eznews.inAt the recent India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, five pioneering Indian women seafarers were celebrated for their groundbreaking roles in the maritime industry: Suneeti Bala, chief engineer; Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi, the only female marine pilot; Sonali Banerjee, marine engineer; Parvathy Rajalakshmi, naval architect; and Radhika Menon, a merchant navy captain. Their achievements reflect a significant increase in female representation in the sector, with the number of Indian women seafarers rising from 1,600 in 2021 to nearly 6,000 by the end of 2024, aided by government initiatives and industry support. Despite this progress, women still represent only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce. The government’s Sagar Mein Samman initiative and corporate diversity programs aim to further enhance women's participation, while scholarships and all-women training batches are fostering inclusivity. Experts note a cultural shift, with increasing family support encouraging young women to pursue maritime careers. 
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndia's logistics sector, a vital component of the economy, employs 2.2 crore people and is valued at $215 billion, with projections to reach ₹120 trillion by 2035. The industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the e-commerce boom and the expansion of logistics companies. However, the sector faces a significant challenge in workforce preparedness, as nearly 90% of its employees are in the informal sector, lacking formal training and certification. The government is addressing these issues through initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and the PM GatiShakti Master Plan, which aim to enhance infrastructure and streamline operations. Despite training efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, there is a pressing need for sector-specific training in areas such as warehouse robotics and digital freight systems. Implementing apprenticeship programs could effectively bridge the skill gap, providing workers with wages, certification, and social protections while ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent. 
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 ameznews.inAs it approaches its 50th anniversary, the Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) is poised for significant transformation, bolstered by a ₹4,000 crore investment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision. Chairman M Angamuthu aims to elevate DCIL to one of the top five dredging companies globally, enhancing its capacity and operational efficiency. Operating under a consortium of four major ports, DCIL has expanded its services since its establishment in 1976, now handling maintenance and capital dredging, among others. The recent acquisition of the DCI Dredger Godavari marks the beginning of a fleet expansion, with plans to add three more trailer suction hopper dredgers and various other dredging vessels. These modernization efforts are set to strengthen DCIL's position in both maintenance and capital dredging markets, ensuring it meets the growing demands of India's dredging needs. 
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn a turbulent trading session, India's benchmark indices faced significant declines, with the SENSEX dropping by 465.75 points to close at 83,938.71, while the NIFTY fell by 155.75 points to settle at 25,722.10. In contrast, crude oil prices saw a modest increase of 29.00, reaching 5,420.00, while gold and silver prices fell, with gold down by 208.00 to 121,300.00 and silver decreasing by 416.00 to 148,424.00. Meanwhile, Emirates Airlines is addressing the growing challenge of turbulence by implementing a data-driven strategy to enhance flight safety and passenger experience. The airline's Divisional Senior Vice President, Captain Hassan Alhammadi, emphasized their commitment to minimizing severe turbulence through advanced technologies and AI. Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organisation condemned North Korea and Russia for ongoing violations related to global navigation satellite system interference, urging compliance with international aviation safety standards. 
Published: Nov 03 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndia's coffee exports have reached a remarkable $1.80 billion in the financial year 2024-25, marking a 40.2% increase from the previous year, according to the Department of Commerce. This growth is attributed to rising global demand for India's unique coffee flavors, with exports during April to September 2025 alone hitting $1.07 billion, a 16% rise year-on-year. The country, now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, primarily exports Arabica and Robusta beans, with a growing interest in value-added products like roasted coffee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the increasing global popularity of Indian coffee in his recent 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, praising regions such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Odisha for their diverse coffee offerings. He noted the positive impact of coffee cultivation on local livelihoods, particularly in Koraput, where passionate farmers are transforming their lives through coffee production. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent analysis of Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection data reveals a mixed performance across key Indian states for October 2025. While Haryana's collections remained flat, Delhi, West Bengal, and Rajasthan experienced declines, contributing to a broader trend where 20 out of 36 states and Union Territories reported a decrease of up to 24%. Notably, six of the eight North Eastern states also saw a drop in collections. This decline is attributed to muted consumer demand in early September, with many discretionary purchases postponed in anticipation of price reductions. However, economists from SBI project that overall GST revenue for FY26 will exceed budget estimates, bolstered by anticipated increases in November due to festive demand and improved consumer confidence. The report indicates that states like Karnataka and Telangana have actually seen gains, countering fears of significant revenue losses post-rationalization. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's exports to the United States have plummeted for the fourth consecutive month, with a staggering 37.5% decline from May to September 2025, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). This drop, attributed to steep US tariff hikes that began at 10% and escalated to 50%, has severely impacted key sectors, including smartphones and pharmaceuticals. Exports of smartphones alone fell by 58%, while pharmaceutical shipments decreased by 15.7%. Labour-intensive sectors, which constitute nearly 60% of India's US exports, also suffered a 33% decline. GTRI warns that without urgent government intervention, India risks losing market share to competitors like Vietnam, Mexico, and China, particularly in areas where it once thrived. Exporters are calling for immediate measures, including enhanced financial support and faster duty remission, to mitigate the adverse effects of these tariffs and address underlying vulnerabilities in India's export landscape. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is set to introduce group e-visas for cruise ship passengers by mid-2026, aiming to streamline entry processes at sea ports and double cruise passenger traffic to one million by 2029. This initiative, discussed during the recent India Maritime Week, will allow ship agents to apply for e-visas for all passengers collectively, expediting the visa process. Joint Director Anoop Krishna highlighted ongoing improvements, including a dedicated software for faster processing and the removal of e-landing permit requirements. Customs Commissioner Shraddha Joshi Sharma emphasized efforts to reduce compliance burdens for cruise operators. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including geopolitical issues that have led to cancellations of Indian port calls and a lack of international cruise lines home-porting in India this season. Industry insiders express concerns over taxation and procedural hurdles that still deter cruise operators from fully engaging with the Indian market. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inBengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose inaugurated the National Convention of CA Students in Kochi, organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Board of Studies. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the pivotal role of chartered accountants in India's transformation into a powerful nation. Justice Devan Ramachandran praised the Indian Constitution, urging youth to embrace honesty and strive for excellence as a fundamental duty. ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda emphasized the community's commitment to supporting India's economic ambitions and lauded the impressive achievements of CA students from Kerala, who serve as national role models. The event attracted around 1,500 students and featured speeches from notable figures including Babu Abraham Kallivayalil, Rohit Ruwadiya, Sanjib Sanghi, A. S. Anand, Deepa Varghese, and Jolly Stephen, underscoring the importance of integrity and leadership among the youth. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA tragic collision between a truck and a PUNBUS on Sirhind Road in Patiala resulted in one fatality and left 12 others injured, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in India. In response, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced new penalties for contractors responsible for stretches of National Highways built under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. If more than one accident occurs within a year on a 500-meter stretch, contractors will face fines starting at ₹25 lakh, escalating to ₹50 lakh for subsequent incidents. The ministry has identified 3,500 accident-prone areas and is also set to launch a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, providing up to ₹1.5 lakh for the first seven days of medical care at designated hospitals. This initiative aims to improve timely medical intervention and reduce fatalities from road accidents across the country. 
Published: Nov 02 2025, 3 pm
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