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Negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) are advancing, though key issues remain unresolved, particularly in the steel and automobile sectors, as well as non-tariff barriers. Senior officials from both sides recently concluded the 14th round of talks in Brussels, which began on October 6, aimed at finalizing terms related to goods and services. Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal participated in the discussions, engaging with EU Trade Director General Sabine Weyand to expedite progress. The FTA negotiations, which resumed in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, encompass 23 policy areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, and intellectual property rights. With bilateral trade in goods reaching USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25, the EU is a crucial trading partner for India, accounting for 17% of its total exports. 
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's Food Ministry has projected the country's gross sugar production for the current season, starting October 1, at 34 million tonnes (mt), slightly below the industry estimate of nearly 35 mt. The government is adopting a cautious stance on exports due to lower-than-expected output, increased ethanol diversion, and concerns over the upcoming sugarcane crop. Despite the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali, sugar prices remain stable. The USDA anticipates a significant rise in India's sugar output to 35.3 mt in 2025-26, driven by favourable weather and expanded cultivation, contrasting with the government's more conservative estimates. Heavy rainfall has impacted sugarcane yields in Maharashtra, prompting a downward revision in expected yields. With most mills delaying crushing operations until November, experts suggest that the government may only allow 1.8 to 2 mt of sugar for export, potentially creating a global surplus within India.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inBilateral trade agreement (BTA) talks between India and the US are set to resume this week, following a period of stalled negotiations due to the US imposing tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods amid allegations of India's financial support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Despite these tensions, both nations remain optimistic about finalising the first phase of the BTA by November. An Indian delegation is expected in Washington, with officials indicating a positive atmosphere for discussions, despite some disagreements. India aims to enhance its energy imports from the US and increase defence procurement as gestures of goodwill. This renewed momentum coincides with the visit of US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor to India, where he has engaged with key Indian leaders to discuss defence cooperation and trade priorities. Gor, recently confirmed by the Senate, views India as a strategic partner crucial for regional stability and security.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe second meeting of the Operations Working Group (OWG) of the Indian Metro Rail Organisation Society (I-Metro) was inaugurated by Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, in Kochi, focusing on enhancing India's urban rail network. In his keynote address, Behera stressed the importance of a unified national strategy to protect communication and signalling systems from cyber threats, while also aiming to improve operational efficiency and promote sustainable urban mobility. The workshop gathered representatives from 12 major metro corporations, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, to share best practices and tackle common operational challenges. The meeting serves as a vital platform for developing cohesive strategies to ensure the security and reliability of metro operations, which cater to millions of commuters across the country. The session also featured contributions from key KMRL officials and was led by Raman Goyal, General Manager (Operations) at DMRC.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIIMA Ventures has announced a partnership with Jaivel Aerospace to establish an Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund, aimed at supporting early-stage startups in sectors such as autonomy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, and secure communications. The fund plans to invest in 8 to 10 startups, offering pre-seed and seed funding of up to $400,000 each, alongside structured mentorship and access to advanced development facilities. Vipul Patel, Partner at IIMA Ventures, emphasized that this collaboration represents a significant step in their mission to empower innovative founders by addressing challenges related to capital, connections, coaching, and community. IIMA Ventures has a history of backing aerospace and defence startups, including Sagar Defense, ePlane, and Ideaforge, and boasts a robust space-tech portfolio featuring 14 ventures like Agnikul and Bellatrix. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace sector.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA farmer in Kulgam district, south Kashmir, has reported an additional income of ₹46,000 after transitioning from poppy cultivation to vegetable farming under the district administration's _Rehnuma_ programme, part of the _Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan_ (Drug-Free J&K Campaign). Launched in 2023, the initiative has successfully reduced poppy cultivation from 738 kanals to just 49 kanals within a year, with a goal of achieving 100% cessation by 2025. Local governance bodies, including Gram Panchayats, are now tasked with monitoring and reporting illegal cultivation to ensure compliance. The region faces a significant drug problem, with over 1.35 million users, including 168,000 minors. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 prohibits opium poppy cultivation without a license, with severe penalties for violations. Officials believe Kulgam's success can serve as a model for the rest of the Kashmir Valley in combating narcotics cultivation.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's retail inflation fell to 1.54% in September, down from 2.07% in August, marking the lowest level since June 2017, primarily due to a favorable base effect and reduced vegetable prices, according to the Statistics Ministry. The decline in overall and food inflation was attributed to lower costs in various categories, including oils, fruits, and fuel. However, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, rose to a two-year high of 4.5%, driven by significant increases in personal care and housing costs. Despite calls for a policy rate cut, experts caution that the festive season's retail surge complicates the assessment of sustainable demand. While some analysts suggest potential room for a 25-50 basis point cut, HDFC Bank indicates that further reductions may only occur if growth weakens significantly, with the Reserve Bank of India likely to maintain current rates unless economic conditions change markedly.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAt the 21st convocation of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced plans to utilize municipal waste extensively in road construction, aiming to incorporate all municipal waste in India by 2027. He highlighted that approximately 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste have already been used in national highway projects, including 25 lakh tonnes for the Ahmedabad-Dholero expressway and 40 lakh tonnes for the Mumbai-Delhi highway. Gadkari also discussed the growth of India's automobile sector, which has surged to ₹22 lakh crore, surpassing Japan to become the third largest globally. He emphasized the need for research into alternative fuels and hydrogen technology for energy security. During the event, 15,105 degrees were awarded, and Gadkari laid the foundation for three national highways in Puducherry, including a ₹1,588 crore project for a new four-lane section of NH-32.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather has indicated that a strong low-pressure system is likely to settle over Lakshadweep as the north-east monsoon prepares to establish itself this weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported an accelerated withdrawal of the south-west monsoon, which has recently exited parts of Karnataka, Telangana, and several other states, paving the way for the north-east monsoon. The withdrawal line has moved through key locations including Karwar and Guwahati, with conditions favorable for further retreat in the coming days. Meanwhile, upper air cyclonic circulations over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Bay of Bengal are being monitored for potential intensification. The IMD forecasts isolated heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other regions, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to affect the South Peninsula over the next several days.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndian airlines are grappling with significant supply chain disruptions, leading to grounded aircraft and costly wet leases, as highlighted in a recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) report. The study indicates that global airlines could incur an additional $11 billion in fuel and maintenance costs this year due to delays in aircraft, engines, and parts. The backlog of commercial aircraft has reached a historic high of over 17,000, exacerbating financial pressures. Indian carriers like IndiGo and Akasa Air have been particularly affected, with Akasa experiencing delays in Boeing 737 Max deliveries. The report outlines that excess fuel, maintenance, engine leasing, and inventory holding costs contribute to the rising expenses. IATA advocates for a more open aftermarket in the aerospace industry to enhance supply chain efficiency and transparency, suggesting that collaborative efforts could improve overall performance and benefit all stakeholders involved.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTata AutoComp Systems Ltd is expanding its focus beyond automotive components to capitalize on the modernization of Indian Railways, according to Vice-Chairman Arvind Goel. The company has formed partnerships with global technology leaders, including Skoda, Compin Fainsa, and Air International Thermal Systems, to introduce advanced products and technologies to the Indian market. Goel emphasized that the government's commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and passenger comfort presents a timely opportunity for Tata AutoComp. The firm is already supplying components for the Vande Bharat trains and plans to showcase its innovations, including propulsion and HVAC systems, at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025. These collaborations aim to localize cutting-edge technologies and ensure cost-competitive manufacturing in India, aligning with the government's vision for high-speed and comfortable rail travel.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 5 pm
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