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DGCA Cancels Scheduled Air India Audit, Sources Report

The Indian stock market saw significant gains on June 24, 2025, with the SENSEX rising by 942.42 points to close at 82,839.21, while the NIFTY increased by 289.75 points, reaching 25,261.65. In contrast, crude oil prices fell by 351.00 to settle at 5,695.00, and gold and silver also experienced declines, with gold dropping by 1,725.00 to 97,663.00 and silver down by 959.00 to 105,800.00. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has cancelled its planned annual audit of Air India, which was scheduled for Tuesday, amid heightened scrutiny following a tragic plane crash that claimed 271 lives. The airline has also suspended operations to the Middle East, Europe, and the East Coast of North America due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, prompting the DGCA's decision to postpone the audit. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 11 am

US-India Trade Deal Uncertain as Tariff Deadline Approaches

With just two weeks remaining before the expiration of a 90-day pause on US reciprocal tariffs, India and the United States are still negotiating the details of a proposed interim trade deal. Sources indicate that both sides aim to finalize the agreement by the July 9 deadline, but significant disagreements remain over its contents. The US seeks greater market access for various goods, including sensitive agricultural products, while India demands a rollback of the 26% tariffs imposed by President Trump, as well as reductions on steel, aluminum, and automotive tariffs. The interim deal is intended to be part of a larger bilateral trade agreement, which is expected to be finalized by Fall 2025. As negotiations continue, industry sources express hope for clarity on the deal's scope, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to substantial impacts on Indian exports. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 2 pm

Heritage River Journeys, Hooghly CSL launch Brahmaputra luxury cruises

Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd., operating as Antara River Cruises, has signed a significant construction contract with Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for two luxury river cruise vessels intended for the Brahmaputra River. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Indian maritime history, as these vessels will be the first luxury river cruise ships classified under the Inland Vessels (IV) Rules, 2022. Antara, known for its immersive cruises along South Asia's iconic rivers, including the Ganga and Brahmaputra, aims to enhance India's position in the global river cruise market, tapping into a largely unexplored sector. The agreement, signed by Antara's Founder Raj Singh and Hooghly CSL's CEO Sanil Peter, aligns with the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative, showcasing the country's growing capabilities in designing and constructing internationally competitive cruise vessels. The new vessels are expected to set new standards for luxury, safety, and sustainability in inland navigation. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 1 pm

India aims for swift trade deals with US, EU: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding the imminent conclusion of trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. Speaking at a Trade Conclave organized by Exim Bank, she highlighted ongoing negotiations with various partners, including the UAE, Australia, the EFTA area, and the UK, emphasizing the government's commitment to securing more free trade agreements. Sitharaman also noted the dynamic nature of Indian exports, which reached a record high of $825 billion, reflecting a 6% growth from the previous year and a significant increase of $466 billion since 2013-14. In contrast, global exports grew by only 4%, showcasing India's exporters' ability to outperform the international market with a growth rate of 6.3%. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 1 pm

Novo Nordisk to launch Wegovy for weight loss in India

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is set to launch Wegovy, an injectable weight loss treatment, in India on Tuesday. Known colloquially as the "skinny jab," Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the diabetes medication Ozempic, which has gained popularity among celebrities for its weight loss effects. The product will be available in a 4-dose pen, priced between ₹17,345 for the lower strength (0.25 mg) and ₹26,050 for the higher strength (2.4 mg). As Novo Nordisk faces a patent infringement lawsuit from local firms Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and OnceSource, the patent on semaglutide is set to expire in some markets by early 2026, paving the way for generics. This launch follows Eli Lilly's introduction of Mounjaro in India, a weekly injectable that also aids in weight loss by regulating appetite. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 12 pm

Kerala forms committee to address plantation sector disputes

In a recent meeting in Idukki, Kerala's Industries Minister P. Rajeeve announced plans to establish a special committee to address plantation-related issues, emphasizing an inclusive approach with representatives from law, revenue, and forest departments. The committee will coordinate under the Plantation Directorate and will specifically address the Forest Department's claims regarding the cardamom hills. Rajeeve assured support for farmer groups adopting improved agricultural practices and acknowledged concerns raised by Stany Pothen, Chairman of the Cardamom Planters Federation, regarding departmental positions that hinder farmers. The meeting also covered various issues faced by coffee, tea, and natural rubber farmers, including wage payments, construction permissions, and compensation for crop damage. Rajeeve highlighted the need for rule amendments to facilitate the establishment of processing units and pledged to escalate concerns about GST and wildlife attacks to the Chief Minister for further action. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 11 am

Climate Asia aims for 1 million farmers by 2030

Satyam Vyas, founder and CEO of Singapore-based consultancy Climate Asia, has announced ambitious plans to support one million beneficiaries in climate adaptation over the next five years, with a strong focus on agriculture. Through its Green Accelerator Program (GAP), the firm aims to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) working with smallholder farmers to promote climate-resilient practices and water conservation. Vyas emphasized the importance of grassroots solutions, particularly in India, where the organization is enhancing the capacity of CSOs to address climate vulnerabilities and promote gender equity. The newly launched Gender Accelerator Program provides expert coaching and fosters a community of practice among CSOs across nine states. Climate Asia's initiatives have already shown promising results, with 55% of participating CSOs aligning their strategies with climate resilience goals and nearly 70% integrating climate metrics into their operations, highlighting the potential for scalable, community-driven solutions to the climate crisis. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 10 am

Navi Mumbai Airport passengers face UDF up to ₹1,225

The Sensex surged by 862.25 points to close at 82,759.04, while the Nifty gained 208 points, reaching 25,179.90, reflecting a positive trend in the Indian stock market. In contrast, crude oil prices fell by ₹285 to ₹5,761, and gold and silver also saw declines, with gold dropping by ₹1,207 to ₹98,181 and silver decreasing by ₹806 to ₹105,953. Meanwhile, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved an ad-hoc User Development Fee (UDF) for the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, set to open later this year. Passengers will pay ₹620 for domestic flights and ₹1,225 for international flights, with disembarking fees at ₹270 and ₹525, respectively. This fee structure will remain in place until March 31, 2026, or until a regular tariff is established, as part of the interim measures for the 2025-26 financial year. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 9 am

S&P Raises India GDP Forecast to 6.5% Amid Monsoon Optimism

S&P Global has upgraded India's GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 to 6.5%, an increase of 20 basis points, driven by expectations of a normal monsoon, declining crude oil prices, and strong domestic demand. In its Asia Pacific economic outlook report, S&P noted that many regional economies are benefiting from robust domestic consumption, with India experiencing a rebound after a recent slowdown. The forecast aligns with the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) estimate, which highlights sustained rural economic activity and growth in the services sector as key factors supporting demand. While trade policy uncertainties and geopolitical tensions pose risks, the MPC has also lowered its inflation forecast to 3.7%, citing a significant drop in retail inflation. Overall, S&P Global anticipates that India’s economic resilience will continue, bolstered by government capital expenditure and improving corporate balance sheets. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 9 am

Gulf States Reopen Airspace and Resume Flights

Several Persian Gulf nations, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have reopened their airspace and resumed operations at major airports following a temporary halt due to Iranian airstrikes on a US base in Qatar. Qatar initially restricted flights as a precaution, prompting Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait to follow suit. The disruptions lasted several hours, causing numerous aircraft to divert from key hubs like Dubai and Doha. Emirates Airlines reported rerouting some flights but confirmed no diversions, stating it would continue operations using safe flight paths. Qatar Airways, significantly affected by the closures at Doha's Hamad International Airport, announced the resumption of flights and increased ground staff to facilitate operations. This incident marks the first significant aviation disruption in the Gulf region in 20 months amid ongoing regional tensions. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 9 am

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