DhruvStar Industry Insights

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) BRIC Secretariat Inaugurated in New Delhi The new Secretariat complex of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) has been inaugurated in New Delhi, marking a milestone for India’s biotechnology ecosystem . The Secretariat will function as a lean coordinating mechanism for BRIC’s 14 autonomous institutions. It is intended to facilitate collaboration while preserving institutional autonomy and strengthening linkages with the Department of Biotechnology, other R&D institutions, and industry. Read More: MTBVAC Tuberculosis Vaccine Review of BRIC Programmes and BioE3 Policy Progress A review meeting was held to assess BRIC’s initiatives and ongoing programmes: BRIC’s role in advancing the biomanufacturing agenda under the BioE3 Policy was outlined. Plans were shared to develop BioE3 Parks as integrated ecosystems. The parks aim to co-locate research institutions, start-ups, MSMEs, and industry. The objective is ...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) Strong Output, But Income Pressures Remain India is expected to record its highest-ever foodgrain production in 2025-26, supported by good monsoon conditions and higher sowing across both kharif and rabi seasons. Rice , wheat, pulses, and maize performed well overall. However, uneven rainfall has damaged crops in some regions, and farm income growth has not kept pace with production growth. This gap between output and earnings remains a key concern for the sector. Read More: India-Argentina Work Plan for Agricultural Cooperation GST Relief and Continued Government Support A significant positive in 2025 was the reduction in GST on key farm inputs, including tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment, and select bio-pesticides. This lowered machinery and input costs and supported demand for farm equipment. Budgetary support continued through crop insurance, fertiliser subsidies, MSP increases, interest subvention, and direct incom...

( Image: DhruvStar Industry Insights | Original Artwork) Why the India-New Zealand FTA Matters The recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement reflects a shift in how India designs its trade partnerships. Rather than focusing only on tariff cuts, the agreement combines market access, agricultural productivity, investment, services, and talent mobility. The India-NZ FTA provides 100% duty-free access for Indian exports, while protecting India’s sensitive sectors, particularly dairy and key agricultural products. It also introduces new pathways for students, skilled professionals, traditional medicine services, and others, making it one of India’s more comprehensive trade agreements to date. Read More: ASEAN-India Summit 2025 Core Outcomes of the India New Zealand FTA The India-New Zealand FTA delivers several headline outcomes: 100% duty-free market access for Indian exports to New Zealand. USD 20 billion investment commitment over 15 years. Protection of sensitive agric...