eznews.in
G Satheesh Reddy, a member of India's National Security Advisory Board, highlighted a significant shift in the country's defence sector during a session at the Hyderabad Entrepreneurship Summit. He noted that domestic production of defence components has surged, with India transitioning from a heavy reliance on imports—where 90% of capital expenditure was spent on foreign goods—to a more self-sufficient model. The current Defence Budget is ₹6.81 lakh crore, with ₹1.75 lakh crore earmarked for capital expenditure, of which ₹1.50 lakh crore was spent domestically last year. Reddy announced ambitious targets, aiming for ₹3 lakh crore in domestic capital expenditure by 2029 and increasing defence exports from ₹23,622 crore to ₹50,000 crore over the next two years. He emphasized the growing role of private industries and start-ups in the defence supply chain, with over 20,000 companies now engaged in indigenous manufacturing. 
Published: Nov 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAchieving the fiscal targets for Financial Year 2026 (FY26) is proving difficult, as a report from the Union Bank of India highlights subdued growth in corporate and income tax revenues. The government's reduced fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP, down from 4.8% in FY25, relies on strong tax collections and a robust capital expenditure (capex) push aimed at stimulating consumption and job creation. However, India's fiscal deficit reached ₹5.73 lakh crore in the first half of FY26, a 21% increase year-on-year, driven by higher capex that outpaced revenue growth. While GST collections showed a 9% rise in September, overall growth for H1FY26 remained modest at 5.8%. The report warns that further reductions in GST rates could hinder revenue, although higher non-tax revenues and better-than-expected divestment proceeds may provide some fiscal relief.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia has proposed the establishment of an online platform for technology exchange to help bridge the digital divide among countries, particularly benefiting developing and least developed nations in global e-commerce. During a recent WTO meeting focused on e-commerce, India emphasized the need for inclusive participation by sharing national experiences and addressing gaps in digital infrastructure. The country called for discussions on secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure to prevent monopolistic practices by major tech firms and to foster competition among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). India's submission highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance digital skills, improve internet access, and promote digital literacy, particularly among vulnerable groups. The proposal aims to create a framework for WTO members to collectively tackle these challenges and ensure equitable access to technology and digital resources, ultimately supporting a more inclusive global digital economy.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 11 ameznews.inAir India, under the Tata Group, has received regulatory approval to operate direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai, with expectations for a second set of clearances to launch services from Mumbai to Shanghai as well. Flights are anticipated to commence in December, although a final decision on the operational hub will depend on the second approval. This marks a significant development as direct flights between India and China had been suspended for five years due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. IndiGo has already resumed non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, with plans to expand to Delhi. The resumption of services is expected to enhance bilateral trade, tourism, and business travel, potentially increasing annual passenger traffic from one million to nearly three million. Historically, flights to China have seen high demand, often achieving load factors of up to 90%.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 10 ameznews.inA new agroforestry model developed by the Western Ghat Agroforestry Lab presents a viable solution for India's smallholder farmers, who face increasing challenges from climate change, rising costs, and market instability. Traditionally reliant on monocropping, these farmers are now encouraged to adopt a diversified approach that integrates trees, crops, and livestock. Tested in Maharashtra's Gudewadi village, the model features a tiered income structure, with short-duration crops generating ₹45,000–55,000 annually, supplemented by livestock earnings of ₹40,000–50,000. Long-term returns from fruit-bearing trees and timber species can yield significant profits, while also enhancing soil health and biodiversity. However, successful implementation requires robust institutional support, including training and market access. As India seeks sustainable agricultural practices, this agroforestry model could provide both economic security and ecological restoration, demonstrating the potential for resilient farming systems in diverse agro-climatic regions.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's livestock sector, which boasts some of the world's largest populations of cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, faces significant challenges, including a feed deficit of approximately 23% in dry fodder and over 40% in concentrate feed. This shortfall contributes to low average milk yields, as animals are often fed poor-quality crop residues. Enhancing feed quality is crucial for improving animal health, increasing productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Initiatives like Gujarat's balanced ration programme have demonstrated that better feeding can lead to higher milk yields and lower emissions. To address these issues, strategic actions are needed, including expanding fodder production, improving feed digestibility, and tailoring strategies for smallholder farmers. Integrating these feed interventions into climate policies and nutrition programs is essential for achieving both improved nutrition outcomes and reduced climate impact in India's livestock sector.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's dependence on edible oil imports, crucial for its food security, demands urgent policy reform. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the country imported nearly 15.96 million tonnes, accounting for 60% of its needs, primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia, with costs exceeding $15 billion. This reliance exposes India to price volatility and supply disruptions, particularly as projections for 2024-25 suggest only a slight decrease in imports. The government's recent ad hoc changes to import duties, such as reducing the customs duty on crude palm oil, have created uncertainty in the market, undermining long-term investments and trust among stakeholders. To address these challenges, experts advocate for a transparent, multi-year tariff framework, strategic partnerships with supplier nations, and a focus on ecological sustainability in domestic palm cultivation. Integrating edible oils into broader food security policies is essential to safeguard nutritional access for vulnerable populations, necessitating targeted subsidies and proactive trade diplomacy.
Published: Nov 02 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government has launched the Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025, allowing employers to voluntarily register eligible employees who missed out on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) coverage from July 1, 2017, to October 31, 2025. This initiative, announced by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day in New Delhi, aims to enhance workforce formalisation and ease compliance for businesses. The scheme will be open from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and includes provisions for waiving employees' contributions for the declared period. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of EPFO in safeguarding workers' social security and urged the organization to improve service delivery. Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani highlighted EPFO's role in the Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to create 3.5 crore new jobs, while EPFO officials pledged to enhance efficiency through technological advancements.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inImproved consumer sentiment following the rollout of GST 2.0, alongside festive discounts, OEM incentives, and accessible financing, significantly boosted auto sales in India during October 2025. Maruti Suzuki led the charge with a 10% increase in domestic wholesales, reaching 176,318 units, while Mahindra & Mahindra reported a remarkable 31% rise to 71,624 units, aided by the launch of its all-electric SUV, the XEV 9S. Tata Motors also saw a 27% growth, selling 61,134 units, driven by a 73% surge in electric vehicle sales. Kia India recorded a 30% increase, with sales of 29,556 units. Overall, the passenger vehicle sector is projected to grow by 12% this month. However, Hyundai Motor India experienced a slight decline of 3%. In the two-wheeler market, TVS Motor Company reported an 8% increase, while Suzuki Motorcycle India faced a 1% drop in sales.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inBrazil's ambitious $7.3 billion Araguaia-Tocantins riverway project aims to transform the Tocantins River into a year-round shipping route for soy and corn, potentially rivaling the Mississippi River and significantly reducing freight costs. However, federal prosecutors are challenging the initiative, citing concerns over its impact on local riverside communities and biodiversity. Fisherman Welton de Franca, who has lived by the river for decades, expressed fears that increased boat traffic would disrupt their livelihoods, stating, "We can't go anywhere without our boats. We live from the fish." Environmentalists warn that blasting the river's natural formations could lead to irreversible biodiversity loss, affecting endangered species. While proponents argue that the project could enhance economic development and reduce emissions from trucking, critics highlight the risk of further deforestation and displacement of local communities, raising questions about the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Published: Nov 01 2025, 6 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact