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Over 500 small-scale detergent manufacturers in Gujarat have urged the Union government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their industry from 18% to 5%. Naresh Jain, chairman of the Gujarat Small Scale Detergent Manufacturers Association (GSSDMA), emphasized that including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a turnover of up to ₹100 crore in the lower tax slab would enhance their competitiveness against multinational brands expanding into rural markets. The current high GST rates, coupled with an inverted tax structure, are straining working capital and competitiveness for these manufacturers. Additionally, elevated import duties on essential raw materials and complex compliance requirements further exacerbate their challenges. Jain called for special subsidies, working capital support, enhanced rebates under government schemes, and a streamlined compliance process to alleviate the burdens faced by MSMEs in the sector. 
Published: Sep 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPunjab is expected to experience a significant decline in basmati rice production this year, with estimates suggesting a drop of 20-25% due to heavy rains and flooding. The state, which contributes approximately 40% to India's basmati exports, has seen crop damage across 1.5 lakh acres, particularly in districts such as Gurdaspur and Amritsar. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian reported that around 6 lakh acres have been affected, impacting both basmati and non-basmati crops. The state government is providing relief efforts, including medical aid and fodder for livestock. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan plans to visit Punjab to support affected farmers. Despite the challenges, exporters anticipate increased prices, with current averages around $980 per tonne, potentially rising to $1,050 as global supplies tighten, compounded by similar crop damage in Pakistan.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSteel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) is taking proactive measures to expand its vendor base and diversify its coal supply by exploring new coal-producing countries, including Russia and Mozambique. The company has expressed concerns over the impact of rising Chinese steel exports and the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in Europe, which could affect domestic steel prices. SAIL's capital expenditure commitment for FY26 is set at ₹7,500 crore, focusing on decarbonisation, although lease expiries on captive mines pose risks to raw material security and project timelines. The company reported a turnover of ₹1,01,716 crore for FY25, a slight decline from the previous year, with a net profit of ₹2,148 crore. SAIL's reliance on imports for coking coal is significant, with only 2.4 million tonnes sourced domestically out of an 18.74 million tonne requirement for FY25.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThree Chinese airlines, including a cargo operator, have sought "operational authorization" from India's aviation authority to resume direct flights between India and China, marking a significant step towards re-establishing air connectivity after a five-year hiatus. This move follows a period of suspended services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and military tensions in the Galwan Valley. Indian carriers are also preparing to launch direct flights, with airport slots to be allocated under a special arrangement that caps services at 2019 levels. The reopening of these routes is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, tourism, and business travel, potentially increasing annual passenger traffic from 1 million to nearly 3 million. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping have underscored a renewed commitment to economic cooperation, with India's embassy in Beijing also resuming tourist visa issuance for Chinese citizens.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Second National Fairtrade in India Conference & Recognition Event, organized by Fairtrade India and the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers, will take place on September 9-10, 2025, in Bengaluru. Supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme, the conference aims to unite over 150 stakeholders from the Fairtrade ecosystem, including farmers, businesses, policymakers, and youth representatives. Themed “Sustainability, Markets, and Impact,” the event will address critical issues in sustainable trade, such as Fairtrade’s role in promoting ethical practices, enhancing sustainable agriculture, and building resilient supply chains. Notably, domestic sales of Fairtrade-labelled products surged from ₹23.92 crore in 2022 to ₹77.22 crore in 2024, while exports are estimated between ₹330 to ₹450 crore annually. The Fairtrade Premium of nearly ₹49.81 crore generated in 2023 has been reinvested in local farming communities for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inDavangere Sugar Company Ltd (DSCL) is set to enhance its ethanol production capacity from 65 kilo litres per day (KLPD) to 85 KLPD by the end of the fiscal year, with plans to further increase it to 110 KLPD. This expansion aligns with the government's ethanol blending initiative and includes the installation of a 35-tonne per day CO₂ recovery plant. To ensure a steady supply of feedstock, DSCL will diversify its procurement by incorporating broken rice and maize, while also expanding sugarcane cultivation by 15,000 acres this year. The company aims to implement farmer-centric initiatives, including mechanised harvesting and organised cane transport, to improve productivity and farmer incomes. Chairman Ganesh Shivashankarappa Shamanur emphasized that these efforts will bolster revenues and profitability, while the company's integrated operations promote environmental sustainability. With supportive policies and growing biofuel demand, DSCL is poised to seize new market opportunities while fostering rural development.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for India's smallholder farmers, the Ule Farmers Producer Company (FPC) from Solapur, Maharashtra, has successfully exported its first full-scale banana shipment to Oman, weighing 20 metric tonnes. This milestone, facilitated by agritech platform Vegrow, represents a significant step for farmer collectives aiming to access international markets. The success is attributed to the state government's SMART program, which provided essential infrastructure support, including modern packhouses and cold storage, enabling Ule FPC to meet global export standards. Established in 2017 by marginal grape growers, Ule FPC has grown to include 1,127 farmer-shareholders and has earmarked 100 acres for banana cultivation, with plans to expand to 500 acres next year. Senior member Appa Ramchandra Dhanke highlighted the transformative impact of exports on farmers' livelihoods, while Dr. Hemant Vasekar from the Maharashtra government expressed optimism for future export opportunities.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's gross domestic revenue reached approximately ₹1.37 lakh crore in August, marking a 9.6% increase from ₹1.25 lakh crore in the same month last year, according to the Finance Ministry. Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections also saw a rise, growing by 6.5% to exceed ₹1.86 lakh crore. However, net collections, which account for refunds, grew by 10.7% to around ₹1.67 lakh crore, despite a decline in import collections from ₹50,000 crore to over ₹49,300 crore. Notably, domestic refunds fell by over 21%, while refunds to exporters decreased by approximately 18%. The growth in GST collections is attributed to the consumption of goods and services in July. The data reflects ongoing trends in the Indian economy as it navigates post-pandemic recovery challenges.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAt the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a resolute address emphasizing India's resilience amid global challenges, including US tariffs. Modi highlighted India's commitment to transforming obstacles into opportunities, framing the nation's approach around three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity. He urged fellow SCO members, including China and Russia, to join India in its developmental journey, while subtly critiquing China's Belt and Road Initiative for bypassing sovereignty. Modi asserted that genuine connectivity must respect territorial integrity, reinforcing India's initiatives like the Chabahar Port to enhance ties with Afghanistan and Central Asia. On the summit's sidelines, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual trust, while Modi also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the importance of cooperation in the face of external pressures.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inEuropean buyers have increasingly turned to Indian basmati rice over Pakistani varieties this year, primarily due to a significant price difference, with Pakistani basmati costing $250 more per tonne, according to Graham Carter, Managing Director of Ebro India Pvt Ltd. Ebro, a subsidiary of Spanish multinational Ebro Foods SA, noted that this shift contrasts with two years ago when Indian basmati was the pricier option. The company, which markets basmati under the Tilda brand, has seen strong demand for Indian rice, particularly as buyers seek cost-effective options. Despite a slight increase in Pakistan's basmati exports, the market remains complex, with varying preferences among buyers. Ebro India sources its basmati from around 12,000 farmers and is also expanding its domestic market presence with new pasta products. However, recent US tariffs pose challenges for Indian basmati exports, limiting Ebro's market share in that region.
Published: Sep 01 2025, 1 pm
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