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The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced the draft Seeds Bill, 2025, aimed at modernizing seed regulations while addressing concerns from various stakeholders, including farmers' organizations. Union Minister Ramnath Thakur emphasized that the Bill safeguards farmers' rights to grow, save, and sell seeds, aligning with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001. Key provisions include mandatory registration of seed varieties and producers, regulation of seed prices during emergencies, and the establishment of a Seed Traceability portal. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about clauses perceived as encroaching on state powers, self-certification by seed companies, and the lack of a compensation mechanism for farmers affected by substandard seeds. Industry representatives have called for greater focus on horticultural crops and clarity in the registration process to ensure a diverse range of seed varieties is available to farmers. The draft is currently undergoing public consultation. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inArgentine soybean oil prices have surged as the country meets its sales commitments to China, leading to tighter availability. This has resulted in the cancellation or delay of over 100,000 tons of soybean oil shipments intended for India, the world's largest buyer, as local prices remain significantly lower than international offers. Aashish Acharya from Patanjali Foods noted that this situation accounts for about 20% of India's average monthly imports, with inbound shipments rising nearly 25% year-on-year. The price gap, estimated at $40 to $50 per ton, has made imports less viable, prompting traders to shift to longer-term contracts. Meanwhile, India is also receiving soybean oil from China, where prices are approximately $10–$15 per ton cheaper than South American offers, making it an attractive option for Indian importers despite expected delays in delivery.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's Ministry of Commerce has announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled steel imports from China, aimed at safeguarding the domestic steel industry. The duties, which will be effective for five years, range from $223.8 to $414.9 per tonne, depending on the grade of steel. This decision reflects India's ongoing efforts to protect local manufacturers from unfair competition and market distortions caused by cheaper imports. The announcement comes amid a backdrop of fluctuating market conditions, with the SENSEX closing at 84,481.81, down by 77.84 points, while crude oil prices dipped slightly to 5,080.00, and gold and silver also saw declines. The measures underscore India's commitment to bolster its manufacturing sector in the face of global trade challenges.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced a significant simplification of the disposal process for coal washery rejects, eliminating the need for prior permission from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) for various productive uses, including energy extraction, construction material replacement, land reclamation, and brick making. This move, aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, is expected to expedite the disposal process, optimize domestic coal resources, and bolster energy security while aligning with the Viksit Bharat initiative for a sustainable energy system. The CCO will still oversee the disposal of washery rejects intended for environmentally friendly dumping in mine voids or low-lying areas, retaining its authority to inspect washery operations and verify the quality of rejects. The coal ministry emphasized that these changes will facilitate quicker and more efficient disposal, ultimately supporting a more robust energy framework in India.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 7 ameznews.inA Technical Report from IIT Bombay has raised concerns over a proposal by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to shift to monthly data collection for the housing index, suggesting it would impose unnecessary costs on both the government and respondents without enhancing informational value. The proposal is part of MoSPI's effort to revise the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base from 2012 to 2024, which is crucial for the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy. The report's authors, Praggya Das and Ashish Das, argue that collecting rent data monthly from over 25,000 dwellings, rather than the current six-month panel survey of about 4,000, would significantly increase costs and workload while risking data quality. They advocate for maintaining the existing methodology, which they deem robust and effective, emphasizing that the proposed changes could be counterproductive.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is set to enhance trade relations by eliminating customs duties on imports of gems and jewellery from India to Oman. Currently valued at $35 million, India's gem and jewellery exports to Oman are projected to soar to $150 million over the next three years, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This surge is attributed to improved price competitiveness and expanded product offerings. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized that the CEPA will bolster direct trade ties and encourage Indian exporters to source directly, particularly in polished diamonds and gold jewellery. India is already Oman’s largest supplier of gold jewellery, with exports experiencing an impressive 80% growth in 2024-25, underscoring the strong demand for Indian craftsmanship in the region.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA and FW) for the fiscal year 2025 has seen a modest increase of 1.73%, rising to ₹1,17,528.80 crore from ₹1,15,531.79 crore in FY24. In a report submitted by the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, there are calls for a more significant enhancement of this budget to ensure agriculture receives its rightful share, thereby improving the effectiveness of ongoing schemes. The committee also stressed the urgency of expediting the recruitment process in research institutions to address existing vacancies, which is crucial for bolstering research efficiency. The government has indicated that filling these positions is a continuous effort, with regular monitoring of retirements and tenure completions. The ministry noted that budget allocations are influenced by various factors, including scheme approvals, past expenditures, and the department's financial needs.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA white paper from the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) proposes a transformative roadmap for Indian agriculture, advocating a shift from subsistence farming to a resilient, export-oriented model. The strategy is built on four pillars: first, a ₹10,000 crore investment to expand permaculture practices across 5 million hectares, aiming for a 25% reduction in synthetic fertiliser use by 2030. Second, a ₹15,000 crore initiative to diversify exports, targeting $100 billion by establishing 50 agri export zones and promoting organic products. The third pillar focuses on preserving agro biodiversity with a ₹5,000 crore allocation to enhance indigenous seed varieties. Lastly, the plan emphasizes improved access to credit for small farmers, proposing ₹50,000 crore in annual disbursements through innovative financing models. By integrating AI and sustainable practices, the framework aims to create a competitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSaudi Arabia remains a key player in India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, accounting for approximately one-third of the total 20.67 million tonnes imported in FY25 and 10.84 million tonnes in the first half of FY26. However, Indian public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) are diversifying their sources, increasingly turning to the US for competitively priced LPG. Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, confirmed that a one-year structured contract has been established to import 2.2 million tonnes per annum from the US Gulf Coast, marking a significant shift in India's sourcing strategy. This move aims to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers, who traditionally provided 91-93% of India's LPG, and mitigate risks associated with regional supply volatility. The recent decline in both Saudi contract prices and Mont Belvieu benchmarks has further enhanced competitive pricing options for Indian importers.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo has maintained its flight operations from Delhi and Mumbai while implementing a 10% reduction in its overall schedule, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 9. The airline is now utilizing higher-capacity Airbus A320 aircraft on routes previously serviced by ATR planes to comply with the directive, which aims to alleviate congestion on high-demand flights. Currently, IndiGo operates 2,200 flights under the revised schedule, having submitted a new 15-day plan to airports. While reductions have been noted in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, cancellations in Delhi and Mumbai remain minimal. CEO Pieter Elbers expressed confidence that the worst disruptions are behind them, emphasizing a focus on resilience and operational stability. He acknowledged the airline's long-standing commitment to safety and customer service, stating that IndiGo will continue to connect India effectively. A government review of the airline's operations is expected in the coming weeks.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 8 pm
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