eznews.in
At the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on November 12, 2025, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. During the Outreach Session on Maritime Security and Prosperity, he presented India's MAHASAGAR outlook, advocating for trusted maritime links and enhanced shipping infrastructure to bolster trade corridors. Jaishankar raised concerns about maritime threats, including piracy and illegal fishing, calling for increased international collaboration to address these issues. He underscored India's commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief partnerships in the region and reaffirmed the necessity of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to maintain a rules-based maritime order. Jaishankar also engaged in discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on bilateral relations and regional connectivity. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe online grocery market in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by quick delivery services, a wide variety of products, and convenient digital experiences, according to a PwC report. Despite this expansion, many consumers still prefer purchasing fresh produce and non-vegetarian items offline, citing concerns over quality and a desire to support local businesses. The report highlights that 66% of shoppers from rural areas have turned to online platforms after engaging with social media content, underscoring the influence of digital marketing. Two distinct purchasing patterns have emerged: monthly bulk buys and small emergency purchases. Flipkart leads as the preferred grocery marketplace, followed by Amazon, with BigBasket, JioMart, and Swiggy Instamart also noted for their quick delivery. While snacks and daily essentials thrive online, the preference for fresh items remains firmly rooted in traditional shopping methods. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a pioneering move for India's rapid rail and metro networks, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched its "Solar on Track" initiative, installing solar panels directly on tracks at the Namo Bharat Depot in Duhai. This pilot project features 28 solar panels, each with a capacity of 550 Watts, covering a 70-metre stretch and generating an estimated 17,500 kWh of energy annually, which will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16 tonnes. NCRTC aims to source 70% of its energy from renewable sources, with plans to generate 15 Mega Watts peak of solar power across its facilities, of which 5.5 MW has already been commissioned. The initiative aligns with the National Solar Mission and underscores NCRTC's commitment to sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and regenerative braking systems, as it strives to set new sustainability benchmarks in urban transit for the National Capital Region. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe auto non-banking financial company (NBFC) sector showed signs of recovery in disbursement during the second quarter of FY26, following a sluggish first quarter, as reported by Centrum. Growth rates varied among lenders, with those boasting diversified portfolios outperforming pure vehicle financiers. The report emphasized that diversification and non-vehicle lending are crucial for growth, while the revival of commercial vehicle (CV) demand and rural recovery will significantly influence performance in the latter half of FY26. Notably, Sundaram Finance emerged as a top performer, achieving 18.3% year-on-year growth, bolstered by strong retail and SME lending. In contrast, Shriram Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services reported more modest growth, while Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company experienced minimal gains due to portfolio adjustments. The report concluded that lenders with a broader product mix are better positioned to navigate ongoing challenges in traditional vehicle financing. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's retail inflation fell to a historic low of 0.25% in October, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO), primarily due to declining food prices and significant effects from Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts. This figure marks the lowest inflation rate since the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) series began in 2015. While gold prices surged, reaching Rs 1.31 lakh for 10 grams of 24-carat gold, they contributed to keeping the headline inflation positive, with gold inflation soaring to 57.8%. Excluding gold, CPI would have registered a negative rate of -0.57%. Core CPI remained relatively stable at 4.33%, with a slight increase in personal care costs attributed to gold prices. The impact of GST was more pronounced than expected, with a reduction in CPI inflation by approximately 85 basis points, highlighting the ongoing effects of tax reforms across various sectors. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant development, Chennai Airport has overtaken Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport in international cargo handling for the first half of the fiscal year 2025, marking a turnaround in fortunes. From April to September 2025, Chennai handled 166,440 tonnes of cargo, just 541 tonnes more than Bengaluru's 165,899 tonnes. This shift is attributed to increased imports of engineering goods and exports of Apple iPhones, with Chennai's cargo volume growing by 15% compared to Bengaluru's 2.4%. Delhi Airport remains the leader in international freight, handling 368,359 tonnes, followed by Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Chennai Airport Director M Raja Kishore acknowledged the rise in cargo tonnage, emphasizing the contributions from the automobile and electronics sectors. Industry experts are calling for further investment and strategic planning to enhance the airport's capabilities and support regional trade growth. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a bid to enhance the production of critical minerals, the Union Cabinet has approved a rationalisation of royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium. Notably, graphite is the only mineral in this category with a royalty rate specified on a per tonne basis. For graphite with 80% or more fixed carbon, the royalty will be set at 2% of the average sale price (ASP), while for lower-grade graphite, it will be 4%. Both caesium and rubidium will incur a 2% royalty based on the metal content in the ore, and zirconium will be taxed at 1%. This decision aims to promote the auction of mineral blocks, unlocking not only these minerals but also associated critical minerals like lithium and tungsten. The move is expected to reduce imports, mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, and create job opportunities, as India currently imports 60% of its graphite needs. 
Published: Nov 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn response to the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump's import tariffs, the Indian Union Cabinet has launched a five-year Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with a budget of ₹25,060 crore. This initiative aims to bolster the competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly in sectors like textiles, leather, and engineering goods, which have been adversely affected by recent global tariff increases. The Cabinet also approved an expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, allowing the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company to provide full credit guarantees for up to ₹20,000 crore in additional loans to eligible exporters, including MSMEs. The EPM will incorporate key support schemes and operate through two sub-schemes, Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, with a focus on enhancing market readiness and providing affordable trade finance. This comes as India's exports to the US, its largest market, fell by 12% in September, following a 50% tariff hike on most products. 
Published: Nov 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is set to become the world's largest contributor to oil demand growth by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2025. With energy demand projected to grow at an annual rate of 3%, India will surpass China in oil consumption, increasing its usage from 5.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) in 2024 to 8 mb/d by 2035. This surge is driven by rising car ownership, demand for plastics, and increased use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, India's import dependence for crude oil is expected to rise to 92% by 2035, despite government efforts to boost domestic production. Natural gas consumption is also anticipated to nearly double, with imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tripling during the same period. While coal generation will plateau, India's energy demand is projected to grow by 80% by 2035, driven by increased use of air conditioning and appliances. 
Published: Nov 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPublic sector banks (PSBs) in India reported a nearly 10% increase in net profit during the April-September period of the current fiscal year, amounting to over ₹93,000 crore, according to Finance Ministry data. In a recent review meeting, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju emphasized the importance of enhancing risk management, underwriting practices, and operational resilience to maintain profitability amid a changing financial landscape. The Ministry urged banks to focus on low-cost deposit mobilization and credit growth, particularly in the MSME and agriculture sectors. Discussions also highlighted the need for inclusive and secure digital banking, with an emphasis on improving cyber resilience and customer service through responsible AI and data analytics. Additionally, PSBs were encouraged to leverage digital platforms for efficient debt recovery and to maintain financial discipline while leading India's banking transformation towards a more inclusive future. 
Published: Nov 12 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
