Italy gives 200,000 euros to Guatemala after volcano disaster
Rome, June 21: The Italian government has donated 200,000 euros to help victims of a volcanic eruption in Guatemala earlier this month that killed over 300 people and displaced more than 3,000, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
The funds will go towards medical aid, the distribution of relief supplies and measures to reduce the risk of a further disaster in the Central American nation, giving priority to the most vulnerable - especially children, minors and women, the Ministry said.
The Italian donation comes in response to an appeal launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the ministry said.
Guatemala's highly active Fuego volcano, located about 35 kilometres southwest of Guatemala City, erupted on 3 June, engulfing entire villages and destroying hundreds of homes in the Chimaltenango, Sacatepequez, and Escuintla regions.
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Modi urges industry to ramp up investment, prioritise research to scale up manufacturing
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged industry leaders to step up investments, embrace emerging technologies and prioritise research to help India Inc fully leverage the vast opportunities offered by free trade agreements with various nations.
"The days of cutting corners in research are over. We must now make substantial investments in research and development and ensure that our products meet global quality standards. Now we have got opportunities to move forward, so we should have only one mantra - Quality, Quality, Quality," he said while addressing a second webinar on Budget 2026-27.
Stressing that India has entered into free trade agreements with numerous countries, he said, these agreements have opened up a wide range of opportunities for the country.
"In such a situation, he said, "our responsibility is that we should never compromise on quality."
Today, the world is seeking reliable and resilient manufacturing partners, he said, adding that India has a strong opportunity to fulfil this role.
"Our direction is clear. Our resolve is clear. Build more, produce more, connect more, and now the need is to export more," he said.
Pointing out that a significant transformation is currently underway in the global economy, he said that markets are no longer focused solely on cost; sustainability has become an equally important consideration.
"The Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Mission is a key initiative driving this shift. Incorporating sustainability into core business strategies is now essential. Industries that invest early in clean technologies will gain better access to emerging markets in the years ahead," he said.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure and logistics, he said, they serve as fundamental pillars of our growth strategy.
This year's budget proposes a record level of capital expenditure to support these priorities, he said.
As India emerges as a beacon of hope for the world thanks to its robust economy, and as global supply chains undergo transformation, the prime minister said, rapid economic development has become the cornerstone for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
