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A new cross-border agri-platform, Global AgXelerate, was launched on Wednesday to connect India's agricultural innovators with global markets, positioning the country as a vital hub in the international agri-innovation landscape. Developed by AgVaya and BioSTL, with support from the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and the Federation of Seed Industry of India, the platform aims to link startups, incubators, and investors from countries including the US, Brazil, and Israel. With India's agritech sector attracting $2.5 billion in funding since 2020, the initiative seeks to facilitate a two-way flow of technology, enhancing access for over 150 million smallholder farmers. Leaders emphasized that bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market access is crucial for sustainable food systems and improving farmers' incomes, underscoring India's emerging role as a global leader in agricultural science and innovation. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inIndia is set to reduce its imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East, as state refiners aim to increase purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The refiners have notified traditional suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar about the impending cuts, although the exact volume of the reduction remains unclear. Reports suggest that India plans to source around 10% of its LPG imports from the US by 2026. This move aligns with India's commitment made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February, where the country pledged to boost US energy purchases from $10 billion to $25 billion, aiming for $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Indian refiners are looking to acquire approximately 2 million metric tons of US LPG in 2026, as they navigate a complex trade landscape marked by tariffs and geopolitical tensions. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inRussia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak expressed confidence in the continuation of the country's energy partnership with India, despite US President Donald Trump's assertion that India had committed to halting oil purchases from Moscow. Speaking on October 16, 2025, Novak emphasized the importance of cooperation with "friendly partners," highlighting the demand for Russian energy resources as both economically advantageous and practical. He reassured that Russia's collaboration with India would persist, focusing on the development of energy ties between the two nations. This statement comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and discussions surrounding energy security and trade relationships. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump's recent announcement to halt soybean oil imports from China comes amid a significant downturn in US soybean exports, with China not purchasing any soybeans this season (September 2025-August 2026) for the first time in over two decades. This has exerted downward pressure on soybean prices, currently at $10 a bushel. Analysts suggest that Trump's statement is unlikely to affect China, which has shifted its focus to Brazilian soybeans, purchasing them at a premium while investing in Brazil's infrastructure to facilitate exports. US farmers are expressing frustration as they face rising costs and falling prices, with some storing their crops in hopes of better market conditions. The American Soybean Association has called the situation "dire," urging the US government to negotiate trade access with China. Meanwhile, China continues to find new markets for its soybean oil, further complicating the landscape for US exporters. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's automobile exports have demonstrated significant growth across various segments, with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reporting a 30.3% year-on-year increase in passenger vehicle (PV) exports to 87,762 units in September. Two-wheeler (2W) exports also rose by 15.3% to 429,562 units during the same month. In the second quarter of 2024, PV exports surged by 23% to 241,554 units, while 2W exports grew by 25% to 1,295,468 units. The first half of the financial year saw PV exports increase by 18.4% to 445,884 units, with companies like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai leading the charge. Maruti Suzuki achieved record monthly exports of 42,204 units, while Hyundai aims for 30% of its production to be exported by 2030. Industry leaders attribute this growth to rising global acceptance of Indian-made vehicles, with a positive outlook for the sector ahead. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Coca-Cola India Foundation's Project Unnati Apple is transforming agriculture in Uttarakhand by promoting climate-resilient, high-yield apple farming. A notable success story is Basanti Bisht from Sunderkhal village, who transitioned from cultivating cabbage and wheat to high-density apple orchards after receiving training in modern farming techniques. Initially met with skepticism, Bisht's orchard produced seven boxes of apples in its first year, increasing to 50 in the second. Her success has inspired other women in her village to adopt similar practices, and she actively shares her knowledge with them. Project Unnati Apple aims to empower farmers by enhancing productivity and sustainability, supporting hundreds in adopting advanced horticultural methods. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve agricultural practices across India, ultimately fostering community growth and resilience. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia is set to host the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting for the first time from October 28-31 in New Delhi, organized by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Approximately 90 delegates, including 60 from various Asia Pacific nations and representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will attend the four-day event. The meeting will focus on aircraft accident investigation processes and reporting, featuring workshops on October 28 and 29 led by AAIB and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials. Discussions will continue on October 30 and 31, culminating in an inauguration by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. The AAIB, which is currently managing around 25 investigations, including the tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives in June, plays a crucial role in enhancing aviation safety in India. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inDense clouds enveloped southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Thursday morning, following persistent overnight rain as the region anticipates the official onset of the north-east monsoon. Thiruvananthapuram experienced cloudy skies and continued rainfall, attributed to a developing low-pressure area expected to settle over the Lakshadweep region by Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that districts including Tiruneveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari may experience heavy rain, while hilly areas in west Kerala could also see significant precipitation. The IMD reported widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across various states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, on Wednesday. Looking ahead, the IMD warns of very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the next two days, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in Coastal and South Interior Karnataka. The weather pattern is likely to persist, affecting several regions in the South Peninsula. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's apparel exports experienced a significant decline of 14.8% in the July-September quarter of FY2025-26, falling from USD 3,636 million in Q2 FY2024-25 to USD 3,097 million, according to a CITI analysis based on PIB data. This downturn reflects sluggish global demand and ongoing challenges in key markets, with apparel exports also registering a 10.14% decrease in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite this quarterly slump, cumulative figures for April-September 2025 indicate a modest recovery, with a 3.42% growth in apparel exports. In contrast, India's overall merchandise exports rose by 6.76% in September 2025, highlighting the specific pressures faced by the textile and apparel sector, which saw its share of total exports drop to 7.21% from 8.58% a year earlier. The report also noted significant declines in cotton and handloom products, alongside a 23.87% increase in cotton imports. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inExports of small parcels from India to the US have declined by 10-15% since the US government reinstated duties on shipments valued under $800 on August 29. Despite many exporters absorbing the new tariffs and only slightly increasing prices, the additional duties and stricter compliance checks have resulted in longer shipping times, now averaging 4-5 extra days. This decline is particularly notable during the peak shipping season coinciding with the Indian festive period and major US shopping events. Exporters are adapting by consolidating shipments to private warehouses in the US, rather than sending multiple individual parcels. While larger exporters may manage the new costs, smaller businesses face challenges, especially if their products are easily replaceable. Amazon Global Selling, which supports Indian exporters, remains optimistic about achieving $20 billion in e-commerce exports by 2025, despite the current downturn. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inIndia's merchandise exports to the United States fell by 11.93% to USD 5.46 billion in September, primarily due to a 50% tariff imposed by Washington on Indian goods starting August 27. In contrast, imports from the US rose by 11.78% to USD 3.98 billion during the same month, according to the commerce ministry. Over the April-September period, exports to the US increased by 13.37% to USD 45.82 billion, while imports grew by 9% to USD 25.6 billion. The decline in September marked a 17.9% drop from August, the steepest monthly fall of 2025, with sectors like textiles and engineering goods facing significant losses. Meanwhile, exports to China surged by 34.18% to USD 1.46 billion in September. As India and the US engage in trade negotiations, the impact of tariffs continues to reshape bilateral commerce. 
Published: Oct 16 2025, 7 am
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