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In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the domestic textile industry, India has imposed restrictions on garment imports from Bangladesh through land routes. The decision, expected to create a market opportunity of over ₹1,000 crore for Indian manufacturers, is designed to curb the indirect influx of Chinese fabrics and promote local production. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) recently issued a notification prohibiting the import of garments and related products via land ports. However, import through seaports such as Kolkata and Nhava Sheva remains permitted. This move seeks to close a key loophole that allowed duty-free garments from Bangladesh—made with Chinese fabric—to enter Indian markets under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), bypassing the 20% import duty on direct Chinese imports. Industry leaders have welcomed the decision. Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), said the measure was in part a response to Bangladesh’s April 2025 restriction on cotton yarn imports from India—a product that constitutes nearly 45% of India’s cotton yarn exports. Mehra noted that the new policy would prevent backdoor entries and allow Indian yarn to be redirected to local apparel manufacturers. Similarly, Santosh Katariya, President of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), praised the decision for protecting domestic MSMEs from the flood of low-cost foreign-made garments. He emphasized that this aligns with the government’s broader vision of self-reliance in the textile sector. While the move is expected to benefit Indian manufacturers in the long run, industry insiders anticipate short-term supply chain disruptions. Apparel brands—both domestic and international—may face logistical challenges, and consumers could see a 2–3% price increase on popular winter garments like T-shirts and jeans due to the realignment of sourcing channels.

Dengue cases are steadily rising in Karnataka even before the monsoon has fully set in. From January to April 30 this year, the state has reported 1,186 cases, including six hospitalisations, according to health authorities. Alarming figures show that 51 of these cases involve infants under one year, and 553 are children below 18 years of age, raising concerns about the disease’s impact on vulnerable age groups. Health experts attribute the rise in cases to early summer showers, ongoing construction activity, and water stagnation, which have provided ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. In Bengaluru, residents are already feeling the impact, with the city accounting for 513 cases—about 43.2% of the total cases in the state. The numbers have surged from 707 cases as of March 2 to 1,186 by the end of April, with forecasts predicting more rain in the coming days. While the current numbers are lower than the corresponding period in 2024, when Karnataka recorded 32,826 dengue cases—the highest in the country, health authorities remain cautious. Last year also saw 20 dengue-related deaths in Karnataka, placing it third behind Kerala (99 deaths) and Maharashtra (26 deaths). In comparison, 2023 recorded 19,300 cases and 11 deaths in the state. Dr. Ansar Ahmed, State Joint Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), highlighted that all hospitalised cases this year are from Bengaluru’s BBMP limits. He emphasized ongoing awareness campaigns and monitoring efforts, stressing the importance of eliminating stagnant water around homes and workplaces to curb mosquito breeding. “Not just mosquitoes, the current weather also promotes the growth of various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites,” Dr. Ahmed warned. “With the monsoon, communicable diseases that spread via contaminated water and the fecal-oral route also become common. Vigilance is key.” Echoing these concerns, Dr. Haleema Yezdani, a Bengaluru-based general physician and diabetologist, noted that while heavy rains might temporarily wash away mosquito larvae, the stagnant water left behind can quickly become new breeding grounds, escalating the risk of vector-borne illnesses like dengue. As Karnataka braces for more rains, health officials are intensifying preventive measures to avoid an outbreak, especially in high-risk zones like Bengaluru.

In a significant boost to India’s maritime sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that the capacity of the Vizhinjam deepwater port will triple in the next three years, positioning it as a key hub for some of the world’s largest cargo ships. The port’s expansion will help reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs—primarily Colombo and Singapore, where 75% of India’s transshipments currently occur. This shift, Modi emphasized, would not only enhance India’s maritime capabilities but also boost revenue retention and create new economic opportunities in Kerala. The Rs 8,800 crore Vizhinjam project is India’s first dedicated transshipment hub, benefiting from its natural depth of nearly 20 meters, which allows larger vessels to dock, unlike many smaller ports in the country. Strategic Importance in India’s Maritime Vision Modi connected the Vizhinjam port’s development to India’s broader maritime strategy, especially highlighting the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced at the G20 summit. The prime minister noted that the port, while years in development, is primarily a result of private sector collaboration, with Adani Ports playing a key role in operating the terminal. In a lighter moment, Modi humorously pointed out the role of private investment, stating: “When the people of Gujarat learn that Adani built such a great port in Kerala, after working on a port in Gujarat for 30 years without building anything like this, they’ll be upset with him,” This comment elicited laughter from the audience, adding a personal touch to the announcement. Enhancements in India’s Maritime Sector The PM also underscored the broader changes in India’s maritime landscape, noting the 30% reduction in the turnaround time for ships at the country’s major ports over the last 10 years. Additionally, he highlighted the growth in the number of Indian seafarers, which has surged from 1.2 lakh in 2014 to over 3.2 lakh today, following the government’s reformed regulations aimed at improving the seafaring profession. Significance for Kerala’s Economic Growth The event, which coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, a key figure in Kerala’s spiritual and cultural legacy, linked the opening of the Vizhinjam port to Kerala’s growing importance in India’s economic and maritime plans. Modi stated that Shankaracharya’s teachings laid the foundation for unity, reinforcing Kerala’s pivotal role in India’s future economic development. Kerala’s Economic Context While the port’s inauguration is a monumental step, Kerala is currently facing rising debt and limited fiscal space, with the state government seeking more central assistance. Despite these financial challenges, the PM highlighted several significant infrastructure projects supported by the Centre, including the long-delayed Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses and new initiatives like the Kochi shipbuilding and repair cluster. The Vizhinjam deepwater port represents a cornerstone of India’s maritime future, with potential benefits that could transform both Kerala’s economy and India’s global trade competitiveness.