Foodgrains production in project area hit due to water shortage
A substantial fall in the area under irrigation has reduced the foodgrains production in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) command area in Rajasthan, covering both the rabi as well as the kharif crops. This is the first time that such a big dip in the area under irrigation has taken place due to severe water shortage.

Iraq’s rejection of wheat consignment not to affect export drive, says Centre
THE government said on Thursday the recent rejection of wheat consignment by Iraq would not hamper India’s foodgrains export drive, even as it sent a high-level delegation to Baghdad to examine the matter and suggest ‘corrective’ steps, if necessary.

Bullion burns bright; oils firm
Gold prices flared up on the bullion market here on Thursday on persistent heavy demand from stockists and in reflection to a higher price trend in the overseas markets. Silver, however, recovered on renewed demand.

Government to speed up trade pacts with Brazil, Columbia
THE Union government on Thursday said it has decided to expedite preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with at least two Latin American countries — Brazil and Columbia — within the next few months as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance trade relations with the region.

Cargo traffic declines at Kolkata, Mumbai ports
Berthing constraints and choked cargo evacuation routes have led to a massive decline in cargo traffic at the country’s oldest ports in Kolkata and Mumbai.