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The rupee opened 6 paise weaker against the dollar at 95.28.On Friday, the Indian rupee opened 6 paise lower against the dollar at 95.28, whereas it had closed at 95.22 on Thursday.The BSE Sensex fell 318.74 points, or 0.40%, to 78,636.02, while the NSE Nifty 50 was trading at 24,598.80, down 37.20 points or 0.15%Read More :-  Rupee weakens by 09 paise against the dollar, closes at 95.22

The Indian rupee closed at 95.22 per dollar on Thursday, registering a decline of 09 paise against the US dollar.The rupee opened at 95.13 per dollar and traded under pressure within a narrow range throughout the session, eventually closing at the 95.22 level.At close, the Sensex was up 373.76 points or 0.48 percent at 78,954.76, and the Nifty was up 11.35 points or 0.05 percent at 24,636. About 2023 shares advanced, 2058 shares declined, and 200 shares unchanged.read more :- Rajasthan Cotton Sowing Falls 15%

Cotton Sowing Drops 15% in Rajasthan; Oilseed Acreage IncreasesRecent data on Kharif sowing in Rajasthan up to August 4, 2026, reveal contrasting trends for cotton and oilseed crops. While the total acreage for oilseeds has increased compared to the same period last year, cotton acreage has witnessed a significant decline. These figures are based on the state government's Kharif sowing progress report.Cotton has been sown across 534.18 thousand hectares, down from 628.50 thousand hectares during the same period last year. This represents a decline of 94.32 thousand hectares (15.01%); the sown area covers approximately 74% of the state's target of 720 thousand hectares.Among oilseed crops, soybean acreage stands at 925.95 thousand hectares, compared to 977.26 thousand hectares a year ago, marking a decrease of 51.30 thousand hectares (5.25%).However, groundnut has seen a significant rise; sowing has reached 1,085.71 thousand hectares, up from 967.49 thousand hectares last year. This increase of 118.22 thousand hectares represents a year-on-year growth of 12.22%.Similarly, castor acreage has risen from 62.79 thousand hectares to 71.67 thousand hectares, an increase of 8.88 thousand hectares (14.15%).Despite the reduction in soybean acreage, the expansion in groundnut and castor cultivation has pushed the state's total oilseed sowing area to 2,248.67 thousand hectares, up from 2,151.07 thousand hectares during the same period last year. The total oilseed acreage has increased by 97.60 thousand hectares, marking a year-on-year rise of 4.54%.Recent sowing patterns indicate that farmers in Rajasthan have shifted towards groundnut and castor, while the acreage for cotton and soybean remains below last year's levels. The total Kharif crop acreage will depend on rainfall conditions and the progress of sowing during the remaining weeks of the season.read more :- TN Budget Boosts Textile Sector

TN Budget 2026-27: Announcement of Design Institute and Technology Center to Boost Textile SectorTiruppur/Erode: The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹1,678 crore to the Textiles Department in the 2026-27 budget. Aiming to modernize the textile industry and enhance its global competitiveness, the government has made several key announcements. These include the establishment of the 'Tamil Nadu Institute of Design' at a cost of ₹60 crore and the 'Tiruppur Textiles Technology Center' at a cost of ₹10 crore.The budget also announced the launch of the 'Technical Textiles Transformation Scheme.' This scheme will be implemented in collaboration with international academic and research institutions and with financial support from the Tamil Nadu Technical Textiles Mission. Through this initiative, entrepreneurs, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and textile manufacturers will be provided with technical training, technology transfer, international expertise, market insights, innovation support, and business mentorship.Reacting to the budget, A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), stated that the budget reflects the government's commitment to transparent governance, the timely implementation of development schemes, and inclusive economic growth. He noted that the new industrial policy, TN Single Window 3.0, the expansion of SIPCOT industrial parks at a cost of ₹3,500 crore, and the allocation for the textile sector would enhance the ease of doing business, attract investment, strengthen the manufacturing sector, and boost export competitiveness. According to him, these initiatives will also accelerate the goal of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2035-36.K., President of the Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA)... M. Subramanian stated that the proposed Tiruppur Textiles Technology Center would further strengthen Tiruppur's position as the country's leading knitwear export hub. He also expressed the expectation that the government would take a swift decision on other pending demands of the industry, including the establishment of a Knitwear Board and a trade center. Meanwhile, TEA Joint Secretary Kumar Duraiswamy reiterated the demand for a special budgetary provision for the education of migrant workers' children and expressed hope that the government would soon take positive steps in this regard as well.read more :- Belagavi Hits 95% Kharif Sowing

Karnataka: Belagavi Achieves 95% Sowing Target Despite 4% Rainfall DeficitBelagavi (Karnataka): Despite receiving 4% less monsoon rainfall than normal, Karnataka's Belagavi district has delivered an impressive performance by achieving 95% of its sowing target for the Kharif season. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing has been completed across 7.16 lakh hectares against a set target of 7.52 lakh hectares—the highest coverage in the state. Officials state that a good yield is expected this season due to the adequate availability of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment, combined with favorable weather conditions.The district has recorded 341 mm of rainfall so far, compared to the normal average of 354 mm. This represents a deficit of only 4%, which did not significantly impact sowing operations. Department data shows sowing coverage as follows: paddy 49,554 hectares (88.61%) against a target of 55,925 hectares; cowpea 1,17,001 hectares (75.9%) against 1,54,032 hectares; tur (pigeon pea) 14,084 hectares (96.4%) against 14,600 hectares; groundnut 13,166 hectares (99.5%) against 13,230 hectares; cotton 17,578 hectares (70.3%) against 25,000 hectares; and other crops 10,457 hectares (45.9%) against 22,773 hectares. Meanwhile, sowing exceeded targets for several crops: soybean reached 1,10,726 hectares (111.8%) against a target of 99,000 hectares; moong (green gram) reached 55,044 hectares (115.2%) against 47,752 hectares; urad (black gram) reached 17,204 hectares (114.6%) against 15,000 hectares; and sugarcane reached 31,220 hectares (102.04%) against a target of 30,500 hectares.At the taluka level, Savadatti (105%) and Bailhongal (104%) delivered the best performance. Sowing has been completed 100% in Kittur and Nippani. Additionally, sowing coverage was recorded at 99% in Chikkodi, 95% in Raibag, 94% in Hukkeri, Khanapur, and Yargatti, 92% in Gokak, Mudalagi, and Kagwad, 91% in Athani and Ramdurg, and 84% in Belagavi taluka.Rahul Shinde, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, stated that against a demand for 37,543 quintals of seeds for the Kharif season, 37,267 quintals were stocked. So far, 31,669 quintals have been distributed to farmers, while 5,598 quintals remain available. He affirmed that there is no shortage of seeds in the district and that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the benefits of government schemes reach farmers on time.H.D. Kolekar, Joint Director of Agriculture, reported that the district required 2,50,736 tonnes of fertilizer for the Kharif season, and 2,87,370 tonnes have been supplied so far. Furthermore, adequate stocks of 8,408 tonnes of Urea and 1,265 tonnes of DAP are available. Officials say that better production is expected in the district this season due to adequate agricultural resources and favorable weather.read more :- Heavy Rains Threaten Cotton Crop

Heavy Rains Batter Maharashtra and Gujarat; Cotton Crop in PerilJalgaon (Maharashtra)/Nasvadi (Gujarat): Persistent heavy rainfall has compounded the woes of farmers in the cotton-growing regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, waterlogging is fueling a rapid spread of root rot disease in cotton crops, while in the Nasvadi taluka of Gujarat's Chhota Udepur district, river flooding has submerged approximately 100 acres of agricultural land. Crops such as maize, pigeon pea (arhar), and vegetables, alongside cotton, have been severely affected. Farmers fear that this dual crisis of flooding and disease could deal a serious blow to their financial stability.Heavy rains and flooding on July 30 and 31 affected cotton crops across approximately 35,000 hectares in Jalgaon district. Plant growth has stalled in many fields due to lingering water stagnation. Waterlogging is accelerating the outbreak of root rot; in many areas, cotton plants that previously appeared lush and green are suddenly wilting and drying up. Agricultural experts warn that failure to control the disease in time could lead to a significant drop in production.According to the Cotton Research Center (Jalgaon) of Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, this disease affects both indigenous and American cotton varieties. Prolonged water stagnation in the soil promotes the rapid growth of the disease-causing fungus, which then spreads across the field via rainwater or irrigation water. In infected plants, roots rot, the bark peels off easily, and the plants suddenly wilt and collapse. A key symptom of the disease is the discoloration of the lower root section—turning yellow initially and later black.Experts have advised farmers to immediately arrange for field drainage, remove and destroy infected plants, and apply a treatment by dissolving 700 grams of Copper Oxychloride in 100 liters of water and pouring it around the base (root zone) of the plants. Mounding soil around the base of the plants is also recommended if necessary. Meanwhile, in Khodiya village of Nasvadi Taluka, Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat, flooding in the Main River following continuous rainfall has caused severe losses to farmers. Driven by the strong current, river water surged into the fields, completely submerging crops—including cotton, maize, pigeon pea (arhar), and vegetables—across approximately 100 acres of land. The accumulation of nearly two feet of silt buried the crops, destroying months of the farmers' hard work in a single night.Local farmers have urged the administration to conduct an immediate survey and provide appropriate compensation and financial assistance. Agricultural experts believe that the ongoing heavy rains, waterlogging, flooding, and the rising incidence of diseases like root rot in Maharashtra and Gujarat could impact this season's cotton production. They state that timely drainage, disease management, and government support could significantly mitigate the losses faced by the farmers.read more :- CITI-ICAC Pact for Carbon Credits

Partnership between CITI, ICAC, and Merago to Benefit Cotton Farmers through Carbon CreditsChennai: The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and the technology company Merago Inc. The partnership aims to develop carbon credit projects based on regenerative agriculture practices. This initiative will promote sustainable cotton production in India and provide cotton farmers with an opportunity to earn additional income through carbon credits.Under the agreement, ICAC will serve as the project's lead technical partner, providing farmers with modern agricultural techniques, training, technical expertise, and necessary consultancy. Meanwhile, CITI–Cotton Development and Research Association (CITI-CDRA) and associated farmers will adopt regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and enhance carbon sequestration.The project involves producing biochar and compost from agricultural residues (biomass) for use in cotton fields. These techniques will improve soil fertility and organic quality, increase carbon storage, and help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the initiative is considered significant for boosting long-term cotton productivity and making farming more sustainable.Merago Inc. will provide the digital technology platform for project implementation and manage carbon assets. On the other hand, CITI-CDRA will lead the efforts to onboard farmers, provide training, and ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.The development, verification, and transfer of carbon credits generated under the project will be carried out in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, applicable Indian laws, and regulatory provisions governing carbon markets. All records related to verified emission reductions and carbon removals will be registered in the national carbon registry. Upon receiving regulatory approvals, a designated portion of the verified carbon removal will be certified as transferable carbon credits for domestic and international carbon markets. Merago Inc. will manage the commercialization of these credits, while the proceeds will be distributed among CITI, ICAC, and the participating farmers in accordance with a pre-determined revenue-sharing arrangement.Experts believe that this initiative could create a new income stream for farmers. Furthermore, it will promote climate-friendly agriculture in India, improve soil quality, and strengthen India's position in sustainable cotton production on a global scale. If this model proves successful, it could be implemented on a larger scale across other cotton-producing states in the future, thereby offering a greater number of farmers the opportunity to engage with carbon markets and earn additional income.read more :- UK-India FTA Boosts Textile Exports

UK-India FTA offers Indian textile industry opportunity for up to $1 billion in additional exports: Ind-RaNew Delhi: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has stated that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (UK-India FTA) could offer significant growth opportunities for the Indian textile industry in the medium to long term. According to the agency, the agreement could pave the way for up to $1 billion in additional exports for Indian textile exporters, further strengthening India's competitive position in the global market.According to the Ind-Ra report, the FTA will enhance the competitiveness of Indian textile products in the UK market and improve market share. However, the actual benefits will depend on how effectively Indian companies implement measures regarding production capacity expansion, cost management, regulatory compliance, and financial discipline.The agency views the agreement as positive for the credit profiles of Indian textile exporters. However, the benefits will materialize in a phased manner, as boosting exports will require expanding production capacity, gaining buyer acceptance, efficiently managing working capital, and adhering to quality and regulatory standards.Rohit Sadaka, Director of Corporate Ratings at Ind-Ra, noted that large, integrated textile companies would be better positioned to capitalize on this opportunity due to their strong financial resources, established customer bases, and extensive production networks. Conversely, smaller companies could face increased leverage and liquidity pressures if they incur excessive debt to fund expansion.The United Kingdom is India's third-largest textile export market, accounting for approximately 6.1% of India's total textile exports. Meanwhile, textile imports into India from the UK represent less than 1% of domestic consumption. Currently, India holds a 6.9% share of the UK's textile import market. Ind-Ra estimates that if this market share rises to approximately 10%, it could generate additional export opportunities worth around $900 million for Indian companies.According to the report, the elimination of the 12% import tariff will significantly enhance the cost competitiveness of Indian apparel and home textile products. This could enable Indian exporters to gain market share from Chinese suppliers over time. However, competition from Bangladesh—driven by lower production costs and economies of scale—will remain a challenge.Ind-Ra believes that while the FTA will boost export competitiveness, the scope for an immediate, significant rise in profitability is limited. UK buyers may demand a portion of the tariff benefits in the form of lower prices, while rising costs related to fuel, electricity, freight, and shipping could continue to exert pressure on margins in the near term. Nevertheless, in the long run, increased export volumes, better capacity utilization, and improved operational efficiency are expected to strengthen both the profitability and global competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.read more :- The rupee opened flat against the dollar at 95.13

The rupee opened steady at 95.13 against the US dollar.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.13 per dollar, whereas it had closed at 95.13 on Wednesday.The BSE Sensex opened at 78,782.43 on August 6, 2026 (up from the previous close of 78,581.00), tracking positive GIFT Nifty signals and stable global cues; however, regional markets remain cautious following recent pricing adjustments and ongoing oil-related developments in the Middle East.Read More :- Rupee slips 19 paise to settle at 95.11 against US dollar

The Indian rupee depreciated by 19 paise to close at 95.11 against the US dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by subdued market sentiment.The domestic currency opened at 94.92 and traded under pressure throughout the session before settling at 95.11, At close the Sensex rose 152.05 points, or 0.19 percent, to 78,581.00, while the Nifty gained 9.75 points, or 0.04 percent, to settle at 24,624.65. Market breadth remained positive, with 2,150 shares advancing against 1,762 declines. read more :- Govt Targets Higher Cotton Yield

Government Shifts Cotton Strategy to Focus on Productivity; Targets 755 kg/Hectare Yield by FY31New Delhi: The central government has shifted the focus of its cotton development strategy from crop protection to enhancing productivity. The objective is to boost domestic cotton production and reduce India's growing reliance on imports. Under the ₹5,659 crore 'Cotton Productivity Mission' (Kapas Kranti), the government aims to increase the average cotton yield from 428 kg per hectare in FY26 to 755 kg per hectare by FY31, targeting an annual increase of at least 50 kg per hectare.To be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the mission will prioritize high-density planting, high-yielding seed varieties, scientific farming practices, and farmer training. Officials noted that while significant efforts have been made in recent years to protect cotton crops from pests like the pink bollworm and whitefly, the next phase will focus on improving cultivation productivity.Although India has the largest area under cotton cultivation globally, its average yield remains significantly lower than the global average of 833 kg per hectare. Government data indicates that cotton yields have not seen substantial growth in recent years, highlighting the clear need for measures focused on productivity.This renewed emphasis comes at a time when domestic cotton production is steadily declining and imports are rising. Cotton production has dropped from 33.66 million bales in FY23 to an estimated 29.1 million bales in FY26, whereas annual domestic consumption is projected at 32.8 million bales. This has resulted in a supply deficit that is being met through imports. To bridge this gap, the government aims to increase cotton production to 49.8 million bales by FY31, while domestic consumption is projected to reach 45 million bales. This mission is expected to benefit approximately 3.2 million cotton farmers across the country's major cotton-producing states.Industry experts believe that improving cotton productivity is essential to strengthening India's textile sector and achieving the government's target of $100 billion in textile exports by 2030. Higher yields, superior quality cotton, competitive raw material prices, and reduced contamination levels will enhance India's competitiveness in global markets. Agreements with the United Kingdom and ongoing negotiations with the European Union are creating new trade opportunities; in this context, increased productivity will play a pivotal role in expanding India's share of the global cotton and textile trade.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.92 per dollar, registering a gain of 46 paise