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Ashok Leyland has announced a strategic partnership with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to enhance vehicle financing options for customers across Tamil Nadu. The two entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing customized loan solutions, thereby strengthening Ashok Leyland's market presence and improving access to its innovative, cost-effective products. Viplav Shah, Head of Ashok Leyland's Light Commercial Vehicle Business, emphasized that this collaboration will facilitate better accessibility to their offerings. Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, which operates 676 branches throughout the state, is committed to catering to diverse financial needs, and its Chairman, Mani Subramanian, expressed confidence that the partnership will bolster support for businesses in the commercial vehicle sector. This initiative reflects a growing trend of collaboration between automotive manufacturers and financial institutions to drive growth in the industry. 
Published: Jul 15 2025, 11 ameznews.inJammu and Kashmir is set to integrate small and nano businesses into the national digital marketplace via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a tech initiative launched by the Ministry of Commerce in April 2022. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a meeting with ONDC officials to discuss expanding e-commerce in the region, emphasizing the need to onboard local service providers like electricians and plumbers. He urged the Labour & Employment Department to implement a hyper-local delivery system to bolster small enterprises, aiming to enhance digital inclusion and empower grassroots entrepreneurs. Local traders welcomed the initiative but stressed the importance of effective management and supply chain optimization. Muheet Mehraj, a young entrepreneur, highlighted that while ONDC could enhance product visibility, the industry must take responsibility for inventory management. Qazi Touseef from the Kashmir Economic Alliance noted that the region's products require global accreditation and called for serious commitment from both businesses and the government to ensure successful implementation.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's trade deficit narrowed to $18.78 billion in June 2025, a 6.2% decrease from $20.03 billion in June 2024, marking a four-month low. This decline was attributed to a 3.71% drop in imports, which fell to $53.92 billion, driven by reduced purchases of crude oil and gold. Meanwhile, goods exports remained flat at $35.14 billion year-on-year, impacted by weaker performance in the petroleum and gems & jewellery sectors. In the first quarter of 2025-26, total goods and services exports rose by 6% to $210 billion, with notable increases in electronic goods, engineering products, and pharmaceuticals. The US, UAE, Netherlands, China, and the UK were the top export destinations, while China continued to be the largest source of imports. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations urged the government to enhance its sector-focused export strategy, particularly in services, to leverage India's digital capabilities.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia has experienced 143.5 mm of rainfall from July 1-15, surpassing the long period average (LPA) by 11.3%, contributing to a total seasonal rainfall that is 10% above normal since June 1. However, 258 out of 729 districts are reporting deficient rainfall, particularly in the east and north-east regions, which are 30% below normal. The Central region has seen a significant surplus of 44.5%, while the north-west region recorded a 26.3% increase. Despite the overall positive rainfall figures, concerns arise as excessive rain could negatively impact crops like pulses and oilseeds. The government aims for a foodgrain production target of 168.88 million tonnes for Kharif 2025, with July being critical for sowing. The India Meteorological Department forecasts July rainfall to exceed the 50-year average of 280.4 mm, indicating a potentially fruitful but challenging agricultural season ahead.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has indicated that heavy rains in North-West and East India may ease by July 23, with precipitation expected to be confined to the Himalayan foothills and the East and West Coasts. This follows a period of intense monsoon activity, driven by two well-marked low-pressure systems that have affected the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a depression over north Rajasthan is moving west-northwest and is expected to cross into Pakistan in the coming days, while another system over Jharkhand is weakening. Heavy rainfall is forecast across various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, East Rajasthan, and parts of South India. Despite ongoing rainfall, significant deficits remain in the East and South, with Bihar experiencing a 55% shortfall. The IMD anticipates a shift to more isolated rainfall patterns in North-West India next week.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis convened a meeting with senior officials on Saturday to assess the progress of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is set to open on September 30. Initially, the airport will operate for 12 hours daily, from 8 am to 8 pm, to test its systems before transitioning to full operations with domestic flights in October. Currently, IndiGo and Akasa Air have confirmed plans to commence flights, while discussions with other carriers are ongoing. The airport is designed to handle approximately 20 million passengers annually, with an initial capacity of 8-10 air traffic movements per hour. Fadnavis noted that 94% of construction is complete and emphasized the need for a rapid baggage claim system. Operational readiness trials are underway, with inspections by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation pending for aerodrome licensing.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe unemployment rate in the country remained steady at 5.6% in June, according to the Statistics Ministry. While rural areas saw a decline in unemployment for both men and women, urban areas experienced a rise in male unemployment, with female rates unchanged. This shift is attributed to an increase in own-account work, driven by seasonal factors, leading individuals to pursue small-scale activities such as petty trade and repair services. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) fell slightly to 54.2%, with rural areas at 56.1% and urban areas at 50.4%. Notably, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) also decreased, particularly among rural females, where participation dropped over one percentage point due to a shift of unpaid helpers to domestic duties. Additionally, the proportion of rural women working in agriculture decreased from 70.2% to 69.8%, reflecting changing economic conditions.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe VOC Port Authority in Thoothukudi has announced plans to construct a five-star beach resort near its guest house, inviting bids for the project that will occupy port land for 30 years. This initiative aims to accommodate executives from the burgeoning industries in the area, which include a large electric vehicle factory by Vietnam's VinFast, set to inaugurate this month. With over ₹41,000 crore worth of projects in the pipeline, including significant investments from ACME Green Hydrogen and Tata Solar, the demand for upscale accommodation has surged. Current hotel options in Thoothukudi town are limited, prompting the need for a luxury resort closer to the port. The region is also seeing the development of various industries, such as shipbuilding and renewable energy, further highlighting the necessity for enhanced hospitality services to support the growing workforce.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's export status is projected to remain stable, with significant growth opportunities identified in key product categories, according to a quarterly trade report by NITI Aayog. The report highlights India's competitive edge in the US market, where it benefits from a 20.5% tariff differential over China in several critical sectors. Despite facing slightly higher tariffs in six of the top 30 product categories, India maintains a strong position, as tariffs on competitors are higher in 22 of these categories. This presents a strategic opportunity for India to negotiate with the US, particularly as global trade dynamics shift towards diversifying supply chains away from China. The findings come amid heightened trade tensions, with former President Donald Trump announcing reciprocal tariffs on various trading partners. India is currently engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement with the US, aiming to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and the All-India Cottonseed Crushers’ Association (AICOSCA) are set to host the sixth SEA-AICOSCA Cottonseed, Oil and Meal Conclave in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on August 2-3. The event, themed ‘Revitalising Cottonseed: Growth Pathways for Oil, Meal, and Beyond’, aims to explore strategies to enhance the potential of cottonseed oil and its by-products, thereby bolstering India’s edible oil security and rural economy. Currently, India produces approximately 12 lakh tonnes of cottonseed oil annually, ranking third after soyabean and rapeseed, yet its broader adoption remains limited. Industry leaders emphasize the need for modern processing methods to unlock the potential of cottonseed oil production, which could reach 18 lakh tonnes. The conclave will feature keynote speeches and expert panels, attracting over 300 delegates to discuss innovations and sustainable growth in the sector.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's trade deficit significantly narrowed to $3.51 billion in June 2025, down from $7.30 billion a year earlier, as exports surged to $67.98 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase from June 2024. This improvement is attributed to robust global demand and a thriving service sector, with imports rising slightly to $71.50 billion amid stable domestic consumption and easing global commodity prices. The trade deficit had also decreased in May, indicating a positive trend for India's current account and economic fundamentals. The government aims for $1 trillion in exports for the 2025-26 financial year, bolstered by initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and recent free trade agreements (FTAs) with the UK and UAE. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized the role of FTAs in fostering innovation and regulatory alignment between partner nations.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 4 pm
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