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India's electronics and manufacturing sector is bracing for short-term challenges following the US's imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, a move that industry stakeholders warn could undermine price competitiveness and disrupt supply chains. Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, noted that the tariff, which exceeds the baseline 10%, diminishes India's competitive edge against other Asian nations. Kunal Chaudhary, a tax partner at EY India, echoed concerns about potential uncertainty for investors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) considering India as an export hub. However, experts see this as an opportunity for India to enhance its competitiveness by diversifying export markets and developing domestic brands. Despite the tariff's impact, India's electronics sector has shown resilience, with projections of significant growth, particularly in smartphone exports, which recently surpassed those of China. The ongoing trade negotiations may yield a favorable resolution in the coming months. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's capital expenditure surged to ₹2.75 lakh crore, accounting for 25% of the FY26 Budget Estimate during the first quarter (Q1) of the fiscal year, according to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). This figure represents a significant increase of over 50% compared to the same period last year, when spending was curtailed due to the Model Code of Conduct during general elections. The Union Budget allocated over ₹11.21 lakh crore for FY26 capital expenditure, with the Department of Telecommunication leading the spending at 34% of its budget. The fiscal deficit for the central government reached 17.9% of the full-year target, amounting to over ₹2.80 lakh crore. Despite a 2% contraction in net tax revenues, non-tax revenues rose by 33%, bolstered by higher-than-expected dividends from the RBI. Economists suggest that the robust capital expenditure could positively influence GDP growth in the upcoming quarter.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn August, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that average minimum temperatures across most of the country will be normal to above normal, with some areas in northwest India experiencing below normal temperatures. The South-West Monsoon has delivered a six per cent surplus rainfall during June and July, totaling 474.3 mm, surpassing the normal of 445.8 mm. While rainfall is expected to be normal to above normal in August and September, certain regions, including parts of Central India and Kerala, may see below normal precipitation. IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that the distribution of rainfall has been generally good, benefiting kharif crop sowing, which is up by five per cent compared to last year. The IMD is also enhancing its rainfall monitoring capabilities, expanding its network of rain gauge stations to over 6,700. Neutral ENSO and IOD conditions are anticipated to persist throughout the monsoon season.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Seafood Exporters Association of India has expressed alarm over the US increasing tariffs on seafood exports from 10% to 25%, alongside existing countervailing duties of 5.77% and anti-dumping measures. The association asserts that exporters will not absorb these costs, instead passing them on to US buyers. K.N. Raghavan, Secretary-General of the association, highlighted the uneven playing field created by these tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding potential additional duties, which complicates trade relations. Analysts predict that the tariff hike could lead to a 15-25% drop in farm gate prices for shrimp, potentially halting shipments to the US temporarily. Despite these challenges, India remains a strong player in the shrimp market, with May exports reaching 78,752 tonnes, just shy of record levels. The association has called for government support to navigate these difficulties while welcoming the recent Free Trade Agreement with the UK as a new opportunity.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet has greenlit four railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹11,169 crore, aimed at enhancing capacity and improving logistics efficiency across six states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Spanning 574 km and set for completion by FY29, these initiatives are projected to increase freight capacity by 96 million tonnes per annum, benefiting key commodities such as coal, cement, and agricultural products. The projects include the Itarsi–Nagpur 4th Line, Aurangabad–Parbhani Doubling, Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri 3rd & 4th Lines, and Dangoaposi–Jaroli 3rd & 4th Lines. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the projects, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are expected to create approximately 2.29 crore man-days of employment and improve connectivity for around 43.6 lakh people in 2,309 villages, while also saving 16 crore litres of fuel annually and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGlobal steel production fell by 2.2% to 934.3 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, primarily due to a 3% decline in output from China, the world's largest producer, which reported 514.8 million tonnes. India was the only major producer to see growth, increasing its output by 9.2% to 80.9 million tonnes. Other notable declines included Japan, down 5% to 40.6 million tonnes, and Germany, which saw an 11.6% drop to 17.1 million tonnes. In June alone, production decreased by 5.8% to 151.4 million tonnes, with China producing 83.2 million tonnes, a 9.2% decrease, while India’s output rose by 13.3% to 13.6 million tonnes. Regionally, Africa's production grew by 3%, while the EU and Russia experienced declines of 8.2% and 8.8%, respectively. The data was released by the World Steel Association on July 31, 2025.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on cashew imports by the Trump administration is unlikely to significantly impact Indian cashew exporters, who currently hold a small share of the US market, according to industry experts. Pankaj N Sampat of Samson Traders noted that shipments to the US are minimal, suggesting that while American consumers may face higher prices for cashews and other imported goods, the overall effect on India's cashew exports will be limited. The US accounts for 18-20 per cent of global cashew consumption, which could influence prices, but the market is expected to adjust over time. Meanwhile, African nations like Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, benefiting from lower tariffs and enhancing their processing capabilities, pose a growing competitive threat to Indian cashews. J Rajmohan Pillai of NutKing emphasized the uncertainty surrounding future tariffs, indicating that predictions remain difficult until more information is available.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is increasingly recognized as a hub for talent, particularly in the tech sector, and remains a significant exporter of services, especially to the United States. Despite US President Donald Trump's recent disparaging remarks, labeling India a "dead economy," analysts argue that such views are misguided. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to project India as the fastest-growing major economy, with growth rates expected at 6.4% for 2025 and 2026, reflecting a positive shift in global economic dynamics towards the Global South. EY India highlights the youthful demographic of India, with a median age of 28.8 years compared to 38.5 in the US and 42.8 in Europe, positioning it as a vibrant contributor to advanced fields like AI and space technology. As developed economies face aging populations, India's robust economic policies and skilled workforce are seen as pivotal for its ambition to become an advanced economy by 2047.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAir India faced another setback on July 31, 2025, when its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, scheduled to fly from Delhi to London, aborted takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. The airline confirmed that the cockpit crew followed standard operating procedures, returning the aircraft to the bay for precautionary checks. An alternative aircraft is being arranged to transport passengers to London as soon as possible, with ground staff providing support to minimize inconvenience. This incident adds to a series of recent operational challenges for Air India, which has come under regulatory scrutiny following a tragic accident on June 12, when a Boeing 787-8 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 260 people. The airline's ongoing issues have raised concerns about its safety protocols and operational reliability.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, have developed a sustainable packaging material derived from agricultural waste, offering a viable alternative to conventional plastic foams. The study, published in *Bioresource Technology Reports*, highlights the creation of mycelium-based biocomposites that exhibit desirable mechanical properties, water resistance, and biodegradability. Assistant Professor Lakshminath Kundanati emphasized the dual impact of this innovation, addressing both plastic pollution—over four million tonnes generated annually in India—and the disposal of 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste. By cultivating specific fungi on these residues, the research not only diverts waste from burning but also aligns with circular economy principles. The team aims to optimize these materials for scalability and extended shelf life, ultimately promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions that could transform the industry and contribute to a healthier environment.
Published: Jul 31 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia is expected to experience average monsoon rainfall in August, following a 5% increase above normal levels in July, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD's director-general, announced during a virtual news conference that September is projected to see above-average rainfall, potentially exceeding 106% of the 50-year average. This forecast is crucial for the country's economy, as monsoon rains play a vital role in agriculture and water supply. The announcement comes as office workers in New Delhi's Connaught Place were recently caught in a sudden downpour, highlighting the ongoing impact of the monsoon season across the region. The weather patterns are being closely monitored as they hold significant implications for various sectors reliant on consistent rainfall. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Published: Jul 31 2025, 4 pm
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