eznews.inBrazil's ambitious $7.3 billion Araguaia-Tocantins riverway project aims to transform the Tocantins River into a year-round shipping route for soy and corn, potentially rivaling the Mississippi River and significantly reducing freight costs. However, federal prosecutors are challenging the initiative, citing concerns over its impact on local riverside communities and biodiversity. Fisherman Welton de Franca, who has lived by the river for decades, expressed fears that increased boat traffic would disrupt their livelihoods, stating, "We can't go anywhere without our boats. We live from the fish." Environmentalists warn that blasting the river's natural formations could lead to irreversible biodiversity loss, affecting endangered species. While proponents argue that the project could enhance economic development and reduce emissions from trucking, critics highlight the risk of further deforestation and displacement of local communities, raising questions about the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. 
Published: Nov 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inShadowfax Technologies, a technology-driven third-party logistics firm, has submitted its updated draft red herring prospectus (UDRHP) to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a ₹2,000 crore initial public offering (IPO). The IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹1,000 crore and an equal amount from an offer for sale. The funds will be allocated to enhance network infrastructure, lease payments for new operational centres, branding, and potential acquisitions. With a service network covering 14,758 Indian pin codes, Shadowfax's business is primarily driven by e-commerce, which constitutes 70% of its operations and has seen a 55% year-on-year growth. The company processed 436.36 million orders in FY25, reflecting a robust CAGR of 29.77%. The IPO is being managed by ICICI Securities, Morgan Stanley, and JM Financial, with pre-IPO rounds planned ahead of the listing.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection rose by 4.6% year-on-year to ₹1.96 lakh crore in October 2025, according to the Finance Ministry. However, net collections remained nearly flat, reflecting the impact of a GST rate cut effective from September 22 and a consumer wait-and-watch approach following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the rate reduction on August 15. Domestic GST collection grew by just 2%, while imports showed stronger performance. Experts suggest that the muted growth is temporary, with expectations of a rebound in the coming months as pent-up consumer demand is unleashed. Analysts highlight the importance of the government's commitment to resolving working capital issues for exporters and addressing the inverted duty structure, which could further boost confidence in the tax regime. With new norms ensuring quicker processing of refunds, significant increases in domestic refunds are anticipated in November and December 2025.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) reported a remarkable 48% increase in freight train operations for the fiscal year 2024-25, transporting 1 tonne of goods over nearly 11.5 million km. Speaking at DFCCIL's 20th Foundation Day in New Delhi, Railway Board CEO Satish Kumar highlighted the corporation's operational efficiency, averaging over 381 freight trains daily. DFCCIL's efforts have significantly reduced India's logistics costs from 14% of GDP to approximately 8-9%, with a total of 1,39,302 trains operated during the review period. The Gross Tonne Kilometre (GTKM) reached 20,02,271 million, reflecting enhanced productivity. Notably, DFCCIL achieved a historic milestone with the operation of "Rudrashtra," India's longest freight train at 4.5 km. The corporation continues to expand connectivity through Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals and initiatives like "Truck-on-Train," aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and further lower logistics costs.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached ₹1.96 lakh crore in October 2025, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year, driven by festive spending despite a recent reduction in GST rates on 375 items. The rate cuts, effective from September 22, coincided with the auspicious Navratri festival, encouraging consumers to make purchases they had previously postponed. While the October figures reflect a rebound in consumer activity, they represent a slowdown compared to the average growth of around 9% seen in prior months. Domestic sales rose by 2% to ₹1.45 lakh crore, while tax revenue from imports surged by 13% to ₹50,884 crore. However, GST refunds also increased significantly, up 39.6% year-on-year to ₹26,934 crore, resulting in a net GST revenue of ₹1.69 lakh crore, a modest 0.2% growth compared to the same month last year.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's automotive industry experienced significant growth in October 2025, driven by festive season demand and positive consumer sentiment. Major players such as Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor, Toyota Kirloskar, and Kia India reported impressive year-on-year gains. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) sold 69,894 units, including 53,792 domestically, marking an 11% increase in exports, with its SUVs, Creta and Venue, achieving strong sales. Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever monthly sales of 220,894 units, while TVS Motor surpassed expectations with 5.43 lakh units sold, reflecting an 11% y-o-y increase. Mahindra's sales rose 26% to 1.2 lakh units, driven by a 31% increase in domestic passenger vehicle sales. Toyota Kirloskar and Kia India also reported steady growth, with Kia achieving record sales of 29,556 units. Overall, October highlighted a robust recovery in the automotive sector, particularly in SUVs and electric vehicles.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's power consumption saw a notable decline of 6% year-on-year in October 2025, dropping to 132 billion units from 140.47 billion units in the same month last year. This decrease is largely attributed to reduced reliance on cooling appliances, influenced by unseasonal rainfall across various regions and the onset of winter, which kept temperatures lower. The peak power demand during October was recorded at 210.71 gigawatts (GW), down from 219.22 GW in October 2024, and significantly lower than the all-time high of approximately 250 GW reached in May 2024. Experts predict that power demand and consumption may remain subdued in November due to continued moderate temperatures, further diminishing the need for cooling appliances. The data reflects a shift in energy usage patterns as seasonal weather conditions impact consumption trends.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India to adopt a three-step strategy to safeguard its trade interests amid ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. The GTRI recommends that India first halt oil imports from sanctioned Russian firms like Rosneft and Lukoil to mitigate the risk of secondary sanctions that could disrupt its financial and digital systems. Following this, India should advocate for the removal of the punitive 25% "Russian oil" tariff imposed on its exports. Finally, trade discussions with the US should only resume once tariffs are normalized and under fair conditions. This call for action comes in light of recent US sanctions that have significantly impacted Indian exports, which fell by 37% between May and September due to increased duties. GTRI emphasizes the need for India to seek tariff parity with major partners, aiming for average industrial tariffs around 15% and duty-free access for key sectors.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 2 pmeznews.inEscorts Kubota Ltd reported a 3.8% increase in total tractor sales for October 2025, reaching 18,798 units compared to 18,110 units in the same month last year. Domestic sales rose by 3.3% to 18,423 units, while exports surged by 38.4% to 375 units. The company attributed the positive momentum in the tractor industry to heightened demand linked to the early festive season, ongoing government support, a reduced GST rate, and favorable agricultural conditions, including sufficient water levels in reservoirs. Following a strong September, October saw a notable uptick in retail activity. Despite challenges posed by extended rains in some states affecting harvested crops and sowing, the company remains optimistic about stable demand during the rabi season, suggesting a positive outlook for the industry. The report was published on November 1, 2025.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAt the second India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on November 1, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of enhancing security cooperation between India and ASEAN nations. He highlighted the strategic opportunity to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly through the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening regional defence ties. Singh announced two initiatives: the ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction, designed to foster collaboration on security challenges. The Malaysian Defence Minister praised India's status as a superpower and its self-reliant defence industry, while the Defence Minister of the Philippines commended India's commitment to international law and support for upcoming maritime exercises. The meeting marked a significant step in solidifying India’s role as a key partner in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 11 am
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