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The Indian rupee recorded its largest weekly gain in over two years, appreciating by 100 paise against the US dollar, as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) shifted to net buying after a period of selling. The BSE Sensex rose 0.73% to close at 76,905.51, marking its highest weekly gain in more than four years, while the NSE Nifty 50 increased by 0.69% to 23,350.40. The rally was driven by strong performances in realty, PSU, and financial stocks, with the broader market indices also outperforming benchmarks. FPIs purchased equities worth ₹7,470.36 crore on Friday, despite domestic institutional investors offloading shares. Analysts attribute the positive momentum to anticipated reductions in risk-free rates and a correction in the dollar index. Market capitalization on the BSE surged to ₹40.92 lakh crore, with SBI Life and NTPC among the top gainers. 
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Mar 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inGodrej Agrovet has launched a report titled "Women in Agribusiness – Opportunities and Challenges" at its second Women in Agriculture Summit, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in formal employment within the agribusiness sector. Despite women making up 64% of the agricultural workforce, only 6% hold positions in top agribusiness companies. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, aims to address critical knowledge gaps regarding women's roles in this field. Managing Director Balram Singh Yadav emphasized the importance of empowering women through education and leadership development, with a commitment to support 100,000 women over five years. The report advocates for equitable access to resources and inclusive workplace reforms, while Godrej Agrovet has increased women's representation from 8% to 12% in FY25, aiming for 32% by FY28 through supportive policies and initiatives.
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Mar 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has announced it has surpassed 200 million transactions, achieving this milestone in just six months after reaching 100 million transactions in 20 months from January 2023 to August 2024. T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC, emphasized that this rapid growth signifies a significant shift in digital commerce dynamics, enabling equal opportunities for businesses of all sizes and fostering innovation. The initiative, launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, aims to democratize digital commerce by creating an open network for goods and services, thereby empowering small businesses and enhancing inclusivity in the e-commerce landscape. ONDC's momentum across various sectors, including food and beverage, retail, and logistics, reflects India's readiness for a more accessible digital economy, with further developments expected in the near future.
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Mar 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA high-level delegation from the Airline Users Rights and Grievances Redressal Forum (AURGRF) met with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu to address pressing aviation safety concerns. Led by chief patron N.K. Premachandran, the delegation highlighted significant regulatory deficiencies and lapses in compliance with international aviation standards, emphasizing that aviation safety is a fundamental passenger right. The discussions focused on the need for coordinated implementation of IATA operational standards and proactive safety measures to mitigate future risks. AURGRF underscored the importance of a preventive approach to aviation safety, aligning with ICAO and IATA guidelines, and drawing on best practices from countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and the UAE. Minister Naidu assured the delegation that an expert team would be formed to review their recommendations and provide actionable outcomes in due course.
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Mar 24 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia will eliminate the 20% customs duty on onion exports starting April 1, 2025, a move aimed at enhancing farmers' incomes, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In a video statement, Chouhan emphasized that the removal of the duty will allow onions produced by Indian farmers to access global markets, thereby securing better prices for their hard work. The export duty was initially set at 40% but was reduced to 20% in response to declining onion prices and lower returns for farmers. The government's decision to fully withdraw the duty reflects its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation. This policy shift is part of the Narendra Modi administration's broader strategy to protect domestic farmers from significant price drops in the onion market.
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Mar 24 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has welcomed a recent Customs Department notification requiring exporters and importers to provide "Proof of Origin" instead of a "Certificate of Origin" for commodities imported under concessional duty. This change aims to curb the influx of refined soyabean and palm oil from Nepal and other SAARC countries, which has been detrimental to domestic refiners and oilseed farmers, leading to significant revenue losses. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted the alarming rise in imports, which threatens the survival of India's vegetable oil refining industry. He urged government intervention, and the Union Commerce Ministry has responded positively. Additionally, SEA's Sustainable Mustard Model Farms initiative has successfully increased mustard production, with yields improving by 20-25% through advanced agricultural practices. SEA also signed an MoU with Technoserve to promote the fortification of edible oils, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Mar 24 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), a farmer organization linked to the RSS, has called for an immediate ban on glyphosate, a controversial herbicide, citing its association with rising health issues such as cancer and heart disease. Despite a 2022 ban by the Union Agriculture Ministry restricting glyphosate's use to pest control operators, BKS claims that the chemical is still being sold to farmers, undermining the ban's intent. The organization highlighted that 35 countries have prohibited glyphosate, while in India, its use is limited to tea gardens and adjacent non-plantation areas. BKS General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the ban, warning that glyphosate poses significant risks to biodiversity and public health. The ministry had previously acknowledged the health hazards associated with glyphosate, yet enforcement remains inconsistent, with states like Kerala and Telangana already implementing their own bans.
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Mar 24 2025, 1 pmeznews.inPDRL, a prominent player in India's drone industry, has filed three new patents, bringing its total to six, including one already granted. These patents focus on innovations such as multi-farm spraying, map calibration, and an intelligent spraying system, aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of drone operations in agriculture. The company also announced plans to file five additional patents in the coming two quarters. Furthermore, PDRL has launched ‘Ag++’, a flight controller designed specifically for agricultural applications, which integrates with the ‘AeroGCS GREEN’ software platform that supports over 5,000 agricultural drones and 800,000 flights. CEO Anil Chandaliya emphasized the company's commitment to providing a robust, Made in India technology stack for drone manufacturers and service providers, aiming to drive innovation and growth within the agricultural sector.
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Mar 24 2025, 1 pmeznews.inLulu Group has launched a global agricultural production initiative in Pollachi, aimed at supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices. Inaugurated on March 24, 2025, the project focuses on empowering farmers by providing resources and expertise to enhance agricultural methods. The initiative commenced with seed planting on 160 acres, with cultivation starting on 50 acres, and aims to produce high-quality vegetables and fruits, including bananas, coconuts, drumsticks, onions, and snake gourds, for export to Lulu stores worldwide. The company emphasizes organic farming, using natural fertilizers to maintain soil health. Salim M.A., Director of Global Operations, marked the project's launch by planting saplings and introducing 5,000 fish fingerlings to promote integrated fish farming. This initiative represents a significant step for Lulu Group in bolstering the agricultural sector and supporting the local economy.
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Mar 24 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's participation at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in London, held from March 17-19, showcased a diverse array of organic products, including millets, mangoes, and pomegranates, alongside premium processed foods and Indian liquors. Organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the event featured a delegation of 16 exporters from various Indian states, aiming to secure business deals based on interest from international importers. APEDA's assistant general manager, Harpreet Singh, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting local products and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. The India Pavilion attracted significant attention, offering a wide range of items from basmati rice to ready-to-cook dishes, with sampling sessions allowing visitors to experience authentic Indian flavours. The event underscores India's commitment to enhancing its presence in the global food and beverage market.
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Mar 24 2025, 12 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall, described as a "rain bomb," has significantly alleviated the deficit in Central India, particularly in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, where localised downpours recorded surpluses of 2,060% and 254%, respectively, on March 24. This marked a dramatic turnaround from a 39% deficit earlier in the month. While Central India experienced a surge in rainfall, other regions like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra remained largely dry. In contrast, the South Peninsula reported a 40% surplus, with Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep leading the way. North-West India saw mixed results, with Uttarakhand enjoying a 33% surplus, while other areas faced significant deficits. East and North-East India also struggled, with Jharkhand's 187% surplus offsetting broader regional deficits. Overall, the pre-monsoon weather patterns have created a complex landscape of rainfall distribution across India, highlighting the variability in climatic conditions.
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Mar 24 2025, 12 pm
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