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India's rapeseed meal exports rose to 5.31 lakh tonnes (lt) in the first quarter of FY 2025-26, up from 5.23 lt in the same period last year, despite a slight overall decline in oilmeal exports. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) reported total oilmeal exports at 10.94 lt, down from 11.02 lt in the previous fiscal year. Notably, China emerged as a significant market, importing approximately 1.80 lt of rapeseed meal, a dramatic increase from just 7,000 tonnes a year earlier, driven by competitive pricing. In May 2025, Indian rapeseed meal was priced at $201 per tonne, significantly lower than Hamburg's $313. Meanwhile, India's kharif sowing benefited from above-average monsoon rainfall, although total acreage for oilseeds slightly decreased. Groundnut planting increased, while soyabean acreage fell due to market volatility. 
Published: Jul 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Commerce Department has unveiled a comprehensive three-tiered action plan to mitigate the impact of recent tariff escalations by the US, which have significantly affected Indian exporters. Following the Trump administration's imposition of reciprocal tariffs, which rose to 50% on August 27, the plan aims to provide immediate liquidity and compliance relief, particularly for vulnerable sectors and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Key measures include enhancing market access, branding initiatives, and support for export compliance and logistics. The Export Promotion Mission will facilitate short-term assistance through trade finance options, while medium-term strategies will focus on leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and improving competitiveness through GST reforms. Long-term goals include establishing a resilient and diversified export base, supported by ongoing reforms and initiatives to strengthen supply chains. The plan is currently under review by the Expenditure Finance Committee.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMizoram is set to achieve a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the upcoming inauguration of the 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang New Railway Line Project, expected to be officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mid-September. This ₹5,021 crore project will connect Sairang, located 15 km from Aizawl, to Bairabi, just before the Assam border, enhancing rail connectivity for the state. Previously reliant on road transport, residents will now have easier access to other northeastern states and beyond, with the railway line linking to Silchar in Assam. The project, which includes 48 tunnels and 55 major bridges, is anticipated to benefit students, patients, and businesses, while also boosting tourism. Mizoram will become the fourth northeastern state with its capital connected to the national railway network, following Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, as part of a broader goal to link all northeastern states by 2030.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent ruling by the West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (WBAAR) has significant implications for hotels regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment. If a hotel charges more than ₹7,500 for accommodation, including food, it must apply an 18% GST rate for restaurant services provided to walk-in guests, even if this higher rate is only applicable to a limited number of rooms. This ruling is particularly relevant for hotels employing dynamic pricing strategies during peak seasons. The WBAAR clarified that the ₹7,500 threshold encompasses both room and food charges, and even a single instance of exceeding this amount in a financial year will classify the hotel as a "specified premise" for the following year, subjecting it to a higher GST rate of 18%. Experts emphasize that this interpretation eliminates any ambiguity regarding invoicing practices, reinforcing the need for hotels to carefully manage their pricing strategies.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn August, India experienced a 5% increase in rainfall compared to normal levels, marking the seventh highest total since 2001, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The heavy rains, particularly in Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka during the latter half of the month, have raised concerns about potential crop damage, with predictions of "above normal" rainfall for September. IMD's director general, M. Mohapatra, noted that September's rainfall is expected to exceed 109% of the long-period average, with risks of landslides and flash floods in Uttarakhand. The second half of August saw a 33% surplus in rainfall, with Punjab reporting a staggering 202% increase. Crop damage has been reported across 2.5 lakh hectares in Punjab and 8 lakh hectares in Maharashtra, with significant losses anticipated in Rajasthan. The monsoon season, which has been 6% above average overall, is not expected to withdraw for at least two weeks.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Finance Ministry, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is considering significant amendments to the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015, which could pave the way for 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector. Currently, FDI is capped at 74%, but the proposed changes aim to eliminate the requirement for a majority of directors and key managerial positions to be held by Indian residents, retaining only the stipulation for at least one resident Indian in top leadership roles. Legal experts suggest that these reforms will streamline regulations, reduce compliance burdens, and enhance foreign participation in the Indian insurance market. The draft also proposes to update references to outdated regulations, aligning them with the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instrument) Rules, 2019. This move is seen as a step towards modernizing the legal framework and increasing insurance penetration in India.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is set to implement a bulk quantity discount scheme starting September 1, aimed at reducing its stock of over 27 lakh bales ahead of the new harvest season. The initiative offers a ₹400 discount per candy (356 kg) for buyers, including KVIC Units and co-operative spinning mills, purchasing between 2,500 and 4,999 bales daily, with a higher discount of ₹600 for larger orders. This scheme, valid from September 1-15, 2025, follows the government's recent removal of an 11% import duty on cotton, which is expected to increase imports to a record 40 lakh bales for the season ending September 2025. CCI has already reduced its prices by ₹1,700 per candy since August 19 to remain competitive. However, farmers have expressed concerns that the duty removal could negatively impact their earnings, as cotton acreage has decreased compared to last year.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn the financial year 2024-25, Mehsana in Gujarat exported spice seeds worth ₹3,995 crore, with cumin, isabgol, and fennel seeds leading the shipments. Notably, 25% of these exports were sent to China, followed by 16% to Bangladesh, and 10% to the UAE. The Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), a major trading hub for spice seeds, reported a 17.5% increase in cumin arrivals, totaling 54,410 tonnes between February 15 and April 10, 2025. Despite a significant growth of over 42% in exports from ₹2,904 crore in 2022-23 to ₹4,127 crore in 2023-24, there was a slight decline of 3% in 2024-25, attributed to adverse weather affecting cumin production. The state government anticipates that favorable monsoon conditions will enhance sowing areas for spices in the upcoming season.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPrivate sector capital investment in India is projected to surge by 21.5% to ₹2.67 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2025-26, bolstered by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a 100-basis point cut in policy rates, according to an article in the Reserve Bank of India's August bulletin. Despite global uncertainties, Indian companies are entering this fiscal year with healthier balance sheets and improved access to diverse funding sources. The article highlights that ongoing infrastructure initiatives, sustained disinflation, and favorable liquidity conditions are creating a conducive environment for investment, particularly in the power sector. While external risks such as geopolitical tensions may impact sentiment, domestic fundamentals remain robust. The authors emphasize the importance of translating investment intentions into execution, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and supportive policies to ensure sustainable economic growth. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the RBI's official stance.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has clarified that motor vehicle tax is compensatory in nature and should not be levied if a vehicle is not used or kept for use in a 'public place.' The verdict, delivered by Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan, stemmed from an appeal regarding a December 2024 judgment by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The court emphasized that the tax is applicable only when vehicles are utilized in public infrastructure, such as roads. The case involved a logistics firm that had deployed 36 vehicles within the restricted premises of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in Visakhapatnam, which is not accessible to the public. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the firm, stating that it should not be liable for motor vehicle tax during the period its vehicles were confined to the central dispatch yard, thus allowing the appeal and ordering a refund of ₹22,71,700.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's reliance on Chinese specialty fertiliser imports has surged since 2005, with the country now sourcing 80% of its specialty fertilisers directly from China. As China prepares to reimpose export restrictions from October, industry officials warn of potential price hikes that could adversely affect farmers. Rajiv Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association, noted that while a temporary resumption of exports has provided short-term relief, the tightening of controls will soon resume, leading to increased inspections and consignment delays. Indian companies are racing to secure supplies during this brief window, with global sourcing firms working to meet seasonal demands. Although domestic production is expected to alleviate some supply issues by mid-season, price increases are anticipated, directly impacting farmers. The recent halt in exports previously caused a 40% price surge, but the peak demand period for specialty fertilisers coincides with the farming season, limiting immediate disruption.
Published: Aug 31 2025, 1 pm
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