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Employment in India continued its upward trajectory in June, marking the thirty-seventh consecutive month of job growth, according to S&P Global. Although the pace of job creation slowed from May's record levels, it still exceeded the long-term average. The services sector, which contributes over 50% to the Gross Value Added, saw a significant boost, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching a ten-month high of 60.4, driven by increased sales and business activity. However, while new domestic orders surged, new export orders grew at a slower rate. Input cost inflation eased to a ten-month low, allowing service providers to maintain pricing power despite rising staff costs. Despite a slight dip in overall confidence among service providers, 18% remain optimistic about future growth. In manufacturing, the PMI also rose to a 14-month high of 58.4, reflecting strong export demand. 
Published: Jul 03 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's negotiating position in its bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US is notably stronger than Vietnam's, as its export share to the US is significantly smaller, providing greater flexibility. Unlike Vietnam, which relies heavily on the US for nearly 30% of its exports, India’s exports to the US accounted for about 19% of its total goods exports in FY25, amounting to $86.51 billion. This contrasts with Vietnam's $136.6 billion in exports to the US, which resulted in a substantial trade deficit for the US. Indian negotiators are currently in Washington, D.C., attempting to secure an interim deal before a July 9 deadline to avoid steep tariffs. However, they face challenges in meeting US demands, particularly regarding sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, while also seeking reductions in US tariffs on labor-intensive products. The unique economic and political contexts of both countries mean that the Vietnam-US trade deal cannot serve as a template for India.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Adani Group is revolutionizing airport lounge access by enabling passengers to connect directly with lounges through its digital platform, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This move comes amid rising tensions in the industry, as DreamFolks' CEO Liberatha Peter Kallat accused major airport operators of pressuring banks to restrict lounge access for cardholders. In a LinkedIn post, Adani's airports CEO Arun Bansal emphasized the importance of innovation, likening their approach to fintech companies that streamline services. The shift has put pressure on DreamFolks, which integrates lounge access for banks and corporate clients, particularly after it announced the discontinuation of certain programs with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank. Adani operates seven airports that served 94.4 million passengers in FY25, and while it did not address Kallat's allegations directly, it highlighted ongoing collaborations with banks to enhance customer experiences in the lounge sector.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inKerala's Agriculture Minister P Prasad has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, emphasizing the need for consultations with state governments to prevent detrimental socio-economic and ecological impacts. In letters to Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Piyush Goyal, Prasad expressed strong opposition to any agreement that could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions and threaten the agricultural foundation of Kerala and India. He highlighted the risks posed by US demands for concessions in agriculture, particularly for agrarian states like Kerala, where cash crops such as coconut and rubber are vital. Prasad also criticized NITI Aayog's recommendation for duty-free imports of GM soybeans and maize, which contradicts India's stance against GM crops for food. He warned that such imports would favor large US agribusinesses at the expense of local farmers, undermining Kerala's sustainable agricultural practices and threatening biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has raised alarms over the quality of India's natural rubber, with low-grade lot rubber accounting for 30-35% of production. Chairman Arun Mammen highlighted the need to elevate quality to international standards to enhance price realisation for farmers, who currently receive the highest prices among rubber-producing nations. India’s natural rubber demand is projected to reach 2 million tonnes by 2030, yet domestic production stands at only 850,000 tonnes, necessitating imports for the shortfall. Notably, over 200,000 hectares of rubber cultivation remain untapped across India, with Kerala alone having 100,000 hectares due to factors like ageing trees and a shortage of tappers. ATMA is advocating for increased domestic production through targeted interventions and automation in tapping, as India’s tyre industry heavily relies on natural rubber, contrasting with the global trend of synthetic rubber dominance.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance India's military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved ten proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore during its first meeting following Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted that these procurements aim to improve mobility, air defence, and operational readiness across the Armed Forces. Notably, the Indian Navy's long-stalled ₹44,000 crore Mine Counter Measure Vessels project has been revived, while the Army received a ₹30,000 crore nod for the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM) system, designed to counter UAVs and missiles. Additionally, the Indian Air Force will acquire three Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft to bolster surveillance capabilities. The proposals, categorized under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured), underscore the government's commitment to promoting indigenous defence production.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to create India’s first rainfall-based weather derivatives. This innovative financial instrument aims to assist farmers and related sectors in mitigating climate-related risks, such as erratic rainfall and heatwaves. By leveraging historical and real-time data from the IMD, NCDEX plans to develop precise, location-specific derivative contracts that will enhance understanding of weather-related risks across various industries, including agriculture and transportation. NCDEX Managing Director Arun Raste emphasized that this partnership marks a significant advancement in commodity markets, providing farmers and traders with tools to navigate climate uncertainty. IMD's M Mohapatra noted that this collaboration will integrate scientific weather data into the financial sector, fostering economic stability and market innovation. The initiative will also include capacity-building and training programs for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's logistics sector is at a pivotal moment, with significant potential driven by increasing trade, policy reforms, and a booming e-commerce market, according to a report by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). However, the sector faces challenges, including high logistics costs that account for 13-14% of GDP—far above the global average of 8%—which hampers competitiveness and export viability. Fragmentation within the supply chain, inconsistent state regulations, and a lack of real-time data sharing contribute to inefficiencies and delays. The report advocates for Performance-Linked Incentives (PLIs) to encourage cost-saving innovations, subsidies for multimodal transport, and the establishment of logistics technology incubation hubs. It emphasizes the need for improved last-mile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and highlights Tamil Nadu's leadership in driving logistics transformation through strategic infrastructure and technology. The findings were presented at the Southern Regional Shipping Conclave, underscoring the urgency for collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's white-collar job market saw an 11% increase in fresher hiring in June, primarily in non-IT sectors, according to a report by Naukri. The Naukri JobSpeak index rose to 2,854, reflecting strong momentum across various industries. The hospitality sector led the growth with a 21% increase, followed by BPO/ITES at 19%, real estate at 16%, oil & gas at 15%, and healthcare at 11%. Notably, fresher hiring surged in sectors like architecture and interior design (74%), advertising and PR (44%), and media and entertainment (40%). After a prolonged period of stagnation, the IT sector rebounded with a 5% growth, driven by demand in tier-2 cities. While retail hiring remained flat overall, specific sub-sectors like consumer durables saw significant increases. Naukri's Executive Director highlighted the expanding opportunities for young professionals in these core service sectors.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Micro Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has expressed concerns over excessive regulation and frequent inspections faced by micro-fertilizer manufacturers in India, advocating for a unified national license. During a panel discussion in Gandhinagar, IMMA President Rahul Mirchandani argued that the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) has outlived its usefulness, suggesting a shift from control to management akin to the evolution of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. He highlighted that the consumption of micronutrients is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, with 65% used in cereals and grains. However, he noted that over-regulation adds 8-15% to product costs, ultimately burdening farmers. Mirchandani called for a streamlined licensing process and a centralized digital registry to reduce compliance costs. Rajib Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for trust between authorities and manufacturers to compete with China's dominance in specialty fertilizers.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inKan Biosys, a DSIR-recognised agri-biotech firm, has launched two innovative product lines aimed at enhancing crop nutrition and promoting sustainable farming practices. The first, under the ROFA (Real Optimised Fertiliser Application) brand, features 12 high-performance water-soluble fertilisers developed in collaboration with De Sangosse, France, designed for precision nutrition across diverse climatic conditions. Complementing this, the company has introduced three neem-based products, developed in-house, which leverage traditional Indian knowledge and modern research to reduce chemical usage while ensuring plant health. Sandeepa Kanitkar, Managing Director of Kan Biosys, emphasised the importance of respecting farmers through these advancements, while B.T. Gore, CEO of Farm DSS Agritech, hailed ROFA as a transformative solution for nutrient delivery. With over 20 years of innovation, Kan Biosys continues to lead in microbial solutions for soil health and sustainable agriculture, boasting a global presence in the USA, Europe, and Australia.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 5 pm
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