India’s government significantly raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra to ₹11,582 per quintal (milling) and ₹12,100 per quintal (ball) for the 2025 marketing season. This move aims to improve farmer incomes, boost copra production, and ensure food security. Farmers can choose to sell to government agencies at the MSP or in the open market.
A recent poll reveals that while most Thais plan domestic travel for the upcoming New Year, a significant majority also desire government cash handouts to alleviate financial pressures. The findings highlight the need for sustainable economic policies beyond temporary measures.
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a new social media policy aimed at regulating online content and promoting state government initiatives. The policy introduces strict penalties for ‘anti-national’ posts, while also incentivizing influencers to create content promoting government programs.
A coalition of prominent Australians is demanding the government implement a complete ban on gambling advertising, citing alarming levels of gambling losses and the pervasive influence of ads. The group, including former prime ministers and leaders from various sectors, argues that the current situation is out of control and causing significant societal harm. The government is considering legislation, potentially opting for limits instead of a full ban, but the pressure for a comprehensive solution is mounting.
Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge has addressed concerns regarding a proposed amendment to extend working hours for IT employees to 14 hours, stating that there is a misconception about the bill and that he is willing to provide further clarity to the media. The proposal has sparked controversy, with the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU) expressing opposition and allegations of pressure from the IT industry on the government.
The entry of Tesla Motors into India’s EV market has been welcomed by MG Motor India. India’s electric vehicle sector lacks competition, but the entry of Tesla and other international automakers will level the playing field. The Indian government aims to achieve 30% EV sales by 2030, but this goal may be difficult to achieve without more government policies attracting foreign automakers. Tesla CEO Elon Musk postponed a scheduled trip to India this week where he was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing “heavy Tesla obligations.”India has announced that import tariffs on certain EVs will be cut to 15% if the carmakers meet certain requirements. Domestic carmakers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, as well as Maruti Suzuki, have reportedly expressed concerns about the new policy. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously said he was “incredibly excited about the future of India,” adding it has “more promise than any large country in the world.” However, investments into India may not be Tesla’s priority right now. Tesla has also already started looking for showroom space in New Delhi and Mumbai, according to Reuters. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier met with Elon Musk in the U.S. on June 20, 2023. EV demand in India could remain weak as confidence to switch to EVs is curtailed by insufficient charging infrastructure.
