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India's coal imports surged by 13.54% in September, reaching 22.05 million tonnes (mt), driven by heightened demand ahead of the festive season. This marks an increase from 19.42 mt in the same month last year. Notably, coking coal imports, crucial for the steel industry, rose to 4.50 mt from 3.39 mt a year ago, while non-coking coal imports slightly increased to 13.90 mt. For the April-September 2025 period, coking coal imports climbed to 31.54 mt, up from 28.18 mt, despite a decline in non-coking coal imports. Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO of mjunction services, attributed the rise to pre-festive stockpiling by buyers and anticipated winter demand from steel mills. While India aims to reduce its reliance on coal imports through increased domestic production, the need for high-grade thermal and coking coal remains, highlighting the ongoing balance between self-sufficiency and import dependence. 
Published: Nov 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's retail market is poised for a significant transformation, projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Fireside Ventures. This growth is fueled by increasing disposable incomes, rapid digital adoption, and a burgeoning aspirational class. The report highlights a major shift in retail dynamics, with traditional general trade expected to decline from over 90% in 2014 to around 70% by 2030, as modern trade, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer brands gain prominence. Notably, digital-native brands are expanding at two to three times the rate of traditional retailers, driven by data-led innovation and enhanced customer engagement. The analysis identifies diverse consumer segments, emphasizing the potential of both urban and rural markets. By 2030, India is anticipated to have 1.1 billion internet users and over 400 million online shoppers, marking a historic opportunity for consumption growth in the country.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 10 ameznews.inA low-pressure area over the south-west Bay of Bengal, off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, has led to heavy rainfall primarily affecting the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the formation of this system, global agencies have assessed the likelihood of a tropical storm developing at only 10-20 percent. The IMD forecasts isolated very heavy rainfall for Tamil Nadu over the next two days, with additional heavy rain expected in south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on Monday. As the low-pressure system moves west-northwest towards southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are anticipated across several regions, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While earlier predictions suggested a higher chance of storm formation, current assessments indicate a reduced threat, although meteorological conditions remain dynamic.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia, the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, spent €2.5 billion on crude from Moscow in October, maintaining the same level as September, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). This comes as the US imposed sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil to curb funding for the Ukraine war, prompting companies like Reliance Industries to halt imports. In October, India imported a total of €3.1 billion in Russian fossil fuels, with crude oil making up 81% of that figure. Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India significantly increased its Russian oil imports, which now account for nearly 40% of its total crude imports. The Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, now under EU sanctions, ramped up production to 90% in October, solely sourcing crude from Russia. Meanwhile, imports from sanctioning countries fell, while Australia and the US saw increases in their imports of Russian oil products.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inInvestments in physically-backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by Indian investors surged in October, ranking third globally, according to the World Gold Council. Indian ETF investments reached $2.91 billion by November 7, with $849.8 million inflows recorded in October alone, accounting for a third of the year's total. In contrast, investors in the UK and Germany exited the market, with outflows of $3.5 billion and $1.17 billion, respectively. The US led global investments with $6.33 billion in October, followed by China at $4.51 billion. Despite a record high of $4,381.58 per ounce on October 17, gold prices have since declined, impacting investor sentiment. The WGC noted that geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties have driven demand for gold, with ETFs playing a crucial role in the market's dynamics. Overall, gold ETF holdings stood at 3,895 tonnes as of November 7, nearing the peak levels seen in late 2020.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn rural India, livestock is integral to family life, serving as a vital source of nutrition and income for over 100 million households. Despite possessing the world's largest livestock population and contributing significantly to global milk production, fewer than 2% of these animals are insured, leaving farmers vulnerable to devastating losses from disease, climate events, and accidents. The current livestock insurance system, part of the National Livestock Mission, is fragmented and inefficient, relying on outdated processes that delay claims and lack digital integration. To address this, experts propose a National Livestock Insurance Scheme (NLIS) that leverages technology and cluster-based design to provide comprehensive coverage. This initiative could empower farmers, particularly women, who dominate the dairy sector, while also enhancing disease control. With India's livestock economy valued at nearly ₹50 lakh crore, increasing insurance penetration could significantly bolster rural resilience and protect farmers from emotional and financial distress.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's food inflation is expected to remain stable in the second half of the Financial Year 2026, bolstered by above-normal monsoon rains and improved sowing conditions, according to ICICI Bank's Global Markets update. However, an adverse base effect is anticipated to drive food inflation higher in FY27, as this year's prices may appear elevated due to last year's unusually low figures. The report highlights that wholesale inflation has eased to its lowest level in over two years, with a significant decline in primary food articles, particularly vegetables, cereals, and pulses. Month-on-month food prices have remained stable, indicating a potential stabilization after recent disinflation. While fuel inflation remains negative due to lower global crude prices, some manufactured products have seen price increases, particularly in jewellery and pharmaceuticals, suggesting that global commodity trends could exert upward pressure on inflation in the future.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming Indian agriculture by enhancing resource efficiency and reducing emissions amid increasing climate volatility. By employing precision agriculture techniques, AI utilizes satellite imagery, soil sensors, and weather data to tailor farming practices, such as variable-rate fertiliser application and irrigation models that align with crop needs, ultimately conserving water and reducing nitrous oxide emissions. Predictive models, trained on extensive meteorological data, provide early warnings about extreme weather and pest threats, enabling farmers to adjust planting schedules and manage resources effectively. While cooperatives and agri-tech firms are already implementing these tools, challenges remain for smallholders, including access to technology and reliable connectivity. To bridge this gap, public investment and partnerships with local institutions are essential. As AI continues to evolve, it promises to empower farmers with timely, actionable insights, fostering resilience in an unpredictable climate and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport marked a significant milestone on December 29, 2024, with its first commercial aircraft landing, heralding its official opening on Christmas Day. Akasa Air and IndiGo have commenced bookings for flights connecting the airport to multiple destinations, with Akasa offering routes to Delhi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Goa, while IndiGo expands its network to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, and Nagpur. The inaugural IndiGo flight from Bengaluru is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. The airport is expected to handle 100-110 flights daily, operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Akasa Air plans to gradually increase its operations, aiming for 300 domestic and 50 international weekly departures by FY27, with a focus on expanding into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. Air India Express has yet to announce its flight schedule for the new airport.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia stands to benefit marginally from the US decision to roll back reciprocal tariffs on certain agricultural products, with annual exports of the exempted items estimated at around $548 million, according to the Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI). However, uncertainty remains regarding whether Indian exports will be fully exempt from the 50% tariffs, which include a 25% penalty on Russian crude purchases, or if the exemption will only apply to the 25% reciprocal tariffs. The executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Friday excludes items such as coffee, tea, and tropical fruits, which the US cannot produce in sufficient quantities. While India’s exports are limited to a few high-value spices and niche products, competitors from Latin America, Africa, and ASEAN are expected to gain more significantly. To enhance its export share, India must expand production, improve cold-chain capacity, and diversify its agricultural offerings.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 7 pm
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