India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
Mumbai: Solidaridad Asia, in collaboration with The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) and the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), released a research-backed white paper titled Path to Palm Oil Self-Sufficiency in India. The white paper provides a comprehensive strategy to reduce India's heavy reliance on palm oil imports, boost domestic production, and achieve up to 50% self-sufficiency by 2047, potentially saving trillions of dollars in import costs while enhancing farmer income and environmental sustainability. India, the world's largest importer of palm oil, sourced 8.9 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2023 -- accounting for 21% of the global imports -- while the domestic output met less than 5% of the demand. With the projected vegetable oil demand reaching 66.8 mmt by 2047, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation and growing reliance on processed and packaged foods, the white paper warns of a potential 40 mmt supply gap if production lags. "India's pursuit of self-sufficiency in edible oils is both a national imperative and a collective responsibility. Among vegetable oils, palm oil stands out for its affordability, versatility, and critical role in meeting both nutritional and industrial needs. Yet, domestic production of Palm Oil fulfils only a small fraction of our demand, leaving the nation heavy depend on its import," said Dr B.V. Mehta, Executive Director, SEA. The white paper highlights the potential of palm across critical pathways. Economic resilience: Oil palm is a highly profitable crop, delivering a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.49, compared to 1.03 for rice and 1.13 for cotton. In states like Andhra Pradesh, transitioning from low-return crop cycles, such as rice-rice, rice-maize, and groundnut-based systems to oil palm can boost farmer profits by INR 30,000 to INR 1,50,000 per hectare per year. Multi-sectoral growth: An expanded palm oil value chain is projected to create an additional cumulative output of INR 15 trillion by 2047, creating an estimated 6.9 lakh new employment opportunities per year. These multi-sectoral opportunities hold potential to empower rural households, enhance livelihood security and drive regional economic development. Environmental benefits: Palm oil's high yield per hectare translates into lower emissions per unit of oil compared to soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils. When cultivated on non-peatland areas -- as is the case in India -- emissions are among the lowest globally at 1.44 kg CO₂ per kg of oil, versus 3.45 kg for soybean and 3.32 kg for sunflower. With better land-use planning and the adoption of POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) methane-capture technologies, India can further minimise emissions, positioning palm oil as a climate-smart oilseed option. Food security: Palm oil plays a vital role in food security, particularly in developing economies. Studies from Indonesia and Costa Rica show that switching to oil palm cultivation increased household calorie intake by 13 percent and improved access to nutritious foods. "India's push for palm oil self-sufficiency is not just about economic resilience -- it's a bet on home- grown innovation that can transform rural livelihoods and secure food security for billions," said Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhyay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia. "Beyond farms, the multipliers are vast: a robust domestic palm oil ecosystem could generate an additional INR 15 trillion in output and create nearly 7 lakh new jobs annually. For a country aiming to build resilient supply chains and inclusive growth, this is an opportunity too significant to ignore." To achieve the goal, the white paper suggests a five-point action plan. Target high-potential areas: Expand the coverage of the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) while simultaneously strengthening irrigation infrastructure and providing targeted support for rainfed regions, with a special focus on Northeast India. Repurpose low-return lands: Approximately 16.08 million hectares (mha) of marginal rice- growing areas, identified as suitable for oil palm cultivation, can be utilised to enhance yields and overall returns. Enhance productivity and efficiency in oil palm cultivation: A focused strategy is required to improve yields from the current 2.4 metric tonnes/hectare to 4-5 metric tonnes per hectare through the adoption of high-quality planting material, improved agronomic practices and timely access to critical inputs. Create an enabling ecosystem for oil palm cultivation: Strategic investments in rural road connectivity, FFB collection systems, and processing facilities are required, particularly in the Northeastern states where infrastructure gaps remain a major constraint. Catalyse private sector partnerships: In India, private players already play a pivotal role -- owning 69 of the country's 82 seed nurseries and operating 26 of the 32 processing mills. Strengthening public-private partnerships under NMEO-OP, enabling investments in new nurseries, expanding processing capacity and supporting technology transfer can significantly boost production while improving market access for farmers. Speaking at the launch event, APOA chairperson Atul Chaturvedi said: "A self-reliant India is critical for the development of the region. The white paper illustrates strong evidence of south-south cooperation, especially on key learnings from Indonesia and Malaysia on predictable returns and inclusive growth for palm smallholders." Among the key recommendations of the white paper are: Strengthen research via regional Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) centers, Embed the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework into the NMEO-OP to mandate responsible production practices, traceability and certification, Adopt regenerative agriculture and integration of similar certification and practice-based models in India to help improve soil health, strengthen ecosystem services, build climate resilience and secure long-term crop profitability while contributing to the social and economic well-being of farming communities and workers, Encourage public-private partnerships to accelerate investments in nurseries, mills, and Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for training, input distribution, and mechanisation services The successful integration of smallholder farmers into value chains is critical. Prioritise access to affordable credit, secure land rights and dedicated advisory services. About Solidaridad Asia: Solidaridad Asia is the regional entity of Solidaridad Network, an international civil society organisation working to build sustainable, resource-efficient and inclusive supply chains. It supports market-oriented solutions for sustainable sourcing, with programmes that combine traceability, smallholder support and responsible business practices. About SEA: The Solvent Extractors' Association of India formed in 1963 represents the solvent extraction industry as well as the premier vegetable oil associations, with a wide membership comprising processors of soybean, rice bran and other oilseeds. About APOA: APOA is the apex alliance of vegetable-oil associations from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It operates under the umbrella of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India and hosts its secretariat at SEA's Mumbai office. APOA advances coordinated, sustainable and efficient palm oil trade across Asia.
New Delhi [India], December 2: The IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2024 commenced today in New Delhi, convening over 400 visionaries, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to chart a transformative path for India's green economy. The Summit is dedicated to aligning India's climate goals with its trillion-dollar economic aspirations for a 'Viksit Bharat,' spotlighting high-impact investment opportunities, addressing funding gaps, and driving actionable solutions for net-zero and climate adaptation. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee Says West Bengal Yet To Get INR 14,000 Crore From Centre for Supply of ...Read More >
Air India launched a Black Friday Sale with discounts up to 20% on domestic flights and up to 12% on international flights to various destinations. The sale is available through the airline's website and mobile apps. Additional savings are possible with waived convenience fees and specific payment methods. The airline continues offering student and senior citizen discounts.Air India on Friday launched a limited-time Black Friday Sale offering discounts of up to 20 per cent off base fares for domestic flights within India. The Tata-owned airlines will also offer up to 12 per cent off base fares ...Read More >
Air India is also offering additional discounts through various payment offers, so you can enjoy even more savings. Air India has launched its limited-time Black Friday Sale, offering up to 20 percent off base fares for domestic flights and up to 12 percent off on international flights to destinations like the United States, Europe (including the UK), Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The sale is available exclusively on Air India's official website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The sale runs from 00:01 IST on 29 November 2024 to 23:59 IST on 2 December 2024. The travel peri ...Read More >
Mumbai : Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India today unveiled and launched its much-awaited all-new 3 Generation Honda Amaze. This marks the global debut of the new generation Amaze in India, a key market for Honda globally and the first country to launch the new model. The all-new Amaze will be available at an introductory price range of Rs 7,99,900 - Rs. 10,89,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi); valid till 45 days from launch. The stylish and premium compact sedan has been designed to offer an OUTCLASS and delightful sedan experience that meets the aspirations ...Read More >
SOLAPUR, India (Reuters) - India is likely to produce a record amount of sugar in the next marketing year from October after millions of farmers expanded cane cultivation, encouraged by ample water supplies and declining prices of competing crops, farmers and industry officials told Reuters. The rebound in production would allow the world's second-largest sugar producer to resume exports in 2025/26, they said, after a lack of rain cut cane yields and led to two years of restrictions. Indian exports could cap global sugar prices, traders said, by increasing supplies in the world market at a t ...Read More >
Hong Kong, December 3, (ANI): Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, i ...Read More >
Hong Kong: Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, interviewed by Radio ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD and Congress MLAs Tuesday staged a walkout from the Odisha assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of failing to control prices of essential commodities and resolve the potato crisis in the state. The issues were debated in the House over the admissibility of an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on price rise of vegetables, pulses, edible oil and fuel. The opposition members took exception to comments made by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra that adverse climate conditions, rates in international and domestic markets, and less production by ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. WHO's Regional Director, Saima Wazed, stressed that empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors is essential to addressing the barriers they face, particularly in healthcare and during humanitarian crises. Also Read | South Korea Unrest: Martial Law Troops Enter Nat ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Bigg Boss 18: Shilpa Shirodkar is termed 'biggest backstabber' after Vivian Dsena... Deepak Kalal fights with passenger in flight? Know the truth behind viral video Delhi court fixes Nov 28 for hearing former CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea over sanction copy in... Where will the Champions Trophy 2025 be played? ICC to take final call on THIS date Amid divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan recalls telling Amitabh Bachchan he made 'big mistake' by... Deepinder Goyal's Zomato opens Rs 8500 crore QIP share sale, sets floor price at Rs... Delhi Capitals co-owner pens emotional fare ...Read More >
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close The rupee fell 2 paise to trade at 84.49 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Friday (November 29, 2024) dragged down by significant foreign fund outflows and month-end dollar demand from importers. Forex traders said the rupee remains in a weakening mode due to dollar demand from importers and foreign banks. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close. On ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
The escalating conflict could upset a hard-fought consensus that G20 negotiators reached around 5 a.m. on Sunday, after an overnight push to ready the joint statement for final review by leaders arriving in Rio. That preliminary consensus after six days of negotiations included streamlined language about global conflicts including the war in Ukraine, focusing on the need to negotiate peace rather than criticism of any participants. However, sources said even that "simpler" consensus may now be up for reconsideration following the Russian air strike and the prospect of further escalation. Un ...Read More >
Hackout at ZLB23 November 29, 8 pm onwards ZLB23, A Kyoto Speakeasy at The Leela Palace, Old Airport Road Entry: Reservations via +91 9632060433 HackOut! is an Italian experimental jazz trio, who are "bass-less" in that they experiment without that low-end. Established in 2019 at the F Venezze Conservatory of Rovigo, HackOut! comprises Manuel Caliumi on alto sax, Luca Zennaro on guitar and Riccardo Cocetti on drums. Hackout | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement On the back of releasing their new album Cortado, the band are touring India for the first time, with a stop in Bengaluru at ZLB23 ...Read More >
Dharwad: Joint director of agriculture Manjunath Antarvalli has called upon the farmers to grow millets and supply quality food items to the domestic market. Speaking after flagging off 'Walk for Millet' organised by the agriculture department in Dharwad on Thursday, he said the farmers growing millets should be encouraged in all possible ways. "Popularly known as superfoods, the millets which are little wonders have been the most sought-after food post-pandemic. High in nutritional values, the ...Read More >
Mumbai, November 29: The Indian stock market opened in green on Friday as buying was seen in the Media and Pharma sector in early trade. At around 09.44 a.m., the Sensex was trading at 79,369.57 after gaining 325.83 points or 0.41 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,019 after rising 104.85 points or 0.44 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1345 stocks were trading in the green, while 876 stocks were in the red. Nifty Bank was up 224.45 points or 0.43 per cent at 52,131.30. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 56,397.95 after gaining 97. ...Read More >
Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied for the third straight session on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) amid buying in blue-chip stocks like HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and firm trends in global markets. The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 597.67 points or 0.74% to settle at 80,845.75. During the day, it surged 701.02 points or 0.87% to 80,949.10. The NSE Nifty went up by 181.10 points or 0.75% to 24,457.15. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Adani Ports surged nearly 6%. NTPC, Axis Bank, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries were ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 to expand the definition of mineral oils and include petroleum and natural gas passed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The bill was introduced by Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri for consideration and passing. The Bill will regulate the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum. The amended bill expands the definition of mineral oils to include petroleum and natural gas in it. Also Read | Pune: Doctors Perform Rare Laser Surgery on Woman Pregnant With Monoam ...Read More >
Markets opened on a cautiously optimistic note on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty showing marginal gains, while investors closely monitored global economic indicators and upcoming domestic policy decisions. The Sensex opened higher at 81,036.22 from its previous close of 80,845.75 and is currently trading at 81,168.92 as of 9.45 am, up by 323.17 points or 0.40 per cent. Similarly, the Nifty opened at 24,488.75 compared to its previous close of 24,457.15 and is now at 24,558.20, rising by 101 ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (PTI) India began their campaign in the 20th Asian Women's Handball Championship (AWHC) 2024 with a battling 31-28 win over Hong Kong here on Tuesday. India's win was mainly due to brilliant performances from Bhawana Sharma and Menika. Also Read | Pakistan Champions Cup T20 2024 Schedule, Free Live Streaming Online, Teams, Squads and All You Need to Know. India started the match positively, scoring their first goal of the tournament through Priyanka Thakur, who was instrumental in India's historic win at the 2022 Asian Women's Junior Handball Championship. Moments later, e ...Read More >
Major blast outside Badshah's nightclub in Chandigarh, glass window shatters; no casualty Amid linkup rumours with Abhishek Bachchan, Nimrat Kaur says 'that spotlight belonged to you': 'Main ta bahut lucky..' 'One Nation One Subscription': Centre's scheme to ensure access to research articles, journals EXPLAINED Shillong Teer Results TODAY November 26, 2024: Check winning numbers here Meet woman who has become the youngest to travel all 195 countries, she is from... Kerala lottery TODAY November 26 Live Sthree Sakthi SS 443 Tuesday, check winning ticket, prize money here The Matrix villa ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >
The University of Bath is named one of the world's top 150 universities by the QS World University Rankings 2025 Offering leading MSc programmes, the University of Bath School of Management excels in combining world-class education with real-world learning opportunities. The University of Bath's School of Management is rapidly gaining international recognition as one of the United Kingdom's premier business schools. This prestigious university is first in Marketing, second in Accounting and Finance, second in Business and Management Studies in the UK according to The Complete University Guid ...Read More >
Mumbai: The rupee slumped to its all-time low of 84.76 (provisional) against the US dollar after dropping 8 paise on Wednesday amid a strengthening greenback and increase in crude prices. Forex traders said a positive trend in domestic equity markets and foreign fund inflows supported the local unit at lower level. At the interbank currency exchange, the rupee opened at 84.66 and traded in the range of 84.65-84.76. Eventually it settled at 84.76 (provisional), 8 paise lower than Tuesday's close of 84.68. Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said, the rupee lost initial ...Read More >
New Delhi: Gold prices slipped below Rs 79,000 per 10 kg in the national capital on Wednesday due to poor offtake by stockists and retailers amid weak global trends, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity fell by Rs 150 to Rs 78,850 per 10 grams. It had closed at Rs 79,000 per 10 grams in the previous session. Price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity extended the losses for the third straight day, declining by Rs 150 to Rs 78,450 per 10 grams from the previous close of Rs 78,600 per 10 grams. However, silver rose Rs 100 to Rs 92,500 per kg. On ...Read More >
Koraput, Dec 6 (PTI) Thirty-six-year-old Raimati Gheuria, a tribal woman from Odisha's Koraput district who has conserved 72 varieties of traditional rice and 30 types of millet has been conferred with an honorary doctorate by Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for her remarkable contributions to agriculture. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honorary doctorate to Raimati at the 40th Convocation of OUAT on Thursday. Raimati of Nuaguda village in Koraput district, affectionately known as 'Mandia Rani' or 'Millet Queen', has been known for her relentless efforts in pre ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Indian stock market continued its flattish opening trajectory this week, as selling was seen in Nifty's financial service and private bank sector in early trade on Wednesday. At around 9:27 am, Sensex was trading at 81,515.06 after gaining 5.01 points or 0.01 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,623.8 after rising 13.75 points or 0.06 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,634 stocks were trading in green, while 565 stocks were in red. According to market experts, "Nifty is in a consolidation range and is likely to remain in ...Read More >