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Manmohan Singh visiting Russia, China

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting Russia and China from Oct 20-24 in what could likely be his last major overseas trip ahead of the 2014 national elections. Both countries have their own strategic importance for India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting Russia and China from Oct 20-24 in what could likely be his last major overseas trip ahead of the 2014 national elections. Both countries have their own strategic importance for India.

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Increasing farm production is the only longterm solution to food security: Sharad Pawar

Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Minister Sharad Pawar today emphasized that the only long-term solutions to ensuring food and nutrition security lay in increasing farm production. In his message on the World Food Day, the Minister also called for promoting sustainable food systems. Since sustainability of the farm sector depends to a great degree on the performance of small and marginal farmers, the Government has taken a number of initiatives keeping in view these farmers and other beneficiaries especially women and children, the Minister has stated.

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FTA between India and EFTA by early next year: Linus Von Castelmur

The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) may be in place by early next year, Linus Von Castelmur, the Switzerland ambassador to India, said on Thursday, with both sides trying to seal the deal before the general election in India next year. Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are the four nations that constitute the EFTA. “Negotiations are going on. There is a window of opportunity before the general elections next year.

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India seeks Hungary's support on India-EU trade pact

India Thursday sought Hungary's support for an early conclusion of the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement as both sides inked six agreements, including on transfer of defence know-how and in the field of traditional systems of medicine. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, addressing a press briefing after talks with visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said he has sought his "support for an early conclusion of the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement, which would enhance trade and investment flows between India and Hungary".