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On Friday the Indian Rupee higher by 78 paise to close at 94.94 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.72  in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was down 116.67 points or 0.16 percent at 74,243.34, and the Nifty was down 49.85 points or 0.21 percent at 23,366.70. About 1966 shares advanced, 2049 shares declined, and 197 shares unchanged.read more :- Tamil Nadu Textile Industry Could Save ₹3,250 Crore Annually Through Renewable Energy: Report

Report: Tamil Nadu’s textile industry could save up to ₹3,250 crore annually by adopting renewable energyAccording to a new report by the Bengaluru-based think tank Climate Risk Horizons, Tamil Nadu’s textile industry could save between ₹1,560 crore and ₹3,250 crore annually by transitioning to clean energy. The study assesses the status and potential of the industry's decarbonization based on data from the 'Annual Survey of Industries' (ASI) over the past decade.The report states that if the industry were to switch entirely to renewable electricity, annual savings could range from ₹2,320 crore to ₹3,250 crore. The study notes that rising energy and fuel costs have become a primary factor driving up textile production costs in the state.Rakesh Ranjan, a co-author of the report, stated that escalating fuel costs are impacting the competitiveness of Tamil Nadu’s textile industry. He pointed out that the state's textile exports have remained stagnant at around $7.4 billion since 2017. According to him, adopting renewable energy would lower costs and strengthen the industry's global competitiveness.The report also highlights that the total energy expenditure of the state's textile sector has nearly doubled over the last four years. Additionally, there has been an increase in the ratio of fuel costs to production output. The study reveals that India's textile industry has the highest carbon footprint compared to major exporting nations, exceeding 12.5 kg of CO₂e per kilogram of textile produced.The report suggests that the industry could reduce both production costs and carbon emissions by adopting renewable energy-based electric heating. It also recommends that the state government and electricity regulatory bodies facilitate easier access to renewable energy, particularly for MSME units. This version is more streamlined and edited in the formal style of news writing.read more :- Haryana Farmers Abandon Cotton Cultivation as Acreage Falls 65% in Seven Years 

Farmers in Haryana Disillusioned with Cotton Farming; Acreage Drops by 65% in Seven YearsHisar – Cotton, once considered a major cash crop for farmers in Haryana, is currently facing a crisis. Farmers are turning away from cotton cultivation due to persistent financial losses, the growing menace of the pink bollworm, and heavy crop damage caused by rainfall. The impact of this shift is clearly visible in the state's cotton acreage.In the 2019-20 season, cotton was cultivated across 8.01 lakh acres in Haryana; by 2025-26, this figure had dropped to just 2.84 lakh acres. In other words, the area under cotton cultivation has shrunk by approximately 65 percent over seven years. The cultivated area has nearly halved in the last three years alone. This season, the area sown with cotton has hit its lowest level in eight years.The Agriculture Department has made several efforts to promote cotton cultivation. Awareness programs were conducted in major cotton-producing districts under the 'Promotion for Cotton Cultivation in Haryana' campaign. Financial assistance of ₹2,000 per acre for micronutrients and ₹4,000 per acre for cultivating indigenous cotton varieties is also being provided to farmers. Despite these measures, farmers remain reluctant to return to cotton farming.According to Dr. Atma Ram Godara, Joint Director (Cotton), farmers have been incurring consistent losses in cotton cultivation over the past few years. Rainfall during August and September causes the most significant damage to the crop, while the infestation of the pink bollworm remains a major challenge.A report by Dr. Vinay Mahla, an agricultural scientist at Haryana Agricultural University, indicates that the average cost of cotton cultivation for farmers was ₹40,024 per acre, whereas the total income from sales and by-products was only ₹24,882. Consequently, farmers suffered an average loss of ₹15,142 per acre. Experts believe that if better and pest-resistant varieties are not developed, the scope of cotton cultivation in the state could shrink further in the coming years.read more :- Rupee Opens 7 Paise Higher Against US Dollar at 95.72

The rupee opened 7 paise stronger against the US dollar at 95.72.On Friday, the Indian rupee opened 7 paise stronger against the dollar at 95.72, whereas it had closed at 95.79 on Thursday.READ MORE:- Punjab Extends Cotton Seed Subsidy Registration Deadline by 15 Days

Punjab Government Extends Registration Deadline for Cotton Seed SubsidyChandigarh. Providing relief to cotton-growing farmers, the Punjab government has extended the registration deadline for the 33 percent subsidy on cotton seeds by 15 days. The Department of Agriculture took this decision keeping in mind those farmers who, for various reasons, were unable to register on the online portal within the stipulated timeframe.According to the department, many farmers faced difficulties in completing the registration process due to technical glitches and a lack of information. Furthermore, timely assistance could not reach the farmers as the field staff remained occupied with election duties.The government has clarified that to avail the benefits of this scheme, farmers must register on the Department of Agriculture's portal in a timely manner and submit the necessary information and documents.Under this scheme, farmers can avail a 33 percent subsidy on BT and indigenous cotton seeds for up to two hectares of land.read more :- Cotton Sowing Covers 1.05 Lakh Hectares in Khargone, Reaches 51% of Target

Cotton Sowing Gains Momentum in Khargone; 1.05 Lakh Hectares Sown So FarCotton sowing is progressing rapidly in the Khargone district, driven by pre-monsoon activities and favorable weather conditions. To date, cotton has been sown across an area of 1.05 lakh hectares in the district, representing approximately 51 percent of the set target. The highest sowing activity has been recorded in the Kasrawad, Maheshwar, and Barwah regions situated along the Narmada belt.Farmers' inclination toward this crop has increased following the robust government procurement of cotton last year. Consequently, the area under cotton cultivation is estimated to expand by approximately 300 hectares this season. Meanwhile, following the pre-monsoon showers, temperatures have remained between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius—a range considered ideal for cotton sowing. The Agriculture Department anticipates that the scope of sowing will expand further in the coming days.For Khargone—the leading cotton-producing district in Madhya Pradesh—a target of sowing cotton across 2.09 lakh hectares has been set for the current year. Last year, cotton was cultivated across an area of approximately 2.095 lakh hectares in the district.According to Prakash Thakur, Assistant Director of Agriculture, current conditions are favorable for cotton sowing due to the subsiding impact of heatwaves and the availability of adequate soil moisture in areas equipped with irrigation facilities. He further stated that the department is providing continuous guidance to farmers to ensure the achievement of the set target of 2.09 lakh hectares this year.read more :- The rupee ended 08 paise lower at 95.79 against the dollar.

On Thursday the Indian Rupee declined by 08 paise to close at 95.79 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.71  in morning trade.At Close, the Sensex was up 13.84 points or 0.02 percent at 74,360.01, and the Nifty was up 10.95 points or 0.05 percent at 23,416.55. About 2156 shares advanced, 1852 shares declined, and 164 shares unchanged.read more :- Bhilwara Textile Exports Surge on Strong Bangladesh Demand

Bhilwara Successfully Navigates Global Challenges by Boosting Cotton Yarn Exports to BangladeshBhilwara, Rajasthan's premier textile hub, continues to advance on a path of sustained growth despite global economic challenges and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. A remarkable surge in the export of cotton yarn and threads to Bangladesh has injected fresh vigor into the local textile industry. According to industry sources, this rising demand has attracted new investments exceeding ₹3,000 crore to the district—a development expected to generate increased employment opportunities in the near future.While various industries globally have been adversely affected by geopolitical conflicts, escalating transportation costs, and U.S. tariff policies, Bhilwara's textile sector has remained relatively resilient. The district's spinning and denim units have successfully enhanced both their production capacity and product quality by embracing modern technology, automation, and innovation. Consequently, the demand for cotton yarn manufactured in Bhilwara continues to rise steadily across international markets.According to industry sources, cotton yarn production in the district is growing at an annual rate of 15 to 17 percent, while denim production is recording an annual growth of 10 to 12 percent. Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry has become heavily reliant on cotton yarn sourced from Bhilwara. Furthermore, there is significant demand for the yarn produced here in markets such as Egypt, China, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Morocco. Meanwhile, denim fabric manufactured in the region is finding its way into markets across several Latin American countries.The Central Government's decision to waive the 11 percent import duty on raw cotton is also being viewed as a positive development for the industry. This measure is expected to reduce raw material costs, thereby enabling manufacturers to produce goods at more competitive price points.According to R.K. Jain, Honorary General Secretary of the Mewar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bhilwara district currently houses and operates over 500 weaving units, 18 spinning units, five denim plants, and 21 processing units. These units produce approximately 1.2 billion meters of fabric annually and provide direct employment to nearly 150,000 people. Driven by rising exports and new investments, the prospects for expansion within the industry are continuously strengthening.read more :- Punjab Cotton Sowing Falls to Record Low in Kharif 2026

Cotton Sowing Hits Record Low in PunjabThe government's efforts in Punjab to promote crop diversification and reduce dependence on water-intensive crops like paddy have suffered a setback. In the 2026-27 Kharif season, cotton sowing has plummeted to a record low. The state government had set a target of cultivating cotton across 1.25 lakh hectares; however, as of June 2, sowing has been completed in only 70,000 hectares—amounting to a mere 56 percent of the set target.According to data from the Agriculture Department, Fazilka district accounts for the largest area under cotton cultivation, spanning 40,000 hectares. This is followed by the districts of Bathinda, Mansa, and Sri Muktsar Sahib, where sowing has been recorded across approximately 10,000 hectares each. Officials state that the final figures will emerge after June 15; however, the likelihood of a significant increase in acreage remains slim, as farmers are increasingly distancing themselves from cotton cultivation.According to agricultural experts, adverse weather conditions over the past several years—coupled with pest infestations such as whitefly and pink bollworm, as well as financial losses—have eroded farmers' confidence. While there was no major pest outbreak in 2025, unseasonal rains during the cotton harvesting period in October inflicted severe damage upon the crops. Consequently, both production levels and farmers' incomes were adversely affected.Charanjit Singh, Deputy Director (Cotton) at the Punjab Agriculture Department, stated that the decline in cotton acreage would likely drive more farmers toward paddy cultivation, thereby placing additional pressure on groundwater resources. He noted that the government is making continuous efforts to reduce the area under paddy cultivation and promote alternative crops.Experts believe that new hybrid cotton varieties—characterized by superior pest resistance and high productivity—could potentially help regain farmers' confidence in the future. However, issues such as counterfeit seeds, market prices falling below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and persistent crop-related risks continue to remain the primary concerns for farmers.read more :- Rupee Opens Steady at 95.71 Against US Dollar

The rupee opened steady at 95.71 against the dollar.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.71 against the dollar, whereas it had closed at 95.71 on Wednesday.READ MORE :- New US Tariff Proposal May Impact India Amid Ongoing Trade Talks

New US Tariffs Loom Over 60 Nations, Including India; US Team Active in Delhi Amidst Trade TalksThe United States is preparing to impose new import duties (tariffs) on at least 60 trading partner nations, a list that includes India. President Donald Trump's administration is considering taking action against countries accused of failing to prevent the importation of products linked to forced labor. According to a recent report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the proposed tariffs could range between 10 percent and 12.5 percent. It is proposed that an additional duty of 10 percent be levied on Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, while a 12.5 percent duty is proposed for nations such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Switzerland.These duties will not take effect immediately. They will first be subject to a public comment period and a comprehensive review process; a final decision will be reached only thereafter. If implemented, this measure could enable the Trump administration to circumvent certain legal constraints placed on tariff policies following recent Supreme Court rulings.This entire process stems from an investigation initiated under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The investigation assessed whether trading partner nations have implemented adequate restrictions on the importation of goods produced using forced labor. According to the USTR, 54 economies—including several major nations such as India—have failed to take effective action in this regard.USTR officials have stated that this situation creates unfair competition for American workers within the global trade arena. However, the proposed tariffs do include certain exemptions, such as for beef, coffee, select fruits and nuts, as well as products from Canada and Mexico that fall under the purview of USMCA regulations.Meanwhile, a US trade delegation led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch is currently in New Delhi, engaged in negotiations with India regarding a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Indian delegation is being led by Darpan Jain, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Both countries are discussing issues such as market access, tariff reductions, non-tariff barriers, and economic security.According to a joint statement issued in February, the US is considering reducing tariffs on Indian goods to approximately 18 percent. If this agreement moves forward, it could signal relief for Indian exporters, who had previously been facing pressure from high tariffs.read more :- The rupee ended 26 paise lower at 95.71 against the dollar.