eznews.inIndia is poised to significantly enhance its presence in the UK's ready-made garment (RMG) market, with a projected market share increase from 6% to 12% by 2024, according to CareEdge Ratings. This shift is attributed to a newly established Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK, which will allow 99% of Indian exports to benefit from zero duty, creating an estimated annual export opportunity of $1.1-1.2 billion. Currently, India exports approximately $1.2 billion in RMG to the UK, which is part of a global RMG market valued at $525 billion. The FTA is seen as a "game changer," particularly as China, the current market leader, faces declining competitiveness due to rising labor costs and shifting sourcing strategies. Additionally, socio-political uncertainties in Bangladesh may further drive brands to diversify their sourcing, potentially benefiting India’s RMG sector amid recovering demand in the UK. 
Published: May 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's economy is projected to grow by 6.5% in the current fiscal year, according to Sanjiv Puri, president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In an interview, Puri emphasized the resilience of the Indian economy in navigating short-term geopolitical challenges and highlighted the importance of pursuing bilateral trade agreements with key partners, particularly the US and EU, to safeguard national interests amid rising global trade barriers. He noted a positive trend in private investment across sectors such as energy and transportation, although geopolitical uncertainties may induce caution among investors. Puri also pointed to easing interest rates and declining inflation as factors supporting growth, while stressing the need to enhance domestic competitiveness, particularly in agriculture and climate adaptation. He expressed optimism about rural demand and anticipated a gradual recovery in urban markets over the coming quarters. 
Published: May 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly increase trade with both India and Pakistan, praising their recent agreement to a ceasefire following US-mediated discussions. Despite India's longstanding rejection of third-party involvement in the Kashmir conflict, Trump expressed optimism about finding a resolution, stating he would collaborate with both nations. His comments came as the US and India prepare to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement, which could alleviate tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. However, Indian officials have not confirmed Trump's claims of US mediation, asserting that the ceasefire was initiated after direct communication between military leaders of both countries. While Trump commended the leadership of India and Pakistan for their decision to halt hostilities, reports indicate that ceasefire violations occurred shortly after the announcement, though the situation has since stabilized. 
Published: May 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a recent analysis of the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), executives from Mercedes-Benz and BMW expressed optimism about the deal's potential to enhance trade, while cautioning that it may not significantly impact luxury car prices in India. The FTA, finalized last week, aims to reduce tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and facilitate British exports, including cars and whisky, with a goal of doubling bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. Mercedes-Benz India MD Santosh Iyer noted that approximately 95% of cars sold in India are Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units, which already incur low duties of 15-16%. He emphasized that substantial price reductions are unlikely, even with the FTA, due to a quota system for imported vehicles. BMW Group India President Vikram Pawah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of local production while awaiting further details on the FTA's implications for the luxury segment. 
Published: May 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inRegenerative agriculture is steadily gaining traction in India, focusing on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon, in stark contrast to conventional farming practices that deplete soil nutrients and increase greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that nearly 30% of India's soil is degraded, with organic carbon levels plummeting from 1% to around 0.3%. The adoption of regenerative practices could significantly improve soil health and water retention, potentially increasing farmers' incomes by approximately ₹5,000 per hectare annually. While states like Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim are leading the way, regions such as Punjab and Haryana face challenges due to entrenched farming methods. Corporates like Bayer and Diageo are beginning to invest in regenerative practices, but a cohesive national policy framework is still lacking. To fully realise the benefits of regenerative agriculture, India must establish clear definitions, incentivise outcomes, and promote carbon markets, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future. 
Published: May 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a decisive response to the recent Pahalgam attack, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has temporarily authorized the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance security measures at all civil airports in India. Effective from May 9 to May 18, 2025, this directive allows CISF personnel to conduct random checks, manage access control, and oversee the In-line Hold Baggage Screening Systems (ILHBSS). The move aims to bolster aviation security by introducing an additional layer of scrutiny over cargo operations and baggage screening. An official communiqué stated that CISF has promptly resumed oversight of these critical operations, ensuring that all airports under its jurisdiction have implemented the strengthened security protocols. This marks a significant shift in CISF's role, as its previous deployment did not explicitly cover direct security and screening of cargo operations. 
Published: May 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant development under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Indian skincare and cosmetic companies are poised to gain greater access to the UK market as tariffs on imports are expected to be halved. Currently, Indian exporters face tariffs as high as 20% on products such as soaps and face creams, which have hindered their competitiveness. Tanay Sharma, Co-Founder of CITTA, highlighted that this reduction could open up the UK market significantly, allowing Indian brands to position themselves more effectively. While the premium skincare segment is likely to see increased competition with a broader range of products, the mass market is expected to remain stable, according to Rohit Gothi, MD of ESME Consumers. He emphasized that their established distribution and manufacturing capabilities would maintain their leadership in the mass market, despite the influx of imported brands. 
Published: May 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inLucknow is set to make a significant leap in India's defence capabilities with the inauguration of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production unit on Sunday, part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will virtually inaugurate the facility, which aims to enhance India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Alongside the BrahMos unit, a Titanium and Super Alloys Materials Plant will also be launched, producing essential materials for aerospace and defence applications. The event will include the unveiling of the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility and the foundation stone for a Defence Testing Infrastructure System. Built at a cost of Rs 300 crore, the facility will manufacture the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, enhancing India's strategic capabilities. The corridor, announced in 2018, is crucial for the 'Make in India' initiative, promoting local production and reducing defence imports. 
Published: May 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd has pledged ₹5 crore to the National Defence Fund (NDF) amid rising national security concerns. A Kishore Kumar Kodgi, President of Campco, underscored the cooperative's longstanding commitment to national service and humanitarian efforts, recalling their previous donations to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund during crises. He stated, “At this crucial juncture, when our Armed Forces are bravely defending the country against terrorism and external threats, it is our moral duty to stand with them.” The NDF, managed by the Government of India, supports the welfare of Armed Forces and Paramilitary personnel and their families. The donation was made via a cheque from the State Bank of India, reflecting Campco's dedication to supporting the nation and the farming community it represents. 
Published: May 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAdani Group has launched India's first hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh, capable of transporting 40 tonnes of cargo over a 200-kilometre range. The initiative, unveiled by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to replace diesel vehicles in the company's logistics operations, promoting cleaner transportation. Developed in collaboration with an energy technology firm and an auto manufacturer, the trucks feature smart technology and three hydrogen tanks. Vinay Prakash, CEO of Adani Natural Resources, emphasized the project's role in decarbonisation and responsible mining, highlighting the group's commitment to sustainability through innovative practices. The hydrogen-powered trucks will transport coal from the Gare Pelma III Block to a state power plant, significantly reducing emissions and noise while supporting India's energy demands. This project is part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainable mining practices and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the country's environmental goals. 
Published: May 10 2025, 3 pm
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