AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES MEETING REQUIREMENTS
Govt revises biomass guidelines to boost bio energy and ease of doing business
The Centre has revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme, aiming to boost cleaner energy adoption and ease business operations. These revisions simplify processes, documentation, and performance monitoring, particularly benefiting MSMEs. The changes also address stubble management and support India's net-zero emissions goal by 2070, offering flexible biomass product sales and performance-based financial assistance.
Centre issues model rules to ease tree felling on agricultural land, boost agroforestry
To boost agroforestry and double farmers' income, the Centre has introduced model rules for tree felling on agricultural land. These rules aim to simplify permissions, promote sustainable land use, and align with climate goals. By registering on the National Timber Management System (NTMS), farmers can gain transparency and access better market prices for their timber, including international markets.
UP govt offering subsidies on purchase of agricultural drones, machinery
The Uttar Pradesh government is offering subsidies on agricultural drones and machinery to boost productivity for farmers. Applications are being accepted online through www.agridarshan.up.gov.in until July 12. Farmers can apply for subsidies under various schemes, including Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization, for equipment like drones, harvesters, and planters.
Maharashtra govt to install automated weather stations in every village
The Maharashtra government is set to install automated weather stations (AWS) in every village, expanding from the current revenue circle level, under the Union Government's WINDS project. This initiative aims to provide accurate, localized weather data to assist farmers, aid in disaster management, and support agricultural research.
Livestock & fishing fuel agriculture growth, shows govt report
A government report indicates a rise in the importance of livestock and fishing in India's agriculture. Livestock's share increased to 31.2% in 2023-24. Fishing and aquaculture expanded to 7% during the same period. Andhra Pradesh leads in fishing due to shrimp farming. The agriculture sector's contribution to GVA decreased, signaling a shift towards industry and services.
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma says govt working to transform state into $350 bn economy
Rajasthan aims for a USD 350 billion economy. The government plans to use AI in agriculture to boost productivity. Skill training will make youth employable. New policies will reduce logistics costs. A Centre of Excellence of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture will be established. Logistics parks linked with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor are planned.
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India's macroeconomic variables to remain stable in FY26, consumption growth to pick up: ITC
ITC's annual report projects a stable Indian economy in FY26, with GDP growth around 6.5%. Consumption is expected to rise, driven by rural recovery and stabilizing urban demand as inflation eases and tax cuts boost incomes. Government initiatives, infrastructure development, and financial reforms are anticipated to further propel economic growth, solidifying India's position as a leading global economy.
Output of farm sector rises to Rs 29.49 lakh crore in FY24: Govt data
The agriculture and allied sector in India has witnessed substantial growth, with the Gross Value of Output increasing by 54.6% between FY12 and FY24, reaching Rs 29.49 lakh crore. While the crop sector remains the largest contributor, cereals, fruits, and vegetables dominate. Notably, banana's GVO surpassed mango's, and potato continues to lead in the vegetable group.
'We maintain constant watch': MEA on China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral meeting
Speaking at a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We maintain a constant watch on the developments in our neighbourhood that have a bearing on our interests and our security, our relations with individual countries, while they stand on their own footing, take into account the evolving context as well."
India can create 35 crore jobs by 2030, only if it fixes this problem
A new study by NCAER reveals India's potential to create 35 crore jobs in manufacturing and services by 2030, contingent on significant skilling initiatives and investment. While the labor force has grown, job creation lags, with the services sector projected to contribute the most.
India now looking to amend Ganges Treaty with Bangladesh
India is considering revising the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, set to expire in 2026, to better align with its current developmental needs. The existing treaty, signed in 1996, outlines water division at the Farakka Barrage during the dry season.
Now, give credit where credit's due
As leaders convene in Seville, reforming the credit-rating system to prioritize developing countries' needs is crucial. The current system, dominated by a few agencies, unfairly increases borrowing costs for these nations. Regulations like Basel 4 and IFRS 9 further discourage investment in vital sectors like agriculture and climate adaptation, hindering development and perpetuating inequality.
After magnets, China now plants agriculture barrier for India
For the past two months, China has ceased exporting specialty fertilizers crucial for enhancing the production of fruits and vegetables to India, despite continuing shipments to other countries. This halt, impacting India's reliance on China for 80% of these chemicals, is attributed to inspections and procedural delays imposed by the Chinese government, raising concerns about potential retaliatory measures.
Commodity inflation to fall, outlook appears positive in coming quarters: Nestle India CMD
Nestle India faces commodity inflation, particularly with coffee and cocoa at decade-high prices, impacting volume growth and margins. Outgoing Chairman Suresh Narayanan anticipates stabilization and a more positive outlook in upcoming quarters, emphasizing cost-saving measures and responsible pricing. Despite challenges, new product launches and e-commerce strategies contribute to sales, with India becoming a key market for Nestle.
Quad FMs meet early next week in Washington in backdrop of West Asian developments
Quad foreign ministers will meet in Washington next week. Discussions will cover the Indo-Pacific region and West Asia. India will advocate for stronger anti-terror measures following the Pahalgam attack. The meeting prepares for the Quad summit India plans to host later this year. S Jaishankar will also meet with American officials during the visit.
A perfect storm of colliding trends is raging: Nandan Nilekani
Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani addressed shareholders at the AGM, highlighting global challenges like tariff wars and the energy transition. He emphasized the shift towards fragmented markets, urging supply chain diversification and AI adoption. Infosys is training employees in AI and working on numerous generative AI projects, while also expanding into tier-2 and 3 cities for talent acquisition.
Agri-Tech startup ONO appoints Anurag Sinha as Chief Business Officer to lead expansion
In this strategic leadership role, Sinha will spearhead ONO’s growth strategy, forge key partnerships, and drive go-to-market efforts across India’s diverse mandi ecosystem.
$100+ Crude? Rupee at 90? Gold at ₹1 lakh? Kotak’s Anindya Banerjee explains what’s coming
Rising Middle East tensions and potential disruption at the Strait of Hormuz are creating risk premiums in oil and gold. Kotak Securities’ Anindya Banerjee sees crude possibly hitting $100, the rupee sliding to 90/USD, and volatility across commodities and Indian markets.
Voters to now provide proof of citizenship starting with Bihar elections
The Election Commission introduces new rules for voter enrollment. Voters enrolled after 2003-04 must now provide proof of citizenship. This includes a self-attested declaration and supporting documents. The move aims to remove illegal immigrants from the electoral roll. Bihar will be the first state to implement the special intensive revision. Other states will follow soon.
TNAU Rank List 2025 to be out soon at tnau.ac.in; check steps to download and other key details
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Annamalai University are preparing to release the TNAU 2025 Rank List for undergraduate admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. Candidates who applied can access the rank list in PDF format on the official website, tnau.ac.in, by entering their application number. Applicants should regularly check the website for updates regarding the rank list release.
Indonesia to make ecommerce firms collect tax on sellers' sales, sources say
The planned directive, which also aims to level the playing field with brick-and-mortar shops, could be announced as soon as next month, one of the sources said, as Southeast Asia's largest economy grapples with weak revenue collection.
Karnataka govt to drop 495 acres from hi-tech aerospace park plan after protests
The land is situated across three villages in Channarayapatna hobli in the Bengaluru rural district. Local farmers have been on a protest seeking to stall the acquisition. The minister said the government will not acquire any more land from the hobli for industrial purposes.
Inside Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s bold new vision to modernise Indian farms and farmers
The government will launch the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan again for the Rabi crop, says Chouhan, signaling that the initiative will extend beyond its initial timeline.
UP CM Adityanath okays bridge on Ganga, road overbridge in Bhadohi; backs carpet industry revival
During his visit, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Bhadohi's carpet industry resurgence, attributing the state's 60% share in India's carpet exports to local artisans and government support. He approved a Ganga river bridge and a road overbridge to boost infrastructure.
Ujjivan, ESAF, Equitas, and other small finance bank shares rally up to 6% as RBI eases priority sector lending norms
Shares of small finance banks (SFBs) jumped up to 6% on Monday after the RBI relaxed priority sector lending (PSL) norms, lowering the mandatory target from 75% to 60% starting FY26. ESAF SFB led the rally with a 6% gain, followed by Ujjivan, Utkarsh, Equitas, Suryoday, Jana, and AU SFB, all posting solid intraday gains.
Govt says pulses, oilseeds production rising as MPs express concern over imports
The government informed a parliamentary committee that pulse and edible oil production significantly increased in the last decade compared to the previous one. While oilseed production rose by 55% between 2014-15 and 2024-25, dependence on imports, especially palm oil, remains a concern.
RBI cuts small finance banks' lending requirement to priority sectors
The Reserve Bank of India has made a significant change. It has lowered the priority sector lending requirement for small finance banks. The mandated portion is reduced by 15 percentage points. Now, these banks need to allocate 60% of their lending to priority sectors. Earlier, it was 75%. This decision follows a review by the Reserve Bank of India.
AIC seeks GST exemption on all rural general insurance plans
Agriculture Insurance Company Ltd. urges the GST Council to eliminate the 18% GST on rural-focused general insurance, including agriculture and allied risks, to improve affordability and coverage. While government-sponsored crop schemes are exempt, the insurer advocates extending similar support to all rural-centric products.
Sebi allows IAs, RAs to use liquid mutual funds, overnight funds to meet deposit requirement
Markets regulator Sebi has allowed Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) to use liquid mutual funds and overnight funds as an additional option to the bank fixed deposit to meet their deposit requirements.
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