Commodities

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of boosting India's domestic manufacturing to enhance the country's foreign policy and compete with China economically. He highlighted that neglect of the manufacturing sector before 2014 led to various challenges for India, affecting its ability to influence global affairs.

India's dominance in the global rice market is expected to continue despite recent restrictions, with the country projected to export a substantial 18 million tonnes of rice in 2024-25. This anticipated increase is attributed to record production levels in India and a surge in global rice consumption, particularly in India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

Guntur, the city of fiery chillies, is witnessing a heated political battle as the state prepares for Lok Sabha polls. The chilli trade, a vital source of income for lakhs of people, is at the forefront of the campaign, with farmers and traders demanding relief from export fees and better infrastructure.

India and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc have agreed to conclude talks on a revised free trade agreement by 2025, aiming to boost bilateral trade and address concerns raised by Indian businesses. The revised agreement will focus on improving market access, simplifying rules of origin, and harmonizing standards and regulations.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary asserts that the Modi government is actively working to revive previously closed sugar mills in the state. However, Lalu Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, criticizes Prime Minister Modi for failing to deliver on his 2014 promise to reopen these mills.