eznews.inIn South Asia, developments in genetically modified (GM) crops have been largely stagnant this year, with Pakistan being the notable exception. The USDA reports no progress in biotechnology policy in Bangladesh, where the approval process for GM crops, including the long-awaited Golden Rice, remains stalled. India faces regulatory confusion between the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with only Bt cotton approved for cultivation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the government to establish a national policy on GM crops. In contrast, Pakistan has advanced its GM crop agenda, permitting the commercial cultivation of GM sugarcane and cotton, and approving imports of genetically engineered canola and soybeans. The USDA highlights the potential benefits for U.S. farmers, noting significant trade in agricultural products, particularly from India and Pakistan, as the region navigates its complex regulatory landscape. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Kochi tea auction market experienced robust sales ahead of the Christmas holidays, with a notable 96% of the 694,660 kg of CTC dust sold, reflecting strong demand. Prices for good liquoring teas rose by ₹3 to ₹4, while medium teas appreciated by ₹5 to ₹10. Major blenders accounted for 68% of total sales, with average prices increasing to ₹167 from ₹164 the previous week. In contrast, the orthodox dust market faced irregularities, with a lower sales performance and numerous withdrawals from the 24,500 kg offered. Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, noted a market rebound following a consolidation phase, driven by seasonal demand linked to Sabarimala and Christmas, alongside reduced crop arrivals. The orthodox leaf category saw active participation from exporters to CIS and Middle Eastern markets, with an 89% sales rate from 282,258 kg offered, and average prices rising to ₹176.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has reported record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2024-25, achieving a total revenue of ₹1,142 crore and a net profit of ₹489.84 crore, marking the highest figures in the company's history. The Kerala Government, which holds a 33.38% stake, received a gross dividend of ₹79.82 crore, presented by CIAL Directors and Ministers P. Rajeeve and K. Rajan to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Annual General Meeting approved a 50% dividend payout to its approximately 33,000 shareholders across 25 countries. This significant financial performance underscores CIAL's robust growth and its pivotal role in the region's economy. The announcement was made public on December 19, 2025, highlighting the airport's continued success and commitment to its investors.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) has urgently appealed to the Indian government for intervention following Bangladesh's unilateral decision to restrict raw jute exports, which has severely disrupted supply chains and escalated domestic prices. In a letter to Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, IJMA Chairman Raghavendra Gupta highlighted the financial risks faced by mills and the potential threat to employment and the jute value chain. The association has called for a complete ban on the export of high-yielding variety (HYV) jute seeds to Bangladesh, arguing that this would protect Indian farmers and restore balance in bilateral trade, as Bangladesh relies heavily on Indian seeds for its jute production. Additionally, Gupta urged for stricter regulation of jute product imports into India to safeguard domestic manufacturers. The situation has intensified since Bangladesh's export ban, with raw jute prices soaring from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per tonne.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports saw a significant decline in November 2025, dropping by 27% from October, with total shipments falling to 2.70 lakh tonnes from 3.71 lakh tonnes. Key exports included 1.13 lakh tonnes of soybean meal, down from 1.80 lakh tonnes in October, and 1.09 lakh tonnes of rapeseed meal, down from 1.45 lakh tonnes. Castorseed meal exports also decreased to 22,496 tonnes from 27,589 tonnes. Despite this downturn, rapeseed meal exports to China surged, with 6.44 lakh tonnes shipped during the first eight months of the fiscal year, compared to just 25,624 tonnes the previous year. The overall oilmeal exports from India for the April-November period stood at 27.34 lakh tonnes, a slight decrease from 27.51 lakh tonnes in the same timeframe last year. The government’s recent lifting of the ban on de-oiled rice bran has also contributed to exports, with 38,257 tonnes sent to Vietnam and Nepal.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's exports to China have seen a significant decline, dropping from $23 billion in 2021 to $15.2 billion in 2022, and remaining low at $14.5 billion in 2023 before a slight increase to $15.1 billion in 2024. Despite a projected rise in exports to $17.5 billion in 2025, this remains well below previous levels, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). In contrast, imports from China surged from $87.7 billion in 2021 to an estimated $123.5 billion in 2025, leading to a trade deficit expected to reach $106 billion. The deficit is largely attributed to imports of raw materials and capital goods, particularly in electronics and machinery. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to address these trends, as nearly 80% of imports are concentrated in four key product groups. Notably, exports saw a 90% increase in November 2025, driven by naphtha and electronics.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a promising start to the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26, India's oil marketing companies (OMCs) received 45.5 crore litres of ethanol last month, contributing to a total storage of 77.8 crore litres. The blending percentage of ethanol with petrol reached 20% in November, up from 19.97% in October, as the government aims for a cumulative 20% blending target by October 2026, advanced from 2030. OMCs have invited bids for 1,050 crore litres of ethanol for the current supply year, with prices for FCI rice-based ethanol rising to ₹60.32 per litre. The government has allocated 52 lakh tonnes of surplus rice and 40 lakh tonnes of sugar for ethanol production to support this initiative. The supply schedule includes 100 crore litres in November and 200 crore litres in December and January, with further allocations planned through October 2026.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 pmeznews.inData released by the Income Tax Department reveals a mixed performance in advance tax collections for the current fiscal year. Corporate assesses saw an 8% increase in advance tax payments, totaling over ₹6.07 lakh crore, while collections from non-corporate tax (NCT) assesses, which include individuals and various entities, fell by 6.5% to over ₹1.81 lakh crore. Overall, advance tax collection recorded a modest growth of just over 4%, a significant drop from last year's 21%. From April 1 to December 17, net direct tax collections reached over ₹17.04 lakh crore, marking an 8% increase compared to ₹15.78 lakh crore during the same period last fiscal year. Looking ahead, the Budget Estimate for FY 2025-26 projects corporation tax at ₹10.82 lakh crore, reflecting a 10.4% growth, while income taxes are estimated at ₹13.60 lakh crore, indicating a 13.1% increase.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Adani Group, through its subsidiary Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), is poised to solidify its dominance in India's aviation sector, controlling approximately 23% of passenger traffic and 33% of cargo traffic nationwide. The group plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore in its airport operations over the next five years, anticipating a robust annual growth rate of 15-16% in the industry. The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, set to commence operations on December 25, will enhance capacity in the region, addressing constraints at the existing Mumbai airport. With a 74% stake in the new airport, Adani aims to expand its portfolio, which already includes six other airports across India. The group is also preparing to bid aggressively for 11 additional airports identified for privatisation, reflecting its commitment to long-term growth in the aviation sector, which is expected to thrive for the next decade.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOn Thursday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog affecting Northern India, leading to low visibility and potential flight delays at several airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation subsequently cautioned that airport operations nationwide could be impacted due to the cold weather. Passengers were urged to stay in touch with their airlines for updates and to allow extra travel time. IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, noting that early-morning fog was disrupting flight operations in Delhi and surrounding areas. The Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed operations were under CAT III conditions, which allow for landings in near-zero visibility. As the national capital faced poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index of 387 classified as 'very poor,' authorities emphasized the importance of checking flight statuses and planning journeys accordingly to mitigate delays.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 11 am
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