The Times of India

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Make Up 50% Of Rural Monthly Consumption

The government has declared coking coal a critical mineral. This move aims to boost exploration and mining activities. India imports most of its coking coal despite having large domestic reserves. This reform seeks to reduce import dependence. It will strengthen the steel sector's supply chain. The policy also encourages private investment and advanced mining technologies.

India is piloting a digital food currency, a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), for its free ration scheme in select regions. Beneficiaries will receive digital food coupons in an RBI-enabled wallet, redeemable at ration shops by scanning QR codes. This aims to enhance transparency and prevent leakage in the food security program.

World Bank President Ajay Banga advised India to prioritize trade expansion over tariffs. He highlighted India's extensive trade agreements, including the recent India-European Union free trade deal. Global trade has grown significantly, with emerging markets like India playing a crucial role. This new pact will create a vast market connecting India and the EU.

Crop protection innovation is science-intensive, capital-heavy and inherently long-term. Developing a new molecule can take more than a decade, demanding sustained investment and regulatory certainty.

Indian markets mirrored global trends as US stocks traded near record highs amidst mixed tech earnings. Microsoft dipped despite strong results, while Meta surged. Gold continued its extraordinary rally, driven by safe-haven demand amid global uncertainties. Overseas markets saw gains, with South Korea's Kospi hitting a new peak.

Ports in the country handled 1,593.04 million tonne per annum traffic in fiscal 2025, clocking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~4% over last five fiscals. Meanwhile, port capacity increased to 2,762 million tonne.

Silver prices in Delhi surged past Rs 4 lakh per kg, while gold hit a record Rs 1.83 lakh per 10 grams. This rally, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, saw silver outperform gold due to strong industrial demand and a weakening US dollar. Global gold demand also reached a record high, fueled by investment.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi met with Shashi Tharoor to address internal concerns ahead of the Kerala assembly polls. The constructive and positive discussion aimed to quell speculation and ensure party unity. Tharoor emphasized moving forward together, dismissing discussions about a chief ministerial face.

Fundamentally, factors that shape the trade policy are changing. It is now majorly about security and political considerations rather than efficiency or multilateral rules.

Vijay's father, SA Chandrasekhar, urged Congress to ally with his son's TVK for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, believing it would restore the party's past prominence. However, the state Congress chief dismissed the informal proposal, stating the party doesn't require external support. Vijay himself has indicated TVK's strength to contest independently.