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During the September quarter, IT companies reported a mixed recovery from macroeconomic challenges, with a notable slowdown in workforce additions, particularly among mid-sized firms. Data from hiring platforms revealed a four-year high in the sector's unemployment rate, rising from 6.4% to 7.2% for IT professionals. While 24% of IT employers reported workforce reductions due to deal pipeline slowdowns, 40% planned targeted hiring in areas like cloud migration and cybersecurity. Notably, mid-sized companies such as Coforge and Mphasis saw significant declines in net hires, while larger firms, excluding Tata Consultancy Services, added only about 4,800 new jobs. Experts suggest that the shift from mass hiring to selective recruitment reflects a need for specialized skills in AI and cloud technologies. Despite the challenges, companies remain open to hiring fresh graduates with relevant skills, as the sector recalibrates to meet evolving demands. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inImports of soybean oil from Nepal now constitute approximately 12% of India's total edible oil imports, significantly impacting the market share of AWL Agri Business Ltd, formerly Adani Wilmar. The company reports that the zero per cent duty on these imports, which are priced around ₹15 per litre lower than domestic oils, is particularly detrimental in northern and eastern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Executive Deputy Chairman Angshu Mallick highlighted that the influx of cheaper Nepalese oil, which arrives mainly in small retail pouches, has led to a decline in AWL's market share by 2.5–3% for soybean oil and 50 basis points for overall refined oil. Despite calls for regulatory measures to address the competitive disadvantage posed by these imports, progress has been limited due to the stipulations of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has marked a significant milestone by laying the keel for a cutting-edge hybrid electric Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for UK-based North Star Shipping, aimed at bolstering the offshore renewable energy sector. The ceremony was led by Michael Reid, Head of Special Projects at North Star Shipping. This 85-meter vessel, developed in collaboration with Norway's Vard AS, represents the second of two SOVs being constructed by CSL, with each vessel's construction cost estimated at ₹500 crore. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery hybrid electric system and advanced Azimuth propulsion, the SOV is designed for enhanced manoeuvrability and efficient personnel transfers in offshore environments. Once operational, it will serve as a multifunctional platform for accommodation, logistics, and maintenance, significantly transforming service and operational tasks in the offshore wind industry. This project underscores the ongoing partnership between CSL and North Star Shipping, reflecting a commitment to innovation in sustainable maritime solutions. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's textile exports to 111 countries surged by 10% year-on-year during the first half of the financial year, from April to September 2025, despite facing global challenges and tariff issues. The sector generated $8.49 billion, up from $7.72 billion in the same period last year, according to the Textile Ministry. Key markets contributing to this growth included the UAE (14.5%), Japan (19%), and France (9.2%), while notable increases were also seen in Egypt (27%) and Hong Kong (69%). The overall growth in India's textile, apparel, and made-ups exports was modest at 0.1%. The Ready-Made Garments and Jute sectors were significant contributors, with growth rates of 3.42% and 5.56%, respectively. This performance underscores the sector's resilience and adaptability, aligning with the government's initiatives to enhance export diversification and global market integration under "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's power demand fell by 5.2% year-on-year in October 2025, attributed to unseasonal rainfall and cooler temperatures, which reduced cooling needs, according to Nuvama Research. Average temperatures dropped to 25.6 degrees Celsius, leading to a peak power requirement of 210 GW, down from 219 GW the previous year. Thermal power generation suffered, with the all-India plant load factor (PLF) hitting a four-year low of 57.5%, while NTPC's PLF fell to 68%. Despite this, thermal power still constituted about 70% of the generation mix. The India Energy Exchange (IEX) reported a 16% increase in total electricity volume, driven by a 47% rise in real-time market transactions. Coal inventories remained robust, with all-India coal stock at 15.3 days. Renewables now make up approximately 30% of the generation mix, bolstered by a 25 GW addition in FY26, primarily from solar sources. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's decision to withdraw Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on polyester fibre and yarn has been hailed as a significant "pro-growth measure" for the textile and apparel sector, according to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced the move on Wednesday, which is expected to alleviate compliance burdens for manufacturers sourcing raw materials. CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran emphasized that this long-awaited change will enhance the cost competitiveness of Indian textile products by facilitating access to raw materials at competitive prices. He noted that polyester is crucial for man-made fibre products, and the removal of QCOs, alongside a recent export package, will bolster confidence in the sector. While cotton currently dominates India's textile landscape, Chandran urged the government to consider similar relief for viscose and other cellulosic materials, as India aims for a $350 billion textile industry by 2030, with $100 billion in exports. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inSpiceJet has significantly expanded its operational fleet to 35 aircraft, bolstering its winter schedule amid rising air travel demand. The budget airline's fleet growth follows a strategic induction and ungrounding program, which saw the number of operational planes rise from 21 in September to 32 by early November. Recently, SpiceJet added five Boeing 737 aircraft, including a 737 MAX, marking a total of 15 new inductions in just over a month. This expansion has allowed the airline to increase its daily flights from 100 to 176, enhancing connectivity on both domestic and international routes. However, the airline reported a widened net loss of ₹635.42 crore for Q2 FY26, attributed to recalibrated dollar-based obligations. Despite these financial challenges, SpiceJet's Chairman, Ajay Singh, expressed optimism about the strategic investments leading to improved operational performance in the latter half of the year. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has intensified efforts to secure the fertiliser supply chain during the ongoing Rabi season, conducting extensive raids and inspections on retailers and dealers to combat black marketing and hoarding. With a cumulative demand of 378.73 lakh tonnes for the season, the government reported that as of October 1, the opening stock included 37.33 lakh tonnes of urea and 20.07 lakh tonnes of DAP. Coordinating closely with state governments, authorities executed over 317,000 inspections, resulting in 5,119 show cause notices for black marketing and the suspension or cancellation of 3,645 dealer licenses. Notably, Uttar Pradesh led with 28,273 inspections, while Maharashtra recorded the highest number of raids at 42,566. The Department of Fertilizers emphasized its commitment to maintaining market integrity and urged citizens to remain vigilant against malpractices. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's edible oil imports for the oil year 2024-25 reached 160.1 lakh tonnes, valued at ₹1.61 lakh crore ($18.3 billion), reflecting a slight increase in volume but a significant 22.9% rise in value compared to the previous year. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) reported a decline in palm and sunflower oil imports, while soybean oil imports surged to 54.68 lakh tonnes. The government raised the duty difference between crude and refined oils, halting refined palm oil imports, although refined soybean and sunflower oil continued to enter from Nepal under the SAFTA agreement. Major exporters included Indonesia and Malaysia for palm oil, and Argentina and Brazil for soybean oil. With domestic consumption projected to grow, India aims to boost local palm oil production to 3 million tonnes by 2029-30, while continuing to rely on imports to meet demand. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Department of Fertilizers has undertaken a significant enforcement campaign during the Kharif and ongoing Rabi season of 2025-26, conducting over 317,000 inspections nationwide to combat black marketing, hoarding, and diversion of fertilizers. Authorities issued 5,119 show-cause notices for black marketing, 667 for hoarding, and 2,991 for diversion, resulting in 202 licence suspensions and 37 FIRs for hoarding, and 451 licence cancellations with 92 FIRs for diversion. Uttar Pradesh led the enforcement efforts with 28,273 inspections and 1,957 show-cause notices, while Maharashtra and Rajasthan also reported substantial actions. Additionally, a parallel initiative against substandard fertilizers resulted in 3,544 show-cause notices and 1,316 licence cancellations. The Department emphasized the importance of transparency and urged stakeholders to report irregularities, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the availability and integrity of fertilizers across the country. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 1 pm
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