eznews.in
The Indian Commerce & Industry Ministry is set to convene a meeting this week with shipping lines, container firms, and other stakeholders to discuss the ramifications of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict on trade. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized the need to assess the challenges faced by businesses amid rising concerns over potential freight rate hikes and disruptions to vital trade routes, particularly the Red Sea, which is crucial for shipments to Europe, the US, and Africa. The conflict has raised alarms about the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas imports, with experts warning that any military action could lead to soaring oil prices and inflation, complicating India's fiscal management. With significant trade ties to both nations, India is urged to diversify its energy sources and enhance military readiness in the Arabian Sea while advocating for de-escalation through international forums. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Navy is enhancing its coastal defence capabilities with the keel laying of the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at Cochin Shipyard Limited. This initiative is part of a broader plan to induct 16 indigenously designed vessels, with the first ship, Arnala, set to be commissioned soon. These ships, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Cochin Shipyard, will replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes and feature over 80% indigenous content, reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defence. Equipped with advanced underwater sensors and a sophisticated weapon suite, the ASW-SWCs are designed to detect and neutralise submarine threats, particularly in shallow coastal waters. Their operational capabilities will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's ability to protect its coastline and offshore assets, contributing to regional stability and reducing reliance on foreign military imports.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia's market borrowing program has demonstrated a stable evolution, with net borrowings remaining manageable despite increasing economic demands, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The government is adhering to fiscal discipline under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, with gross market borrowing through government securities (G-secs) estimated at ₹14.8 lakh crore for FY26, and net borrowing projected at ₹11.5 lakh crore. As of FY26, the government has raised ₹3.2 lakh crore in gross borrowing. While the outstanding stock of government debt has risen significantly from ₹41.6 lakh crore in FY15 to ₹114.5 lakh crore in FY26, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline from 57.1% in 2024-25 to 56.1% in 2025-26. The government is also employing debt switches and buybacks to fine-tune its borrowing profile, ensuring long-term sustainability amid prudent fiscal management.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's soyameal exports to the European Union (EU) have reached 531,000 tonnes in the current oil year 2024-25, but face significant challenges due to the impending EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect on December 30, 2025. The EUDR aims to prevent imports of products linked to deforestation, requiring exporters to provide detailed risk assessments and geolocation data for their goods. The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has expressed concerns over the compliance burden, particularly for small farmers and exporters, as soyabean is often traded in mixed lots across various markets, complicating traceability. SOPA has urged the Indian government to create a compliance mechanism that would allow for a general declaration from a government authority, rather than individual geo-tagging of fields. The EU remains a crucial market for Indian soyameal, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands being the largest importers.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated additional inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, although no major safety concerns were identified during the checks. Following a review meeting, the DGCA expressed worries about Air India's maintenance practices, which have led to significant flight delays, including 83 cancellations in the past six days, primarily involving Boeing 787s. The regulator urged the airline to enhance coordination among its engineering and operations teams and improve its defect reporting system. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions in Delhi and airspace closures over Iran and Iraq have further complicated flight schedules, resulting in longer travel times. Passengers have voiced frustration over poor communication regarding delays and cancellations, with some reporting a lack of assistance from Air India staff. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has called for immediate action to address passenger concerns.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inDelhivery Ltd's board has approved the acquisition of at least 99.4% of Ecom Express Ltd's share capital for a maximum consideration of ₹1,407 crore, following clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This strategic move aims to bolster Delhivery's logistics capabilities, enhancing its service offerings in the e-commerce sector. Ecom Express, an unlisted public company, specializes in logistics solutions tailored for the Indian e-commerce market, utilizing automated systems for various operations, including delivery and returns management. The acquisition, announced in April, is expected to scale up Delhivery's business, which has invested in automation and logistics technology. Ecom's turnover for the fiscal year 2023-24 was ₹2,607.3 crore, reflecting a growth from ₹2,548.1 crore the previous year. Regulatory approval is essential for significant deals to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair business practices.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inSanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, emphasized the critical issue of organic carbon deficiency in soil, advocating for a tailored crop nutrient management strategy that incorporates organic minerals and biostimulants. During the launch of Yara's Sustainability Report 2024, he highlighted the imbalance in nutrient usage in India, where nitrogen is overused while potash remains underutilized due to pricing policies. Yara India has reached over 650,000 farmers through agronomy sessions and digital platforms, showcasing its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The report outlines initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including a shift to rail transport and water conservation efforts. Kanwar also addressed challenges in the regulation of biostimulants, calling for streamlined standards to foster innovation. Yara aims to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and water neutrality at its Babrala plant by the end of the decade, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship and inclusive growth.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMinister of Telecommunications Jyotiraditya Scindia met with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell on Tuesday to explore collaboration opportunities in satellite communications, following the recent licensing of Starlink to commence commercial operations in India. Scindia highlighted the meeting as productive, noting that Shotwell praised the license as a significant milestone. He emphasized the potential of satellite technologies to support India's digital ambitions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, aiming to empower citizens nationwide. The Minister's discussions come as India embraces a digital revolution, with Starlink joining Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio, both of which have also received approval to operate in the country. Scindia's engagement with Shotwell underscores the government's commitment to leveraging satellite communications to enhance connectivity and drive progress in the digital landscape.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is actively pursuing access to a variety of critical minerals from Peru, including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, as part of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). These minerals are vital for India's green energy transition and electric vehicle production. New Delhi has submitted a non-paper outlining its interests and sensitivities, with further discussions scheduled for late July. Securing these resources would provide India with a stable supply chain, reducing vulnerability to policy changes. In FY25, India's exports to Peru rose by 9% to over $1 billion, while imports surged by 60% to approximately $5 billion. The FTA aims to enhance India's export of traditional goods and strengthen its presence in the Latin American market. Additionally, Peru seeks to increase its gold exports to India, although significant reductions in import duties may be challenging due to past issues with misuse.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRailways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the inauguration of India's largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant in Haryana, aimed at improving automobile logistics efficiency. The terminal, linked to Patli railway station via a 10 km dedicated rail line, was developed with an investment of ₹800 crore, significantly boosting its loading capacity to 4.5 lakh automobiles annually. Vaishnaw highlighted the addition of over 1,200 general coaches in the past year and plans to augment over 100 MEMU trains to enhance short-distance travel. He also revealed plans to produce 50 new Namo Bharat trains to meet rising passenger demand. In a bid to improve ticket booking, a new Tatkal system will require Aadhaar verification starting July 2025. Additionally, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is set for modernization to increase production capacity, while three Amrit Bharat trains are already operational, with more on the way.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAir India faced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday, with a San Francisco to Mumbai flight experiencing a technical issue that necessitated passenger deplaning during a scheduled stop in Kolkata. The airline reported at least six international flight cancellations due to enhanced maintenance checks on Boeing 787 aircraft, airspace closures, and unserviceable planes. Inclement weather further complicated matters, leading to flight diversions from Delhi and affecting domestic services. Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule criticized the airline for poor communication and service regarding a delayed Pune-Delhi flight. In response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu urged Air India to address passenger concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation summoned senior Air India executives following multiple cancellations and delays. Additionally, the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace has forced longer flight routes, exacerbating the situation for travelers, many of whom reported a lack of information from the airline.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact