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Chennai to Host Global Quality Convention

The National Institution for Quality and Reliability (NIQR) is set to host its 18th Global Quality Convention in Chennai on August 28 and 29, attracting over 800 delegates worldwide. Keynote sessions will feature global thought leaders discussing the evolving challenges and opportunities for the Indian industry amid significant geopolitical shifts. NIQR President S. Murali Shankar highlighted India's growing recognition for its technical capabilities, bolstered by increased R&D investments and enhanced industry-academia collaborations. Dr. Vinod Surana, Chairman of the NIQR Advisory Board, emphasized the critical importance of 'reliability' in sectors like Defence, where even minor product failures can have severe consequences. The convention aims to compile discussions into a compendium for grassroots dissemination within the industry. Notable speakers include Vivek Joshi, N Ravichandran, and Giridhara Gopalan, who will contribute insights on enhancing quality and reliability in Indian manufacturing. sources

Published:
Aug 23 2025, 9 pm

Mangaluru connectivity to improve with key highway projects by 2026

Key road infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mangaluru and the rest of Karnataka are progressing well, with completion expected by mid-2026. The initiatives involve three National Highways—75, 169, and 66—covering a total of 154.55 km, of which 127.5 km has already been completed. Union Minister for Highways Nitin Gadkari confirmed that significant stretches, including the 48.49 km Periyashanthi-BC Road Town segment, are nearing completion, with only 6.67 km remaining. Additionally, a 45.01 km highway connecting Sanoor and Bikarnakatte on NH-169 is set to finish by June 2026. The projects are anticipated to improve access to New Mangalore Port and stimulate industrial growth, while road widening on NH-169 will reduce travel times to popular tourist destinations. Rapid progress over the past year has been attributed to the efforts of local MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and the National Highways Authority of India. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2025, 6 am

Key Bills Guiding India's Journey to 'Amrit Kaal'

In a historic move, India has overhauled its maritime sector by replacing colonial-era laws with a modern legislative framework aimed at establishing the country as a global maritime hub. The recent Monsoon Session of Parliament passed five key bills, including the Merchant Shipping Bill and the Indian Ports Bill, which are designed to streamline business processes, align with international standards, and attract investment in shipping and ports. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, is central to these reforms, enhancing India’s maritime regulations and promoting domestic shipping while reducing reliance on foreign vessels. The Indian Ports Act, 2025, introduces a data-driven approach to port development, while the Coastal Shipping Act aims to boost domestic cargo movement. Collectively, these reforms are expected to significantly increase India’s maritime capacity and competitiveness, with projections indicating substantial growth in shipbuilding and cargo movement by 2047, marking a new era for India's maritime ambitions. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2025, 6 am

Brazil's Iron Ore Shipments Increase by 4%

Brazil, the world's second-largest iron ore exporter, is projected to see a 4% increase in shipments from January to August 2025, driven by heightened mining activity. The country accounts for 23% of global iron ore exports, significantly trailing Australia, which dominates with 54%. Notably, Brazilian shipments to China have risen, compensating for reduced imports from Australia, Peru, and India, despite a general decline in Chinese demand. A staggering 73% of global iron ore shipments are destined for China, with an additional 11% going to other East Asian nations. Furthermore, 89% of these shipments are transported via the Capesize segment, including Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs), with this figure reaching 97% for Brazilian exports, according to Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO. The report highlights Brazil's critical role in the global iron ore market as of August 25, 2025. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2025, 6 am

Joyful Sailing in Japan's Waters

Japan's MSK Lines Ltd. has unveiled the name of its upcoming cruise ship, the Mitsui Ocean Sakura, set to launch in late 2026 under the MOL Group's MOL Cruises Ltd. The vessel, boasting a gross tonnage of approximately 32,000 tons and measuring less than 200 meters in length, is designed to access a variety of ports across Japan, including remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido, as well as urban locations. The Mitsui Ocean Sakura will feature a diverse array of itineraries, focusing on short- to medium-term cruises, and will include popular one-night cruises. Additionally, the ship will host themed cruises celebrating festivals, fireworks, music, and culinary experiences, catering to a wide range of guest interests, according to a company release. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2025, 6 am

India's ASEAN Ties Strengthen Cruise Ship Industry

India is poised to enhance its cruise tourism sector through a collaborative initiative with ASEAN countries, following the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue held in Chennai on June 30, 2025. The meeting, attended by all ASEAN member states, focused on improving cruise connectivity and promoting heritage-led tourism. With a coastline of 7,500 km and extensive inland waterways, India aims to tap into the burgeoning cruise market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% over the next decade, potentially reaching a market size of $7.1 billion. The government's Maritime India Vision 2030 envisions an eightfold increase in the cruise tourism market, supported by the Cruise Bharat Mission. While significant infrastructure developments, such as new cruise terminals in Mumbai, Kerala, and Visakhapatnam, are underway, challenges remain in capacity building and operational efficiency to attract international tourists and compete with larger global cruise operators. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2025, 6 am

Long waits and crowds diminish Yellow Line's appeal

The recent launch of Bengaluru Metro's Yellow Line has significantly enhanced the city's metro connectivity, yet commuters face persistent challenges regarding ease of use, last-mile access, and train frequency. Despite an impressive first-day ridership of 83,000, far exceeding expectations, many passengers find the metro less convenient than private vehicles. Currently, only three trains operate at 25-minute intervals, leading to long wait times and overcrowded platforms. Commuters like Bhavna, a tech professional, report that the metro journey takes over two hours compared to just one hour by car, citing cumbersome interchanges between lines as a major drawback. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to improve train frequency to 20 minutes, the existing issues continue to deter many from opting for the metro over personal transport. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2025, 7 pm

India's pharma exports grow 5.21% to $7.57 billion Q1 FY26

In the last financial year, India's pharmaceutical exports surged by 9.39%, reaching $30.47 billion, up from $27.85 billion in FY 2023-24. The first quarter of the current financial year saw a 5.21% increase in exports, totaling $7.57 billion, driven primarily by formulations and biologics, according to data from the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). Chairman Namit Joshi emphasized India's growing significance in the global healthcare sector, with notable export growth in regions such as Oceania, Latin America, and Africa. However, the industry faces challenges, including pricing pressures in the US market, which have impacted major drug-makers' financial performance. Additionally, imports rose by 4.21% to $786 million, with bulk drugs and intermediaries making up 46% of total imports. The government aims to reduce import dependency through the Product-Linked Incentive scheme, as the industry remains cautiously optimistic about future export growth amid ongoing market pressures. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2025, 7 pm

Chinese airlines seek Delhi slots to resume flights

Chinese airlines are poised to resume flights to India after a five-year hiatus, with four carriers—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Shandong Airlines—applying for slots at Delhi airport. IndiGo is also set to relaunch services to Chengdu and Guangzhou. Following discussions between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian officials, both nations have agreed to expedite the resumption of direct flights, with an updated air services agreement allowing 42 flights per week for each side. Prior to the pandemic, Chinese carriers fully utilized this quota, while Indian airlines operated 19 weekly flights. With over half a million passengers traveling between the two countries in fiscal year 2025, demand is expected to rise, particularly for business travel. In the interim, travelers have been using transit hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore, which dominate the market share for India-China routes. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2025, 7 pm

CII: Align Reforms with Global Changes for Competitiveness

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has unveiled a comprehensive policy blueprint titled "Policies for a Competitive India," proposing over 250 actionable reforms aimed at enhancing India's global competitiveness amid rising geopolitical shifts and the dual transitions of green and digital economies. The recommendations encompass macroeconomic stability, energy, trade, and sustainability, with a focus on inclusive growth and positioning India as a global leader. Key proposals include the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, decriminalisation of minor violations, streamlined labour codes, and a forward-looking energy strategy. CII also advocates for privatisation of non-strategic public enterprises, improved judicial efficiency, and a progressive trade policy. Emphasising the importance of competitiveness as a national priority, CII President Rajiv Memani stated the organisation is committed to partnering with the government to foster a globally competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven India, aligning domestic reforms with the evolving global landscape. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2025, 6 pm

"Transform Kerala into a Global Aviation Hub"

Kochi Mayor M. Anil Kumar inaugurated the closing ceremony of the Kerala Aviation Summit 2025, which aimed to position the state as a global aviation hub by integrating tourism and aviation for sustainable growth. The two-day event, attended by industry leaders and policymakers, emphasized the pivotal role of Cochin International Airport in enhancing Kerala's economic landscape. Discussions focused on improving airport infrastructure, increasing international connectivity, and promoting regional air travel, with experts highlighting the potential for new flight routes to key global destinations. S. Suhas, Managing Director of CIAL, noted the summit's success in recognizing Kerala's untapped potential, while Kumar praised CIAL as a model of public-private partnership. The summit's slogan, "Giving Wings to Kerala," encapsulated its vision for the future, with panel discussions addressing the synergy between tourism and aviation, and the importance of innovative practices in the sector. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2025, 6 pm

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