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The Indian horticulture sector plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing approximately 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA). A report by IBEF predicts the agricultural sector's value will reach $24 billion by 2025, contingent on improvements in soil quality, water access, and cropping decisions. Farmers face heightened risks due to shifting rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable pest outbreaks. However, advancements in technology, such as satellite imaging and IoT tools, are empowering farmers with real-time data to make informed decisions, leading to yield increases of 15-30% and significant water savings. Despite these innovations, challenges persist, including the high cost of technology and the need for digital literacy among smallholders. Initiatives like Microsoft’s FarmBeats aim to bridge these gaps, emphasizing the importance of accessible information for sustainable farming practices. Addressing soil health is also critical, as over 70% of cultivated land in India is degraded, necessitating regular soil testing and nutrient mapping. 
Published: Jul 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia should prioritize a jointly issued, written statement before recognizing any trade agreement with the US, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). In a report released on Sunday, GTRI highlighted the need for caution, referencing discrepancies in the understanding of recent US trade deals with Vietnam and Japan. The think tank pointed out that while President Trump claimed significant benefits from these agreements, such as massive Japanese investments and market access for US agricultural exports, official documents from Japan revealed a more limited framework still under negotiation. For instance, Japan's commitment to US rice imports is contingent on domestic demand, and any automotive imports must comply with Japanese safety standards. GTRI's analysis underscores the importance of clear, mutual understanding in trade negotiations to avoid potential misrepresentation, urging India to learn from the experiences of its counterparts.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's chemical sector is poised for significant growth following a new free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK, which grants over 1,000 product categories, including organic chemicals and agrochemicals, zero-duty access to the British market. CHEMEXCIL, the country's chemicals exporters body, highlighted that the sector contributes 12.4% of the tariff lines in the agreement, making it one of the largest beneficiaries. Currently, India's chemical exports to the UK stand at $570 million, representing just 2% of its global chemical exports. However, the FTA is expected to boost exports by 30-40%, potentially reaching $650-750 million by 2025-26. This agreement not only reduces cost barriers but also enhances market entry for Indian exporters, promoting supply chain collaboration and regulatory cooperation, thereby deepening bilateral trade relations with the UK, which imports chemicals worth $35.11 billion annually.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has called on the government to introduce legislation ensuring timely service delivery by Union Ministries and Departments to enhance operational efficiency for businesses. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee highlighted ongoing issues such as procedural delays and regulatory uncertainty, which hinder cash flow and increase compliance burdens. While many Indian states have implemented their own Right to Services Acts, a central law is lacking. Banerjee proposed that such legislation should enforce time-bound service delivery, include penalties for delays, and establish a robust grievance redressal system. Additionally, CII suggested that all regulatory services be processed through the National Single Window System (NSWS), a digital platform launched in 2021, to streamline applications and ensure accountability. If effectively implemented, these reforms could significantly improve India's regulatory landscape, bolstering investor confidence as the country aims to become a global manufacturing hub.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Finance Ministry has implemented stricter regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and promoting corruption-free governance within Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Under the revised vigilance guidelines from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), failure to file the annual immovable property return by the January 31 deadline can result in significant repercussions for CPSE officers, including denial of service confirmation and limitations on post-retirement employment. The guidelines expand the scope of mandatory vigilance clearance to include various activities such as study leave, sensitive appointments, and voluntary retirement schemes. With 448 CPSEs employing over 800,000 individuals, including 335,000 in managerial roles, the guidelines also mandate scrutiny of 20% of annual property returns and discourage the practice of gifting government officials. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to address misconduct in procurement processes and ensure accountability within public enterprises.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are facing potential plant shutdowns as their rare earth magnet supplies are expected to deplete by July 31, exacerbated by government delays in disbursing incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) schemes. Industry insiders report that many electric two- and three-wheeler manufacturers are on the brink, with limited magnet inventory and rising costs for alternatives, which could lead to higher vehicle prices. The Ministry of Heavy Industries' recent directive requiring OEMs to declare their magnet stocks has further complicated matters, especially as the festival season approaches, when consumer demand for discounts typically surges. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers has urged the government to reduce customs duties on motor imports to alleviate costs. Meanwhile, past controversies surrounding subsidy claims have made the government cautious, leaving the industry in a precarious position as the deadline looms.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAs India grapples with severe climate challenges, including extreme heatwaves and erratic monsoons, the need for a shift in conservation practices has become urgent. The country’s historical connection to nature is fading, with sacred forests and village ponds disappearing. To build climate resilience, local communities must take the lead in managing their resources, as demonstrated by successful initiatives like the revival of Maharashtra's sacred groves and Rajasthan's water bodies. The Applied Environmental Research Foundation has empowered villagers to restore biodiversity, while in Vimalpura, community-led pond restoration has revitalized agriculture. Since 2021, over 1,100 water bodies have been revived in Rajasthan, benefiting 1.7 million people. The key to sustainable conservation lies in local leadership, flexible funding, and long-term accountability. This World Conservation Day, the call is clear: conservation must become ingrained in daily life, with communities at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inInvestment by India's private corporate sector is being hampered by uncertainty surrounding global trade deals, according to a report by UBS Securities India. The lack of clarity on pending agreements is causing hesitation in long-term capital expenditure (Capex), which refers to investments in assets like property and technology. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed concern over the sluggish pace of private investment despite government efforts to stimulate the economy through spending and attractive policies. She noted that while corporate balance sheets have improved since 2019, many firms are sitting on passive funds rather than expanding operations. In contrast, Rajiv Memani, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry, argued that private Capex is ongoing across various sectors, attributing recent slowdowns to external factors rather than structural issues. Notably, private Capex has seen a compound annual growth rate of 19.8% from FY21 to FY25E, driven by sectors like oil, power, and automobiles.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's dairy industry, predominantly supported by smallholder farmers who produce 72% of the nation's milk, faces challenges such as unstable incomes and low-yield breeds despite an annual output exceeding 211 million tonnes. However, advancements in scientific cattle nutrition and structured dairy procurement are transforming the sector. Balanced feed can boost milk yield by 20-25%, while structured procurement systems, like cooperatives, enhance farmers' bargaining power and ensure fair prices and timely payments. These combined strategies have led to improved farmer livelihoods and healthier livestock across states like Punjab and Gujarat. Despite the potential for growth, challenges remain, including low awareness of nutritional benefits and limited access to quality feed. Addressing these issues through coordinated efforts among private entities, development agencies, and local governments is crucial for scaling these successful models, ultimately fostering inclusive growth in India's rural economy.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, remains unenforceable as the necessary Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules have yet to be notified, despite being enacted over two years ago. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) revealed that the draft DPDP Rules, published for public consultation, have garnered 6,915 responses from various stakeholders, including citizens and businesses. This information was shared in Parliament following a query from Bharat Rashtra Samithi MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra. The Act aims to safeguard individuals' digital personal data and holds data fiduciaries accountable for breaches, requiring them to implement robust security measures. While the government has exceeded its initial timeline for finalising the rules, significant changes to the draft are unlikely. The proposed regulations also include penalties for non-compliance and establish consent management systems, although they provide certain exemptions for government agencies, enhancing central authority.
Published: Jul 27 2025, 10 am
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