eznews.in
AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd to enhance rural entrepreneurship through drone technology. The partnership will see AVPL provide its ‘Viraj UAS’ agricultural drones, spare parts, and training programs via CSC’s extensive network of over 500,000 village-level entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to facilitate the sale and distribution of drone solutions through CSC's digital platform, enabling rural entrepreneurs to access and profit from drone-based services. AVPL will also train rural youth in drone operations and data-driven agricultural practices, promoting modern farming techniques such as crop monitoring and yield optimization. Additionally, AVPL will offer after-sales support and maintenance for its products, while CSC will assist in onboarding these products and enhancing local outreach. Preet Sandhuu, Founder of AVPL, emphasized the goal of fostering self-reliance in rural India by creating a drone entrepreneur in every village. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has condemned its exclusion from the upcoming World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) conference, COP11, scheduled for November 17. The FCTC secretariat denied FAIFA's participation request, claiming that farmers' interests were "not aligned" with the convention's objectives. FAIFA President PS Murali Babu criticized this decision, stating that farmers are victims of policies made without their input, and called the reasoning "illogical and discriminatory." The association highlighted that over 36 million people in India rely on tobacco cultivation and related sectors, urging the Indian delegation to advocate for farmers' livelihoods and ensure their voices are heard. FAIFA emphasized that the FCTC should focus on cooperation and the protection of livelihoods rather than exclusion, as stipulated in Articles 17 and 18 of the convention. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inEEPC India, the engineering exports promotion body, has urged the inclusion of essential steel and aluminium products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the ongoing bilateral trade agreement (BTA) negotiations with the United States. The group has raised concerns with the government regarding the 50% tariff imposed by the US under Section 232, which has adversely affected engineering exports and created a significant tariff differential with competitors. EEPC India Chairman Pankaj Chadha proposed a "special support package" to mitigate this differential. Additionally, he called for the maintenance of the current tariff structure in negotiations with the European Union, expressing worries over the EU's proposal to reduce quotas and raise out-of-quota tariffs to 50%. Chadha emphasized the need for a phased elimination of tariffs and sought exemptions for stainless-steel long products, highlighting their strategic importance and the dominance of MSMEs in this sector. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inWavar, an integrated pest management (IPM) company, has announced its expansion into Madhya Pradesh through a partnership with Kamdar Agro Research & Development (KARD) in Indore. The collaboration aims to implement eco-friendly pest management solutions across key agricultural regions, impacting over 100,000 farmers in its initial phase. Wavar will introduce a range of sustainable products, field training, and digital traceability systems designed to reduce farmers' input costs by up to 40%, enhance yields, and improve soil and food quality. The partnership emphasizes technology integration and farmer engagement through initiatives like ‘Wavar Mitra’ and ‘Wavar Saheli’. Co-Founder Joy Chakraborty highlighted the strategic importance of Madhya Pradesh, aiming to create a sustainable farming ecosystem. Fellow Co-Founder Sanjay Shirodkar noted that the initiative aligns with their vision of making IPM accessible to every village in India, setting a benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged agricultural scientists to develop high-quality millet seeds to enhance profitability for farmers during the international symposium on Shree Anna (Millet) and Woman Farmer, coinciding with 'Mandia Divas' (Millets Day). Highlighting Odisha's success in doubling millet production, Chouhan emphasized the need for improved seed quality and reduced cultivation costs. He praised Odisha's initiative to procure millets at minimum support price and serve them in school mid-day meals, advocating for similar practices nationwide. Chouhan also called for a shift towards organic farming, noting the detrimental effects of fertilizers on health and climate. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo reinforced the state's commitment to millet cultivation, emphasizing its cultural significance and the role of women farmers in preserving biodiversity. The two-day conference featured notable speakers, including representatives from the World Food Programme and the International Rice Research Institute. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHighway Infrastructure Ltd has reported a significant increase in its net profit for the September quarter, rising to ₹9.7 crore from ₹1.6 crore a year earlier. The company, which operates in tollway collection, EPC infrastructure, and real estate, is optimistic about future growth, planning to execute ₹150-200 crore worth of EPC projects over the next two years while actively bidding for new projects valued at approximately ₹250 crore. Managing Director Arun Kumar Jain highlighted the company's record order book of ₹775 crore, which enhances revenue visibility. Despite a slight decline in total revenue to ₹115.3 crore from ₹119.39 crore year-on-year, the first half of FY26 saw a net profit of ₹16.9 crore, indicating strong earnings momentum compared to ₹22.4 crore for the entire FY25. The company is also expanding its toll operations with new projects in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inSatellite imagery indicates a significant drop in night temperatures across North-West, East, and Central India, with some areas in the South Peninsula also experiencing cooler conditions. The lowest recorded temperature was 7.5°C at Adhampur Air Force base, signaling the onset of the winter season. Meanwhile, Erode in Tamil Nadu reported a maximum temperature of 35.6°C. An anticyclone has settled over North-West India, leading to colder air descending and further reducing temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of cold wave conditions in West Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, with temperatures expected to drop by 5°C below normal. In the South Peninsula, temperatures may decrease by 3-4°C in Telangana. Additionally, isolated heavy rain is forecast for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with thunderstorms expected in these regions over the coming days. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUS imports of containerised goods fell 7.5% year-on-year in October, driven by a significant 16.3% drop in shipments from China, as importers remain cautious amid evolving tariff policies under President Donald Trump, according to supply chain technology provider Descartes. US seaports processed 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a slight decline from September and below the typical peak trade range, marking only the second October in a decade to see a month-over-month decrease. The National Retail Federation anticipates further declines in November and December, potentially dropping below 2 million TEUs, as concerns over port strikes and tariff-related frontloading influence import patterns. While imports from China rose 5.4% month-over-month, significant year-over-year declines were noted in key categories such as furniture and bedding, toys, and electrical machinery. Recent negotiations have led to a stabilisation of China's share of US imports, with tariff adjustments set to take effect soon. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAkasa Air, which commenced operations in August 2022, is set to expand its international flight offerings from Delhi, according to Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer Praveen Iyer. The airline currently operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, servicing 24 domestic and six international destinations, including Doha, Jeddah, and Phuket. Iyer announced plans for new routes to countries such as Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, with 24 daily departures from the national capital. The airline has a firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX planes but has faced delivery delays. However, with Boeing ramping up production, Akasa Air anticipates quicker aircraft deliveries. Iyer also noted a positive trend in ancillary revenue and stated that the airline is maintaining a balance in load factors and airfares. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia has reported a significant shift in its steel trade dynamics, becoming a net exporter of finished steel in October, with shipments reaching 0.6 million metric tons, marking a 44.7% increase from the previous year. Provisional government data revealed that the country, the world's second-largest crude steel producer, imported only 0.5 million metric tons during the same month, a sharp decline of 55.6% year-on-year. Finished steel production rose to 13.4 million metric tons, reflecting a 10% increase, while consumption also saw a rise of 4.7%, totaling 13.6 million metric tons. Additionally, India's crude steel production reached 14.02 million metric tons, up 9.4% from a year earlier. This data underscores India's growing self-sufficiency in steel production and its evolving role in the global steel market. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inCoconut oil traders are cautiously optimistic as prices remain firm despite increased copra arrivals in markets following the Onam festival. Contrary to expectations of a price drop, wholesale coconut oil prices have reached ₹362 per kg in Kerala and ₹310 in Tamil Nadu, with copra prices at ₹222 and ₹217, respectively. Thalath Mahmood, president of the Cochin Oil Merchants Association, noted that many small mills are struggling to operate due to high copra costs, which have been exacerbated by stockpiling in Tamil Nadu. Official sources attribute the sustained prices to strong export demand and supply concerns from producing countries like Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Exports of coconuts from India have surged, with total exports reaching ₹2546 crore this year. The rising global demand for coconut products, driven by a shift towards plant-based ingredients, is expected to keep prices elevated, with supply constraints anticipated to persist into 2025. 
Published: Nov 10 2025, 2 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
