India and China agree to resume direct air services and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025, improving strained relations.
Building on the thaw in relations, India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct air services between the two countries and restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the agreements were part of the decisions taken by Foreign
Hydrogen Fuel Cell train set from ICF to be launched by March
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is working on its flagship project for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell train set. Hydrogen fuel cell coaches are currently under production at ICF. The train set is likely to be turned out by March, said U Subba Rao, GM, ICF. In his Republic Day speech
Sugar crushing season may end early on sugarcane shortage in Maharashtra, Karnataka
Despite a late start, the ongoing sugarcane crushing season for the year 2024-25 will likely be curtailed early in Maharashtra and Karnataka for want of sugarcane for crushing. Sugar cane production is estimated lower during the current season as the yield has been affected by pest infestation and water stress
India’s wheat procurement unlikely to be hit by higher market price
Despite wheat prices ruling high currently in the market, the government is optimistic about good procurement when the rabi marketing season begins. It is view is based on the 2023-24 purchases, which was 40 per cent higher than the previous season despite higher inflation of 17 per cent just before
Soaps to get costlier as FMCG cos warn of more price hikes
With the uptick in palm oil prices, major Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies are expected to hike soap prices further in Q4, according to indications given by leading companies in the sector, who have warned that the hikes could be higher than seen in the third quarter. The price
India, China must explore transformative partnerships in agriculture; says Vimal Kumar
Amid the changing global landscape, India and China have a unique opportunity to redefine their bilateral relationship, shifting the focus from border disputes to mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture. Beyond the usual buyer-seller relationship, both countries can explore the untapped potential of jointly developing advanced agrochemicals, nano-fertilizers and eco-friendly biopesticides,
Gold has provided 8% annual return since 1971, says WGC research
Gold prices have increased by 8 per cent on an annualised basis since 1971, comparable with that of equities but higher than that of bonds. The precious metal has outperformed many other asset classes over the past three, five, 10 and 20 years besides 2024, the World Gold Council (WGC)
Takeover tussle intensifies: Florida investor Danny Gaekwad ups the ante with 55% stake bid for Religare
Florida-based businessman Danny Gaekwad announced on Sunday that, if permitted by SEBI, he would be willing to acquire a controlling stake in Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) by launching a competing open offer for 55 per cent of the company’s outstanding share capital. This marks a significant shift from his earlier
Govt considering direct transfer of agri-subsidy to farmers
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that the government is considering a plan under which both Centre and States could share the logistics costs when farmers bring their produce and sell directly to consumers. He also said that the government is considering a plan to directly transfer the
Budget 2025: Insurance industry awaits big push with GST waiver on health cover, annuity plans
Insurance industry is awaiting a big push in the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 by way of waiver of GST on premiums of health insurance and annuity plans, a separate tax deduction for term insurance and life insurance premium under the new tax regime. There has also been expectation of removal of the