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India's recent reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has spurred a significant increase in consumer spending during the festival season, with retail sales rising 8.5% to over $67.6 billion from September 22 to October 21. This surge, driven by demand for items such as jewellery, electronics, and cars, comes in the wake of a challenging economic environment exacerbated by a 50% import levy imposed by the US. Major car manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, reported substantial sales increases, with Maruti's production team working overtime to meet demand. However, analysts caution that this sales boost may partly reflect pent-up demand, and ongoing economic challenges, such as slow income growth and a weak labor market, could temper future consumption. Despite these concerns, companies remain optimistic about sustained growth, with signs of recovery in household sentiment noted by industry leaders. 
Published: Nov 03 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a bid to bolster India's export competitiveness amid global uncertainties and the impact of steep US tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with exporters from key labour-intensive sectors, including garments, leather, and gems and jewellery. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by these industries, particularly following the imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods by the US in August, which has led to a significant decline in exports—down 12% to $5.46 billion in September alone. This tariff escalation has particularly affected textiles and engineering goods, with exports to the US plummeting nearly 37.5% from May to September, resulting in a loss exceeding $3.3 billion in monthly shipment value. Despite these setbacks, India's overall goods exports rose 3.02% year-on-year to $220.12 billion in the first half of FY25, while imports increased by 4.53%.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit New Zealand from November 4-7 to advance negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), which have faced challenges regarding market access for dairy and agriculture, as well as professional mobility. The fourth round of negotiations commenced in Auckland, aiming to establish a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. Goyal will engage with government and industry leaders during his visit, following the FTA's re-launch in March 2025. While New Zealand seeks to secure some access to India's dairy market, which is sensitive for Indian farmers, it is also interested in expanding its agricultural exports. The talks will focus on trade in goods and services, with both nations striving for a ten-fold increase in bilateral trade over the next decade. As of FY 2025, bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion, reflecting a 49% increase from the previous year.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn the latest financial updates, India's benchmark indices showed modest gains, with the SENSEX rising by 39.78 points to close at 83,978.49, while the NIFTY increased by 41.25 points to reach 25,763.35. In commodities, gold prices surged by 435.00 to settle at 121,667.00, and silver also saw a significant rise, up 667.00 to 148,954.00. However, crude oil prices dipped slightly, down 2.00 to 5,420.00. In agricultural exports, India reported a 12% increase in agri product shipments during the first half of FY26, totaling $13.936 billion, driven by strong demand for non-basmati rice, buffalo meat, and pulses. Notably, non-basmati rice exports surged by 27.6% to $2.87 billion, while basmati rice shipments fell marginally to $2.76 billion due to weak pricing. Fresh fruit exports also saw a significant rise, increasing by 31% to $530 million.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAs of October 31, the total sowing area for rabi crops in India has increased to 75.8 lakh hectares, a 15% rise from 65.9 lakh hectares last year. Notably, wheat sowing has surged to 3.3 lakh hectares from 2.3 lakh hectares, while chana and masur have also seen increases, contributing to a total pulses area of 20.8 lakh hectares, up 26%. Oilseed sowing has reached 42.3 lakh hectares, with mustard accounting for 41.7 lakh hectares. However, jowar, maize, and paddy have experienced slight declines in acreage. The government has set ambitious production targets for various crops, including 119 million tonnes for wheat. In a related development, the fertiliser ministry reported a significant increase in urea stocks, rising from 48.64 lakh tonnes to 68.85 lakh tonnes, with imports more than doubling to meet demand. This ensures adequate supply for the ongoing rabi season.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Centre's rice procurement at the minimum support price (MSP) surged in late October, with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) acquiring over 70 lakh tonnes (lt), up from 60 lt the previous year. Total purchases for October exceeded 119 lt, compared to 81.85 lt in the same period last year, driven by early harvesting in Punjab, Haryana, and other states. Notably, Punjab has contributed 69.39 lt, a 49% increase from last year, while Haryana's procurement rose by 22.7% to 38.12 lt. Tamil Nadu also saw a significant rise, with purchases more than doubling to 7.51 lt. The government aims to procure 463.49 lt of rice for the 2025-26 marketing season, although early harvests may lead to earlier-than-scheduled purchases. The Agriculture Ministry is expected to release kharif crop estimates soon, following a record increase in paddy acreage this season.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe M-UTS (Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System) Sahayak scheme was launched on Monday at Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station in Chennai as part of a pilot initiative by the Railway Board, which will also be implemented at five other NSG-1 category stations across India. This innovative scheme aims to streamline the process of issuing unreserved tickets through trained Sahayaks, who are equipped with mobile phones and Bluetooth-enabled printers. By operating near booking counters and in passenger circulation areas, the Sahayaks will enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce queues at ticket counters, expedite the ticketing process, and improve overall passenger satisfaction, particularly during busy travel times. The Southern Railway's release highlights the potential benefits of this technology-driven approach to ticketing.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a surprising development, the Board of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) has replaced Sailesh C Mehta with S Sankarasubramanian as Chairman, just six months after Mehta's appointment. The decision was announced following a board meeting on October 31, where Sankarasubramanian, currently the Managing Director and CEO of Coromandel International, was elected to lead the ₹982-billion fertiliser industry body. Mehta, who previously served as Co-Chairman and was expected to hold the position for two years, reportedly submitted his resignation shortly before the meeting. Sankarasubramanian brings over 30 years of experience in finance and management, having significantly contributed to Coromandel's growth since joining in 1993. Meanwhile, Siba Prasad Mohanty, the current Co-Chairman, has extensive experience in the agri-input sector, having held various leadership roles in public sector undertakings.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inE-commerce giant Flipkart has unveiled Micro Fulfilment Centres (MFCs) in Hyderabad to enhance its Flipkart Minutes service, which offers 10-minute delivery options. Strategically located in key areas such as Kantha Reddy Naga, Madhura Nagar, Nizampet, King Koti, Hyderguda, and Vanasthalipuram, these MFCs stock a variety of products, including groceries, electronics, and mobile devices. Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Flipkart Minutes, highlighted that the MFCs are tailored to facilitate hyperlocal deliveries of daily essentials and frequently ordered items. The initiative is supported by collaborations with over a thousand local sellers and Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the region, ensuring a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. This expansion reflects Flipkart's commitment to enhancing customer experience and meeting the growing demand for rapid delivery services.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUnited Airlines is celebrating 20 years of its non-stop service between New Delhi and New York/Newark, having launched the route on November 2, 2005. Over the past two decades, the airline has transported more than 6 million passengers and over 105,500 tonnes of cargo on approximately 26,000 flights, underscoring India's significance in United's global network. Harvinder Singh, head of Middle East and India for United Airlines, emphasized the airline's commitment to connecting India with the U.S. and beyond, offering daily flights that link to over 85 destinations across the Americas. As the first U.S. airline to establish non-stop service from India, United continues to enhance travel options for its customers, marking a significant milestone in its operations.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inDP World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cochin Port Authority to enhance the cargo handling infrastructure at the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT). The agreement was formalized during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, with key figures including Rizwan Soomar, CEO of DP World for MENA and the India Subcontinent, and B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairperson of Cochin Port Authority. The collaboration aims to develop advanced facilities in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, focusing on improving marine infrastructure to accommodate future vessel requirements. Soomar emphasized that strengthening Kerala’s maritime infrastructure is vital for India's global trade ambitions, while Kasiviswanathan highlighted the partnership as a significant step towards modernizing Cochin Port and enhancing its capabilities, ultimately unlocking new opportunities for trade and industrial growth.
Published: Nov 03 2025, 4 pm
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