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The Indian government has received 70 applications for its ₹23,000-crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) within just 15 days of its launch, with a significant majority coming from small and medium enterprises, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. While prominent companies like Tata Electronics, Dixon Technologies, and Foxconn have expressed interest, 80% of the applications are from smaller players. The scheme, which opened on May 1, aims to address a projected demand-supply deficit in the electronics sector, expected to reach $248 billion by 2030. The bulk of the funding, ₹21,093 crore, is allocated for sub-assemblies such as camera modules and printed circuit boards, while the remaining ₹1,712 crore is designated for parts and capital goods. The application window for categories A, B, and C is set for three months, with a two-year period for category D items. 
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inDelhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has divested its 50% stake in Delhi Aviation Services Pvt Ltd (DASPL) to Bird Flight Services (India) Pvt Ltd for ₹12.79 crore, as confirmed in a regulatory filing on Saturday. DASPL, which was responsible for managing bridge-mounted equipment and providing essential services such as ground power units and potable water at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is currently not operational. Following this transaction, Bird Flight Services, which previously held a 25% stake in DASPL, now owns the entire company. DIAL, a subsidiary of GMR Airports, continues to oversee operations at IGIA, one of India's busiest airports. The sale reflects DIAL's strategic decisions in managing its investments and operational focus.
Published: May 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCommerce Minister Piyush Goyal is currently engaged in crucial discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, aiming to clarify the trajectory of India-U.S. trade talks. With a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs set to expire on July 8, Goyal is under pressure to persuade the U.S. not to impose additional tariffs on India, particularly the existing 10% baseline tariff that has strained Indian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises. While India is expected to resist tariff cuts on dairy and certain agricultural products, it may face demands to reduce tariffs on automobiles and other goods. The negotiations, which will continue until May 22, are part of a broader bilateral trade agreement, with a more comprehensive deal anticipated by Fall 2025. Concerns remain that India may struggle to secure equivalent concessions from the U.S. in return for any tariff reductions.
Published: May 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a move aimed at enhancing transparency in pilot training, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plans to rank flying training schools based on operational performance and safety metrics. The proposed criteria include aircraft utilization, accident rates, safety observations, fleet size, and instructor-to-student ratios. Currently, 38 flying schools operate across 56 locations in India, which issued 1,342 commercial pilot licenses in 2024. With airlines anticipating a demand for 20,000 pilots, the DGCA's initiative, led by Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, seeks to encourage more students to pursue aviation careers. However, some school owners have expressed concerns about the fairness of ranking, suggesting that a categorization system based on standards would be more equitable. They also called for expedited examination processes and addressed the shortage of aircraft maintenance engineers, which is impacting training availability.
Published: May 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia has imposed import route restrictions on key goods from Bangladesh, potentially affecting $770-800 million in annual imports, primarily in readymade garments. This decision follows Bangladesh's recent restrictions on Indian yarn exports and its growing diplomatic ties with China, as highlighted by an invitation from Bangladesh's interim chief adviser for Chinese economic investment. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has banned imports of various Bangladeshi products, including garments, fruits, and processed foods, from land ports, allowing entry only through select seaports. Indian garment manufacturers are expected to benefit from these restrictions, as they have long protested against the competitive advantage enjoyed by Bangladeshi imports due to duty-free access to Chinese fabrics. The measures aim to bolster local production and mitigate supply chain disruptions, although buyers may face increased costs and longer lead times during the transition.
Published: May 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh are facing a significant crisis as prices for their produce plummet, following a four-year period of high demand. While Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers remain relatively secure, those cultivating the Black Burley variety are struggling due to a tripling of production to 80 million kg, far exceeding the typical output of 30 million kg. The Tobacco Board, which regulates the crop, had previously warned against expanding acreage, but farmers, lured by high prices, increased their cultivation. This situation has sparked protests and political backlash, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu blaming the Board for poor coordination with companies that promised high prices but reduced them at harvest. Farmers and opposition parties are demanding government intervention to ensure their stocks are sold. Despite a rise in tobacco exports, processing capacities have not kept pace with the increased output, exacerbating the crisis.
Published: May 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPaul Pathy, President and CEO of Fednav, has been elected as the 47th president of BIMCO, the world's largest shipping association, during its recent general meeting in Copenhagen. Pathy, the first BIMCO president from the Americas, succeeds Nikolaus H Schües, who completed his two-year term. A third-generation leader in his family business, Pathy joined Fednav in 2003 and became CEO in 2017. He emphasized the importance of supporting the shipping industry amid rising geopolitical tensions and threats to free trade, stating, "It is crucial that we support our industry, ensure the safety of our seafarers, and facilitate a global marketplace." In related news, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled a 10-year global baggage roadmap aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction, focusing on data standardisation, tracking automation, and streamlining claims processes.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVU Dynamics Pvt Ltd, a drone manufacturing start-up established in 2022 at IIT Kanpur's Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre, has been acquired by Prakash Asphaltings & Toll Highways (PATH). The partnership, described as a "strategic collaboration," will see VU Dynamics become a subsidiary of PATH, although specific details regarding the investment and equity stake remain undisclosed. Currently, VU produces fixed-wing, catapult-launched drones for defence applications, with plans to establish a new manufacturing facility near Indore. The company has received a significant defence order, with production expected to ramp up to 200 drones per day within a month. VU Dynamics offers two types of kamikaze drones and is developing larger models, alongside a delta-wing drone for surveillance. The initiative aims to enhance indigenous innovation and capabilities for the Indian Army, as stated by PATH in a recent LinkedIn post.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is strategically expanding its port infrastructure and management capabilities globally, following successful engagements at Chabahar port in Iran and other regional ports. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is leveraging Indian Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) to explore opportunities in Africa, starting with Tanzania, where multiple memorandums of understanding have been signed for maritime cooperation and port development. IPGL is tasked with operating container terminals at Chabahar, aiming for a significant increase in container handling capacity by FY26. Additionally, India is enhancing its presence in Myanmar and Sri Lanka to strengthen trade routes. The shipping ministry plans to reposition IPGL as a domestic terminal operator, enhancing its international profile through Bharat Global Ports, a new state-owned consortium focused on comprehensive port infrastructure solutions. This expansion is seen as a counter to China's influence in the region, aligning with India's broader strategic and commercial interests.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Kochi Water Metro, India's first public water transport system, has successfully ferried over four million passengers since its launch in 2023, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation in urban transit. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the service during a recent visit, highlighting its unique and eco-friendly travel experience. The Kerala government-operated initiative features 19 battery-run boats and aims to enhance connectivity for Kochi's island communities while addressing urban congestion and pollution. Following its success, plans are underway to replicate the model in 24 Indian cities, particularly in the North-East, with feasibility studies already completed for Mumbai and 21 other urban centres. Managing Director Loknath Behera emphasized the importance of tailored approaches for different waterbodies and the integration of water transport with existing transit systems. The initiative has garnered interest from the World Bank, reflecting its potential for sustainable urban mobility and economic benefits.
Published: May 18 2025, 5 pm
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