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NZ offers agri tech, labor talks; India cautious on dairy

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland to advance negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing economic ties between the two nations. New Zealand is prepared to share agricultural technology to boost Indian farm productivity and discuss labour mobility, although dairy market access remains a contentious issue, with India reluctant to make concessions due to economic sensitivities. Goyal emphasized India's commitment to protecting its dairy sector and small businesses, while also seeking improved access for skilled professionals and the IT sector. New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay noted the country's willingness to facilitate easier movement for workers, albeit within its own immigration protocols. Despite a modest trade volume of $1.54 billion in FY2024, both countries recognize the potential for significant growth in their economic relationship. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 8 pm

Gemini AI enhances Google Maps with conversational features

Google Maps is set to undergo a significant transformation, integrating Gemini AI to evolve into a conversational travel assistant. Announced on Wednesday, the redesign aims to enhance user experience by allowing hands-free interaction, enabling users to ask for directions and receive recommendations for nearby dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Google promises that the AI will improve navigation accuracy by identifying landmarks for turns rather than relying solely on distance cues. With safeguards in place to prevent misinformation, the AI will utilize data from Google Maps' extensive database of 250 million places, built over two decades. The new features will be available on both iPhone and Android devices, potentially reaching over 2 billion users. This move follows the rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, as Google seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 10 pm

US-Bangladesh Deal to Affect Indian Soymeal Exports

In a significant development for the Indian soymeal export market, Bangladesh's recent agreement to purchase $1 billion worth of soybeans from the United States is raising concerns among Indian exporters. Traditionally a major buyer of Indian soymeal, Bangladesh's imports plummeted by 46% during the 2024-25 oil year, totaling just 1.63 lakh tonnes. DN Pathak, Executive Director of the Soybean Processors Association of India, highlighted that the influx of cheaper US soybeans is likely to further diminish Indian exports. While shipments to European nations have surged, particularly to Germany and France, the overall export outlook remains bleak, with Indian soymeal being priced higher due to its non-GM status. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have hindered trade with Iran, compounding the challenges faced by Indian exporters. The industry is now focusing on compliance with upcoming European Union regulations to sustain its market presence. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 9 pm

Jaishankar: India-Japan partnership should prioritize AI and clean energy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the India-Japan partnership during his address at the 8th India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum in New Delhi on Wednesday. He highlighted the need to leverage strengths, enhance supply chains, and invest in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, and space. Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in August established a joint vision for the next decade, with an ambitious investment target of 10 trillion yen and a focus on eight priority pillars. He also pointed to significant developments in security cooperation, next-generation mobility, and economic security initiatives as indicators of the evolving bilateral relationship. Furthermore, he mentioned an action plan for human resource cooperation aimed at boosting people-to-people exchanges, underscoring the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration in response to a changing global landscape. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 8 pm

LED TV prices rise due to increasing flash memory costs

A significant shortage of flash memory is set to drive up prices of LED televisions, with manufacturers warning that the situation may persist for up to a year. The cost of flash memory has surged by over 50% in the past three months, primarily due to increased demand from AI data centres, which have diverted production away from consumer electronics. Experts indicate that chip manufacturers are prioritizing higher-margin AI applications, leading to a scarcity of DDR3 and DDR4 memory sets essential for devices like televisions and laptops. As a result, companies are reassessing their sourcing strategies and inventory management to mitigate rising costs. OEMs are advising that the repercussions of this supply crunch will be felt for six months to a year, prompting a temporary increase in television prices until the flash memory supply stabilizes. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 8 pm

Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain warning for next three days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating an approaching rain wave for Sri Lanka and southern Tamil Nadu over the next three days, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in Tamil Nadu and light to moderate rain elsewhere. This weather shift follows the impact of cyclone Montha. Similar conditions are anticipated for Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka, while Telangana may experience lightning and gusty winds. Satellite imagery reveals rain-bearing clouds over several regions, including Chennai and Bengaluru. The forecast is influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation off Coastal Andhra Pradesh and a trough extending from the Bay of Bengal to north Kerala. Meanwhile, Typhoon Kalmaegi is intensifying in the South China Sea, posing a threat to Vietnam and Cambodia after causing destruction in the Philippines. Additionally, a potential successor storm, W31, is being monitored in the West Pacific. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 7 pm

Poultry India Expo 2025: Hyderabad, November 26

The Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is set to host the 17th Poultry India Expo 2025 in Hyderabad from November 26 to 28, with Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurating the event at the HITEX expo facility. This three-day expo will feature a dedicated Poultry Knowledge Day, where industry stakeholders will address pressing challenges in the poultry sector. IPEMA President Uday Singh Bayas highlighted that the event will attract key players from various segments, including equipment manufacturing, breeding, and poultry nutrition, showcasing the latest advancements in research and technology. The expo, touted as the largest of its kind in South Asia, is expected to draw over 45,000 delegates from approximately 35 countries, offering insights into scientific forums, training, and career opportunities within the poultry industry. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 7 pm

India's seafood exports up 17% to $3.97 billion

India's marine exports surged by 17% in the first half of the fiscal year, reaching $3.97 billion, despite concerns over US tariffs. In September alone, exports rose 23.4% to $781 million, driven by increased demand for seafood during the holiday season. Shaji Baby John, Chairman of Kings Infra, attributed this growth to collaborative efforts by the Commerce Ministry and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to diversify markets, particularly in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, as US-bound shipments declined. Industry leaders emphasized the need for market diversification and innovation, advocating for a shift towards value-added products like breaded squid rings and ready-to-eat seafood, where India currently lags behind competitors. At the MECOS 4 symposium, experts called for establishing exclusive aquaculture zones and fast-tracking free trade agreements to enhance competitiveness and address trade challenges. A roadmap is being developed to promote resilience in the sector. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 7 pm

Panattoni, Edayar Zinc to invest ₹800 crore in Kochi

In a significant move for Kerala's industrial landscape, Panattoni, a global leader in industrial real estate, has partnered with Edayar Zinc Ltd to develop a Grade A+ multi-client logistics and industrial park in the Edayar Industrial Area near Kochi, with an investment of ₹800 crore. The agreement was formalized by Norbert Sumisławski, MD of Panattoni, and Mohamed Bismith, MD of Edayar Zinc, in the presence of state officials, including Industries Minister P. Rajeeve. The project, part of the Kerala Logistics & Industrial City (KLIC) initiative, aims to create over 5,000 jobs and host more than 50 industrial units. Construction will commence in February 2026, with Phase 1 expected to be operational by February 2027. The KLIC is envisioned as a self-sustaining ecosystem, enhancing Kochi's role as a hub for global industrial investment and supporting India's logistics modernization efforts. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 7 pm

Gujarat to purchase ₹15,000 crore Kharif crops at MSP

On October 20, the Gujarat government announced a ₹947 crore financial aid package for farmers impacted by unseasonal rains in August and September. In a bid to support the agricultural sector further, the government plans to purchase ₹15,000 crore worth of Kharif crops at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) starting November 9. Under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), the state will procure crops including groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean, with designated over 300 centres for collection. The MSP has been set at ₹7,263 per quintal for groundnut, ₹8,768 for moong, ₹7,800 for urad, and ₹5,328 for soybean, reflecting increases from the previous year. Notably, the government will procure up to 120 maund of groundnut from each farmer, addressing the significant crop losses reported in nearly 16,000 villages due to the adverse weather conditions. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 7 pm

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