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The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off the south-west coast of India, specifically targeting the busy waters off Kerala, to mitigate collisions between merchant and fishing vessels. This initiative is particularly crucial given the high density of fishing and merchant traffic in the region. Currently in the consultation phase, the DGS is engaging with stakeholders and analyzing past collision incidents and traffic patterns to optimize sea routes. TSS involves designated lanes for vessels traveling in opposite directions, thereby reducing the risk of head-on collisions and improving navigation efficiency. Governed by international laws, including the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), TSS is already implemented in various global waterways, such as the English Channel and near major ports like Singapore. While vessels are encouraged to adhere to these lanes, exceptions exist for emergencies and specific operational needs. 
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA Standing Committee of Experts, led by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has attributed the failures of extra heavy voltage (EHV) transmission towers in 2024 to high-intensity winds linked to climate change. Utilities are required to report failures of 220 kV and above transmission towers within 48 hours and submit detailed reports within a month; however, compliance has been poor, with only 10 out of 28 incidents reported on time. The committee noted that many utilities failed to provide crucial wind speed data, which is essential for verifying the effectiveness of tower designs. Discussions included the potential installation of wind sensors in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department to enhance data collection. The committee also highlighted the need to update the wind zone map of India, last revised in 2016, to reflect changing wind patterns due to climate events.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent report titled ‘The Great Indian Wallet’ reveals troubling financial trends among lower-middle-class households in India, with a decline in savers and rising grocery and education expenses. Conducted by Home Credit, the survey of over 3,200 individuals across 17 cities indicates that only half of respondents can save, down from 60% last year, while 12% rely on loans for basic needs. Despite these challenges, optimism remains, with the Future Expectations Index peaking at 64 in 2024. Groceries now account for 29% of monthly budgets, a 12% increase, and education spending has surged by 34%, reflecting a commitment to future generations. The report also highlights the growing reliance on digital tools for financial management, though it warns of increased vulnerability to online fraud, with 20% of respondents having fallen victim. Enhanced digital literacy is deemed essential to safeguard consumers in this evolving landscape.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn the latest update from the agriculture ministry, early data for the Kharif season reveals a notable increase in the area under cultivation, with paddy transplanted across 4.53 lakh hectares (lh), up from 4 lh last year. Overall acreage has risen to 89.29 lh, an increase of approximately 1.5 lakh hectares compared to the previous year. While maize, arhar (pigeon pea), and groundnut show slight declines, recovery is anticipated due to the monsoon's revival on June 15. Notable increases were observed in soybean, urad, moong, jowar, and bajra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued advisories for farmers across several states, urging them to manage excess water in fields and postpone sowing in areas expecting heavy rainfall. Conditions are expected to improve, with the monsoon advancing over parts of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and other states in the coming days.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSoaring clouds over East, North-West, and West India have alleviated heat wave conditions as twin low-pressure areas emerged, enhancing monsoon activity. On Tuesday, the monsoon advanced its northern limit to Gujarat, parts of Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant second phase of rainfall since its onset in May. The low-pressure systems, one over eastern Gujarat and the other over south-west Bangladesh, are expected to intensify, with the latter likely developing into a depression over North-West India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecasts a potential third low-pressure area forming over West Bengal in the coming days, which could lead to further heavy rainfall across the region. Meanwhile, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was reported in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, with conditions favorable for the monsoon's continued advance into additional states over the next two days.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the introduction of advanced firefighting equipment in its Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department. The initiative was inaugurated by State Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who oversaw the commissioning and demonstration of two key pieces of equipment: the Articulated Boom Lift and the Multipurpose Firefighting Robot. The Articulated Boom Lift, a hydraulically operated aerial platform, can reach heights of 28 metres and support loads of up to 250 kg, making it ideal for high-elevation rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Multipurpose Firefighting Robot is a remote-controlled unit designed for extreme fire conditions, featuring an inbuilt camera and 360-degree navigation for real-time monitoring. A live demonstration showcased the equipment's operational versatility, reinforcing CIAL's commitment to adhering to international safety standards and embracing innovation in emergency response.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inKochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has submitted a feasibility report for a water metro system in Mumbai, aiming to replicate the success of its Kochi Water Metro Project. The report, presented to Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitish Rane, outlines a 250-km waterway network with 29 terminals connecting key water bodies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Vaitarna and Vasai. Rane praised the KMRL team for their timely work and instructed relevant departments to begin project implementation, including the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR). This marks KMRL's first consulting assignment won through competitive bidding, enhancing its reputation as a national player in sustainable urban transport. The consultancy division is also conducting feasibility studies for similar projects in 21 other cities across 11 states and two Union Territories, positioning KMRL to potentially become a global leader in urban water transport, akin to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in the metro rail sector.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inUnion Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced significant changes to the Indian Railways' Tatkal ticket booking system during a cabinet briefing in New Delhi. Starting July 1, 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings will require Aadhaar-based OTP verification to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair access. Additionally, the Railways plans to issue passenger reservation charts 24 hours before train departures, a change aimed at alleviating issues for passengers with wait-listed or RAC tickets. This pilot project, currently underway in the Bikaner division, has received positive feedback and will soon be implemented nationwide. To further enhance transparency, authorized ticketing agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. These measures are part of a broader effort to improve the booking process and ensure that genuine users benefit from the Tatkal scheme.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inEthiopian Airlines has launched a new direct flight service from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa, marking a significant enhancement in international connectivity for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The inaugural flight took off on June 17, 2025, following a celebratory ceremony attended by senior officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) and Ethiopian Airlines. The new route, featuring three weekly evening departures, offers a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GHIAL, expressed enthusiasm for the service, highlighting its potential to strengthen ties between South India and Africa, an emerging market of increasing strategic importance. The direct connection is anticipated to boost opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, facilitating greater trade and investment between India and the African continent.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a challenging month for India's gems and jewellery sector, overall exports fell by 15.81% to $2.26 billion in May, primarily due to new tariffs imposed by the US, according to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Exports of cut and polished diamonds saw a significant decline of 35.49%, dropping to $949.70 million, while polished lab-grown diamonds also fell by 32.76%. However, gold jewellery exports bucked the trend, rising 17.24% to $997.50 million, driven by heightened demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, silver jewellery exports decreased by 17.59% during April-May, and coloured gemstone exports saw a slight decline of 1.13%. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali noted that the overall export downturn reflects the impact of US tariffs, while the surge in gold jewellery exports highlights its status as a safe haven asset.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift in global trade dynamics, China's exports to the United States plummeted by 34.5% in May 2025, dropping from $44 billion to $28.8 billion, as reported by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). While overall exports rose by 4.6% to $316.2 billion, this decline was offset by increased shipments to other regions, with exports to the European Union rising by 12% to $49.5 billion, ASEAN by 15% to $58.4 billion, and India by 12.4% to $11.13 billion. Concurrently, India's imports from China and Hong Kong surged by 22.4% to $12 billion, driven by electronics and machinery. Despite a slight overall decline in India's merchandise imports, exports to the US grew by 17.3% to $8.8 billion, largely due to smartphones. The report cautioned nations to be wary of aggressive export strategies that could lead to dumping, as geopolitical tensions continue to shape trade relations.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pm
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