Welcome to the first edition of The Stir.
India is loud. The news cycle is louder. Between breaking alerts, TV panel shouting matches, and WhatsApp forwards, it gets difficult to know what's actually going on.
We started The Stir because we think you deserve better than that.
In every issue, we'll bring you what matters - in the economy, the world, society, and the quieter corners of India. No ideology. Just clear and fair journalism about this vast and vibrant country.
We're just getting started, and we're glad you're here from day one. Let's get into it.
Today’s issue covers:
India removes import duties on key chemicals to steady manufacturing
Europe is turning to India to launch its satellites
Sorting your waste is no longer optional in India
Forest Safety First: NGT Halts Assam Election Deployment Plan
State of the Week - Maharashtra
Money Matters
India removes import duties on key chemicals to steady manufacturing
The Government of India has cut import duties to zero on a range of critical industrial chemicals, a temporary move aimed at easing cost pressure on domestic manufacturers. The exemption, notified by the Ministry of Finance, will remain in place until June 30.
These inputs typically attract customs duties of 5-10% and are widely used across manufacturing sectors such as plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and auto components. The duty waiver comes amid global supply disruptions and price volatility, driven by tighter shipping routes and instability in West Asia.
Manufacturing hubs including Gujarat and Maharashtra are expected to see the fastest impact, particularly in sectors operating on thin margins. The government estimates the move will cost the exchequer about ₹1,800 crore, a price it is willing to pay to stabilize production as global supply chains remain uncertain.
Why it matters:
This is trade policy being used as a buffer, not to reshape markets, but to prevent external shocks from quietly feeding into factory shutdowns and higher domestic prices.
The Global Stir
Europe is turning to India to launch its satellites
Eutelsat - Europe's largest satellite operator and rival to Elon Musk's Starlink - is in serious talks with ISRO for future satellite launches.
After losing access to Russian rockets following the Ukraine war, Eutelsat has been uncomfortable with its dependence on SpaceX. India is now a credible alternative. ISRO has already launched 72 Eutelsat-linked satellites successfully, and Eutelsat's CEO flew to Delhi in February as part of President Macron's official delegation - signaling this is as much diplomacy as it is business.
For India, the stakes are significant. The country is targeting a $44 billion space economy by 2033, with global partnerships at its core. Being on Europe's shortlist is a marker of that ambition becoming real.
Science & Public Health
Sorting your waste is no longer optional in India
From April 1, India has enforced updated waste management rules that make four-way waste segregation mandatory for households. Waste must now be separated into wet, dry, sanitary, and hazardous categories. Segregation was encouraged earlier, but these rules bring clear enforcement and penalties.
The goal is to improve what happens after collection. Wet waste can go for composting. Dry waste can enter recycling streams. Sanitary and hazardous waste can be handled separately, reducing health risks and landfill contamination. Local bodies can now impose fines under the “polluter pays” principle for non-compliance.
The rules also introduce tracking systems to monitor waste from generation to final disposal, aimed at preventing mixed waste and system leakages.
From the Edges
Forest Safety First: NGT Halts Assam Election Deployment Plan
The National Green Tribunal has put a temporary stop to the Assam government’s plan to send around 1,600 forest guards for election duty.
The tribunal said moving them away could weaken forest protection and increase risks like poaching. It also noted the decision may go against existing laws and a Supreme Court direction that restricts using forest staff for such duties.
For now, the order is on hold, with the tribunal prioritizing wildlife and forest safety over election logistics.
State of the Week - Maharashtra
While the south heats up, Maharashtra gets some breathing room
India’s summer will not play out evenly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to see 2-4 more heatwave days than normal between April and June, particularly across inland and coastal districts.
Maharashtra, by contrast, is likely to see fewer extreme heat days. IMD forecasts intermittent cloud cover and above-normal rainfall in parts of April, which could keep daytime temperatures 1-2°C below average in some regions.
That relief will be uneven. Vidarbha and Marathwada remain more vulnerable to heat, while Konkan may benefit from coastal winds and cloud cover. Across the state, warmer-than-usual nights could still increase heat stress despite milder days.
India never stops. Neither do we. See you in the next one.