eznews.inThe Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) has revolutionised agricultural trade in India by connecting over 1,400 mandis across 23 states and four union territories, allowing farmers to sell their produce beyond local boundaries. Launched in 2016, e-NAM has facilitated trade worth over ₹3 lakh crore, benefiting more than 1.7 crore farmers and 2 lakh traders by providing a transparent online marketplace that eliminates intermediaries. In October 2025, the platform expanded to include nine new commodities, reflecting a policy shift towards high-value products. Despite its successes, challenges such as limited internet access and digital literacy persist, particularly among small farmers. The government is addressing these issues with e-NAM 2.0, which aims to integrate logistics and warehousing into the trading platform. As India moves towards a data-driven agricultural economy, e-NAM is pivotal in ensuring fair pricing and empowering farmers, thereby strengthening the rural economy. 
Published: Nov 22 2025, 10 ameznews.inSmall and marginal farmers, who primarily cultivate spices, often struggle with limited access to modern agricultural techniques, quality standards, and affordable credit. To address these challenges, the Indian government has promoted Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), which are farmer-owned collectives that enhance market access and improve production efficiency. FPOs enable farmers to aggregate resources, purchase quality inputs at competitive rates, and establish processing facilities, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and increasing marketability. By facilitating collective bargaining, FPOs help farmers secure better prices and access previously unreachable markets, including retail chains and exporters. Additionally, FPOs provide vital training in good agricultural practices and access to agri-tech innovations, enhancing farmers' responsiveness to market demands. With strong leadership and financial discipline, FPOs are poised to transform India's agricultural landscape, empowering farmers and improving their livelihoods.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's extensive coastline is vital for local communities, providing livelihoods and contributing significantly to the economy. However, the management of marine resources varies widely across states, each with its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act tailored to local conditions. This diversity, while reflecting regional realities, poses challenges as fishing pressures increase and climate change alters fish migration patterns. The recent "Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules – 2025" aims to establish a national framework, yet most fishing occurs in state-controlled waters where regulations differ. A balanced approach is needed, combining national guidance with local autonomy to create shared standards and improve enforcement tools without undermining state authority. By integrating ecological and economic investments, India can enhance its Blue Economy while ensuring the sustainability of its marine ecosystems. A cooperative strategy that respects local knowledge could help safeguard both coastal livelihoods and ocean health.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as smaller cities emerge as vital growth hubs for the retail real estate sector, according to Cushman & Wakefield's Q3 2025 Retail Market Beat. Leasing activity in Tier II and Tier III cities has surged, reflecting heightened retailer confidence and evolving consumer preferences. A report by Colliers-CII forecasts that India's real estate market could reach $10 trillion by 2047, with a substantial portion of retail development expected in these regions. Factors such as rising incomes, improved infrastructure, and a shift towards branded retail experiences are driving this change. Industry leaders, including Nandini Taneja and Prakhar Agrawal, emphasize the growing aspirations of consumers in cities like Raipur and Bhubaneswar, who are increasingly spending on lifestyle and entertainment. This shift presents exciting opportunities for developers and investors as India's retail sector expands beyond metropolitan areas.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's IT sector is poised for significant benefits from the full implementation of the country's four Labour Codes, which aim to enhance predictability, transparency, and mobility for its skilled workforce, according to industry body Nasscom. The government has announced that key provisions of these Codes, which consolidate 29 outdated labour laws, will take effect on November 21. Key changes include mandatory written appointment letters, fixed-term employment with equal benefits, expanded social security, and recognition of gig work. These reforms are designed to improve workforce mobility and strengthen India's position as a hub for high-value technology services. The transition to this new framework will be gradual, allowing businesses to adapt while ensuring compliance with both central and state regulations. Nasscom emphasized its commitment to facilitating a smooth transition and harmonizing the new rules with existing state laws to avoid compliance challenges.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inDuring a recent visit to New Delhi, Afghanistan's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, emphasized the importance of the India-developed Chabahar port, which connects Afghanistan and India via Iran, bypassing Pakistan. Azizi expressed concerns over U.S. sanctions affecting the port's investments and highlighted the need for negotiations with Washington to alleviate these restrictions. He also announced plans for tariff cuts on goods traded through Chabahar and urged private sector investment to enhance competitiveness. In response, India is set to activate air freight corridors between Kabul and New Delhi, and Kabul and Amritsar, while re-establishing a joint working group to address trade issues. Azizi invited Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, including mining and agriculture, as both nations aim to strengthen their trade ties, currently valued at around $1 billion, amidst ongoing challenges from Pakistan's transit route blockages.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA coalition of ten central trade unions and various independent industrial federations has declared a nationwide protest on November 26, 2025, in response to the Indian government's implementation of four new labour codes, which they describe as "anti-worker" and "pro-employer." The Joint Platform is demanding a complete rollback of these codes, which include the Code on Wages and the Industrial Relations Code. This protest coincides with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh's mixed response to the codes, as they welcomed some aspects while opposing certain provisions. The unions are urging workers to participate in mobilisations, including wearing black badges and holding meetings, to challenge what they perceive as government overreach. Despite previous protests and a general strike in 2020, the government has proceeded with the codes, citing extensive consultations. Union leaders have vowed to continue their resistance until the codes are rescinded.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent notification of new labour codes, which consolidate 29 existing laws, has shifted focus to State governments, as these codes will only take effect once individual States establish their specific rules. Labour is listed on the Concurrent List, allowing States to tailor implementations to local conditions. While some States, like Tamil Nadu, have begun drafting rules, others, including West Bengal, have yet to comply, with officials expressing concerns over the codes being anti-labour. Maharashtra's Chief Minister hailed the reforms as a historic step for worker rights, while Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister emphasized the need for robust labour frameworks to support a modern economy. Experts note that States retain the power to regulate local establishments and can set minimum wages and working hours above the central standards, allowing for some flexibility within the overarching framework of the new codes.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has announced the nationwide implementation of four new Labour Codes, which replace 29 central laws, marking what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a "historic step" towards ensuring worker dignity. The codes, which include the Code of Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, aim to empower workers and simplify compliance for businesses. They also address the gig economy by defining gig work and mandating contributions from platform companies. However, experts warn of significant challenges in extending benefits to workers, citing low registration rates among gig workers and issues with existing welfare schemes. Additionally, some states, like West Bengal, have expressed opposition to the central laws, while trade unions have condemned the reforms as detrimental to worker protections. The government claims that 40 crore workers will benefit from the new social security framework.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has extended the proposed Cotton Productivity Mission's tenure from five to ten years, following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Office. The mission, announced in the 2025-26 Budget, aims to enhance cotton farming productivity and sustainability, with an initial budget of approximately Rs 5,000 crore. However, the Ministry of Textiles is facing challenges as its proposals for modernising ginning factories have been rejected by the Department of Expenditure and Niti Aayog. The Department has also advised that the mission be restructured as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, sharing costs with states, and has raised concerns about overlaps with other agricultural initiatives. As cotton production has declined, with estimates for 2025-26 at 30.5 million bales, experts suggest that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research should expedite the proposal to the PMO to resolve ongoing bottlenecks.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact