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India has surpassed China in rice production. But this love for paddy is not without pitfalls

January 15, 2026 5:58 pm

With more and more farmers preferring paddy, the Union government has been focusing on crop diversification. It is not only looking at farm income and nutritional security, but also conservation of water resources.

Deja vu: The message in India’s belated entry to key US-led groupings Pax Silica and MSPSubscriber Only

January 16, 2026 1:34 pm

Belatedly brought into Pax Silica almost as an afterthought, exactly like it happened in the case of MSP, could be a reminder that India needs to be seen as bringing something to the table if it has to be a natural partner in any US-led strategic initiative.

A container terminal in Shanghai on January 14, 2026. AP

Trump's tariffs reduced China’s surplus with US — and made it the world’s headacheSubscriber Only

January 16, 2026 6:54 am

China's trade surplus hit a record $1.2 trillion in 2025. Trump had always prefaced his tariffs by pointing to China's trade surplus, but his actions have not only failed to reduce that figure but also resulted in the country gaining greater global dominance

Pakistan inks stablecoin deal with Trump-linked firm: All about the controversial World Liberty Financial

January 15, 2026 3:49 pm

For Pakistan, the deal is yet another foray into the digital currency space, as it seeks to reduce its dependence on cash and improve cross-border payments. World Liberty, however, has been in several controversies. We explain.

Rural Nashik, Pune report most severe road accidents: What is derailing India’s road safety efforts?

January 15, 2026 7:48 pm

The report highlighted that most accidents are concentrated in known locations, and focusing efforts on them could prevent a significant number of fatalities. Here are its main findings.

Paramount’s hostile bid to take over Warner Bros Discovery continues via proxy fight, lawsuit

January 13, 2026 7:43 pm

For months, Netflix and Paramount have sought to finalise a deal to acquire WBD’s film and television studios and vast content library, with any resulting media deal set to become one of the biggest ever in history. Thus far, WBD's board has rejected Paramount’s offers.

Trump’s move to control Venezuelan oil supply might have a petrodollar angle. Here is how

January 13, 2026 5:22 pm

Access to the Latin American country’s vast oil reserves may help the US bolster its oil production, and simultaneously stimulate global demand for the dollar.

US, Trump, iran, trade, indian exporters

As Trump targets Iran trade, India's tea exports, Chabahar port investments face fresh headwinds

January 13, 2026 5:29 pm

New US tariffs: Official data shows that India and Iran have a direct bilateral goods trade worth nearly $1.6 billion in FY25. Here's what will be hit.

Powell said he believed the probe was launched due to the frustrations of US President Donald Trump, stemming from the Fed’s refusal to lower interest rates in line with his expectations.

Why the criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell sends a chilling messageSubscriber Only

January 13, 2026 7:21 am

Powell, a Trump appointee from his first term, has struck a defiant tone, saying the investigation should be seen in the “broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure”.

The ‘heavy’ attraction of Venezuela’s viscous, sticky crude for world’s largest oil producer US

January 12, 2026 6:24 pm

Much of the American refining infrastructure was specifically engineered to process heavy crudes from Latin America and Canada. Therefore, the US still has to import heavy sour crudes.