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India’s rice production has reached an all-time high this crop year, prompting exporters to seek growth in untapped markets like Iraq, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, industry officials say. Reuters Production for the year ending June 2025 stood at approximately 146.1 million tons, significantly exceeding domestic demand of about 120.7 million tons, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and exporter associations. Reuters With stocks mounting in government warehouses, companies under the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) banner say they are actively targeting new buyers among emerging markets to offset the domestic glut. Vice-President Dev Garg said Indian exporters plan to tap 26 international markets, leveraging India’s wide range of rice varieties. Reuters “This surge gives us the opportunity to diversify beyond traditional markets,” Garg said in a statement. “We are already supplying around 40 percent of the world’s rice shipments, and now we want to deepen our presence in markets that are less served.” Reuters Analysts say the shift comes at a crucial time for India’s agriculture sector. Surplus rice stocks, combined with favorable monsoon seasons, have improved output—and now exporters are working to turn volume into value by entering new geographies and offering specialized varieties. Why it matters:

India’s government is preparing to increase the cap on foreign investment in state-run banks to 49 percent, a significant jump from the current 20 percent limit, according to sources close to the discussions. Reuters Officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are actively reviewing the proposal, which aims to strengthen capital infusions into the state-banking sector, which still holds over half of India’s banking assets but is generally seen as financially weaker than its private sector peers. Reuters Under the plan, the government would retain at least 51 percent ownership of these banks, and foreign shareholders would face limits on voting rights (for example, a maximum of 10 percent per investor) to maintain oversight and control. Reuters The move comes amid rising global investor interest in India’s banking industry. In recent months, foreign firms have acquired large stakes in private Indian banks, underscoring the potential for increased overseas capital in the sector. Reuters Market reaction was immediate: The index tracking state-run banks in India jumped to a record high. Analysts say the announcement signals a possible structural shift in how India’s public sector banks are perceived by investors. Reuters Why this matters:Allowing higher foreign ownership in state banks could bring fresh capital, improved governance practices and stronger competition for India’s public banks. It may help them better serve India’s growing credit needs and modernise more rapidly. At the same time, retaining majority government control means the political and policy objectives typical of state banks will likely continue. Key takeaway:If adopted, the proposal would mark one of the most significant regulatory changes in India’s banking sector in years representing a major opening for foreign capital in what has been a largely protected domain. If you like, I can prepare two more articles in this same style today (e.g., one on technology in India and one on Indian-international trade), fully ready for you to publish. Would you like that?

India and China are restarting direct commercial air services between the two countries after a hiatus of more than five years, signaling an easing of diplomatic tensions following repeated border clashes. Al Jazeera The first flights under the resumed arrangement are expected to launch later this year, with carriers from both countries preparing logistical and regulatory approvals. Officials from India’s civil aviation ministry and China’s transport regulator say the decision reflects improved bilateral relations and growing demand for travel and trade. Observers say the restoration of direct flights is significant for several reasons. It opens up faster, more efficient links for business travellers and tourists, reduces transit times and increases connectivity in South Asia’s most populous national economies. Moreover, the move is seen as a confidence-building step amid broader dialogue on trade, security and regional cooperation. However, analysts caution that full resumption will face operational hurdles, including airspace rights, slot allocations at busy airports, regulatory alignment, and passenger visa protocols. Both countries must now navigate these details even as public expectations rise for smoother cross-border travel. In the immediate term, airlines are expected to announce specific flight routes, frequencies, and pricing over the next few weeks. Passengers, especially those travelling for business or educational purposes, are expected to benefit from improved accessibility and connectivity between two of the world’s fastest-growing markets.