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The Karnataka High Court's recent decision to uphold a state government ban on bike taxis has led aggregators like Rapido to suspend operations as of June 16. Commuters, however, are adapting by booking rides under the 'parcel' category, with some expressing frustration over rising auto fares and limited availability. Netra, a marketing professional, highlighted the challenges of securing auto rides, prompting her to use the parcel option instead. Meanwhile, transport officials argue that bike taxis operate without proper licensing, while industry representatives call for a clearer legal framework to protect workers' livelihoods. The court has requested responses from the state and stakeholders by June 20, with a follow-up hearing set for June 24. Advocates for bike taxi services emphasize the need for regulations that address the mobility demands of urban residents, warning that the ban could exacerbate existing transport shortages. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 8 pmeznews.inEthiopian Airlines has launched a new direct flight service from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa, marking a significant enhancement in international connectivity for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The inaugural flight took off on June 17, 2025, following a celebratory ceremony attended by senior officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) and Ethiopian Airlines. The new route, featuring three weekly evening departures, offers a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GHIAL, expressed enthusiasm for the service, highlighting its potential to strengthen ties between South India and Africa, an emerging market of increasing strategic importance. The direct connection is anticipated to boost opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, facilitating greater trade and investment between India and the African continent.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a challenging month for India's gems and jewellery sector, overall exports fell by 15.81% to $2.26 billion in May, primarily due to new tariffs imposed by the US, according to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Exports of cut and polished diamonds saw a significant decline of 35.49%, dropping to $949.70 million, while polished lab-grown diamonds also fell by 32.76%. However, gold jewellery exports bucked the trend, rising 17.24% to $997.50 million, driven by heightened demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, silver jewellery exports decreased by 17.59% during April-May, and coloured gemstone exports saw a slight decline of 1.13%. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali noted that the overall export downturn reflects the impact of US tariffs, while the surge in gold jewellery exports highlights its status as a safe haven asset.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift in global trade dynamics, China's exports to the United States plummeted by 34.5% in May 2025, dropping from $44 billion to $28.8 billion, as reported by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). While overall exports rose by 4.6% to $316.2 billion, this decline was offset by increased shipments to other regions, with exports to the European Union rising by 12% to $49.5 billion, ASEAN by 15% to $58.4 billion, and India by 12.4% to $11.13 billion. Concurrently, India's imports from China and Hong Kong surged by 22.4% to $12 billion, driven by electronics and machinery. Despite a slight overall decline in India's merchandise imports, exports to the US grew by 17.3% to $8.8 billion, largely due to smartphones. The report cautioned nations to be wary of aggressive export strategies that could lead to dumping, as geopolitical tensions continue to shape trade relations.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inTropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt Ltd has launched the #SawalKalKaHai campaign to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, aiming to ensure long-term food security. The initiative encourages environmentally friendly farming practices and responsible consumer choices, highlighting the connection between food choices and farming methods. A campaign film illustrates the journey of food from soil to plate, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions for individual and environmental health. The campaign stresses the need to protect soil health and maintain ecological balance, urging both farmers and consumers to take collective responsibility for sustainability. Founder VK Jhaver stated that the campaign is a call to action for conscious choices that secure a better future, while General Manager Chandrika Rodrigues emphasized the goal of bridging the gap between rural farms and urban consumers to foster a healthier food ecosystem. The initiative marks the start of a long-term movement for sustainable practices in India.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inCoconut oil prices have surged to ₹410 per litre, marking an ₹80 increase in just a week, primarily due to declining copra production, according to Thalath Mahmood, president of the Cochin Oil Merchant Association. This price hike has led to a 10-20% drop in local demand, with consumers turning to cheaper alternatives like palmolein and sunflower oil, priced at ₹130 and ₹150, respectively. In Kerala, where coconut oil is a staple for cooking, copra prices have also risen to ₹231 per kg. Mahmood warned that the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could further inflate edible oil costs due to increased freight rates, while the rise in coconut oil prices has resulted in a proliferation of inferior and adulterated oils. The association plans to urge the government to lift import restrictions on coconut oil and copra to address the industry's crisis. Meanwhile, raw coconut prices have climbed to ₹70 per kg amid declining production.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inChaos erupted at Ahmedabad airport on Tuesday following the cancellation of an Air India flight to Gatwick, UK, scheduled for 1 PM. Passengers expressed frustration as Air India officials failed to provide explanations for the cancellation or information regarding refunds. Hasmukh Barot, who traveled from Patan district, reported that staff were unaware of the reasons behind the cancellation and could not address refund inquiries. Another passenger, Sohal Dave, highlighted the urgency of his family's situation, as his children were set to start school soon. In response, an Air India spokesperson clarified that the flight was cancelled due to the unavailability of the aircraft, linked to airspace restrictions and precautionary checks, not technical issues. The airline has since offered hotel accommodations, full refunds, and alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers, while also announcing the cancellation of flight AI-170 from Gatwick to Amritsar.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inKoh Chang, Thailand, renowned for its stunning waterfalls, beaches, and marine life, has been named the world's second-best island by Travel + Leisure, trailing only the Maldives. Tourists were seen feeding elephants on the roadside on June 9, 2025, highlighting the island's charm, which is reflected in its name, meaning "Elephant Island" in Thai. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that over one million Indian visitors have traveled to Thailand in 2025, marking a significant increase in tourism from India, which is now the third-largest source market after China and Malaysia. This surge follows a record-setting 2024, where Thailand welcomed over 35 million international tourists, with India contributing 2.1 million arrivals. The rise in demand from emerging Indian cities for luxury travel experiences has been noted, alongside a 20% increase in flight frequencies between the two countries.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's textile sector may gain a competitive advantage in the global market due to rising labour costs in Vietnam and political instability in Bangladesh, according to a report by Systematix Research. However, the near-term outlook remains challenging, with tariff uncertainties pressuring margins and forcing exporters to potentially pass costs onto consumers, which could dampen demand from key markets like the US. Despite these challenges, the report notes that global macroeconomic shifts are favouring India, as channel inventories normalise and the US considers raising tariffs on China. In the fourth quarter of FY25, Indian textile companies reported muted performance, with revenue rising by 5% year-on-year, while EBITDA declined by 3% and profit after tax grew by only 3%. Spinning companies benefitted from lower cotton prices, while garment sales improved due to normalising inventories. However, home textiles faced weak demand, highlighting the mixed performance across the sector.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off the south-west coast of India, specifically targeting the busy waters off Kerala, to mitigate collisions between merchant and fishing vessels. This initiative is particularly crucial given the high density of fishing and merchant traffic in the region. Currently in the consultation phase, the DGS is engaging with stakeholders and analyzing past collision incidents and traffic patterns to optimize sea routes. TSS involves designated lanes for vessels traveling in opposite directions, thereby reducing the risk of head-on collisions and improving navigation efficiency. Governed by international laws, including the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), TSS is already implemented in various global waterways, such as the English Channel and near major ports like Singapore. While vessels are encouraged to adhere to these lanes, exceptions exist for emergencies and specific operational needs.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAir India's flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, scheduled for departure on Tuesday afternoon, has been cancelled due to unspecified "operational issues," as confirmed by an airport official and the airline's website. The flight was set to leave Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 3 PM. This cancellation follows the tragic crash of flight AI-171 on June 12, which resulted in the loss of nearly all 242 passengers and crew members on board. The original flight has since been re-coded to AI-159, but details regarding the operational issues leading to the latest cancellation remain unclear. The airline continues to face scrutiny following the recent incident, which has raised concerns about safety and operational protocols.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pm
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