eznews.in
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is set to sell high-quality rice, including parboiled varieties, directly to consumers at Delhi's annual trade fair on November 14, aiming to gather feedback for potential future retail initiatives. In addition, the FCI plans to boost rice sales from its central stock by allowing traders to purchase in bulk, with a minimum order of 10,000 tonnes through a flexible e-auction model. The first tender, offering 4.60 lakh tonnes at a reserve price of ₹2,800 per quintal, opened for bidding on October 22. However, rice purchased under this scheme must remain within the domestic market and cannot be exported. With a stock of 449.57 lakh tonnes, significantly exceeding the buffer requirement, the FCI is exploring innovative ways to liquidate its surplus, especially given the lukewarm response from cooperative retail chains. The initiative aims to cater to diverse consumer preferences in Delhi, potentially enhancing demand for regional rice varieties. 
Published: Oct 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe consumer durables sector has experienced a vibrant festival season, particularly during the Dhanteras-Diwali weekend, driven by premiumisation trends. The automotive industry reported significant sales growth, with Tata Motors achieving over 100,000 vehicle deliveries—a 33% increase year-on-year—led by strong demand for SUVs like the Nexon and Punch. Hyundai Motor India also noted a record start to the season, with over 11,000 dealer billings on the first day of Navratri and a 30% rise in retail sales. In the consumer durables market, companies like Haier reported over 50% growth, particularly in premium products such as large-screen TVs and washing machines, aided by GST rate cuts. Overall, Diwali sales reached a historic ₹6.05 lakh crore, marking a significant increase from last year's figures, with traditional markets and non-corporate retailers seeing a notable surge in demand.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is set to introduce amendments to the Companies Act 2013 during the upcoming winter session of Parliament, aimed at fostering a competitive environment for domestic firms against the dominant big four audit and advisory firms. Key amendments are proposed for sections 141 and 144, which address auditor qualifications and prohibited services, respectively, to better align regulatory norms with the evolving audit landscape. Consultations are ongoing among top officials to promote Indian Multi-Disciplinary Partnership (MDP) firms, with the Corporate Affairs Ministry seeking input on six critical issues, including marketing restrictions and fragmented licensing. Despite India's robust talent pool, domestic firms struggle in the global consulting market, valued at approximately $240 billion, due to structural barriers. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is working to align local regulations with international standards, highlighting the challenges faced by Indian firms in gaining global visibility and capital investment.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inChina has suspended the export of key fertilizers, including Technical Monoammonium Phosphate (TAMP) and urea-solution products like AdBlue, effective October 15. This suspension, which may last for 5-6 months, is expected to drive fertilizer prices up by 10-15% due to tight global supplies, particularly impacting India, which relies on China for 95% of its specialty fertilizer imports, totaling 250,000 tonnes annually. While there is no immediate shortage for the ongoing rabi season, as supplies have been secured through global channels, prices are anticipated to rise. Indian traders are exploring alternative sources from countries like South Africa and Chile to mitigate the impact of the ban. The situation echoes previous restrictions imposed by China, which had previously affected India's fertilizer supply during the kharif season. Analysts note that India's inability to produce these specialty fertilizers domestically exacerbates the challenge.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's pulses import value has plummeted by over 50% in the first half of the current financial year, dropping to $1.03 billion from $2.18 billion last year, according to the Commerce Ministry. This decline is attributed to falling global prices and reduced import volumes, with total imports during April-July 2025 at 9.97 lakh tonnes, down from 18.02 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. While tur imports saw a slight increase, other varieties, including yellow peas and lentils, experienced significant declines. The government has launched a mission with a budget of ₹11,440 crore to boost domestic pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31, aiming for self-sufficiency. However, adverse weather conditions have affected output in key states, despite a marginal increase in acreage. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices has recommended curbing imports to protect domestic farmers.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's Commerce and Industry Ministry reported a core sector growth rate of 3 per cent in September 2025, a decline from 6.5 per cent in August. This growth is based on the performance of eight key infrastructure sectors, which account for over 40 per cent of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Notably, the output of coal, crude oil, refinery products, and natural gas fell, contributing to the lowest growth in three months. While the production of fertilizers and cement slowed to 1.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively, steel and electricity saw significant increases of 14.1 per cent and 2.1 per cent year-on-year. For the first half of the fiscal year, these sectors expanded by 2.9 per cent, down from 4.3 per cent during the same period last year. The output growth of core sectors was recorded at 2.4 per cent in September 2024.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has clarified that the draft National Building Code (NBC), which currently prohibits electric vehicle (EV) charging below ground level in residential and commercial buildings, is advisory and not binding. This regulation has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and EV users, who argue it could impede EV adoption by limiting accessible charging options, particularly in urban areas where underground parking is common. Critics, including Vivek Samynathan of Plugzmart, advocate for a more balanced approach that incorporates safety features while facilitating convenient charging. Karthikeyan Palanisamy from Zeon Charging highlighted that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are statistically more prone to fires than EVs, questioning the rationale behind the restrictions. BIS officials emphasized that the draft aims to enhance safety without stifling EV infrastructure growth, and local authorities retain the discretion to permit charging as they see fit. Feedback on the draft is currently being reviewed.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Financial Reporting Review Board (FRRB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced new parameters, including low audit fees and negative reserves, to enhance the quality of financial statement reviews for the 2023-24 period. The FRRB evaluates compliance with various accounting standards and regulations, including the Companies Act, 2013, and guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India. A senior ICAI official emphasized that while low audit fees are considered, the primary focus remains on the quality of audits. The FRRB has reviewed 1,307 cases as of September 30, 2023, issuing advisories for major non-compliances in 813 instances and referring 183 cases to regulators such as Sebi and RBI. Additionally, the board has submitted 35 reports on political party financial statements to the Election Commission of India. The review process involves a three-tier mechanism to ensure thorough evaluation.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia faces a challenge from China, which has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India's incentive schemes for electric vehicles (EVs) and production-linked incentives (PLI) for new-generation batteries and automobiles. China claims these schemes unfairly favor domestic producers over foreign competitors, violating WTO rules. However, Indian experts argue that the initiatives aim to bolster local manufacturing rather than discriminate against foreign entities. The schemes in question include the PLI for advanced battery storage, the PLI for automobiles, and the EV passenger car scheme, all part of India's 'Make in India' initiative. Former Indian WTO ambassador Jayant Dasgupta emphasized the need for India to present a robust defense, as failure to do so could lead to the establishment of a dispute settlement panel. With the WTO Appellate Body currently non-functional, any unfavorable ruling could leave India with limited options for appeal.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's eight key infrastructure sectors recorded a growth of 3 per cent in September 2025, as per official data released on Tuesday. This marks a decline from the 6.5 per cent growth observed in August 2025 and is a modest increase compared to the 2.4 per cent growth seen in September 2024. For the first half of the fiscal year, from April to September, the sectors expanded by 2.9 per cent, a decrease from the 4.3 per cent growth during the same period last year. The figures highlight ongoing challenges in the infrastructure sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economic development. The data underscores the need for strategic initiatives to bolster growth in these vital areas.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has warned the government of potential delays in payments to sugarcane farmers following a recent decision by oil marketing companies (OMCs) to allocate only 288.52 crore litres of ethanol to sugar-based manufacturers, significantly less than the 472 crore litres offered by mills. In a tender for 1,050 crore litres of ethanol for the 2025-26 supply year, OMCs opted to purchase just 1,048 crore litres, with the sugar sector receiving a mere 289 crore litres, which ISMA claims is inadequate given the sector's capacity to supply over 500 crore litres. This allocation could lead to increased sugar surplus, downward pressure on prices, and delayed payments to over 5.5 crore farmers. ISMA has urged the government to permit 2 million tonnes of sugar exports and to establish a National Ethanol Mobility Roadmap 2030 to support industry growth and cleaner mobility initiatives.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 6 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact