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Maharashtra Drives Turmeric Market Surge This Season

Despite unseasonal rains damaging major crops in Maharashtra, turmeric farmers are optimistic about a fruitful season, with expectations of a bumper harvest. The golden spice has proven resilient, leading to an expansion in cultivation area, which is projected to reach 77,992 hectares for the 2024-25 season, accounting for 26% of India's total turmeric area. Farmers in Sangli, the state’s turmeric hub, anticipate surpassing last year's cultivation levels. Nationally, turmeric production is expected to rise from 10,63,224 metric tonnes in 2023-24 to 11,16,124 metric tonnes in 2024-25, driven by stable prices and favorable weather. India remains the world's largest turmeric producer, contributing nearly 80% of global output. With strong market prices, local growers expect steady rates even with new crop arrivals. Maharashtra's dominance in production and exports, accounting for 45% of India's turmeric export value, solidifies its status as the country's turmeric powerhouse. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 11 am

UNEP report: Global adaptation financing critically inadequate

The UN Environment Programme's 2025 Adaptation Gap Report highlights a critical funding shortfall in global adaptation financing, now at least twelve times less than necessary, leading to significant humanitarian losses. Sanjay Srivastava, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science, emphasizes that each dollar not invested in preparedness exacerbates recovery costs. As India leads discussions at COP30 in Brazil, it advocates for adaptation to be prioritized alongside mitigation, particularly in light of extreme heat challenges. The International Labour Organisation warns that heatwaves could result in productivity losses nearing 2.5% of GDP by 2030, with communities in coastal Karnataka, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh already experiencing increased fatigue and cognitive strain. In response, the NIAS has launched the SHIELD initiative, which integrates climate data with health systems to enhance community resilience, demonstrating the potential for local innovation to address vulnerabilities effectively. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 10 am

Cobalt prices expected to rise in 2026 due to Congo quota

Cobalt prices have surged nearly 100% to $48,750 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange since the start of the year, driven by a new export quota regime introduced by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accounts for 75% of global cobalt exports. Following a significant drop in prices earlier this year, the DRC lifted an export ban on October 15 but imposed strict quotas, capping exports at 18,125 tonnes until year-end. Research agency BMI forecasts that cobalt prices could average $55,150 a tonne by 2026 due to these restrictions, which aim to regulate supply and encourage local refinery construction. However, the quota system may inadvertently raise costs for battery manufacturers and diminish Congo's market leverage as Indonesia increases its cobalt output. The DRC's new measures include stringent compliance requirements and penalties for violations, with the potential for quotas to be revoked for environmental or tax irregularities. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 9 am

India's October 2025 CPI Inflation: Retail Below 1% Due to Cuts

India's retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is projected to fall sharply to around 0.2% in October 2025, marking the lowest level in the current series. This significant decline from September's 1.5% is attributed to the full impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts implemented on September 22 and a decrease in food prices, particularly in perishables, pulses, and cereals. Economists suggest that while October may represent the low point in the inflation cycle, prices could rise again in the coming months due to base effects and potential food supply disruptions. The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, is expected to reassess inflation projections in December, with the possibility of a policy rate cut. Meanwhile, UBS Securities forecasts India's GDP growth at 6.4% for FY27, contingent on a favorable US-India trade deal. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 8 am

Centre calls for state support for PMVBRY, launches new portals

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has called on states and Union Territories to contribute innovative ideas for implementing new labour initiatives, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), during the National Conference of Labour, Employment, and Industry Ministers. The PMVBRY, with an outlay of nearly ₹1 lakh crore, aims to create 3.5 crore jobs by promoting formal sector employment and enhancing social security. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of collaboration among central and state governments, industry, and workers to ensure effective policy outcomes. The conference also reviewed the draft National Labour and Employment Policy and the Private Placement Agency Bill. Additionally, two digital initiatives were launched: the Digital Labour Chowk app, which connects workers with employers, and the Online BOCW Cess Collection Portal, aimed at improving financial support for worker benefits. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 7 am

Balrampur Chini Q2 profit falls 20%, revenue rises 29%

Balrampur Chini Mills, India's second-largest private sugar manufacturer, reported a 19.77% decline in consolidated net profit to ₹53.89 crore for the second quarter of FY26, despite a nearly 29% year-on-year increase in revenue, which reached ₹1,670.76 crore. The company's total expenses rose by 22.62% to ₹1,608.91 crore during the same period. Chairman and Managing Director Vivek Saraogi attributed the performance to improved sugar and distillery volumes, noting that profitability was bolstered by a power tariff revision effective April 1, 2024. Looking ahead, Saraogi projected a rebound in India's net sugar production for the 2025-26 season, estimating an output of 31 million metric tons, up from 26.1 million metric tons the previous season. The company also announced an interim dividend of ₹3.50 per equity share for FY26. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 7 am

CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin Transits Red Sea as First in 2 Years

The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has made history as the first ultra-large container ship to navigate the Red Sea safely in nearly two years, following a series of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels that had disrupted this vital maritime route between Asia and Europe. The vessel, which departed from Southampton on October 25, reactivated its AIS transponder near Socotra on November 7 after a six-day blackout, indicating it had moved beyond Houthi reach. Currently in the eastern Arabian Sea, it is set to arrive at Port Klang, Malaysia, on November 14. While the successful transit of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin raises hopes for a potential return to the Suez Canal, industry experts caution that the safety of vessels remains a concern. The ongoing risks have led many ships to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending travel times. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

Collins opens operations center at Devanahalli Aerospace Park

Collins Aerospace has officially launched its India Operations Centre at the KIADB Aerospace Park in Devanahalli, Karnataka, with an investment of $25 million. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the facility is set to generate over 2,000 skilled jobs in research, development, and advanced manufacturing. Karnataka, which accounts for nearly 65% of India's aerospace and defence sector, is developing world-class parks in various cities, including Bengaluru and Mysuru. The state is home to over 2,000 small and medium enterprises in this field, with significant investments from companies like Mahindra Aerospace and Rangsons, the latter partnering with Boeing on a ₹2,915 crore project. Karnataka aims to attract ₹45,000 crore in investments and create 60,000 jobs in the next five years, as India's aviation market is projected to become the third largest globally by 2032, with the MRO segment expected to grow from $1.2 billion to $4.6 billion. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

Modi and Bhutan's King Wangchuk discuss multi-sector cooperation

During a two-day official visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to discuss enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including energy, connectivity, technology, defence, and capacity building. The leaders inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a joint initiative reflecting India's commitment to Bhutan's development amid growing Chinese influence in the region. Modi emphasized the importance of connectivity, announcing plans to link Bhutan's cities of Gelephu and Samtse to India's railway network, which will boost access for local industries and farmers. Additionally, India will support the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and establish an immigration checkpoint to facilitate trade and tourism. Modi also pledged to provide land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple, reinforcing cultural ties. He reiterated that the prosperity of both nations is interconnected, highlighting a ₹10,000 crore support package for Bhutan's Five Year Plan. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

Sonalika Sets Record: 350 Tractors Delivered in One Day

Sonalika Tractors has bolstered its international standing after its Bangladesh distributor, ACI Motors Ltd, set a Guinness World Record for the largest tractor deliveries in a single day, with 350 tractors delivered in just four hours during a recent event in Dinajpur. This achievement underscores Sonalika's dominance in the Bangladeshi market, where it has maintained the top tractor brand position for over five years, holding more than 50% market share. The company exports heavy-duty tractors tailored to local agricultural needs from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, which produces a new tractor every two minutes. Deepak Mittal, Managing Director of International Tractors Limited, praised the record as a tribute to the farmers and partners supporting the brand, while Gaurav Saxena, Director and CEO of International Business, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation in agriculture. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

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