eznews.inA recent RaboResearch report highlights significant challenges for US farmers as they prepare for the 2026 season, with corn operating margins projected to plummet from 13% in 2025 to just 7% in 2026. The uncertainty stems from tariff announcements made by the US government on 'Liberation Day' in April, which could impact agricultural trade and input costs, particularly for fertilizers like monoammonium phosphate (MAP), now at its lowest affordability index since 2010. While soybean profitability is expected to decrease slightly to around 13%, overall margins may turn negative, prompting reliance on government support through the OBBBA programme. Globally, crop margins remain under pressure due to declining commodity prices and rising production costs, despite record outputs for corn, soybeans, and wheat. Analysts warn that while bullish fundamentals exist, oversupply from major producers like Brazil and the US will likely keep prices depressed in the near term. 
Published: Sep 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian automobile sector is poised for a recovery as discounts are expected to decrease following recent GST rate cuts, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The GST Council's decision to lower rates on most auto segments to 18% from 28%, effective September 22, 2025, is anticipated to boost demand and enhance profit margins for automakers. The report has revised volume growth estimates for key segments, projecting two-wheeler sales to rise by 4% in FY26 and 7.5% in FY27, while passenger vehicles are expected to grow by 3% and 8%, respectively. Commercial vehicles and tractors are also forecasted to see significant growth. Factors such as a normal monsoon, reduced interest rates, and income tax benefits are expected to further stimulate demand, particularly during the upcoming festive season, contributing to a robust recovery in the sector.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Karnataka government has announced plans to develop a dedicated "coastal tourism policy," aiming to enhance the state's coastal assets similar to Kerala and Goa. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed this initiative during a tourism and hospitality conference in Bengaluru, where Tourism Minister H K Patil highlighted the identification of 40 strategic nodes for development. Patil emphasized Karnataka's extensive 300-km coastline and the establishment of a coastal tourism development board, inviting private investment in key properties and resorts. The announcement coincided with the 55th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which gathers industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the future of India's hospitality sector. The convention, themed 'Future Scape 2047: Redefining Hospitality for a New Era,' underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in shaping the tourism landscape.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inRajasekhar Thadepalli, president of the All India Federation of Timber and Allied Industries, has called for the establishment of a National Timber Board to formulate a comprehensive strategy for timber production, trade, and exports in India. Highlighting the surge in timber imports since 2010, driven by a boom in residential construction, Thadepalli noted that India accounted for 97% of global round wood imports and 26% of sawn timber imports in 2022. He emphasized the need for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on timber from 18% to 5%, arguing that this would make timber more affordable and promote its use over environmentally harmful alternatives. Thadepalli also advocated for public-private partnerships to incentivize large-scale plantations, suggesting that with the right support, India could become self-reliant in timber production and even export high-quality timber in the near future.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has established a special committee to investigate shark fishing and trade in India, following amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which took effect in 2022. These amendments have classified various shark and ray species under strict regulations, causing concern among fishermen who often catch these species as bycatch. CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized the need for a science-based approach to balance species protection with the livelihoods of coastal communities. The committee will assess the biological, ecological, and socioeconomic impacts of the conservation laws. In response to recent confusion over thresher sharks in Kanyakumari, CMFRI clarified that these sharks are listed under Schedule IV, allowing for domestic trade. To facilitate compliance, CMFRI proposed training for enforcement agencies, community monitoring, and the development of Non-Detriment Findings to guide sustainable trade practices.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Ministry of Corporate Affairs has called for public suggestions regarding the establishment of Indian Multi-Disciplinary Partnership (MDP) firms, aimed at bolstering domestic accounting, auditing, and consulting firms against global competitors. This initiative follows discussions at the Prime Minister’s Office in June, highlighting the need for Indian firms to overcome structural and regulatory barriers that hinder their growth in a global consulting market valued at approximately $240 billion. The Ministry's memorandum identifies six key challenges, including advertising restrictions and fragmented licensing, that must be addressed to enhance competitiveness. Additionally, it poses nine questions to stakeholders, seeking input on regulatory changes, safeguards, and best practices from successful MDP models abroad. The government is committed to amending relevant laws to facilitate the growth of large Indian firms capable of competing internationally, thereby strengthening their position in both domestic and global markets.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 7 ameznews.inDuring the 35th Conference of State Finance Secretaries in Mumbai, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the critical need for states to uphold fiscal discipline to drive economic growth. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the potential fiscal impacts of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, which could affect both central and state revenues. Malhotra urged states to enhance the quality of their expenditures and exercise caution regarding off-budget borrowings. He also called for improved coordination between state governments and the RBI to effectively implement initiatives related to currency management and financial inclusion. The conference, themed "Journey towards Economic Prosperity through the Path of Fiscal Consolidation," reviewed state cash management and market borrowings, with ICRA estimating that the initial revenue loss from GST changes could reach ₹14,200 crore for the Centre and ₹33,800 crore for states in the second half of FY2026.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndia's direct tax collections showed a positive trend in September, with net collections rising over 9% to ₹10.82 lakh crore, marking the first increase in four months, according to the Income Tax Department. Corporate tax collections grew nearly 5% to ₹4.72 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax (NCT) surged 13.7% to ₹5.84 lakh crore, which includes taxes from individuals and various entities. However, Securities Transaction Tax (STT) remained stable at ₹26,000 crore. Advance tax collections were mixed; corporate advance tax increased by over 6% to ₹3.52 lakh crore, while NCT advance tax fell by more than 7% to under ₹1 lakh crore. For the current fiscal year, the government has set a direct tax collection target of ₹25.20 lakh crore, anticipating a growth of 12.35% from revised estimates of ₹22.37 lakh crore for FY25, with experts remaining optimistic about achieving this goal.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe recent decision by the GST Council to lower tax rates on various mass-consumption products to 5% has been hailed as a win for consumers, but it poses challenges for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. While shoppers enjoy reduced prices, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are grappling with input tax credit (ITC) restrictions and rising embedded costs, which are straining their profit margins and tying up working capital. Industry experts highlight that while ITC remains available for goods taxed at 5%, certain services still face restrictions, complicating financial dynamics. As businesses navigate these challenges, the government anticipates that increased consumer spending will ultimately bolster tax revenues, despite the short-term cash flow pressures. Analysts suggest that while consumers may benefit from lower prices, the complexities of the supply chain could lead to increased costs being absorbed or passed on by manufacturers.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndia's Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that the government will unveil an Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework by September 28, aimed at defining safety boundaries to protect citizens from AI-related harm. The framework, developed through over 3,000 consultations, will not be "prescriptive" but will establish necessary checks and balances. Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of AI safety, particularly in light of challenges posed by synthetic content and deepfakes, and highlighted the upcoming AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19-20, 2026, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit aims to foster a global consensus on AI governance, with discussions on inviting countries like China, which previously did not attend similar international summits. The minister reiterated India's commitment to balancing innovation with regulation, ensuring that necessary safety measures are eventually codified into law.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 pm
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