eznews.inFarmers in ten border districts of Rajasthan and Punjab, who cultivate Kharif crops such as paddy, moong, and bajra across approximately 30 lakh hectares, remain resolute despite ongoing tensions with Pakistan. With a ceasefire now in place, they are optimistic about resuming normal agricultural activities as the monsoon approaches. Naik Mal Singh, a retired army personnel from Jaisalmer, expressed a willingness to sacrifice crops for national security, a sentiment echoed by fellow farmers like Harnam Singh and Chhinder Pal, who feel secure due to police and military presence. In Punjab, farmers produced 34.03 lakh tonnes of foodgrains this season, while Rajasthan yielded 8.84 lakh tonnes. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has directed officials to ensure adequate supplies of seeds and fertilizers, and to assess cultivable land near the border to support farmers in these regions. 
Published: May 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's stock market faced a downturn, with the SENSEX dropping by 880.34 points to close at 79,454.47, while the NIFTY fell by 265.80 points to 24,008.00. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 44.00 to reach 5,207.00, and gold and silver saw increases of 342.00 and 19.00, respectively, closing at 96,510.00 and 96,748.00. Amid these economic fluctuations, Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation India, emphasized the urgent need for robust counter-drone systems to protect critical civilian infrastructure, including power plants and airports, from potential threats. He highlighted the risks posed by drones, particularly in the context of terrorism, and noted that the Indian government is considering a new scheme to promote the development of these systems, with an estimated fund of ₹1,000 crore over three years, aimed at enhancing national security and manufacturing capabilities.
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's economy is projected to have grown between 6.5% and 6.9% in the January-March quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY25), buoyed by increased consumption following the post-festival season surge from September to December 2024. The official growth figures will be released on May 30. While the anticipated Q4 growth could be the highest in a year, it remains below earlier expectations for the quarter. Economists predict a full-year growth rate of 6.2% to 6.4%, with revisions expected for the first three quarters. The Maha Kumbh festival significantly boosted demand, particularly in rural markets, contributing to an 11% year-on-year growth in the FMCG sector. Additionally, urban demand is stabilizing, aided by a reduction in personal income tax. Despite a modest recovery in passenger vehicle sales, the overall economic outlook remains positive, driven by private consumption and a resilient services sector.
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRising tensions between India and Pakistan are poised to impact the energy markets, raising concerns over the supply and movement of crude oil and gas, as both nations heavily rely on imports. Rystad Energy warns that prolonged conflict could hinder their energy needs, with India importing about 85% of its crude oil, primarily from the Middle East. Disruptions in maritime routes could lead to increased shipping risks and higher freight costs, potentially triggering price spikes that may widen India's current account deficit. Additionally, ongoing disputes with Saudi Arabia over crude supply terms complicate India's energy security. While India has strategic reserves to sustain supply for over a month, Pakistan's reserves last only 20 days. The situation could also affect long-term energy projects, with the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty posing risks to Pakistan's hydropower capacity, further exacerbating the energy crisis in the region.
Published: May 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking initiative, Indian banks are being encouraged to accept ships as collateral for shipbuilding loans, a move aimed at revitalizing the country's maritime sector, according to senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The ministry is finalizing the Maritime Development Fund and the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0 to facilitate this shift. Currently, few banks possess the expertise to finance shipping projects, with many expressing concerns over asset recovery in case of loan defaults. To address these issues, India is considering the principles of the Brussels Arrest Convention, which governs the arrest of ships for maritime claims, despite not being a signatory. The government has also identified land for shipyards in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, while international shipping companies are exploring partnerships with Indian shipyards. This policy push aims to enhance manufacturing and financing in the maritime industry.
Published: May 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.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 am
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