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Economic Times
7 minutes ago
- Economic Times
India, US trade deal may backfire on EU exports if India opens door to GM feed: GTRI
GTRI cautions that allowing US GM farm products under a trade pact could harm India's agri exports to the EU due to strict GM labeling and consumer resistance. Cross-contamination risks from India's weak agri-logistics could lead to shipment rejections and damage India's GMO-free image. Currently, India only allows Bt cotton cultivation and imports of GM soybean and canola oil. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: India and Trump are haggling over the same constituency Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India risks losing its export competitiveness in the European market if it allows genetically modified (GM) animal feed imports from the United States under the upcoming trade deal, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative ( GTRI ). The economic think tank issued a cautionary statement on Saturday, highlighting the impact such a move could have on India's agricultural shipments to key markets like the European Union (EU), known for its strict stance on genetically modified and the US are currently negotiating an interim trade pact, which is expected to be announced before July 9. Among the proposals being considered is the import of GM-derived products such as soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product made during ethanol production, usually from corn or other grains, for use in animal founder Ajay Srivastava said the consequences of such imports could be severe for India's agri-export sector, especially when it comes to European buyers who maintain strong resistance to GM-linked products. While GM feed is technically permitted in the EU, many European consumers prefer fully GM-free supply chains, and the region enforces stringent GM labelling warned that India's fragmented agricultural logistics network and absence of proper segregation systems increase the risk of cross-contamination. This could lead to trace GM presence in export consignments, potentially triggering shipment rejections and additional testing expenses. More importantly, it could damage India's image as a GMO-free supplier in sensitive segments such as rice, tea, honey, spices, and organic foods."This could lead to shipment rejections, higher testing costs, and erosion of India's GMO-free image, especially in sensitive sectors like rice, tea, honey, spices, and organic foods. Without robust traceability and labeling systems, GM feed imports could hurt India's export competitiveness in the EU," Srivastava described genetically modified crops as plants that have been engineered by introducing specific genes—often from bacteria, viruses, other plants, or in some cases, animals—into their DNA to give them traits such as pest resistance or tolerance to herbicides. For example, the BT gene from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis allows the plant to produce a protein toxic to specific insects. Genes from soil bacteria have also been used to help plants survive clarified that although GM crops are biologically plant-based and considered vegetarian, the presence of animal-origin genes in some crops might pose issues for communities or individuals with strict religious or ethical interpretations of added that studies suggest GM DNA breaks down during digestion and does not enter the animal's meat, milk, or other produce. "Therefore, foods like milk or chicken are not classified as GM, even if the animals were fed GM feed. However, critics argue that this blurs the line for consumers who wish to avoid GM-associated products entirely," he whether farmers can reuse seeds from genetically modified crops, Srivastava said GM seeds are usually not reusable for both legal and biological reasons. They are often patented and sold with contracts that forbid saving and replanting. Additionally, many GM crops are hybrids, and seeds collected from them generally perform poorly when reused. He pointed out that in India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop officially approved for cultivation. Though some farmers have attempted to reuse Bt cotton seeds, the results have typically been said contamination risks persist globally, as GM and non-GM crops can mix at various stages including transport, storage, and to GTRI, India maintains a cautious stance on GM crops. Currently, only Bt cotton is approved for cultivation, and no GM food crop has received commercial approval, though field trials are ongoing. The country allows imports of genetically modified soybean oil and canola oil, but does not permit imports of GM grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, or other food and feed feed materials like soybean meal and DDGS remain banned, Srivastava said.(with PTI inputs)
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First Post
9 minutes ago
- First Post
China's big fear: US may target it if Russia loses Ukraine war
The candid admission came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi while talking to European leaders read more Beijing fears that if Russia loses in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the US would shift its entire focus to tackling China. The candid admission came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi while talking to European leaders, something that really surprised officials in Brussels, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). Wang's comments came during talks with EU's de facto foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. When Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked about Wang's comments, she simply evaded the question. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During a four-hour debate covering a broad spectrum of issues, Wang Yi reportedly dismissed claims that China is materially fuelling Russia's war effort. He argued that if Beijing were truly providing such support, the conflict would have ended by now, according to sources cited by the Post. Some interpret Wang's Brussels remarks as suggesting that, while China didn't start the war, its continuation could align with Beijing's strategic interests by keeping Washington preoccupied with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused China of arming Russia, claiming on May 29 that Beijing halted drone sales to Ukraine and Western nations while continuing to supply Moscow. Wang's rebuttal comes at a time when US support for Kyiv, its primary military backer, is faltering. On July 1, the US Defence Department halted deliveries of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot air defence missiles and precision-guided munitions. Meanwhile, ties between Moscow and Beijing are deepening. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signalling a strengthening of their strategic partnership. Earlier on Wednesday, Wang Yi held meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to EU sources, the two presidents were fully aligned with each other and Kallas on all key issues discussed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Belfast Telegraph
22 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
First Minister joins well-wishes as NI Olympian Ciara Mageean (33) reveals cancer diagnosis
Latest | First Minister Michelle O'Neill has led well-wishes to Co Down athlete Ciara Mageean, who has been diagnosed with cancer. The European champion and two-time Olympian announced the news on Friday evening. Last year she clinched her first major title at the age of 32 as she won 1500m gold at the European Championships in Rome. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. 'To everyone who's been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I've been diagnosed with cancer,' she said. 'It's been a lot to take in, but I've already started treatment and I'm incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and close friends. 'Right now, my focus is on healing and taking things one day at a time. I kindly ask that you respect my privacy and that of my loved ones as we move through this together. Your understanding means more than I can say. 'Thank you for the love and strength. I'm ready to face this with the same fight I've always brought to the track.' There has been an outpouring of support for the champion since she shared her diagnosis. Michelle O'Neill replied: 'So sorry to hear this, Ciara. Wishing you all the very best. You've shown such incredible strength and determination throughout your career, and I've no doubt you'll face this latest challenge with the same courage.' The governing body for the sport in Europe, European Athletics, said: 'Everyone at European Athletics sends their best wishes to Ciara Mageean following her recent cancer diagnosis.' Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said: 'Thoughts with Ciara Mageean as she embarks on her journey to overcome cancer. 'We know her incredible fighting spirit, combined with the powerful wave of solidarity from Co Down & supporters far and wide, will be a profound source of strength.' Former DUP Education Minister, Lord Weir of Ballyholme, said: 'Best wishes to champion local athlete Ciara Mageean as she faces her greatest battle having been diagnosed with cancer. "I'm sure she'll fight it with the same determination as she has brought to the track.' After recovering from a serious ankle injury, she came third in the 2016 European Championships and was a runner-up in 2022 before topping the podium in Rome last year. Mageean made her Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 and competed at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo, where her preparations were hampered by a calf issue. She was set to race at the Paris Olympics last year as a reigning European champion but an Achilles injury ruled her out on the eve of her 1500m heat. Mageean's impressive career has also included a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, fourth place at the World Championships in 2023, and Irish records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1500m and mile. In 2023 she was named the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year. In January, Mageean announced her engagement to long-term partner Thomas Moran, who she has been with for over a decade. Sharing the news on social media she said: 'My biggest prize yet: 2024 came to a close by answering the easiest question I've ever been asked. "Tommy has been the rock by my side for over ten years, and now, my training partner for life.' Having been based in England for seven years, training with Team New Balance Manchester, Mageean moved back to Northern Ireland last year, having left the group earlier in the year. The Portaferry native bought a home in Belfast along with her fiance, Thomas Moran, and has been primarily based there over the past year.
