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Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have designated the routes for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, as no-fly zones, a decision that has sparked criticism from political leaders and analysts. The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department announced the restrictions on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, citing security concerns following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 27 lives. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed apprehension that the ban on helicopter services could convey a negative image of the region's stability, particularly as it is the first such restriction in years. Abdullah, who oversees tourism, has been working to restore confidence in the area, emphasizing that a single incident should not derail ongoing peace efforts since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Analysts warn that the no-fly zone could exacerbate public anxiety and hinder tourism recovery in the region. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 12 pm ISTeznews.inLiquefied natural gas (LNG) is projected to remain the most cost-effective fuel for the transport and logistics sector, particularly for buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), for the next 15 years, according to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). In 2024, LNG, along with diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG), is expected to be cheaper than electric vehicles (EVs) for medium and heavy goods vehicles. While EVs are becoming competitive in segments like two and three-wheelers, their total cost of ownership (TCO) remains higher for HGVs, especially over longer distances. The study highlights that LNG's affordability stems from its distribution advantages, allowing it to be sold at lower prices than CNG. CEEW recommends establishing LNG refuelling stations along major highways to support the growing adoption of LNG-powered vehicles, which currently offer the lowest TCO in their categories.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 12 pm ISTeznews.inIn the wake of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, has expressed its condolences and support for the airline and its parent company, Tata Sons. The statement comes after former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel criticized Singapore Airlines for its perceived silence regarding the incident, highlighting their significant role as a shareholder and their responsibility in maintaining Air India's fleet. In response, Singapore Airlines emphasized its ongoing communication with Tata Sons and Air India, offering full assistance during this challenging period. The airline, which partnered with Tata Sons to establish Vistara in 2015, has a collaborative relationship with Air India, including shared management and operational strategies, with Singapore Airlines' CEO also serving on Air India's board.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 11 am ISTeznews.inThe Indian Navy is enhancing its coastal defence capabilities with the keel laying of the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at Cochin Shipyard Limited. This initiative is part of a broader plan to induct 16 indigenously designed vessels, with the first ship, Arnala, set to be commissioned soon. These ships, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Cochin Shipyard, will replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes and feature over 80% indigenous content, reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defence. Equipped with advanced underwater sensors and a sophisticated weapon suite, the ASW-SWCs are designed to detect and neutralise submarine threats, particularly in shallow coastal waters. Their operational capabilities will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's ability to protect its coastline and offshore assets, contributing to regional stability and reducing reliance on foreign military imports.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inIndia's market borrowing program has demonstrated a stable evolution, with net borrowings remaining manageable despite increasing economic demands, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The government is adhering to fiscal discipline under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, with gross market borrowing through government securities (G-secs) estimated at ₹14.8 lakh crore for FY26, and net borrowing projected at ₹11.5 lakh crore. As of FY26, the government has raised ₹3.2 lakh crore in gross borrowing. While the outstanding stock of government debt has risen significantly from ₹41.6 lakh crore in FY15 to ₹114.5 lakh crore in FY26, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline from 57.1% in 2024-25 to 56.1% in 2025-26. The government is also employing debt switches and buybacks to fine-tune its borrowing profile, ensuring long-term sustainability amid prudent fiscal management.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 9 am ISTeznews.inIndia's soyameal exports to the European Union (EU) have reached 531,000 tonnes in the current oil year 2024-25, but face significant challenges due to the impending EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect on December 30, 2025. The EUDR aims to prevent imports of products linked to deforestation, requiring exporters to provide detailed risk assessments and geolocation data for their goods. The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has expressed concerns over the compliance burden, particularly for small farmers and exporters, as soyabean is often traded in mixed lots across various markets, complicating traceability. SOPA has urged the Indian government to create a compliance mechanism that would allow for a general declaration from a government authority, rather than individual geo-tagging of fields. The EU remains a crucial market for Indian soyameal, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands being the largest importers.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated additional inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, although no major safety concerns were identified during the checks. Following a review meeting, the DGCA expressed worries about Air India's maintenance practices, which have led to significant flight delays, including 83 cancellations in the past six days, primarily involving Boeing 787s. The regulator urged the airline to enhance coordination among its engineering and operations teams and improve its defect reporting system. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions in Delhi and airspace closures over Iran and Iraq have further complicated flight schedules, resulting in longer travel times. Passengers have voiced frustration over poor communication regarding delays and cancellations, with some reporting a lack of assistance from Air India staff. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has called for immediate action to address passenger concerns.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 10 pm ISTeznews.inDelhivery Ltd's board has approved the acquisition of at least 99.4% of Ecom Express Ltd's share capital for a maximum consideration of ₹1,407 crore, following clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This strategic move aims to bolster Delhivery's logistics capabilities, enhancing its service offerings in the e-commerce sector. Ecom Express, an unlisted public company, specializes in logistics solutions tailored for the Indian e-commerce market, utilizing automated systems for various operations, including delivery and returns management. The acquisition, announced in April, is expected to scale up Delhivery's business, which has invested in automation and logistics technology. Ecom's turnover for the fiscal year 2023-24 was ₹2,607.3 crore, reflecting a growth from ₹2,548.1 crore the previous year. Regulatory approval is essential for significant deals to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair business practices.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inSanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, emphasized the critical issue of organic carbon deficiency in soil, advocating for a tailored crop nutrient management strategy that incorporates organic minerals and biostimulants. During the launch of Yara's Sustainability Report 2024, he highlighted the imbalance in nutrient usage in India, where nitrogen is overused while potash remains underutilized due to pricing policies. Yara India has reached over 650,000 farmers through agronomy sessions and digital platforms, showcasing its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The report outlines initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including a shift to rail transport and water conservation efforts. Kanwar also addressed challenges in the regulation of biostimulants, calling for streamlined standards to foster innovation. Yara aims to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and water neutrality at its Babrala plant by the end of the decade, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship and inclusive growth.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inMinister of Telecommunications Jyotiraditya Scindia met with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell on Tuesday to explore collaboration opportunities in satellite communications, following the recent licensing of Starlink to commence commercial operations in India. Scindia highlighted the meeting as productive, noting that Shotwell praised the license as a significant milestone. He emphasized the potential of satellite technologies to support India's digital ambitions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, aiming to empower citizens nationwide. The Minister's discussions come as India embraces a digital revolution, with Starlink joining Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio, both of which have also received approval to operate in the country. Scindia's engagement with Shotwell underscores the government's commitment to leveraging satellite communications to enhance connectivity and drive progress in the digital landscape.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 9 pm IST
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