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India-Russia Economic Cooperation Strengthens with 2030 RoadmapIndia and Russia have unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand their economic cooperation, announcing a comprehensive program for economic cooperation until 2030 during President Vladimir Putin's state visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin reiterated that their eight-decade-old partnership—built on trust, mutual respect, and strategic convergence—remains a pillar of stability amid global geopolitical uncertainty.PM Modi stated that the new roadmap will make mutual trade "more diversified, balanced, and sustainable," and will open up avenues for co-production, co-innovation, and deeper industrial cooperation. Central to this objective are ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, the completion of which is expected to open up new export opportunities.A key highlight was the adoption of the "Program 2030," which prioritizes balanced trade, simplified payment systems, the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and greater logistics efficiency. Both sides are working to strengthen settlements in national currencies and explore interoperability between payment systems and digital currency platforms. The two countries reaffirmed the revised bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030 in a joint statement.Energy security—which has long been the backbone of the partnership—was given renewed emphasis. The two countries pledged to expand cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals, underground coal gasification, LNG and LPG infrastructure, and nuclear energy. Russia and India agreed to fast-track the delivery schedule of equipment and fuel for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and to continue negotiations on a second nuclear site in India.Connectivity emerged as a top priority, with new momentum being provided for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. An MoU on training Indian sailors for polar operations is expected to strengthen cooperation in the Arctic and create new employment opportunities.Deep engagement in the Russian Far East and the Arctic was reaffirmed, supported by a separate cooperation program for 2024–2029. Sectors such as agriculture, energy, manpower, mining, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, and maritime transport will be focus areas.Leaders also emphasized the growing importance of minerals essential for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing. Both sides pledged stronger cooperation in exploration, processing, and recycling technologies, along with plans for joint ventures in fertilizers and long-term supply arrangements.People-focused initiatives were a major part of the discussions. India recently opened new consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, while Russia will soon benefit from free 30-day e-tourist visas and a group visa scheme. New agreements on skilled manpower mobility, joint vocational training, and enhanced academic exchanges aim to build deeper societal ties.Modi and Putin reiterated their long-standing cooperation on counter-terrorism, condemned recent attacks in India and Russia, and called for a zero-tolerance policy on extremism. They also reaffirmed their close coordination on key multilateral platforms such as the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO, with Russia reiterating its support for India's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.From civil nuclear technology and space cooperation – including working together on rocket engines and human spaceflight – to enhancing defense co-development and co-production under Make in India, the summit demonstrated the multi-dimensional depth of the India-Russia partnership.Putin thanked Modi for his warm hospitality and invited him to visit Russia for the next annual summit in 2026, marking another step in the continued development of the relationship he described as “special and privileged.”read more :-  "Farmers appeal to PM on cotton procurement ban"

Maharashtra: Farmers' organization seeks PM's intervention to lift CCI's ban on cotton procurementNagpur : The Council for Protection of Farmers' Rights-Kisan Bharti has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to direct the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to withdraw its restrictive cotton procurement rules that impact the state's farmers.In his appeal to the PM, CPFR-Kisan Bharti President Barrister Vinod Tiwari said that the CCI's recent move – limiting cotton procurement to just 7 quintals/acre, almost half the previous limit of 13 quintals/acre – has exacerbated the hardships faced by millions of cotton farmers in Maharashtra and neighboring Telangana.Tiwari said, "This absurd reduction in the limit, made after the yield survey this Kharif season, has forced farmers to sell nearly 80 percent of their produce to private traders at very low prices. This has exacerbated the already severe hardship on the farms." Given the reduction, farmers have no option but to sell their cotton stock at around ₹6,500/quintal or less, which is about 25% less than the MSP of ₹8,110/quintal.The worst affected are farmers who produce more than 5 quintals/acre, who, due to restrictions, cannot sell their entire produce to CCI and, therefore, sell it to any private buyer at a much lower rate and well below the MSP.He said, “The crisis is being exacerbated by CCI's stringent moisture requirements of 8-12%, which are difficult to maintain. Given fog, intermittent rains, and the drop in winter temperatures, cotton naturally has a high moisture level. Despite drying in the open for several days, farmers report moisture levels of 20% or more, and their stock is simply rejected at CCI procurement centers.” Citing an example, CPFR-Kisan Bharti stated that in Yavatmal district alone, 236,752 farmers cultivated cotton on 825,932 acres, yielding approximately 3.3 million quintals.However, of this huge quantity, the CCI purchased barely 7,921 quintals, and private traders purchased approximately 115,000 quintals at low prices—exposing the gap between government promises and ground reality.Farmers lamented that the CCI's onerous rules are pushing them directly into the clutches of private traders, who bargain hard to obtain cotton stocks at low prices.CPFR-Kisan Bharti stated that barely a few of the 27 procurement centers announced by the CCI are operational, leading to long queues, increased transportation costs, and logistical problems for already distressed farmers.Tiwari said, “Our demand is to increase procurement to at least 12 quintals/acre, reduce the moisture limit to 22% due to natural calamities, and open more procurement centers to speed up the process.”Since the CCI is the nodal agency for MSP procurement, it is expected to protect the interests of farmers, not punish them for things beyond its control. Therefore, the PM should immediately direct the CCI to provide necessary assistance to farmers before taking any drastic action, he said.read more :-   “CCI keeps prices stable, sells 92% of cotton in e-auction”

The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)  kept its prices unchanged this week and sold 92.26% of its 2024-25 cotton procurement through e-auctions.During the entire week from 01 December to 05 December 2025, CCI conducted online auctions at its mills and trader sessions, achieving total sales of approximately 1,18,000 bales. Weekly Sales Performance01 December, 2025: The highest sales of the week were recorded on this day with 42,800 bales, including 21,600 bales purchased by mills and 21,200 by traders.02 December, 2025: CCI recorded sales of 33,000 bales, including 22,700 bales bought by mills and 10,300 bales taken by traders.03 December, 2025: On this day total sales reached at 16,600 bales, with mills buying 13,000 bales and traders purchasing 3,600 bales.04 December, 2025: A total of 2,400 bales were sold, all of which were purchased exclusively by traders.05 December, 2025: This week closed with total sales of approx 23,200 bales purchased by mills and traders.CCI sold a total of approximately 1,18,000 bales during the week, taking its cumulative sales to 92,26,300 bales for the season, which is 92.26% of its total purchases for 2024-25.

Cotton prices in Punjab surpass ₹7,500, with CCI's bumper purchases transforming the market environment.Chandigarh: This year, cotton prices (both cotton and desi) were falling below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Initially, when cotton began arriving in the mandis, private traders were buying it between ₹5,700 and ₹6,800 per quintal. These prices were significantly lower than the MSP, causing concern among farmers.Due to the CCI's active involvement, cotton prices have improved significantly. Today, data from the Punjab Mandi Board confirms that the average price of cotton has exceeded ₹7,500 per quintal, very close to the MSP of ₹7,710 per quintal. Meanwhile, desi cotton prices have also seen a significant jump. This is a major relief for farmers who previously felt compelled to sell their crop at lower prices. Thanks to the Mann government's initiatives, they are now receiving fair value for their hard work.Despite heavy rains and floods in some parts of Punjab this year, cotton arrivals have exceeded last year's by 100,000 quintals. This demonstrates that farmers continue to have confidence in the Mann government's policies for cotton cultivation. As a result of the state government's proactive approach, according to Mandi Board data, while CCI purchased only 170 quintals of cotton during the same period last year, this time, following government pressure, CCI has ensured the purchase of over 35,348 quintals. This large-scale procurement has created a positive market environment and prevented prices from falling.Punjab farmers should not face the problem of selling their produce below the MSP. Of the 230,423 quintals of cotton purchased as of December 1st, over 60% was initially sold below the MSP, but this trend has completely reversed since CCI's entry.This initiative clearly shows that the government is ready to take immediate and effective steps to protect the interests of farmers even in times of crisis. The government is committed to the dignity and prosperity of farmers!read more :- “2025/26: Brazil cotton exports to jump 10%”

*Brazil’s Cotton Exports Expected to Rise 10% in 2025/26, Exporters’ Group Says*Brazil’s cotton exports are projected to grow about 10% in the 2025/26 season, reaching roughly 3.2 million metric tons compared with the previous cycle, according to the president of Brazil’s cotton exporters association (Anea).Anea president Dawid Wajs told Reuters that the increase will be supported by Brazil’s strong competitiveness in global markets, a broader base of international buyers, and higher demand from India.India’s purchases have surged after New Delhi suspended cotton import tariffs until December 31, Wajs said. So far this season, India has accounted for around 16% of Brazil’s cotton exports.Through October, Brazil’s cotton exports totaled about 677,000 tons—down 7% year-on-year due to a delayed harvest, Anea data showed. However, shipments have accelerated in recent months and are expected to keep rising as the country works through substantial stockpiles.Official government figures released Thursday showed cotton exports jumped 34.4% in November from a year earlier, reaching approximately 402,000 tons.read more :- Rupee fell 13 paise to close at 89.98 per dollar

On Friday, the Indian rupee fell 13 paise to close at 89.98 per dollar, compared to its opening price of 89.85 in the morning.Closing Bell: Sensex closes 447 pts higher, Nifty ends near 26,200 after RBI rate cut; financials, IT gainread more :-  Trump tariffs: Trade talks crucial, US delegation to visit India next week

Trump tariffs: US team expected in India next week as trade pact talks enter crucial phaseA delegation of US officials is expected to visit India next week for another round of discussions on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, according to government sources. The dates are currently being finalised, and both sides are working to close the first tranche of the pact, which has become a priority amid widening trade tensions.“The team is likely to come next week. Dates are being finalised, and discussions are on,” one source told news agency PTI.This will be the second visit by US negotiators since Washington imposed a 25% tariff — along with an additional 25% penalty — on select Indian goods entering the American market, citing India’s purchases of Russian crude oil. The first round of consultations was held on September 16, followed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to the US on September 22. Goyal was accompanied by then special secretary Rajesh Agrawal, who now serves as India’s commerce secretary.The US negotiating team will be led by Brendan Lynch, who is overseeing the discussions on behalf of Washington.Next week’s visit is considered particularly important because Agrawal recently said that India remains optimistic about securing a framework trade deal with the US before the end of the year—one that would address the tariff burden currently affecting Indian exporters. While he acknowledged that a full-fledged Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) would take longer, Agrawal emphasised that the framework pact aims to tackle the immediate challenge of reciprocal tariffs.India and the US are currently engaged in two simultaneous negotiations:A framework deal focused on tariff-related issues.A broader, comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.The BTA was formally initiated in February after leaders of both countries instructed their teams to negotiate the proposed agreement. The first tranche was initially targeted for completion by the fall of 2025, and six rounds of talks have taken place so far. The overarching goal of the agreement is to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, up from the present USD 191 billion.Goyal had earlier travelled to Washington in May for discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as part of the ongoing effort to accelerate negotiations.The US continues to be India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024–25, with trade valued at USD 131.84 billion. It accounts for nearly 18% of India’s goods exports and over 10% of total merchandise trade.However, the recent tariff escalation has begun to bite. India’s exports to the US fell for the second straight month in October, dropping 8.58% to USD 6.3 billion, while imports rose 13.89% to USD 4.46 billion, according to commerce ministry data.Next week’s talks are expected to focus heavily on mitigating these impacts and charting the path toward a workable interim agreement.read more :-  Ghatanji cotton auction at Rs 7,385, arrival of 3,000 quintals

*At the Ghatanji Agricultural Produce Market Committee, cotton from 200 carts was auctioned for ₹7,385, with an arrival of 3,000 quintals.*On December 4th, Agricultural Produce Market Committee Chairman Nitin Kothari and Board of Directors and Agricultural Produce Market Committee Secretary Kapil Channavar inaugurated the auction-based cotton procurement at the Late Sureshbabu Lonkar Cotton Yard.Present on the occasion were Agricultural Produce Market Committee Directors Sanjay Gode, Nandkishore Dambhare, Chandrakant Ingle, Chandraprakash Khartade, Hanuman Meshram, Ashish Bhoyar, Akbar Tanwar, Arvind Jadhav, Ramesh Dambhare and the entire staff, Agricultural Produce Market Committee Secretary Kapil Channavar, private cotton buyer traders Vivek Rungtha, Ram Chaudhary, Hanuman, Adte Bharat Potraje, Monu Pandey, Avinash Bhure, Umesh Bonde, Arvind Jadhav, Kishore Uplenchwar, Anil Hatware, Vijay Hivarkar, Ganesh Jadhav, and others. Ramesh Deshmukh, Sameer Nagaria, Rajesh Ghode, all Agricultural Produce Market Committee employees, and farmers from the taluka were also present.Contact the Agricultural Produce Market Committee if you have any problems. If you experience any problems after bringing your cotton to the market, contact the Agricultural Produce Market Committee administration. Farmers should bring their agricultural produce to the Market Committee yard and not sell it to village buyers, said Committee Secretary Kapil Channavar.Farmers should take advantage of the committee. On this occasion, Agricultural Produce Market Committee Chairman Nitin Kothari and Market Committee Secretary Kapil Channavar appealed to farmers not to sell their cotton to traders who buy from the village. Farmers should sell their produce only at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, bring cotton for sale, and cooperate with the administration.read more :-  Kurnool's poor harvest has had a severe impact on the cotton industry.

*Andhra Pradesh : Cotton Mills Going Through Crises Due To Poor Harvest In Kurnool District.**KURNOOL:* Cotton supply has sharply declined in the Adoni area of Kurnool district, creating a severe crisis in the 30 to 35 cotton-based units in the region. This year, farmers around Adoni had cultivated cotton over 5.42 lakh acres, expecting a yield of 8–10 quintals per acre. However, due to unfavourable weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall during September and October, their yield fell by about 50 per cent.The situation worsened with Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) officials rejecting the produce of many farmers due to high moisture content – more than 12 per cent –poor quality and size of cotton seeds. CCI offered a maximum price of ₹8,279 per quintal. It initially accepted from each farmer only 4 to 6 quintals of cotton, instead purchasing their entire stock. Traders took advantage of this by buying cotton at lower prices than this amount.After the district collector’s intervention, CCI increased the limit to 10 quintals per farmer. Most farmers had already sold their produce to traders by then. Cotton mills in the area are now facing severe difficulties, as production and fresh arrivals remain limited. Each mill requires around 50,000–60,000 quintals of cotton per day to operate efficiently. For each cotton machine to function to the best of its capacity, at least 2,000 quintals of cotton is needed as raw material.Many cotton mill owners warn that without sufficient supply, their machines will have to remain idle, leading to recurring expenses that are financially harmful. “Around 8 to 10 cotton units are on the verge of closure. If cotton supply to the mills does not improve, we may have to shut down,” said a unit owner on condition of anonymity. The district collector recently visited some cotton mills in Adoni. He instructed officials that if the CCI rejects stocks due to moisture or quality issues, they should support farmers by allowing them to sell their produce directly to cotton mills. Farmers are hesitant about selling their piled-up cotton stocks over pricing issues, owing to quality issues being raised by mill owners.read more :- Cotton farmers protest against MSP at CCI Guntur on December 10 

*A.P. cotton farmers demand MSP, plan protest at CCI Guntur on December 10.*Cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh are set to stage a protest at the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) office in Guntur on December 10, demanding immediate procurement of cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) declared by the government. Organised by the CPI’s frontal organisation Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association (AIKES), the protest will highlight the severe losses incurred by the farmers during this year’s kharif season due to cyclones, heavy rains, floods, droughts, and pest attacks.The expected yields of 10 quintals per acre have dropped to 3 quintals to 4 quintals, with damaged bolls and discoloured cotton aggravating the situation.Procurement centres set up by the Central government have reportedly created hurdles, citing high moisture content and imposing restrictive measures, forcing many farmers to sell away their produce to private traders at ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per quintal, far below the MSP of ₹8,110. The farmers’ association demands relaxation of CCI norms, immediate purchase of the produce at MSP, input subsidies and crop insurance for losses, implementation of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Commission recommendations, raising MSP to ₹12,000, waiver of GST on farm inputs, government-funded transport, establishment of procurement centres in all cotton-growing constituencies, disposal of 2.5 lakh bales held in CCI warehouses, and a bonus of Rs.3,000 per quintal.The association has urged all affected farmers to participate to ensure the protest’s success.read more :-   The rupee opened 13 paise higher at 89.85 against the dollar.

The rupee opened 13 paise higher at 89.85 against the dollar. The Indian rupee opened at 89.85 against the dollar on Friday, compared to its previous close of 89.98.read more :-   The rupee rose 43 paise to close at 89.98 per dollar.