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The government has withdrawn the 20% duty on onion export, effective from April 1, 2025 thus removing all the restrictions on the export of this kitchen staple after 1.5 years. Starting from October 2023, the government had taken measures to check export by means of duty, minimum export price (MEP) and even to the extent of export prohibition for almost five months, from December 8, 2023 till May 3, 2024. The export duty of 20% which now stands removed has been in place from September 13, 2024. “The emerging production and prices scenario came as welcome breather for the country which had to grapple with the twin issues of lower domestic production and high international prices from August, 2023,” said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in a release. The onion farmers from Maharashtra had been agitating since a month demanding the removal of the 20% export duty. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadanvis had written a letter to the central government with a request to remove the duty. “The delay in the removal of the export duty has caused enormous losses for farmers due to suppressed prices. The government may have to give incentives for exports in the coming months are rising arrivals May drive the prices downwards,” said Bharat Dighole, president, Maharashtra Onion Growers’ Association. “Despite export restrictions, the total onion export during FY 2023-24 was 17.17 lakh tonnes and FY 2024-25 (till 18th March) was 11.65 lakh tonnes,” the release said. According the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, even though, the current mandi prices are above the level during corresponding period of previous years, a decline of 39% is observed in the all-India weighted average modal prices. The all-India average retail prices recorded a decline of 10% over the past one month.The Ministry has said that the arrivals at the benchmark markets of Lasalgoan and Pimpalgaon in Nashik have increased this month which has been driving the prices downward. The modal prices in Lasalgaon and Pimpalgoan on March 21, 2025 were Rs.1330/qtl and Rs.1325/qtl, respectively.“The rabi production this year at 227 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) is over 18% higher than 192 LMT last year. The estimated higher production this season is expected to further ease the market prices in coming months,” the release added.

Jainam Broking Limited set new benchmarks in the world of options trading with the successful conclusion of the Indian Options Conclave (IOC 6.0) on March 21st and 22nd, 2025, at the SIECC Convention Centre, Surat.One of the biggest milestones of IOC 6.0 was the Guinness World Record set by Jainam Broking Limited for conducting the Largest Financial Investment Session, Jainam Broking said in a release.The session saw 5,293 participants coming together to enhance their financial market knowledge. This achievement highlights Jainam Broking’s commitment to making financial education accessible and impactful, reinforcing its mission to empower traders across India.The sixth edition of India’s most prestigious options trading event witnessed an unprecedented 20,429 registrations, covering 28 states, 5 union territories, and 683 cities, Jainam Broking said in a release.With 15,683 attendees, 60 exhibitors, and 40 expert speakers, the two-day event was a hub of financial education, market insights, and live trading strategies, further strengthening IOC’s position as the leading platform for traders and investors.Also Read: Investing Masterclass @IOC 6.0: Fear vs. Opportunity - Vijay Kedia’s investing philosophy for uncertain timesA Hub of Knowledge & Market InsightsIOC 6.0 provided traders, investors, and financial professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to explore advanced trading strategies, gain insights into market trends, and understand the latest innovations in the financial sector.The event featured a series of engaging activities, including:• Live trading demonstrations by seasoned professionals• Panel discussions on trading psychology, risk management, and market outlook• An expansive exhibition with over 70 exhibitors showcasing trading tools, platforms, and servicesReflecting on the success of the event, Milan Parikh, Managing Director of Jainam Broking Limited, stated:"IOC 6.0 was a celebration of financial expertise, uniting some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our Guinness World Record achievement is a testament to our commitment to empowering investors through knowledge, innovation, and expert insights."By bridging knowledge with action, Jainam Broking has played a crucial role in shaping the future of options trading in India.A Legacy of Trading ExcellenceOver the years, IOC has evolved into a platform of market insights and trading excellence. By combining education, innovation, and expert-led strategies, Jainam Broking continues to help traders stay ahead in the dynamic financial markets.With each edition, the Indian Options Conclave strengthens its reputation as the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to trade, but to master the markets.The journey continues, and IOC 7.0 promises to be even bigger and better.(Note: The Journalist was invited to the event)(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

After months of persistent outflows, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are showing signs of a strategic shift in India. The turnaround in FII activity was marked by a significant net buying figure of Rs 3,255 crore through the exchanges on March 21, signaling renewed interest in Indian equities.While FIIs had been offloading Indian equities in the earlier part of the month, the pace of selling had already started to ease. As of March 21, total FII outflows for the month stood at Rs 31,718 crore, but a visible change in direction has since emerged.According to Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investment Services, “Recent activity shows a change in FII strategy in India. After relentless selling FII turned buyers during a few days last week with a big buy figure of Rs 3255 crores through the exchanges on 21st March.”The intensity of FII selling had started declining earlier.” He added that the sentiment in the debt market also remains positive, with continued inflows into fixed-income instruments. “The trend of FII buying in debt continued with total debt investment of Rs 10,955 crores in March through 21st,” Vijayakumar noted.This reversal in FII activity has played a role in lifting market sentiment. “The recent reversal in FII selling has turned the market sentiments for the better, facilitating a rally in the market for the week ended 21st March,” he said.Also read: IT sector sees highest foreign outflows at Rs 6,934 cr in March. Here’s how other sectors faredHe attributed the change in investor mood to improving domestic fundamentals and global cues.“It can be argued that positive domestic fundamentals like pick up in growth and decline in inflation coupled with weakness in the dollar have contributed to the change in FII strategy,” he concluded.The return of foreign investors, especially in such significant volumes, could provide further support to India’s bullish equity run in the near term.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)