HIF INDIA pays tribute to Late Ahmed AK, with Condolence Program
Mangaluru: In a tribute to Late Ahmed AK, the Founder Chairman of Ehsaan Masjid and a key figure behind HIF India, a Condolence Program was held on Thursday, 17th October 2024, at the HIF Auditorium (Masjid-ul-Ehsaan) in Vaslane, Mangalore. The event, which began after Isha prayers, saw a gathering of distinguished community members, businessmen, professionals, and leaders who came together to honour the contributions of Ahmed AK to the community.
The speakers at the event, including prominent figures like Nasir Luckystar, Yusuf KLP (Chairman of Tube Care and Amber Group Dubai), and Dr. Roshan (Director of City Hospital), expressed their deep admiration for the values that Ahmed AK embodied throughout his life. They lauded his discipline, commitment to punctuality, and his humility in always remaining behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight. Other respected figures like Dr. Mohammed Ismail H, Dr. ZK Misri, Corporators Navin, Lateef, and Rauf, as well as Jaidev Kudva, Associate Director of Cognizant, and Anup Nair, Global Human Resources Manager in Abu Dhabi, were also present and echoed similar sentiments.
In their addresses, they praised his ethical approach to business, describing him as a true and just businessman who was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, without any discrimination based on religion or background. His selfless service to the community was a key theme throughout the evening, as speakers shared personal anecdotes and reflections on how he had positively impacted countless lives.
The event was presided over by HIF President, Adil Parvez, while Rizwan Pandeshwar served as the host. A beautiful Qirath recitation by Bilal Raif set the tone for the evening.
The event was also attended by several other well-known individuals, including Saud Mohtisham, Arshad Mohtisham, Hassanair Pandeshwar, Mohiddin Usman, Latif Kandak, and Mohammed Kunhi from Shanti Prakashan, among others.
Speakers reflected on his role in establishing Ehsaan Masjid, which stands as a symbol of his commitment to unity and service. His ability to provide support without seeking recognition was a recurring theme, as was his dedication to promoting peace and harmony within the community.
The event concluded with a sense of gratitude for Ahmed AK's life and work, with attendees expressing their determination to carry forward his mission of helping others and building an inclusive and compassionate community.
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India proposes preferential trade agreement with Mexico to deal with high tariffs
New Delhi (PTI): India has proposed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help domestic exporters deal with the steep tariffs announced by the South American country, a top government official said on Monday.
Mexico has decided to impose steep import tariffs - ranging from about 5 per cent to as high as 50 per cent on a wide range of goods (about 1,463 tariff lines) from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India has engaged with the country on the issue.
"Technical level talks are on...The only fast way forward is to try to get a preferential trade agreement (PTA) because an FTA (free trade agreement) will take a lot of time. So we are trying to see what can be a good way forward," he told reporters here.
While in an FTA two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in a PTA, duties are cut or removed on a limited number of products.
Trading partners of Mexico cannot file a compliant against the decision on imposing high tariffs as they are WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible.
The duties are within their bound rates, he said, adding that their primary target was not India.
"We have proposed a PTA because its a WTO-compatible way forward... we can do a PTA and try to get concessions that are required for Indian supply chains and similarly offer them concessions where they have export interests in India," Agrawal said.
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Citing support for local production and correction of trade imbalances, Mexico has approved an increase in MFN (most favoured nation) import tariffs (5-50 per cent) with effect from January 1, 2026 on 1,455 tariff lines (or product categories) within the WTO framework, targeting non-FTA partners.
Preliminary estimates suggest that this affects India's around USD 2 billion exports to Mexico particularly -- automobile, two-wheelers, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather and footwear.
The measure is also aimed at curbing Chinese imports.
India-Mexico merchandise trade totalled USD 8.74 billion in 2024, with exports USD 5.73 billion, imports USD 3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 2.72 billion.
The government has been continuously and comprehensively assessing Mexico's tariff revisions since the issue emerged, engaging stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, and pursuing constructive dialogue to ensure a stable trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai has said that Mexico's decision is a matter of concern, particularly for sectors like automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical and electronics, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and plastics.
"Such steep duties will erode our competitiveness and risk, disrupting supply chains that have taken years to develop," Sahai said, adding that this development also underlines the little urgency for India and Mexico to fast-track a comprehensive trade agreement.
Domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures with Mexico hiking duties on Indian imports, according to industry body ACMA.
