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In Andhra Pradesh, the mood among tobacco farmers has shifted from confidence to anxiety as a dramatic collapse in High-Density (HD) Burley prices has halved their earnings in just one season. Farmers in the tobacco-rich districts of Prakasam, Nellore, and Guntur are struggling to cover rising cultivation costs, with prices plummeting from ₹272 to ₹230 per kg, leaving many unable to recover their investments. While Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco has seen price increases, the Burley crisis serves as a stark reminder of market vulnerabilities. Experts warn that Andhra must transition from volume-driven growth to a value-focused approach, incorporating technology, sustainability, and market diversification to secure farmers' livelihoods. Learning from global examples, the state needs to establish digital traceability and expand buyer networks to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness in the global market. The urgency for reform is critical as tightening regulations loom on the horizon. 
Published: Sep 07 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndustry leaders in India's steel sector are set to convene for the Steel Conclave 2025 on September 8-9 in New Delhi, focusing on sustainable growth strategies. The event, attended by Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy, will explore the integration of artificial intelligence in the steel value chain, financing for a green transition, and enhancing raw material availability. The Indian Steel Association (ISA) highlighted the need for decarbonisation, price risk management, and improved logistics and infrastructure efficiency. ISA President Naveen Jindal emphasized the goal of creating a resilient steel sector that aligns with global sustainability standards. Additionally, the government's recent reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on renewable energy products from 12% to 5% is expected to facilitate a shift towards greener energy sources, significantly reducing the industry's reliance on coal and lowering carbon emissions.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 4 pmeznews.inGMR Airport Limited (GAL) is positioning direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses as a key driver of its growth, according to chairman GM Rao in the company's annual report. Operating airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa, which together handle 27.5% of India's passenger traffic, GAL is consolidating its non-aeronautical operations, including retail and duty-free, onto a unified platform. The company recently took over the duty-free business at Delhi airport and plans to do the same in Hyderabad by FY 2026. Additionally, GAL has assumed control of the cargo terminal at Delhi airport. Rao noted that these changes are expected to enhance revenue streams and profitability, with a projected improvement in cash flows and creditworthiness. GAL's net debt stood at ₹32,900 crore as of June, while it anticipates operational launches at three airports in India and ongoing construction of an airport in Greece by February 2027. In FY 25, GAL reported a revenue increase of 19% to ₹10,414 crore.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has welcomed the recent reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on biogas plants and devices from 12% to 5%, effective September 22. This decision, part of a broader tax overhaul by the GST Council, aims to stimulate private investment in the compressed biogas (CBG) sector, with projections of $4-5 billion in investments by 2030. The IBA anticipates that the tax cut will enhance project viability, potentially increasing new investments by 4-5% in the short to medium term. The reform is expected to lower installation costs, making biogas more accessible and creating jobs in manufacturing and maintenance. IBA president AR Shukla emphasized the need for a comprehensive value chain analysis and called for addressing the inverted tax structure affecting biogas plant components to further encourage large-scale adoption. This initiative aligns with efforts to promote renewable energy access in rural areas, particularly through organic waste utilization.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Udhampur, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for the sixth consecutive day due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, severely impacting travel and the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which has been suspended for 13 days. Efforts by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to restore the highway have been hampered by ongoing rain, with officials reporting that a 250-metre stretch remains buried under debris. Explosives have been deployed to clear the area, but progress is slow. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored traffic on the Basohli-Bani road, which had been washed out, allowing for improved connectivity in the region. The prolonged closure has left hundreds of vehicles stranded, particularly those transporting essential goods. Meteorological forecasts indicate the possibility of further rain in the coming days, complicating restoration efforts.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMobile technology is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of the digital economy, according to Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. Speaking at the COAI Dialogues 2025 in New Delhi, Gorman highlighted India's rapid digital growth, projecting that the digital economy could contribute approximately 20% to the nation's overall GDP. He noted that India's digital sector is expanding at a rate three to four times faster than its traditional economy, presenting vast opportunities for technology companies. Gorman emphasized the importance of digital trust, warning that cybersecurity threats pose risks to public confidence and must be addressed collaboratively by governments and industries. Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about India's future as a telecom leader and the importance of partnerships in fostering a secure digital ecosystem. The discussions marked a significant collaboration between GSMA and COAI, uniting various stakeholders in the telecom sector.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAt the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Trade Ministers' Meeting in Vladivostok, India underscored the need for coordinated efforts to bolster trade flows and promote inclusive growth, given that the SCO represents 42% of the global population and 17.2% of international trade. Indian officials cautioned against the misuse of export measures that could create artificial scarcity or disrupt supply chains, particularly in light of India's growing trade deficit with China, which has reached approximately $100 billion for 2024-25. Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, advocated for a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system anchored by the WTO, emphasizing the importance of addressing trade imbalances through improved market access and streamlined processes. India also proposed initiatives for the digital economy, focusing on regulatory frameworks and capacity-building to enhance the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises in global value chains.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe GST Council's recent decision to streamline India's tax structure from four slabs—5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—to just two rates of 5% and 18% is expected to enhance transparency and ease of compliance, according to Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank. This reform is projected to boost consumption in rural markets by 8-10% over the next two quarters, particularly benefiting farmers through reduced costs on agricultural products, which will see a GST reduction from 12% to 5%. Srivastava highlighted that lower taxes on daily essentials, vehicles, and housing materials will alleviate consumer burdens and stimulate demand. Additionally, making insurance policies tax-free is anticipated to promote financial inclusion. Overall, these changes are seen as a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic transformation, aligning with India's vision of a developed nation, or "Viksit Bharat."
Published: Sep 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed optimism that increased consumption will offset an estimated Goods and Services Tax (GST) shortfall of ₹48,000 crore, following recent tax rate reductions on various goods. She assured that this would not adversely affect public finances and could enhance GDP growth, potentially exceeding the projected 6.3-6.8% for FY26. In an interview, Sitharaman noted that the fiscal deficit is expected to remain at 4.4% of GDP, or ₹15.69 lakh crore, despite the static shortfall figure. The GST Council, led by Sitharaman, recently approved a two-tier tax structure, reducing rates on nearly 400 products, including essential items and electric vehicles. She described the GST overhaul as a "people's reform," emphasizing its widespread benefits. With a robust GDP growth of 7.8% in the first quarter, driven by agriculture and services, India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, outpacing China.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inChief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran has indicated that while nominal GDP growth may fall short of the Budget's 10.1% estimate for the current financial year, he remains optimistic about achieving the real GDP growth target of 6.3-6.8%. This optimism is bolstered by expectations of low inflation, attributed to a strong kharif harvest and recent GST reforms that have reduced prices on approximately 400 items. Nageswaran noted that the nominal GDP growth of 8.8% in the first quarter exceeded expectations, suggesting resilience in the Indian economy despite challenges such as a steep 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods. He emphasized that the impact of GST reforms could be significant, depending on consumer response, and expressed confidence that the growth momentum observed in the first quarter would continue, albeit with some downward pressure from external trade uncertainties.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Soybean Processors' Association of India (SOPA) has called on the government to raise the import duty on edible oils by at least 10% to safeguard farmers facing declining domestic prices that have deterred oilseed cultivation. In a letter to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, SOPA Chairman Davish Jain highlighted that cheaper imports and low domestic prices have led to a reduction in soybean cultivation, which has dropped over 5% this year. Despite government procurement efforts, soybean prices have remained below the minimum support price, prompting concerns over potential further procurement costs exceeding ₹5,000 crore. SOPA criticized the government's previous reduction of import duties on crude edible oils, arguing that it has harmed the oilseed economy. The association emphasized the need for a balanced policy that protects consumer interests while ensuring fair returns for farmers, asserting that increasing customs duties is essential for boosting domestic oilseed production and reducing import reliance.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 2 pm
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