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The CMA CGM Group has signed a letter of intent to construct six LNG-powered containerships at Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a significant milestone as the first major foreign carrier to commission vessels from an Indian shipyard. Each ship, with a capacity of 1,700 TEUs, is set to cost approximately $50 million and will be registered under the Indian flag, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2031. This initiative aligns with CMA CGM's strategy to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chairman Rodolphe Saadé emphasized the company's confidence in India's industrial capabilities, while Cochin Shipyard's CMD Madhu S Nair highlighted the collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. With a 34-year presence in India, CMA CGM is also investing in local port infrastructure and aims to recruit 1,500 Indian seafarers by 2026, enhancing maritime employment in the region. 
Published: Oct 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's edible oil imports surged by 51% in September 2025, reaching 16.04 lakh tonnes, up from 10.64 lakh tonnes in September 2024, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). This increase was driven primarily by a rise in crude palm oil (CPO), soybean oil, and sunflower oil imports, with CPO alone accounting for 8.24 lakh tonnes, compared to 4.32 lakh tonnes the previous year. However, imports of refined palm oil ceased due to a significant increase in the duty differential, which made it economically unviable. SEA Executive Director BV Mehta praised the government's decision to raise the duty difference as a strategic move to bolster domestic refining and align with the 'Make in India' initiative. Despite the monthly increase, overall edible oil imports for the first 11 months of the 2024-25 oil year fell by 3.8%, with a notable shift towards soft oils, which now comprise 50% of total imports.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inKerala Agricultural University (KAU) has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for its new Drone Pilot Training Centre at the Agri Business Incubator in Vellanikkara. This Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) aims to integrate drone technology into agricultural practices, enhancing precision farming by optimising spray volume, application timing, and nutrient management. Funded by NABARD, the initiative is expected to reduce production costs and create skilled job opportunities, addressing labour shortages in the sector. KAU Vice-Chancellor B Ashok highlighted the potential for increased efficiency and profitability through the combination of standardised farm technologies and drone delivery systems. This marks KAU's first authorised Remote Pilot Training Course, encouraging young entrepreneurs and start-ups to adopt modern farming techniques. Established in collaboration with Modha Aero Academy Pvt Ltd, the centre aims to empower a new generation of tech-savvy farmers and agripreneurs.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is determined to prevent the rupee from falling below its record low of 88.8050 against the dollar, viewing recent currency weakness as a result of speculative attacks rather than economic fundamentals. The central bank has been actively intervening in both onshore and offshore markets to stabilize the rupee, which has hovered near record lows for weeks. Following RBI intervention, the rupee briefly surged nearly 1% before settling at 88.31 per dollar. The RBI is prepared to continue its market actions until it believes speculative positions have been sufficiently addressed. Despite trade uncertainties with the US, optimism is growing for a resolution, with Indian negotiators in the US aiming for an agreement soon. The RBI maintains confidence in India's economic growth, projecting an expansion of over 6.5% this fiscal year, while inflation remains under control.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's aviation sector, Standard Chartered and Bank of India have announced a $215 million term loan facility for AI Fleet Services IFSC Ltd (AIFS), a leasing subsidiary of Air India based in Gujarat's International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This financing will support the acquisition of six Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, which AIFS will lease to Air India. Marking a milestone, this is the first commercial aircraft finance transaction involving a GIFT City borrower, highlighting the region's potential as an emerging hub for aviation finance. Sanjay Sharma, Chairman of AIFS, emphasized the importance of GIFT City in Air India's ambitious five-year transformation plan, which includes an order for 570 aircraft. The loan aims to bolster the aviation finance segment in India, as Air India continues its fleet renewal and expansion to enhance its global presence, currently serving 55 domestic and 45 international destinations.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNashik, Maharashtra's grape capital, faces a challenging season as continuous rainfall since May has severely impacted local vineyards, with growers predicting a production drop of nearly 40%. Farmers report significant waterlogging and disruptions to the grapevine growth cycle, leading to an estimated loss of 10 to 12 tonnes per acre. Agricultural experts warn that the persistent wet conditions could result in fungal infections and uneven fruiting, further jeopardizing the quality and export potential of Nashik's grapes. Currently, around 30% of the district's grape production is estimated to be lost, with many vineyards showing no fruit formation at all. This situation raises concerns for both domestic supply and export shipments, echoing the distress experienced in previous years. Maharashtra remains India's leading grape producer, contributing over 67% to national output, but the ongoing weather woes threaten the industry's stability.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's merchandise trade deficit reached an 11-month high of $32.15 billion in September, driven by a surge in imports that outpaced exports following President Donald Trump's tariff increase to 50% on several Indian goods in late August. This figure exceeded economists' expectations of $25.13 billion, as reported in a Reuters poll. Despite the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs on textiles, shrimp, and gems, September exports rose to $36.38 billion from $35.10 billion in August. Meanwhile, total imports climbed to $68.53 billion, up from $61.59 billion the previous month. In the first half of the fiscal year, exports to the U.S., India's largest trading partner, increased by over 13% to $45.82 billion, while imports rose to $25.59 billion. The government also estimated services exports at $30.82 billion, resulting in a total trade surplus of $15.53 billion for the month.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inEtihad Airways is strategically acquiring single-aisle aircraft from the secondary market to address a significant global backlog and ongoing supply chain challenges, according to CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The Abu Dhabi-based airline has purchased four Airbus A320 family planes, selecting them based on operational needs from a pool of 14 available aircraft. Neves noted that the narrow-body segment has seen increased availability due to several airlines facing bankruptcy. The International Air Transport Association reported a record backlog of 17,000 commercial aircraft, exacerbated by pandemic-related supply chain issues, which are projected to cost airlines over $11 billion this year. While Etihad has added 28 aircraft to its fleet this year and plans to induct 21 more, Neves indicated that sourcing wide-body planes remains more challenging. The airline is also exploring options for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and has placed orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets, with deliveries expected between 2030 and 2031.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inChina has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India's subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries, claiming these measures create an unfair competitive edge for Indian industries and adversely affect Chinese interests. The Chinese commerce ministry emphasized that it would take "firm measures" to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its domestic industries in response to what it perceives as discriminatory practices. This move highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations in the rapidly evolving EV market, as both countries seek to bolster their positions in the global green technology sector. The complaint was officially announced on October 15, 2025, reflecting China's growing concerns over trade practices that it believes could hinder its economic ambitions.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Electricity Employees’ Federation of India (EEFI) has raised concerns over the Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, claiming it removes the Central Government's mandatory no-objection requirement for licenses in defence areas, potentially jeopardising national security. Central Trade Unions (CTUs) argue that the Bill facilitates the entry of private players into public networks, allowing them to target high-paying consumers while leaving public Discoms to serve less profitable rural areas. EEFI warns that this could cripple public finances, eliminate essential cross-subsidies, and increase tariffs, while CITU highlights the risk of price volatility and unreliable supply. The Bill is also seen as undermining the federal structure by granting the Centre extensive powers over state energy policies. Critics assert that the proposed changes threaten the affordability of electricity for millions and could lead to significant revenue losses for public utilities, exacerbating existing fiscal challenges.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 12 pm
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