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Domestic air travel in India saw a robust 10.2% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic for April 2025, with an estimated 145.5 lakh passengers compared to 132.0 lakh in April 2024, according to a report by ratings agency ICRA. However, month-on-month growth remained flat, and airline capacity deployment rose by 6.9% year-on-year but fell by 4.2% from March 2025, indicating a slight slowdown. For the financial year 2024-25, domestic air passenger traffic reached approximately 1,653.8 lakh, marking a 7.6% increase over FY24 and a 16.8% rise compared to pre-Covid levels in FY20. International travel also surged, with Indian carriers reporting a 14.1% year-on-year growth in international passenger traffic, totaling 338.6 lakh, significantly surpassing pre-Covid figures. ICRA maintains a "stable" outlook for the aviation industry, projecting continued growth of 7-10% in domestic air traffic for FY26. 
Published: May 24 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNTPC Group is advancing its pumped storage projects, targeting a total capacity of 20 GW across various sites in India, with plans to commission 3-5 GW by the fiscal year 2031-32. A senior official highlighted that THDC India, a subsidiary of NTPC, has already launched a 1,000 MW pumped storage project at Tehri in Uttarakhand, with the first unit commencing commercial operations this month. The company anticipates the full 1,000 MW to be operational by FY26, contributing to India's renewable energy transition. With over 40 years of operational life, these pumped storage assets are seen as vital for enhancing energy security and supporting climate goals. NTPC has completed preliminary feasibility reports for 18 projects, with detailed reports for four nearing completion, as it aims to bolster its energy storage capabilities. Currently, NTPC Ltd stands as India's largest integrated power utility, meeting a quarter of the nation's power needs. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inKochi-based seafood exporter Kings Infra Ventures Ltd has announced an ambitious growth strategy, expanding into Andhra Pradesh, a key player in India's aquaculture sector, which accounted for over 32% of national seafood exports in FY24. The company has partnered with Aadhya Seafoods to enhance its shrimp supply chain, adhering to its quality and sustainability standards. Chairman Shaji Baby John outlined plans to create a future-ready global seafood platform, leveraging smart technology and sustainable practices. A significant initiative is the development of BlueTechOS, a digital platform designed to optimize the aquaculture value chain through real-time monitoring, blockchain traceability, and automated compliance. Kings Infra also aims to boost seafood exports via Vizag, Tuticorin, and Kollam ports, monetize land assets worth ₹150 crore, and expand its premium retail brands. Additionally, the company is transitioning to a professionally managed structure, appointing industry veterans to lead its operations. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inInnoterra, the Swiss-Indian food and agri-tech platform, has appointed Avinash Kasinathan as Group Co-Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Kasinathan, who previously led Innoterra's India operations, will collaborate with Group CEO Pascal Foehn to drive the company's expansion and prepare for a potential public listing within three years. His appointment underscores India's growing significance in Innoterra's global strategy, positioning the country as a hub for innovation and sustainable food systems. Kasinathan emphasized the need to leverage India's agri-tech ecosystem and digital transformation to foster inclusive growth and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Foehn highlighted Kasinathan's leadership as crucial for harnessing India's potential for innovation and partnerships. Recently, Kasinathan played a key role in acquiring Fasal’s fresh produce distribution business and securing a partnership with Milky Mist valued at over $40 million, further solidifying Innoterra's market presence. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a recent update from Mumbai, the SENSEX rose by 536.24 points to close at 81,654.84, while the NIFTY gained 183.55 points, reaching 24,902.15. Crude oil prices increased by 47.00, settling at 6,332.00, whereas gold prices fell by 401.00 to 99,875.00. Silver, however, saw a rise of 137.00, reaching 106,630.00. In a separate incident, an Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi returned to its origin after the pilot detected a potential technical issue. The flight, which took off at 12:16 PM local time, landed safely back in Hong Kong, with all passengers disembarking as the aircraft underwent inspection. This story is still developing, and further updates are expected. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Tea Board has revised pan India auction rules in accordance with the Ramaseshan Committee's recommendations, introducing key changes to sampling norms under the Bharat Auction model, effective July 1 for South India’s registered tea auction centres. However, these changes will not apply to North India until further notice. The amendments aim to enhance price discovery and market structure within the tea industry, particularly benefiting bought leaf tea manufacturers. Notable reforms include standardising lots and allowing sellers to determine the eligibility for free or paid trade samples, a long-sought change by industry stakeholders. Dhananjayan Krishnamurthy, president of the Nilgiris Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers Association, emphasized that this shift empowers sellers to better protect their commercial interests. The implementation of third-party services for sample collection will be considered in future consultations with the industry, as outlined in the Tea Board's circular. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 12 pmeznews.inWholesale inflation in India eased to 0.39% in May, down from 0.85% in April, primarily due to falling prices in minerals and non-food items, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The WPI Food Index inflation rate also declined significantly from 2.55% in April to 1.72% in May. The index for primary articles saw a slight decrease of 0.05%, with mineral prices dropping by 7.16%, while food articles rose by 0.56%. The fuel and power index fell by 0.95%, driven by a 2.06% decrease in mineral oil prices, although coal and electricity prices increased. The manufactured products index remained stable, with mixed price movements across various sectors. Notably, prices for pharmaceuticals and textiles rose, while food product prices saw a decline. The overall trend indicates a complex inflation landscape influenced by various commodity price shifts. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a tragic incident, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Additional Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital, Dr. Rajnish Patel, confirmed that DNA matching for 92 body remains has been completed, corresponding to 87 individuals due to duplication, with 47 bodies already dispatched to various districts. The crash also claimed the lives of at least 33 local residents and MBBS students when the aircraft struck a hostel complex. The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is receiving treatment for his injuries. Rupani's cremation will take place in Rajkot with full state honors, as authorities continue to ensure the respectful identification and handling of the victims' remains. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's economy has shown remarkable resilience amid global uncertainties, with real GDP growing by 7.4% in the fourth quarter of FY25, leading to a full-year growth of 6.5%, according to the CareEdge Economic Pathways report. While this represents a slowdown from the previous two years' average of 8.4%, growth is projected to remain robust at 6.2% for FY26, driven by strong performances in the services and construction sectors. Urban demand has been mixed, but rural demand remains stable, bolstered by wage growth. Retail inflation has significantly eased to 3.2%, the lowest since August 2019, aided by improved food supply conditions. The central government maintained a fiscal deficit of 4.8% of GDP, supported by strong corporate tax revenues. The Reserve Bank of India recently cut the repo rate to 5.5% to enhance liquidity, while the rupee has weakened slightly but remains stronger than previous lows. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn May, vehicle sales across various segments in India experienced a decline compared to the previous year, with the exception of two-wheelers, which saw a rise in demand from rural markets. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported that passenger vehicle wholesales fell by 0.8% to 344,656 units, down from 347,492 units in May 2024. Three-wheeler sales also dropped by 3.3% to 53,942 units, compared to 55,763 units last year. Conversely, two-wheeler sales increased by 2.2% to 1,655,927 units, bolstered by a 7.1% rise in scooter sales to 579,507 units. Motorcycles saw a slight increase, reaching 1,039,156 units. Rajesh Menon, SIAM's Director General, noted that recent repo rate cuts by the RBI and predictions of above-normal monsoons could enhance affordability and consumer sentiment, potentially benefiting the auto sector in the months ahead. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia is poised to achieve self-reliance in lab-grown diamonds, crucial for both jewellery and industrial applications, through the efforts of the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) at IIT Madras. Led by Professor MS Ramachandra Rao, the centre plans to produce high-quality, 2 square cm diamond seeds and wafers, which are currently imported from China. By the end of 2026, InCent-LGD aims to establish its own Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process and high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) machines for diamond production. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India as a leader in lab-grown diamonds, a sector with significant employment potential. Beyond jewellery, these diamonds are valuable as next-generation semiconducting materials. The centre has received a ₹242 crore research grant over five years to support its work, with plans for technology transfer to the private sector and the emergence of start-ups. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 11 am
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