Morning Digest | Private sector share in investment sees sharp decline in Q1; PM Modi announces agreement for use of UPI in France, and more

The Hindu’s Morning Digest brings readers a select list of stories to start the day

Q1 investment: Manufacturing stuttered, private sector share slipped

Private investors turned cautious in the first quarter of 2023-24, with fresh manufacturing investment plans shrinking 17.5% year-on-year and overall project outlays rising just 4.7% to ₹3.88 lakh crore, according to Projects Today. While the April to June period (Q1) recorded a sharp sequential decline in investment plans announced by private players — from a record high of ₹10.5 lakh crore in the previous quarter — proposed outlays by the Centre and State government did the heavy lifting.

PM in France | Modi describes India as ‘model of diversity’ and announces agreement for use of UPI in France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in France on July 13 and described India as a “model of diversity” and announced an agreement for the use of UPI in France, opening a huge new market for the Indian innovation in cashless instant payment. His two-day visit to France was interpreted as a step towards closer military cooperation between the two countries, as India was gearing up to acquire 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets that will fit into India’s maritime military plans. 

Three non-locals injured in militant attack in Shopian

Suspected militants shot at three non-local migrant workers injuring them seriously in south Kashmir’s Shopian on July 13 evening. Preliminary reports suggested that two gunmen opened fire at the three non-locals, who work as labourers, in Shopian’s Gagran area. The attack took place in the evening. The attackers managed to take advantage of the darkness and fled from the spot.

With over 51%, Trinamool registers its highest vote percentage in West Bengal panchayat polls