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CCI’s Green Channel: Revolutionizing India’s M&A Scene

India's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape has been significantly transformed by the introduction of the Green Channel mechanism, which allows for automatic approval of transactions that do not present horizontal overlaps or vertical relations. Launched in August 2019 and enhanced in 2024, this initiative by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) aims to streamline regulatory processes, reduce approval times to an average of just 16 working days, and bolster investor confidence, particularly in the private equity and venture capital sectors. Under Chairperson Ravneet Kaur's leadership, the CCI has focused on balancing facilitation with enforcement, engaging with stakeholders to refine processes, and investing in technology to manage increasing deal complexities. The Green Channel not only simplifies regulatory hurdles but also encourages domestic consolidation, driving innovation and job creation, thereby enhancing India's appeal as a business-friendly destination and supporting its ambition to become a $5 trillion economy. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 3 pm

Drone Didis Challenge Tradition, Soar to New Heights

In a transformative initiative, the Indian government’s 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme has empowered women in Haryana, turning them from traditional housewives into skilled drone pilots. Participants like Monica Yadav, Sita Devi, and Geeta Devi have gained both social recognition and financial independence, with earnings increasing by approximately ₹10,000 per month. Despite initial fears and societal barriers, these women have embraced technology, showcasing their newfound identities at the Agri and Commodity Summit 2025 in New Delhi. They advocate for the use of drones to apply nano-fertilisers, which could enhance agricultural productivity, although some villagers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these alternatives. The Drone Didis emphasize the need for greater government subsidies to encourage farmers to adopt nano-fertilisers, while also facing challenges from traditional mindsets that restrict women's participation in agriculture. Their journey reflects a significant shift in gender roles within rural communities. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 8 pm

Centre promotes natural farming to combat climate change

Natural farming is being promoted by the Indian government as a key strategy to reduce input costs and encourage chemical-free agriculture, aiming to mitigate climate change impacts. At the _businessline_ Agri and Commodity Summit, Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted successful farmers who have developed sustainable protocols now being validated by research. The government’s two-pronged strategy includes creating climate-resilient crop varieties and enhancing water management, alongside crop insurance to protect against natural disasters. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, emphasized the revitalization of cooperatives to bolster rural resilience, proposing the establishment of 70,000 grain storage points to reduce transportation costs. NABARD Chairman K.V. Shaji outlined a multi-faceted approach to tackle climate change through data-driven solutions and new financial mechanisms. The summit showcased innovative farming practices, particularly the inspiring stories of the Drone and Solar Didis, who received a standing ovation for their transformative work. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 8 pm

"Solar Didis: Champions of Circular Economy in Agriculture"

In a transformative shift towards renewable energy, Devki Devi and Sunita Devi, known as "Solar Didis," have revolutionized irrigation for smallholder farmers in Bihar, India. Since adopting solar-powered irrigation in 2023, Devki, from Ratanpura, and Sunita, from Bhagwanpur Dadhya, have expanded their services to over 65 farmers, significantly increasing their incomes from ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh per month. Their success story is part of the Jeevika Self-Help Group initiative, which empowers rural women by providing access to financial services and improving livelihoods. Mukesh Chandra from the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme highlights the environmental and economic benefits of solar irrigation over diesel-based systems. Both women, who faced initial resistance from their families, now inspire others, advocating for women's empowerment and financial independence in rural communities. Their journey underscores the potential of solar energy to address climate change and enhance agricultural productivity in developing nations. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 8 pm

Brent crude oil reaches $80 a barrel for first time

Oil prices surged past $80 a barrel on January 10, 2025, as traders reacted to reports of impending US sanctions aimed at Russian oil exports. Brent crude futures climbed to a peak of $80.54 in London, marking the highest level since October. The sanctions are expected to impact over 180 tankers transporting Russian oil and target maritime insurance providers operating within the country, according to Reuters. This development has raised concerns among Indian oil processors, who are preparing for potential disruptions in oil flows. The market's response reflects growing tensions surrounding global oil supply chains and the geopolitical implications of US sanctions on Russia. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 8 pm

Key Challenges in Agri-Residue for Biofuels: Transport, Storage, Pricing

Experts at the Agri and Commodities Summit 2025 in New Delhi highlighted the pressing need for improved supply chains closer to farmland to enhance the biofuel-based farm economy in India. During a panel discussion, industry leaders, including Madhur Jain of Varaha and Avinash Save of Biofuel Circle, identified key challenges such as the pricing, aggregation, transport, and storage of agricultural residues. With India producing approximately 650 million tonnes of crop residue annually, about 250 million tonnes are wasted, and 92 million tonnes are burned due to inadequate storage and transport options for marginal farmers. The panellists called for effective regulations, a transparent pricing system for fodder, and a robust post-harvest management strategy to facilitate the efficient movement of agri-residue from farms to processing facilities. They emphasized that policy measures promoting a circular economy in agriculture could provide additional income for farmers while addressing these logistical challenges. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 8 pm

Crop diversification may boost FPO growth in Punjab, Haryana

Experts have called for a robust policy mechanism to ensure price stability in India's agricultural sector, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where crop diversification could enhance the farmer producer organisation (FPO) movement. During a panel discussion on price risk management, former additional secretary PK Swain noted that 96% of paddy and 80% of wheat produced in these states are procured by the government, limiting FPO potential. Kedar Deshpande from NCDEX highlighted the lack of effective pricing discovery and hedging tools, which prevents farmers from achieving fair prices. Ashutosh Kumar from Nabard explained the "cobweb phenomenon," where farmers' cropping decisions based on past prices lead to fluctuating incomes. Additionally, Sanjai VS from SBI pointed out that many small farmers sell produce at distressed rates due to unawareness of warehouse receipt financing, urging collective action through FPOs to improve market access and avoid distress sales. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 7 pm

Mumbai airport bans charter plane parking from year-end

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, Mumbai's airport will no longer provide parking for charter and private aircraft, as part of a strategic initiative to shift all non-scheduled flights to the new Navi Mumbai airport. This move aims to alleviate congestion at Mumbai airport, which currently handles around 970-990 flights daily, including 40-60 charter flights. The Navi Mumbai airport is in the process of constructing a general aviation terminal and limited hangar space for non-scheduled operators, with plans to expand facilities based on demand. Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, emphasized that existing hangars at Mumbai will be demolished to make way for new aeronautical assets, while parking fees at Navi Mumbai will be regulated by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority. The transition is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce flight delays, with the general aviation terminal in Mumbai remaining operational during this period. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 5 pm

November industrial growth hits six-month high at 5.2%

India's industrial sector showed robust growth in November 2024, with factory output rising by 5.2%, the highest in six months, according to government data. This increase follows a 3.5% growth in October, driven by significant gains in mining (1.9%), manufacturing (5.8%), and electricity (4.4%). Notably, the capital goods segment surged by 9%, and consumer durables saw a remarkable 13.1% increase, reflecting strong festive demand. However, overall growth for April-November 2024 was 4.1%, down from 6.5% in the same period last year. Analysts caution that high base effects may temper future growth, with expectations of a moderation to 3-5% in December. Despite a six-month high in electricity demand, other indicators like petroleum consumption and crude steel production remained subdued, suggesting a mixed outlook for the industrial sector moving forward. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 6 pm

Mangaluru Airport sees 17.13% rise in passenger traffic 2024

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has reported significant growth in passenger traffic and air traffic movements for the calendar year 2024 and the first nine months of the financial year 2024-25. The airport handled 22,57,621 passengers in 2024, a 17.13% increase from 19,27,466 in 2023, with domestic travel rising by 19.33% to 15,80,747 and international passengers increasing by 12.31% to 6,76,874. Notably, December 2024 marked a record high of 2,06,410 passengers. For the first nine months of 2024-25, MIA served 17,28,686 passengers, up 16% from the previous year, with domestic and international travel growing by 16.8% and 14.3%, respectively. Air traffic movements also surged, with 16,416 ATMs in 2024, an 18.44% rise from 2023. MIA attributes this growth to ongoing infrastructure enhancements and a commitment to passenger service and safety. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 5 pm

"Agtech Development Requires Technology, Digitization, and Public Investment"

At the Agri and Commodity Summit 2025, experts highlighted the significant potential of the Indian government's Agri Stack project to enhance agricultural development through technology and digitisation. Dr. Paresh Verma from Shriram Bioseed Genetics emphasized the need for political will and stakeholder coordination to leverage technology for farmers, noting the limited increase in seed prices compared to the rising minimum support price (MSP) for cotton. Hemendra Mathur of ThinkAg pointed out that start-ups have driven digitisation in the food value chain, with the Agri Stack programme poised to reduce transaction costs for farmers. Partha Ghosh from Social Alpha discussed how digitisation could lower insurance and banking costs, but stressed the necessity of public investment to encourage technology adoption. The summit, presented by Nabard and supported by various agricultural partners, underscored the importance of innovation in addressing climate challenges and improving rural employment. sources

Published:
Jan 10 2025, 5 pm

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