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The global rice market is experiencing a downturn, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) rice price index nearing a five-year low, currently at 105.5 points—down 22% year-on-year. Prices for Thailand's 5% broken white rice have fallen below $400 per tonne, reflecting subdued demand amid high inventories in African countries. However, projections for rice production in the 2025-26 season are optimistic, driven by favourable weather, particularly in India, which is expected to achieve its largest harvest on record. The Indian monsoon has arrived early, contributing to a 15% surplus in rainfall and a 7.4% increase in paddy area. Despite these positive forecasts, the market remains bearish, with analysts noting a lack of demand and downward revisions to price expectations, influenced by India's recent easing of export restrictions. The USDA and BMI also report increased production forecasts for Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam, offsetting declines in Iraq and the US. 
Published: Jul 09 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's power ministry is pressing coal producers to enhance fuel quality amid persistent complaints from the power sector regarding substandard shipments. A newly established panel has proposed measures including testing coal quality upon delivery and employing auger sampling to assess deeper layers of stockpiles for accuracy. Currently, coal is sampled at loading sites, but power stations often receive lower-quality coal that can contain impurities, leading to increased costs for consumers as utilities must purchase more to compensate for the reduced calorific value. This situation exacerbates pressure on the already strained railway network, particularly during peak demand periods. Industry experts, such as Rupesh Sankhe from Elara Capital, emphasize that Coal India must address these long-standing issues as the market dynamics shift from a sellers' to a buyers' market, necessitating greater responsiveness to customer needs.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn June, global investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surged to $38 billion, rebounding from a $1.8 billion outflow in May, marking the strongest first half in five years, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). India led the charge in Asia, driven by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, while North America accounted for the majority of inflows, totaling $21 billion for the first half. Despite a 25% increase in gold prices this year, money managers reduced their long positions by 28%, indicating a potential end to the gold rush that began in 2019. European investments also turned positive, with the UK leading in June. The WGC noted that ongoing fiscal uncertainties and inflation concerns are likely to sustain demand for gold ETFs in the near term, as trading volumes reached their highest levels since 2018, averaging $329 billion a day in the first half of the year.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia, a leading global producer of bananas, holds a 25.4% share of worldwide production but only accounts for 1.2% of global exports, highlighting a significant production-export mismatch. Despite a tenfold increase in banana exports from $25 million in 2010 to $250.6 million in 2023, the country struggles to capitalize on its agricultural potential. The Indian government aims to boost agricultural exports to $100 billion by 2030, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) targeting a doubling of its contribution. A recent report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) emphasizes the need for diversification beyond staple crops, focusing initially on bananas, mangoes, and potatoes. Recommendations include establishing integrated export hubs, enhancing logistics, and implementing best practices in crop handling to improve quality and reduce losses, thereby unlocking the potential of high-value fresh produce in the global market.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has established new financial norms for nuclear power plants, with those commissioned before April 1, 2022, guaranteed a Return on Equity (RoE) of 15.5%. For projects initiated after this date, operators can choose between a constant RoE of 15.5% throughout the plant's operational life or a variable RoE that adjusts over the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) outlined these tariff norms, which are determined in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Future pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) will follow a mandated debt-equity ratio of 70:30, while other projects will have their ratios assessed individually. Additionally, the operational standards require a realistic capacity assessment by the Atomic Energy Commission, with plant load factors for existing nuclear stations ranging from 68.5% to 80%. The norms also eliminate any stabilisation period for atomic power stations.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inGreen Aero, a deep tech startup incubated at IIT Delhi, has secured $1.6 million in seed funding led by _pi_ Ventures, with contributions from Antler. The investment will support the development and testing of hydrogen-powered, high-efficiency engines for aerospace, naval, and supersonic applications, as the company aims to commercialise its first small-category engine within the next year. Founded in late 2023 by Dr. Prithwish Kundu, a former research scientist at the US Department of Energy, Green Aero seeks to make India self-reliant in propulsion technology while promoting sustainable aviation. The company recently achieved a milestone by firing the country’s first hydrogen-powered aero engine core, dubbed ‘The Blue Dragon’. With a vision to deliver double the efficiency of current models, Green Aero is also exploring green hydrogen-based engines as a zero-emission alternative to traditional aircraft propulsion, while pushing the boundaries of supersonic propulsion technology.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inTATA AutoComp Systems and Škoda Group have unveiled a joint venture to produce railway propulsion systems and components in India, supported by a multi-million-euro investment. This collaboration aims to bolster the burgeoning Indian railway and mobility markets, with TATA AutoComp seeking to diversify its portfolio and enhance its capabilities in the railway and metro sectors. The new entity will manufacture converters, drives, and auxiliary converters for medium high-speed and regional trains, as well as metros and light rail vehicles, with operations based in India. TATA AutoComp Vice-Chairman Arvind Goel emphasized that the partnership will introduce advanced electrical propulsion systems, while Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotny highlighted the venture as a means to bring proven European technology and expertise to the Indian market. The initiative is expected to yield significant economic and technological benefits for the region.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inA preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash, which claimed 260 lives on June 12, is expected to be released by Friday, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The aircraft, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board, as well as others on the ground. Investigators are focusing on the engine fuel control switches and the flight data recorders, with early findings suggesting that the cause of the crash may involve issues related to engine thrust. The investigation has faced scrutiny over the slow release of information, with the Indian government holding only one press conference on the incident. Meanwhile, a U.N. aviation investigator has been granted observer status in the probe. The crash poses significant challenges for the Tata Group, which is working to revamp Air India's image and operations.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 9 ameznews.inTrade negotiators from various Asian countries have been making frequent trips to Washington in a bid to secure deals with US President Donald Trump, particularly since the announcement of "reciprocal" tariffs on April 2. Delegates from nations such as Japan, India, and Indonesia have collectively logged over 770 hours of flight time and more than 350,000 miles—equivalent to 14 circumnavigations of the globe. Japan's chief negotiator has made seven trips, while India’s team has visited three times, with Trump suggesting a deal is imminent. South Korea and Taiwan have also engaged in multiple discussions, while Malaysia and Indonesia are committed to ongoing negotiations despite facing significant tariffs. Notably, China has opted for negotiations in Europe rather than Washington. With Trump delaying higher tariffs until August 1, further travel is anticipated as countries strive for favorable trade agreements.
Published: Jul 09 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe long-awaited 56th GST Council meeting remains in limbo, with no confirmed date or venue since its last gathering on December 21, 2024, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Experts warn that the ongoing delay, exacerbated by the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 21 to August 21, could deepen existing disputes and create a policy vacuum. The GST Council is required to meet quarterly, yet the current postponement is attributed to budget presentations and recent events, including the Pahalgam incident. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that preparations are underway to address key issues, such as GST rate reductions and the future of the compensation cess, which expires in March 2026. Industry experts express concern over the uncertainty affecting various sectors, highlighting the need for decisive action on critical matters like ITC eligibility and the establishment of a GST Appellate Tribunal to enhance compliance and resolve disputes.
Published: Jul 08 2025, 8 pm
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