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A recent Finance Ministry report highlights global uncertainties as potential risks to the economic outlook, while expressing optimism that structural reforms, including the newly implemented GST 2.0, will alleviate some external challenges. The revised GST structure, effective from September 22, reduces tax rates from four to two, aiming to lower the tax burden on consumers and businesses, thereby stimulating demand and investment. The report notes a robust performance in the industries and services sector, alongside a stable labour market, which is expected to bolster domestic demand. However, it cautions that global uncertainties may still impact external demand. Additionally, the report indicates that recent RBI measures are enhancing credit allocation efficiency, while inflation is projected to remain moderate, with a forecast of 1.8% for Q3. On the agricultural front, kharif sowing has been successful, supporting a positive outlook for food production despite some challenges. 
Published: Oct 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAt the inaugural "India Maritime Week 2025" in Mumbai, the Gujarat government unveiled an ambitious plan to recycle 15,000 ageing ships at the Alang shipbreaking yard over the next decade. Ramesh Chand Meena, Principal Secretary of the Ports and Transport department, announced the initiative, which aims to double Alang's ship recycling capacity while adhering to strict environmental standards. Despite this goal, shipbreaking activities at Alang have declined significantly since their peak in 2011-12, when 415 ships were processed; only 44 ships have arrived this financial year as of August 2025. Alang currently operates 128 of its 150 recycling yards, but only 25-30% are actively processing ships. The Gujarat government plans to increase Alang's capacity from 4.5 million LDT to 9 million LDT, with 86% of the yards compliant with Hong Kong Convention regulations, while three are undergoing audits for EU compliance.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIPL Biologicals Ltd has been awarded the Bronze at the 10th Bernard Blum Awards 2025 for its innovative biocontrol product, Bellator. The accolade was presented during the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting in Basel, Switzerland, co-hosted by the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL). The Bernard Blum Awards are highly regarded in the biological sector, recognising products that demonstrate outstanding innovation, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Notably, IPL Biologicals is the first company from outside Europe and America to receive this prestigious honour. Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals, expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting it as a significant milestone for both the company and India's role in advancing sustainable agricultural innovation. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to developing next-generation biological technologies that support farmers and promote environmental stewardship.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA pilot project aimed at facilitating seamless passenger transfers from domestic flights in smaller cities to international departures at major hub airports is nearing completion, pending interministerial approvals. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the initiative, part of a broader ‘Hub Strategy’ for airport operations, will streamline international travel by allowing passengers to complete security and immigration checks at their departure airport. This system aims to enhance connectivity from tier-I and tier-II cities, which currently lack direct international services. Baggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination, reducing transit friction for international travelers. The project is designed to align with global standards, improving security checks and baggage handling. With no designated international hub airports in India, the initiative seeks to position Indian airports competitively against those in Dubai and Singapore, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of air travel for passengers.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 5 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) to develop a strategic plan to boost its market share from 4% to 25%, aiming to diminish the dominance of private seed companies focused on profit maximization. During the inauguration of six advanced seed processing plants in Delhi, Chouhan emphasized the importance of providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds, particularly in light of complaints about fake and substandard seeds during the recent "Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign." He highlighted the NSC's critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and replenishing food reserves, while also calling for innovation in regional languages to better serve farmers. Chouhan directed NSC to expand its reach to all districts, prioritizing underserved areas, and advised against reliance on middlemen, advocating for direct contracts with farmers for seed procurement. The event also featured insights from Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Kumar Chaturvedi on improving seed supply chains.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBiofuel Circle, a Pune-based startup, is expanding its innovative farm-to-fuel ecosystem aimed at reducing stubble burning and enhancing soil health. Co-founder and CEO Suhas Baxi announced plans to increase the number of biomass banks from 60 to 106 by March 2026, connecting over 200,000 farmers across 1,000 villages. The company is also launching pilot projects in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra to produce energy from wastelands, cultivating napier grass. By creating a reverse supply chain, Biofuel Circle provides farmers with carbon-rich organic manure, improving soil quality and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also generates employment opportunities in rural areas. With ambitions to handle 10% of India's biomass and plans for franchise manufacturing units, Biofuel Circle aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions while supporting local economies. The company recently completed a Series A funding round to support its growth.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 4 pmeznews.inHeritage Foods Ltd, a Hyderabad-based dairy company, has acquired a 51% stake in Mumbai's Peanut Butter and Jelly Pvt Ltd for ₹9 crore. The target company is known for its Get-A-Way brand, which specializes in high-protein, no-added-sugar ice creams and desserts. The acquisition was made through secondary buy-outs from existing investors, with the original promoters retaining the remaining 49% stake. Heritage Foods has the option to purchase an additional 20% by March 2026. This move is part of Heritage's strategic growth initiatives aimed at expanding its presence in the healthy desserts market. Brahmani Nara, Executive Director of Heritage Foods, emphasized that the acquisition aligns with the company's Vision 2030, enhancing its health-focused product offerings. Get-A-Way, established seven years ago, reported a turnover of ₹18 crore in 2024-25 and processes around 8,000 orders daily across various platforms.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inFarmers in Maharashtra are grappling with significant distress as soybean prices have fallen sharply below the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹5,328 per quintal, with local markets offering between ₹3,500 and ₹4,000—nearly 30% less than the government rate. This year's soybean production has declined by 20-25%, leaving farmers like Anil Patil from Dharashiv district facing losses. The situation is exacerbated by Madhya Pradesh's Bhavantar Yojana, which compensates local growers, leading to an influx of soybean from the state and further depressing prices. The Maharashtra State Co-operative Marketing Federation has voiced concerns over bureaucratic delays in procurement permissions, warning of potential market instability. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged farmers to hold out for fair prices and announced that procurement centres will open on October 30, with a proposal submitted to the Union Government to procure 10 lakh tonnes of soybean to stabilize the market.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBlenders remain active in the Kochi Tea auction, contributing to a continued appreciation in the CTC dust market. Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis reported that good liquoring teas were firm and more expensive in sale 43, with blenders absorbing 66% of the 657,543 kg offered. However, some high-priced teas showed irregularities and lower prices. Major packeteers drove strong demand, while exporters engaged minimally at the lower end of the market. In the orthodox dust segment, primary grades remained steady, but overall prices fell, leading to significant withdrawals from the 15,500 kg offered. Conversely, the orthodox leaf market thrived, with 94% of the 312,038 kg sold, bolstered by export demand from the Middle East and CIS countries, resulting in a ₹1 increase in average prices to ₹186.50. The CTC leaf market saw steady prices for medium brokens and Fannings, with Kerala and upcountry buyers providing fair support.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inKerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan has called for a transition from crop-based agricultural strategies to value-based agriculture, emphasizing value addition and agripreneurship during the launch of the Nano DAP Mobile Van campaign by IFFCO at Kerala Agricultural University. Speaking at the seminar "Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Collectives, Kerala (SEECK, 2025)," he highlighted the significance of cooperatives in enhancing living standards sustainably. The campaign aims to raise awareness about Nano DAP, a formulation vital for boosting agricultural productivity and quality. Additionally, Rajan honored Srividya R, a woman drone pilot trained by IFFCO, who has successfully sprayed 1,500 acres using drone technology. K Paul Thomas, CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, paid tribute to Padmasree Paul Pothan, the first managing director of IFFCO, acknowledging his contributions to professional management in agriculture. The seminar gathered stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the agripreneurial ecosystem through collective efforts.
Published: Oct 27 2025, 3 pm
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