eznews.inChennai Port is experiencing a notable cargo handling growth of approximately 9.7% this year, driven by enhanced containerisation and manufacturing expansion, according to Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority. Speaking at the Blue Economy Summit in Tamil Nadu, Paliwal noted that despite potential challenges, compensatory measures would be implemented. In FY25, Chennai and Kamarajar ports recorded a combined growth rate of 6.7%, surpassing the national average of 4.3%. The ports witnessed high volumes in the June 2025 quarter as companies rushed to meet tariff deadlines, although recent tariff changes have not significantly impacted operations. Paliwal also announced that India’s first Multimodal Logistics Park in Mappedu, initially set to open earlier, is now expected to be operational by April 2026 due to land acquisition delays. Tamil Nadu's Minister of Public Works, EV Velu, emphasized the importance of the coastal economy in achieving the state's $1 trillion economic goal. 
Published: Sep 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAs India prepares for a significant restructuring of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) set to take effect on September 22, kirana store owners are displaying a blend of indifference and concern. While some, like Suresh Kumar Agarwal from Hyderabad, remain unfazed and await software updates and new stock, others express anxiety over pricing their existing inventory. Distributors and retailers are adopting a cautious approach, leading to a notable 30-35% decline in primary sales from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. In response, FMCG firms are actively managing the transition by offering discounts to clear out inventory and reassuring distributors about GST credits on old stock. Many kirana store owners, however, remain uninformed about the impending changes, relying on sporadic updates from media and distributors. As the deadline approaches, questions from customers about potential price changes are becoming increasingly common, with many shopkeepers indicating that clarity will only emerge post-implementation.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's flexi staffing industry is set for remarkable expansion, with revenues expected to soar to ₹2,58,000 crore (approximately $24 billion) by FY27, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%, according to a report from the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF). The study reveals that the formal flexi workforce is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% between FY23 and FY25, reaching 7.2 million workers, positioning India as the third-largest global player in this sector, which now represents 1.3% of the total workforce. Key states like Maharashtra and Karnataka dominate the workforce, but there is a notable shift towards tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The report highlights logistics, BFSI, and manufacturing as primary growth sectors, with e-commerce experiencing the fastest growth. The flexi model is particularly appealing to young professionals, with women making up 26% of the workforce, indicating a positive trend in gender participation.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArvind Virmani, a member of the NITI Aayog, highlighted the critical issue of mineral supply concentration during the India Mining Summit 2025 in New Delhi. He pointed out that 80 to 90 percent of the global supply of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, is dominated by China, raising concerns about monopolistic practices. Virmani stressed the need for a competitive supply chain and emphasized that the world must address this concentration, which has developed over the past 25 years. He noted India's efforts through the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to enhance domestic supply and reduce import reliance. Virmani also mentioned India's collaborations with countries like Peru and various African nations to source critical minerals. He acknowledged Taiwan's interest in India's rare earth minerals but clarified that India is not a major mineral power, except in specific areas like iron ore.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThis summer, 38 million farmers in India benefited from AI-driven monsoon forecasts, thanks to the NeuralGCM model developed by Google Research and enhanced by the University of Chicago. This innovative model combines physics with machine learning, allowing for accurate predictions of monsoon patterns, including an unusual dry spell. By integrating NeuralGCM with other advanced forecasting systems, researchers provided tailored forecasts via SMS, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about planting and crop management. The initiative, in collaboration with the Indian government, demonstrated that accurate forecasts delivered a month in advance could nearly double farmers' annual incomes. As climate change poses significant threats to smallholder farmers, this project exemplifies how AI can enhance climate resilience and democratize weather forecasting, transforming agricultural practices in vulnerable communities.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 6 pmeznews.inExperts at a recent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) meeting have underscored the urgent need for regional collaboration and enhanced policy coherence to address the climate crisis impacting small-scale fishers in the Bay of Bengal. A report presented by BOBP Director P. Krishnan highlighted that increasing cyclonic disturbances and marine heatwaves are significantly reducing fishing days—by an average of 10-15 annually—while also threatening food security and livelihoods. The report warns that marine heatwaves could rise to 250 days per year by 2100, exacerbating the challenges faced by coastal communities already vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm surges. Experts called for the implementation of the BOBSAFE plan to improve safety for fishermen and emphasized the importance of restoring mangroves, building resilient fishing villages, and establishing community-based early warning systems. They also advocated for shared climate-risk data platforms under the UN’s Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThunderstorms have developed over the Bay of Bengal, parts of South Peninsula, and North-West India, signaling the potential formation of a low-pressure area next week, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The southwest monsoon has begun its withdrawal, having passed through regions including Punjab and Gujarat, but is expected to encounter resistance from incoming rain across Central and North Peninsular India, particularly affecting Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Rainfall is projected to be above normal in Central and Peninsular India, while North-East India may see below-normal levels. A late-season low-pressure area, influenced by remnants of tropical depression Mitag, is anticipated to develop over the Bay of Bengal, potentially leading to heavy rainfall in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of West Bengal and Sikkim. Isolated heavy rain is also forecast for various regions in North-West India and the South Peninsula until the weekend.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian pharmaceutical industry anticipates moderate growth of 7-9% in the current financial year (FY 2026), despite regulatory uncertainties and tariffs affecting exports to the US, its largest market. Ratings agency ICRA projects that domestic sales will drive 8-10% of this growth, while the US market is expected to slow to 3-5% growth, down from nearly 10% in FY 2025. Operating profit margins are expected to remain stable at 24-25%, supported by favorable raw material prices and a shift towards specialty products. However, the outlook for the US market is cautious due to price erosion and regulatory scrutiny from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), which poses risks such as delayed product launches and increased costs. In contrast, European revenues are projected to grow by 10-12%, bolstered by new drug launches. Overall, the industry is navigating a complex landscape marked by both opportunities and challenges.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI) is set to host BASAI 2025, a two-day conference in New Delhi on September 22-23, focusing on "Biologicals for sustainable agriculture -- A climate resilient approach." The event aims to showcase how bio-stimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides can provide effective, science-based solutions for sustainable farming practices. Key stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, will convene to discuss the future of climate-smart agriculture in India. Vipin Saini, CEO of BASAI, emphasized the conference's goal of equipping farmers with sustainable solutions beneficial for both their livelihoods and the environment. The inaugural session will feature prominent government officials and industry experts, while key themes will include residue-free food, women's leadership in agri-biologicals, and fertilizer use efficiency. A dedicated exhibition will also highlight the latest innovations in the sector.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's sugarcane production is projected to reach approximately 487 million tonnes (mt) in the 2025-26 season, an 8% increase from the 450.12 mt expected in 2024-25, driven by favorable crop conditions and a yield of 85 tonnes per hectare across 57.31 lakh hectares. B B Thombare, president of the Western India Sugar Mills Association, noted that current conditions are promising, with adequate irrigation and potential winter rainfall. Maharashtra and Karnataka are expected to bolster production, compensating for a decline in Uttar Pradesh, where sugar output fell below domestic consumption. The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association anticipates a rise in gross sugar production to 34.90 mt, urging the government to permit 2 mt of sugar exports and allocate 5 mt for ethanol diversion. Despite challenges such as pest concerns and waterlogging, the sector remains optimistic, with a robust carryover stock expected to mitigate any supply issues.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 2 pm
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