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Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) anticipates the Indian tractor market will achieve high single-digit growth in FY26, following a robust start to the fiscal year. April 2025 saw domestic tractor sales rise by 8% year-on-year to 82,839 units, with a 4% increase from March. This optimism is bolstered by positive monsoon forecasts and strong Kharif crop output, which have enhanced confidence among farmers. M&M's sales climbed to 38,516 units, driven by retail momentum during the Chaitra Navratri festival and favorable crop prices. Sonalika Tractors also reported a 3% sales increase, while Escorts experienced a 4% decline. Total tractor production reached 93,369 units in April, the highest in six months. Despite a slight dip in exports, Escorts Kubota remains optimistic, projecting a 20-25% growth in overseas shipments for FY26, supported by strong domestic demand and government backing. 
Published: May 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the United States played a crucial role in de-escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan by leveraging trade negotiations. During a briefing, Trump stated, "If you stop it, we’re doing trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade," suggesting that this approach prompted both nations to agree to a ceasefire. His comments followed an announcement on Saturday that India and Pakistan had reached a full ceasefire, a claim that India did not officially acknowledge. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the ceasefire decision was made by Pakistan during a military communication on Saturday afternoon. While Trump expressed intentions to increase trade with both countries, he also noted that he had not previously discussed trade specifics with them. The situation highlights ongoing complexities in US diplomatic efforts in South Asia.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUPL has restructured its specialty chemicals division, now named Superform Chemistries Ltd, to capitalize on opportunities in non-agricultural sectors such as lubricants, mining, healthcare, and food and beverage. Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO of UPL, emphasized that this new entity will enable the company to target a market currently valued at approximately ₹10,000 crore, with expectations of growth exceeding 25-30% in the coming years. The Indian chemicals market is projected to reach $850-$1,000 billion by 2040, with specialty chemicals potentially comprising 10-12% of the global market. Superform plans to invest ₹400-500 crore to enhance its operations, leveraging UPL's investments in raw material integration. Raj Tiwari, CEO of Superform, highlighted the company's unique capabilities in complex chemistries, aiming to deliver impactful solutions for customers and contribute positively to the industry.
Published: May 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant development, India revealed on Monday that Pakistan employed Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles during recent hostilities, marking the first acknowledgment of such weaponry in the ongoing conflict. At a press conference in New Delhi, Air Marshal AK Bharti displayed debris from the missiles, asserting that they had missed their targets. The briefing, attended by senior military officials, highlighted India's successful operations against Pakistani terror infrastructure, including the dismantling of nine terrorist camps and key military installations. Bharti noted that Pakistan's J-10C fighter jets, also equipped with PL-15 missiles, were involved in the skirmishes. Additionally, reports indicated the use of Chinese drones for surveillance by terrorist groups. While China condemned India's military actions, it later welcomed the peace understanding reached between the two nations. As tensions remain, Indian forces continue to maintain a heightened state of readiness along the border.
Published: May 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant development in the US-China trade conflict, both nations have agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's goods by 115 percentage points for a 90-day period, following intense negotiations in Geneva. The US will lower its tariffs from 125% to 10%, while China will reciprocate with a similar reduction. This shift poses challenges for India, which had hoped to capture a share of the US market for products like textiles and chemicals. Experts warn that the reduced tariffs could diminish India's competitive edge, as the US is re-engaging with China, potentially undermining India's "China Plus One" strategy. US President Donald Trump indicated that further tariff reductions could occur if China halts Fentanyl trade. As India navigates this evolving landscape, it must actively pursue a bilateral trade agreement with the US to secure preferential access and mitigate the impact of potential future tariffs.
Published: May 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFood perishables are projected to decline less sharply in April compared to March, as changing weather conditions influence prices. Economists anticipate retail inflation to ease to 3.2% in April, marking the lowest level since July 2019, with the official Consumer Price Index (CPI) data set for release on Tuesday. March's inflation rate stood at 3.34%, and a sustained rate below the 4% median could prompt the Monetary Policy Committee to consider a third consecutive cut in the repo rate next month. Radhika Rao from DBS Bank noted that while food prices, particularly vegetables and cereals, have seen significant reductions, concerns remain over rising edible oil prices, which could hinder overall food inflation. Additionally, surging gold and silver prices are expected to influence core inflation, which is projected to remain above 4%.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA high-level delegation from Drydocks World, part of DP World, visited Cochin Shipyard to enhance collaboration aimed at improving India's ship repair and offshore fabrication capabilities. Led by CEO Captain Rado Antolovic, the delegation toured key facilities, including the newly commissioned 310-metre dry dock and the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Kochi. This visit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month in Mumbai, focusing on integrating global best practices into India's maritime sector. Discussions with Cochin Shipyard's senior leadership, including CMD Madhu S Nair, centered on operationalizing the MoU and exploring immediate and long-term opportunities. The partnership aims to develop a world-class ship repair ecosystem, bolster offshore fabrication, and support marine engineering training, aligning with the Government of India's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to establish India as a global maritime hub.
Published: May 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has initiated the digitalisation of the seed production and distribution value chain, aiming for completion before the kharif season of 2026. Currently, 24 states are participating in the SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal, which tracks seeds from breeders to certified products under the oversight of State Seed Certification Agencies (SSCAs). Ajeet Kumar Sahu from the Union Agriculture Ministry highlighted that farmers will soon be able to access detailed information about seeds via QR codes on packets. Maharashtra has already completed its digitalisation, with other states like Assam and Punjab joining in recent seasons. The government plans to make data sharing mandatory through the SATHI portal following amendments to the Seeds Act, 1966, aimed at combating spurious seed sales and safeguarding farmers' interests. Consultations for the draft bill are currently underway, with the Centre seeking feedback from states.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inE-Way Bill (EWB) generation in India reached a record 11.93 crore in April, marking a 23% increase from the previous year, as economic activities picked up. Experts attribute this surge to heightened demand for seasonal goods, improved GST compliance, and enhanced enforcement against tax fraud. Notably, two significant changes implemented on April 1, including Multi-Factor Authentication for e-way bill access and integration with the Indian Railways’ Parcel system, have also contributed to the growth. Despite a typical slowdown in April following March's fiscal year-end rush, businesses appear to be maintaining operations and restocking in anticipation of future demand. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) also rose to a 10-month high of 58.2, reflecting strong manufacturing growth driven by export orders. Analysts suggest that the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy and lower interest rates may further support this economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUPL Ltd has reported a significant profit of ₹896 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, a sharp increase from ₹40 crore in the same period last year, driven by an 11% rise in revenues to ₹15,573 crore. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the company posted a net profit of ₹897 crore, rebounding from a loss of ₹1,200 crore the previous year, with total revenues climbing 8.2% to ₹46,637 crore. This growth was bolstered by strong performance in crop protection, seeds, and specialty chemicals, alongside successful new product launches worth approximately $100 million. UPL's net debt decreased by ₹8,320 crore to ₹13,860 crore, aided by improved cash flows and strategic fundraising. The board announced a 300% dividend, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable value creation. UPL SAS, the Indian arm, also saw a 13% revenue increase, highlighting robust growth in herbicides and strategic crops.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pm
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