The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority signed an MoU with Germany’s H2Global to develop green hydrogen and clean shipping fuel trade corridors, aiming to integrate Indian ports into international green fuel networks. Meanwhile, the central government suspended the 11% import duty on cotton until October 30, a decision highly welcomed by the textile industry to counter rising raw material costs and boost export competitiveness. On the downside, ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and Eastern Europe have caused a sharp 33% decline in India’s spice exports. To support affected businesses, the Union government launched the ‘RELIEF’ scheme to cushion exporters against escalating ocean freight rates and soaring insurance premiums.