eznews.inIndia's electricity demand is projected to grow by 4-4.5% in FY26, according to ratings agency ICRA, despite a 5% year-on-year decline in the first 20 days of October 2025, as reported by the Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO). Ankit Jain, Co-Group Head of Corporate Ratings at ICRA, noted that a sluggish 1% growth in the first half of FY26, attributed to an early monsoon and an unfavorable base, is expected to be offset by a strong recovery in the second half. While the full-year demand growth forecast lags behind the GDP growth estimate of 6.5%, coal inventory levels at domestic power plants remain comfortable, sufficient for 14.7 days of requirement as of October 10, 2025. Additionally, the renewable energy sector has shown remarkable growth, with a 24.8% year-on-year increase in generation during the first five months of FY26, bolstered by a strong project pipeline and government support. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inGlobal aviation software provider Ramco Systems has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The ePlane Company (Ubifly Technologies) to implement Ramco Aviation Software for the comprehensive lifecycle management of ePlane's e200X fleet, which includes air taxis, air ambulances, and cargo aircraft. As the e200X advances through certification and regulatory processes, the partnership will facilitate a phased deployment of the software, aligning with the aircraft's journey towards manufacturing and commercial service. The software suite will support various operational aspects, including engineering, maintenance, safety, and compliance. Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder of The ePlane Company, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in managing operational complexity and ensuring agility. Ramco's EVP, Sam Jacob, highlighted the initiative's potential to transform urban mobility, underscoring the software's role in enabling scalable, innovative aviation solutions. Ramco Aviation Software is currently utilized by over 24,000 users worldwide. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Telangana Government has urged the Union Government to increase the upper limit for cotton moisture levels from 12% to 20%, citing adverse weather conditions affecting farmers. In a letter to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted that the moisture content in kapas typically ranges between 12% and 20%, yet the Cotton Corporation of India currently procures cotton with a moisture content of only 8% to 12%. This restriction is reportedly hindering farmers' access to the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is set at ₹8,110 per quintal, reflecting a ₹589 increase from the previous year. While Telangana has cultivated cotton across 18.59 lakh hectares, yielding an estimated 28.29 lakh tonnes, global cotton production is projected to decline by 1.5 million bales this year, with major producers like China, India, and the US expected to contribute less. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndiGo has resumed direct flights between India and Mainland China after a five-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity. The airline commenced daily non-stop services from Kolkata to Guangzhou, a major global business hub, catering to the rising demand for passenger and cargo movement between the two nations. IndiGo's Chief Executive, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the importance of this route for enhancing bilateral ties and supporting trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Additionally, flights from Delhi to Guangzhou are set to begin on November 10, 2025. The resumption follows a period of suspended services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, but recent political agreements have facilitated this reopening. Industry experts predict that the introduction of direct flights could triple annual passenger traffic between India and China, which currently stands at about one million, significantly benefiting both countries' economies. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's maritime sector has made notable strides in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and human capital development over the past decade, positioning the country as a potential global maritime powerhouse. With a coastline exceeding 7,500 km and 12 major ports, approximately 95% of India's trade by volume is conducted via sea routes, contributing around 4% to the national GDP. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is set to host India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai from October 27-31, showcasing new technologies and fostering global partnerships. Key initiatives include the Sagarmala Programme, aimed at modernising ports and enhancing connectivity, and the Maritime India Vision 2030, which seeks to attract investments of ₹3 to ₹3.5 lakh crores. Additionally, the sector is focusing on sustainability through digitisation and green initiatives, targeting 60% renewable energy use by 2030, while private investment in port development continues to grow, accounting for over 50% of capacity at major ports. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCyclone Montha has formed over the south-west and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, intensifying unexpectedly from a deep depression on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the cyclone will strengthen into a severe storm with wind speeds of 90-100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on Tuesday evening. Residents can expect extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, with heavy to very heavy rain also predicted for coastal Odisha and parts of Chhattisgarh. The cyclone's projected path indicates it will move north-northwest, avoiding the Tamil Nadu coast. Gale winds of 60-70 km/h are already affecting the region, with squally weather expected along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal over the next few days. Meanwhile, a separate depression in the Arabian Sea is expected to shift towards the east-central region. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia is poised to gain from a proposed grain exchange among BRICS nations, which aims to serve as an alternative to the US-based CME futures trading platform. Brazil is advocating for a multilateral grain stockpile within BRICS to lessen reliance on external markets. The US's recent tariff hikes have spurred BRICS to expedite the rollout of Russian and Brazilian proposals, with a pilot launch anticipated next year and full implementation by 2027. During a September meeting, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Patrushev discussed the grain exchange with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting potential annual savings of $2.5 billion. Brazil is urging India to support its Food Security Reserve plan to enhance resilience against global supply disruptions. While the proposals aim to bolster food sovereignty within BRICS, experts caution that challenges remain, including legal frameworks for cross-border sharing and the need for binding commitments. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a notable increase in the purchase of 'swadeshi' goods during the festive season, coinciding with the 'GST Bachat Utsav'. He expressed gratitude for the public's positive response to his Diwali appeal for a 10% reduction in edible oil consumption. Modi also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram', emphasizing its role in fostering patriotism and unity among Indians. He encouraged participation in Chhath Puja, celebrating its cultural significance, particularly for communities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal, as elections in Bihar approach. Additionally, he praised Koraput coffee from Odisha for its exceptional taste and its positive impact on local women's livelihoods, calling it a source of pride for the state. The Prime Minister's remarks reflect a blend of cultural pride and economic encouragement as India approaches significant festivities and elections. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Finance Ministry has authorized the use of municipal bonds as collateral for repo and reverse repo transactions, enabling municipal bodies to secure funding for infrastructure projects. This move allows banks, mutual funds, insurers, and companies to invest in these bonds, potentially creating a new asset class and expanding the investor base. Currently, municipal bonds are largely illiquid, primarily held by long-term investors like pension funds. The government’s decision aims to enhance demand and liquidity in the market, with over ₹3,300 crore raised through municipal bonds as of September 30. However, experts caution about the higher default risk associated with these securities. A report by ICRA anticipates that more than 10 issuances in FY25/FY26 could raise over ₹1,500 crore, but challenges such as credit quality and lack of transparency remain significant barriers to a robust municipal bond market in India. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn the September quarter, major FMCG companies operating in India, including Unilever, Reckitt, Heineken, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola, reported sales disruptions due to the implementation of GST reforms and unusually heavy monsoon rains. Unilever's CEO, Fernando Fernandez, noted that while the GST had short-term impacts, it would benefit 40% of their portfolio with price reductions. Reckitt experienced a slight revenue decline but saw growth in its Dettol brand. Heineken reported a mid-single-digit decline in beer volume due to the rains, although its organic net revenue grew, supported by price hikes. Both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola acknowledged weather-related challenges affecting their sales, with Coca-Cola's CEO highlighting India's long-term growth potential despite current competitive pressures. Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard's sales rose 3%, though they were affected by excise policy changes in Maharashtra. Overall, companies remain optimistic about future growth driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 2 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
