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The Indian Navy has successfully conducted multiple anti-ship firings to reaffirm its readiness for long-range precision offensive strikes, as tensions escalate with Pakistan following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives. The Navy's demonstration of combat capabilities comes amid India's vow to deliver severe repercussions to those responsible for the attack, which has drawn widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the "perpetrators and conspirators" will face the "harshest response," assuring justice for the victims' families. In retaliation, Pakistan has heightened military alertness and responded to Indian fire along the Line of Control. India has also implemented punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic relations, prompting Pakistan to close its airspace to Indian flights and halt trade. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate this volatile landscape. 
Published: Apr 27 2025, 5 pmeznews.inRetailers in India reported a 6% growth in March, driven primarily by the food, grocery, and quick service restaurant (QSR) sectors, according to the Retailers Association of India (RAI). This growth, while an improvement from the previous month, still falls short of the double-digit figures the industry seeks. RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan noted that consumer spending remains cautious, with shoppers willing to invest in aspirational products, although discretionary spending is fluctuating across categories. Regionally, North and West India led with 8% growth, while East and South India saw a 5% increase. Notably, food and grocery sales surged by 11%, and QSRs grew by 9%. Other sectors, including apparel, furniture, and beauty, experienced modest growth between 2% and 6%. Despite global trade tensions, Rajagopalan emphasized that domestic consumption appears largely unaffected, allowing retailers to maintain a steady outlook.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inFarMart, a food supply platform catering to Asia, West Asia, and Africa, has introduced its consumer pantry range in India, branded as FarMart Pantry. CEO and Co-Founder Alekh Sanghera highlighted the company's decade-long development of a technology-driven supply chain that supports food businesses, now extended to consumers for reliable access to high-quality staples. The FarMart Pantry offers 27 essential items, including chakki atta, millet attas, Basmati rice, and pulses, available through quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto, as well as modern trade stores such as Nature’s Basket and over 1,000 general stores across Indian metros. Since its inception in 2015, FarMart has connected nearly 300,000 farm-level aggregators with over 80 food processors and around 2,000 global food businesses, ensuring dependable quality at accessible prices for everyday consumers.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's stock market saw significant gains on Monday, with the SENSEX rising by 1,005.84 points to close at 80,218.37, while the NIFTY increased by 289.15 points to reach 24,328.50. In contrast, crude oil prices fell by ₹47 to ₹5,349, and gold and silver also experienced declines, with gold down by ₹522 to ₹94,470 and silver decreasing by ₹353 to ₹96,088. Meanwhile, the government reported a 3% growth in factory output for March 2025, slightly up from February's 2.9%. The mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors contributed positively, with growth rates of 0.4%, 3.0%, and 6.3%, respectively. Notably, the manufacturing sector saw 13 out of 23 industry groups report positive growth, led by basic metals, motor vehicles, and electrical equipment.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian auto component industry is grappling with new US tariffs that could significantly impact exporters' earnings, according to ICRA. The rating agency estimates that these tariffs may reduce operating profits by ₹2,700-4,500 crore, representing 10-15% of exporters' profits and 3-6% of the overall industry's profits. Revenue growth for the sector, which includes 46 key players with combined revenues exceeding ₹3 lakh crore in FY2024, is projected to slow to 6-8% by FY2026, down from an earlier forecast of 8-10%. This decline is attributed to a potential drop in exports to the US amid rising tariffs. Operating margins are expected to soften, particularly for exporters, while ICRA notes that debt metrics and liquidity should remain stable. Despite these challenges, there are signs of increased inquiries from US importers, suggesting potential opportunities for Indian firms if they can enhance cost competitiveness against China.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia has finalized a significant defense agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy, valued at ₹630 billion (approximately $7.41 billion). This deal, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security cabinet earlier this month, aims to modernize India's military capabilities and reduce reliance on Russian military equipment. Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy's fleet primarily consists of Russian MiG-29 jets. The move is part of India's broader strategy to enhance domestic weapons production and address security concerns along its contentious borders with Pakistan and China. The Indian navy has expressed concerns over China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly with Beijing's dual-purpose vessels and military base in Djibouti. This agreement also reinforces India's historical partnership with France in military procurement, following previous acquisitions like Mirage 2000 jets and Scorpene-class submarines.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThree regional associations—the Nilgiris Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers Association, North Bengal Tea Producers Welfare Association, and Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers Association—have come together to establish the Federation of Indian Tea Manufacturers Association (FITMA). This new national body will advocate for over 525 factories that produce 615 million kilograms of tea annually, aiming to engage with government entities and the Tea Board of India to support small tea growers and the bought leaf industry. Deven Singh and Vikas Mandhania from ABLTMA were elected as the inaugural Chairman and Secretary, with Sanjay Dhanothi and Dhananjayan Krishnamoorty serving as Vice Chairmen. The formation was announced during the “Dil Se – Bought Leaf – Kal Aaj aur Kal” meet in Dibrugarh, Assam. Krishnamoorthy highlighted the heavy regulation of the bought leaf sector and called for the implementation of a Price Sharing Formula to ensure fairness for small growers.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's largest FMCG brand, Amul, is expanding its protein product portfolio significantly, targeting a five-fold increase in protein production capacity. Currently producing three million litres of whey protein daily, Amul is leveraging the Indian Premier League (IPL) to promote its message of daily protein consumption, aiming to reach a broader consumer base beyond fitness enthusiasts. The company has launched 15 protein-rich products, including a new "Protein Kulfi," and is focusing on direct-to-consumer sales through its app and website. Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, highlighted the potential of whey as a valuable resource for creating diverse, affordable protein products. Amul's marketing strategy includes partnerships with nine IPL teams, generating significant engagement through digital content and in-stadium sales, as it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for protein in India.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe closure of the Afghanistan-India border, driven by escalating tensions with Pakistan, is poised to significantly impact the domestic dry fruit market ahead of the festival season. Afghanistan, a key supplier of nuts and dried fruits to India, exports approximately 20,000 tonnes annually, including popular items like almonds, pistachios, and raisins. The current restrictions have already led to a 10-15% price increase for imported dried fruits, with traders warning of further cost escalations as India may need to explore alternative import routes, such as through Chabahar Port in Iran, which could take up to a month compared to the usual 3-4 days by road. Additionally, limited cargo flights from Kabul may compromise the quality of high-value products. While the domestic market currently has sufficient stock for the upcoming wedding season, the situation remains precarious as demand is expected to surge.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAs geopolitical uncertainties persist, many companies are experiencing improved employee retention, with professionals opting for job security over career mobility. This trend is evident in major tech firms like Meta and Google, which have implemented layoffs amid cautious hiring practices due to tightening budgets. Analysts report a notable shift, with candidates increasingly accepting smaller salary increases or even cuts, prioritizing stability in a market with fewer job openings, particularly in tech and startups. Job stickiness is particularly pronounced in manufacturing, while the IT sector sees a moderate attrition rate of 12-14%. Despite these retention gains, companies face the challenge of keeping employees engaged, as many remain in their roles out of necessity rather than satisfaction. To address this, organizations are enhancing growth opportunities and upskilling initiatives, yet employee motivation continues to be a significant concern, as many feel trapped by limited options.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 11 ameznews.inMicro Finance Institutions (MFIs) are set to implement new guidelines from June 1 aimed at enhancing client protection and addressing issues of pricing, over-indebtedness, and discipline. Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO of Sa-Dhan, emphasized the need for stronger regulations to safeguard the microfinance sector. The revised framework, known as SANKALP 2.0, mandates that MFIs adopt transparent loan pricing practices and cap processing fees at 1.5%. To combat over-indebtedness, households will be limited to three lenders and a total microfinance and retail loan exposure of ₹2 lakhs. Additionally, a comprehensive credit bureau check will be required for all microfinance loans. The guidelines also stipulate that no loans should be issued to clients in default for over 60 days. Furthermore, MFIs are encouraged to use PAN Cards as the primary identification for KYC and credit reporting, aiming for 30% coverage by the fiscal year's end.
Published: Apr 28 2025, 10 am
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