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Will a 100% tariff be imposed on India soon? The US Senate has approved a bill regarding sanctions on Russian oil.The US Senate has passed a bill—by a vote of 86 to 11—authorizing the imposition of tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase oil, gas, and other products from Russia. Supporters of the bill have identified India as one of the five nations to which this provision could apply. However, this does not mean that a 100% tariff will be immediately imposed on India.The proposed legislation is titled the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026.’ Under this act, countries such as China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan could face action. While the bill sets a maximum tariff limit of 100%, the responsibility for determining the actual rate would lie with the US Trade Representative (USTR).The President would also have the authority to grant exemptions to any country based on national interest. Additionally, the policy would be subject to review every 180 days.India maintains that purchasing oil from Russia is essential for its energy security and domestic needs. New Delhi has described US pressure regarding energy purchases from Russia as unjustified.The US has previously imposed additional tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, though these were later removed during trade negotiations. Now, following the Senate's approval, pressure on India is likely to mount once again.As of now, the bill has not yet become law. Following Senate approval, it must proceed to the House of Representatives. It can only become law after passing there and receiving the President's signature.Therefore, the imposition of a 100% tariff on India is not a certainty at this stage. Even if the bill becomes law, the specific tariff rate would be determined separately. In short, while there is a potential risk of a 100% tariff on India, it is not yet a definite outcome.read more :- Centre Spends ₹69,860 Crore on Cotton

Centre Spent ₹69,860 Crore on Cotton Procurement in Telangana: Kishan ReddyHyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy stated on the occasion of National Handloom Day that the Central Government has spent over ₹69,860 crore on procuring cotton from farmers in Telangana under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism.Kishan Reddy said that the PM MITRA Mega Textile Park being developed in Warangal will integrate traditional textile techniques with modern machinery and technology. This will boost the textile and handloom sectors in the state and create new employment opportunities.He noted that the Modi government is advancing the '5F' vision for the textile sector alongside the 'Make in India' initiative. This vision emphasizes the journey from Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign markets. The objective is to strengthen the textile value chain from the farm to the global market. Kishan Reddy mentioned that incentives worth approximately ₹9 lakh crore are being provided for the sector's development up to 2030.According to the Minister, initiatives such as the PLI scheme, PM MITRA Park, National Handloom Development Program, Raw Material Supply Scheme, and Mudra Yojana are being implemented to support weavers. Through these schemes, assistance is being provided in areas including modern looms, raw materials, worksheds, design development, marketing, credit, and social security.He stated that the use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics is being increased in the handloom and textile sectors. This will help improve productivity, quality, and market access. Kishan Reddy noted that this sector provides direct and indirect employment to approximately five crore people.Ramchandra Rao Extends Greetings to WeaversTelangana BJP President N. Ramchandra Rao extended his best wishes to weavers, artisans, and their families on National Handloom Day. He stated that regions such as Narayanpet, Kothakota, Gadwal, Pochampally, and Sircilla are renowned both within the country and abroad for their distinctive handloom traditions. He urged people to purchase and wear handloom products.Organizational MeetingAn organizational meeting of the Telangana BJP also took place at the party's headquarters in New Delhi. Several senior leaders attended the meeting, including National President Nitin Nabin, Kishan Reddy, N. Ramchandra Rao, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and K. Laxman. Telangana in-charge Abhay Patil and State General Secretary (Organization) Chandrashekhar Tiwari were also present.read more :- Nandurbar Kharif Sowing Stalls

Maharashtra's Nandurbar District Awaits Rain; Kharif Sowing Only 90% CompleteWhile many parts of the state have received heavy rainfall, other areas are still waiting for rain. Intense downpours have left several urban areas waterlogged. Light to moderate rain is likely in some regions, while heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in other parts of the state.Nandurbar district is eagerly awaiting heavy rainfall. The water crisis is deepening, and sowing operations have stalled in many places. Farmers are distressed by this halt in sowing, as the lack of rain casts a shadow over the Kharif season; so far, only 90 percent of the Kharif sowing has been completed.The lack of rain has impacted the cultivation of cotton, maize, and soybean, causing growing anxiety among farmers who remain hopeful for rainfall.read more :- CCI Raises Cotton Prices ₹700

CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹700 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 1.52 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹700 per candy during the week ending August 7, 2026, reflecting firm demand from textile mills and cotton traders.During the week, CCI sold approximately 1,52,000 bales of cotton from the 2025–26 crop, with the highest auction volume recorded on Wednesday.*Day-Wise CCI Auction Performance*August 03, 2026 (Monday)CCI began the week with the sale of 17,800 bales. Textile mills purchased 8,500 bales, while traders lifted 9,300 bales.August 04, 2026 (Tuesday)Auction activity strengthened as total sales increased to 41,100 bales. Mills purchased 21,600 bales, while traders bought 19,500 bales.August 05, 2026 (Wednesday)Wednesday witnessed the highest auction volume of the week, with 48,100 bales sold. Traders dominated the buying, purchasing 37,100 bales, while mills bought 11,000 bales.August 06, 2026 (Thursday)CCI sold 21,500 bales during Thursday's auction. Mills accounted for 7,700 bales, while traders purchased 13,800 bales.August 07, 2026 (Friday)The week's auctions concluded with sales of 23,500 bales. Mills purchased 7,200 bales, and traders bought 16,300 bales.Following the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season reached approximately *90,36,800 bales* , highlighting continued strong demand from both domestic textile mills and cotton traders.

Launch of 'Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme' in Nagaland; weavers to get affordable, high-quality yarnOn the occasion of National Handloom Day, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio virtually launched the 'Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme.' The scheme aims to strengthen the state's handloom sector and provide better support for the livelihoods of weavers.Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu, and other senior officials attended the virtual event held in Kohima. The yarn bank established under this scheme will operate from the District Industries Centre within the State Industrial Area at Toluvi, Dimapur.The 'Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme' seeks to address a long-standing issue faced by weavers: the unavailability of quality natural yarn at reasonable prices. Previously, this lack of access led to increased production costs and negatively impacted their income.Under the scheme, the state government will provide a 15 percent subsidy to weavers. Additionally, yarn made from cotton, Eri silk, Muga silk, bamboo fibers, and other natural blended fibers will be made available at mill-gate prices. This will enable weavers to procure high-quality materials at a lower cost, thereby enhancing the market competitiveness of their products.The government expects approximately 5,000 to 10,000 weavers to benefit from this scheme annually. Through a transparent and reliable distribution system, eligible weavers will be able to purchase yarn directly from the yarn bank. This will reduce dependence on middlemen and ensure greater benefits for the artisans.Addressing the event, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that this initiative is a crucial part of the state government's commitment to promoting the handloom sector and strengthening the livelihoods of artisans. He remarked that handloom is not merely a means of textile production but an expression of Nagaland's identity, culture, and rich heritage. Appreciating the contribution of the state's weavers—particularly women—the Chief Minister noted that they play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of families while preserving traditional craftsmanship. He called upon eligible weavers, government departments, cooperative societies, self-help groups, village institutions, and community leaders to work collaboratively to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible artisan.On the occasion of National Handloom Day, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to preserve, promote, and propagate Nagaland's rich handloom heritage. He expressed confidence that the 'Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme' would open up new opportunities for weavers in the coming years and bring renewed recognition to the state's traditional handloom art.read more :-

Record Sowing of Cotton and Groundnut in Bhavnagar District; Farmers Anticipate Good PricesBhavnagar: The current Kharif season appears very promising for farmers in the district. Thanks to good rainfall and favorable weather conditions, farmers have undertaken large-scale sowing of cotton and groundnut. By the end of the third week of July, Kharif crop sowing had been completed across 358,100 hectares in the district. This represents 80.65 percent of the district's total Kharif cultivation area of 444,000 hectares.Cotton cultivation has covered the largest area in the district this year. Farmers in rural areas, including Talaja and Mahuva, have prioritized cotton sowing. Meanwhile, groundnut has also been cultivated over a vast area. Farmers are hopeful that adequate rainfall and favorable weather will lead to good yields for both crops.According to Agriculture Department data, cotton has been sown across 216,000 hectares so far, accounting for approximately 56 percent of the total Kharif sowing. Additionally, groundnut has been cultivated on 116,000 hectares. The increased acreage for both major crops has raised farmers' expectations for better yields and higher income.Farmers state that if the monsoon remains normal in the coming days, the cotton and groundnut crops could perform exceptionally well. They are particularly optimistic about achieving good cotton production and securing favorable market prices.The District Agriculture Officer confirmed that large-scale cotton sowing has taken place in Bhavnagar district this year. The Agriculture Department is continuously monitoring the condition of the crops.Bhavnagar district has recorded approximately 51 percent of its expected rainfall so far. Periodic rains are providing the necessary moisture to the crops. While some other districts have faced damage due to excessive rainfall, the weather in Bhavnagar has remained conducive to farming so far. Farmers are hopeful that if the rainfall pattern remains favorable in the coming days, the production of cotton and groundnut could increase. There is a possibility of an improvement in farmers' income this Kharif season due to better yields and good market prices.

CCI Cotton Bale Prices Rebound in July Despite Slowing SalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) witnessed a mixed trend in its cotton bales sales during the last three months, with average selling prices recovering in July even as total sales volumes continued to decline. The price analysis is based on the Akola BB SPL Mode (29 MM) benchmark, which has been taken as the base price for this report.According to CCI data, the average selling price stood at ₹67,170 per candy in May 2026, when the corporation sold 10.22 lakh bales, with prices revised six times during the month. In June, the average selling price declined 5.95% to ₹63,175 per candy, while sales fell to 9.42 lakh bales. Price revisions were made five times, reflecting softer market sentiment and cautious buying by textile mills.The market regained momentum in July, with the average selling price rising 2.38% to ₹64,675 per candy. Although CCI revised prices eight times during the month—the highest in the three-month period—total sales slipped further to 9.09 lakh bales, indicating slower offtake despite improved pricing.The recovery in July prices suggests renewed buying interest and firmer demand from spinning mills. However, the continuous decline in sales volumes points to cautious procurement by buyers amid changing market conditions and increased availability of imported cotton.Market participants believe CCI's frequent price revisions in July reflected its efforts to align sales with prevailing market trends. Going forward, CCI sales and pricing are expected to depend on domestic cotton arrivals, mill demand, import trends, and overall sentiment in the textile sector.read more :- 

The Indian rupee strengthened by 07 paise against the US dollar on Friday, closing at 95.21 per dollar.The domestic currency opened at 95.28 per dollar and remained under pressure for most of the session, trading within a narrow range. However, it managed to recover marginally and ended the day at 95.21, marking a modest gain against the greenback.Stock Market Live Updates: Sensex closed nearly 456 points lower (0.58%) at 78,499 while Nifty 50 fell only 65 points (0.27%) to end the session at 24,571. Border markets were mixed, with Nifty Smallcap 100 closing in the red, while Nifty Midcap 100 gained 0.2%.read more :- Nagaur Cotton Sowing Hits 7-Year Low

Pink Bollworm and Rising Costs Dim the Shine of ‘White Gold’; Cotton Sowing in Nagaur Hits a Seven-Year LowNagaur: Cotton, once considered the preferred cash crop for farmers in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, is gradually losing its luster. Known as ‘White Gold,’ this crop is proving to be less profitable for farmers. Due to consistently declining yields, rising cultivation costs, the growing menace of the pink bollworm, and the failure to secure expected market prices, farmers are rapidly shifting towards alternative crops. This trend was clearly evident during the Kharif 2026 sowing season.The Agriculture Department had set a target to sow cotton across 62,000 hectares in the district for the Kharif 2026 season; however, by the end of the season, sowing was completed on only 32,150 hectares. This figure represents approximately 52 percent of the set target and marks the lowest cotton acreage recorded in the district over the past seven years.Agricultural experts attribute the decline in soil fertility and productivity to the long-term, continuous cultivation of cotton in Nagaur’s sandy loam soil. They note that cotton is primarily a crop suited for black soil; consequently, continuous cultivation in sandy loam areas has led to a steady drop in production. For this reason, farmers prioritized alternative crops like guar (cluster bean) this year. In the Kharif 2026 season, guar sowing was recorded across 124,250 hectares in the district.According to farmers, the average cotton yield has currently dropped to just 1.5 to 2 quintals per bigha. While the gross income from cultivating cotton on approximately 10 bighas reaches around ₹1.20 lakh, the net profit remains minimal after deducting expenses for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, labor, and other farming costs. Thus, cotton cultivation is no longer as profitable for farmers as it used to be. Data from the past seven years confirms the declining acreage of cotton. Cotton sowing in the district was recorded at 56,143 hectares in 2020, 58,457 hectares in 2021, 74,557 hectares in 2022, 48,500 hectares in 2023, 59,302 hectares in 2024, and 37,250 hectares in 2025; by 2026, it had dropped to just 32,150 hectares—the lowest level in seven years.In the initial years, Bt cotton had largely kept the pink bollworm infestation under control, but the pest has now begun to affect Bt varieties as well. Consequently, farmers' expenditure on pesticides is steadily rising. Although the government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for medium-staple cotton at ₹7,710 per quintal for the 2026-27 season, farmers are unable to reap the expected benefits due to low yields and escalating production costs. This is why farmers in Degana and Merta—Nagaur's major cotton-producing regions—are rapidly shifting towards cultivating cluster beans (guar) and other alternative crops. Experts believe that unless effective control over the pink bollworm, cost reductions, and better market prices are ensured, cotton acreage in the district could shrink further in the coming years.read more :- Telangana Kharif Sowing Picks Up

Delayed rains boost Kharif sowing in Telangana, but low water storage raises concernsHyderabad: Sowing activity for the Kharif (Vanakalam) season in Telangana has picked up significantly following increased monsoon activity. By August 5, sowing had been completed across 96.74 lakh acres, representing approximately 73 percent of the normal Kharif acreage of 132.38 lakh acres. However, water storage levels in major reservoirs—significantly lower than last year—remain a cause for concern regarding irrigation availability and crop productivity.As of July 22, sowing had covered only 68.43 lakh acres (51.69 percent) of the state's area. The intensification of the monsoon during the second half of July, coupled with heavy rains in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, increased water inflows into the Krishna and Godavari river basins, enabling farmers to accelerate sowing operations.Farmers who had previously deferred sowing due to irrigation uncertainties resumed field operations rapidly following the recent rains. A notable increase has been recorded in the sowing of rain-fed crops, including cotton, maize, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), pulses, groundnut, and soybean. Meanwhile, paddy nurseries are being prepared in irrigated areas.Despite this, water availability remains a concern. As of August 5, major reservoirs in the state held 438.90 TMC (thousand million cubic) feet of water, compared to 725.36 TMC during the same period last year. Although water storage has improved from the 321.24 TMC recorded two weeks ago, the significant deficit compared to the previous year is raising concerns about future irrigation availability.Crop-wise data also presents a mixed picture. Paddy sowing has reached 26.16 lakh acres, against a normal acreage of 65.96 lakh acres. During the same period last year, paddy sowing covered 28.74 lakh acres. In contrast, cotton sowing has reached 46.80 lakh acres—nearly matching the normal acreage of 47.41 lakh acres and exceeding the previous year's 43.56 lakh acres. Meanwhile, pulse sowing has also increased to 5.48 lakh acres compared to the previous year.According to agricultural scientists at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, many farmers have prioritized alternative crops over paddy this year. However, if there is insufficient rainfall in the coming weeks and reservoir water levels do not rise as expected, the productivity and yield of Kharif crops could be affected.read more :- India Cotton Market Recovers in July

India Cotton Market Recover in July as Market Rebounds After June DipIndia's 29 MM Cotton Candy prices showed mixed movement over the last three months. Prices stood at ₹65,700 per candy in May 2026 before declining 5.1% to ₹62,350 in June, reflecting improved supply expectations, cautious buying by spinning mills, and softer market sentiment.The market regained momentum in July, with prices rising 3.7% to ₹64,650 per candy on the back of renewed mill demand and improved buying interest. Despite the recovery, prices remained ₹1,050 per candy below May levels, indicating that the market has not fully recovered from June's correction.Looking ahead, industry participants expect cotton prices to remain broadly stable in the near term. However, domestic cotton arrivals are gradually weakening as the marketing season progresses, while cotton imports are increasing to bridge the supply gap and meet the requirements of the textile industry. Going forward, market direction is likely to depend on the pace of domestic arrivals, monsoon-driven crop prospects, demand from the textile sector, export orders, the volume of cotton imports, and global cotton price trends. Overall, the July rebound suggests that underlying demand remains supportive despite short-term volatility, although higher imports may help moderate any sharp upward price movement.