eznews.in
In September 2025, India's diesel and petrol consumption saw a notable increase compared to the previous year, driven by festival season stocking and recent GST rate cuts, despite heavy monsoon rains impacting mobility. The Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) reported a 2.9% month-on-month and 6.4% year-on-year rise in diesel consumption, reaching approximately 6.77 million tonnes. Petrol usage also rose by 7.5% year-on-year to 3.39 million tonnes, although it fell by over 4% month-on-month. The GST rationalisation encouraged stockists to purchase larger quantities in anticipation of consumer demand during the festive season. Meanwhile, jet fuel consumption increased slightly by 0.7% month-on-month but decreased by 1.4% year-on-year, reflecting the seasonal impact of rains on air travel. Industry forecasts suggest a compound annual growth rate of 5.37% for refined petroleum products in India through 2030, driven by manufacturing and transportation sectors. 
Published: Oct 02 2025, 1 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of youth-centric initiatives in Bihar on Saturday, with a total investment exceeding ₹62,000 crore, ahead of upcoming elections. Central to this effort is the PM-SETU scheme, which allocates ₹60,000 crore to enhance the integration of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with industry needs, managed by Anchor Industry Partners. Modi emphasized that these ITIs will play a crucial role in fostering an Atmanirbhar Bharat and connecting youth with global skill demands. The initiative will initially focus on ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga. Additionally, Modi inaugurated 1,200 vocational skill labs in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Schools across 34 states, and launched the revamped ‘Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana,’ providing financial support to graduates. The Bihar Yuva Ayog was also established to empower youth, alongside the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University, aimed at delivering industry-relevant education.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a bid to promote digital payments and reduce cash transactions, the Indian government announced that from November 15, 2025, vehicles entering National Highway fee plazas without a valid FASTag will incur higher charges. Currently, such vehicles are required to pay double the toll in cash; however, under the new rules, those opting to pay via the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) will only be charged 1.25 times the applicable fee. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that this amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, aims to enhance transparency in toll operations and improve the overall user experience. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to incentivize digital transactions and streamline toll collection processes across the country.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Statistics has released a discussion paper proposing significant changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, which will now be based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2023-24. The new CPI series aims to unify the indices for commodities supplied through both the Public Distribution System (PDS) and non-PDS channels, addressing the current separation of indices for items like rice. The base year for the CPI will shift from 2012 to 2024, with the new series expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. The paper outlines three methods for adjusting weights when prices of social transfers drop to zero, with the first method being adopted for the new series. The Ministry is seeking public feedback on these proposals until October 22, 2025.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe 14th round of negotiations for the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to commence on October 6, with significant implications for meeting a year-end deadline established by EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite a lack of breakthroughs in the previous round, EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin emphasized the EU's commitment to finalizing a mutually beneficial agreement, which aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment, currently valued at €180 billion. Key issues still under discussion include India's proposed duty cuts on automobiles and agricultural products, quality controls, and the EU's carbon tax. Delphin highlighted the potential for increased investment, noting that 80% of EU firms in India could expand operations with a finalized FTA. As the EU remains India's top trading partner, both sides are keen to unlock further economic opportunities through this agreement.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has clarified that suppliers of areca nuts, pan masala, tobacco, and manufactured tobacco substitutes, as well as essential oils, will not qualify for provisional refunds under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Effective from October 1, 2025, the CBIC will grant 90% provisional refunds to low-risk exporters, based on a risk score system, while applications deemed high-risk will undergo detailed scrutiny. Provisional refunds will not be sanctioned if there are pending issues from previous applications or ongoing disputes. The government plans to amend the CGST Act through the upcoming Finance Act, which will require corresponding changes in state laws. Experts emphasize that exporters must ensure they have no prior legal issues under GST to qualify for expedited provisional refunds. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and streamline the refund process for eligible exporters.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport on October 8, a project costing ₹19,647 crore. The airport, which will begin commercial operations in December, is the second in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, following Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Developed by the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government's CIDCO, the facility has received its aerodrome licence from the DGCA. Spanning 1,160 hectares, the airport will ultimately feature four terminals with a capacity of 90 million passengers annually and a cargo capacity of 3.25 million metric tonnes. The first terminal, capable of handling 20 million passengers, is now complete. Once fully operational, the two Mumbai airports will accommodate nearly 150 million passengers per year. Notably, the airport will be the first in India to offer extensive connectivity options, including expressways, metros, and water taxis, and will incorporate sustainable aviation fuel storage.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has announced a 6.6% increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, raising it to ₹2,585 per quintal, as part of a broader revision for six rabi crops ahead of the 2026-27 marketing season. The MSPs for barley, gram, lentils, rapeseed, and safflower have also been adjusted, with increases ranging from 4.0% to 10.1%. This move aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19 commitment to set MSPs at least 50% above the all-India weighted average cost of production, with wheat's margin exceeding 100%. Despite these hikes, a report from ICICI Bank suggests that the overall impact on retail inflation will be limited, citing stable buffer stocks and reservoir levels. The average MSP increase is 5.6%, lower than previous years, indicating that while MSP adjustments can influence prices, their effect is moderated by various factors, including supply chain stability.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's burgeoning economic landscape and the "Make in India" initiative are increasingly attracting European companies, positioning the country as a vital partner for growth and investment. At the second Annual General Meeting of the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI), EU Ambassador Herve Delphin highlighted that over 6,000 European firms operate in India, generating more than three million jobs and contributing significantly to the Indian economy. The EU remains India's largest trading partner, with goods trade reaching EUR 120 billion. Delphin noted the "huge untapped potential" for further collaboration, particularly through ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could enhance investment and supply chain cooperation. With the 14th round of FTA talks commencing on October 6, both sides aim to finalize the deal by the end of 2025, alongside an Investment Protection Agreement to ensure a secure environment for investors.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAs India prepares for another stubble burning season, which exacerbates air pollution in New Delhi, researchers at IIT Roorkee have developed an innovative solution to repurpose wheat straw into eco-friendly tableware. In collaboration with Parason Machinery India Pvt. Ltd., the INNOPAP Lab has created a process that transforms this agricultural waste—often burned or left to decay—into sustainable products. With over 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste produced annually, this initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides farmers with an additional income source, promoting a circular economy. The high cellulose content in wheat straw allows for the production of durable, biodegradable tableware, including plates and cups, which can replace single-use plastics. The project, led by Professor Vibhore K. Rastogi, exemplifies how agricultural residues can be converted into valuable, environmentally friendly products, showcasing the potential of science and engineering in addressing ecological challenges.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's renewable energy sector faces potential cancellations of 3-4 gigawatts of solar projects following a government directive to reissue tenders that were hastily issued to circumvent upcoming import restrictions. The Ministry of Renewable Energy has instructed clean energy agencies to cancel certain tenders, although specific agencies and project details remain undisclosed. Starting June 2026, developers will be required to use domestically produced solar modules and cells, a shift prompted by concerns over reliance on cheaper Chinese imports. In late August, the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association raised alarms about the misuse of a temporary exemption that allowed imports for projects with bids submitted by August 31, claiming that some tenders were issued with unreasonably short submission periods. The ministry has given agencies 15 days to report on their actions, as India aims for self-sufficiency in solar cell production by March 2027.
Published: Oct 04 2025, 1 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact