eznews.in
Air India has announced a 5% reduction in flights operated by its narrow-body Airbus aircraft until July 15, following an air crash in Ahmedabad. This reduction includes the suspension of services on three routes—Bengaluru-Singapore, Pune-Singapore, and Mumbai-Bagdogra—along with frequency cuts on several domestic routes. Despite these changes, the airline will maintain nearly 600 daily flights across 120 routes to ensure operational stability and minimize passenger inconvenience. Additionally, Air India will progressively avoid certain airspace over the Persian Gulf, opting for alternative routes to the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Europe, and the US, due to rising regional tensions. This shift may result in longer flight durations. An airline spokesperson stated that Air India is in ongoing consultation with external security advisors and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and integrity of its operations. 
Published: Jun 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAs tensions escalate following US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, Indian exporters and importers are increasingly anxious about potential retaliatory actions from Tehran that could disrupt oil supplies and global trade. The Indian Commerce and Industry Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, engaging with stakeholders to prepare for possible regional escalations. Experts warn that geopolitical developments could lead to increased volatility in oil prices, currency fluctuations, and disruptions in shipping routes, particularly affecting India's significant trade with the West Asian region, valued at $41.7 billion. While India's direct trade with Iran has diminished due to US sanctions, concerns center on safeguarding investments like the Chabahar port, crucial for connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders hoping for a de-escalation to avoid further complications in trade logistics and costs.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its oversight of the aviation sector through comprehensive special audits at Delhi and Mumbai airports, targeting airlines, ground handling companies, air traffic control units, and maintenance facilities. This initiative follows the tragic Ahmedabad air crash on June 12, which claimed over 250 lives. DGCA officials have identified safety violations, prompting immediate actions, including the cancellation of a domestic flight due to safety concerns. In a shift from previous practices, the DGCA is now employing a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate the aviation ecosystem holistically, focusing on safety management systems and regulatory compliance. The audits will categorize findings into three levels of corrective action, with entities required to submit action plans within 15 days. The DGCA aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement by sharing best practices and recognizing exemplary efforts within the industry.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAs tensions rise over the potential for Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, India is strategically diversifying its crude oil supply sources, with a significant pivot towards Russia, the US, and Latin America, as well as West Africa. This shift, supported by US backing, aims to mitigate supply shocks and ensure continuity despite higher logistics costs. Analysts from Kpler highlight that India's import strategy has evolved, with Russian oil providing a logistical buffer, while imports from the US and Atlantic Basin countries are increasingly viable alternatives. In June 2025, India imported approximately 2.1–2.2 million barrels per day of Russian crude, maintaining a steady share from Russia. However, early warning signs indicate potential disruptions, with a decline in ballast tankers entering the Gulf and increased scrutiny of Gulf flows. Should the situation worsen, Indian refiners may further increase spot purchases from alternative sources, reinforcing their preparedness for supply shocks.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's fertiliser imports plummeted by 44% in May due to soaring global prices of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP). DAP prices surged to $781 per tonne, while MOP rose to $349 per tonne, prompting concerns over potential delays and further price hikes amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict. Despite the government's assurance of sufficient stocks—136.69 lakh tonnes of various fertilisers as of June 1—industry insiders warn of a looming shortage, particularly of DAP, where closing stocks were just 12.43 lakh tonnes against a demand of 10.62 lakh tonnes. Overall, imports of urea, DAP, MOP, and complex fertilisers fell to 8.07 lakh tonnes in May, down from 14.36 lakh tonnes a year earlier. The government has allocated ₹37,216.15 crore in subsidies for the Kharif season, with notable increases in phosphorus and sulphur rates.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is exploring the possibility of issuing an executive order to allow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units to sell goods domestically on a "duty-foregone" basis, as the amendment to the SEZ Act is expected to take time. This move aims to enhance the competitiveness of SEZs, which have suffered due to the introduction of a minimum alternate tax and the sunset clause on direct tax exemptions. Currently, SEZ units must pay customs duties when selling in the domestic market, making their products less competitive compared to local manufacturers. The Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs has long advocated for this change, which would reduce the tax burden on SEZ products. The Commerce Department has proposed this adjustment to the Finance Ministry, which is currently reviewing the proposal to expedite the process through a notification.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) reported a net addition of 1.914 million members in April 2025, marking a 31.31% increase from March and a 1.17% rise compared to April 2024, according to the Labour Ministry. The month saw approximately 849,000 new subscribers, with the 18-25 age group dominating at 57.67% of total additions, reflecting a 10.05% increase from the previous month. Notably, around 1.577 million former members rejoined EPFO, a 19.19% rise from March, opting to transfer their funds rather than settle. Female participation also grew, with 245,000 new female subscribers, a 17.63% increase month-on-month. The top five states, including Maharashtra, which contributed 21.12% of net payroll additions, accounted for 60.10% of the total growth, indicating a robust trend towards a more inclusive workforce.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage that facilitates approximately 26% of the world's oil trade, is currently facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. This situation poses serious challenges for India, which relies heavily on this waterway for oil and fertilizer imports. Reports indicate that nearly 50 oil tankers are attempting to navigate the strait, with Indian seafarers aboard many of these vessels now stranded. The potential for a blockade raises concerns over soaring oil prices, increased freight rates, and heightened security risks. While the movement of fertilizers from West Asia is expected to remain largely unaffected, shipments from Iran may cease entirely due to sanctions. Industry experts warn that the safety of crew members and environmental risks from potential oil spills are immediate concerns, as vessels must be safely navigated to secure locations.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's coffee exports have surged by approximately 125% over the past 11 years, reaching $1.8 billion, according to government data. Exports rose from over $800 million in 2014-15 to $1.28 billion in 2023-24, with Europe being the primary market, particularly Italy, Germany, and Belgium. The Coffee Board of India has implemented several initiatives to boost exports, including digital registration processes, regular exporter consultations, and financial support for value-added products. The government offers incentives for exporting high-value green coffee and assists with machinery costs for processing. Industry leaders emphasize the potential for specialty coffee exports, with sustainable practices like shade-grown coffee helping to protect forests and support biodiversity. India, the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, employs around two million people in the sector, with Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as the main producing states.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel is poised to significantly disrupt India's trade with West Asian nations, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, experts warn. The recent U.S. strikes on Iranian sites have escalated tensions, raising fears of a broader regional conflict that could further strain India's exports to both Iran and Israel. Mumbai-based exporter Sharad Kumar Saraf noted that his company is already withholding shipments due to the conflict's impact on trade routes, particularly the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of India's crude oil imports transit. The Global Trade Research Initiative highlighted that any disruption in shipping lanes could inflate costs and introduce new supply chain risks, particularly affecting perishable goods. With India's exports to Iran valued at $1.24 billion and to Israel at $2.1 billion, the potential for increased oil prices and inflation poses a significant challenge for the Indian economy.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 3 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact