eznews.inThe Mumbai-based Swades Foundation, co-founded by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, is set to establish 50 additional "dream villages" in Maharashtra this fiscal year, building on the 250 already created. The foundation has signed a letter of intent with the Maharashtra government to develop a total of 1,000 villages, focusing on tribal areas and addressing critical issues such as water, sanitation, health, education, and livelihood. Swades employs a comprehensive 4E strategy—Engage, Empower, Execute, and Exit—to foster community ownership and sustainability. It supports farmers through irrigation, crop diversification, and off-farm activities like dairy and poultry, aiming to increase annual family incomes by ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. With 11,000 community volunteers and 60 tailored programs, Swades has positively impacted over half a million lives and contributed ₹120 crore annually to the local GDP. The foundation plans to expand its reach to six more districts in Maharashtra, enhancing its community empowerment initiatives. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSenior ASEAN officials have acknowledged ongoing trade concerns and implementation issues as they engage in negotiations to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). India has urged the ten-member bloc to finalize its stance on its counter-proposal aimed at addressing a significant trade deficit, which surged to $45.2 billion in FY 2025 from $7 billion in 2010. The proposal seeks greater market access in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for agricultural products, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. Both parties aim to conclude the AITIGA review by the end of 2025, with an announcement expected at the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur. ASEAN has recognized India's concerns regarding non-tariff barriers and the influx of inexpensive Chinese goods, while also exploring new collaborative areas such as the digital and green economies.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inBengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport Limited (BIAL) is actively seeking to attract garment exporters from Tiruppur to utilize its facilities for daily cargo shipments. To enhance logistical efficiency, BIAL is considering the establishment of a cargo collection center in Tiruppur, which would facilitate seamless transport via a non-bonded trucking system. During a recent meeting, exporters raised concerns regarding cargo routing information and stickering processes, prompting BIAL officials to assure them that these issues would be reviewed and addressed. Additionally, exporters requested the formation of a Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee with Bangalore Customs to tackle operational challenges. While many Tiruppur exporters currently prefer sea transport for international shipments, the competitive air freight options from Bengaluru are becoming increasingly appealing. The development of bonded trucking and improved connectivity options is expected to further streamline cargo movement in the region.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's air travel sector is poised for significant growth, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu asserting that the market can sustain at least five major airlines, each operating fleets of over 100 aircraft. In 2024, air passenger traffic rose by 7.72% to 23.28 crore, reflecting the doubling of both airports and passenger numbers over the past 11 years. Currently dominated by IndiGo and Air India, the market is expected to diversify as new policies, including a revamped UDAN scheme, encourage the entry of new players and the development of smaller airfields, particularly in the northeast. Naidu emphasized the need for more pilots, projecting a requirement of 30,000 additional pilots in the next 15-20 years. To regulate airfares, the government has enhanced monitoring mechanisms and launched initiatives like the 'Fare Se Fursat' scheme, which guarantees fixed airfares on select routes until the end of 2025.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's seafood export sector, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in London. This agreement is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian seafood in the UK market, with 99% of tariff lines now enjoying zero-duty access. D.V. Swamy, chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), emphasized the need for strategies to leverage opportunities such as value addition and upskilling during stakeholder meetings in Chennai and Vizag. Key export items, including Vannamei shrimp and frozen squid, are set to benefit significantly. In 2024-25, India exported marine products worth $7.45 billion, with the UK market accounting for 16,082 tonnes valued at $104.43 million, primarily driven by the demand for frozen seafood among the Indian diaspora.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inRain-bearing clouds have enveloped the north Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast and parts of the South Peninsula, as a well-marked low-pressure area develops over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The intensification of this system has been delayed by a day, with expectations of it evolving into a depression by Monday. Meanwhile, a twin circulation in the south Andaman Sea is anticipated to form another low over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Tuesday. Both systems are projected to gain strength, potentially becoming cyclones by midweek, impacting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the East Coast of India. Heavy rainfall is forecast across various regions, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in several states over the coming days. The IMD has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe, among other areas.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAs millions prepare to celebrate Diwali and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has implemented extensive measures to accommodate the surge in passenger demand. North Western Railway is operating 44 pairs of special trains to key destinations, including Mumbai and Howrah, while also adding 174 coaches to nearly 60 regular services. Chief Public Relations Officer Captain Shashi Kiran emphasized the deployment of volunteers and Railway Protection Force staff to manage crowds and ensure smooth travel. Meanwhile, Central Railway announced the operation of 1,702 special trains, with additional ticket counters and holding areas established at major stations to enhance passenger comfort. In a bid to combat misinformation, the railways are taking action against social media accounts sharing misleading content about train operations, urging passengers to rely on official channels for accurate information. These initiatives aim to facilitate safe and efficient travel during the festive season.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 3 pmeznews.inGoldman Sachs has projected an additional policy rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before the end of the year, following recent simplifications to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which suggest that peak fiscal consolidation is behind us. The report indicates that these developments, along with domestic regulatory easing, are expected to gradually boost credit demand. While the RBI's recent measures aim to improve supply-side credit conditions, the extent of new lending will largely depend on broader economic demand dynamics. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently opted to keep the policy repo rate steady at 5.5%, but the RBI's monetary policy statement hints at the potential for a 25 basis points cut. Despite external challenges, including high US tariffs and immigration costs impacting Indian IT services, a good monsoon and GST rationalisation have led the RBI to revise its growth projections for FY26 upwards.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Renewable Energy India Expo 2025, scheduled for October 30 to November 1 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, is set to generate over ₹1,800 crore in new investments for India's bioenergy sector, according to the Indian Biogas Association (IBA). This year's event will emphasize biogas as a pivotal element in India's green growth strategy, supported by the government's expansion of the SATAT scheme and the establishment of new compressed biogas (CBG) plants. The Bio-Energy Pavilion, the largest to date, will feature a 30% increase in exhibitors and participation from global leaders and policymakers. IBA President AR Shukla highlighted biogas's role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the clean energy economy, while Chairman Gaurav Kedia noted its potential to create jobs and enhance economic security. With over 60,000 expected attendees, REI 2025 aims to position bioenergy as a cornerstone of India's energy transformation and Net Zero Mission.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's exports to the United States have seen a significant decline, with shipments dropping by 11.9% to $5.5 billion in September, following a 7% growth in August, according to a report by rating agency Crisil. This downturn is attributed to the Trump administration's imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 27. In contrast, exports to non-US markets have thrived, growing by 10.9% in September, up from 6.6% in August. Crisil warns that India's merchandise exports are facing challenges from US tariff hikes and a global economic slowdown, with the World Trade Organisation projecting a modest 2.4% increase in global trade volumes for 2025. Despite these obstacles, Crisil anticipates that India's current account deficit will remain manageable, estimated at around 1% of GDP for the current fiscal year, bolstered by strong services exports and steady remittance inflows.
Published: Oct 19 2025, 1 pm
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