eznews.inInvestments in physically-backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by Indian investors surged in October, ranking third globally, according to the World Gold Council. Indian ETF investments reached $2.91 billion by November 7, with $849.8 million inflows recorded in October alone, accounting for a third of the year's total. In contrast, investors in the UK and Germany exited the market, with outflows of $3.5 billion and $1.17 billion, respectively. The US led global investments with $6.33 billion in October, followed by China at $4.51 billion. Despite a record high of $4,381.58 per ounce on October 17, gold prices have since declined, impacting investor sentiment. The WGC noted that geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties have driven demand for gold, with ETFs playing a crucial role in the market's dynamics. Overall, gold ETF holdings stood at 3,895 tonnes as of November 7, nearing the peak levels seen in late 2020. 
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn rural India, livestock is integral to family life, serving as a vital source of nutrition and income for over 100 million households. Despite possessing the world's largest livestock population and contributing significantly to global milk production, fewer than 2% of these animals are insured, leaving farmers vulnerable to devastating losses from disease, climate events, and accidents. The current livestock insurance system, part of the National Livestock Mission, is fragmented and inefficient, relying on outdated processes that delay claims and lack digital integration. To address this, experts propose a National Livestock Insurance Scheme (NLIS) that leverages technology and cluster-based design to provide comprehensive coverage. This initiative could empower farmers, particularly women, who dominate the dairy sector, while also enhancing disease control. With India's livestock economy valued at nearly ₹50 lakh crore, increasing insurance penetration could significantly bolster rural resilience and protect farmers from emotional and financial distress.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's food inflation is expected to remain stable in the second half of the Financial Year 2026, bolstered by above-normal monsoon rains and improved sowing conditions, according to ICICI Bank's Global Markets update. However, an adverse base effect is anticipated to drive food inflation higher in FY27, as this year's prices may appear elevated due to last year's unusually low figures. The report highlights that wholesale inflation has eased to its lowest level in over two years, with a significant decline in primary food articles, particularly vegetables, cereals, and pulses. Month-on-month food prices have remained stable, indicating a potential stabilization after recent disinflation. While fuel inflation remains negative due to lower global crude prices, some manufactured products have seen price increases, particularly in jewellery and pharmaceuticals, suggesting that global commodity trends could exert upward pressure on inflation in the future.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming Indian agriculture by enhancing resource efficiency and reducing emissions amid increasing climate volatility. By employing precision agriculture techniques, AI utilizes satellite imagery, soil sensors, and weather data to tailor farming practices, such as variable-rate fertiliser application and irrigation models that align with crop needs, ultimately conserving water and reducing nitrous oxide emissions. Predictive models, trained on extensive meteorological data, provide early warnings about extreme weather and pest threats, enabling farmers to adjust planting schedules and manage resources effectively. While cooperatives and agri-tech firms are already implementing these tools, challenges remain for smallholders, including access to technology and reliable connectivity. To bridge this gap, public investment and partnerships with local institutions are essential. As AI continues to evolve, it promises to empower farmers with timely, actionable insights, fostering resilience in an unpredictable climate and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport marked a significant milestone on December 29, 2024, with its first commercial aircraft landing, heralding its official opening on Christmas Day. Akasa Air and IndiGo have commenced bookings for flights connecting the airport to multiple destinations, with Akasa offering routes to Delhi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Goa, while IndiGo expands its network to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, and Nagpur. The inaugural IndiGo flight from Bengaluru is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. The airport is expected to handle 100-110 flights daily, operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Akasa Air plans to gradually increase its operations, aiming for 300 domestic and 50 international weekly departures by FY27, with a focus on expanding into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. Air India Express has yet to announce its flight schedule for the new airport.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia stands to benefit marginally from the US decision to roll back reciprocal tariffs on certain agricultural products, with annual exports of the exempted items estimated at around $548 million, according to the Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI). However, uncertainty remains regarding whether Indian exports will be fully exempt from the 50% tariffs, which include a 25% penalty on Russian crude purchases, or if the exemption will only apply to the 25% reciprocal tariffs. The executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Friday excludes items such as coffee, tea, and tropical fruits, which the US cannot produce in sufficient quantities. While India’s exports are limited to a few high-value spices and niche products, competitors from Latin America, Africa, and ASEAN are expected to gain more significantly. To enhance its export share, India must expand production, improve cold-chain capacity, and diversify its agricultural offerings.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Telangana government is set to launch a pension scheme for all state employees, with backing from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, emphasized the urgency of standardizing pension schemes for government workers. Additionally, the upcoming Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Act, 2025, aims to provide social security for gig workers, with the bill expected to be presented in the next Assembly session. Speaking at a national conclave on the National Pension System, Ranjan noted the reluctance among many to engage in retirement planning. S. Raman, Chairperson of PFRDA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting a general lack of awareness regarding financial planning and the importance of pensions. With only 10 crore of India's 55 crore workforce in the organized sector, he identified a significant opportunity for pension products.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Saturday that the government is considering relief measures to enhance production in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) during his visit to the 30th CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. Goyal emphasized the need to promote excess capacities in SEZs for domestic market use, aiming to address the disparity where imported goods receive better benefits than those produced in SEZs. He indicated that the SEZ Commissioners would convene next week to discuss infrastructure improvements at Brandix Park and the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone. Goyal also mentioned that the ministry is exploring various proposals, including potential legislative amendments, to facilitate the sale of SEZ products in the domestic market on a duty foregone basis. Currently, SEZ units can only sell domestically after paying duties on finished goods, despite their significant contribution to India's exports, which reached ₹176.6 billion in 2024-25.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe global cashew crop is projected to exceed 15 million tonnes (mt) by 2045, up from the current 6 mt, according to Bola Rahul Kamath, President of the All India Cashew Association (AICA). Speaking at the Kaju Centennial Summit 2025 in Mangaluru, he noted that India's cashew consumption and processing are expected to double, necessitating an increase in processing capacity from 2 mt to at least 4 mt to meet domestic demand. Kamath emphasized the importance of sustainability and mechanisation in the industry, predicting new marketing and distribution methods for cashews. While countries like India and Vietnam benefit from sourcing cashews from multiple origins, reducing price risks, single-origin processing in regions like East and West Africa faces higher costs and risks. He also highlighted the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in cashew processing rather than replace it.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIRB Infrastructure Trust has secured a significant toll operate and transfer (TOT) project from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Uttar Pradesh, with an upfront payment of ₹9,270 crore. This initiative is part of NHAI's broader asset monetisation programme. The awarded project encompasses a 366 km stretch of the Lucknow-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur corridor on NH-27, along with a segment of the Lucknow-Varanasi corridor on NH-731, and features a revenue-linked concession period of 20 years. Virendra D Mhaiskar, Chairman and Managing Director of IRB Infrastructure Developers, highlighted the project's significance for religious tourism and noted that IRB now holds a commanding 42% market share in the TOT sector. As India's largest integrated private toll roads and highways developer, IRB boasts an asset portfolio exceeding ₹80,000 crore across 12 states through its parent company and two InvITs.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 3 pm
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