SEPTEMBER 20268TOP STORIESFloods and heat are pushing North India's tea industry into a difficult phase as falling auction prices collide with production challenges and rising operating costs. The Tea Association of India (TAI) has raised concerns over the sector's sustainability, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. Auction prices fell by as much as 17 per cent from July to mid-August. At the same time, floods, excessive heat and severe pest and disease infestations have disrupted tea production.The pressure also extends to exports, which have lagged last year's levels during the first half of 2026. Rising input costs and higher wage expenses are adding further pressure on tea producers across Assam and West Bengal. The sharpest decline came from the Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA). Average CTC tea prices fell from 291.27 per kg in Sale No. 26 to 238.77 per kg in Sale No. 34. That represents a 17 per cent decline within less than two months. Hyundai enters the sub-4m EV segment to drive mass adoption and lift its electric share. The company currently derives only about 1 per cent of its volumes from electric vehicles. Managing Director and CEO Tarun Garg expects that share to rise to roughly 7­8 per cent in the next financial year, in line with the broader industry.A dedicated mass-market EV built on a new architecture will anchor this push. The model targets the high-volume sub-four-meter category already populated by strong rivals. Hyundai Motor India is preparing its first dedicated mass-market EV architecture for the country. The company will enter the sub-four-meter electric segment with a compact e-SUV. Industry observers expect the model to appear around Auto Expo 2027. India is taking a new step to tackle battery supply gaps as it prepares a new incentive program worth Rs 13,000 crore. The plan aims to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce the country's dependence on Chinese suppliers. The proposal comes as Indian battery manufacturers face supply-chain challenges while expanding domestic cell production.The government now wants to build a stronger upstream ecosystem for critical battery components. The proposed program will focus on five key components used in advanced battery cells. The move also supports India's wider push to improve energy security and narrow the cost gap with Chinese battery producers. New Sugar Stock Limit brings tighter controls on sugar dealers as the government seeks to curb hoarding, excessive stockpiling and rising retail prices ahead of the festive season. The centre has reduced the stock holding limit from 4,000 quintals to 2,000 quintals, with the new limit effective from September 15 to November 30, 2026.India's G20 stand rests on a clear reality: a trade deficit of over USD 100 billion with China and rising concern about supply chain risk. At the G20 Finance Track, India backed a US-led push that calls on countries with large and persistent external surpluses to fix domestic distortions that limit consumption and lock growth into exports.China blocked consensus, so the group issued only a Chair's statement. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aligned India with the focus on growth, global imbalances and financial literacy. This analysis examines why India supported the language, what the Chair's statement warns about, and how the USD 100 billion deficit shapes the position. FLOODS AND HEAT PUSH NORTH INDIA'STEA INDUSTRY INTO CRISISBEHIND INDIA'S G20 STAND: A 100B TRADE DEFICIT AND A SUPPLY CHAIN RISKHYUNDAI ENTERS SUB-4M EV SEGMENT TO DRIVE MASS ADOPTIONINDIA TACKLES BATTERY SUPPLY GAPS WITH NEW INCENTIVE PLANNEW SUGAR STOCK LIMIT 2026: CHECK EXEMPTIONS & DEADLINESHowever, the 4,000-quintal limit will continue in Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas due to specific market requirements. The move comes as sugar prices remain elevated and festive demand is expected to increase. Through these temporary restrictions, the government aims to ensure adequate sugar supplies, protect consumers from further price hikes and maintain greater price stability in the market.
< Page 7 | Page 9 >