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The GST Council is set to meet on September 3 and 4 in New Delhi to discuss potential revisions to Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, with the Centre and States aiming for swift implementation following the council's recommendations. This urgency is driven by concerns from sectors like automobiles and consumer electronics, which fear that customers may delay purchases until lower rates are enacted, particularly with the auspicious Navratri festival approaching on September 22. A Group of Ministers has already backed a proposal to streamline GST into two basic rates of 5% and 18%, while discussions continue on imposing additional levies on luxury items. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for next-generation GST reforms by Diwali, aiming to reduce taxes on essentials and stimulate economic growth. The council's decisions will also consider the Shradh period, which is deemed inauspicious for new purchases, complicating the timeline for any changes. 
Published: Aug 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAutomakers are urging the Indian government to implement proposed GST rate cuts ahead of the festival season, warning that delays could negatively impact sales during this critical period. During a closed-door meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and tax authorities, industry representatives expressed concerns that consumers might postpone purchases until the new rates are enacted. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) emphasized the need for clarity on input credit procedures and called for the rate reductions to be in place before key festivals like Navaratri, starting September 22. Industry leaders, including Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp executives, highlighted the importance of stable tax policies to support long-term investments and innovation. Additionally, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has raised alarms about rising retail risks, advocating for a Retail Protection Act to safeguard dealer interests amid growing uncertainty.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Karnataka High Court has ruled that while individual vehicle owners can operate independently, bike taxi services by aggregators remain prohibited. Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru's division bench emphasized that authorities should not harass individual operators but can take action against aggregators under existing laws. In response, Rapido announced that its Bike Direct service is a non-profit initiative designed to assist its captains, whose livelihoods have been affected by recent restrictions. The company clarified that Bike Direct does not constitute a return to commercial bike taxi operations, instead providing technology access to help captains connect with customers. Meanwhile, major players like Uber and Ola have also suspended their bike taxi services, which they had briefly resumed. The court has given the Karnataka government one month to consider regulations for bike taxi operations.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inDuring a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka agreed to enhance cooperation in defence and security, alongside partnerships in health, agriculture, trade, and investment. Modi announced the creation of an action plan to bolster defence ties and welcomed Fiji's decision to grant market access to Indian ghee. Rabuka, on a three-day official visit with a delegation, highlighted the importance of securing Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone and welcomed India's commitment to assist in meeting its security needs. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growth of bilateral relations and acknowledged the potential for increased trade and investment. They emphasized the need for a free, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific region and discussed plans for an Indian naval ship's port call to Fiji, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUttar Pradesh has joined Punjab in banning the sale of 11 pesticides in Basmati-growing districts to safeguard the crop from pesticide residues and enhance its export appeal, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The ban, effective from August 1, was announced by Special Secretary Om Prakash Verma on August 17, covering 30 districts where Basmati rice is cultivated. The pesticides listed include tricyclazole, buprofezin, acephate, chlorpyriphos, tebuconazole, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenofos, imidacloprid, carbendazim, and carbofuran. The Agriculture Department has warned dealers of strict penalties for violating the ban. While alternatives for nine of the banned pesticides have been provided, tebuconazole and carbofuran lack specified substitutes. Industry sources have criticized the timing of the notification, suggesting it should have been issued earlier to prevent stock issues. Local officials caution farmers that using banned pesticides may lead to lower market prices for their Basmati rice.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inT K Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, announced at a press conference in Chennai that an improved Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the sector will be released soon, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This new MCA could facilitate the ₹7,000 crore outer harbour project at VOC Port in Thoothukudi, which has faced bid cancellations due to low interest. The MCA outlines risk allocation, service quality, and performance standards, with nearly 90 projects worth ₹2 lakh crore planned under the Sagarmala Programme. Ramachandran also highlighted the abolition of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports, paving the way for a new tariff regime aimed at ensuring a level playing field. Additionally, the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to attract significant investment, while discussions are underway to explore new cruise destinations in Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has yet to approve herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton due to ongoing concerns regarding its toxicity, despite illegal cultivation occurring annually. Following the suspension of a pesticide manufacturer's license by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, experts are questioning the need for widespread approval of herbicide-tolerant (HT) crop varieties, which they argue lead to increased herbicide use and soil pollution. A senior agriculture scientist noted that while several herbicides are approved, the limited availability of HT crop varieties has spurred research and sales of these chemicals. In Rajasthan, Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena announced the suspension of HPM Chemicals and Fertilisers' license after its product was linked to damage in soybean crops. Critics, including the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, advocate for natural farming practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity over reliance on herbicides.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe U.S. decision to double tariffs on Indian exports to 50% from August 27 poses a significant threat to key sectors, including garments, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, seafood, and leather goods. The Commerce Department has conducted consultations revealing that exporters fear losing U.S. buyers permanently if the additional 25% tariffs are implemented. Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), warned that exports would drastically decline across most sectors, with only a few leading brands potentially able to absorb the costs temporarily. Handicraft exporters are particularly vulnerable, facing order cancellations and stiff competition from countries with more favorable tariff conditions. In response, the Indian government is expediting a relief package under the Export Promotion Mission to provide support, including affordable credit, as U.S. officials signal a firm stance on the tariff increase, linking it to geopolitical issues.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent survey has confirmed a significant outbreak of boll rot in Kurnool and surrounding areas of Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region, raising alarms over potential declines in cotton yield. The disease, caused by a combination of fungal and bacterial pathogens, has proliferated due to excessive rainfall this year. Conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in collaboration with KVK Banvasi, the survey revealed that the economic threshold level of boll rot has surpassed 20%, marking the first severe outbreak in a decade. Kurnool, a key cotton-growing hub, has seen record sowing this season, but the disease threatens to cause yield losses of 15-20% or more. Experts emphasize the need for urgent research into resistant cotton varieties. While some farmers have reported issues, sourcing agent Ramanuj Das Boob noted that the overall condition of the cotton crop remains excellent.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has raised alarms over a significant rise in paper and paperboard imports, which poses a threat to the domestic industry. Recent data from the Commerce Department reveals an 8% increase in imports during the first quarter of FY26, totaling 486,000 tonnes, with imports from China surging by 28% to 143,000 tonnes. Currently, only 550 of India's approximately 900 paper mills are operational, as the influx of cheaper imports undermines local competitiveness and threatens the viability of many mills, impacting rural employment and the recycling ecosystem. IPMA President Pawan Agarwal emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to establish a level playing field through tariffs, stricter quality checks, and a review of trade agreements. The association asserts that the domestic industry is capable of meeting the nation's paper demand if these challenges are addressed effectively.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 6 pm
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