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Air India flight to Newark returns to Mumbai due to issue

An Air India flight bound for Newark was forced to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. The Boeing 777, which departed at approximately 1:50 AM on October 22, was airborne for over three hours before safely landing back in Mumbai. The airline confirmed that the crew made a precautionary decision to return, and the aircraft is currently undergoing inspections. As a result of the incident, flights AI191 and AI144, which were scheduled to operate between Newark and Mumbai, have been cancelled. Affected passengers in Mumbai have been provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative flights. Passengers on AI144 from Newark have also been informed of the cancellation and are receiving assistance for their travel arrangements. The number of passengers impacted has not been disclosed. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 2 pm

Darjeeling tea production plummets to 5 million kg due to weather

The Darjeeling tea industry is facing a significant decline in production, exacerbated by recent landslides and severe weather conditions. Production, which stood at 9.14 million kg in 2011, has plummeted to an anticipated 5 million kg this year, marking an all-time low. The Indian Tea Exporters Association (ITEA) Chairman Anshuman Kanoria highlighted that 27 of the 71 operational gardens were severely affected by landslides on October 4 and 5, with thousands of tea bushes destroyed. The adverse weather has also led to a shortage of available workers, further complicating recovery efforts. Exports, which typically hover around 3-3.5 million kg annually, are expected to remain stagnant this year despite improved prices in overseas markets. The Darjeeling Tea Association has urged West Bengal's Chief Minister for support to help the industry recover from the devastating impacts of the natural calamity. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 3 pm

Tobacco Board sets Nov 30 for 2026 registration renewal

The Tobacco Board has announced that all manufacturers, exporters, processors, dealers, and packers in the tobacco industry must register or renew their registrations for 2026 by November 30. According to a notice, this annual registration is mandated under Section 12 of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975. New applicants have until November 1 to submit their applications, while renewals can be filed until the end of the month. All submissions must be completed online via the Tobacco Board portal, as manual applications will not be accepted. To qualify for renewal, traders must have submitted required statutory returns on time and must not have breached any provisions of the Act or its regulations. The Board has cautioned that operating without a valid license or engaging in unauthorized tobacco transactions will lead to legal action as stipulated by the Act. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 4 pm

India updates renewable energy strategy to enhance capacity absorption

India's renewable energy sector is undergoing a strategic shift as the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) reports that Central Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) have submitted bids for 5.6 GW, while state agencies have contributed 3.5 MW in 2025. With the country's renewable capacity expanding from under 35 GW in 2014 to over 197 GW today, the focus is now on system reforms and capacity absorption rather than mere expansion. The MNRE emphasizes the need for grid integration, energy storage, and market reforms to support the ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Despite global supply chain challenges, India continues to add 15-25 GW of renewable capacity annually. The policy landscape is evolving, with a shift towards tenders for renewable power with energy storage, aiming for a more resilient and integrated energy architecture that prioritizes quality and stability over sheer growth. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 1 pm

Auto sector sees record $4.6 billion in transactions: Grant Thornton

India's automotive sector experienced a robust third quarter in 2025, with 30 transactions totaling $4.6 billion, marking its strongest performance in over a year, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's Automotive Dealtracker report. The surge in deal value was primarily driven by Tata Motors' significant $3.8 billion acquisition of Iveco S.P.A., one of the largest outbound automotive transactions in the country’s history. Excluding this deal, however, overall values fell by 36% from the previous quarter, indicating that major strategic moves are shaping the market. The report highlighted a strategic shift towards global expansion, electrification, and supply chain adjustments, with cross-border deals making up 71% of transaction volumes. Notably, private equity interest remained steady in tech-driven segments like electric mobility. As policy reforms and festive demand converge, experts predict continued momentum in alternative fuel technologies and auto-tech innovations. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 1 pm

Global lessors oppose India's draft aviation payment rules

A coalition of global aircraft lessors has urged India to revise draft aviation regulations that complicate the repossession of planes from financially distressed airlines. The proposed rules mandate that lessors must first settle outstanding employee wages and government taxes before reclaiming aircraft, a requirement the Aviation Working Group (AWG) deems impractical and potentially detrimental to timely repossessions. With around 80% of commercial jets in India leased, the country is a vital market for lessors, especially as airlines like Air India and IndiGo expand their fleets. The AWG, which includes major players like AerCap and Boeing, has expressed concerns that these rules could deter investment in India's aviation sector. Discussions between AWG representatives and Indian officials are expected in the coming weeks as the government seeks to balance regulatory oversight with the need to attract foreign investment in aviation. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 1 pm

Australia lifts Indian prawn import ban, aiding farmers

Australia has lifted its ban on unpeeled prawn imports from India, providing a much-needed opportunity for Indian prawn farmers facing significant losses due to high tariffs imposed by the United States. While the volumes of prawns imported by Australia are relatively low—38,000 tonnes in 2022—the move is seen as a strategic step for the Indian shrimp industry to diversify its export markets. Indian exporters will now compete with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China for this market. However, all shipments must undergo rigorous testing for white spot and yellow head diseases before and after arriving in Australia. Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for IT and Human Resources, announced the first import approval during his visit to Australia, emphasizing that this development will help reduce reliance on the US market and boost India's aquaculture exports. The ban had been in place since 2016 due to previous virus detections. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 12 pm

Trump: Discussed trade with Modi; India won't buy Russian oil

During a Diwali celebration at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his warm Diwali greetings during a recent phone call. The conversation primarily revolved around trade, with Trump highlighting ongoing negotiations for "great deals" between the two nations. He reiterated Modi's commitment to reducing India's crude oil purchases from Russia, a point that has drawn scrutiny from Indian officials and opposition leaders. Modi thanked Trump on social media, emphasizing the importance of the two democracies standing united against terrorism. Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Trump for repeatedly disclosing India's oil policy, suggesting that Modi's administration was not as forthcoming. The backdrop of these discussions includes recent U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, which India aims to reduce in ongoing trade talks. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 11 am

Maharashtra sugar mills struggle as farmers shift to Karnataka

Sugar mills in western Maharashtra are facing challenges as the crushing season begins early in neighboring Karnataka, where the government has permitted mills to start operations ahead of schedule. This has led to a significant influx of sugarcane from Maharashtra's border districts, including Kolhapur and Sangli, into Karnataka's factories, raising concerns among local millers. Farmers are opting to send their harvest to Karnataka to maximize returns and prevent losses due to delayed harvesting, as emphasized by Karnataka Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil. In contrast, Maharashtra has set November 1 as the official start date for crushing, with the Sugar Directorate warning of strict penalties for early operations. Despite calls from millers for an earlier start, the directive remains unchanged. Meanwhile, farmer leader Raju Shetti has advised patience, suggesting that a future shortage could lead to better prices, while also advocating for higher payments to offset rising costs. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 11 am

Arabian Sea Low Surpasses Bay Twin, Strengthens into Depression

Heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea interacts with a depression in the Bay of Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The depression, located approximately 630 km west-southwest of Aminidivi and 1,020 km southwest of Panjim, is projected to move slowly north-northwestward. Global models suggest that the system may remain over warm waters, potentially leading to further intensification. However, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre notes that the system is poorly organized, facing challenges from moderate to high easterly wind shear. While the proximity to the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts may slow its development, the IMD indicates a possibility of intensification into a depression over the southwest Bay, with impacts expected across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh by Thursday morning. sources

Published:
Oct 22 2025, 10 am

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