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Cyclone Montha reduces India's cotton output by 2%

India's cotton output for the 2025-26 season is projected to decline by 2% to 305 lakh bales, down from 312 lakh bales last year, due to reduced acreage, excessive rainfall, and damage from Cyclone Montha, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI). Despite this setback, overall cotton supplies are expected to rise, bolstered by record imports of 45 lakh bales, as mills capitalize on duty-free imports until the year's end. CAI President Atul S. Ganatra noted that while some regions, like the North and Karnataka, have seen improved yields, states such as Telangana have experienced declines. Total cotton supply for the season is estimated at 410.59 lakh bales, including opening stocks and imports, with domestic consumption projected at 300 lakh bales. Market arrivals have increased, with prices currently ranging between ₹6,000-7,500 per quintal, still below the minimum support price of ₹8,100. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin Transits Red Sea as First in 2 Years

The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has made history as the first ultra-large container ship to navigate the Red Sea safely in nearly two years, following a series of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels that had disrupted this vital maritime route between Asia and Europe. The vessel, which departed from Southampton on October 25, reactivated its AIS transponder near Socotra on November 7 after a six-day blackout, indicating it had moved beyond Houthi reach. Currently in the eastern Arabian Sea, it is set to arrive at Port Klang, Malaysia, on November 14. While the successful transit of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin raises hopes for a potential return to the Suez Canal, industry experts caution that the safety of vessels remains a concern. The ongoing risks have led many ships to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending travel times. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

Collins opens operations center at Devanahalli Aerospace Park

Collins Aerospace has officially launched its India Operations Centre at the KIADB Aerospace Park in Devanahalli, Karnataka, with an investment of $25 million. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the facility is set to generate over 2,000 skilled jobs in research, development, and advanced manufacturing. Karnataka, which accounts for nearly 65% of India's aerospace and defence sector, is developing world-class parks in various cities, including Bengaluru and Mysuru. The state is home to over 2,000 small and medium enterprises in this field, with significant investments from companies like Mahindra Aerospace and Rangsons, the latter partnering with Boeing on a ₹2,915 crore project. Karnataka aims to attract ₹45,000 crore in investments and create 60,000 jobs in the next five years, as India's aviation market is projected to become the third largest globally by 2032, with the MRO segment expected to grow from $1.2 billion to $4.6 billion. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

Modi and Bhutan's King Wangchuk discuss multi-sector cooperation

During a two-day official visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to discuss enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including energy, connectivity, technology, defence, and capacity building. The leaders inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a joint initiative reflecting India's commitment to Bhutan's development amid growing Chinese influence in the region. Modi emphasized the importance of connectivity, announcing plans to link Bhutan's cities of Gelephu and Samtse to India's railway network, which will boost access for local industries and farmers. Additionally, India will support the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and establish an immigration checkpoint to facilitate trade and tourism. Modi also pledged to provide land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple, reinforcing cultural ties. He reiterated that the prosperity of both nations is interconnected, highlighting a ₹10,000 crore support package for Bhutan's Five Year Plan. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

Sonalika Sets Record: 350 Tractors Delivered in One Day

Sonalika Tractors has bolstered its international standing after its Bangladesh distributor, ACI Motors Ltd, set a Guinness World Record for the largest tractor deliveries in a single day, with 350 tractors delivered in just four hours during a recent event in Dinajpur. This achievement underscores Sonalika's dominance in the Bangladeshi market, where it has maintained the top tractor brand position for over five years, holding more than 50% market share. The company exports heavy-duty tractors tailored to local agricultural needs from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, which produces a new tractor every two minutes. Deepak Mittal, Managing Director of International Tractors Limited, praised the record as a tribute to the farmers and partners supporting the brand, while Gaurav Saxena, Director and CEO of International Business, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation in agriculture. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 pm

Wheat Acreage Doubles Due to Early Kharif Harvest

As of November 7, the sown area for wheat in India has surged to 22.72 lakh hectares, a significant increase from 9.98 lakh hectares last year, according to the agriculture ministry. This rise is part of a broader trend, with total acreage for all Rabi season crops climbing 27% to over 130 lakh hectares, aided by the timely harvesting of Kharif crops. The government has set ambitious targets for foodgrain production, including 119 million tonnes of wheat, which may be achievable if weather conditions remain favorable. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research has advised farmers to select appropriate seed varieties and utilize machine sowing techniques to optimize yields. Other crops, such as pulses and oilseeds, have also seen increased sowing areas, with notable gains in chana and mustard. Last year's total Rabi crop area was 663.04 lakh hectares, yielding 167.22 million tonnes of foodgrains. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

India awaits US response on trade proposal

India's ongoing negotiations with the United States over a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) are complicated by the contentious issue of India's oil purchases from Russia. While India awaits a response to its proposal, which aims to protect sensitive sectors, US President Donald Trump has indicated that significant progress has been made towards a fair deal. However, the US has insisted that India cease its Russian oil imports, claiming they support Russia's war in Ukraine, a demand India resists, citing its energy security and historical ties with Moscow. The US recently imposed a 50% duty on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for Russian oil purchases, which India argues must be lifted for the BTA to proceed. Additionally, US demands for market access in India's agriculture and dairy sectors, particularly concerning genetically modified crops, further complicate the negotiations. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

VOC Port handles 103 windmill blades in one shipment

The VOC Port in Thoothukudi achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday by handling 103 windmill blades in a single shipment, marking the first instance of such a large quantity being processed at the facility. This new record surpasses the previous high of 101 blades exported on August 22, highlighting the port's growing capabilities in renewable energy cargo handling. So far this fiscal year, the port has managed 2,300 windmill blades, reflecting a 61% increase from the 1,425 blades handled during the same period last year. The blades, measuring 89.5 m and 76.8 m, were shipped via the MV GHT MARINAS from Qinzhou, China, and are being efficiently managed at Additional Berth-II with the assistance of two harbour mobile cranes. NTC Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. oversees the vessel agency, stevedoring, customs, and ground transportation, utilizing a dedicated storage area of 100,000 square metres for such oversized cargo. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 8 pm

DGCA to Review AME Schools Following FTOs

India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is set to conduct an audit of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) schools following a nationwide review of Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). This comprehensive evaluation will focus on compliance with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), infrastructure standards, training quality, and instructor qualifications. The audit aims to ensure that AME institutes are adequately preparing engineers for the aviation sector, particularly as the industry experiences unprecedented fleet expansion, with major airlines ordering over 1,000 new aircraft. Experts have highlighted a growing skills gap between industry needs and the capabilities of graduating engineers. The review will also examine workshop and simulator access, placement records, and internship partnerships with maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. Ultimately, the findings may lead to a significant overhaul of training regulations to align with international standards set by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 6 pm

Telangana raises maize yield limit to 25 quintals per acre

In Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, Savara tribal women were seen drying maize crops in Addorupeta village on October 9, 2025, as Telangana reported a significant increase in maize production. The state government has raised the per-acre eligibility limit for maize procurement from 18 to 25 quintals, anticipating a total output of 11.50 lakh tonnes this season. With maize cultivation expanding to 2.60 lakh hectares, the government plans to procure 8 lakh tonnes through 125 centres, addressing concerns over low market prices. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged the Union Government for assistance in procurement, while Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has requested a relaxation of moisture level norms due to crop damage affecting 1.10 lakh acres. The state is also pushing for an increase in cotton procurement limits from 7 to 12 quintals per acre. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 7 pm

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