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Milma targets Australia, New Zealand with new shipment MoU

The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), known as Milma, has signed a significant tripartite agreement to export its dairy products to Australia and New Zealand. The MoU was formalized by Milma's Managing Director, Asif K Yusuf, alongside RG Foods and Midnightsun Global representatives, including Vishnu G and Bindu Ganesh Kumar, respectively, with Milma Chairman K S Mani present. Under the agreement, RG Foods will manage logistics, including transportation and customs clearance, while Midnightsun Global will facilitate operations without ownership rights. This initiative aims to expand Milma's international market presence, particularly among the Non-Resident Indian community, which is substantial in both Australia and New Zealand. Initially, Milma will export paneer, payasam mix, and dairy whitener, with plans to explore further opportunities in countries with a significant Malayali diaspora. The expansion is expected to benefit local dairy farmers, who received 92.5% of Milma's profits last year. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 3 pm

Deepavali boosts auto and EV sales in October

India's mobility sector experienced a significant resurgence in October, fueled by Deepavali festivities, the GST Bachat Utsav, and robust freight activity, as reported by the Shriram Mobility Bulletin. Vehicle sales across all categories surged, driven by festive consumption, rural freight demand, and a rise in electric vehicle adoption. Month-on-month sales growth was notable, with goods carriers up 58%, three-wheelers rising 59%, and two-wheelers soaring 144%. Passenger car sales also climbed 83%. Truck rentals remained stable, particularly on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, despite challenges such as entry restrictions on non-BS VI vehicles and heavy rains disrupting movement. Electric vehicle sales reached record levels, with e-two-wheelers increasing by 40% and e-three-wheelers by an impressive 324% year-on-year. YS Chakravarti, CEO of Shriram Finance Ltd., highlighted the exceptional performance during Deepavali but cautioned about a potential moderation in demand in the weeks ahead. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 6 pm

IndiGo increases damp leasing to address engine issues

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is set to damp lease additional aircraft to address ongoing delays in the restoration of its grounded Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A320Neo fleet. As of September-end, the airline operated 417 aircraft, including ATR, Airbus, and Boeing models, but has faced challenges with around 40 A320Neo aircraft still grounded due to engine defects. Chief Financial Officer Gaurav Negi stated that while the airline is on track to receive one aircraft weekly from its original orderbook, the need to meet peak travel demand has prompted the decision to augment its fleet through damp leasing, which typically incurs higher costs. Currently, IndiGo has added two A320s on damp lease and plans to acquire more in the coming months. The situation reflects broader issues in the aviation industry, with Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engines affecting many airlines globally. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 6 pm

Stubble burning increases in Punjab as 42% paddy remains unharvested

Punjab has surpassed Uttar Pradesh in stubble-burning incidents this season, recording 1,906 fires in the past week alone, compared to 933 between September 15 and October 28. This surge is attributed to farmers hastily clearing paddy residue to prepare for timely wheat sowing. As of October 31, only 58% of the paddy area had been harvested from approximately 32.5 lakh hectares, raising concerns about worsening air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. While stubble-burning incidents across six monitored states have decreased by 49% this year, the timing of paddy harvesting plays a significant role in this decline. In contrast, harvesting progress varies among major rice-growing states, with Madhya Pradesh at 100% completion and Andhra Pradesh at just 15%. Meanwhile, farmers have also made significant strides in harvesting pulses and coarse cereals, with over 59% of the area completed for nutri and coarse crops. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 4 pm

India's venture funding up 14% in 2025, signaling revival

India's venture capital (VC) funding landscape has shown significant growth in the first three quarters of 2025, with a 12% increase in deal volume and a 14% rise in total funding compared to the same period in 2024, according to GlobalData. Major fundraises included Vertelo, which secured $405 million, Micro Life with $300 million, and GreenLine Mobility raising $275 million. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, noted that this trend reflects a robust recovery in India's VC market, highlighting a renewed investor interest in Indian startups. In a comparative analysis, India remains a strong player globally, accounting for approximately 8% of total VC deals and 4% of total funding value during this period. Notable deals also included $218 million for PB Healthcare Services and $200 million each for SmartShift Logistics Solutions and Nextbillion Technology, underscoring the vibrant fundraising environment in the country. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 4 pm

Solar capacity to surpass 125 GW by 2025, raising concerns

India's solar module manufacturing capacity is projected to exceed 125 GW by 2025, significantly outpacing domestic demand of around 40 GW, resulting in a surplus of 29 GW, according to Wood Mackenzie. This growth has been driven by the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has accelerated factory expansions. However, the industry now grapples with overcapacity risks, particularly following a 52% drop in exports to the U.S. due to new tariffs. Manufacturers are shifting focus to the domestic market, but face challenges in cost competitiveness, with Indian modules costing more than their Chinese counterparts. Despite these hurdles, experts believe India has the potential to emerge as a major alternative to China's solar supply chain, contingent on investments in research and development and diversification into new export markets. CareEdge Advisory forecasts India's solar capacity will reach 216 GW by FY28, bolstered by ongoing PLI support. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 3 pm

Toyota, Honda make India a car production hub, shifting from China

Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki, are investing billions in India as they seek to reduce their reliance on China amid a challenging market landscape. With a combined investment of $11 billion, these companies are expanding production and export capabilities in India, which is becoming increasingly attractive due to its low costs and government incentives. Toyota plans to launch 15 new models by 2030 and aims to capture 10% of the passenger car market, while Honda is establishing India as a base for its electric vehicle production. Suzuki, the market leader, is also ramping up its capacity to 4 million cars annually. The shift comes as Japanese firms face stiff competition from Chinese EV makers, with India’s protective measures against Chinese investments further bolstering the appeal of the Indian market. As India’s economy grows, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the global automotive supply chain. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 3 pm

Maharashtra hit by heavy rain, 100,000 ha paddy damaged

Heavy rainfall in Maharashtra, particularly in the coastal Konkan region, has wreaked havoc on paddy crops as the kharif season approaches its conclusion. Reports indicate that over one lakh hectares of paddy cultivation have been affected, with harvested paddy stored for drying either washed away or spoiled, and standing crops submerged. The Konkan belt, which includes Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Palghar, and Thane, is the state's primary paddy-growing area, and farmers are facing unprecedented losses. State Agriculture Minister Dattatraya Bharne confirmed significant damage across both coastal and inland regions, emphasizing the impact on rural livelihoods. The agriculture department noted that Maharashtra has received 1,145.3 mm of rainfall this monsoon, exceeding the average by 117.6 percent, with untimely showers particularly detrimental to paddy farmers. The government has pledged to conduct a detailed survey of crop losses and implement compensation measures for affected farmers. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 2 pm

Paradeep Phosphates appoints Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador

Fertiliser giant Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) has appointed cricketing icon Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador, aiming to align the values of trust, discipline, and reliability that both Dravid and PPL embody. This partnership coincides with the launch of two national campaigns: “Kheti ka Game Changer” for Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti Nano DAP, and “NPK and Organic Fertilizers ki Winning Team” for PPL’s fertiliser range, which creatively use cricket analogies to educate farmers on agronomy. Dravid, who has inspired young athletes, now seeks to guide farmers in making informed fertiliser choices for improved yields. PPL’s Managing Director, Suresh Krishnan, highlighted Dravid’s integrity as a perfect fit for the brand, while Dravid expressed pride in supporting Indian agriculture. The campaigns will be promoted across various media to enhance awareness of sustainable farming practices, with a focus on balanced fertilisation for optimal crop health. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 2 pm

Russian crude oil continues to flow to India uninterrupted

India's imports of Russian crude oil remained stable in October 2025, rising 2.53% month-on-month to approximately 1.62 million barrels per day (mb/d), driven by increasing domestic demand. Despite an 8% annual decline in shipments, Russia continued to be India's largest crude supplier, with refiners capitalizing on a limited opportunity to sell diesel to the EU before new sanctions take effect in January 2026. However, the recent US sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, which account for over 70% of India's Russian crude imports, are expected to impact future cargoes significantly. Analysts predict a sharp decline in imports starting December 2025, although a complete halt is unlikely due to India's geopolitical stance and attractive margins. Indian refiners are likely to diversify their import sources, increasing shipments from Latin America, the US, and West Africa, while navigating the complexities of new trading arrangements. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 1 pm

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