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Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has secured a significant contract from a major European client for the design and construction of six feeder container vessels, each with a capacity of approximately 1,700 twenty-foot equivalent units. The vessels will be powered by liquefied natural gas, reflecting a commitment to more sustainable shipping practices. The letter of intent for this project was signed on October 14, 2025, with a formal shipbuilding contract expected to follow, outlining the technical and commercial terms. The value of the order is reported to exceed Rs 2,000 crore, marking a substantial addition to CSL's portfolio. This development underscores the shipyard's growing prominence in the global maritime industry and its ability to meet the evolving demands of shipping clients. 
Published: Oct 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA government committee in India has proposed several legislative amendments and strategies to address challenges in achieving the ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Currently, the nation has an installed capacity of 8.88 GW, necessitating an average annual addition of approximately 4.14 GW over the next 22 years. Key recommendations include amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to allow private sector participation and easing investor concerns regarding the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. The committee estimates that achieving the target will require an investment of ₹19 lakh crore and a significant increase in uranium production, as domestic mining is currently costly. Notable companies like NTPC, Tata Power, and Jindal Nuclear are already planning nuclear projects, with NTPC investing ₹42,000 crore in a joint venture in Rajasthan. The committee also aims to streamline project timelines to expedite the establishment of new nuclear facilities.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA new study has urged India, the world's largest cooking oil importer, to implement a transparent, multi-year tariff framework for edible oils to mitigate a decade of policy instability that has disrupted prices and hindered investment. Since 2015, India has altered tariffs over 25 times, creating uncertainty for stakeholders from suppliers to consumers. The research, conducted by several institutions including Jawaharlal Nehru University, highlights that palm oil, which constitutes 60% of imports, serves as a price anchor but also exposes India to external risks from major suppliers like Indonesia and Malaysia. Recommendations include establishing predictable tariff bands, enhancing market data systems, and formalising stakeholder consultations prior to policy changes. The study emphasizes that stabilising palm oil tariffs could significantly improve market equilibrium, reduce import dependency, and align India's edible oil policy with its broader economic and food security goals.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAirbound, an autonomous delivery logistics company focused on blended-wing-body aircraft, has secured $8.65 million in seed funding, alongside a pilot partnership with Narayana Health. The funding round, led by Lachy Groom of Physical Intelligence, saw participation from Humba Ventures and Lightspeed, as well as investments from senior leaders at Tesla and Anduril. Airbound's CEO, Naman Pushp, emphasized the healthcare sector as an ideal testing ground for their technology, which promises reliability and efficiency in medical deliveries. Narayana Health's founder, Devi Shetty, noted that this partnership could enhance the speed and reliability of medical logistics. With this latest funding, Airbound's total capital raised exceeds $10 million, which will be used to scale manufacturing, broaden operations beyond medical delivery, refine technology, and prepare for a wider market launch in 2026.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar and biofuel industry representatives have called on the government to create a national ethanol mobility roadmap that extends beyond the current E-20 blending target, which successfully achieved a 20% ethanol-petrol mix five years ahead of schedule. The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) are advocating for reduced taxes on flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and consumer incentives akin to those for electric vehicles under the FAME scheme. ISMA highlighted that the ethanol industry has already supplied 17.76 billion litres, surpassing the 10.50 billion litres required, and is prepared to support a 27% blending target. However, they warn that without a clear roadmap, production capacities may remain underutilised, jeopardising investments and revenues. The groups also noted that the current 43% GST on FFVs is a significant barrier compared to the 5% rate for electric vehicles, urging policy support to help reduce India's oil import costs significantly.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's gems and jewellery exports rose by 6.55% in September 2025, reaching $2.91 billion (₹25,737.50 crore), driven by increased demand during the festive and wedding seasons, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This marks a growth from $2.73 billion (₹22,925.81 crore) in September 2024. For the first half of the fiscal year 2025-26, exports grew by 3.66% to $14.09 billion, with strong demand noted in markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK. However, exports to the US, a crucial market, fell by over 40% due to tariff issues. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali highlighted ongoing efforts to seek government support for exporters, including financial relief measures and worker welfare initiatives. Meanwhile, exports of cut and polished diamonds and gold jewellery also saw positive growth, indicating a potential strengthening of the sector as global markets enter a busy period.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAir India has appointed Vikram Dayal as the new Head of its Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC) following the resignation of Choorah Singh, who left to explore opportunities in Ireland. Singh's departure comes after he was implicated in a DGCA notice regarding crew scheduling issues earlier this year. While Air India has not yet released an official statement on this leadership change, the airline is set to enhance its connectivity with the launch of a direct flight service between Agartala and Bagdogra on October 26, coinciding with the winter flight schedule. This new route will be serviced by a 180-seater Boeing aircraft, making travel to North Bengal more accessible. Additionally, Air India is expanding its UK services by adding a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London (Heathrow), increasing its weekly frequency to 28 flights and solidifying its position as the largest carrier between India and the UK.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's rice export potential is poised for significant growth, with new markets worth ₹1,17,000 crore expected to emerge following the collaboration between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC 2025). Scheduled for October 30-31, 2025, in New Delhi, the event will attract over 1,000 international buyers, 2,500 Indian exporters, and 5,000 farmers, alongside various institutions. IRRI, which has been a leader in rice research for over 60 years, will serve as the Research and Knowledge Partner, providing expert-led sessions and live demonstrations to showcase the culinary versatility of Indian rice. This initiative aims to position Indian rice as a viable alternative in global markets, particularly for non-basmati varieties, by highlighting its quality and adaptability in international cuisines. Experts believe this partnership will enhance India's trade ambitions while promoting sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's e-commerce market is set to expand significantly, projected to grow from $145 billion in FY2025 to $345 billion by FY2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%, according to a report by Rubix. The report highlights India's emergence as the third-largest retail market globally by 2024, with the e-commerce sector achieving a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of $14 billion in FY2025, reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase. Despite this growth, e-commerce accounts for only 7-9% of total retail sales, indicating substantial potential for further expansion. The beauty segment is identified as the fastest-growing online category, driven by influencer marketing and rising digital usage. Additionally, government initiatives and increased female workforce participation are enhancing market dynamics. A proposed policy shift could allow global giants like Amazon to directly procure goods from Indian sellers for export, positioning India as a potential global e-commerce export hub.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's marine products sector requires a comprehensive four-pronged strategy to navigate the recent increase in US tariffs on shrimp exports, according to a policy brief by Kotak Karma-ICRIER. The report emphasizes the need for concessional loans, export market diversification, value addition, and domestic market development to enhance competitiveness. With the global shrimp market projected to exceed $74 billion by 2032, India, which exported $2.4 billion worth of shrimp to the US in 2024-25, faces challenges due to the effective tariff hike from 8.26% to 58.26%. This has led to an 8-10% decline in farm-gate prices, threatening the sector's viability. The brief advocates for immediate measures like value-chain financing and ongoing trade negotiations with the US, while also recommending medium to long-term strategies focused on diversifying export markets and developing domestic demand for shrimp as a nutritious protein source.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has made its inaugural investment under the AgriSURE Fund at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, targeting innovations in the agri-food supply chain. The first recipient, Fambo Innovation Pvt Ltd, connects farmers and producer organizations directly with food businesses, enhancing efficiency in the sector. NABARD also showcased other ventures, including Kuberjee Tech Pvt Ltd, NAVADHAN Capital, and SLO Technologies, all aimed at fostering financial inclusion and technological advancement in rural India. Chairman Shaji KV emphasized the importance of integrating fintech and agritech to bolster rural credit systems and promote transparency. The festival also featured a hackathon encouraging problem-solvers to develop low-cost monitoring systems for climate-friendly farming practices. Additionally, the launch of the RuralTech CoLab portal aims to unite fintech, agritech, and digital service providers to create scalable solutions for rural communities.
Published: Oct 14 2025, 4 pm
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