: India
India's Pursuit of Multiple Trade Agreements
India is actively engaging in significant trade negotiations on a global scale. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in the United States to initiate bilateral trade discussions, capitalizing on India's position given previous tariff escalations. Simultaneously, talks with the European Union aim to establish one of the world's largest free trade agreements, though they are in early stages and face complexities. Discussions with the United Kingdom have also recommenced, focusing on issues like student visas and duties on scotch whisky. These agreements could lower tariffs, benefiting Indian consumers with more product choices while presenting challenges to domestic manufacturing competitiveness.
GAIL Seeks Nine LNG Cargoes Over Three Years
GAIL (India) has issued a tender for nine liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes to be delivered over three years. The tender seeks three LNG cargoes between May and July 2025, with submissions due by March 7, 2025. Additionally, GAIL is looking for six LNG cargoes in two shipments for delivery in April, May, and June across 2026 and 2027, with submissions due by March 27, 2025. As India's largest gas distributor, GAIL plays a significant role in the country's energy sector.
Record High Steel Imports from South Korea, China, and Japan
Between April and January of the current financial year, India reached a record in its imports of finished steel from China, South Korea, and Japan, according to provisional government data. India, the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, imported 2.4 million metric tons from South Korea, an 11.7% increase from the previous year, making it the largest exporter to the country. Imports from China amounted to 2.3 million tons, a 3.4% increase, and from Japan to 1.8 million tons, an 88.6% increase. These three nations accounted for 78% of India's total finished steel imports. Additionally, imports from Indonesia tripled, reaching 0.3 million tons. In contrast, India's finished steel exports fell to their lowest in at least seven years, with destinations like Italy, Belgium, Nepal, and Spain showing sharp declines. The Indian government is considering imposing a safeguard duty of 15% to 25% to control these rising imports.
India and EU Aim to Finalize Free Trade Agreement by Year's End
India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement by the end of this year, aiming to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity, and defense. This decision was reached during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi. The agreement is set to be one of the largest of its kind globally, with both parties committed to realigning priorities to current global realities. The next round of trade negotiations is scheduled for March.
Sports News
India to Play Champions Trophy Matches in Dubai
India will play its 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, as the Indian government has not permitted the team to travel to Pakistan due to safety concerns and ongoing political tensions. After extensive discussions, it was decided that India's group stage matches, including those against Pakistan, will be held at a neutral venue in Dubai. Consequently, Pakistan's future matches in India will also be held in a neutral country for the next five years. The tournament starts on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Karachi and includes 15 matches across multiple venues in Pakistan and Dubai. If India advances to the semi-final or final, these matches will be held in Dubai. The competition format consists of two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group moving to the semi-finals. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand form Group A, while England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan make up Group B. This is the tournament's first edition since 2017, and England will start their series against India at the end of January 2025.
Upcoming Events
Holi Celebrations on March 14
The vibrant festival of Holi is set to be celebrated on March 14, 2025. Known as the festival of colors, Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Communities across India, including Patna, are gearing up for the festivities with enthusiasm and joy.
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