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WTO Chief: Climate Measures Must Avoid Protectionism

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has emphasized the need for climate measures to avoid appearing protectionist, amid growing global concerns over trade tools like carbon pricing. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry event in Visakhapatnam, she acknowledged the unprecedented disruption in global trade, the worst in 80 years, while highlighting India's potential as a key beneficiary as nations reconsider reliance on single markets. Okonjo-Iweala noted the existence of 113 carbon pricing schemes worldwide, which complicate export processes, and called for greater coherence between trade and environmental policies. With the EU planning to implement a carbon tax on imports by 2026, India has expressed resistance. Despite current challenges, she pointed out that 72% of global trade still operates under WTO rules and underscored the transformative potential of digitalization and AI for developing countries, projecting a 40% increase in global trade by 2040 if AI is adopted equitably. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 pm

India sets mill-specific sugar export quota of 1.5 mt

The Food Ministry has announced an export quota of 1.5 million tonnes of sugar for the 2025-26 season, allocating permits to operational sugar mills based on their average production over the past three seasons. Each mill will receive a uniform quota of 5.286% of their average output, with the option to export the allocated sugar directly or through merchant exporters until September 30, 2026. Mills that choose not to export can surrender their quota by March 31, 2026, allowing the government to reallocate it to more capable mills. Additionally, mills can exchange their export quotas for domestic sales quotas, although such exchanges will be final and cannot be reversed. The specific start date for exports has yet to be announced. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 pm

Tropical Agro unveils patented solution for sucking pests

Tropical Agro, one of India's leading agri-tech companies, has unveiled a new patented insecticide, Tag Fly Gold, designed to tackle major pests such as thrips, fruit borers, and whiteflies that threaten crop health and profitability. Approved by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee for use in chilli, the formulation has proven effective across high-value crops like cotton, tomato, and brinjal. Tag Fly Gold employs a triple active combination of diafenthiuron, fipronil, and dinotefuran, ensuring comprehensive pest control and reducing the risk of yield losses, which can range from 20-90% in severe infestations. The product not only enhances plant growth and resilience but also minimizes spray frequency and costs, supporting higher productivity. Founder V. K. Jhaver emphasized the importance of innovation in response to emerging pest challenges, as the product becomes available through Tropical Agro's extensive distribution network. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 pm

Unconventional Bihar Election Candidates: Singers to Bahubalis

In a vibrant election for Bihar's 234-seat Assembly, classical and folk singer Maithili Thakur emerged as the youngest MLA, winning the Alinagar constituency by 11,730 votes. The 25-year-old, a social media sensation, outperformed notable figures like Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav, who trailed in Chapra, and Ritesh Ranjan Pandey, who failed to secure the Kargahar seat. The elections also featured several controversial candidates, including jailed Janata Dal (United) leader Anant Singh, who won Mokama by 28,206 votes, and Osama Shahab, son of the late gangster Mohd Shahabuddin, who debuted successfully in Raghunathpur for the RJD. Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party's Sunil Kumar Choudhary, noted for having zero declared assets, finished a distant sixth in Pirpainti, and Pushpam Priya Choudhary, who campaigned masked and in black, garnered only 1,403 votes. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 pm

Navi Mumbai airport flights start December 25; Akasa Air bookings open

Navi Mumbai airport is set to open on Christmas Day, with Akasa Air launching reservations for flights connecting the new hub to Delhi, Goa (Mopa), Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Daily flights will operate from Delhi and Goa, while Kochi will see flights five days a week, and there will be a weekly service to Ahmedabad, as confirmed by the airline. The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, will initially operate for 12 hours daily, from 8 am to 8 pm, accommodating 8 to 10 flights per hour. This capacity is expected to increase gradually to 20 and then 30 movements per hour as operations ramp up. The opening marks a significant development in the region's aviation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity for travelers. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 pm

Nuts and Dried Fruits Target Gen-Z to Boost India Sales

At the 'Kaju Centennial Summit 2025' in Mangaluru, Ashok Krishen, Chairman of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), emphasized the importance of targeting Generation Z to boost nut consumption in India. With nearly 400 million Gen-Z individuals in the country, Krishen noted that if each consumed 30 grams of nuts daily for 250 days, it could account for half of the world's nut production, which totals 6 million tonnes. He announced the launch of a sustainability certification for INC members, aimed at enhancing product liquidity and market access. Krishen also highlighted the need for health claims regarding tree nuts, advocating for randomized clinical trials to establish their nutritional benefits. The summit, themed 'Honouring the past, embracing the future,' featured notable speakers, including Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and industry leaders, focusing on the future of the cashew industry. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 8 pm

Bayer and United India launch satellite-enabled agri insurance Alivio

Bayer, in partnership with United India Insurance, has launched Alivio, a digital agri-insurance solution designed to protect crops like corn and potatoes using satellite technology. Unlike traditional insurance, Alivio leverages high-resolution satellite data and advanced crop modelling to provide tailored, plot-based protection aligned with specific growth stages and local risks, such as droughts or extreme heat. The service, which means "relief" in Spanish, offers farmers actionable insights through a mobile app, allowing them to redeem assurance benefits instantly at Bayer partner stores. Initially targeting rainfed corn growers in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Alivio will monitor soil moisture and trigger benefits during critical growth phases. Bayer aims to expand Alivio to other crops and regions, part of its goal to support 100 million smallholders globally by 2030 through digital innovations that enhance productivity and resilience in agriculture. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 8 pm

Govt withdraws 21 QCOs on polymers and textiles

In a significant policy shift, the Chemicals Department has withdrawn 21 quality control orders (QCOs) this week, eliminating mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for key materials in the textile and plastic sectors. This move, aimed at enhancing the availability of raw materials and reducing production costs, particularly benefits micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The decision follows recommendations from a government panel led by Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba, which highlighted the need to remove non-tariff barriers that inflate input costs. Ajay Srivastava from GTRI noted that the withdrawal restores supply-chain stability and allows manufacturers greater flexibility in sourcing materials. However, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) maintains that QCOs have improved the quality of domestically produced goods. The changes are expected to streamline imports and stabilize domestic prices, easing cost pressures for manufacturers and exporters. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 8 pm

India's soymeal exports to decline due to EUDR, prices

India's soymeal exports are projected to plummet in the 2025-26 oil year, with the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) estimating shipments at just 800,000 tonnes, a significant drop from 20.23 lakh tonnes in the previous year. This decline is attributed to concerns over compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and rising prices, with Indian soymeal priced at approximately $425-$430 per tonne, compared to $320 for competitors like Brazil and Argentina. While Europe, particularly Germany, France, and the Netherlands, was a major market for Indian soymeal in 2024-25, the sluggish compliance process for EUDR norms and a recent $1 billion deal between the US and Bangladesh are expected to further impact demand. Despite a surge in exports to Europe last year, the overall decline reflects challenges in maintaining competitiveness in a price-sensitive global market. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 8 pm

Kochi auction sees steady tea prices

The CTC dust market in Kochi's tea auctions showed resilience, with a robust 99% of the 578,095 kg offered sold, driven by strong interest from blenders and local buyers. Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis reported that while the market opened with good liquoring teas slightly easing by ₹1 to ₹2, it firmed up as the sale progressed. In contrast, the orthodox dust market struggled, achieving only 31% sales from 27,000 kg offered. Anil George, chairman of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, noted fair demand in the CTC leaf market, with primary brokens seeing price increases, while secondary brokens were inconsistent. Orthodox whole-leaf varieties remained mostly steady but saw some declines, with active participation from buyers in the CIS and Middle East. George emphasized the cultural and economic significance of tea, highlighting that fair pricing bolsters quality, sustainability, and livelihoods. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 8 pm

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