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India's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry is set for a significant transformation following the government's decision to rationalise Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on commercial drones. Announced during the 56th GST Council meeting, the new "Simple Tax" regime introduces a uniform 5% GST for commercial drones, alongside exemptions for defence-related drones and essential components. This reform addresses previous inconsistencies in the tax structure, which saw rates ranging from 5% to 28%, creating compliance challenges for manufacturers and consumers. Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, hailed the move as a landmark reform that will lower acquisition costs and promote wider adoption across sectors like agriculture and logistics. With over 600 drone start-ups in India having raised more than $500 million, the streamlined GST framework is expected to enhance investment and position India as a global hub for drone innovation. The revised rates will take effect on September 22, 2025. 
Published: Sep 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inFlour millers in India are urging the government to eliminate the 5% GST on consumer packs of _atta_, maida, and _sooji_ weighing up to 25 kg, following the GST Council's recent decision to exempt certain wheat-based products like roti and paratha from tax. The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India argues that the current tax structure creates an inequity, as bulk buyers such as hotels and food processors do not pay GST, while households purchasing smaller packs do. This disparity disproportionately affects families, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where home-cooked meals are a staple. The federation's president, Navneet Chitlangia, emphasized that aligning tax policies would provide significant relief to millions of consumers. A recent Kerala High Court ruling also highlighted the unfairness of differential GST rates on similar products, reinforcing the millers' call for a more equitable tax system.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian shrimp sector is facing significant challenges due to the imposition of 50% US tariffs, which has raised concerns among feed manufacturers about reduced feed consumption by shrimp producers. Divya Kumar Gulati, President of the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA), urged the Indian government to pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations to support the industry, similar to the recent agreement with the UK. The animal feed market, currently valued at $16 billion, is growing at 6-8% annually, but faces raw material shortages, particularly corn, which is essential for poultry feed. With corn production insufficient to meet both feed and ethanol demands, the government has diverted 5.2 million tonnes of rice for ethanol, yet Gulati warns of impending shortages. The shrimp industry, producing 1 million tonnes primarily for export, has not developed a domestic market, leaving it vulnerable to tariff impacts.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 7 pmeznews.inDHL Group has inaugurated its fifth DHL IT Services (ITS) center in Indore, reinforcing its commitment to India as a key player in digital innovation and technology. This new facility, located at Brilliant Summit, is the first dedicated technology training academy in the country, complementing existing centers in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The Indore center has already onboarded 100 employees, chosen for the city’s robust academic environment and high retention rates, which are seen as vital for developing long-term capabilities. This expansion is part of DHL's broader strategy to enhance its operations in India, following significant investments aimed at meeting increasing customer demand. The announcement was made on September 6, 2025, highlighting DHL's ongoing dedication to fostering technological growth in the region.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGlobal gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) attracted $5.5 billion in August, marking a three-month inflow streak, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). While investments in physically-backed gold ETFs rose for the fourth consecutive month in India, Asian flows turned negative, with China experiencing a $495 million outflow due to strong equity performance. In contrast, North American and European funds led global inflows, with North America adding $4.1 billion amid ongoing trade risks and market uncertainty. European funds also saw $1.9 billion in inflows, driven by heightened haven demand following unexpected tariffs on Switzerland. Despite a 9% month-on-month decline in trading volumes to $4.5 billion per day, OTC trading rose 12% to an average of $171 billion. Overall, total assets under management for global gold ETFs reached a record $407 billion, with holdings increasing to 3,692 tonnes, the highest since July 2022.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian Ministry of Cooperation announced significant GST rate cuts on dairy products, agricultural inputs, and food processing items, benefiting over 10 crore dairy farmers and bolstering the cooperative sector. This restructuring aims to rectify the inverted duty structure in fertiliser manufacturing, preventing price hikes for farmers and ensuring timely access to essential inputs during sowing seasons. The exemption on milk and paneer, along with reduced rates on processing equipment, is expected to enhance profit margins for both individual farmers and cooperatives, with major brands like Amul expressing support. Additionally, lower tractor and component prices will aid small farmers involved in mixed farming and animal husbandry. The initiative seeks to stimulate demand in rural areas, lower household food costs, and boost the food processing sector. By reducing logistics costs through lower GST on commercial vehicles, the government aims to enhance export competitiveness and promote sustainable farming practices through affordable bio-pesticides.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has praised the GST Council's recent decision to reduce tax rates on essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser raw materials, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, and farm machinery, stating that it will significantly lower input costs and stimulate economic growth. FSII Chairman Ajai Rana described the move as transformative for Indian agriculture, empowering farmers and bolstering the rural economy. However, the FSII has called for similar tax relief for the seed sector, which currently faces a higher tax burden due to the lack of GST exemption on seeds, denying the industry input tax credit benefits. The organization urged the government to either fully exempt seed production inputs from GST or place seeds under the minimum GST slab to enhance competitiveness and ensure affordable access for farmers. Rana expressed confidence that the government's progressive approach would extend to the seed industry, fostering consumption and supporting food security.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 3 pmeznews.inRussia's coal exports to Europe have plummeted by over 50% from 2020 to 2024, largely due to EU sanctions that took full effect in August 2022, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This decline has been offset by a significant increase in shipments to Asia, particularly China, India, and South Korea, with China receiving more than half of Russia's total coal exports last year. India's imports of Russian coal surged from 8.3 million tonnes in 2020 to 22.5 million tonnes in 2024, driven by rising electricity demand. Concurrently, India has also increased its thermal coal imports from the US, reaching 14.38 million tonnes in 2023, the highest in over a decade. Overall, US coal exports to Asia, particularly to India, rose significantly in the first half of 2024, reflecting a broader shift in global coal trade dynamics.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to represent the country at a virtual BRICS summit convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva next week, aimed at addressing trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs. The summit, scheduled for September 8, will focus on formulating a unified response to the tariff challenges posed by the Trump administration, which has imposed significant tariffs on Brazilian and Indian exports. The BRICS grouping, currently chaired by Brazil, includes India, China, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE. Lula and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously discussed enhancing bilateral trade and energy cooperation. Jaishankar's participation reflects India's strategy to balance its relations with Washington amid growing U.S. scrutiny of BRICS' agenda, particularly concerning de-dollarisation efforts. The BRICS bloc represents nearly half of the global population and a substantial portion of global GDP and trade.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 12 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong inaugurated the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) Phase II at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, marking the launch of India's largest standalone container port. Developed by Man Infraconstruction Ltd (MICL), the terminal spans 110 hectares and features a 2,000-meter quay with a capacity of 4.8 million TEUs. The project, which was awarded to MICL in June 2023 under a public-private partnership model, aims to enhance India's maritime trade capabilities and global connectivity through advanced green and multimodal infrastructure. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries attended the ceremony, with Wong participating virtually. MICL's Managing Director, Manan P Shah, hailed the terminal as a flagship development that strengthens India's position in global maritime trade. The company reported a consolidated income of ₹1,360 crores and a net profit of ₹300 crores in the last financial year, showcasing its extensive experience in construction and real estate.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn the rapidly evolving agtech sector, the promise of AI transforming agriculture is met with skepticism regarding its practical impact versus mere optics. While initiatives like the National Pest Surveillance System and various AI-driven tools show potential, the sector suffers from fragmentation, with numerous disconnected pilots failing to scale effectively. The core issue lies not in the technology itself but in its application; many AI solutions do not address the specific, localized challenges faced by farmers. Experts argue for a mission-first design approach, emphasizing the need for tools that genuinely solve agricultural problems rather than simply showcasing capabilities. Furthermore, cross-ministry collaboration and accountability are essential to ensure that AI initiatives are grounded in real-world needs. As India stands at a crossroads, the focus must shift from buzzwords to meaningful execution, ensuring that AI truly enhances agricultural practices rather than complicating them.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 11 am
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