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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka on Monday at the Hyderabad House, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations in trade and investment. Rabuka, who is on a three-day visit to India—the first since assuming office—arrived in Delhi on Sunday with a high-level delegation, including Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu. The discussions highlighted Fiji's significance to India in maritime security and the historical ties that date back to 1879, when Indian laborers were brought to Fiji under British rule. Rabuka's visit follows President Droupadi Murmu's trip to Fiji last year and emphasizes the commitment of both nations to strengthen their relationship across various sectors and deepen cultural connections. An Indian government statement described the meeting as a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between the two countries. 
Published: Aug 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a strategic move to bolster its air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to deploy a mountain-adapted version of the indigenously developed Arudhra radar system in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland. This initiative, sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council at a cost of ₹440 crore, aims to enhance surveillance and detection in sensitive border areas. The modified Arudhra radars, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd, are tailored for high-altitude operations, capable of detecting a variety of aerial threats, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fighter aircraft. With a detection range of up to 400 km and the ability to identify small aerial objects, the Arudhra radar represents a significant advancement in India's defence technology, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and reflecting the country's commitment to self-reliance in military capabilities.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has reduced the minimum export price (MEP) for natural honey from $2,000 to $1,400 per tonne, effective immediately until December 31, 2025, as per a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This MEP, which prohibits exports below the set price, was initially introduced in March 2024. Major markets for Indian honey include the United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The government is also promoting the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to enhance scientific beekeeping practices and support the sector's growth. Key honey-producing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, and Rajasthan. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s honey exports reached a value of $177.52 million, highlighting the significance of this sector in the country's agricultural economy.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's contract research, development, and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) sector is rapidly evolving, with revenues reaching approximately $3 billion and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% over the past five years, according to a Jefferies India report. The sector's market capitalization is now estimated at $40-50 billion, attracting global investors. Despite a temporary demand dip during the Covid-19 pandemic, the future appears promising, with an anticipated 18% CAGR from FY25 to FY30, driven by a robust drug pipeline and the "China+1" strategy, which encourages diversification away from Chinese suppliers. Notable Indian firms are expanding into advanced therapies, with significant growth expected in the weight-loss and Type 2 diabetes drug markets. The report highlights Sai Life Sciences as a top pick, projecting strong revenue and EBITDA growth, while also recommending investments in Cohance and Divi's Laboratories, while advising caution on Syngene, Gland, and Laurus Labs.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA coalition of industry associations, research institutions, government bodies, and civil society organizations has launched the National Alliance for Regenerative Vegetable Oil Sector (NARVOS) in Bhopal, aimed at transforming India's vegetable oil industry. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and its 700 member companies pledged to buy back regenerative products, promoting sustainable agricultural practices that restore soil health and enhance productivity. This initiative, part of the EU–India partnership on regenerative agriculture, seeks to reduce India's reliance on edible oil imports, improve farmer livelihoods, and position the country as a leader in sustainable vegetable oils. With over 55% of India's land degraded, experts emphasize the urgent need for nature-positive solutions, such as low-till farming and compost use, which can significantly boost yields while reducing costs. The alliance aims to foster collaboration across sectors to address soil health challenges and ensure a resilient agricultural future.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inFitch Ratings has reaffirmed India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, citing robust growth and solid external finances as key support factors. The agency noted that India's ability to deliver consistent growth alongside macroeconomic stability and improved fiscal credibility could enhance its structural metrics, such as GDP per capita, and potentially reduce debt levels in the medium term. However, it highlighted concerns over high fiscal deficits and debt levels compared to 'BBB' peers, as well as lagging governance indicators. Despite a moderation in economic momentum over the past two years, Fitch projects a GDP growth rate of 6.5% for the fiscal year ending March 2026, significantly above the 'BBB' median of 2.5%. While domestic demand remains strong, driven by public capital expenditure and steady private consumption, private investment is expected to be subdued due to rising US tariff risks. Nominal GDP growth is forecasted to slow to 9.0% in FY26.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe domestic two-wheeler market is projected to see a 6-9% year-on-year volume growth in the current fiscal year, according to Icra. This growth is expected to be driven by steady replacement demand, a rebound in urban consumption, and healthy rural incomes bolstered by a normal monsoon. Additionally, a potential reduction in GST rates could further stimulate the market. In July 2025, domestic wholesale volumes rose by 9% year-on-year to 1.5 million units, as manufacturers ramped up dispatches ahead of the festive season. However, retail volumes fell by 6.5% year-on-year due to weak urban demand and adverse weather conditions impacting rural sales. Icra anticipates a significant improvement in retail demand during the upcoming festive period. Exports showed robust growth, increasing by 32% year-on-year in July, while electric two-wheeler sales saw a slight decline, maintaining a penetration rate of 6-7% in the overall segment.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's coal imports rose by 1.5% to 76.40 million tonnes (MT) in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal year, compared to 75.26 MT during the same period last year, despite government efforts to boost domestic production. June alone saw imports increase to 23.91 MT from 22.97 MT in June 2024, according to mjunction Services Ltd. Non-coking coal imports remained stable at 49.08 MT, while coking coal imports rose to 16.37 MT. However, state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) reported an 8.5% decline in production to 57.8 MT in June, attributed to seasonal challenges during the monsoon. Despite this, Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy assured that there would be no coal shortages in the upcoming monsoon, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing coal availability and reducing import reliance. The coal sector remains crucial to India's economic growth trajectory.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDuring the FIBAC 2025 banking conference in Mumbai, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra reaffirmed the RBI's commitment to supporting the economy amid potential impacts from increased US tariffs. Following the US's announcement of a 50% tariff on certain goods, Malhotra noted a downward revision of India's GDP growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.5%. He highlighted that sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, and MSMEs could be particularly affected. The RBI has already implemented measures, including a 100 basis point reduction in the repo rate and increased liquidity for banks, to bolster economic growth. Additionally, Malhotra discussed the importance of internationalising the Indian Rupee for trade transactions, with agreements already in place with four countries. He acknowledged that while this process will take time, it is essential for mitigating foreign exchange volatility and enhancing economic stability.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is significantly impacting global oil consumption, according to Erik Norland, chief economist at CME Group. Speaking at the Soy Connext 2025 conference, Norland noted that crude oil prices are closely tied to Chinese economic growth, which has been slowing, leading to a decline in retail sales and falling real estate prices. He highlighted that the agricultural market, particularly crops like corn and soybeans, is also affected by low crude oil prices due to the link between farming and biofuels. Currently, West Texas Intermediate crude is priced at $63.78 per barrel, while Brent crude is at $67.92. Norland pointed out that EV sales in China now account for 51% of total vehicle sales, contributing to a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency per vehicle. He also mentioned the rising demand for AI, which is expected to grow significantly by 2028, amidst broader economic challenges.
Published: Aug 25 2025, 12 pm
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