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India's sugar production has surged by 50% in the first two months of the current season, reaching 41.35 lakh tonnes, largely driven by a nearly fourfold increase in output from Maharashtra. Data from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) revealed that 486 lakh tonnes of sugarcane were crushed by November 30, compared to 334 lakh tonnes last year, with an average sugar recovery rate rising to 8.51% from 8.27%. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka accounted for over 94% of the production, with Maharashtra alone expected to produce 110 lakh tonnes this season. Despite this growth, the NFCSF has urged the government to permit an additional 10 lakh tonnes for export to alleviate domestic market pressures and improve sugar prices. The sector also faces uncertainty over the long-awaited revision of the Minimum Selling Price, which NFCSF officials argue needs to be increased to ₹41 per kg to ensure fair revenue for farmers. 
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a recent note, ICRA highlighted that power utilities typically consume coal with a gross calorific value of 3,500-3,800 kcal/kg at pre-GST prices of ₹800-900 per tonne. The recent revision of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to an average price reduction of ₹260 per tonne for coal supplied to the power sector, which is expected to lower generation costs by 17 to 18 paise per kilowatt hour. Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy noted that the changes have rationalised the tax burden across coal grades, correcting an inverted duty structure that previously disadvantaged low-grade coal. The removal of the ₹400 per tonne GST Compensation Cess is anticipated to enhance the competitiveness of domestic coal against imports, supporting the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With around 70% of India's power generation from coal, these reforms are expected to reduce costs for distribution companies by approximately 12 paise per unit.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inForeign direct investment (FDI) in India surged by 18% to USD 35.18 billion during the first half of the fiscal year 2024, with inflows from the United States more than doubling to USD 6.62 billion, according to government data released on Monday. Total FDI, encompassing equity inflows, reinvested earnings, and other capital, reached approximately USD 50 billion, up from USD 42.3 billion in the same period last year. Singapore emerged as the largest source of FDI, contributing USD 11.94 billion, followed by the US and Mauritius. Sector-wise, computer software and hardware attracted the most investment at USD 9 billion. Maharashtra led the states in FDI inflows with USD 10.57 billion. The Indian government has implemented investor-friendly policies and reforms to liberalise FDI norms, allowing 100% overseas investment in various sectors, including coal mining and insurance.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday, revealing that the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) holds less than 5% of its investment exposure in the Adani Group, amounting to over ₹38,600 crore, or 4.1% of its total equity investments valued at ₹9.39 lakh crore as of September 30. Sitharaman clarified that the Finance Ministry does not direct LIC's investment decisions, which are made independently following strict due diligence and compliance with established regulations. She emphasized that LIC's investments are governed by the Insurance Act, 1938, and overseen by various regulatory bodies, including the IRDAI and RBI. Despite a report suggesting government orchestration of LIC's investments in Adani amid scrutiny, Sitharaman maintained that all decisions adhere to standard operating procedures. Notably, LIC's largest equity investments are in Reliance Industries, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's current account deficit (CAD) widened significantly to $12.3 billion in the second quarter of FY26, up from $2.4 billion in the previous quarter, driven by factors including net outflows from foreign portfolio investments and reduced inflows from external commercial borrowings and NRI deposits. However, this figure is an improvement from the $20.8 billion CAD recorded in the same quarter last year. As a percentage of GDP, the CAD rose to 1.3%, compared to 0.2% in Q1FY26, but was lower than 2.2% in Q2FY25. Merchandise trade deficit also decreased to $87.4 billion from $88.5 billion a year ago, while net services receipts increased to $50.9 billion. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that while the CAD is expected to rise due to increased gold imports, it is projected to stabilize at around 1.1-1.2% of GDP for FY26.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTata Motors has solidified its position as the leading player in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, capturing a 41 per cent market share, an increase from 40 per cent in October. However, overall registrations of electric motor cars fell by 23 per cent month-on-month in November, totaling 14,327 units, down from 18,559 in October. Competitors JSW MG and Mahindra Electric experienced slight declines in their market shares, while Vietnam's Vinfast made notable gains, with registrations more than doubling to 287 units. Analysts attribute the October surge in EV sales to festive demand, but November's slowdown is linked to ongoing discounts on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a shortage of rare-earth magnets impacting EV production. The widening price gap between entry-level EVs and ICE vehicles, now at 40 per cent, has further favoured ICE sales, according to Anuj Sethi of Crisil Ratings.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSurachita Agro Producer Company Ltd (SAPCL), based in Maharashtra's Solapur district, has successfully exported its first consignment of 20 tonnes of bananas to Dubai, marking a significant milestone under the state's SMART project. Established in 2019, SAPCL initially focused on dry raisins but pivoted to banana cultivation after assessing market demands. With 350 shareholders and daily harvests of 8-10 tonnes, the company developed a pack-house facility to support its operations. CEO Ratnadeep More highlighted the crucial role of Palladium in securing market linkages and navigating export requirements, which facilitated this shipment in collaboration with Pure Planet India Pvt Ltd. Looking ahead, SAPCL plans to process lower-grade bananas into value-added products like banana powder and vacuum-fried chips, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and expand its network from 6,000 to 40,000 farmers in the coming years, thereby establishing a robust banana value chain in the region.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inFactory output in India experienced a significant slowdown in October, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) reporting a mere 0.4% growth, the lowest in 13 months, down from 4.6% in September. The decline was largely attributed to fewer working days due to major festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath, according to the Statistics Ministry. Sector-wise, manufacturing growth fell to 1.8%, while mining and power production contracted by 1.8% and 6.9%, respectively. For the April-October period of FY26, industrial production growth slowed to 2.7%, down from 4% the previous year. Experts noted that while infrastructure and capital goods showed resilience, the overall slowdown highlighted sectoral imbalances. Economists advised caution in drawing conclusions, suggesting that a more comprehensive assessment should wait until November's data is available, particularly in light of recent GST rate cuts and external economic pressures.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inS. Viswanathan has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA), effective Monday, following the departure of Sunil Paliwal. Paliwal stepped down from his role as Chairperson on November 30 to take on the position of Chairman at the Inland Waterways Authority of India, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The announcement was made in a release from the ChPA. Viswanathan, who previously served as the Deputy Chairperson, will now lead the authority as it navigates the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector. This transition marks a significant shift in leadership for the ChPA, which plays a crucial role in managing one of India's busiest ports.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's industrial output experienced a modest growth of 0.4% year-on-year in October, a significant slowdown from a revised 4.6% increase in September, according to government data released on Monday. Manufacturing output rose by 1.8% in October, down from a revised 5.6% the previous month, while electricity generation plummeted by 6.9%, contrasting with a 3.1% rise in September. Mining activity also declined by 1.8%, compared to a 0.4% drop in the prior month. Notably, consumer durables, including cars and phones, saw a 0.5% decrease, following a robust 10% growth in September. Consumer non-durables fell by 4.4%, while capital goods output increased by 2.4%. The overall industrial output for the April-October period grew by 2.7%, down from 4% a year earlier, reflecting the impact of fewer working days due to major festivals and reduced electricity demand from the extended monsoon.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 4 pm
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