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Net direct tax collection rises 7% from April to November

Net direct tax collection in India has risen by 7% this fiscal year, reaching over ₹12.92 lakh crore, according to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). This marks the third consecutive month of growth following a previous decline. The increase is attributed to healthy receipts from non-corporate taxpayers, which include individuals and local authorities, with collections amounting to approximately ₹7.19 lakh crore, up from ₹6.62 lakh crore last year. Meanwhile, net corporate tax collection rose to about ₹5.37 lakh crore, compared to ₹5.08 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal year. Despite a 17% drop in total tax refunds, which totaled ₹2.43 lakh crore, experts suggest this indicates stronger income growth among taxpayers. Securities transaction tax collections remained stable, reflecting a stagnant market. The government aims for a direct tax collection target of ₹25.20 lakh crore for the current fiscal year, projecting a 12.35% increase. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 6 pm

Wheat Acreage Doubles Due to Early Kharif Harvest

As of November 7, the sown area for wheat in India has surged to 22.72 lakh hectares, a significant increase from 9.98 lakh hectares last year, according to the agriculture ministry. This rise is part of a broader trend, with total acreage for all Rabi season crops climbing 27% to over 130 lakh hectares, aided by the timely harvesting of Kharif crops. The government has set ambitious targets for foodgrain production, including 119 million tonnes of wheat, which may be achievable if weather conditions remain favorable. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research has advised farmers to select appropriate seed varieties and utilize machine sowing techniques to optimize yields. Other crops, such as pulses and oilseeds, have also seen increased sowing areas, with notable gains in chana and mustard. Last year's total Rabi crop area was 663.04 lakh hectares, yielding 167.22 million tonnes of foodgrains. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

India awaits US response on trade proposal

India's ongoing negotiations with the United States over a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) are complicated by the contentious issue of India's oil purchases from Russia. While India awaits a response to its proposal, which aims to protect sensitive sectors, US President Donald Trump has indicated that significant progress has been made towards a fair deal. However, the US has insisted that India cease its Russian oil imports, claiming they support Russia's war in Ukraine, a demand India resists, citing its energy security and historical ties with Moscow. The US recently imposed a 50% duty on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for Russian oil purchases, which India argues must be lifted for the BTA to proceed. Additionally, US demands for market access in India's agriculture and dairy sectors, particularly concerning genetically modified crops, further complicate the negotiations. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

Cyclone Montha reduces India's cotton output by 2%

India's cotton output for the 2025-26 season is projected to decline by 2% to 305 lakh bales, down from 312 lakh bales last year, due to reduced acreage, excessive rainfall, and damage from Cyclone Montha, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI). Despite this setback, overall cotton supplies are expected to rise, bolstered by record imports of 45 lakh bales, as mills capitalize on duty-free imports until the year's end. CAI President Atul S. Ganatra noted that while some regions, like the North and Karnataka, have seen improved yields, states such as Telangana have experienced declines. Total cotton supply for the season is estimated at 410.59 lakh bales, including opening stocks and imports, with domestic consumption projected at 300 lakh bales. Market arrivals have increased, with prices currently ranging between ₹6,000-7,500 per quintal, still below the minimum support price of ₹8,100. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

VOC Port handles 103 windmill blades in one shipment

The VOC Port in Thoothukudi achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday by handling 103 windmill blades in a single shipment, marking the first instance of such a large quantity being processed at the facility. This new record surpasses the previous high of 101 blades exported on August 22, highlighting the port's growing capabilities in renewable energy cargo handling. So far this fiscal year, the port has managed 2,300 windmill blades, reflecting a 61% increase from the 1,425 blades handled during the same period last year. The blades, measuring 89.5 m and 76.8 m, were shipped via the MV GHT MARINAS from Qinzhou, China, and are being efficiently managed at Additional Berth-II with the assistance of two harbour mobile cranes. NTC Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. oversees the vessel agency, stevedoring, customs, and ground transportation, utilizing a dedicated storage area of 100,000 square metres for such oversized cargo. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

DGCA to Review AME Schools Following FTOs

India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is set to conduct an audit of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) schools following a nationwide review of Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). This comprehensive evaluation will focus on compliance with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), infrastructure standards, training quality, and instructor qualifications. The audit aims to ensure that AME institutes are adequately preparing engineers for the aviation sector, particularly as the industry experiences unprecedented fleet expansion, with major airlines ordering over 1,000 new aircraft. Experts have highlighted a growing skills gap between industry needs and the capabilities of graduating engineers. The review will also examine workshop and simulator access, placement records, and internship partnerships with maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. Ultimately, the findings may lead to a significant overhaul of training regulations to align with international standards set by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 6 pm

Telangana raises maize yield limit to 25 quintals per acre

In Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, Savara tribal women were seen drying maize crops in Addorupeta village on October 9, 2025, as Telangana reported a significant increase in maize production. The state government has raised the per-acre eligibility limit for maize procurement from 18 to 25 quintals, anticipating a total output of 11.50 lakh tonnes this season. With maize cultivation expanding to 2.60 lakh hectares, the government plans to procure 8 lakh tonnes through 125 centres, addressing concerns over low market prices. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged the Union Government for assistance in procurement, while Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has requested a relaxation of moisture level norms due to crop damage affecting 1.10 lakh acres. The state is also pushing for an increase in cotton procurement limits from 7 to 12 quintals per acre. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 7 pm

IndiGo partners with China Southern Airlines for codeshare agreement

IndiGo has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Southern Airlines to establish a codeshare partnership aimed at enhancing travel options for customers between India and China. The agreement was formalized following the launch of IndiGo's new daily flight from Delhi to Guangzhou and its recent Kolkata-Guangzhou service. This collaboration will enable integrated travel itineraries and a streamlined check-in process for passengers using both airlines. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity, while China Southern Airlines CEO Han Wensheng emphasized the importance of the Indian market and the mutual benefits of the alliance. Currently, IndiGo has codeshare agreements with 12 airlines, including a recent pact with Greece's Aegean Airlines, as it prepares to expand its international services. Although codeshare revenues are currently modest, they are on the rise, according to Elbers. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 7 pm

Sonowal to join NMPA's 50th anniversary in Mangaluru

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is set to celebrate its golden jubilee on November 13 in Mangaluru, with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, as the chief guest. The event will include the inauguration and foundation stone laying for various infrastructure and community development projects. Attendees can expect an exhibition that chronicles NMPA's 50-year journey, showcasing its milestones and contributions to the maritime sector. Additionally, an exhibition van will tour hinterland regions to raise awareness about the port's history. On this occasion, NMPA will also dedicate a hospital built through a public-private partnership and donate two vehicles to the Karnataka State Police to enhance traffic management in Mangaluru, responding to a request from the local police commissioner. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 7 pm

India's Top Malls: Rising Prices and Increased Crowds

India's premium retail space is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with Grade-A malls seeing rental prices surge by approximately 20% over the past two years, while tenant demand remains at unprecedented levels. This paradox highlights the strategic value of high-quality retail locations amid the country's consumption boom. Global retailers are increasingly vying for these prime properties, with firms like Nexus Select Trust aiming for a 50% international tenant mix in their portfolio. The company reports re-leasing spreads of nearly 20% and an average rental rate of ₹136 per sq ft per month. In Bengaluru, rental rates have risen by about 5% year-on-year, as landlords become less flexible, prompting retailers like Decathlon to focus on efficiency and omnichannel strategies. With fashion leading leasing at 50%, followed by entertainment and food, India's Grade-A malls are demonstrating that scarcity can indeed coexist with soaring demand. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 7 pm

TAFE Launches Next-Gen Electric Hybrid Tractor at Agritechnica 2025

Chennai-based Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE), a leading global tractor manufacturer, has launched its next-generation electric hybrid tractor, the TAFE EVX75, at Agritechnica 2025 in Hannover, Germany. The EVX75 features a 75 HP hybrid powertrain, combining an EU Stage V diesel engine with a 400 V electric battery system, allowing it to operate in both zero-emission electric mode and hybrid mode for demanding agricultural tasks. Vice-Chairman Lakshmi Venu emphasized TAFE's commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions for farmers worldwide. Chairman Mallika Srinivasan highlighted the company's ambition to lead the sub-100 HP segment, the largest in the global market, while focusing on sustainable mechanization. TAFE is investing heavily in precision AgTech, smart farming, and alternative energy technologies, collaborating with startups and academic institutions to develop future-ready agricultural solutions. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 4 pm

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