Page 10 - Industry News

Comm Secy asks pharma sector to reduce dependence on imported raw materials

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Saturday asked the pharmaceutical industry to reduce its dependence on critical imported raw materials and diversify export supply chains to better navigate global uncertainties. Addressing an event in Hyderabad on the sector, he said while India exports to around 200 countries, there remains significant scope for expansion and resilience-building through a stronger market presence. Emphasising the need to navigate an increasingly uncertain and geopolitically volatile global environment, he stressed: "the importance of ensuring greater self-reliance by meeting 80-90 per cent (or higher) of domestic pharmaceutical requirements through indigenous production, while reducing critical import dependencies in APIs, bulk drugs, and intermediates". The Commerce Secretary also underscored the need for a strategic repositioning of India as a global hub for both quality and cost-effective pharmaceuticals, stating that quality will remain the decisive factor

India extends duty-free yellow peas import window until March 2027

All other terms and ​conditions ‌governing such imports would remain ​unchanged, the government said

Odisha Mining Corporation FY26 mineral production hits record 44.82 MT

State-run miner achieves highest-ever mineral production and revenue in FY26, driven by strong iron ore output, improved efficiency and rising demand in domestic and global markets

The Net-Zero Mine: B. Prabhakaran on Electrification, Retrofitting, and Carbon-Smart Mining Models

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MSMEs' working capital drawdowns on the rise amid West Asia conflict

MSMEs see higher working capital drawdowns as West Asia conflict strains cash flows, with delayed receivables and rising costs expected to impact portfolios in coming quarters

MSMEs: From survival to scale

To grow, micro, small and medium enterprises need finance that aligns with cash flows

Govt order to offer 60% flight seats without additional charges put on hold

The government on Thursday "put in abeyance" its earlier direction to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge from April 20, according to sources. On March 18, the civil aviation ministry announced that directions have been issued to the DGCA to direct airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight free of any additional charges to ensure fair access for passengers. "The matter has been reviewed in light of representations received from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, highlighting operational and commercial implications of the above provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime. "In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further ..

India's 220 million feature phone users want to upgrade to smartphone

But they are stuck as smartphone prices hit the roof; Scindia pushes for incentivising affordable phones

Two-wheeler makers end FY26 strong on rural recovery, premium demand

Two-wheeler makers post strong FY26 growth led by rural recovery, scooter demand and premium motorcycles, though FY27 outlook may soften amid global headwinds

Suzuki Motorcycle sees FY27 domestic growth below 7-8% amid cost pressures

Suzuki Motorcycle India expects FY27 domestic growth below earlier estimates as rising commodity costs and global uncertainty from West Asia conflict weigh on demand

Govt asks refineries to reroute LPG feedstock to affected industries

The government has directed oil refineries to divert a portion of the feedstock normally used for producing cooking gas (LPG) to industries affected by the ongoing petrochemical shortage, which spans sectors from packaging to condom manufacturing. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on April 1, directed refineries to allocate a portion of propylene to the petrochemical industry, which has been severely affected, as most feedstock has been diverted for cooking gas (LPG) production. At an inter-ministerial briefing on the fallout of developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said following the disruption in India's LPG supplies from the Middle East due to the war, the government had asked refiners to maximise LPG production so as to meet cooking gas requirements. This maximisation of LPG production was done by diverting streams that were previously used for making petrochemicals. "But then there are certain other ...

Early mill closures push India toward second year of sugar deficit

Lower output, coupled with rising exports, is likely to reduce domestic stockpiles and support local prices, which had been under pressure due to surplus supplies

India Inc hits pause on manufacturing facility expansion in March

Q4 new project announcements plunge over 50% as global risks bite

Datanomics: One-third of airline costs burn in fuel in Indian skies

ATF consumption per aircraft moderated during FY16 to FY 25, showing gradual efficiency improvements in the aviation sector

Indian drugmakers may lose up to $750 million if Iran war drags on

Indian pharmaceutical companies may face losses of up to $750 million if the West Asia conflict continues, amid supply chain disruptions and rising logistics costs

Electric vehicle sales saw surge in FY26 on strong year-end push

Electric vehicle sales rose sharply in FY26, driven by strong growth in two- and four-wheelers and a robust year-end push, as per Vahan registration data

Don't waste the oil shock, use it to secure India's energy future

Crude oil imports alone in 2025-26 are around 225 Mt. At $120 per barrel, the annual import bill for crude oil will be around $160 billion, compared with $80 billion at a crude price of $60 per barrel

There is adequate supply of seeds, pesticides for kharif 2026 sowing: Govt

Says prices of most essential food items fairly stable despite the war

Shipbuilding ties to be in focus during South Korea President's visit

India and South Korea to prioritise shipbuilding cooperation during Lee Jae Myung's visit, alongside talks on semiconductors and small modular reactors

India's realty investment falls 62% in Q1 amid West Asia tensions: Vestian

Institutional investment in Indian real estate sector fell 62 per cent during January-March period to USD 1.41 billion from the previous quarter amid negative sentiments because of the West Asia conflict, according to Vestian. The investment in real estate stood at USD 3.73 billion in the October-December quarter of the 2025 calendar year. However, real estate consultant Vestian said investments rose 74 per cent from USD 0.81 billion in the year-ago period and this highlights strong investor confidence in India's real estate sector, even as global headwinds continue to intensify. Driven by strong demand from GCCs, commercial assets dominated investment activity in Q1 2026 with 80 per cent share. Investment in commercial assets fell to USD 1.12 billion in January-March from USD 2.28 billion in the preceding quarter. The inflow of fund jumped more than three times from USD 307.2 million in the January-March period last year. Commercial assets include office, retail, co-working, and