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Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, addressed concerns regarding potential US tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, stating that while there will be an impact, it will not be "debilitating" for the company. In a media interaction following the release of Cipla's first-quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2025, Vohra reported a 4% increase in revenues to ₹6,957 crore and a 10% rise in profit after tax to ₹1,298 crore. He emphasized that the pharmaceutical sector is essential, suggesting that tariffs would likely be lower than the average 15% seen in other industries, primarily affecting branded drugs rather than generics. Cipla's US business generated $226 million, with notable growth in its One Africa and emerging markets. Vohra highlighted the company's commitment to expanding key markets and investing in future growth while maintaining a healthy EBITDA margin of 25.6%. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inThe UK is set to fully implement its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on January 1, 2027, imposing a carbon price on imports of certain goods, including aluminum, cement, and steel, to reflect the carbon emissions from their production. While the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) does not formally address the potential impact of this carbon tax on Indian exports, there is an understanding that India can take measures to mitigate any adverse effects on its trade. Sources indicate that if the CBAM negatively affects India's market access under the FTA, India retains the right to rebalance concessions. The FTA, which eliminates tariffs on 99% of tariff lines for India, awaits ratification by the British Parliament, a process that could take up to a year.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inDuring a two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ₹4,850 crore line of credit to bolster economic ties with President Mohamed Muizzu, who welcomed him at the airport. The leaders also agreed to initiate negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing trade relations. Modi expressed optimism about the future of India-Maldives relations, despite Muizzu's pro-China stance and his election campaign that criticized India's influence. The Indian government also agreed to reduce Maldives' annual debt repayments by 40%, a move expected to alleviate the island nation's economic challenges. Ambassador Anil Trigunayat emphasized the need for India to navigate its complex neighborhood carefully, particularly in light of China's growing influence. India remains a key development partner for the Maldives, having provided significant financial support, including emergency assistance and currency swap lines in 2024.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inThe Andhra Pradesh government has approved the Vijayawada Metro Rail Project Phase-I, which includes two corridors at an estimated cost of ₹10,118 crores, funded through a 50:50 joint venture model. Concurrently, the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has issued tenders for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project, valued at ₹6,250 crores, focusing on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for a 46.23 km viaduct, which includes a 20.16 km double-decker flyover and 42 elevated stations. Bids for this phase must be submitted by August 11, 2026. The state cabinet has also approved funding for 40% of the Visakhapatnam project, which has a total estimated cost of ₹11,498 crores. Together, the combined expenditure for both metro projects amounts to ₹21,616 crores, marking a significant investment in urban transport infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inEddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (IPOA), highlighted concerns over the rising global edible oil prices during a recent conference in New Delhi, suggesting a potential resurgence of the food versus fuel debate. He noted that while palm oil prices are expected to stabilize between $1,000 and $1,100 per tonne, Indonesia's exportable surplus may diminish due to increased diversion of palm oil for biodiesel, projected to rise from 15 million tonnes to 18 million tonnes by next year. Martono indicated that if production remains stagnant, exports could drop to around 23 million tonnes by 2030. He acknowledged India's efforts towards self-sufficiency in oilseeds could impact imports, but emphasized Indonesia's ongoing need for palm oil for its biodiesel program. Additionally, he mentioned plans to expand markets in Africa and West Asia, while anticipating a decline in exports to Europe.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inConcerns have emerged regarding the intellectual property provisions in the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), which experts argue may favour patent holders and impose stricter constraints on compulsory licensing—a vital mechanism for ensuring access to affordable medicines. Critics, including Biswajit Dhar from the Council for Social Development, warn that prioritising voluntary licenses could undermine government efforts to facilitate access to medicines, particularly during public health crises. The Commerce & Industry Ministry defended the FTA, asserting that it aligns with India's legal framework and does not dilute the right to issue compulsory licenses. However, experts have raised issues with the FTA's requirement for patent commercial working disclosures every three years instead of annually, potentially limiting transparency and the ability to demonstrate unmet public needs. Critics argue that these provisions could shift India from a proactive defender of public health to a more compliant participant in international intellectual property enforcement.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inAt the conclusion of its two-day Global Roundtable on edible oil, the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) urged the government to address two pressing policy issues: curbing refined oil imports from Nepal and reinstating standardised pack sizes. Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, IVPA highlighted that the influx of refined oils from Nepal undermines domestic processors, suppresses oilseed prices, and leads to underutilisation of processing capacities. The association proposed that zero-duty imports be channelled through government agencies like Nafed to mitigate these issues. Additionally, it called for the reintroduction of standard pack sizes to eliminate consumer confusion over pricing. In a price outlook session, experts indicated that palm oil prices would remain stable, while Indian mustard prices might soon cool due to government stock releases. IVPA President Sudhakar Desai noted that while imports have decreased by 8% in six months, they are rebounding as international prices soften.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inThe Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (IPOA) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and policy alignment in the palm oil sector. The agreement emphasizes joint research, technology transfer, and best-practice sharing to minimize environmental impact while promoting certified sustainable palm oil and supporting smallholder farmers. It also addresses food security by mitigating supply chain risks and enhancing market intelligence through real-time data sharing. A bilateral working group will oversee the MoU's implementation and report annually on progress. Both associations highlighted the importance of this partnership in fostering a transparent supply chain and advancing climate goals. With Indonesia being India's largest palm oil supplier, the MoU formalizes a long-standing trade relationship, crucial for meeting India's edible oil demands, which are over 60% reliant on imports.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inThe Tea Board has introduced an updated Plant Protection Code (PPC) aimed at enhancing pest management in tea cultivation by offering a broader selection of chemicals and bio-pesticides. The revised code includes three newly approved pesticides—Acynonapyr, Copper Hydroxide, and Tebufenpyrad—alongside four bio-pesticides: _Trichoderma Asperellum_, _Beauveria Bassiana_, _Metarhizium anisopliae_, and _Bacillus Thuringiensis var_. This new PPC aligns with national regulations, permitting only Central Insecticides Board-approved products, and encourages tea growers to minimize pesticide use while ensuring effective pest control. Despite the necessity of plant protection formulations in tea cultivation, the industry faces significant crop losses of 15-30% due to pests and diseases, exacerbated by climate change. India's tea production peaked at 1.39 billion kg in 2023 but fell to 1.28 billion kg in 2024 due to adverse weather, while the country emerged as the third-largest tea exporter in 2024.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 6 pm ISTeznews.inIn a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA) during a joint press conference in Male on Friday. This landmark initiative aims to bolster economic ties between the two nations. The discussions also encompassed cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure, with both leaders participating in one-on-one and delegation-level talks. They witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and three agreements, including a substantial line of credit worth USD 565 million for priority projects in the Maldives. Additionally, the leaders jointly released a commemorative stamp celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. The day also saw the inauguration of various development projects, including social housing units and infrastructure improvements, alongside the transfer of vehicles and equipment to the Maldivian government.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 7 pm IST
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