eznews.in
Aluminium prices are projected to remain high in the coming months, buoyed by expectations of stronger global growth and increasing demand from the clean energy sector, including solar, wind, and electric vehicles. Analysts from BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, note that concerns over supply constraints, particularly as China approaches its 45 million tonnes smelting cap, are contributing to price stability. In October, China's primary aluminium production rose slightly year-on-year but fell 9% from September. Current prices on the London Metal Exchange stand at $2,810 per tonne, with forecasts suggesting an average of $2,530 per tonne in 2025. The recent end of the US government shutdown has also fostered market optimism, alongside easing US-China trade tensions. Despite potential risks from geopolitical uncertainties and soft global demand, the outlook for aluminium remains cautiously optimistic, with a projected shift from a 374,000-tonne deficit in 2024 to a 79,000-tonne deficit in 2025. 
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe United States has intensified its sanctions against Russia by blacklisting major oil producers Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, a move seen as one of the most aggressive under the Trump administration amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Effective Friday, these sanctions could leave nearly 48 million barrels of Russian crude stranded at sea, prompting a scramble among tankers for alternative destinations. Asian buyers, particularly Indian refiners, are racing to secure replacement supplies, driving freight rates to near five-year highs. While Russian oil exports remain substantial at around 3.4 million barrels per day, the sanctions have raised concerns about their ultimate destinations, especially as China and India navigate potential secondary sanctions. Some vessels have already altered their routes, indicating the complexities of the evolving global oil trade. The coming days will be crucial in determining how effectively these sanctions impact Russian oil flows.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inAir India has unveiled a new global menu across its fleet, enhancing the dining experience for First, Business, and Premium Economy passengers with a diverse selection of Indian and international dishes. The menu, which will be progressively rolled out on international and domestic flights, features over 18 special dietary options, including vegan and allergen-friendly meals. Signature dishes include Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda and South Indian platters, alongside international offerings like Japanese Teppanyaki and Mediterranean tapas. Curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, the menu aims to reflect India's rich culinary heritage while appealing to modern tastes, including popular items like Korean Bibimbap. Air India's commitment to customer experience is further supported by specialized training for cabin crew and a focus on sustainable practices in sourcing and packaging. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rajesh Dogra emphasized the airline's dedication to innovation and culinary excellence in inflight dining.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated state authorities to conduct inspections to eliminate misbranded food products falsely marketed as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). In a directive issued on November 19, the FSSAI reiterated that only WHO-approved formulas can be labeled as ORS, following reports of fruit-based and electrolyte drinks being sold under misleading names across various platforms. States and Union Territories are instructed to deploy food safety officers to identify and remove these non-compliant products, while ensuring that legitimate WHO-recommended ORS items remain unaffected. The FSSAI emphasized the need for immediate action against violators and requested detailed reports on inspections and corrective measures taken. This move follows concerns raised by paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh regarding the continued sale of sugar-laden drinks misrepresented as ORS, despite previous court orders and FSSAI guidelines.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian pharmaceutical industry is urged to embrace a cultural shift towards quality, according to Rajeev Raghuvanshi, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Speaking at a meeting organized by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, he emphasized that the industry's growth hinges on aligning innovation with quality standards, particularly as the regulatory authority seeks membership in the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S). Gregory Smith, Country Director of the US FDA, highlighted that 13% of Indian facilities received "official action indicated" classifications, the highest globally, indicating compliance issues. He noted that India has over 600 drug manufacturing sites inspected by the US regulator, underscoring the need for improved practices. Raghuvanshi's comments reflect a broader call for the industry to take ownership of quality efforts to enhance its global standing and ensure successful product development.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's eight core industries experienced their weakest growth in 14 months, with October's performance reflecting a significant slowdown. The growth rate fell to 3.3% in October, down from 4% in September, as declines in coal, natural gas, and electricity generation offset gains in refinery products, fertilizers, steel, and cement. Notably, coal output and electricity generation contracted by 8.5% and 7.6%, respectively, largely due to excess rainfall impacting mining activities and power demand. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, indicated that the slowdown in mining and electricity sectors could lead to a further easing of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth to between 2.5% and 3.5% in October 2025. Despite these challenges, manufacturing growth is expected to remain robust, driven by increased demand during the festive season and GST rate adjustments.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's crude oil imports from Russia are projected to remain robust at 1.8 to 1.9 million barrels per day (mb/d) until November 21, as refiners seek the most cost-effective options ahead of impending US sanctions. Following this date, a significant decline in imports is anticipated. Currently, Russian crude constitutes 35-38% of India's total imports, but this figure is expected to drop sharply, with substantial impacts likely by December 2025. While Nayara's Vadinar refinery may continue dealings with sanctioned Russian firms Rosneft and Lukoil, analysts suggest that a complete cessation of Russian oil is improbable, as crude itself is not sanctioned. In response to the sanctions, Indian refiners are diversifying their sources, increasing imports from the Middle East, the US, and West Africa, with US imports reaching a record 594,000 b/d. The evolving landscape indicates a shift towards alternative suppliers to mitigate potential losses from Russian crude.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 7 pmeznews.inData from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that 16% of India's 730 districts are experiencing deficient rainfall, coinciding with a pause in the North-East monsoon. Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission (CWC) reports that storage levels in 161 major reservoirs have fallen below 90% capacity, currently at 88.68%, although this is 6.5% higher than last year and 20% above the 10-year average. The situation is beneficial for rabi sowing, with crop acreage up 10% as of November 14. Notably, 27 reservoirs are full, with eight in Maharashtra and four in Rajasthan at capacity. The western region leads in storage, while the southern and central regions also report healthy levels. As rain is expected to resume, aided by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, reservoir levels may improve in the coming weeks.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for Indian seafarers, the Union Home Ministry has eliminated the long-standing requirements for sign-on, sign-off, and Shore Leave Passes (SLP) for Indian-flagged vessels operating solely in domestic waters. This decision, announced on Thursday, aims to alleviate operational challenges faced by crew members aboard coastal vessels, dredgers, barges, and research ships, who previously had to visit immigration offices every ten days to renew their SLPs, disrupting their duties. The Ministry has instructed the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to ensure that Port Authorities maintain updated crew records, while the Bureau of Immigration will conduct periodic inspections. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the reform as a vital support for maritime workers, emphasizing the government's commitment to the welfare of India's seafarers under the leadership of Amit Shah.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), stated on Thursday that the central bank does not aim for a specific value of the Indian Rupee (INR), attributing its recent depreciation to increased demand for dollars. Speaking at the VKRV Rao Memorial Lecture in Delhi, he emphasized that the RBI possesses robust foreign exchange reserves, alleviating concerns over the rupee's decline. The INR fell by 23 paise to close at 88.71 against the US dollar, influenced by a strengthening dollar and reduced expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut. Malhotra expressed optimism about a forthcoming "good trade deal" with the US, which he believes could ease pressure on India's current account balance. He also highlighted the potential for Indian banks to rank among the world's top 100 lenders, reaffirming the RBI's commitment to financial stability and regulatory simplification.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 6 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact