1.   

Double digit export growth likely to continue in Aug: Com Secy

India's merchandise exports are expected to continue with double digit growth in August on account of improving demand in markets such as Africa and the Asean region. "It is in double digits," Commerce Secretary S R Rao said when asked about exports growth in the month of August. In July, exports registered a growth rate of 11.64 percent, the most in nearly two years. They soared to USD 25.83 billion. The August figures are expected this week.

2.   

Russia lifts ban on import of rice, peanuts from India

Russia has lifted an eight-month-old ban on the import of Indian rice and peanuts, effective from this month, a move that would help traders regain their lost market. The Russian Federation had imposed the ban due to the presence of khapra beetles pest in rice and aflatoxin contamination of peanuts. "Russia has cancelled the temporary restriction on import of rice, rice cereals and peanuts from India. Exporters can resume export of these products effective from September 1," a senior government official told PTI.

3.   

"Right things" by India before Barack Obama meet will help capital flows: Manmohan Singh

Ahead of his summit meeting with US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said if India did the "right things" before his visit to Washington they will have an influence on the climate for capital flows from the US to the country. Singh while talking to newsmen onboard the special Air India aircraft, however, did not elaborate. Noting that he had important visits lined up in the coming weeks--US, Russia, ASEAN and China, Singh said all these countries are important trading partners, and therefore, whatever we may do in these meetings, they create a climate conducive to accelerating the processes of cooperation.

4.   

Indian wine may soon enter Thai market

Indian wine, which is slowly making itself seen in wine cellars in several countries, could soon enter the vast Thailand's vast market as an accompaniment to spicy Thai cuisine. "The Thai palate is similar to the Indian palate, our wines are well suited to Thai and Indian cuisine," Jagdish Holkar, Chairman of Indian Grape Processing Board and owner of Flamingo Vinyard told PTI. Holkar and some other Vineyard owners were here as part of a Agriculture Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) delegation to showcase Indian wines.