Business
Govts New Logistics Plan Aids In Supply Chain Efficiency, Achieving Sustainability Goals
New Delhi: The recently approved Integrated State and City Logistics Plan will help achieve India’s sustainability goals through the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles and the establishment of low-emission freight zones, reports have said.
The government launched the plan in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in eight cities across eight states, which will focus on evaluating existing logistics infrastructure, identifying bottlenecks, and preparing a roadmap for improvement.
The Centre has chosen Ludhiana, Shimla, Jaipur, Indore, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati to develop integrated state and city logistics plans as part of a programme led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), according to reports.
The logistics planners will prioritise freight demands from local retailers and e-commerce players, focusing on truck terminals, urban roads, and efficient last-mile delivery systems.
According to officials, these plans will later be replicated across the country to ensure seamless goods movement and stronger supply chain resilience.
The Asian Development Bank is offering technical support to align state-level logistics strategies with city freight networks and broader mobility goals.
Officials said that the dual focus on connecting growth hubs to major trunk routes at the state level and upgrading urban freight systems at the city level will enhance supply chain efficiency.
Sustainability measures being considered include the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery and implementation of noise-reduction measures.
DPIIT highlighted the importance of automation and data-driven decision-making in improving operational efficiency, cutting costs, and ensuring transparency in freight movement.
The planning for the project will take 6 to 8 months, a DPIIT official had informed, adding that if the plans are approved, the government may seek other support from the ADB for implementation.
A sign sits outside of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. March 18, 2026.
Megan Varner | Reuters
One American has tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo in connection to the deadly outbreak in central Africa that global health agencies are racing to contain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday.
The person was exposed as part of their work in Congo, developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday, Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response incident manager, told reporters on a call. The CDC and State Department are working to move that individual and six other Americans exposed to Ebola to Germany for treatment, care and monitoring.
But Pillai emphasized that no cases tied to the outbreak have been confirmed in the U.S., and that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.
Still, the CDC also announced on Monday that for the next 30 days, it will restrict entry into the country for people without a U.S. passport who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan or Uganda in the last three weeks.
The update came one day after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola epidemic a “public health emergency of international concern.” The outbreak does not meet the criteria of a “pandemic emergency,” but the WHO warned that the high positivity rate and increasing cases and deaths point toward a “potentially much larger outbreak” than what is being detected and reported.
As of Sunday, more than 300 suspected cases and 88 suspected deaths have been reported, primarily in Congo but also in neighboring Uganda, according to the CDC.
The specific virus involved in this outbreak, called Bundibugyo, has no vaccine or treatment. Historically, that virus has death rates ranging from 25% to 50%, the CDC added.
But agency officials told reporters on Monday that work is underway to develop a monoclonal antibody therapy as a potential treatment for this specific strain of Ebola.
Musk’s loss against OpenAI is the latest in a string of courtroom defeats.
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Britain’s largest ever business delegation has travelled to the US aimed at bolstering transatlantic trade, amid political turmoil at home and tensions over the Iran war, which continues to inflict economic damage.
This week’s mission to Los Angeles, involving more than 200 firms, comes in the wake of the King’s recent state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, which culminated with Donald Trump scrapping tariffs on UK-made whisky, in a major boost to the industry.
The deputation, which was originally to be led by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, is now being headed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, along with trade minister Blair McDougall.
The so-called Greater Together LA expo will seek to build on the existing commercial partnership between the two nations, which accounts for 430 billion dollars of trade each year, around 1.5 trillion dollars of investment in each others economies and supports more than 2.6 million jobs on either side of the Atlantic.
The event will be co-hosted by Universal Music Group boss Sir Lucian Grainge and former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, who jointly founded the creative collective LoveFrom.
Speakers include music impresario and Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, singer/songwriter Leona Lewis, designer Sir Paul Smith and astronaut Tim Peake.
It will also be attended by the chief executives of British Airways, News Corp and American Airlines.
Areas to be covered include co-operation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cultural exchange, fintech and scientific innovation.
The event is being held against a background of political upheaval in the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under pressure to quit following disastrous local election results for Labour, and fractious relations with the White House over the Middle East conflict that saw the US president threaten to change a trade deal with Britain.
While the Government has remained tight-lipped over the potential implications of recent developments for the major business event, insiders have pointed out the close, long-standing UK-US relationship runs deeper than individuals and current rifts.
The lasting partnership built on shared values was highlighted in a video message by the King to be played at the event, which continued the theme of his recent historic address to Congress.
Charles said: “The United Kingdom and the United States share one of the most enduring and consequential relationships in modern history, one forged through decades of collaboration and grounded in a shared belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and human endeavour.
“From our common language and vibrant creative industries to our academic partnerships, scientific collaborations, and technological innovations, our cultures are woven together in ways that are immeasurable, but of enduring value.”
The King added: “These ties are reflected not only on financial balance sheets, but in the living, breathing connections between our people, whose lives and livelihoods are so richly enhanced by them.
“During my visit to the United States the other day I was once again struck by the extraordinary warmth of the American people, by the natural affinity between our countries and by the importance of working together for the benefit of all.
“My conversations with businesses and entrepreneurs throughout that visit also reinforced what I have long believed, that our relationship is not merely a matter of shared history but a living dynamic partnership built on common values of democracy, freedom and opportunity.
“This is a partnership that must be continually renewed and strengthened for future generations.”
Charles went on: “So today, as you come together, I can only encourage you to deepen existing alliances and forge new ones.
“Your decisions, your willingness to think boldly about collaboration, will help create opportunities that benefit communities across the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.”
Ms Nandy hailed the UK’s creative industries, sporting heritage and tourism as “among our greatest national assets” and said the LA expo provided an “extraordinary opportunity to showcase them on the world stage”.
The Labour Cabinet minister said: “From our music and film sectors to sport and the arts, this delegation will demonstrate the immense cultural and commercial value the UK brings to our partnership with the United States.
“I look forward to deepening those connections and opening new doors for British talent and creativity.”
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