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November Services PMI Increased to 59.8

India's services sector showed notable improvement in November, with the S&P Global Services PMI Business Activity Index rising from 58.9 in October to 59.8, reflecting strong new business inflows that bolstered output growth. Despite this positive trend, job creation remained modest, with many companies reporting stable payroll numbers. The report indicated that input cost inflation had eased to its lowest level in nearly five-and-a-half years, contributing to a negligible increase in selling prices. However, new export orders saw a softer growth rate, reaching an eight-month low. While firms expressed some optimism for future output growth, concerns over competition and potential disruptions from upcoming state assembly elections tempered enthusiasm. Overall, the data suggests a stable services sector, albeit with cautious sentiment regarding future expansion, as companies focus on maintaining demand and minimizing price hikes. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 pm

Heavy rain expected in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Thunderstorms and rain clouds enveloped Chennai and parts of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday morning as a well-marked low-pressure area, a remnant of the weakened cyclone Ditwah, crossed the coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the depression had shifted southwest, leading to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with significant accumulations exceeding 10 cm in several locations. Heavy rains are expected to persist across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, while isolated showers were also recorded in Kerala. The low-pressure system is anticipated to continue its slow movement southwest, eventually transforming into a conventional low-pressure area by Thursday, which will extend rain coverage into interior Tamil Nadu. A trough associated with the low is facilitating light to moderate rainfall across the South Peninsula, indicating a broader impact of this weather system. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 am

WOTR trains rural women as drone pilots with Walmart support

The ProRISE project, spearheaded by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), has successfully trained 2,100 farmers, primarily women, in drone piloting to promote climate-resilient agriculture. Supported by the Walmart Foundation, this initiative empowers women in rural Maharashtra by equipping them with essential skills and certifications, enabling them to operate drones for precision spraying and crop monitoring. Early results indicate significant benefits, including reduced labor and chemical use, alongside improved pest control. Initially launched in Jalna and Dharashiv districts, the program aims to reach an additional 29% of farmers by next month, with plans for further expansion across western India and beyond. WOTR Director Sandip Jadhav emphasized the initiative's dual goal of enhancing women's livelihoods and fostering sustainable agricultural practices, while Walmart.org's Nishant Gupta highlighted the importance of innovation and inclusivity in driving community change. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 pm

GST Cuts Boost Vehicle Sales; EVs Drive Growth in Kerala

Vehicle sales in India reached unprecedented levels in October, with a total of 91,953 units sold, reflecting a remarkable 40.5% increase, according to C.S. Vigneshwar, President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). This surge follows a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 28% to 18%, primarily benefiting the two-wheeler segment, which saw a growth of 51.76%. Passenger vehicles also experienced an 11.35% rise, although luxury vehicle sales lagged despite a GST cut from 50% to 40%. Vigneshwar noted that rural areas outpaced urban regions in sales growth. In Kerala, Manoj Kurup, President of FADA Kerala, highlighted a significant boost in electric vehicle (EV) sales, with commercial EVs soaring by 199.01%. The tax changes are expected to create job opportunities across the automotive ecosystem, as consumer trends shift towards upgrading vehicles and families increasingly purchase multiple cars. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 am

Airport check-in issues cause flight delays

Check-in systems at several airports encountered significant disruptions on Wednesday morning due to a global outage of Microsoft Windows, leading to delays for numerous flights. Passengers at Varanasi airport received notifications indicating that airlines were resorting to manual check-in and boarding procedures as a result of the technical issues. At least four airlines—IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express—were reported to be affected. While there were no immediate comments from Microsoft or the airlines involved, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) acknowledged the operational challenges faced by domestic airlines, assuring that their teams were working closely with all stakeholders to maintain a smooth passenger experience. Specific details regarding the extent of the disruptions remain unclear. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 am

India's Iron Ore Imports Reach Six-Year High in 2023

India's iron ore imports surged to a six-year high in 2025, exceeding 10 million metric tons in the first ten months, as steel mills sought to address shortages of high-grade ore and capitalized on lower global prices, according to analysts. This figure more than doubles the average annual imports of 4.3 million metric tons recorded between 2019 and 2024. JSW Steel, the country's largest steelmaker, emerged as the leading importer. Factors contributing to the increased imports include domestic production shortfalls, particularly due to heavy rainfall in Odisha, which produces nearly 55% of India's iron ore. Despite government assurances of no domestic shortages, analysts predict imports could reach 11-12 million metric tons in FY26 if local production does not improve. The Indian government has encouraged steel mills to invest in overseas iron ore mines to secure supply amid concerns over slow development of new domestic sources. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 am

India's digital economy outpaces GDP growth, fuels Asia-Pacific change

A recent report by India Exim Bank underscores the pivotal role of digital transformation in driving economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region, with India's digital economy expanding at nearly double the rate of its overall GDP. The report highlights the emergence of robust e-commerce ecosystems, featuring regional giants like Japan's Rakuten and China's Alibaba, which now compete with global leaders such as Amazon. Despite a global slowdown in economic integration, intra-regional trade in Asia has surged by 43% over the past four decades, with over half of Asia's trade occurring within the region. However, challenges remain, including regulatory fragmentation and supply chain vulnerabilities. The report advocates for policy reforms to enhance regulatory harmonisation and infrastructure development, emphasizing the need for interoperable transport networks. As the region shifts towards a service-oriented economy, investments in education and digital infrastructure will be crucial for future growth, particularly with the anticipated rise of artificial intelligence. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 10 am

Tamil Nadu University patents eco-friendly zinc fertilizer innovation

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore has secured a patent for an innovative chelated zinc fertiliser, Zn-EPS, which significantly enhances plant growth and yield compared to traditional zinc sulphate. The patent, awarded by the Controller of Patents in India under Number 574341, recognizes the work of a research team led by G Yazhini. This eco-friendly fertiliser utilizes exopolysaccharide (EPS) derived from the bacterial cell wall of *Bacillus paralicheniformis*, found in rice rhizosphere in sodic soils. Zn-EPS, containing 16.8% zinc, offers improved bioavailability and is more readily absorbed by plants, addressing zinc deficiency effectively. Its natural chelating properties provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic chelators, enhancing nutrient management in agriculture. The patent process was facilitated by TNAU’s Patent Cell, coordinated by D Suresh Kumar with consultant N Natarajan. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 8 am

Apeda mandates full verification for Indian organic farmers

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has mandated 100% verification of Indian farmers involved in organic crop cultivation across all growers' groups. This verification is essential for registering new organic farmers, renewing scope certificates, and issuing no-objection certificates for switching certification organizations. Trade analyst S Chandrasekaran described this move as a significant overhaul in India's organic farming sector. Certification agencies have warned that failure to complete the verification within three months could result in penalties and delays in certification processes. Farmers must provide access to necessary documentation and appoint a manager familiar with organic farming regulations. While the initiative has been welcomed, concerns have been raised about the financial burden on farmer groups, which may incur costs of up to ₹2 lakh. The number of certified organic growers has reportedly declined from 25 lakh in July 2022 to 4,712 active groups covering 1.9 million farmers, attributed to various challenges, including the pandemic. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 9 am

Corteva invests in hybrid wheat for India, seeds in 10-15 years

Corteva Agriscience, a leading US agritech firm, is investing in hybrid wheat varieties tailored for Indian agriculture, with commercial seeds anticipated in 10-15 years. Brook Cunningham, President of Corteva's Asia Pacific operations, emphasized the potential of this technology to enhance wheat yields and free up farmland for other crops, such as corn and mustard. During her visit to India, Cunningham highlighted the country's critical role in global food security, especially with an expected population increase of 2 billion over the next 25 years. Corteva, which has been active in India since 1972, is committed to supporting the nation’s 150 million small farmers, aiming for yield increases of 15-20% on average. The company is also exploring opportunities in corn and rice, leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, to drive innovation. Corteva's global R&D investment stands at approximately USD 1.4 billion annually, reflecting its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 9 am

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