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Trump’s Rice Tariff Move: An Empty Threat

Donald Trump recently said he wants to put tariffs on rice from India . He claims India is “dumping” rice in the U.S. and hurting American farmers. To make himself look like a hero for farmers, he also promised them financial aid. But here’s the truth: India is not flooding the U.S. with rice. Most of India’s rice goes to West Asia, not America. The U.S. is only a small buyer. India never gets special treatment in farm trade. At the WTO and in talks with the U.S., India has always been under pressure about subsidies and exports. America has never given India any leeway. Double standards: Trump says India is unfair, but at the same time he gives billions in subsidies to U.S. farmers. That’s the same thing he criticizes India for doing. Politics, not policy: This move is more about winning votes in rural states than fixing real trade problems. He is using the “farmer card” to look strong, but the facts don’t support his claim. In short: Trump’s rice tariff plan is political drama ...
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Cotton, Soybean Crops Soaked by Monsoon Fury

  Cotton Crop: Delayed Arrivals and Quality Concerns The 2025–26 cotton season is grappling with significant climatic disruptions across key growing regions. Extended rainfall in southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka—has adversely affected standing cotton crops and complicated harvest timelines. In Karnataka, districts such as Yadgir, Shahpur, and Jewargi have experienced heavy rainfall over the past 4–5 days, resulting in waterlogging and crop stress. While the full extent of damage remains under assessment, cotton arrivals expected to be delayed. In Maharashtra, the situation is particularly alarming, with relentless rainfall since May leading to the submergence of over 5,100 hectares of cotton fields across talukas such as Malegaon, Nandgaon, Surgana, and Igatpuri. The impact extends beyond cotton, with maize and onion crops also suffering extensive damage. Farmers in these regions are urgently seeking government intervention as damage assessments contin...

La Niña's Icy Grip: Experts Warn of Bitter Winter for north and warm winter for south

  As we move into the final quarter of 2025, climatic signals are pointing to a significant seasonal shift for India. According to the WMO Lead Centre for Long-Range Forecasts, there is an increasing probability of La Niña conditions developing in the coming months. Current estimates indicate a 55% chance of La Niña formation, rising to 60% by October–December. Likely probability of El Niño returning later in December. This change in the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase holds important implications for India's weather, particularly in the context of rainfall and temperatures. Let’s break down what this means for India in the coming months. Source: International Research Institute For Climate and Society Temperature Forecast: Source: International Research Institute For Climate and Society Northern and Central India: These regions are expected to experience significantly lower temperature. In Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra could face belo...

Heatwaves, Humidity, and Relief: What to Expect from India’s 2025 Summer

May-Jul 2025 Seasonal Temperature forecast issued April 2025   Northern India Faces High Heat Risk Ahead of Monsoon A high heat alert has been issued for key northern states — Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar — with temperatures forecasted to rise well above normal. Weather models suggest a very high likelihood of extreme heat, especially in June, signaling the possibility of a prolonged and intense heatwave across the region. Central India to Experience Mixed Summer Conditions States like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are expected to see variable summer temperatures, according to the latest forecast. The region shows a moderate probability of above-normal heat, suggesting that while some areas may experience typical seasonal temperatures, others could face warmer-than-usual conditions. Southern India to Stay Warm, But Extreme Heat Unlikely Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka are expected to experience above-average tempera...

Rice: Food or Fuel ?

Addressing Surplus Rice Stocks The FCI’s warehouses are currently holding rice stocks that are nearly four times the required buffer stock. The high reserve price previously deterred purchases by ethanol distilleries and state agencies, which has exacerbated the surplus. By lowering the price, the government intends to: Alleviate excess stocks. Encourage more efficient distribution of rice to various stakeholders. Enhance the affordability of raw materials for ethanol production. Stock & Procurement As of Nov 2024, Rice stock is 440.76 LMT, against the buffer norm of 102.50 LMT. Reduction in Reserve Price of Rice under OMSS: A Strategic Step Towards Food Security and Sustainable Energy In a significant move to address the surplus rice stocks and promote sustainable energy, the Indian government has announced a reduction in the reserve price of rice held by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The reserve price has been slashed ...

Government Measures to tame soaring wheat prices

In recent years, wheat prices have soared to unprecedented levels, prompting the government to implement several measures to control the surge. The government had been attempting to initiate the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) since August; however, it was only successfully launched in December. In the first tender held on December 11, 100,000 tonnes of wheat were offered, out of which 99,815 tonnes were sold. Another tender held on the 26th, an offer of 100,000 tons of wheat was made, out of which 99,465 tons were sold, where another 100,000 tonnes of wheat will be offered on January 1st. The quantity of wheat to be sold under the OMSS is likely to increase in January. Last year, 3.50 lakh tonnes of wheat were sold in the second week of December, whereas this year, not even half of that quantity has been sold so far. More risk-taking traders have remained in the market for a few more weeks, while cautious players have exited at every price rise. Considering the anticipated price in...

Mercury Rising: Severe Heatwaves to Grip India This Summer

  BKC Aggregator stands at the forefront of weather forecasting, committed to offering precise and timely updates that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to plan and prepare for any weather condition. Our team of expert meteorologists, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, ensures the delivery of accurate forecasts, keeping our clients well-informed on everything from daily weather patterns to severe weather alerts. Be it predicting heatwaves, monsoons, or unexpected weather shifts, BKC Aggregator provides the critical information needed to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the weather. As per BKC’s forecast, India is likely to experience scorching summer ahead as shown in the image below. Image of BKC Aggregator weather forecast portal Delhi In general, temperatures in North India, particularly in Delhi, are expected to exceed the 35-years average. April – June 2025 temperature forecast as issued on December 2024 As per current data Delhi will experie...

Heavy Rains to lash AP as Low Pressure Closes In

 Andhra Pradesh With the low-pressure area forming over the East Central and adjoining North Bay of Bengal on August 29. This system is expected to move west-northwest towards the southern coasts of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh over the next two days, bringing widespread rainfall and potentially severe weather conditions. Currently, a cyclonic circulation is present over the East Central Bay of Bengal, extending up to 5.8 kilometres above mean sea level and tilting southward. This atmospheric disturbance is a precursor to the impending low-pressure system, which could significantly alter weather patterns in the region. Heavy rainfall warning for the next five days across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP). Thunderstorms with lightning are expected in isolated areas of NCAP and Yanam, along with strong surface winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h. From August 29 to September 2, heavy rainfall is predicted in isolated loca...

Bangladesh Political Crisis Threatens Its Textile Industry; India Poised To Gains

  Dhaka/New Delhi, August 8, 2024 - Bangladesh, renowned for its robust textile sector, is facing an unprecedented political crisis that threatens to disrupt its vital clothing export industry. The country's monthly apparel export, valued at $3.5-3.8 billion, constitutes a significant portion of its economy, with substantial shares in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and a 10% market share in the United States. The ongoing political turmoil, marked by the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid massive anti-government protests and the subsequent takeover by an interim government led by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, has put the textile sector in jeopardy. This crisis comes at a time when Bangladesh was expected to surpass $50 billion in annual exports in 2024, up from around $47 billion in 2023. Impact on the Global Textile Market International buyers, particularly textile importers, are closely monitoring the situation and are beginning to shift their foc...