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ISMA forecasts 18.5% increase in 2025-26 sugar output

The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has projected India's net sugar production for the 2025-26 season at 30.95 million tonnes (mt), marking an 18.5% increase from last season's 26.11 mt, primarily driven by a 39% rise in output from Maharashtra. The gross production estimate stands at 34.35 mt, slightly revised down from an earlier forecast of 34.9 mt. With 3.4 mt expected to be diverted for ethanol, total sugar availability will reach 35.95 mt, exceeding domestic consumption of 28.5 mt and allowing for potential exports of 2 mt. Maharashtra's sugarcane acreage has increased significantly, contributing to improved crop conditions, while Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka also anticipate stable to rising outputs. ISMA has urged the government to expedite the export policy to facilitate proactive planning by mills. A final decision on exports will follow the Agriculture Ministry's upcoming sugarcane output estimate. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 8 pm

CAFE-3 norms divide carmakers; SIAM prepares unified response

Automakers represented by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) are finalising their consensus on India's new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-3) norms, with a response due to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) by the end of this week. SIAM has requested an extension of the submission deadline from October 26 to November 5-6 to resolve internal divisions among its members. The draft CAFE-3 standards, released in September, aim to take effect from April 2027 and introduce significant changes, including a shift in carbon metrics and the option for manufacturers to form compliance pools. Tensions have arisen between electric vehicle (EV) makers and proponents of hybrid technologies, with discussions ongoing to find a balanced approach. The BEE will consider industry feedback before forwarding recommendations to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Heavy Industries for final decisions. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 10 pm

HyFarm's 'seed-to-shelf' method ensures quality French fry potatoes

HyFarm, the agricultural arm of Ahmedabad's HyFun Group, has implemented a "seed-to-shelf" strategy for cultivating the Santana potato variety, essential for high-quality French fries. CEO S. Soundararadjane emphasized that 80% of quality issues in processing-grade potatoes can be addressed in the field, underscoring the importance of pre-harvest practices over post-harvest corrections. Despite India being a leading potato producer, the country struggles with consistency in quality, which is crucial for meeting global standards. The Santana variety, known for its uniform size and excellent fry color, faces challenges in North Gujarat's fluctuating climate. HyFarm's meticulous approach includes careful seed handling, precise soil management, and balanced fertilization, all aimed at enhancing tuber quality. The company advocates for collaboration between farmers and processors to minimize post-harvest losses, asserting that with scientific rigor and dedication, Gujarat's Santana can achieve international excellence. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 9 pm

Mandaviya: India's growth model fuses innovation and inclusion

At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted India's success in merging digital innovation with financial inclusion to empower its citizens. Speaking at a high-level roundtable, he emphasized that India's development model fosters both economic growth and social inclusion, citing the creation of over 170 million jobs from 2016 to 2024, a rise in women's workforce participation, and a drop in unemployment from 6% to 3.2%. Mandaviya noted significant labour reforms, including the consolidation of laws into four simplified codes, and the expansion of social protection coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% by 2025. He also mentioned India's recognition by the International Social Security Association for its achievements in social security. During his visit, he engaged in bilateral discussions to enhance cooperation in labour and social security with Mauritius and UNESCAP. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 9 pm

Amul named top cooperative by International Cooperative Alliance

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), which operates the Amul brand, has been named the world's top cooperative based on GDP per capita, according to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). This ranking, revealed at the ICA CM50 Conference in Doha, Qatar, highlights Amul's growth, innovation, and commitment to a people-first approach in a competitive global market. Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of GCMMF, emphasized that Amul is entirely farmer-owned, managing all aspects from milk collection to marketing, and supports various UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction and gender equality. The recognition underscores the strength of India's cooperative movement and the vision of its founders. Additionally, during the conference, world leaders adopted a declaration acknowledging the role of cooperatives in social transformation and closed the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, pledging to celebrate such years every decade. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 9 pm

FSSAI urges States to properly dispose of expired food

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to States and Union Territories, emphasizing the strict prohibition of disposing of seized, rejected, or expired food items into rivers, lakes, or open lands. This move follows reports of improper disposal practices that have raised environmental and health concerns. The FSSAI has mandated that all disposal processes must be documented on video and supervised by designated food safety officers. Approved disposal methods include using authorized incinerators compliant with Central Pollution Control Board norms and designated sanitary landfills. States are required to submit monthly compliance reports detailing disposal activities, with any deviations flagged for review. The FSSAI's measures aim to prevent misuse within the food supply chain and mitigate environmental harm, underscoring the importance of proper waste management in safeguarding public health. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 8 pm

Centre initiates third PLI scheme round for specialty steel

The Indian government has launched the third round of its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for specialty steel, known as PLI 1.2, aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing imports. Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced that the scheme has attracted investment commitments of ₹43,874 crore, created 30,760 direct jobs, and is projected to produce 14.3 million tonnes of specialty steel. The first two rounds of the scheme have already seen investments of ₹22,973 crore and the generation of 13,284 jobs. The PLI 1.2 initiative focuses on high-value steel production for critical sectors such as defence, aerospace, and infrastructure, and is expected to encourage both existing and new players, including MSMEs, to enhance their investment plans. Kumaraswamy emphasized that the scheme aims to position India as a global hub for high-grade steel production, covering 22 product sub-categories essential for advanced industrial applications. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 8 pm

VOC Port awarded 'Green Visionary' at India Maritime Week 2025

VOC Port in Tuticorin has been awarded the title of ‘Green Visionary’ at India Maritime Week 2025, following a remarkable investment commitment of ₹90,936 crore. The event, held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, recognized the port's dedication to sustainable initiatives. The VO Chidambaranar Port Authority signed 29 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) focused on port modernization, shipbuilding, IT, and sustainability. Notably, three significant agreements in the green energy sector alone account for over ₹45,400 crore in investments. These include a ₹25,400 crore deal with Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms for a green ammonia storage facility, a ₹15,000 crore project with ACME Green Hydrogen for a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project, and a ₹5,000 crore agreement with CGS Energy for a 300 TPD Green Ammonia production facility. Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit expressed optimism about the anticipated job creation and investment influx. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 8 pm

DGCA to Revise Air Ticket Refund and Cancellation Rules

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed significant reforms to airline ticket refund and cancellation policies aimed at enhancing passenger rights. Key measures include a 48-hour "look-in" period post-booking, allowing passengers to cancel or modify reservations without incurring extra charges, barring fare differences. The DGCA also seeks to cap cancellation fees, ensuring they do not exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge, and mandates that all additional charges by travel agents be disclosed upfront. Furthermore, airlines will be required to process credit card refunds within seven days and cash refunds immediately, with a standardised timeline for refunds through intermediaries set at 21 working days. The proposals aim to align India's practices with global standards, addressing long-standing grievances over high fees and delayed refunds, while also providing protections against predatory pricing by airlines. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 8 pm

IndiGo posts ₹2,582 crore Q2 loss due to forex

IndiGo, India's leading airline, reported a net loss of ₹2,582 crore for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, primarily due to adverse currency fluctuations affecting dollar-based obligations. However, excluding these impacts, the airline achieved a net profit of ₹104 crore, a significant improvement from a net loss of ₹754 crore in the same quarter last year. Total revenue rose 10% year-on-year to ₹19,599 crore, driven by a 9.3% increase in operational revenue and an 11.2% rise in passenger ticket revenue. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the airline's capacity optimisation strategies, which helped mitigate seasonal weaknesses and led to a 7.8% increase in capacity. IndiGo plans to expand its fleet, with new Airbus A321XLR deliveries expected by December, and is set to launch new international routes in January 2026. As of September 30, 2025, the airline's cash reserves stood at ₹53,515 crore. sources

Published:
Nov 04 2025, 7 pm

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