Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit the United Kingdom from June 25 to 27 for high-level discussions aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the recently concluded India-UK trade agreement.

The visit comes ahead of the scheduled enforcement of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) on July 15. During the trip, Goyal is expected to engage with senior British officials and industry representatives to review preparedness for the rollout of the landmark agreements.

Focus on implementation issues

During his stay in London, Goyal is expected to meet UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle to discuss key implementation-related matters, including operational frameworks, regulatory coordination and measures to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

The discussions are also likely to cover industry concerns and unresolved issues related to the practical execution of the agreement, with both countries seeking a seamless transition before the pact comes into force.

Trade pact to take effect from July 15

India and the UK had earlier announced that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, along with the Double Contribution Convention, would become operational from July 15. The agreement is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two countries by reducing tariffs, improving market access and strengthening investment ties.

The upcoming visit is being viewed as a significant step in ensuring that businesses on both sides are prepared to benefit from the agreement from day one.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been invited by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources and media reports.

Iran is preparing to hold extensive state funeral and burial ceremonies for Khamenei, who served as the country’s Supreme Leader for more than three decades. The ceremonies are expected to take place over several days and are likely to witness the participation of senior leaders and dignitaries from across the world.

According to reports, the Iranian leadership has extended formal invitations to several international leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, as part of the planned state mourning events.

However, there has been no official confirmation so far from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the ceremonies.

The invitation comes amid longstanding diplomatic and strategic ties between India and Iran. New Delhi had earlier conveyed condolences following Khamenei’s death and reiterated its support for peace and stability in the region.

Iran had earlier announced that the state funeral ceremonies, initially postponed, would be held between late June and early July. Authorities in Tehran are expecting a massive turnout for the final rites, with millions of mourners anticipated to participate in the ceremonies.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remained Iran’s highest political and religious authority from 1989 until his death, playing a central role in shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies for decades.

With the southwest monsoon recording a sharp rainfall deficit and concerns mounting over the impact of El Nino, the Centre has identified 315 districts across the country as vulnerable to below-normal rainfall during the ongoing kharif season.

According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the country had recorded a rainfall deficit of around 43 per cent till June 23, prompting authorities to initiate a nationwide preparedness exercise to minimise the impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods.

The identified districts have been categorised based on irrigation coverage, which determines their ability to withstand prolonged dry spells. Of the total, 111 districts with irrigation coverage of less than 25 per cent have been classified as the most vulnerable. Another 76 districts with irrigation coverage between 25 and 50 per cent fall under the medium-risk category, while 128 districts with irrigation coverage exceeding 50 per cent have been placed in the relatively lower-risk category.

Officials have directed state governments to activate district-level contingency plans to protect crop production during the crucial monsoon season. These plans include measures such as promoting drought-tolerant crops, revising sowing schedules and strengthening water conservation efforts.

The government has also set up dedicated monitoring mechanisms, including an El Nino Monitoring Cell and a Crop Weather Watch Group, to closely track weather developments and coordinate response measures.

Meteorological agencies have forecast below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, with El Nino conditions expected to strengthen during the June-September period. The weather phenomenon is historically associated with weaker monsoons in India and can adversely affect agricultural output, water availability and rural incomes.

The southwest monsoon contributes nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall and remains critical for the country’s agriculture sector, particularly for rain-fed crops such as rice, pulses and oilseeds.