1.   

India's exports jump 11.64 percent in July

India's exports rose by 11.64 percent to $25.83 billion in July while imports dropped by 6.2 percent, government data showed Monday. The monthly trade deficit was $12.27 billion, almost the same level as the previous month. Trade deficit had narrowed to $12.24 billion in June after hitting a seven-month high in April. The total value of imports in July was $38.10 billion, compared to $40.61 billion in the same month last year, an year-on-year drop of 6.20 percent, according to data from the ministry of commerce and industry.

2.   

MEA asks Commerce Ministry to review FTAs, slowdown talks

Ministry of external affairs (MEA) is learnt to have asked the ministry of commerce and industry to review some of the key free trade agreements (FTAs) the country has signed with Singapore, Japan, Korea and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has also urged commerce ministry to slow down pace of negotiations with which it is negotiating similar deals presently such as with Thailand, New Zealand and Canada among others.

3.   

South Asia needs to step up investment in agriculture: K V Thomas

Stating that climate change and depleting natural resources are affecting food security across the globe, Food Minister K V Thomas today said there was a need to step up investment in the farm sector in South Asia. India has a challenge to feed estimated 1.3 billion population by 2018, he said, adding the government is focusing on tapping the agriculture potential in eastern region.

4.   

No proposal to give India MFN-status now: Pakistan

Pakistan today said it has no immediate plans to give MFN-status to India, claiming there is a need to normalise relations between the two countries. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, a close aide of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said the government was not considering any proposal to grant Most Favoured Nation-status to India. There is a need to normalise relations with India on several issues, Dar told Geo News channel tonight.