eznews.in
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea from ground handling firm Celebi, which contested the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) due to national security concerns. Celebi claimed its license was cancelled without prior notice or adequate reasoning. However, the court ruled that national security considerations can supersede the principles of natural justice, emphasizing that the security of the nation is paramount. The BCAS revoked Celebi's clearance on May 15, shortly after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan and criticized India's military actions. The court highlighted the critical nature of ground handling services, which provide extensive access to sensitive airport operations, necessitating rigorous security vetting, especially for foreign-affiliated operators. This ruling may set a precedent for similar cases, including a pending appeal from another Celebi subsidiary. 
Published: Jul 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inKerala has filed a lawsuit against the Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), seeking $1.1 billion in compensation following the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 off its coast in May. The Kerala High Court has ordered the arrest and detention of another MSC vessel at Vizhinjam Port until the company secures the claim amount. The MSC ELSA 3 capsized while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, leaking fuel and releasing hazardous cargo, which has led to significant pollution of the marine ecosystem, adversely affecting coastal fisheries and public health. In response to the environmental crisis, the state government advised local fishermen to refrain from fishing and provided relief to over 105,000 families reliant on the industry. MSC has not yet commented on the lawsuit, although it previously engaged a marine services firm for cleanup efforts. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inITC Limited reported a significant 25% year-on-year increase in its agri-business segment revenue, reaching ₹19,753 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. The Kolkata-based conglomerate emphasized its commitment to growth by enhancing its portfolio of value-added agri-products, which now includes over 3.5 million tonnes of throughput across 22 states. The company aims to diversify its offerings in spices, coffee, frozen marine products, and processed food, while also expanding its organic cultivation initiatives to meet rising demand. ITC has solidified its role as a key supply chain partner for spices and has strengthened its international presence, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Despite challenges in the shrimp sector due to fluctuating prices, the company capitalized on robust growth in Indian coffee exports, aided by strategic sourcing from major coffee-producing regions. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inKRBL Ltd, renowned for its India Gate basmati rice, is venturing into the edible oils market with the launch of its "India Gate Uplife" range, which includes two new blended oil variants, Gut Pro and Lite, priced at ₹192-199 per litre. The company aims to capture a share of the ₹1.1 lakh tonne blended oils market, currently dominated by Saffola, targeting health-conscious consumers. KRBL's Business Head, Ayush Gupta, stated that the company expects to sell 2,000 tonnes and generate ₹50 crore in revenue this fiscal year, with ambitions to reach 8,000-10,000 tonnes and ₹200-300 crore in three years. The Gut Pro variant focuses on gut health, while Lite is aimed at weight management. With the Indian edible oil market totaling 243 lakh tonnes, KRBL plans to expand its product line to include more functional foods, addressing health issues beyond heart health. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia is set to source approximately 10% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the United States starting in 2026, as part of a strategy to enhance energy purchases and reduce its trade deficit with Washington. Currently, over 90% of India's LPG, a mix of propane and butane used for cooking, is imported from the Middle East, primarily through state retailers like Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Hindustan Petroleum Corp, which sell it at subsidised prices to households. The shift towards U.S. LPG follows increased imports due to China's tariffs on U.S. propane, prompting Indian buyers to seek alternatives. India's oil ministry aims to boost U.S. energy purchases significantly, with total LPG imports projected to rise to between 22 million and 23 million tonnes by 2026, driven by an annual demand growth of 5% to 6%. Pricing will be crucial in determining the volume of U.S. imports. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inOn April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on countries with which the US has a trade deficit, citing existing tariff barriers against American products. These tariffs, ranging from 10% to 50%, included a 26% tariff on Indian exports. Initially set to take effect on April 9, the implementation was paused for 90 days until July 9, allowing countries to negotiate trade deals to avoid the tariffs. As the deadline approached, Trump indicated that countries not engaged in talks would face tariffs similar to those previously announced, with a new imposition date of August 1. India, seeking to protect its agricultural interests while negotiating a deal, faced uncertainty about potential tariffs if an agreement was not reached by the deadline. The US has had limited success in securing trade deals during the pause, with ongoing discussions with India and other nations. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inCyprus-based firms Interorient Navigation Co Ltd and Danship & Partners Ltd have announced a significant ₹10,000 crore investment in the Indian shipping sector, marking the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) since the sector was opened to 100% FDI in 2005. This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Cyprus, where he engaged in discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides. The investment will see all ships registered under the Indian flag, thereby enhancing India's national shipping tonnage. Additionally, the freight generated from the carriage of Indian export-import trade will contribute to the Indian economy. Established in 1979, Interorient manages a fleet of over 100 vessels, underscoring its substantial role in the maritime industry. This investment is poised to bolster India's shipping capabilities and economic growth. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 2 pmeznews.inFarmers in a border village between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are experiencing a boost in maize cultivation, thanks to the early arrival of the monsoon, which is 10-15 days ahead of schedule. A report by AnandRathi indicates that maize acreage has increased by 11% as farmers shift crop patterns, particularly replacing cotton with maize in western and southern India. Despite lower carried-over stocks, stable domestic and global prices suggest that significant price hikes are unlikely, reflecting a strong season for technical manufacturers. The agrochemicals sector is projected to grow by 8% year-on-year, with maize hybrid seeds expected to see a 20% increase. Analysts believe the sector is on a path to recovery after facing challenges from adverse weather, global stock pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. The report anticipates an 8% revenue growth for the sector, driven by improved product mix and operational efficiencies. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted a preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in over 250 fatalities. The report, based on initial findings, details the recovery of two black boxes—one retrieved from a rooftop on June 13 and the other from debris on June 16. The Crash Protection Module from the front black box was successfully accessed on June 25, 2025, at the AAIB Lab. The investigation is being led by AAIB officials, with support from technical teams from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Notably, the AAIB Lab is now equipped to decode black box data domestically, a significant advancement from previous practices that required sending data overseas. The NTSB team is currently in Delhi, collaborating closely with Indian authorities and technical experts from Boeing and GE. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 1 pmeznews.inShankh Air, a regional carrier based in Uttar Pradesh, is currently awaiting approval for its flying permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline plans to launch services connecting six destinations from the state capital, Lucknow, including Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Indore, and Dehradun. In a bid to differentiate itself from existing regional players, Shankh Air intends to lease narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft rather than the turboprop planes commonly used. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma recently met with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to discuss the airline's roadmap and its alignment with the government's UDAN scheme aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity. Vishwakarma emphasized the airline's commitment to supporting local businesses, tourism, and job creation in underserved areas of Uttar Pradesh, positioning Shankh Air as a catalyst for progress in the region. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has reiterated that a trade deal with India is imminent, despite ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield results. Reciprocal tariffs of 26% on Indian goods, initially set to take effect on July 9, have been paused for an additional three weeks, although a 10% baseline tariff remains in place for most countries. Trump has sent letters to fourteen trade partners, including Japan and South Korea, outlining new tariffs to be imposed from August 1, aimed at reducing America's trade deficit. While Trump described the August 1 deadline as "firm," he expressed openness to further negotiations. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that the country will negotiate on its own terms, prioritizing its agricultural and dairy interests, as well as seeking preferential access for labor-intensive products. The Indian negotiating team recently spent a week in Washington, but disagreements have delayed a final agreement. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 11 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
