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The United States is poised to advocate for significant reforms in India's trade policies, as outlined in a proposed bilateral trade agreement, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Key demands from the US include reductions in India's minimum price support programs for staple crops, the removal of restrictions on genetically modified imports, and lower tariffs in the agricultural sector. In dairy, US officials argue that India's GM-free feed certification effectively blocks American imports. Additionally, the US seeks to ease restrictions on foreign retail giants like Amazon and Walmart, which face challenges due to India's regulations aimed at protecting local retailers. India, however, views these policies as essential for safeguarding its domestic market and regulatory autonomy. The US also criticizes India's complex licensing requirements for remanufactured goods, which it deems costly and inefficient. As negotiations advance, Washington will continue to press for comprehensive reforms across various sectors. 
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May 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHyFun Foods has launched "Mumbai Aloo Vada," a ready-to-fry Indian burger featuring a spiced potato filling encased in a crispy gram flour coating. The product, first showcased at the International Food and Hospitality Fair - AAHAR, is now available to the HoReCa sector nationwide, with plans for retail distribution soon. In addition, the company is set to introduce a "Spicy Paneer Patty" as part of its expanding product range. HyFun's offerings, including the "HyFun Burger Patty," are now accessible through platforms like Blinkit, JioMart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, as well as major retail outlets. Haresh Karamchandani, Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasized the company's commitment to blending international favorites with authentic Indian cuisine, highlighting the positive reception at AAHAR as evidence of increasing consumer demand for such products.
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May 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inWadhwani AI, a non-profit founded by Indian-American entrepreneurs Romesh and Sunil Wadhwani, has made significant strides in supporting cotton farmers through its National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), which has successfully reduced pesticide use by 20% and increased production by 10-11%. JP Tripathi, Director of Agriculture Programs, highlighted the NPSS's initial focus on combating the American and Pink Bollworm pests using AI-driven solutions like CottonAce, which has been deployed among 21,000 farmers across 11 states. The organization is now expanding its pest management solutions to other crops, including paddy and maize. Additionally, Wadhwani AI manages the Kisan e-Mitra AI Chatbot for the Agriculture Ministry, addressing over 10,000 farmer queries daily regarding government schemes. Tripathi emphasized the importance of creating trustworthy AI solutions to encourage farmer adoption, while also addressing the ongoing challenges posed by pests like the Pink Bollworm.
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May 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's industrial output growth slowed to 2.7% in April, down from 3% in March, primarily due to declines in the mining and electricity sectors, which reported growth rates of -0.2% and 1.1%, respectively. The manufacturing sector fared better, with a 3.4% increase, as 16 of 23 industry groups showed positive growth. However, experts warn that the overall industrial growth remains uneven, with only 11 sub-sectors outpacing the general output growth. Capital goods output surged by 20.3%, but concerns linger over the government's capital expenditure, which contracted by 4% earlier this year. Analysts highlight that global economic uncertainties and weather patterns will significantly influence future growth, with expectations of a potential rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India providing some support. Additionally, daily power generation has dropped 4.1% year-on-year, raising concerns about electricity output in May.
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May 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has experienced nearly three times the normal rainfall since the monsoon arrived on May 24, the earliest onset since 2009, raising hopes for a productive agricultural season. The above-normal precipitation is expected to benefit key crops such as rice, pulses, oilseeds, and millets, crucial for achieving the government's target of 3.5% growth in the agriculture sector. However, experts warn that excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells could adversely affect crop yields. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the overall rainfall for the season will exceed 106% of the long-period average. The monsoon has already covered significant regions, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra, arriving up to 12 days early in some areas. Agricultural specialists emphasize the importance of nutrient management and precision farming to maximize the benefits of this early and abundant rainfall, which could enhance food security following last year's erratic weather patterns.
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May 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025-26, ensuring affordable short-term credit for farmers through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Under this scheme, farmers can access loans of up to ₹3 lakh at a subsidised interest rate of 7%, with an additional 1.5% subvention for eligible lending institutions. Notably, those who repay their loans promptly can benefit from a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of up to 3%, effectively lowering their interest rate to 4%. The scheme also extends interest benefits for loans related to animal husbandry or fisheries up to ₹2 lakh. With over 7.75 crore KCC accounts, the government emphasized that this support is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and financial inclusion for small farmers. Institutional credit disbursement through KCC has surged from ₹4.26 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹10.05 lakh crore by December 2024, reflecting the government's commitment to boosting rural credit and farmers' incomes.
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May 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia, the world's second-largest rice producer with an annual output exceeding 100 million metric tons, plays a crucial role in global rice trade, accounting for approximately 40 percent of it. In a bid to support Indian rice farmers facing challenges from climate change, BASF has introduced two new products: Valexio, an insecticide, and Mibelya, a fungicide. These solutions aim to enhance crop yields by effectively managing rice hoppers, a significant pest, and controlling diseases like sheath blight. Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice-President at BASF Agricultural Solutions, emphasized that Valexio offers exceptional efficacy and long-lasting control against various life stages of rice hoppers, while also promoting better plant health. The introduction of these products comes at a critical time, as erratic weather patterns have led to droughts and increased pest populations, adversely affecting the quality and quantity of rice yields in India.
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May 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a move aimed at supporting farmers, the Indian government has announced an increase in the minimum support prices (MSPs) for kharif crops for the 2025-26 season, with hikes ranging from 1% to 13.9%. This decision, approved by the Union Cabinet on June 19, comes as sowing begins with the early arrival of the monsoon across various regions. The MSP for paddy, a key crop, has been raised by 3% to ₹2,389 per quintal, marking a lower increase compared to last year's 5.4%. The government has already procured over 50.8 million tonnes of rice this season, with a target of 57.06 million tonnes. Officials noted that the modest increase aligns with a policy to reduce paddy cultivation area by 5 million hectares while aiming to boost productivity in states with lower yields. The new rates will take effect when procurement begins in late September.
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May 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's stock market saw a decline on Wednesday, with the SENSEX dropping by 239.31 points to close at 81,312.32, while the NIFTY fell by 73.75 points to settle at 24,752.45. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 72.00 to reach 5,263.00, and both gold and silver experienced gains, with gold increasing by 409.00 to 95,552.00 and silver rising by 374.00 to 97,849.00. Meanwhile, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) reported a slowdown in factory output growth to 2.7% in April, down from 3% in March, primarily due to a decline in the mining sector, which contracted by 0.2%. However, the manufacturing sector showed resilience, with 16 out of 23 industry groups reporting positive growth, led by significant contributions from capital goods, intermediate goods, and consumer durables.
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May 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA new survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that chief economists globally are most optimistic about South Asia's economic prospects, particularly India, which is expected to drive growth with a projected GDP increase of 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026. Despite this optimism, concerns loom over global economic stability due to trade policy shocks and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI). The report highlights that 87% of economists believe current US economic policies will delay business decisions and heighten recession risks. While North America faces weak growth, Asia-Pacific shows resilience, and Europe remains cautiously optimistic. However, challenges persist, including military tensions between India and Pakistan and rising inflation. The survey underscores the need for coordinated responses to uncertainty, with 82% of economists citing high global uncertainty and 86% anticipating increased government borrowing to meet rising defense spending.
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May 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA significant weather system, characterized by thunderstorms, has settled over Visakhapatnam, with a low-pressure area in the north-west Bay of Bengal expected to develop into a depression by Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This system has pushed the northern monsoon limit to several regions, including Mumbai and Agartala. The monsoon shear zone is positioned over parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, indicating potential heavy rainfall. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the northeastern states, including Assam and Meghalaya, over the coming days. Additionally, a western disturbance affecting North-West India may lead to air turbulence and scattered rainfall across several states. Thunder squalls with winds reaching up to 70 km/h are also forecasted, raising concerns about violent weather conditions in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan.
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May 28 2025, 4 pm
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