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The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to address delays by private banks in passing on interest rate cuts to auto buyers. In a letter to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, FADA highlighted that while public-sector banks promptly transmit these cuts, private banks often cite internal assessments as a reason for delays. FADA called for a review of the repo-rate pass-through in the auto-loan sector and proposed that the RBI enforce strict, time-bound transmission of policy-rate changes across all banks. Additionally, the association requested clearer guidelines for banks to ensure that MSME lending benefits are uniformly applied to eligible auto-retail businesses. FADA also advocated for extending the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises to the auto-retail sector and reducing risk weights on auto loans to stimulate growth in disbursements. The letter emphasized the need for improved access to credit, particularly in rural areas. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian horticulture sector plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing approximately 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA). A report by IBEF predicts the agricultural sector's value will reach $24 billion by 2025, contingent on improvements in soil quality, water access, and cropping decisions. Farmers face heightened risks due to shifting rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable pest outbreaks. However, advancements in technology, such as satellite imaging and IoT tools, are empowering farmers with real-time data to make informed decisions, leading to yield increases of 15-30% and significant water savings. Despite these innovations, challenges persist, including the high cost of technology and the need for digital literacy among smallholders. Initiatives like Microsoft’s FarmBeats aim to bridge these gaps, emphasizing the importance of accessible information for sustainable farming practices. Addressing soil health is also critical, as over 70% of cultivated land in India is degraded, necessitating regular soil testing and nutrient mapping.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inAir India has announced that families of 166 of the 260 victims of the June 12 aircraft crash in Ahmedabad have received interim compensation of ₹25 lakh each. This includes payments to 147 of the 229 passengers and 19 individuals who died on the ground, although the airline did not specify compensation for the 12 crew members, including the pilots. Following the tragedy, Tata Sons, Air India's parent company, pledged ₹1 crore to each victim's family and initiated interim payments to assist with immediate financial needs. The airline confirmed that documentation for 52 additional families is being processed for future payments. Additionally, the Tata Group has established 'The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust', which will provide further support, including the promised ex-gratia payments and aid for first responders and those affected by the incident.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia remains steadfast in its refusal to meet US demands for market access to soyabean and corn, primarily due to its prohibition on genetically modified (GM) imports. A senior source emphasized that allowing such imports would compromise India's principles, as over 90% of US corn and soyabean is GM, and the US cannot certify non-GM varieties. The US has been advocating for India to open its agriculture sector as part of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, particularly seeking to sell its soyameal and corn. However, India's strict regulations on GM products, which require non-GMO certification for over 20 categories, complicate these discussions. The US, facing tariff confrontations with major buyers like China and Mexico, is eager to diversify its market, with India being a key target. Despite efforts to negotiate an interim trade deal to avoid reciprocal tariffs, progress appears increasingly challenging.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, focusing on infrastructure improvements in airports, highways, railways, ports, and power. Key highlights include the unveiling of a new terminal at Tuticorin airport, built at a cost of ₹450 crore, which will serve 20 lakh passengers annually, significantly increasing capacity. Railway enhancements include the electrification of the 90 km Madurai–Bodinayakkanur line and the doubling of several sections, totaling ₹650 crore. Additionally, Modi launched two major highway projects: the 4-laning of a 50 km stretch of NH-36 and the 6-laning of NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road. The North Cargo Berth–III at V O Chidambaranar Port, with a capacity of 6.96 MMTPA, was also inaugurated. Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a memento to the Prime Minister during the event, attended by various officials and ministers.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (FTA) during a press conference at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. Goyal described the FTA as a benchmark for future trade agreements with advanced nations, emphasizing its aim to provide Indian industries preferential access while safeguarding sensitive sectors such as dairy, rice, and sugar. The agreement will see the UK eliminate tariffs on approximately 99% of tariff lines for India, while India will grant tariff-free access to the UK on 85% of its tariff lines over a decade. Goyal highlighted that the FTA is expected to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030, benefiting sectors like agriculture, textiles, and electronics. He also noted ongoing negotiations with the US and Oman, asserting that the current government is actively pursuing multiple FTAs with developed countries.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of sustained economic growth amid global uncertainties during the launch of the book "A World in Flux: India’s Economic Priorities" in New Delhi. With India's economy growing at a slower rate of 6.5% in FY25, down from 9.2% the previous year, Sitharaman highlighted public capital expenditure as a key driver for development. The Economic Survey projects GDP growth for FY26 between 6.3% and 6.8%, while the Reserve Bank of India has revised its forecast to 6.5%. Sitharaman also noted the government's focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering healthy competition among states to boost investment. On trade relations, she mentioned the prioritization of bilateral agreements over multilateral ones, with ongoing negotiations with the US and EU. Regarding China, she acknowledged improving relations, citing recent diplomatic engagements as a positive step forward.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 8 pmeznews.inDuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the Maldives, India and the island nation signed a fisheries cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing fish processing capabilities and promoting sustainable tuna fishing. The memorandum of understanding, part of six bilateral agreements, will provide India with improved access to deep-sea fisheries in the strategically vital Indian Ocean. Key areas of collaboration include value chain development, mariculture advancement, and capacity building within the fisheries sector. The Maldives plans to invest in cold storage infrastructure and improve aquaculture through hatchery development and diversification of species. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate training and knowledge exchange in areas such as aquatic animal health and marine engineering. This partnership underscores both nations' commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable fisheries industry, as highlighted in an official statement.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's tobacco farmers, from Pratapgarh to Guntur, are poised for change as global markets increasingly demand traceable and environmentally sustainable tobacco products. With India being the world's second-largest tobacco producer, the sector plays a crucial role in supporting millions of livelihoods across various states, including Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. However, the industry faces challenges, such as a lack of policy support and oversupply crises, which have led to price crashes. Recent legal rulings have opened doors for innovation in heated tobacco products, yet the government has yet to align its policies with these market shifts. A structured approach to reform could stabilize prices, enhance regulatory compliance, and align with public health goals. By learning from successful models in countries like Brazil and Indonesia, India can modernize its tobacco sector, ensuring it meets both economic and health standards while fulfilling its commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for international trade, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that negotiations for a proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States are progressing rapidly. The US delegation is set to visit India in August for the next round of discussions, following the recent conclusion of the fifth round of talks in Washington. Both nations aim to finalize the first phase of the agreement by fall, with the goal of increasing bilateral trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion. Goyal also mentioned that negotiations with Oman for a free trade agreement are nearing completion, highlighting India's proactive approach to expanding its trade partnerships. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader strategy to enhance economic ties and foster growth in the region.
Published: Jul 26 2025, 4 pm
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