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According to the latest supply-demand estimates from the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), soyabean crushing in April remained steady at 9.5 lakh tonnes, mirroring figures from the previous year. As of May 1, 2025, the country's soyabean stocks were reported at 48.35 lakh tonnes, down from 55.41 lakh tonnes a year earlier. Of this, 29.66 lakh tonnes are held by traders and farmers, while government agencies NAFED and NCCF hold 18.69 lakh tonnes. The government procured 19.96 lakh tonnes of soyabean under the price support scheme for the kharif 2024 season, but prices have remained below the minimum support price (MSP) due to weak demand. Market arrivals increased slightly to 5.5 lakh tonnes. Meanwhile, soyameal exports rose to 2.14 lakh tonnes, with Germany and France being the largest importers, despite Indian soyameal being pricier than alternatives from the US and Argentina. 
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May 16 2025, 10 pmeznews.inDassault Aviation has partnered with Reliance Aerostructure Ltd to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in India, with a final assembly line set to be established in Nagpur. Announced at the Paris Air Show, this collaboration builds on a joint venture formed in 2017 to fulfill offset obligations from the Rafale aircraft deal, which has already produced components for various aircraft. With this initiative, India will join the ranks of the US, Canada, France, and Brazil as a producer of business jets. The Nagpur facility aims to produce up to 24 aircraft annually and will also serve as a centre of excellence for the Falcon series. Dassault's CEO, Eric Trappier, emphasized the commitment to India's aerospace ambitions, while Reliance's Anil Ambani highlighted the alignment with Prime Minister Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision. The facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs and facilitate the first flight of the Falcon 2000 'Made in India' by 2028.
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Jun 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inICRA, a prominent ratings agency, has projected India's fiscal deficit for the 2025-26 financial year to reach 4.4% of GDP, with a current account deficit anticipated at -1%. The agency forecasts real GDP growth to exceed 6.5%, while real Gross Value Added (GVA) growth is expected to surpass 6.3%. Inflation is also on the rise, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) predicted to exceed 4.2% and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) projected above 2.7%. Rural demand is expected to remain strong, bolstered by Rabi cash flows and favorable reservoir levels. The report highlights that while services exports are likely to outpace merchandise exports, the latter may continue to face challenges. Additionally, the Centre's capital expenditure is set to increase by 10.1%, which is expected to stimulate investment activity, although private capital expenditure may remain cautious due to export uncertainties.
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Jun 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on June 18, 2025, that the government plans to amend seed and pesticide legislation to ensure quality agricultural inputs for farmers. This decision follows widespread concerns raised during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign that engaged 1.34 crore farmers across 721 districts from May 29 to June 12. Chouhan highlighted the campaign's success, which involved 60,281 programs and collaboration between the Centre and states, featuring 8,280 scientists. He noted that complaints about substandard seeds and pesticides were prevalent, prompting the ministry to tighten regulations under the Seeds Act, 1966, and the Insecticides Act, 1968. Additionally, Chouhan emphasized the importance of incorporating farmers' feedback into future policies and announced plans for a similar campaign during the rabi season. He also addressed crop damage from wild animals, suggesting the use of AI for monitoring and deterrent systems.
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Jun 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's current account deficit (CAD) for FY25 is under upward pressure due to rising global crude prices, with a report from Union Bank of India (UBI) indicating that every $10 per barrel increase in oil prices could worsen the CAD by nearly $15 billion. While UBI maintains its CAD estimate at 0.9% of GDP for FY25, it warns of a potential increase to 1.2% in FY26, driven by commodity price pressures. Brent crude prices have recently surged 14% amid geopolitical tensions, fluctuating between $64 and $76. The report highlights that global commodity prices, particularly crude oil and metals, will significantly impact India's trade deficit, although weak global demand may mitigate some effects. Despite these challenges, a robust services trade surplus of $188.75 billion is providing a buffer against the oil trade deficit of $122.45 billion. Ongoing geopolitical developments will be crucial in shaping India's trade outlook.
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Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance highway travel efficiency, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the introduction of a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000, effective from August 15, 2025. The pass, valid for one year or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first—aims to streamline toll payments for non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Gadkari emphasized that the initiative addresses long-standing issues at toll plazas, particularly those within a 60 km radius, by simplifying transactions and reducing congestion. A dedicated activation and renewal link will be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This move is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners across the country.
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Jun 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports saw a slight increase of 1.79% in the first two months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, reaching 7.81 lakh tonnes compared to 7.67 lakh tonnes during the same period in 2024-25. According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), May 2025 alone recorded exports of 3.15 lakh tonnes, up 4.31% from May 2024. The rising demand for soyabean meal in African nations, driven by livestock production, has bolstered exports, with over 1.18 lakh tonnes shipped primarily to Kenya and Kuwait. Additionally, India exported 3.47 lakh tonnes of rapeseed meal to Far-Eastern countries, maintaining its competitive edge due to favorable pricing. Major importers included South Korea, China, and Bangladesh, with significant shipments of both rapeseed and soyabean meal. The current FOB price of rapeseed meal in India is notably lower than that of canola meal in Europe, enhancing export opportunities.
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Jun 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's coconut and coconut product exports have surged by 25% in FY25, generating ₹4,349 crore compared to ₹3,469 crore the previous year. The primary contributor to this growth is activated carbon, which alone accounted for ₹2,799 crore from 1,76,435 tonnes shipped, up from ₹2,108 crore on 1,54,059 tonnes in FY24. However, producers are concerned about competition from cheaper, lower-quality activated carbon from China, which is benefiting from controlled charcoal supplies in Africa. The cost of charcoal in India has skyrocketed from below ₹40,000 to ₹85,000 per tonne due to a shortage of coconut shells, making Indian products less competitive at $3,600-3,700 per tonne compared to $2,500-2,700 for Chinese manufacturers. Climate change has exacerbated coconut production issues, further straining the activated carbon industry, predominantly located in southern India, as rising raw material costs and geopolitical factors impact profitability.
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Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's poultry industry, Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a next-generation vaccine designed to combat Bursal, Newcastle, and Marek’s diseases. This innovative single-dose solution aims to address the practical challenges faced by poultry farmers, providing early, reliable, and long-lasting immunity with just one administration at the hatchery. The company highlighted that disease outbreaks pose a serious threat to productivity and profitability in the sector, which is crucial for India's food supply and rural economy. The new vaccine streamlines disease prevention by reducing the need for multiple vaccinations, thereby lowering labor requirements and minimizing stress on the birds. Dr. Vinod Gopal, Country Head-Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim India, emphasized the vaccine's focus on local needs, stating it reflects the company's commitment to enhancing productivity and improving bird welfare for farmers across the country. The vaccine is suitable for broilers, layers, and breeders.
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Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAuthorities in Jammu and Kashmir have designated the routes for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, as no-fly zones, a decision that has sparked criticism from political leaders and analysts. The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department announced the restrictions on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, citing security concerns following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 27 lives. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed apprehension that the ban on helicopter services could convey a negative image of the region's stability, particularly as it is the first such restriction in years. Abdullah, who oversees tourism, has been working to restore confidence in the area, emphasizing that a single incident should not derail ongoing peace efforts since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Analysts warn that the no-fly zone could exacerbate public anxiety and hinder tourism recovery in the region.
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Jun 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inLiquefied natural gas (LNG) is projected to remain the most cost-effective fuel for the transport and logistics sector, particularly for buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), for the next 15 years, according to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). In 2024, LNG, along with diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG), is expected to be cheaper than electric vehicles (EVs) for medium and heavy goods vehicles. While EVs are becoming competitive in segments like two and three-wheelers, their total cost of ownership (TCO) remains higher for HGVs, especially over longer distances. The study highlights that LNG's affordability stems from its distribution advantages, allowing it to be sold at lower prices than CNG. CEEW recommends establishing LNG refuelling stations along major highways to support the growing adoption of LNG-powered vehicles, which currently offer the lowest TCO in their categories.
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Jun 18 2025, 12 pm
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