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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for India to enhance supply chain resilience in fertilisers, insecticides, and pesticides during the Krishi Vikram 2025 event in New Delhi. His remarks come in light of China's recent suspension of shipments of specialty fertilisers critical for boosting agricultural yields. Goyal highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency to prevent disruptions in supply chains, stating, “We cannot suddenly be in trouble.” He noted that India's agriculture and fisheries exports have reached ₹4.5 lakh crore, with potential growth to ₹20 lakh crore through improved food processing and branding. The Minister assured that the government would maintain current fertiliser prices through subsidies to protect farmers. He also advocated for drip irrigation as a sustainable solution to combat climate change impacts on agriculture, urging the need for economically viable irrigation options beyond government support. 
Published: Jul 10 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a mixed trading session, the Indian stock market saw the SENSEX rise by 95.69 points to close at 82,666.60, while the NIFTY gained 18.80 points, reaching 25,214.60. Commodity prices also experienced upward movement, with crude oil increasing by ₹22 to ₹5,735, gold rising by ₹105 to ₹97,316, and silver climbing by ₹293 to ₹111,779. Meanwhile, the pepper market in North India is facing challenges due to heavy rains, leading to steady prices at the Kochi terminal, where ungarbled varieties are priced at ₹666. Kishore Shamji of the Indian Pepper and Spices Trade Association noted that imports totaled around 7,000 tonnes in May and June, with 1,100 tonnes sourced from Sri Lanka. The global pepper market is also affected by US tariffs, which have led to a decline in Vietnamese exports, while Indian farmers are encouraged to increase acreage to meet rising domestic demand. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe early arrival of the southwest monsoon has significantly boosted fertiliser demand, leading to improved sales for Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Official figures indicate that FACT handled 1.79 lakh tonnes of NPK fertiliser in FY26, up from 1.41 lakh tonnes in FY25, while ammonium sulphate sales rose to 45,320 tonnes from 40,027 tonnes. However, rising raw material costs, particularly for feedstock LNG, phosphoric acid, and sulphur, are beginning to impact production, with prices for phosphoric acid increasing by over $100 recently. Experts highlight that dwindling Chinese supplies of speciality fertilisers, coupled with India's reliance on imports, underscore the need for self-sufficiency through enhanced domestic production and diversification of import sources. The company aims to meet market demand for the kharif season despite these challenges. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Darjeeling tea industry is facing significant challenges, despite its Geographical Indication (GI) status, due to poor enforcement and competition from teas marketed as Darjeeling from Nepal. Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Group, highlights that climate change is severely impacting production, necessitating practices like replanting and regenerative agriculture to enhance yields. This year, production has declined further, continuing a troubling trend. While export demand remains steady in traditional markets, the influx of lower-quality substitutes has diluted the premium status of Darjeeling tea, leading to stagnant prices at auctions. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have increased freight costs and delivery delays. Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of biodynamic farming for soil health and crop resilience, which can improve quality and consistency. Overall, the industry must adapt to climate-related risks and enhance productivity to sustain its reputation and profitability. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA Parliamentary panel has proposed 285 recommendations for the Income Tax Bill-2025, aimed at modernising and simplifying India's tax laws. Chaired by BJP leader Baijayant Panda, the Select Committee of the Lok Sabha is set to present its report on the draft legislation during the Monsoon session, starting Monday. Following the report's submission, the government will review the suggestions and may seek Cabinet approval before advancing the bill for Lok Sabha consideration. The new law, intended to enhance the taxpayer experience by simplifying language and streamlining processes, is scheduled for implementation on April 1, 2026. This legislation will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, which has undergone 65 amendments and over 4,000 changes since its inception. The government aims to create a more efficient tax framework to better serve citizens and businesses alike. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDelhi-based Crystal Crop Protection Ltd (CCPL) is expanding its focus on seed exports, alongside its established crop protection products, targeting markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. CEO Satyender Singh highlighted the importance of registration processes, which can take up to three years, and noted that CCPL is currently exporting to 35 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Japan, with an export business valued at ₹200 crore. The company, which has a ₹2,700 crore turnover and has made 13 acquisitions in recent years, is investing significantly in research and development, particularly in seed innovation, with a goal of reaching ₹1,000 crore in revenue within the next two to three years. CCPL aims to enhance its crop protection offerings with unique products while maintaining a strong commitment to serving Indian farmers through extensive distribution networks and partnerships. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inBrazil, which supplies one-third of the coffee consumed in the United States, faces potential shipment redirection to Europe and Asia due to a new 50% tariff on Brazilian imports set to take effect on August 1. Traders are scrambling to unload Brazilian coffee in the U.S. before the tariff is implemented, with some diverting vessels mid-journey and others sending stock from neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. U.S. coffee prices have already surged 70% last year due to production shortages, and the new tariff is expected to exacerbate this trend, leading to further price increases for consumers. Importers warn that the tariff represents a significant threat to their businesses, as they will bear the cost and pass it on to consumers. If the tariff remains, global coffee flows may shift, with U.S. buyers sourcing more beans from Africa and Central America instead. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's goods trade deficit is expected to widen to USD 300 billion in FY26, up from USD 287 billion in FY25, primarily due to weak global demand impacting exports, according to ICICI Bank Global Markets. The report highlights that while exports to the US have remained robust, driven by front-loading, shipments to other markets have stagnated. In June, India's goods deficit narrowed to USD 18.8 billion, aided by a decrease in the non-oil non-gold deficit. However, overall exports contracted by 0.1% year-on-year, with oil exports declining significantly. Despite this, sectors like electronics and chemicals showed growth. The report warns that ongoing uncertainties regarding US trade policies could further affect global trade dynamics, although India has managed to maintain some export stability. The anticipated increase in imports, fueled by strong domestic consumption, is likely to exacerbate the trade deficit in the current fiscal year. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe recent crash of Air India flight 171, which resulted in the deaths of 241 people, has reignited discussions within the aviation industry regarding the potential installation of cockpit video cameras to monitor pilot actions. Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association, advocates for such measures, arguing that video footage could provide crucial insights into pilot behavior, particularly in light of preliminary findings suggesting one pilot may have cut off fuel to the engines shortly after takeoff. While proponents believe video could enhance safety investigations, critics, including U.S. pilots' unions, express concerns over privacy and potential misuse of footage. They argue that existing voice and data recorders suffice for accident analysis. The debate reflects a broader tension between enhancing aviation safety and protecting pilot privacy, with experts divided on the necessity and implications of cockpit video technology. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government is currently refraining from formulating a backup plan for its industry in light of impending US tariffs, awaiting clarity on their full impact. Rajesh Agarwal, Commerce Special Secretary and chief negotiator for the India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA), emphasized the need to assess the situation post-August 1, the new deadline for tariff imposition. As negotiations continue in Washington, Agarwal noted that the US has proposed new tariffs affecting around 25 countries, including the EU, but the specifics remain uncertain. Indian businesses are actively gathering insights from competitors and importers to navigate the evolving landscape. The BTA, agreed upon by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims for initial outcomes by Fall 2025. With the previous tariff deadline extended from July 9 to August 1, the potential for an interim deal to avert reciprocal tariffs remains to be seen. 
Published: Jul 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inDP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and Nevomo have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to establish a magnetic rail system for freight transport at Kandla port in Gujarat. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will assess the feasibility of implementing a pilot project utilizing Nevomo’s MagRail technology, which aims to automate short-haul cargo transfers and reduce diesel reliance. The initiative includes a 750-metre pilot project designed to demonstrate self-propelled freight movement within the port, enhancing capacity and efficiency for both containerized and bulk cargo while lowering costs and CO2 emissions. DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration in bolstering port infrastructure to meet rising cargo demands. DP World’s CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted the commitment to innovative technologies that enhance logistics sustainability and efficiency, positioning the project as a key driver of economic growth and trade competitiveness in India. 
Published: Jul 15 2025, 9 pm
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