eznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Saturday that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms are benefiting consumers through lower prices. Speaking at the GST Bachat Utsav press conference, she highlighted that the government has been tracking price reductions on 54 items since the new GST rates took effect on September 22. Sitharaman noted that the reduction in GST rates has spurred increased consumer purchases, with many businesses passing on benefits exceeding the average rate cuts. However, the Department of Consumer Affairs has received 3,169 complaints regarding insufficient price reductions, with 3,075 of these referred to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for resolution. To enhance consumer support, the department plans to improve its grievance reporting portal. The new GST structure has consolidated tax rates, leading to price cuts on 375 items, including everyday goods and electronics. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a well-marked low-pressure area over the south-east Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep, which is expected to intensify into a depression by Sunday, enhancing the northeast monsoon across southern India. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep, with additional heavy rainfall expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also forecasted across several regions, including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the south-west Bay of Bengal is likely to evolve into a low-pressure area by Tuesday, potentially impacting Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The IMD warns of rough seas along the Kerala and Karnataka coasts, with wind speeds reaching up to 55 km/h. Central and West India may also experience light to moderate rainfall due to these evolving weather systems.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn September 2025, the All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Agricultural Labourers fell by 0.11 points to 136.23, while the index for Rural Labourers decreased by 0.18 points to 136.42, according to data released by the Labour Ministry. This decline contributed to a reduction in retail inflation for farm and rural workers, which eased to -0.07% and 0.31%, respectively, down from 1.07% and 1.26% in August. The Food Index also saw a decrease, dropping by 0.47 points for Agricultural Labourers and 0.58 points for Rural Labourers. Consequently, food inflation for September stood at -2.35% for Agricultural Labourers and -1.81% for Rural Labourers. These indices are derived from data collected from 787 sample villages across 34 states and union territories, reflecting ongoing trends in rural economic conditions.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has officially been renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station, following a gazette notification issued by the state government on October 15. This change comes nearly three years after the city itself was renamed to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, replacing the name associated with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The original name change was initiated by the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government. Opened in 1900 and constructed under the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the station is part of the Kacheguda–Manmad section and serves as a vital link for the city, which is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, often referred to as the City of Gates, boasts numerous monuments from the Mughal era, enhancing its cultural significance.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall has impacted various regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly the southern districts, as the Northeast Monsoon commenced on October 16. Following this, intense showers were reported on Saturday, leading to significant inflows in local reservoirs and causing sudden flooding in parts of Chennai. The weather office forecasts continued moderate to heavy rains across the Western Ghats and southern districts, with coastal areas, including Chennai, also expected to experience ongoing moderate showers. An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Arabian Sea and nearby Lakshadweep is anticipated to develop into a low-pressure area, contributing to the rainfall, which is expected to persist until October 22. Affected districts include Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin in the south, as well as Kancheepuram and Villupuram in the north, all of which have reported sharp showers.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced on Saturday that users can now gift a FASTag annual pass via the Rajmargyatra app. By selecting the 'Add Pass' option, users can input the vehicle number and recipient's contact details, with activation following OTP verification. The FASTag annual pass, which offers a cost-effective travel solution for national highway users, is valid at approximately 1,150 toll plazas across India. For a one-time fee of ₹3,000, it provides one year of unlimited crossings or up to 200 toll plaza entries, applicable to all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag. The pass activates within two hours of payment through the app. Since its launch on August 15, 2025, the FASTag annual pass has gained over 2.5 million users and facilitated around 56.7 million transactions.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's domestic current account deficit (CAD) is projected to remain stable at approximately 1.2-1.5% of GDP in FY26, according to a Bank of Baroda report. The report emphasizes the significance of ongoing US-India trade talks, particularly as the US is a key market for India's electronic exports, which currently enjoy tariff exemptions. While India's trade deficit has widened this fiscal year due to imports outpacing export growth, the non-oil-non-gold import segment reflects improved domestic demand. Seasonal factors are expected to drive higher gold imports in the latter half of the year, although lower oil prices may provide some relief. Encouragingly, exports to Asian partners and key European nations have shown growth, indicating diversification in markets. Overall, India's external position appears stable, but the outcome of US-India trade negotiations will be crucial in the coming months.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a concerted effort to combat hidden hunger and malnutrition in Punjab, millers, nutrition experts, and government officials have launched the "Millers for Nutrition" initiative, supported by TechnoServe and the Gates Foundation. The initiative was unveiled at the event "Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Punjab," where experts emphasized the importance of fortifying staple foods. Monoji Indra from TechnoServe highlighted that fortified rice could become a dietary staple, complementing government efforts to distribute fortified rice through social safety nets. The event also introduced "The Rice Pot," a new brand of fortified rice enriched with essential nutrients, aimed at improving public health. Mohit Gupta, CEO of Jai Maa Chhinmastika Rice Mills, underscored the responsibility of millers in enhancing community health. With a vision to integrate fortified foods into every Indian household, Millers for Nutrition is committed to addressing malnutrition across the country.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's Green Revolution transformed the nation from food scarcity to self-sufficiency, but it relied heavily on unsustainable practices that depleted soil and water resources. As climate change challenges this model, the focus must shift from merely increasing production to smarter, sustainable practices that prioritize the farmer's role. The National Agri-Climate Action Plan aims to empower farmers with the necessary information and infrastructure, fostering resilience through trust and agency. However, India's over-extraction of groundwater and reliance on chemical fertilizers have led to environmental and economic risks, threatening agricultural competitiveness. To address these issues, a cohesive system like AgriStack is essential, integrating data on soil health, groundwater, and weather patterns to provide actionable insights for farmers. This transition requires political courage and a commitment to long-term sustainability, ensuring that future generations can thrive through informed agricultural practices. The goal is to leverage science and technology to create a resilient agricultural framework.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inChina Eastern Airlines is set to resume flights between Shanghai and Delhi starting November 9, marking a significant step in the restoration of direct air links between China and India after a five-year hiatus. The flights will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as confirmed by the airline's online ticket sales platform. This development follows a diplomatic thaw, coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to China for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where discussions included enhancing trade relations amid concerns over India's growing trade deficit with China. The resumption of flights comes after direct air links were suspended in 2020 due to military tensions along the Himalayan border. Additionally, India's largest airline, IndiGo, has announced plans for daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, further promoting connectivity between the two nations.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 10 am
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