Latest news with #PritiAgarwal
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India ramps up fertiliser production output, diversifies away from China
Mumbai: After China halted critical fertiliser supplies, the Indian manufacturers are increasing domestic output through advanced technologies and new formulations, according to a report on Monday. India's fertiliser industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2 per cent, reaching $16.58 billion by 2032. In FY25, total fertiliser production increased to 51 MT, supported by flagship schemes such as PM-KISAN and PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana, CareEdge Ratings said in its report. After restrictions on rare earth elements, China halted its speciality fertilisers and key phosphate exports to India. In response to this, India has secured a five-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to import 3.1 million tonnes of Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) annually, which is equivalent to approximately 30 per cent of its domestic requirement. 'This crisis presents a unique opportunity. With China pausing fertiliser supplies, Indian manufacturers are stepping up to bridge the gap by increasing domestic output, which will not only benefit them but also drive innovation, particularly through the adoption of advanced technologies and the development of new formulations," said Priti Agarwal, Senior Director at CareEdge Ratings. "Policymakers, manufacturers, and farmers are collaborating to combat the issue with a combination of alternative sourcing, local production, and on-the-ground innovation,' she added. China accounted for nearly 70 per cent of India's speciality fertiliser imports during the June to December period in recent years. Now, India is signalling a decisive shift towards supply diversification and enhanced resilience by exploring alternatives like Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Russia, Oman, Morocco. Chinese di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) supply to India began to decline in 2023, then dropped from 2.29 MT in FY24 to 0.84 MT in FY25, and there have been no shipments since early 2025. Inspection clearances for DAP and speciality fertiliser shipments to India have been withheld since April 2025, blocking supplies while exports to other nations continue. "Ensuring adequate inventory and timely distribution — through coordinated efforts between the government and private stakeholders should be the near-term focus. The recent agreement with Saudi Arabia for long-term DAP supply is a timely step in this direction,' said Sachin Mathur, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
The white lotus effect: Wellness retreats as girl-gang getaways
Indian women are increasingly embracing wellness retreats for emotional healing, personal growth, and sisterhood. Inspired by the 'White Lotus' effect, these retreats offer a blend of modern therapies and ancient practices, from personalized wellness plans to mindfulness sessions. For Indian women juggling careers and social expectations, wellness retreats are becoming spaces to heal, celebrate and connect. Echoing the White Lotus effect, where scenic escapes become stages for self-discovery and emotional unravelling, these retreats are no longer just about yoga or detox. From solo travellers to girl gangs marking birthdays, breakups or bridal transitions, women are checking in to pause and realign. These retreats nurture emotional well-being, hormonal balance and meaningful bonding, not just with oneself but with others as well. Friendships often bloom over shared therapies, quiet meals and reflective forest walks. Sisterhood & solitude Whether travelling solo for introspection or arriving with a group of friends to celebrate milestones, women are embracing wellness retreats with intention. Entrepreneur Priti Agarwal shares, 'These retreats offer a vital physical, mental & emotional reset.' Event manager Sandhya Khaitan echoes, saying, 'I've been to multiple retreats and each visit helped me reconnect with myself. No pressure to perform, no social drama, just soulful grounding amidst nature. ' Education professional Priti Satpute adds, 'I avoid going with family as I would end up caring for them too. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Redefine Your Future with a Top Online MBA SRM Online Enquire Now Undo This is my time to detox, reconnect and make new friends.' Wellness, the White Lotus way The White Lotus effect, inspired by the hit comedy-drama series of the same name, reflects a growing trend amongst women, where they are choosing luxury wellness retreats as spaces for emotional reset, bonding, and personal transformation over just indulgence. Modern therapies with ancient roots Doctor-led programmes for immunity and glow: Personalised wellness plans designed by medical experts to boost immunity and enhance skin health Holistic health retreats: Comprehensive programmes addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through integrative therapies Radiance rituals: Treatments combining natural ingredients and traditional techniques for a glowing complexion Master cleanse detox: A guided detoxification regimen aimed at flushing out toxins, improving digestion, and kickstarting weight loss Daily potli massages: Therapeutic massages using warm herbal pouches to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Halotherapy: Salt-based therapy that helps clear respiratory pathways and improves skin health through controlled salt exposure Reflexology: A pressure-point foot massage technique believed to stimulate internal organs and restore the body's natural balance Sessions with psychologists: Mental wellness support through one-on-one or group therapy to address stress, anxiety, and emotional blocks Aqua Zumba: A fun, low-impact water workout combining dance and fitness to tone the body & lift the mood A Day at the retreat: Surya pooja at sunrise Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks Mandala art sessions Pure vegan feasts Chakra cleansing and gut reset Emotional therapy with certified psychologists Alchemy Bars to blend your own botanical wellness products Walk through silent corridors for mindful living Mindfulness-led coaching for thought mastery Mental health in focus With phone-free zones, candlelit evenings and mindfulness rooted in nature, today's wellness retreats offer something that is becoming increasingly rare – silence and stillness. Wellness coach Karan Kakkad, who leads two-day retreats across different cities, says, '70 to 75% of our guests are women. When they do breathwork or journaling together, they connect deeply because it is a shared practice.' Most retreats now include tools for emotional well-being such as guided therapy sessions, group sharing circles, journaling workshops, sound healing and somatic practices. At many centres, digital detox is encouraged. Quote Blurbs: When women engage in positive activities together, they connect deeply with themselves and each other. Wellness retreats foster both emotional bonding and inner transformation – Karan Kakkad, wellness coach Wellness retreats make getting healthy a luxurious and deeply transformative experience – Dr B Rajesh Srinivas, general manager of a wellness retreat in Pune Women now seek deeper healing though hormonal balance, emotional clarity and long-term well-being. Whether solo, celebrating milestones, or healing together, they leave our retreat lighter & centred – Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur, founder‑director of a wellness retreat near Mulshi Lake, Pune Seven nights. Zero distractions. Infinite clarity. Being at a retreat helped me reconnect with myself. It has become essential to my personal growth – Priti Agarwal, entrepreneur
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Duty reduction on crude edible oils beneficial for both refiners, consumers: CareEdge
New Delhi [India], June 22 (ANI): The recent cut in import duties on crude edible oils is beneficial for major industry players as it would encourage refiners to favour crude imports over refined oils, a report by CareEdge Ratings said. Also, according to the rating agency, the duty reduction would lead to improved capacity utilisation and enhanced refining margins through increased domestic processing. On May 30 this year, the government announced a reduction in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on key imported crude edible oils -- Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Soybean Oil, and Crude Sunflower Oil -- lowering it from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. The move is widely seen as an effort to taper domestic edible oil prices and control food inflation. Post the duty cut, the Basic Customs Duty on Refined Edible Oils (RBD) remains at 32.5 per cent, widening the differential between Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized palm oil and crude variant of palm oil to 19.25 per cent and enhancing the competitive advantage for domestic refiners. Ultimately, it will aid better price discovery for retail consumers. India remains the world's leading importer of edible oils, meeting approximately 55-60 per cent of its domestic consumption through overseas purchases primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia. 'The increase in duty differential between crude and refined edible oils shall enhance competitiveness for domestic refiners,' the CareEdge report read. Domestic retail edible oil prices, which saw firm trends during the first half of 2025 due to elevated global prices and currency depreciation, are expected to soften over the coming weeks as refiners pass on cost advantages resulting from the duty reduction, the rating agency said. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has also issued directives requiring edible oil companies to revise their Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) downward and submit weekly updates on Price-to-Distributor (PTD) rates. With food inflation (CPI-based) easing to 2.8 per cent in May 2025 (as per data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) and the Indian Meteorological Department forecasting a stronger-than-normal monsoon, these developments are anticipated to reinforce the downtrend in edible oil retail prices collectively. 'The recent duty revision acts as a timely and prudent policy intervention aimed at moderating inflationary pressures while bolstering the competitiveness of domestic refiners. The increased duty differential is expected to enhance gross refining margins and boost capacity utilisation in the near term. Additionally, the reduced landed costs will likely result in a price correction over the near term, ultimately benefiting retail consumers,' said Rajan Sukhija, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings. Priti Agarwal, Senior Director, CareEdge Ratings, said, 'The move is a win-win for all in the domestic edible oil manufacturing value chain as it will not just strengthen the capacity utilisation of domestic refiners but also ensure a fair price to domestic oilseed farmers and a fair price to consumers.' (ANI)
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Duty reduction on crude edible oils beneficial for both refiners, consumers: CareEdge
The recent cut in import duties on crude edible oils is beneficial for major industry players as it would encourage refiners to favour crude imports over refined oils, a report by CareEdge Ratings said. Also, according to the rating agency , the duty reduction would lead to improved capacity utilisation and enhanced refining margins through increased domestic processing. On May 30 this year, the government announced a reduction in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on key imported crude edible oils, Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Soybean Oil, and Crude Sunflower Oil, lowering it from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. The move is widely seen as an effort to taper domestic edible oil prices and control food inflation . Post the duty cut, the Basic Customs Duty on Refined Edible Oils (RBD) remains at 32.5 per cent, widening the differential between Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized palm oil and crude variant of palm oil to 19.25 per cent and enhancing the competitive advantage for domestic refiners. Live Events Ultimately, it will aid better price discovery for retail consumers. India remains the world's leading importer of edible oils , meeting approximately 55-60 per cent of its domestic consumption through overseas purchases primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia. "The increase in duty differential between crude and refined edible oils shall enhance competitiveness for domestic refiners," the CareEdge report read. Domestic retail edible oil prices, which saw firm trends during the first half of 2025 due to elevated global prices and currency depreciation, are expected to soften over the coming weeks as refiners pass on cost advantages resulting from the duty reduction, the rating agency said. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has also issued directives requiring edible oil companies to revise their Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) downward and submit weekly updates on Price-to-Distributor (PTD) rates. With food inflation (CPI-based) easing to 2.8 per cent in May 2025 (as per data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) and the Indian Meteorological Department forecasting a stronger-than-normal monsoon, these developments are anticipated to reinforce the downtrend in edible oil retail prices collectively. "The recent duty revision acts as a timely and prudent policy intervention aimed at moderating inflationary pressures while bolstering the competitiveness of domestic refiners. The increased duty differential is expected to enhance gross refining margins and boost capacity utilisation in the near term. Additionally, the reduced landed costs will likely result in a price correction over the near term, ultimately benefiting retail consumers," said Rajan Sukhija, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings. Priti Agarwal, Senior Director, CareEdge Ratings, said, "The move is a win-win for all in the domestic edible oil manufacturing value chain as it will not just strengthen the capacity utilisation of domestic refiners but also ensure a fair price to domestic oilseed farmers and a fair price to consumers."
