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DGCA launches pilot training school ranking system

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a new ranking system for pilot training schools in India, set to begin in October. Schools will be evaluated based on safety, compliance, and performance, with rankings published biannually. Institutions scoring above 85% will receive an A++ rank, while those between 70% and 85% will earn an A rank. Schools with scores below 50% will be assigned a B rank and required to conduct a self-analysis. The DGCA aims to enhance transparency and accountability, assisting aspiring pilots and their families in selecting credible flying training organizations (FTOs) based on quality rather than cost. However, some training schools have expressed concerns, suggesting that the DGCA should prioritize regulatory implementation over rankings and advocate for third-party evaluations instead. Currently, there are 38 flying training schools operating across 56 locations in the country. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 7 pm

India on standby as Trump readies new tariff letters

US President Donald Trump has indicated a potential trade agreement with India, although he did not elaborate on it following his initial comments on Monday. As India awaits developments, Trump has sent tariff letters to six additional countries, including the Philippines and Algeria, pushing the deadline for imposing tariffs from July 9 to August 1. This extension allows India and other trading partners time to negotiate deals and avoid the full 26% reciprocal tariffs announced in April. Disagreements over sensitive issues, such as GM crops and dairy, have stalled progress on an India-US deal, despite India's offers for market access in exchange for sustainable preferences in labor-intensive goods. The recent tariff letters also affected fourteen other countries, including Japan and South Korea, aligning with Trump's earlier tariff announcements aimed at addressing the US trade deficit. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 9 pm

Parliamentary panel questions delay in AI crash report

A parliamentary panel has expressed concerns over delays in the investigation report regarding the Air India crash during a meeting on Wednesday, attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary and the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture conducted a thorough review of aviation safety, questioning senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and industry representatives. Members highlighted the slow progress of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and raised issues about its mandate, particularly regarding a new probe led by the Home Secretary. They sought clarification on the expertise of AAIB members involved in the investigation, which is currently overseen by the Director General of AAIB. Additionally, the absence of Boeing representatives at the meeting and dissatisfaction with Air India’s responses were noted. MoCA reported that analysis of cockpit voice and flight data recorders is ongoing. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 9 pm

Egg Prices Steady in India Amid Export Demand, Supply Issues

Egg prices in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, are currently averaging ₹575 per 100, reflecting a 10-15% increase from the same period last year, according to the National Egg Co-ordination Committee. This rise is attributed to strong export demand and improved domestic consumption, particularly from government schemes like mid-day meals. Notably, India recently exported 1 crore eggs to the US, marking a significant milestone that has bolstered local prices. However, poultry stakeholders anticipate a potential easing of prices as the austere month of Shravan approaches. Factors such as favorable weather and lower raw material costs have also contributed positively to the poultry sector, which faced challenges in previous years. Despite a 9% decline in overall poultry exports for 2024-25, demand from Gulf countries remains robust, supporting current price levels. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 8 pm

IndiGo fund raises ₹450 crore, invests in aviation startup

IndiGo Ventures, the venture capital arm of IndiGo Airlines, has acquired a stake in Hyderabad-based start-up Jeh Aerospace, marking its first investment since launching last August. The undisclosed investment comes from a ₹450 crore fund aimed at supporting early-stage companies in the aviation sector. Jeh Aerospace, founded by industry veterans Vishal Sanghavi and Venkatesh Mudragalla, specializes in high-precision aerospace and defense products and has rapidly grown to a 100-member team, delivering 100,000 critical components and securing $100 million in long-term contracts. The funding will be used to enhance its digital manufacturing capabilities, optimize AI-driven production, and attract top engineering talent. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized that this investment will bolster Indo-US aerospace relations, promote the Make in India initiative, and drive innovation in the industry. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 8 pm

FM Sitharaman: Financial inclusion must avoid exploitation risks

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of responsible lending practices during her address at the NBFC Symposium, urging Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to prioritize customers' genuine needs and repayment capacities. She warned against using financial inclusion as a guise for exploitation, advocating for reasonable interest rates and transparent disclosure of all charges. Sitharaman highlighted the need for fair and empathetic recovery practices, aligning with the RBI’s Fair Practices Code, and stressed that growth should not compromise customer well-being. Noting the significant growth of the NBFC sector, with gross loan advances doubling to ₹48-lakh crore by March 2025, she called for enhanced risk management and collaboration between NBFCs and banks. Additionally, she urged for the complete digitalization of loan processes and the establishment of common technology standards to foster a robust financial ecosystem. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 8 pm

Biota Coorg FPC targets Australian market for coffee exports

Biota Coorg Farmer Producer Company Ltd is targeting market linkages in Australia to boost coffee exports from its member growers in Kodagu, India's largest coffee-producing district. The collective, which supports small and medium-sized farmers, processes and markets coffee from 122 members, enhancing their earnings through value addition. CEO K K Vishwanath recently met with Steven Connolly, Deputy Consul-General of the Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru, to seek assistance in connecting with Australian coffee industry stakeholders. Biota plans to conduct virtual cupping sessions to introduce its products to potential marketing partners. Currently, 50% of its members' farms are certified by Rainforest Alliance, with compliance to the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation norms. Last year, Biota exported around 80 tonnes of coffee and aims to exceed 100 tonnes this year, while also developing a brand that highlights the ecological strengths of the Kodagu region. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 8 pm

Required Registration for Charities, Hospitals, and Universities

India has become the first country globally to mandate corporate social responsibility (CSR) registration for universities, hospitals, and large charitable organizations seeking tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act. The Corporate Affairs Ministry has introduced a new CSR-1 e-form, effective from July 14, to streamline this registration process for entities conducting CSR activities on behalf of companies. Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, firms with a net worth exceeding ₹500 crore or a turnover over ₹1,000 crore must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits from the last three financial years to CSR. The updated regulations require these entities to ensure that supported NGOs and trusts are registered, enhancing transparency and regulatory oversight. This move follows recommendations from the Standing Committee on Finance, which called for improved monitoring of CSR spending and accountability for unspent funds, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen governance in CSR initiatives. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 7 pm

India to create unified incentives against China's rare earth dominance

India is set to streamline its fragmented incentive schemes into a cohesive framework aimed at securing critical minerals and rare earth magnets, vital for electric vehicles, clean energy, and defence systems, amid increasing supply disruptions from China, the world's largest supplier. The initiative, currently under inter-ministerial coordination, will enable companies to combine subsidies from various ministries for different project components, with a planned outlay of nearly ₹4,000 crore. The National Critical Minerals Mission, already approved by the Cabinet, includes provisions for stockpiling and processing incentives, while the Ministry of Heavy Industries is developing additional projects to reduce magnet production costs. As Indian automakers face shortages due to China's tightened supply, companies like Midwest Advanced Materials are preparing to launch rare earth magnet production, highlighting the urgency of establishing domestic supply chains. The move aims to attract more investment and bolster India's position in the critical minerals sector. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 7 pm

Northern India to see continued rain for another week

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has reported that heavy rainfall is expected to continue across northern India for the next week, lasting until July 16, while the interior and southern peninsular regions may remain largely unaffected. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates widespread rainfall across Central India, the West Coast, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a notable deficit in rainfall observed in the South Peninsula and East and North-East India. Current models do not predict a break in the monsoon, although a low-pressure area may develop over Bangladesh and Myanmar by July 20, potentially impacting rainfall in the eastern regions. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flood-like conditions, while isolated heavy rain is also expected in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the coming days. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 7 pm

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