eznews.inTata AutoComp Systems Ltd is expanding its focus beyond automotive components to capitalize on the modernization of Indian Railways, according to Vice-Chairman Arvind Goel. The company has formed partnerships with global technology leaders, including Skoda, Compin Fainsa, and Air International Thermal Systems, to introduce advanced products and technologies to the Indian market. Goel emphasized that the government's commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and passenger comfort presents a timely opportunity for Tata AutoComp. The firm is already supplying components for the Vande Bharat trains and plans to showcase its innovations, including propulsion and HVAC systems, at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025. These collaborations aim to localize cutting-edge technologies and ensure cost-competitive manufacturing in India, aligning with the government's vision for high-speed and comfortable rail travel. 
Published: Oct 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is poised for a second White Revolution, according to NDDB Chairman Meenesh C Shah, who emphasized the need to strengthen milk cooperatives and expand their farmer networks. The initiative aims to boost milk procurement by cooperatives to over 10 crore litres per day within four to five years, building on the contributions of more than eight crore farmers who have made India the largest milk producer globally. Speaking at a seminar in Kerala, Shah highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as milk adulteration and increasing the share of the organized milk market, currently at 32-35%. Kerala, which ranks second in milk production, has the potential to lead, as noted by Minister J. Chinchurani, who outlined state initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce production costs. Future plans include making Milma products available on cruise ships and setting up vending machines at metro stations in Kochi.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn Central Karnataka, farmer A Vijay Kumar has successfully reduced water usage in paddy cultivation for the fifth consecutive kharif season, thanks to The Good Rice Alliance’s (TGRA) Carbon Farming Programme. Transitioning from traditional puddled transplanted rice to the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method, Kumar has cut water consumption by 30-35%, enhancing efficiency in a crop typically requiring 3,000-5,000 litres of water per kilogram. This initiative, supported by Bayer and GenZero, aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving yields and reducing costs. Over 2,000 farmers in the region are adopting AWD, with participants receiving ₹1,000 per hectare per season, leading to an estimated gain of ₹6,000-7,000 per hectare. While challenges like increased weed growth arise, the economic and environmental benefits are significant. TGRA plans to expand its carbon farming project across 13 states, targeting a reduction of over one million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2032-33.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inRetail inflation in India fell to 1.54% in September 2025, down from 2.07% the previous month, primarily due to lower food prices, including vegetables and pulses, as reported by the National Statistics Office (NSO). This marks the lowest inflation rate since June 2017. Year-on-year food inflation also saw a significant decline, registering at -2.28% compared to -0.64% in August and 9.24% in September 2024. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its inflation projection for 2025-26 to 2.6%, down from 3.1% estimated in August, citing favorable conditions such as a healthy monsoon and adequate food reserves. The RBI's outlook for the second half of the fiscal year suggests that these factors will help maintain stable food prices. The data was published on October 13, 2025.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNegotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) are advancing, though key issues remain unresolved, particularly in the steel and automobile sectors, as well as non-tariff barriers. Senior officials from both sides recently concluded the 14th round of talks in Brussels, which began on October 6, aimed at finalizing terms related to goods and services. Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal participated in the discussions, engaging with EU Trade Director General Sabine Weyand to expedite progress. The FTA negotiations, which resumed in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, encompass 23 policy areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, and intellectual property rights. With bilateral trade in goods reaching USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25, the EU is a crucial trading partner for India, accounting for 17% of its total exports.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's small steelmakers are facing significant challenges as demand weakens, inventories rise, and prices fall, reflecting a slowdown in the construction sector. Despite the Indian economy growing by 7.8% in the April-June quarter, the construction slowdown has raised concerns about the sustainability of this growth. The government recently implemented substantial tax cuts on consumer goods, including automobiles and cement, to stimulate demand and mitigate the impact of US tariffs. However, small producers, who represent 45% of the country's steel capacity, have reduced production by up to a third due to sluggish construction activity and a lack of demand from the automobile sector. Heavy monsoon rains have further exacerbated the situation, leading to site disruptions and delayed purchases. Analysts predict that the steel demand outlook will remain bleak until at least December, with domestic prices of hot-rolled coils hitting a six-month low.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inMaharashtra's cotton sector is poised for enhanced global competitiveness following a high-level workshop at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, focused on improving the cotton value chain. Organised by various stakeholders, including the Balasaheb Thackrey Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project and MITRA, the event gathered government officials, industry leaders, and farmer producer companies to develop a sustainable roadmap for cotton production. Chief Economic Advisor Praveen Pardeshi highlighted the need for aligning agronomic practices with global standards, referencing the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative. Technical sessions featured insights from leading organisations on improving seed quality and ginning infrastructure. Breakout discussions addressed regenerative farming and contamination control, while a commitment was made to implement a three-year action plan aimed at modernising production systems and enhancing market access. This integrated approach is expected to boost farmer incomes and position Maharashtra to seize new export opportunities in sustainable cotton sourcing.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's textile and apparel exporters are grappling with significant challenges following a 50% tariff imposed by the United States, which accounts for 28% of India's textile exports. A survey by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) revealed that nearly one-third of firms experienced a turnover decline exceeding 50%, with 85% reporting inventory build-up due to falling orders. Two-thirds of respondents had to offer discounts, averaging 25%, to maintain business. Liquidity issues are acute, with 82% citing extended credit cycles and over half noting increased working capital needs. CITI has urged the government to implement a moratorium on loan repayments, provide collateral-free loans, and enhance raw material competitiveness by removing import barriers. The organization also advocates for fast-tracking Free Trade Agreements and introducing tax incentives to alleviate the financial strain on the industry, which currently faces the highest tariff rates among major textile-exporting nations.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA senior Indian delegation is set to visit the US this week as negotiations for a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) advance, according to a top official. Following directives from leaders of both nations in February, five rounds of talks have already taken place, with the aim of finalizing the agreement by late 2025. Last month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led discussions in New York, where constructive meetings were held with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor. The negotiations are crucial, particularly in light of the US imposing a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods linked to Russian crude oil purchases, resulting in a total 50% additional import duty on Indian products. The BTA aims to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, building on the current $191 billion, with the US remaining India's largest trading partner.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's electricity sector may see increased competition with the government's draft amendments to the Electricity Act, which propose allowing multiple players, including private companies, to operate in the same distribution area. Alok Kumar, former Power Secretary and current Director General of the All India Discoms Association, emphasized the distinction between privatization and opening the sector to new entrants. The proposed changes would enable new players to utilize existing distribution networks without the need to build their own. Additionally, the Supreme Court has mandated the timely clearance of regulatory assets, which could lead to more cost-reflective tariffs. Kumar also highlighted the need for a separate capacity market framework to address mismatches in demand and supply due to the rise of renewable energy. He stressed that tariffs should reflect efficient costs across generation, transmission, and distribution, while state governments can provide subsidies to support vulnerable consumers.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 3 pm
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