eznews.in
India's goods trade deficit surged to a record $42 billion in October, up from $32 billion in September, raising alarm among analysts. Nuvama Research emphasized the need to monitor rising gold imports, which skyrocketed by 199% year-on-year to $14.7 billion, significantly contributing to the trade deficit. The gold deficit alone tripled over the past three months, reaching $17 billion, while the oil deficit also increased by $2 billion to $11 billion. Exports, however, contracted sharply by 11.8% year-on-year, reflecting a broader global slowdown, with notable declines in China's and Korea's exports. Despite stable overall imports at 16.6% year-on-year, core imports (excluding oil and gold) eased to 7%. Analysts warn that the trajectory of gold imports will be critical in assessing India's trade deficit, particularly as global trade shows early signs of deceleration. 
Published: Nov 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's retail inflation fell to a historic low of 0.25% in October, primarily due to a significant drop in food prices and tax reductions on consumer goods, paving the way for a potential interest rate cut in December. Concurrently, corporate earnings are experiencing their strongest recovery in over a year, with a 16.6% profit growth for BSE500 companies in the September quarter, up from 10.7% in June. Key sectors driving this growth include oil, telecom, metals, and technology, while the auto sector faced challenges. The Nifty 50 index is trading just 1% below its record high, buoyed by improved earnings visibility and stable valuations. Early festive-season data indicates a rise in discretionary spending, contributing to a broader rebound in consumption. Analysts predict accelerated double-digit growth in the second half of fiscal year 2026 and into 2027, supported by cooling inflation and robust tax collections.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports to China surged during the first seven months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, reaching 5.88 lakh tonnes, primarily driven by a significant increase in rapeseed meal shipments. According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), total oilmeal exports rose by 3.18% to 24.64 lakh tonnes compared to the same period last year. Notably, rapeseed meal exports to China climbed to 5.81 lakh tonnes, contributing to an overall increase in rapeseed meal exports to 12.52 lakh tonnes. The government also lifted a ban on de-oiled rice bran exports, facilitating shipments to Vietnam and Nepal. However, exports of soybean and castorseed meals saw a decline. Major importers included South Korea and Bangladesh, with significant quantities of rapeseed and soybean meals. The expansion of groundnut cultivation has further supported the export of groundnut meal, despite a slight decrease in overall groundnut acreage.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe APEC Climate Center and Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) have indicated that the La Niña weather pattern is likely to develop soon, despite the current inactivity of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). As of November 9, the Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature index was at -0.84°C, suggesting a shift towards La Niña, with atmospheric indicators such as trade winds and cloud patterns also reflecting this trend. However, BoM's models predict that any La Niña conditions may only persist until January before returning to neutral by February, amid considerable uncertainty. Additionally, the negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is expected to ease by December. The APCC's outlook forecasts above-normal temperatures across most regions, with mixed rainfall signals; wetter conditions are anticipated in the Arctic and western Pacific, while drier weather is expected in the tropical Atlantic and parts of East Asia.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to benefit from the US decision to roll back reciprocal tariffs on certain agricultural products, including tea, coffee, and spices, according to the Commerce Ministry. A White House Executive Order issued on November 12 exempts these items, along with tropical fruits and certain fertilizers, from the tariff regime that began on April 2, with the changes taking effect on November 13. This move is expected to create a level playing field for Indian exporters, who currently export these goods worth over $1 billion annually. However, think tank GTRI cautioned that the overall gains for India may be limited, as the country has minimal presence in several exempted categories like tomatoes and citrus fruits. GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava noted that while India's competitive position in spices may improve, major benefits will likely favor larger agricultural exporters from Latin America, Africa, and ASEAN unless India enhances its export capabilities.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched Exercise Garuda-25, a bilateral air exercise with the French Air and Space Force (FASF), aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between the two nations. Taking place from November 16 to 27 at Mont-de-Marsan, France, the exercise features IAF's Su-30MKI fighters and French Rafale aircraft engaging in complex air combat scenarios, including air-to-air engagements and coordinated strike missions. The IAF highlighted the importance of interoperability and mutual learning, facilitated by airlift support from C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 refuelling tankers. This edition of Exercise Garuda underscores the longstanding strategic partnership between India and France, which has evolved since 1998 to encompass defence, civil nuclear, and space cooperation, now extending to the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise also fosters professional exchanges and best practices between the two air forces, reinforcing their commitment to collaborative air operations.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndiGo has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, commencing on November 15, following its inaugural long-haul service from Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year. The airline operates five weekly flights on this route using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch and 282 Economy Class seats. This new service enhances connectivity between India and the UK, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport serves as a key global gateway, while Manchester Airport is the primary hub for Northern England, connecting to cities like Leeds and Liverpool. The inaugural flight was celebrated with pre-flight festivities at Manchester Airport. Additionally, IndiGo plans to commence operations from the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport on December 25, connecting it to ten Indian cities, as part of its strategy to expand its network.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe State Bank of India's Economic Research Department has projected a robust 7.5% real GDP growth for the second quarter of FY26, potentially exceeding expectations. This optimistic outlook is bolstered by increased investment, a rebound in rural consumption, and strong performance in the services and manufacturing sectors, aided by structural reforms such as GST rationalisation. Following a five-quarter high of 7.8% growth in Q1FY26, the report highlights a significant rise in consumption indicators, with 83% showing acceleration in Q2. Notably, credit card transactions surged during the festive season, with over 1 crore transactions valued at ₹6,400 crore on September 23, and 1.23 crore transactions worth ₹7,328 crore on Diwali. Additionally, GST collections for November 2025 are expected to reach ₹1.49 lakh crore, reflecting a 6.8% year-on-year increase, driven by festive demand and improved compliance.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inAllcargo Terminals Ltd (ATL) is set to establish its second container freight station (CFS) in Chennai as part of a ₹550 crore expansion initiative aimed at enhancing capacity across its facilities nationwide. The new CFS will be strategically located near the Kattupalli-Ennore port, which currently manages nearly half of Chennai's container traffic. Managing Director R Suresh Kumar indicated that negotiations for the facility are nearing completion, with plans to finalize land acquisition in the next quarter and commence construction within six to nine months. ATL's expansion will increase its capacity from 8.5 lakh TEUs to 13 lakh TEUs, with ongoing projects at key ports including JNPT and Mundra. The Indian ports and shipping sector is experiencing significant growth, bolstered by government initiatives like Sagarmala, which aims to enhance capacity and technological advancements. ATL's shares closed at ₹31.02, reflecting a slight decline.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inSoybean prices have surged to a 16-month high, reaching $11.38 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, following a thaw in US-China relations. This rebound was sparked by China's announcement to restore export eligibility for three US firms and sign agricultural purchase agreements during the China International Import Expo. However, analysts caution that the outlook remains uncertain, as US soybeans still face a 13% tariff compared to 3% for Brazilian and Argentine supplies, limiting their competitiveness. Despite expectations of increased US exports to China, the USDA forecasts a decline in overall US soybean exports due to lower supplies and heightened competition from South American producers. The recent agreements, while promising, lack official confirmation from China, leading to skepticism about their realization. Additionally, rising Brazilian prices and negative crushing margins in China pose further challenges, highlighting the economic burden on China's domestic soybean sector.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 9 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact