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Starbucks has launched a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) in collaboration with Tata Starbucks to enhance coffee farming practices in India. The initiative aims to connect local farmers and agronomists with global best practices, targeting the empowerment of 10,000 farmers by 2030. Based in Karnataka, the FSP will leverage Tata's local expertise and Starbucks' agronomy knowledge to support farmers across key coffee-growing states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The partnership will establish model farms to test sustainable solutions and improve coffee quality and productivity. Additionally, Tata Starbucks plans to donate one million high-yield Arabica seedlings over the next five years. This initiative aligns with Starbucks' commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, as highlighted by CEO Brian Niccol during his recent visit to India, where the company also celebrated the opening of its 500th coffeehouse, marking a significant milestone in its growth within the Indian market. 
Published: Nov 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe United States has announced significant tariff exemptions on over 200 agricultural products, including beef, coffee, bananas, and nuts, as part of a landmark trade deal with Switzerland that reduces the effective tariff rate by 0.6 percentage points to 12.8%. While the overall macroeconomic impact on the US is modest, with only a 4 basis point reduction in inflation projected for 2026, the move is expected to reshape trade dynamics, particularly for emerging markets in Asia. India and Brazil are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of near-term tariff reductions, which could alleviate high reciprocal tariff rates affecting exporters of tea, spices, and seafood. The evolving US tariff strategy presents opportunities for other Asian economies as well, with analysts anticipating further exemptions for poultry and fish. Although the US impact is limited, Switzerland's GDP could see a boost, and commodity exporters like South Africa and Chile will benefit from lower tariff rates.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's aluminium manufacturing sector is facing significant challenges due to a surge in imports from surplus nations, prompting the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) to call for a 15% increase in import duties to protect domestic producers. In its recommendations for the 2026-27 Union Budget, FIMI highlighted the need for urgent policy measures to bolster the industry, which is projected to see investments exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore aimed at increasing production capacity to 7.2 million tonnes by 2029-30. Despite this potential growth, nearly 55% of India's aluminium demand is expected to be met through imports by 2025-26, with rising aluminium scrap inflows raising concerns over quality standards. FIMI also urged a reduction in import duties on critical raw materials, citing high production costs exacerbated by taxes and logistics, which hinder the sector's competitiveness despite India's rich bauxite and coal reserves.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSouthern Railway is set to launch India's first intra-zonal coast-to-coast parcel express train, connecting Royapuram in Chennai with Mangaluru Central, enhancing regional parcel mobility. Scheduled to operate weekly on Fridays from Mangaluru and Tuesdays from Chennai, the service promises timely deliveries, benefiting local businesses. The inaugural journey departs Mangaluru on December 12 at 15:10, arriving in Chennai the following day, while the return trip leaves on December 16. The train will consist of ten high-capacity parcel vans and two luggage-cum-brake vans, stopping at key commercial hubs including Salem, Coimbatore, and Kozhikode. A unique feature of this service is the dedicated parcel coaches for each destination, ensuring organized handling and real-time monitoring for efficient logistics. This initiative reflects Southern Railway's commitment to providing reliable and sustainable transportation solutions across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, supporting a diverse range of commodities from perishables to industrial materials.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inOil traders are closely observing India's increasing imports of non-Russian crude ahead of the impending sanctions on major Russian producers Rosneft and Lukoil, set to take effect on November 21. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in oil tanker bookings, with around a dozen vessels chartered to transport crude from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE, a notable increase from just four bookings last month. This surge includes both Very Large Crude Carriers and smaller Suezmax vessels, with further demand anticipated. As Indian refiners, including Reliance Industries, prepare to halt Russian crude deliveries, they are actively seeking alternatives, although current purchases have not yet compensated for the potential loss of over one million barrels per day from Russia. Consequently, freight rates for transporting oil from West Asia to Asia are nearing a five-year high, reflecting the shifting dynamics in the market.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inSatellite imagery on Thursday revealed a significant buildup of clouds over the south-east Bay of Bengal, indicating the potential formation of a new low-pressure area. This follows a persistent low-pressure system over the Lakshadweep Islands and Maldives, which has brought heavy rainfall to the region, with Minicoy recording 7 cm of rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported widespread rain across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala. Over the next three days, the IMD forecasts continued rainfall in these areas as the low-pressure system is expected to move west-northwest and intensify into a depression by Monday. This system may evolve into a tropical storm or cyclone by Wednesday, potentially impacting the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts. Meanwhile, isolated rain is anticipated in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka due to a separate cyclonic circulation off Sri Lanka.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian Rupee is projected to gradually weaken, potentially reaching the psychological threshold of ₹90 per US dollar by March 2026, according to a report from Union Bank of India. The report attributes this trend to both fundamental and technical factors, with expectations of continued depreciation driven by market dynamics. It suggests that the Rupee could strengthen if there are sustained equity inflows or progress in India-US trade negotiations, potentially stabilizing around ₹87.80 per dollar. Conversely, resistance is anticipated near ₹88.80, with a decisive breach possibly pushing the currency towards ₹89.30. The report highlights the influence of geopolitical developments, tariff news, and key global economic indicators on market sentiment. Additionally, supportive factors such as low Brent crude prices and a low October CPI reading may bolster the Rupee, while cautious foreign portfolio flows reflect high domestic equity valuations.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Supreme Court has invalidated significant provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, asserting that the Centre cannot reintroduce clauses previously deemed unconstitutional. A division bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, highlighted that amendments made through the 2021 Ordinance, which included a minimum age requirement of 50 for appointments and a reduced tenure of four years, were arbitrary and undermined judicial independence. Experts warn that the ruling will impact current tribunal members over the age of 62, who will now be unable to continue in their roles, while those appointed before 2021 may benefit from extended tenures. Legal analysts emphasized the importance of maintaining tribunal independence and the necessity for a stable selection process. The Court's decision serves as a stern reminder to the government against circumventing judicial authority through legislative rehashing of previously invalidated provisions.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) is set to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs by inviting private players to manage the Indira Dock berths, a move described as pioneering by Chairperson M Angamuthu. This initiative aims to streamline cargo handling operations, which currently involve multiple agencies, by allowing a single operator to oversee berthing, unloading, and storage. With 22 berths available for bidding, excluding those allocated to the Cochin Shipyard and Indian Coast Guard, the MbPA hopes to attract top industry players. The total cargo handled at Indira Dock in FY25 reached 5.38 million tonnes, predominantly iron and steel. Interested parties have until December 15, 2025, to submit Expressions of Interest, with the tender process expected to conclude by March 31, 2026. This strategy is anticipated to improve resource allocation, reduce vessel idling, and ultimately draw more business to the port.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAfghanistan's Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi is leading a delegation to India to enhance trade and investment ties amid deteriorating relations with Pakistan. The visit aims to explore opportunities in key sectors such as gems and jewellery, dry fruits, FMCG, textiles, logistics, and education, as highlighted by the PHDCCI. This follows India's recent decision to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan by reopening its embassy, signaling a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. Azizi's delegation includes senior officials and business representatives, marking the second high-level visit from the Taliban government in recent weeks. In October, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, who announced plans for six new projects and the donation of 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. The ongoing border clashes with Pakistan have severely impacted Afghanistan's economy and exports, complicating the trade landscape.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 10 pm
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