eznews.inIndia has been re-elected to the Executive Committee for the Asia region at the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), a decision made unanimously by global members. This reappointment solidifies India's leadership role in representing the technical and trade interests of the Asian continent until CAC50 in 2027. The Indian delegation, led by Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, comprised senior officials from various government bodies, including the Union Ministries of Health and Commerce, the Spices Board, and the Marine Products Export Development Authority, among others. This collaborative effort underscores India's commitment to enhancing food safety standards and trade practices in the region. The announcement was published on November 18, 2025. 
Published: Nov 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the US are focused on achieving a "fair, equitable, and balanced" deal, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The US is seeking greater market access for dairy and genetically modified agricultural products, while India aims to roll back the US's 50% tariffs on its goods. Goyal emphasized the need to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including farmers and small industries, before finalizing the agreement. Despite challenges, including the US's imposition of reciprocal tariffs due to India's oil purchases from Russia, Goyal reassured that the relationship remains strong. The US has indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs as India decreases its Russian oil imports. Both sides are refining their offers, with hopes of reaching a consensus that benefits both economies.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Centre has returned the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, citing that both cities fall short of the required population threshold of two million as per the 2011 census. Coimbatore's population stands at approximately 1.58 million, while Madurai has around 1.5 million residents. The Centre has advised the state government to explore alternative urban transport solutions, such as bus systems and Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), which may be more suitable for these cities. The combined DPR for both projects, submitted in 2024, proposed a 31.9-km metro line in Madurai at an estimated cost of ₹11,300 crore and a 34.5-km line in Coimbatore for ₹10,700 crore. The communication emphasized the need for careful planning of cost-intensive metro projects to ensure long-term sustainability.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inEscorts Kubota Ltd. is set to commence construction of a greenfield project in Uttar Pradesh by the next fiscal year, with land acquisition nearing completion, according to CFO Bharat Madan. The company has secured 175 acres of the targeted 190 acres, with the remaining 15 acres expected to be finalized by March, aided by a 75% state subsidy. Originally planned for Rajasthan, the project was relocated due to water requirements. The investment, estimated between ₹2,500 crore and ₹4,500 crore, aims to create around 4,000 jobs, with commercial production anticipated by 2028-29. During a recent launch in Chennai, the company unveiled its new ride-on rice transplanters, designed for efficiency and comfort, which are expected to enhance productivity in seven key states. Madan also projected a 15% revenue growth this fiscal year, targeting sales of 1.7 lakh tractors over the next four years, as mechanisation in Indian agriculture continues to rise.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inMaharashtra has made significant strides towards promoting natural and residue-free farming by hosting a high-level State Consultation, which convened policymakers, scientists, farmers, certification bodies, and market stakeholders. This initiative, part of the Hon. Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) Project, aims to develop a cohesive strategy for sustainable agriculture across the state. The consultation focused on enhancing ecological farming practices, ensuring market access, and improving soil and water health through targeted interventions. Key policy priorities include establishing a robust certification and residue-testing system, strengthening institutional capacities, and integrating natural farming into educational curricula. Suraj Mandhare, Commissioner of Agriculture, highlighted the necessity for structural reforms, tailored agri-finance, and dedicated market zones to facilitate long-term impact. Experts like Parashram Patil stressed the importance of addressing existing gaps in evaluations and supply chains to unlock Maharashtra's potential in natural farming.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 6 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall has been reported across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with significant downpours recorded in various locations, including Vedaranniyam (16 cm) and Oothu (14 cm), as a low-pressure area moves from the southwest Bay of Bengal towards the Comorin region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that rain-bearing winds have been affecting Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Sri Lanka, with the low-pressure system expected to shift west-northwest into Lakshadweep waters. While the intensity of rainfall is anticipated to ease on Wednesday, the IMD forecasts continued rain across Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala, with isolated showers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Additionally, a new low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast Bay by Saturday, potentially leading to further rainfall across the region in the coming days.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn Maharashtra, 170 sugar mills have commenced crushing operations, but 22 mills—comprising 10 private and 12 cooperative—have been denied licences by the Sugar Commissioner’s office due to non-compliance with essential regulations. The state government mandated that mills must settle last season's Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) dues to farmers, contribute to the Sugarcane Cutter Welfare Board, and deposit funds into the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund before receiving operational approval. The denied mills are spread across various districts, including Solapur and Pune. Millers express concern over the high sugarcane production this season, estimating 1,200 lakh tonnes available for crushing, significantly more than last year's 850 lakh tonnes. Protests led by Raju Shetti are demanding higher FRP payments to offset rising costs. Meanwhile, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories highlights the financial strain on mills due to unchanged Minimum Selling Prices for sugar, complicating the industry's challenges.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inFlying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Government to establish a 500-acre Autonomous Combat Aircraft Manufacturing and Testing Facility, backed by an investment of ₹1,169 crore. This initiative, set to create over 1,000 jobs—800 direct and 200 indirect—will position the facility as India's first full-spectrum hub for autonomous combat aircraft, facilitating end-to-end research, design, assembly, and testing. Suhas Tejaskanda, FWDA's Founder and CEO, emphasized the partnership's potential to foster a skilled workforce and a robust ecosystem of suppliers and academic collaborations. The project aligns with recent defence reforms aimed at enhancing Government-Private partnerships, reinforcing India's capabilities in AI-led defence systems and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. This development marks a significant step towards achieving technological self-reliance in the defence sector, further establishing Andhra Pradesh as a strategic manufacturing centre.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost to India's textile sector, the government has approved 17 new applicants under the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, as announced by the Textile Ministry. These firms are set to invest ₹2,374 crore, with projections to generate over 22,600 jobs and achieve sales of approximately ₹12,893 crore. The PLI Scheme, initiated on September 24, 2021, aims to enhance domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness in Man-Made Fibre (MMF) apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles. With a total outlay of ₹10,683 crore, the scheme has already approved 74 applicants in its first two rounds. Recent amendments to the scheme have been made to encourage greater industry participation, and the online application portal will remain open for new submissions until December 31, 2025. This initiative is expected to significantly bolster India's textile manufacturing capacity and employment landscape.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Tuesday that Russia is set to approve nearly 25 fishery units in India, enabling them to export seafood to the Russian market. This development follows the European Union's recent approval of 102 additional marine product units from India for export. Goyal emphasized the importance of diversifying India's shrimp and fish exports, particularly in light of a significant 50% tariff imposed by the United States, which has adversely affected the sector. In the fiscal year 2024-25, India's shrimp exports reached USD 4.88 billion, constituting 66% of total seafood exports. Additionally, Goyal expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU, stating that he is confident an understanding can be reached in the coming months, pending resolution of some final issues.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 4 pm
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