eznews.inIn rural India, women from remote villages are transforming their lives and communities, thanks to initiatives by PRADAN and various projects. These women are not only generating income but also fostering dignity and stability within their households. Notable figures include Rameswari Rajwade from Chhattisgarh, who evolved from a marginal farmer to a multi-crop entrepreneur, significantly increasing her family's income; Shanti Badanayak from Odisha, who has become a mushroom production leader, empowering other women; and Rama Guntha, also from Odisha, who has enhanced her potato farming through cooperative support, earning her the title of 'Potato Woman.' Manjula Gidhi from Jharkhand has turned her vegetable farming into a profitable venture, enabling her to build a new home. These stories reflect a broader movement of female empowerment in rural India, showcasing how access to resources and training can uplift entire communities. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's automobile exports surged by 26% year-on-year in the September quarter, reaching a record 1.68 million units, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This growth was propelled by significant increases in passenger vehicle shipments, which rose 23% to 241,554 units, including a 20.5% rise in passenger car exports to 125,513 units. Utility vehicle exports also saw a notable 26% increase, while van exports jumped 39%. Two-wheeler exports climbed 25% to nearly 1.3 million units, with motorcycles up 27% and scooters rising 12%. Three-wheeler exports experienced a remarkable 51% growth, totaling 123,480 units. Commercial vehicle exports increased by 22% to 24,011 units. SIAM President Shailesh Chandra highlighted that this robust growth across all segments reflects the increasing global acceptance of Indian-made vehicles. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced an extension for the filing of monthly GSTR-3B returns, moving the deadline from October 20 to October 25. This change applies to both monthly and quarterly filers, with quarterly returns due on the 22nd and 24th of the month following the relevant quarter. While the CBIC did not specify the reasons for the extension, it is widely believed to be in consideration of the upcoming festive season, aimed at easing compliance for taxpayers. Form GSTR-3B is a crucial summary return that allows taxpayers to declare their GST liabilities for a specific period, and it is mandatory for all normal and casual taxpayers, regardless of business activity during that period. The form is auto-populated based on data from suppliers' GSTR-1 and the system-generated GSTR-2B. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia faces a paradox as one of the world's largest food producers while simultaneously housing the highest number of undernourished individuals. Despite a decline in undernourishment in southern Asia, with figures dropping from 295 million to 250 million between 2020 and 2024, the UNEP Food Waste Index reveals that India wastes nearly 78 million tonnes of food annually. This wastage, costing ₹1.5 lakh crore each year, exacerbates malnutrition and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Experts advocate for a unified national policy to reduce food loss and wastage, which would harmonize existing initiatives and align with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to halve global food waste by 2030. Such a policy could enhance food system efficiency, bolster farmer incomes, and improve nutritional outcomes, ultimately positioning India as a leader in sustainable food practices. As World Food Day 2025 highlighted, collaborative efforts are essential for creating a resilient and equitable food system. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural evolution is a remarkable success story, transforming from a nation grappling with food shortages in the mid-20th century to a global food production leader. As it embarks on a "Brown Revolution," the focus shifts to enhancing soil health, which is crucial for nutrition security, climate stability, and farmer prosperity. Healthy soils, rich in micronutrients like zinc, iron, and boron, can significantly boost crop yields and nutritional quality, benefiting public health. Despite high fertilizer usage in key states, nitrogen deficiencies remain prevalent, highlighting the need for optimized nutrient management through the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework. Innovations such as AI-driven soil mapping and "phygital" advisory models are empowering farmers with precise, actionable insights. Government initiatives, including Digital Soil Health Cards and balanced nutrient subsidies, are further catalyzing this transformation. By prioritizing soil health, India aims to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and a healthier population, paving the way for a prosperous future. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inUnseasonal rains earlier this year devastated crops in Maharashtra, while apple farmers in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and paddy farmers in Punjab faced similar challenges due to erratic weather patterns, highlighting the unpredictable nature of agriculture amid climate change. The United Nations identifies climate change as a critical threat to food security, with pests causing 20-40% of global crop losses annually. As extreme weather events become more frequent, farmers are increasingly vulnerable to both climate and pest-related disruptions. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics offer a solution, enabling farmers to anticipate threats and make informed decisions. By utilizing machine learning models for pest forecasting and hyperlocal weather insights, farmers can transition from reactive to proactive strategies, ultimately enhancing resilience. Despite challenges such as data gaps and accessibility for smallholders, AI-driven foresight could revolutionize farming, making resilience essential for survival in a changing climate. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inOn Dhanteras, a significant surge in consumer spending was reported across India, with total sales surpassing ₹1 lakh crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Traditional purchases included gold, silver, utensils, kitchenware, vehicles, and electronic goods, all deemed symbols of prosperity. Notably, gold and silver sales alone reached ₹60,000 crore, with Delhi's bullion markets seeing a 25% increase from last year, amounting to over ₹10,000 crore. Despite rising prices, consumers continued to invest in these precious metals, favoring lightweight jewellery, particularly among younger buyers. CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal attributed the festive trade boom to reduced GST rates and a growing preference for locally made products, reflecting the impact of Prime Minister Modi's "Swadeshi Aapnao" campaign. The festive season saw remarkable enthusiasm across various markets, including traditional bazaars and local retail shops, marking a 15-18% increase in sales compared to the previous year. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost to India's defence capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the flagging off of the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Aerospace unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. During the ceremony, Singh asserted that "every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos," highlighting the missile's strategic importance. The Lucknow facility, built at a cost of ₹380 crore, aims to produce around 100 missile systems annually, generating an estimated turnover of ₹3,000 crore. Singh emphasized the need for indigenous technology development to secure India's defence supply chains, urging the empowerment of small industries to reduce foreign dependencies. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the initiative as a symbol of self-reliance, noting that over 15,000 jobs have been created in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor. The event also included the inauguration of a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant, further enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThis festive season, online shopping platforms like Amazon and BigBasket are experiencing a surge in demand for gold, silver, and fine jewellery as consumers prepare for Diwali and Dhanteras. Amazon has reported a staggering 96% year-on-year increase in gold jewellery sales, with popular brands such as CaratLane and Malabar Gold & Diamonds leading the charge. The platform now boasts over 500,000 jewellery styles, making it the largest online destination for fine jewellery. Siddharth Bhagat, Director of Amazon Fashion and Beauty, noted a significant rise in affordable fine jewellery, with 14K daily-wear pieces seeing a 50% increase in demand. Meanwhile, BigBasket has also seen impressive growth, with gold coin sales up 146% and silver coins up 234% compared to last year. Both companies are leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, reflecting a broader trend towards online festive shopping in India. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMangaluru International Airport reported a significant increase in passenger traffic, handling 1.24 million passengers in the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from 1.12 million in the same period last year, marking a growth of 10.95%. The airport experienced a remarkable 22.10% rise in international passenger traffic, with 0.41 million international travelers compared to 0.33 million previously, while domestic traffic grew by 6.16%, reaching 0.83 million. Notably, the airport recorded its highest single-day traffic on October 1, 2025, with 8,168 passengers. Operationally, the airport facilitated 9,245 air traffic movements, a 16.20% increase, with international movements rising by 14.32% and domestic by 17.70%. Popular destinations during the Dasara holiday included Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Dubai. Despite global disruptions, Mangaluru International Airport maintained its status as Karnataka's second busiest airport, according to a media statement released on October 18, 2025. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 6 pm
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