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US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a trade deal with India is not yet finalised, highlighting that India imposes some of the highest tariffs globally. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the possibility of India facing increased US tariffs of 20-25 percent. He described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend and claimed credit for mediating peace between India and Pakistan. Trump reiterated that India has historically charged high tariffs, stating, "you just can't do that" under his administration. A US delegation is set to visit India on August 25 for further negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement, with both nations aiming to resolve differences before the August 1 deadline, which marks the end of a suspension period for tariffs imposed by the US. The fifth round of talks concluded last week in Washington, as the US seeks to negotiate trade deals with multiple countries. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 9 ameznews.inKerala Agricultural University (KAU) has successfully trialed drone-based seed sowing in the waterlogged paddy fields of Kumbalangi, marking a significant advancement in modern agriculture. Supported by World Bank funding, this initiative addresses the challenges posed by mud and waterlogging in Pokkali fields, traditionally a labour-intensive process. The trial involved a drone capable of dispersing up to 10 kg of germinated seeds, completing the sowing of one acre in just 20 to 25 minutes, while ensuring uniform seed distribution and saving up to 10 kg of seeds per acre. This collaboration with the State Agriculture Department and Fuselage Innovation aims to reduce the physical burden on farmers and enhance sustainable rice cultivation in Kerala. The success of this project highlights the potential of drone technology to revolutionise paddy farming, particularly in regions constrained by challenging environmental conditions.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Reserve Bank of India projects the country's economy will grow by 6.5% in the current fiscal year, despite potential challenges from a 25% tariff on Indian goods announced by US President Donald Trump, which could reduce GDP growth by 30 basis points. Barclays noted that while the tariff will raise the average US import tariff on Indian products to 20.6%, the impact on India's domestic demand-driven economy is expected to be minimal. Key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and textiles may face challenges, particularly regarding market access in agriculture. India is actively diversifying its trade relationships, having recently signed free trade agreements with the US and EFTA, and is negotiating with other regions. The Indian rupee has weakened against the dollar, but Barclays believes it is oversold and anticipates a stabilization as trade negotiations progress.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inNomura has revised its GDP growth forecast for India for FY26, predicting a 0.2 percentage point downside to 6.2% due to the US imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports starting August 1. This tariff is expected to pressure exporters, prompting the Indian government to consider support packages for small and medium enterprises, although the fiscal deficit target is likely to remain intact. The tariff situation may also increase the likelihood of monetary policy easing, with economists forecasting a 25 basis points cut in interest rates in October and December, potentially lowering the terminal rate to 5% by the end of 2025. Despite the immediate challenges, Nomura anticipates that India will benefit from the US's "China plus one" strategy in the medium term, as the country seeks to diversify its export markets amid heightened tariff pressures.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a nonprofit comprising over 100 climate-tech leaders, has unveiled the ‘Climate-Tech Opportunity Map’, aimed at identifying startup-ready ideas to significantly reduce carbon emissions in India. The initiative highlights 25 key challenges, selected through emissions mapping and expert insights, focusing on areas of large-scale climate relevance and underserved markets. Designed to inspire early-stage entrepreneurs, the map is part of SusMafia’s SusVentures program, which supports climate founders in transforming ideas into actionable solutions. Co-founders Aneesa Patel, Arjun P Gupta, and Aditya Bhat emphasize the importance of backing innovative climate builders and facilitating their market entry through a robust network of mentors and investors. The map, co-authored by Bharti Singhla and Paridhi Mishra, targets high-impact sectors like energy, agriculture, and water, addressing urgent climate challenges while connecting aspiring founders with essential resources and insights.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 25% additional import duty, along with an unspecified penalty, on goods imported from India, effective August 1. This move targets India's purchases of crude oil and military equipment from Russia and comes as a surprise amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. The new tariffs will be layered on top of existing duties, which include a 10% tariff on all goods and a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum. The US alleges a significant trade deficit with India, citing high tariffs imposed by New Delhi on American products. In 2024-25, bilateral trade reached $186 billion, with India enjoying a trade surplus of $41 billion. The tariffs are expected to impact Indian exports, particularly in labor-intensive sectors like garments and jewelry, as they will make goods more expensive in the US market.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inPunjab National Bank's Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Chandra, has assured that lower guidance for deposit growth will not hinder credit growth this fiscal year, despite a projected deposit increase of only 9-10%. He noted that the bank's credit growth is expected to reach 11-12%, supported by a current credit-deposit ratio of 71.24%, indicating ample room for lending. Chandra attributed a 48.7% drop in net profit to a recalibration of Deferred Tax Assets following the bank's transition to a new tax regime, while operating profit reached an all-time high due to a robust treasury book and increased processing fees. The bank has also seen a 51.4% rise in slippage in the MSME segment, primarily from loans under ₹10 lakh, prompting a shift to a fully digital loan process for amounts up to ₹25 lakh. Additionally, the removal of penalties for non-maintenance of minimum balances is expected to be offset by growth in the savings account segment.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports starting August 1, a move expected to significantly impact various sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and auto components. Trump criticized India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers, while also hinting at further penalties related to India's energy purchases from Russia. This decision undermines India's hopes for preferential trade treatment, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Washington. Approximately 10% of India's exports could be affected, with the gems and jewelry sector particularly vulnerable, as the US accounts for over $10 billion in exports from this industry. The pharmaceutical sector, which supplies a significant portion of US prescriptions, and the textiles industry, which serves major US retailers, are also likely to face challenges. Additionally, Indian refiners could see profit margins squeezed due to rising costs if Russian oil imports are impacted.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's oil imports from Russia reached approximately 1.63 million barrels per day last year, accounting for over a third of its total imports. However, Indian refiners are now facing increased pressure from the US and EU, which are intensifying efforts to curb Russian energy flows. This shift follows criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding India's purchases of Russian energy and weapons, coinciding with a proposed 25% tariff on Indian exports. In response, state-owned refiners are urgently seeking alternative crude sources, issuing tenders for prompt deliveries, a departure from their usual mid-to-late October schedules. Bharat Petroleum has also turned to Middle Eastern and West African crude. The EU's impending ban on diesel imports made from Russian crude further complicates matters, leaving Indian processors seeking clarity from the government on how these geopolitical developments will impact their operations amid rising prices and diminishing Russian supplies.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a provocative social media post, US President Donald Trump criticized India's relationship with Russia, stating, "I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care." This remark came shortly after he announced a significant 25% tariff on imports from India, highlighting ongoing tensions over trade policies. Trump further expressed frustration with India's high tariffs, which he described as among the highest globally, asserting that the US has conducted minimal business with the country. His comments reflect a broader discontent with India's economic practices and its geopolitical alliances, particularly with Russia, as the US continues to navigate complex international trade relationships. The remarks underscore the challenges facing US-India relations amid rising protectionism and strategic realignments.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Finance Ministry has announced a concessional fee rate of 0.1% for government guarantees on borrowings by the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) from multilateral institutions and foreign entities. This rate may be further reduced for specific government-mandated borrowings, contingent on a request from NaBFID detailing the borrowing specifics. The guarantee fee is payable upon securing the guarantee and annually thereafter. Established in April 2021, NaBFID aims to enhance India's infrastructure financing landscape and has recently received credit ratings of Baa3 from Moody’s and BBB- from Fitch, both aligning with India's sovereign rating. These ratings reflect NaBFID's strong financial position and governance, positioning it to attract offshore funding on favorable terms. Managing Director Rajkiran Rai G. emphasized that these ratings validate the institution's strategic vision and its critical role in India's infrastructure development.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 9 am
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