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In a significant move to address long-standing issues in India's fertilizer sector, the GST Council has proposed reforms aimed at rationalizing tax rates on inputs like ammonia and nitric acid, which are essential for fertilizer production. Currently, fertilizers are sold at a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) fixed by the government, with the difference between production costs and MRP subsidized to manufacturers. However, this subsidy is classified as an exempt supply under the GST framework, blocking input tax credit (ITC) for manufacturers and leading to financial strain. The government’s recent adjustments have not resolved the accumulation of unutilized ITC, leaving manufacturers unable to offset tax liabilities effectively. Experts suggest that the government should consider excluding fertilizer subsidies from exempt supply definitions to allow manufacturers to claim ITC on these components, thereby improving their financial health and ensuring affordable fertilizer distribution to farmers. 
Published: Sep 27 2025, 11 ameznews.inA new white paper titled ‘Path to Palm Oil Self-Sufficiency in India,’ released by Solidaridad Asia in collaboration with the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India and the Asian Palm Oil Alliance, outlines a five-point strategy aimed at reducing India's dependence on palm oil imports and achieving 50% self-sufficiency by 2047. Key recommendations include expanding the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) coverage, enhancing irrigation in rain-fed areas, and repurposing 16.08 million hectares of low-return rice lands for oil palm cultivation. The report emphasizes the need for strategic investments in rural infrastructure, particularly in the North-East, and advocates for stronger public-private partnerships to boost production and market access. Additionally, it calls for the integration of sustainable practices and regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and support the economic well-being of farming communities.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAir India, under the Tata Group, is set to enhance its pilot training capabilities with the imminent launch of a flight simulator facility at its Gurugram academy, pending regulatory approval. This initiative aims to address the projected demand for an additional 10,000 pilots in India over the next decade, as the country currently has around 12,000 licensed commercial pilots. The facility will not only cater to Air India's expanding fleet, which includes over 500 aircraft on order, but also alleviate reliance on overseas training, which incurs higher costs. Additionally, Air India is establishing a flying school in Amravati, Maharashtra, equipped with 34 trainer aircraft to provide foundational training for cadet pilots. This move aligns with broader industry efforts to bolster domestic pilot training infrastructure, ensuring that Indian airlines can meet their manpower needs while adhering to safety standards.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTamil Nadu has seen a significant increase in paddy cultivation this year, with 5.66 lakh hectares planted, an increase of 1,28,494 acres from last year, according to Chief Minister MK Stalin. Speaking at the Agri Business Festival 2025, he emphasized the government's commitment to supporting farmers, including a request to the Prime Minister for adequate fertilizer supplies. Over the past four years, Tamil Nadu has achieved a food grain production of 456.44 lakh tonnes, with crop productivity rising from 2,835 kg to 2,857 kg per hectare. The state ranks first in India for crop productivity and has implemented various schemes benefiting millions of farmers. Notable initiatives include the “Kalaignar’s All Village Integrated Agricultural Development Scheme” and the “Protect Soil Life, Protect Human Life” scheme. Additionally, the government has compensated farmers ₹1,630 crore for crop losses and provided incentives to ensure minimum support prices meet farmers' needs.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 6 pmeznews.inHigh tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods present a significant threat to India's economic growth, according to a report by Crisil Intelligence. The tariffs are expected to adversely affect both exports and investments. Despite this challenge, domestic consumption is anticipated to bolster growth, aided by low inflation and recent interest rate cuts. India's GDP reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2025-26, up from 7.4% in the same period last year, although nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% from 10.8%. The report forecasts a decline in consumer price index (CPI) inflation to 3.5% this fiscal year, down from 4.6% previously, supported by robust agricultural performance and lower global commodity prices. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to implement one more rate cut this fiscal, following a series of cuts earlier in the year.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndiGo has unveiled a series of new routes aimed at enhancing connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, promoting intra-regional travel. The airline has launched daily direct flights between Jaipur and Guwahati, as well as between Jaipur and Imphal, with a brief layover in Guwahati. Additionally, it will operate thrice weekly flights connecting Varanasi to Durgapur and Bhubaneswar, and introduce seasonal daily flights between Bengaluru and Jaisalmer. Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo's Head of Sales, emphasized that these new routes will facilitate greater accessibility for both business and leisure travelers, while also boosting regional trade and economic collaboration. Furthermore, IndiGo announced the launch of flights between Mumbai and Copenhagen, set to commence on October 8, 2025, expanding its international network to 44 destinations. The new services will feature Economy and IndiGo Stretch business class options, along with complimentary meals and extensive inflight entertainment.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inOman has emerged as India's third-largest trading partner within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with bilateral trade projected to reach approximately $8.9 billion in the fiscal year 2024. Negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two nations are nearing completion, although discussions continue regarding India's request for adjustments to Oman's Omanisation policy, which prioritizes the employment of Omani nationals in the private sector. Indian officials are also wary of potential exploitation of the agreement by Chinese exporters but remain optimistic that stringent rules of origin will mitigate this risk. The CEPA aims to enhance market access for Indian exporters across various sectors, including petroleum and machinery, while also bolstering the services industry. With Indian expatriates constituting about 20% of Oman's population, India is keen to ensure that employment quotas for Omani nationals do not hinder its economic interests.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's agriculture is on the brink of a significant transformation, driven by a new philosophy of "precision at scale." This approach aims to enhance efficiency across the agricultural value chain, from credit flow to crop nutrient application. Eastern India, which holds 15% of the nation's arable land, has historically faced a credit gap that hinders farmers' access to quality inputs and modern practices. Initiatives like AgriStack are addressing this by creating a digital infrastructure that streamlines access to credit and services, as evidenced by successful pilot programs in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Furthermore, advancements in agri-tech and AI are empowering farmers to optimize crop nutrition and improve yields sustainably. This synergy between access to financial resources and precision agriculture tools is expected to foster a resilient agricultural ecosystem, positioning Eastern India as a leader in this digital and green revolution, ultimately promoting inclusive growth for future generations.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe rise of quick-commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket is transforming Indian kitchens by delivering pre-cut produce within minutes, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior and agricultural practices. Once considered a luxury, items such as diced onions and ready-to-eat salads have become essential for busy professionals and families, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. This trend is supported by a more efficient food supply chain, where farmers benefit from predictable demand and reduced waste through contract farming and processing hubs. The Indian fruit and vegetable processing industry, valued at $876.6 million in 2024, is projected to grow significantly, driven by the demand for consistent quality over appearance. As quick commerce is expected to soar to $40 billion by 2030, the convenience of pre-cut produce is reshaping food habits and creating jobs across agriculture, logistics, and retail, marking a quiet revolution in how cities eat.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inUnion Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev on September 26, 2025, to enhance bilateral economic and trade relations. Goyal expressed optimism about deepening the India-Russia partnership, focusing on collaboration in trade, services, and industrial cooperation. Key discussions included improving oversight agency functions, boosting cooperation in the fisheries sector, and facilitating the entry of Russian meat and dairy products into the Indian market. Patrushev emphasized the urgency of advancing a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. He also engaged with Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on increasing mineral fertilizer supplies and with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan regarding expanding agricultural exports, noting a significant 60% rise in agricultural trade in 2024. Both sides agreed on fostering direct ties between research institutions and developing advanced training programs for specialists.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 9 am
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