eznews.inKochi is set to host the 53rd Annual Sessions and Meetings (ASM) of the International Pepper Community (IPC) alongside the International Spice Exhibition at Le Meridien on October 28 and 29. Organized by the Commerce Ministry, the Spices Board, and the IPC, this year's theme, "Revitalizing Pepper Trade: Innovation, Equity, and Regional Resilience," highlights the need for a fresh approach to global spice trade amid increasing fragmentation. The two-day event will include the official launch of the IPC ASM ISE, the announcement of the IPC Best Awards 2024, and various technical sessions, exhibitions, and interactive forums. Delegates from key pepper-producing nations, spice exporters, processors, and research institutions are expected to attend, including Marina N. Anggraini, Executive Director of IPC, and P. Hemalatha, Secretary of the Spices Board. The IPC comprises permanent members such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with Papua New Guinea and the Philippines as associate members. 
Published: Oct 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Allahabad High Court has temporarily halted a ₹110 crore GST demand on Dabur India's 'Hajmola', a digestive product, pending further proceedings. The court's division bench, comprising Justices Indrajeet Shukla and Saumitra Dayal Singh, ruled that the classification of 'Hajmola' as either a normal candy, subject to an 18% GST rate, or an Ayurvedic preparation, which incurs a 12% rate, requires further examination. This issue has been previously adjudicated in Dabur's favor by the Supreme Court in 2022, which upheld the product's classification as an Ayurvedic medicine. Legal experts argue that attempts to reclassify 'Hajmola' contradict established judicial precedent and emphasize the need for consistency in classification disputes. The case highlights the importance of judicial discipline, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's prior rulings, and is set to be reviewed again in four weeks.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSolar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed trials of its Hybrid VTOL UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range, marking a significant milestone in India's defence capabilities. Concurrently, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has issued a provisional land allotment letter to SDAL for 223 acres in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the largest such allotment to date. SDAL plans to invest ₹12,080 crore in the defence sector, with ₹680 crore earmarked for establishing a Defence and Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Centre in MIHAN, which is expected to create 400 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who presented the allotment letter in Nagpur, expressed optimism that this initiative will position Nagpur as a key hub for defence and aerospace production, aligning with the government's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMaharashtra's cotton farmers have benefitted significantly from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), receiving ₹3,653 crore in insurance claims over the past five years. This scheme offers comprehensive coverage against crop losses due to erratic rainfall and climate challenges, particularly aiding farmers in the Vidarbha region. Yearly claims have shown a marked increase, with ₹55.26 crore in 2020, escalating to ₹1,941.09 crore in 2023, and ₹758.95 crore in 2024. In the 2024-25 season, Maharashtra achieved a record cotton production of 92.32 lakh bales, up from 80.45 lakh bales the previous year. To further support farmers, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has established 128 procurement centres across 19 districts, successfully procuring 144.55 lakh quintals of cotton valued at ₹10,714 crore through over 6.27 lakh transactions.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe onset of the North East monsoon has adversely affected natural rubber production in Kanjirappally, Kottayam, a key rubber-growing region in central Travancore. Farmers report that heavy rains and wind-induced leaf fall have disrupted tapping, yet prices for RSS IV grades remain stagnant at ₹180-190 per kg. George Valy, president of the Indian Rubber Dealers Federation, noted that the consuming industry is reluctant to offer better prices, prompting some farmers to consider halting tapping altogether. Meanwhile, imports of natural rubber surged by 35% in September, as tyre companies opt for cheaper foreign supplies, exacerbating the domestic price decline. Despite a slight increase in production from 283,000 tonnes to 294,000 tonnes between April and August 2025, consumption also rose, leading to a supply-demand imbalance. The farming community is calling for a revision of the ASEAN treaty to impose duties on compounded rubber to protect local farmers.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCapacity across Asia, excluding China, rose by 4% year-on-year, according to data from OAG, contributing to a decline in economy class airfares on eight of the ten busiest routes in the region during the January-September period. Notably, fares on the Mumbai-Delhi route fell by approximately 7%, while Japan experienced the most significant reductions, with prices on the Fukuoka-Tokyo route down 13% and Sapporo-Tokyo fares decreasing by 10%. Overall, domestic airfares in Japan dropped by 7%. The opening of two new airports in Mumbai and Delhi is expected to intensify competition, particularly as major airlines prepare for new aircraft deliveries. Despite a modest 5% increase in passenger numbers, traffic declined in July and August, marking the first downturn since 2022. Industry experts noted that demand has not met expectations, leading to lower yields, although short-haul international routes are performing better.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAV Ramana, Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), is set to showcase Karnataka's maritime strengths at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, taking place in Mumbai from October 27 to 31. NMPA will join other coastal Karnataka industries to discuss sustainable port development and investment opportunities. Ramana will lead a session on public-private partnerships aimed at fostering a sustainable blue economy, focusing on collaborative models that integrate policy, technology, and community engagement. Additionally, he will moderate a discussion on enhancing the cruise and passenger economy, addressing topics such as coastal cruising, passenger terminal improvements, and digitalisation for a seamless travel experience. The session will also explore green mobility solutions. Furthermore, Ramana will participate in the Maritime Digitalisation and Future Tech Summit’s Global CEO Roundtable, where key issues like port development, coastal shipping growth, and maritime services will be discussed.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNomura Holdings has indicated that India's transition away from discounted Russian crude oil could be balanced by potential benefits from reduced US tariffs, which may facilitate a trade agreement. Economists Sonal Varma and Aurodeep Nandi noted that US President Donald Trump's pressure on India to cease Russian oil purchases could lead to lower tariffs, enhancing India's competitiveness in labor-intensive exports. They anticipate the removal of a 25% punitive tariff on Russian oil after November, while a reciprocal tariff will remain in place until March. Despite a narrowing discount on Russian oil, the shift is expected to have a minimal direct impact on India's GDP. However, sourcing oil from the Middle East and the US may increase global energy costs, complicating India's energy security. While inflation remains manageable, a significant rise in crude prices could affect growth and consumer prices, according to the Reserve Bank of India.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAn investigation is underway by the Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (APFSL) and local police following a devastating bus accident in Kurnool district that claimed the lives of at least 19 people on October 24, 2025. The private sleeper bus, traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, reportedly collided with a two-wheeler around 3:30 am, igniting a fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes. Of the 46 passengers on board, 27 survived, with 12 sustaining injuries, four of them critically. Eyewitness accounts suggest that passengers had little time to escape the flames. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has deployed 16 forensic teams to identify victims and assess the incident, while Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a review of the safety standards of private buses. Telangana's Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also convened a meeting to coordinate rescue efforts. Control rooms have been established to assist victims' families.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia and the United States are nearing the finalization of a bilateral trade agreement, with officials indicating that significant progress has been made in resolving key issues. Following five rounds of negotiations, both countries are reportedly converging on the language of the agreement, with minimal differences remaining to be addressed. An official stated that the talks are advancing smoothly, with no new obstacles hindering the discussions. The agreement aims to enhance trade relations and tackle longstanding market access concerns between the two nations. As the negotiations continue, both sides express optimism about reaching a conclusive deal soon.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 4 pm
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