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A recent PwC report highlights that 63% of Indian consumers are increasingly worried about rising food prices, prompting significant changes in their shopping habits. In response to inflation, 44% of respondents are buying in bulk or growing their own food, while nearly half are exploring different stores and discount outlets to manage their budgets. The report indicates that the recent revision in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates may provide some relief, making household expenses more manageable and potentially boosting consumption sentiment. Additionally, 74% of consumers maintain that their food choices are influenced by cultural heritage, suggesting a market opportunity for brands offering traditional foods. The survey also revealed that 32% of consumers feel they are financially coping, while 7% report financial insecurity. Experts recommend that brands enhance promotional strategies and loyalty programs to adapt to the evolving consumer landscape amid fluctuating prices. 
Published: Sep 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia must prioritize the development of its own sovereign cloud technology, operating systems, and cybersecurity measures to reduce its heavy reliance on US digital infrastructure, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank warns that this dependence poses significant risks, particularly amid geopolitical tensions, as a US-imposed service cut-off could disrupt critical sectors like banking and governance. GTRI advocates for the "Digital Swaraj Mission" by 2030 to foster self-reliance in digital solutions, comparing India's situation unfavorably to China and Europe, which are advancing their own technologies. The report emphasizes the importance of treating India's vast data resources as strategic assets, suggesting measures such as local data storage and the development of a domestic AI ecosystem. With ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, GTRI stresses the urgency of building a secure digital infrastructure to safeguard India's economic and democratic interests.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced plans to introduce the Insurance Amendment Bill in Parliament during the upcoming Winter session, which typically begins in late November. The bill aims to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, a move intended to attract more foreign capital and enhance competition. Sitharaman emphasized that this change would apply to companies investing their entire premium in India and would involve a review and simplification of existing investment conditions. The proposed amendments will also modify the Insurance Act of 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act of 1956, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act of 1999, focusing on policyholder interests and operational efficiency. Currently, the insurance sector has attracted ₹82,000 crore in FDI, and the reforms aim to boost market penetration and job creation, supporting the goal of "Insurance for All by 2047."
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Sunday that recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms represent a significant victory for all Indian citizens. Speaking at the "Tax Reforms for Rising Bharat" event in Chennai, she highlighted the decision to implement these reforms ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive to launch them before the Deepavali festival, acknowledging the diverse festival calendar across states. Sitharaman emphasized that the positive effects of the GST would benefit consumers throughout the day. Notably, she revealed that 99 percent of goods previously taxed at 12 percent will now see a reduction to 5 percent. The new GST reforms are scheduled to take effect on September 22, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in the country's tax structure aimed at enhancing economic growth and consumer welfare.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the early withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from parts of west Rajasthan, occurring three days ahead of the usual schedule of September 17. Following a period of heavy rainfall, western Rajasthan has experienced a 75% surplus since June 1, although recent days saw only 0.1 mm of rain against a normal of 4.9 mm from September 11-14. The IMD indicated that conditions are favorable for further withdrawal from additional areas in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat over the next few days. The monsoon, which covered the entire country by June 29—nine days earlier than average—has resulted in a national rainfall total of 846.3 mm, 7% above the long-term average. However, the east and north-east regions have reported a 20% deficit, while the north-west has seen a 32% increase in rainfall.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRaymond Engineering is set to invest ₹118 crore in FY26 to enhance its manufacturing and research capabilities in the commercial aviation sector. CEO Gautam Maini announced a projected 25% revenue growth for the company, which currently produces over 1,200 aerospace parts, primarily for aero engines, with 150 more in development. Maini highlighted the burgeoning Indian aerospace and defence market, expected to reach $15–20 billion by 2035, driven by civil aerospace growth and defence indigenisation. The company aims to capture higher-margin engine and structure component packages while establishing long-term agreements with global Tier-1 suppliers diversifying from China and Europe. With a focus on high-complexity parts, Raymond Engineering is poised to benefit from a shift in global sourcing dynamics, as OEMs seek to de-risk their supply chains post-COVID. By 2030, India is projected to secure $5–7 billion in new annual sourcing, bolstered by competitive labour costs and a growing base of certified suppliers.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is home to over 1,800 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), employing 2.16 million professionals and contributing approximately $68 billion in direct gross value addition (GVA), equating to about 1.8% of the nation's GDP. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has introduced a National Framework aimed at establishing India as a premier hub for enterprise innovation and capability development. By 2030, the number of GCCs is projected to increase to 5,000, potentially generating $154–199 billion in direct GVA and creating 20–25 million jobs, including 4–5 million high-quality roles in sectors like AI and cybersecurity. The framework emphasizes investment facilitation through Digital Economic Zones and a National Single Window Portal for streamlined approvals. It also advocates for expanding GCCs into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, enhancing India's competitive edge in the global market.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has reopened the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, specifically air conditioners and LED lights, for a period of 30 days, from September 15 to October 14. This decision, announced by the commerce and industry ministry, aims to encourage further investment in the sector. Both new applicants and existing beneficiaries looking to upgrade their investment categories are eligible to apply, although no applications will be accepted after the deadline. The PLI scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on April 7, 2021, has a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore and is set to run until FY 2028-29. To date, 83 applicants have committed investments totaling ₹10,406 crore, aimed at enhancing the manufacturing of components for air conditioners and LED lights in India.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's rural economy is poised for transformation with the rise of multi-waste biogas plants, part of the SATAT program, which offers farmers a sustainable income by allowing them to sell crop residues, animal dung, and agro-waste. This initiative not only provides a steady revenue stream, reducing farmers' reliance on volatile crop prices, but also creates rural employment opportunities and promotes environmental sustainability by curbing crop-residue burning. Additionally, biogas plants produce digestate, a high-quality organic fertilizer that enhances soil fertility, offering farmers a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilizers. The expansion of these plants fosters local job creation and entrepreneurship, helping to alleviate rural unemployment and curb urban migration. By converting waste into valuable resources, biogas plants embody the principles of a circular economy, driving local economic growth while supporting cleaner agricultural practices and a more resilient environment.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to enhance edible oil security through a comprehensive framework, yet faces significant challenges in execution. Current agronomic practices have led to a substantial yield gap in oil palm plantations, with potential yields exceeding 20 tonnes per hectare, while actual yields average below 9 tonnes. This discrepancy is attributed to poor nursery management, inadequate irrigation, and insufficient disease control. The government targets expanding oil palm cultivation from 350,000 hectares in 2019-20 to 1 million hectares by 2025-26, but progress remains slow, particularly in survival rates and yields. To address these issues, experts recommend establishing a National Steering Board, improving cluster planning, and ensuring quality support from private companies. A recalibration of the NMEO-OP is essential, focusing on sustainable practices and joint accountability among stakeholders to achieve meaningful results and reduce import dependence while protecting livelihoods and ecosystems.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 9 am
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