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The Indian government has reduced the minimum export price (MEP) for natural honey from $2,000 to $1,400 per tonne, effective immediately until December 31, 2025, as per a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This MEP, which prohibits exports below the set price, was initially introduced in March 2024. Major markets for Indian honey include the United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The government is also promoting the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to enhance scientific beekeeping practices and support the sector's growth. Key honey-producing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, and Rajasthan. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s honey exports reached a value of $177.52 million, highlighting the significance of this sector in the country's agricultural economy. 
Published: Aug 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe 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.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 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall is expected across northern India and the West Coast this week as weather systems from the Bay of Bengal move towards Gujarat and West India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that a low-pressure area, which weakened over south Uttar Pradesh and north Madhya Pradesh, is being replaced by new circulations that could lead to significant rainfall in East and Central India. The monsoon trough, which currently extends from Haryana to the north-west Bay, is likely to facilitate the formation of cyclonic circulations, enhancing rainfall prospects. The IMD forecasts isolated very heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana over the next few days, while Gujarat is set to experience heavy rainfall for a week. Additionally, the South Peninsula, including Coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, will also see increased rainfall activity.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inArgentina, which supplies 65% of India's soybean oil, has reduced its prices following Indian importers' recent purchase of 150,000 tonnes from China. This shift has led Indian buyers to halt further imports from China, as they report a lack of interest from Chinese sellers. Currently, the landed cost of degummed soybean oil in Mumbai stands at $1,205 per tonne, reflecting a nearly 2% increase from the previous week and over 18.5% from last year. Nine Indian firms, including Patanjali Foods and Adani Wilmar, have secured deals with Chinese exporters for soybean oil through December. Meanwhile, Nepal continues to export refined oils to India under the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement. Industry experts suggest that Indian buyers are becoming more strategic in sourcing oils, with quicker shipping times from countries like Vietnam influencing their decisions. The U.S. is also ramping up soybean crushing capacity, further impacting global supply dynamics.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has dispatched a high-level delegation to China to address final obstacles to the resumption of direct flight services, a move that coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Both nations had previously agreed "in principle" to restart flights, which have been suspended since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent military tensions in Ladakh. The Indian embassy in Beijing has also resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year hiatus. Industry sources indicate that an interim arrangement will allow airlines to operate at pre-2019 capacity without waiting for a revised air services agreement. The reopening of this key route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business travel, with potential passenger traffic increasing from one million to three million annually.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is set to release new rules and regulations by December 31, 2025, as part of the upcoming Income Tax Act, which will take effect on April 1, 2026. RN Parbat, a member of the CBDT, assured that honest taxpayers need not worry about data privacy, emphasizing that existing provisions regarding digital information handling will remain intact and clearer under the new law. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the CBDT is formulating standard operating procedures (SoPs) and FAQs to facilitate effective implementation. The new regulations aim to simplify tax processes, with pre-filled forms and consistent terminology to enhance user experience. While changes in return filing will begin in the fiscal year 2026-27, the CBDT is committed to ensuring that the new framework is both comprehensive and accessible, following extensive public consultations and legal reviews.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a strategic move to bolster its air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to deploy a mountain-adapted version of the indigenously developed Arudhra radar system in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland. This initiative, sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council at a cost of ₹440 crore, aims to enhance surveillance and detection in sensitive border areas. The modified Arudhra radars, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd, are tailored for high-altitude operations, capable of detecting a variety of aerial threats, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fighter aircraft. With a detection range of up to 400 km and the ability to identify small aerial objects, the Arudhra radar represents a significant advancement in India's defence technology, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and reflecting the country's commitment to self-reliance in military capabilities.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's contract research, development, and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) sector is rapidly evolving, with revenues reaching approximately $3 billion and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% over the past five years, according to a Jefferies India report. The sector's market capitalization is now estimated at $40-50 billion, attracting global investors. Despite a temporary demand dip during the Covid-19 pandemic, the future appears promising, with an anticipated 18% CAGR from FY25 to FY30, driven by a robust drug pipeline and the "China+1" strategy, which encourages diversification away from Chinese suppliers. Notable Indian firms are expanding into advanced therapies, with significant growth expected in the weight-loss and Type 2 diabetes drug markets. The report highlights Sai Life Sciences as a top pick, projecting strong revenue and EBITDA growth, while also recommending investments in Cohance and Divi's Laboratories, while advising caution on Syngene, Gland, and Laurus Labs.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 1 pm
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