14-January-2024: 60th Foundation of FCI, Pongal Celebrations, Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates, 14th India-US Trade Policy Forum Meeting

14 January 2024

• 60th Foundation of FCI: Piyush Goyal Urges FCI to Become Trusted Ally of Farmers and People

  Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized the pivotal role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in becoming a trusted partner for both farmers and citizens. Speaking at the 60th Foundation Day of FCI, Goyal highlighted the significance of FCI's contribution to flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), providing essential ration to beneficiaries across the nation.

• Pongal Celebrations: PM Modi Highlights Significance of Crops, Farmers, and Villages in Festive Spirit

  The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, embraced the festive spirit of Pongal at the residence of Union Minister, L Murugan in New Delhi today. The occasion was marked by the Prime Minister extending his warm wishes to the nation and emphasizing the significance of unity and tradition during this joyous period. In his address, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt wishes for Pongal, noting the festive atmosphere resonating from every household in Tamil Nadu.

• Emergency Meeting Called as Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates: GRAP Stage-III Activated

  The Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) called an emergency meeting this morning in response to the abrupt deterioration of the air quality in Delhi-NCR. The committee, reviewing the air quality scenario, meteorological conditions, and air quality index (AQI) forecasts, observed a significant spike in the AQI of Delhi due to unfavorable climatic conditions and local pollution sources.

• 14th India-US Trade Policy Forum Meeting: India Urges Lifting of Ban on Wild-Caught Shrimp Exports

  The 14th Ministerial-level meeting of the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) between India and the United States took place in New Delhi, India, on January 12, 2024, marking a key diplomatic milestone. The meeting, co-chaired by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, India, and Ambassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative, marked a pivotal moment in fortifying resilient bilateral trade and elevating the overall economic partnership between the two nations.