India and Britain will resume their talks on a free trade agreement by the end of January, an Indian government source told Reuters on Thursday.

With the global demand for Indian spirits growing at a healthy rate, the government is planning to promote both Indian alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the international markets and is eyeing USD one billion (about Rs 8,000 crore) exports in the next few years. The commerce ministry’s arm APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) said that India currently ranks 40th in the world for alcoholic beverage exports. As per estimates, the country has huge unrealised export potential.

India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), specialized operational hubs established by multinational corporations to centralize and optimize business processes. These centers, originally focused on cost-driven back-office operations, have transitioned into strategic units driving innovation, research, and high-value capabilities. Recognizing their significance, the Indian government is formulating a new umbrella policy aimed at attracting more GCCs, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, to ensure widespread economic benefits.

Today, Thursday, the penultimate sesame seed tender of this year was concluded and the full tendered quantity was distributed. The first position of 3,000 mt is divided between Nigeria (1,500 mt), Burkina Faso (900 mt) and Tanzania (600 mt), which were able to convince with bid prices of USD 1,739-1,744/mt. Indian exporters were able to secure the second position for around 1,800 mt, while Nigeria and Mozambique each contributed 900 mt. The price range here is USD 1,741-1,749/mt

Prices of parboiled rice exported from India held steady this week as strong demand from Africa offset pressure from new crop yields, while Vietnamese rates decreased due to strong supplies and Thai rates edged up on baht appreciation.

In a significant boost to Assam's agricultural export sector, state minister of education and welfare of plain tribe and backward classes, Ranoj Pegu, flagged off the first consignment of fresh produce to Dubai from Sivasagar district on Thursday. The shipment, consisting of 1,000 kg of lemons and 1,500 kg of pumpkins, marks a milestone in the state's efforts to establish itself in the international market.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been incentivizing food processing entrepreneurs, including small and medium, for setting up/expansion of related industries through its Central Sector Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) Scheme, Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) and Centrally Sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme across the country. These schemes are not region or state specific but demand driven.

India's maritime sector is poised to play a transformative role in the country's vision of becoming world's third-largest economy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), had commissioned a study through NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS), namely, ‘Study to determine post-harvest losses of agri produce in India’ in 2022, with reference year 2020-22.