eznews.inThe Cotton Association of India (CAI) has called on the government to eliminate the 11% customs duty on raw cotton imports, which is currently duty-free until December 31, 2025. CAI President Vinay N Kotak highlighted the severe challenges facing the Indian textiles industry, exacerbated by US tariffs and economic downturns in Europe. He argued that the high minimum support price (MSP) and low domestic productivity have rendered Indian cotton uncompetitive globally. Kotak warned that maintaining the import duty could lead to unemployment and financial instability within the textile sector, urging the government to support the industry to achieve its $100 billion export target by 2030. He noted that unseasonal rains have damaged cotton quality, necessitating imports to meet buyer standards. The CAI projects Indian cotton imports could reach a record 50 lakh bales in the 2025-26 season, underscoring the urgency of their request. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inResearch from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and other institutions has raised concerns about the negative effects of nano urea on grain yield and quality. Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary, informed the Lok Sabha that a two-year study at PAU found that applying two foliar sprays of IFFCO nano urea, combined with 50% of the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN), led to a 13% reduction in rice yield and 17.2% in wheat yield compared to conventional methods. Additional trials across various Indian agricultural universities reported similar declines in grain yield. In response, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a five-year project to assess the long-term impacts of nano urea on soil and crop productivity. Meanwhile, efforts to develop climate-resilient mango varieties and assess the benefits of natural farming practices are also underway, highlighting the government's commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump indicated at a White House roundtable on Monday that he may impose additional tariffs on countries, including India, Thailand, and China, accused of dumping rice into the US market. This statement comes as US trade negotiators prepare for talks in New Delhi aimed at securing greater market access for American goods, particularly in agriculture and dairy. Senior Indian officials assert that the final decision on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) rests with the White House, emphasizing that India cannot compromise on sensitive agricultural items. Despite India’s recent market access offers, experts suggest that Trump's tariff threats may be more politically motivated than economically driven, as Indian rice exports to the US represent only a small fraction of its total exports. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in FY25.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Centre has rejected the metro project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, citing insufficient average trip lengths and population criteria, according to Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu. During a Rajya Sabha session, he responded to DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu, explaining that the Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Madurai indicated that the current ridership supports a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) as a more cost-effective solution. The Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for both cities were returned in November, as they do not meet the required population threshold of 2 million based on the 2011 census. Sahu highlighted that the projected ridership for Coimbatore's metro was unrealistic compared to Chennai's operational network. The Tamil Nadu government had submitted a combined DPR for both cities, proposing a 31.9-km metro in Madurai and a 34.5-km line in Coimbatore, with costs estimated at ₹11,300 crore and ₹10,700 crore, respectively.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is actively monitoring the import of arecanut to prevent misuse of the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, ensuring that arecanut from non-DFTP countries does not enter India through DFTP nations. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, highlighted that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs Field Formations are vigilant against illegal imports, with arecanut imports from Least Developed Exporting Countries (LDECs) dropping from 32,238 tonnes in 2022-23 to 21,160 tonnes in 2024-25, attributed to a rise in the minimum import price (MIP) to ₹351 per kg. Additionally, the Tea Board is implementing measures to support tea growers facing climate change, including promoting drought-resistant cultivars and sustainable farming practices. Tea production in the North Eastern region has increased from 647.20 million kg to 692.91 million kg from 2020-21 to 2024-25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 1.72%.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to bolster the diamond industry, the Indian government announced on December 9, 2025, that imports under the Diamond Imprest Authorisation (DIA) scheme will be exempt from the integrated tax and compensation cess. This notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) follows the introduction of the DIA scheme in January, which permits duty-free imports of cut and polished diamonds up to a specified limit, aimed at enhancing exports and value addition in the sector. The exemption is expected to further stimulate growth in the diamond trade, providing a boost to the economy. Meanwhile, the stock market saw declines, with the SENSEX closing at 84,666.28, down 436.41 points, and the NIFTY at 25,839.65, down 120.90 points. Crude oil prices fell by 13.00 to 5,321.00, while gold decreased by 12.00 to 129,950.00, although silver rose by 1,543.00 to 183,285.00.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe year 2025 is poised to be one of the hottest on record, potentially matching 2023 as the second warmest year, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). November 2025 was marked as the third-warmest November globally, with temperatures 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, exacerbating extreme weather events, including devastating tropical cyclones in South-East Asia. The average global temperature anomaly for January-November 2025 was 0.60°C above the 1991-2020 average, indicating a concerning trend as the three-year average for 2023-2025 is expected to exceed 1.5°C for the first time. Notably, Europe experienced its fifth-warmest November, with significant temperature increases across Eastern Europe and the Arctic regions. The report underscores the urgent need for rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate future temperature rises, as the planet continues to face unprecedented heat and climate extremes.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSvitzer, the Denmark-based global towage provider, has entered into a shipbuilding agreement with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) to construct four 26-metre electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, aimed at enhancing its global fleet. The deal, which includes an option for four additional vessels, will see the tugs built to Svitzer's specifications at CSL's Kochi facilities, supporting the company's fleet renewal and operational advancements. The TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, recognized as the world's most advanced and efficient tug design, will feature battery-electric propulsion, enabling zero direct emissions during harbour operations when charged with green energy. This initiative not only underscores Svitzer's commitment to sustainable towage solutions but also highlights CSL's shipbuilding expertise and local innovation. Construction of the first four tugs is set to commence in the coming months, with deliveries anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) has reiterated its long-standing demand for a six-hour duty shift for Indian Railways' loco pilots, a request that dates back to 1948. Amid ongoing protests over unfilled vacancies, the union highlighted parallels between their struggles and the recent IndiGo crisis, emphasizing the critical need for reforms in crew management to combat fatigue. AILRSA's representation calls for scientifically designed working conditions, including limits on night duties and adequate rest periods, to enhance passenger safety. Secretary General KC James noted that despite a 1973 agreement capping shifts at 10 hours, the six-hour goal remains unfulfilled. The union advocates for the adoption of a modern Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which the Centre has begun implementing, to ensure loco pilots work under safer, scientifically informed conditions, including a maximum of two consecutive night shifts and predictable rest periods.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia has effectively insulated its fertiliser supply chain from China's export restrictions by diversifying import sources and securing long-term contracts, according to S Sankarasubramanian, Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI). Speaking at the FAI Annual Seminar in New Delhi, he highlighted that the country is well-prepared for the upcoming agricultural season, with sufficient stocks of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), NPK complexes, and urea. India has increased its imports significantly this year, bringing in 8-9 million tonnes of urea and 7 million tonnes of DAP, while domestic production has risen to 51 million tonnes. Sankarasubramanian noted that the government’s timely interventions and expansion of domestic urea capacity are paving the way for greater self-sufficiency. He also emphasized the importance of sustainability and innovation in the sector, with initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and promoting advanced fertiliser technologies.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pm
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