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ITR filing deadline extended to September 16 due to issues

The Indian government has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 by one day to September 16, 2025, following significant technical issues that disrupted submissions on the original deadline. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported that over 7.3 crore ITRs were filed by September 15, surpassing last year's total. The e-filing portal experienced heavy traffic, coinciding with the deadline for the second quarterly advance tax payment. Despite the department's guidance on resolving access issues, many users continued to face difficulties, prompting complaints on social media. The extension comes after a previous delay in the filing deadline from July 31 to September 15 due to revisions in ITR forms. The CBDT has announced that the portal will undergo maintenance on September 16 to facilitate these changes. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 4 am

Global rice prices may drop despite India, Pakistan crop loss

Global rice prices are expected to decline despite crop losses in parts of India and Pakistan, primarily due to abundant supplies, particularly from India, where prices are currently at an eight-year low. Analysts from BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, caution that excessive rainfall from a strong monsoon could negatively impact India's rice harvest. The USDA forecasts increased global rice production, driven by Brazil and Colombia, but lower exports from India and Pakistan. The FAO reported that rice export prices fell to their lowest levels in years, with a 2% drop in August. Indian white rice prices remained stable, supported by demand from Africa, while basmati prices rose amid lower inventories. BMI predicts a continued market surplus through 2028-29, although adverse weather could pose risks. The agency has revised its price forecast downward, reflecting expectations of abundant supplies and muted prices into 2026. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 9 am

Wholesale inflation in India projected at 0.5% for FY26

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation in India is projected to remain subdued at 0.5% for the remainder of the financial year 2026, according to a report by Union Bank of India. The report indicates that base effects in the core index will play a significant role in maintaining WPI in positive territory, particularly as core WPI was recorded at -0.08% in September 2024. Despite a shift from negative levels, WPI is expected to remain soft, contingent on stable commodity prices and favourable monsoon conditions. This subdued inflation is anticipated to support real manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) and overall GDP growth by keeping the GDP deflator low. The report also suggests potential monetary policy easing later in the year, with a possible 25-50 basis points rate cut in the second half of FY26. Additionally, while Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms could raise inflation by 130 basis points, the actual impact is expected to be around 60 basis points. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 9 am

Consumer cos to see growth in FY26's second half: Report

Consumer companies are poised for improved performance in the latter half of FY26, driven by festive season demand and the positive impacts of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, according to a report by Systematix Research. While the first quarter of FY26 saw muted results, with consumer staples reporting a 6.5% year-on-year revenue growth and a 3.5% increase in volume, signs of recovery are emerging. Easing inflation and normalising supply chains are expected to bolster demand, particularly in urban areas, although rural markets remain fragile, reliant on government support amid declining savings and rising food costs. Adverse seasonality has affected categories like juices and dairy, but potential GST rate cuts could benefit food and beverages. Despite urban consumer confidence being low, a revival in non-essential spending may aid overall sector recovery as the festive season approaches. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 8 am

Farmers Shift to Maize, Rice, Reducing Kharif Oilseed Acreage

Farmers in India are increasingly shifting their focus from oilseed crops to maize and rice, despite favorable rainfall and a government increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for oilseeds. As of September 12, the area sown with oilseeds fell to 188.81 lakh hectares, down from 193.93 lakh hectares last year, with soybean cultivation declining significantly by 5.81 lakh hectares. In contrast, maize and rice saw increases of 10.54 lakh and 8.45 lakh hectares, respectively. Experts attribute this trend to better economic returns from maize, particularly due to the rising use of ethanol in animal feed, which has made alternatives like distillers dried grains more appealing. While the overall oilseed production is expected to drop, the government’s National Mission on Edible Oil faces challenges as domestic production declines, potentially increasing reliance on imports. The outlook for the upcoming rabi season remains optimistic, with full water reserves in northern India. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 9 am

Ozone layer healing steadily after years of global efforts

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported promising signs of recovery for the Earth's ozone layer, with the 2024 ozone hole being smaller than in previous years. Released on World Ozone Day, the WMO Ozone Bulletin highlights that while natural atmospheric fluctuations contributed to this year's reduced ozone depletion, coordinated global efforts, particularly the Montreal Protocol, have played a crucial role. Since its inception, the Protocol has led to the phase-out of over 99% of ozone-depleting substances, paving the way for the ozone layer to potentially recover to 1980 levels by mid-century. The 2024 Antarctic ozone hole showed a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tonnes, below the 1990-2020 average, indicating a delayed onset and faster recovery. However, experts stress the need for ongoing monitoring and adherence to international agreements, including the Kigali Amendment, to ensure continued progress against climate change. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 5 am

Naidu incentivizes farmers to cut urea usage

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced an incentive of ₹800 per bag of urea for farmers who reduce their consumption during the fourth district Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati on Monday. This decision follows a significant urea shortage in the kharif season, with a 50-kg bag priced at approximately ₹260. Naidu emphasized the need for better planning to ensure timely urea supply, asserting that there is currently no shortage. He also highlighted health concerns, referencing a recent rejection of a chilli consignment by China due to chemical residues and noting that Andhra Pradesh ranks fifth in cancer cases, urging education for farmers on the dangers of excessive urea use. Additionally, he pledged support for aquaculture farmers facing challenges from US tariffs, promising power at ₹1.50 per unit and calling for the registration of all aquaculture farmers. sources

Published:
Sep 15 2025, 10 pm

IGI Airport's Upgraded Terminal 2 Opens Late October

The upgraded Terminal 2 (T2) at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is set to commence operations on October 26, coinciding with the winter schedule. Managed by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the terminal has undergone significant renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, having been closed since April. DIAL announced that T2 will feature advanced amenities, including a Self Baggage Drop facility and new passenger boarding bridges equipped with autonomous docking technology. Starting from the night of October 25-26, around 120 daily domestic flights operated by Air India and IndiGo will transition to the revamped terminal. DIAL Chief Executive Videh Kumar Jaipuriar emphasized that the upgrades represent a reimagining of the passenger experience, aiming to enhance efficiency and prepare IGI Airport for future aviation demands, while reinforcing India's position as a leading aviation hub. sources

Published:
Sep 15 2025, 9 pm

US Team in India to Resolve Trade Talks Stalemate

A US trade delegation, led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, is set to meet Indian officials in New Delhi on Tuesday to address the stalled India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism about the discussions, which aim to resolve issues surrounding US demands for greater market access to sensitive agricultural products like soybean and corn. The negotiations have faced setbacks, particularly after former President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods and criticized India's purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict. While the upcoming meeting is not a formal negotiation round, it is seen as a critical step towards reaching an agreement. The outcome may also determine whether Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Washington for further talks. Recently, Trump signaled a desire to mend relations with India, expressing confidence in achieving a successful resolution for both nations. sources

Published:
Sep 15 2025, 9 pm

700 beneficiaries listed; 150 uncontacted, 158 missed subsidy, says Shivraj

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for vigilance in ensuring that government funds reach intended beneficiaries during the annual Rabi conference in New Delhi. He highlighted a concerning case where a list of 700 farmers indicated that many had not received subsidies, with 158 out of 500 contacted farmers reporting no assistance. Chouhan called for collaboration between the Centre and States, urging officials to address issues such as climate resilience, quality inputs, and the convergence of agricultural schemes. He praised the agricultural sector's 3.7% growth, while also warning against the sale of fake fertilizers and urging the proper implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance. Additionally, he advised officials to remain alert to pest attacks affecting crops like soyabean and paddy, stressing the importance of quick relief efforts in flood-affected areas. sources

Published:
Sep 15 2025, 9 pm

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