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India's August monsoon rainfall expected to be average, says bureau

India is expected to experience average monsoon rainfall in August, following a 5% increase above normal levels in July, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD's director-general, announced during a virtual news conference that September is projected to see above-average rainfall, potentially exceeding 106% of the 50-year average. This forecast is crucial for the country's economy, as monsoon rains play a vital role in agriculture and water supply. The announcement comes as office workers in New Delhi's Connaught Place were recently caught in a sudden downpour, highlighting the ongoing impact of the monsoon season across the region. The weather patterns are being closely monitored as they hold significant implications for various sectors reliant on consistent rainfall. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Sharon Singleton) sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 4 pm

India imports significant water-soluble fertilizers from China, others

India relies heavily on imports of water soluble fertilisers, primarily sourced from China, along with alternative suppliers such as Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and the USA, as revealed by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel in Parliament. The country's annual consumption for the 2023-24 fiscal year is approximately 335,000 tonnes. In response to concerns about potential disruptions in supply from China, Patel clarified that there is no formal classification for "speciality fertilisers" under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, apart from specific categories of water soluble fertilisers. Furthermore, she noted that fertiliser companies have the autonomy to import phosphatic and potassium fertilisers based on their business needs. It is important to highlight that these water soluble fertilisers, essential for cash and horticultural crops, are not covered under the government's Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 2 pm

Google plans to permit real money games on Play Store

Google has proposed allowing real money games (RMGs) on its Play Store in India, aiming to address anti-competitive concerns raised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This move follows an investigation initiated in November 2024 after a complaint from Winzo Games Pvt Ltd, which alleged that Google’s selective onboarding of certain RMG apps distorted competition. In its commitment proposal, Google plans to replace its current pilot program, which only includes Daily Fantasy Sports and Rummy apps, by permitting all self-declared RMGs that comply with local laws. Additionally, Google intends to revise its Ads Policy to allow the advertising of skill-based games, contingent on third-party certification. The CCI has invited public comments on this proposal until August 20, 2025, as Google seeks to standardize its policies and ensure fair access to its platforms for all developers. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 1 pm

IMD predicts heavy rain, storms in Andhra from Aug 1-7

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Andhra Pradesh from August 1 to 7. The weather agency anticipates thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema from August 1 to 5. Heavy rainfall is expected particularly in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on August 5, 6, and 7, with thunderstorms and gusty winds persisting throughout the week. The IMD noted that strong surface winds may affect both coastal and interior regions, while localized weather disturbances are likely in isolated areas. Although no significant low-pressure system has been identified, the prevailing westerly and northwesterly winds are creating conditions conducive to rainfall and convective activity across the state. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 1 pm

Mahindra vehicle sales rise 26% to 83,691 in July

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported a significant 26% year-on-year increase in total sales for July, reaching 83,691 units compared to 66,444 units in the same month last year. The Mumbai-based automaker's domestic utility vehicle sales surged by 20%, totaling 49,871 units, bolstered by the recent launch of the XUV 3XO 'REVX' Series and the delivery of new BE 6 and XEV 9E models. In the tractor segment, M&M sold 26,990 units domestically, marking a 5% increase from 25,587 units in July 2024. Overall tractor sales, including exports, reached 28,708 units, up from 27,209 units last year. This growth was attributed to ongoing land preparation activities and strong cash flows in rural markets following the Rabi crop harvest, alongside favorable monsoon conditions aiding demand for the Kharif season, according to M&M executives. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 12 pm

Manufacturing PMI reaches 16-month peak; job growth slows

India's manufacturing sector began the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26 on a positive note, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to a 16-month high of 59.1 in July, according to S&P Global. This increase was attributed to faster growth in new orders, output, and inventory levels. However, despite this strong performance, manufacturers' optimism plummeted to its lowest level since July 2022, driven by concerns over rising competition and inflation. Job creation also weakened, reaching its slowest pace since November 2024, as many firms reported sufficient staffing for current needs. While manufacturers expressed confidence in future output growth, the overall sentiment was dampened by persistent inflationary pressures, particularly in the prices of aluminium, leather, rubber, and steel. The report highlighted that charge inflation increased slightly, reflecting favorable demand conditions that allowed companies to adjust their fees. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

Andhra Pradesh launches 'Annadata Sukhibhava' scheme for farmers August 2

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch the 'Annadata Sukhibhava' scheme on August 2, aimed at benefiting 46,85,838 farmers across the state. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the initiative in Veerayapalem, which is part of the ruling NDA Government's Super Six welfare schemes. The scheme will see ₹5,000 directly deposited into each farmer's account, totaling an outlay of ₹2,343 crore. This initiative fulfills the coalition government's promise of ₹20,000 per year per farming family, supported by the Centre. Farmers will receive ₹6,000 annually from the Centre and an additional ₹14,000 from the state, disbursed in three installments: ₹5,000 in the first two phases and ₹4,000 in the third. On the launch day, a total of ₹7,000 will be credited to each farmer's account, reflecting the collaborative efforts of both state and central governments. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

India ranks 25% among worst affected by Trump's tariffs

India faces significant economic challenges following US President Donald Trump's announcement of new retaliatory tariffs, which will impose a 25% levy on Indian goods, effective in seven days. This places India among the hardest-hit South Asian nations, with competitors like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam facing lower tariffs of 20%, while Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are subject to 19%. Despite the pressure, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government is assessing the situation with stakeholders, emphasizing ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US, set to be finalized by Fall 2025. Indian officials have indicated a commitment to negotiate in good faith without retaliating at the WTO during these discussions, despite frustrations from US officials over India's reluctance to make concessions in sensitive sectors like agriculture. The US remains India's largest export market, accounting for $86.51 billion in FY25. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

LPG cylinder price drops ₹33.50, effective August 1

Oil marketing companies have announced a reduction in the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder by ₹33.50, effective August 1, 2025. This adjustment brings the retail price in New Delhi to ₹1,631.50, providing some relief to commercial consumers nationwide. However, there will be no changes to the prices of 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders, which remain stable. The latest price revision reflects ongoing fluctuations in the energy market and aims to support businesses reliant on commercial gas supplies. The decision is part of the regular monthly review conducted by oil marketing firms to align prices with market conditions. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

US 25% Tariff Endangers $25 Billion in Exports: GTRI

The United States has announced a sweeping 25% tariff on all Indian-origin goods, effective August 7, a move that could significantly impact India's exports to the US, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). This executive order, issued by President Donald Trump, eliminates previous exemptions for key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and electronics, which had been shielded from import duties. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava highlighted that India is uniquely targeted, lacking product-level exemptions granted to other nations, including China. The blanket tariff is expected to reduce India's exports from $86.5 billion in FY 2025 to $60.6 billion in FY 2026, with the hardest-hit sectors being petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. While goods in transit can still benefit from lower tariffs until October 2025, the new measures signal a tough stance by the US, pressuring India to align with its geopolitical interests. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

MNRE mandates local sourcing, data control for wind turbines

India has implemented new regulations for wind turbine manufacturers, mandating that key components such as blades, towers, and generators be sourced domestically. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that manufacturers must adhere to a government-approved vendor list and comply with strict data localisation rules, which require all wind turbine data to be stored within India and prohibit the transfer of real-time operational data abroad. Additionally, operational control and research and development centres must be established in India within a year. This initiative aims to bolster the domestic wind turbine manufacturing sector, which currently has an annual capacity of 20 GW, as India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. While exemptions apply to certain projects, the regulations are expected to benefit local companies like Suzlon Energy and Inox Wind, while posing challenges for foreign competitors such as China's Envision Group. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 10 am

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