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China 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.inOverall capacity on India-West Asia routes has increased by 1.3% year-on-year, with Etihad Airways targeting growth in the corporate and premium leisure segments in India, according to CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The airline, which operates 183 weekly flights to 11 Indian cities, is set to enhance its offerings by introducing its new Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring private suites and lie-flat business class seats, starting with the Kolkata route. Neves noted that around 60% of seats on India-UAE routes are sold outside India, and the airline's premium cabin load factors have risen by 25% compared to last year. While competition has intensified, with rivals increasing flights between India and Abu Dhabi, Neves expressed optimism about the Indian market's potential, citing GDP growth and a thriving diaspora. He also highlighted the need for additional capacity to meet rising demand, as UAE carriers have fully utilized their air services agreement with India.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUnion Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled a commemorative coin and launched eight significant projects during the golden jubilee celebration of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) in New Delhi. Emphasizing the government's commitment to modernizing Indian ports, Sonowal highlighted the maritime sector's growth over the past 11 years, projecting an investment of approximately ₹80 lakh crore by 2047. He noted that New Mangalore Port is set to construct an additional deep-draft general cargo berth and is a pioneer in sustainability, being fully powered by solar energy. AV Ramana, Chairman of NMPA, expressed pride in the port's evolution from a single berth to a leading facility, underscoring the importance of the newly launched projects in preparing NMPA for future challenges. The event also featured the release of a commemorative postal stamp alongside the coin to celebrate the port's milestone.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia, the world's seventh-largest coffee producer, is facing an unusual situation as carry-forward stocks for the 2025-26 season are expected to exceed normal levels, with growers holding back over 30% of last year's crop due to high prices and volatile market conditions. Currently, India exports more than two-thirds of its annual output, approximately 3.6 lakh tonnes, but export permits issued this year are down by 10% compared to last year. Stakeholders, including Ramesh Rajah of the Coffee Exporters Association, indicate that many growers are waiting for prices to rise before selling, while A Arvind Rao from the Karnataka Planters Association notes that some growers are left with unsold stocks after buyers backed out. The decline in robusta cherry exports, attributed to high price differentials with competitors like Vietnam and Brazil, further complicates the market dynamics, leading to expectations of significant carryover into the next season.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inHeritage Foods Limited has reported a net profit of ₹51 crore for the second quarter ending September 30, marking a 5% increase from the same period last year. The company achieved a revenue of ₹1,112.50 crore, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth. Executive Director Brahmani Nara noted that this is the second consecutive quarter the company has surpassed the ₹1,100-crore revenue mark, despite challenges such as adverse weather and rising procurement costs. To mitigate inflationary pressures, Heritage Foods implemented strategic price adjustments and is optimistic about a stronger second half, driven by improved milk availability and festive demand. The company also reported an 86% reduction in low-margin business-to-business fat sales, while the business-to-consumer segment grew by 35%, enhancing its sales mix. Nara emphasized that the upcoming festive season and GST benefits position Heritage for significant growth in value-added products like curd and paneer.
Published: Oct 15 2025, 7 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.inThe 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 pm
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