New Delhi: India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $2.3 billion to cross $703 billion for the week ending April 17, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Foreign currency assets increased by $1.48 billion to over $557 billion, while gold reserves climbed by $790 million to exceed $122 billion. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) also saw a marginal rise of $78 million, reaching $18.84 billion.
Islamabad: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan with a senior delegation as part of renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving stalled negotiations with the United States over the ongoing West Asia conflict. Iranian officials clarified that no direct talks with the US are scheduled, and Pakistan will act as an intermediary to convey Tehran’s position.
Meanwhile, the United States is preparing parallel diplomatic engagement, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to visit Islamabad. The White House indicated that discussions would continue through coordinated diplomatic channels, with senior leadership monitoring developments from Washington.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is preparing a proposal to meet US conditions, including restrictions on uranium enrichment and ensuring free oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that US military pressure would continue until a formal agreement is reached.
New Delhi: The Central Government has increased its wheat procurement target under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism by 15% to 34.5 million tonnes for the current season. The move aims to support farmers impacted by unseasonal rainfall.
Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra stated that procurement targets have been revised across key states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Quality norms have also been relaxed in major producing states to facilitate higher procurement.
The government expects the increased procurement to strengthen buffer stocks, with total wheat availability projected at around 56.5 million tonnes for the 2026–27 season, despite slightly lower production estimates due to adverse weather conditions.
