BMS withdraws strike after Coal Minister's assurance on FDI

In a major boost to India's agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy on March 12, 2026, in collaboration with the Assam Agriculture Department.

Restaurant owners say they are unable to obtain commercial gas cylinders, resulting in some establishments temporarily shut down, and some food outlets selling tea, poha, and kachori are trying to keep their businesses running by using wood and coal for cooking.

The textile industry in Bhilwara, a city renowned for its extensive fabric production, is currently facing significant challenges as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East casts uncertainty over exports and operations. The situation has escalated as the crisis in the Middle East has begun to impact local businesses. "Textile industries are facing some trouble due to the war, and if the war continues in the near future, exports from here could be affected," Jain noted. He emphasised the current predicament, saying, "Currently, export orders are on hold. They are either stalled locally or at the port, or have been put on hold by other parties."

IIT Guwahati leads a collaboration between Northeast India and Japan to strengthen academic and industry ties. IIT Guwahati conducted the Japan-Northeast Academia Industry Cooperation Symposium 2026 (JNTCS) on March 9 and 10, in partnership with Gifu University, Japan.

A delegation of the association met with Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on Wednesday amid the reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. The members requested that a portion of the supply be reallocated for commercial use to ensure kitchens across the city continue functioning smoothly.