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The Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) has launched the indigenously built DCI Dredger Godavari, a ₹1,000 crore vessel that marks a significant milestone in India's maritime sector. Unveiled at Cochin Shipyard, the 12,000 cubic metre Beagle Series Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger is the first of its kind constructed in India, showcasing the nation's commitment to self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. DCIL Chairman M Angamuthu highlighted the dredger's advanced technology and design, developed in collaboration with Royal IHC, which enhances operational capabilities for large-scale dredging projects. The Godavari is designed for fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability, aligning with international standards. With plans to build two additional dredgers, DCIL aims to dominate the Indian dredging market, potentially eliminating the need for foreign vessels and reinforcing its position in both domestic and global markets. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's diesel exports to Europe reached a record high in September 2025, driven by heavy refinery maintenance across the Atlantic Basin that tightened supply and widened the East–West arbitrage. According to OPEC's monthly oil market report, exports surged to approximately 291,000 barrels per day, nearly doubling August's figures and marking the highest monthly flow since December 2023. The increase was attributed to reduced Russian product exports and limited domestic refinery turnarounds in India, which allowed refiners to capitalize on favorable market conditions. Exports to Latin America also saw a significant rise, tripling month-on-month. Kpler's Lead Research Analyst noted that the widening diesel crack spread in Rotterdam, coupled with lower output from Russia, has made Indian diesel increasingly attractive to European markets. The International Energy Agency highlighted that diesel crack spreads began to rise again, reflecting renewed pressure on distillate markets amid ongoing disruptions. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inApparel exporters in Kolkata's Metiabruz market are grappling with significant challenges, exacerbated by steep US tariffs on Indian goods and a surge in online sales that is undermining traditional retail. Despite a recent GST rate cut aimed at boosting the sector, wholesalers report a 30% decline in business compared to last year, with many questioning the effectiveness of the tax changes. The new GST regime, which reduced rates on garments priced up to ₹2500, has not translated into increased sales, particularly during the festive season, as natural disasters like floods have further dampened demand. Prominent garment producer Maasis Interfashion is responding by offering discounts to US customers, impacting profit margins, while planning to raise prices for future orders. The overall sentiment in the market remains bleak, with wholesalers struggling to adapt to shifting consumer behaviors and economic pressures. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to commence deliveries of its indigenous Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) aircraft in February 2026, following a six-month delay attributed to supply chain disruptions of TPE331-12B turboprop engines from Honeywell. Initially, HAL planned to roll out 12 HTT-40 aircraft by the end of 2025, but production timelines have shifted due to these delays. Honeywell has now pledged to supply three engines monthly starting in 2026. The HTT-40, designed to replace the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 MkII as the Indian Air Force's primary trainer, has seen its first prototype fly in 2016, with a formal contract for 106 units signed in 2022. HAL aims to enhance the domestic aerospace sector by sourcing 38% of the aircraft's components from around 100 private vendors. The project also seeks to secure military-specific certifications to bolster its export potential. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAn IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dimapur experienced a minor fire incident on Sunday, attributed to an overheated battery from a passenger's electronic device stored in the seat-back pocket. The situation was swiftly managed by the cabin crew, who followed Standard Operating Procedures, bringing the fire under control within seconds, according to an IndiGo spokesperson. Relevant authorities were promptly notified, and there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew. Following thorough checks, the aircraft was cleared for continued operations. The airline emphasized the crew's diligence in handling the incident, ensuring the safety of all onboard. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inFarmers in Telangana are optimistic about the upcoming cotton procurement season, which begins on October 22, despite facing losses from continuous rains over the past six weeks. They anticipate yields of up to eight quintals per acre, although concerns linger over the Union Government's recent suspension of customs duties on raw cotton imports, effective from August 19 to December 31, 2025. This move aims to stabilize domestic prices and support the textile industry but may inadvertently lower prices for local farmers. S. Malla Reddy, a leader of the All-India Kisan Sabha, urged the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to relax moisture level norms for better pricing. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has instructed district officials to prepare ginning centres for purchases, while Union Minister G Kishan Reddy encouraged farmers to adopt high-density planting methods to boost yields. The Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre warns that increased imports could pressure domestic prices, highlighting the importance of CCI support for farmers. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRetailers are experiencing a significant surge in demand for premium products during the Diwali festive weekend, with notable sales in large screen LED TVs, fully automatic washing machines, and frost-free refrigerators. Consumer goods across various sectors, including packaged food, automobiles, and ethnic apparel, are benefiting from a buoyant buying sentiment, bolstered by GST rate cuts and attractive promotions. Vikram Agarwal of Greendot Health Foods anticipates a 20-25% growth this season, while Parle Products reports a 12-15% increase in sales, particularly in quick commerce channels. Automobile sales are also thriving, with Maruti Suzuki expecting record sales of 51,000 units this Dhanteras. Ethnic apparel brands like Libas and BIBA are seeing double-digit growth, driven by targeted campaigns. Overall, the Confederation of All India Traders predicts Diwali sales could exceed ₹5 lakh crore, reflecting a robust festive shopping atmosphere across the country. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Mumbai-based Swades Foundation, co-founded by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, is set to establish 50 additional "dream villages" in Maharashtra this fiscal year, building on the 250 already created. The foundation has signed a letter of intent with the Maharashtra government to develop a total of 1,000 villages, focusing on tribal areas and addressing critical issues such as water, sanitation, health, education, and livelihood. Swades employs a comprehensive 4E strategy—Engage, Empower, Execute, and Exit—to foster community ownership and sustainability. It supports farmers through irrigation, crop diversification, and off-farm activities like dairy and poultry, aiming to increase annual family incomes by ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. With 11,000 community volunteers and 60 tailored programs, Swades has positively impacted over half a million lives and contributed ₹120 crore annually to the local GDP. The foundation plans to expand its reach to six more districts in Maharashtra, enhancing its community empowerment initiatives. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSenior ASEAN officials have acknowledged ongoing trade concerns and implementation issues as they engage in negotiations to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). India has urged the ten-member bloc to finalize its stance on its counter-proposal aimed at addressing a significant trade deficit, which surged to $45.2 billion in FY 2025 from $7 billion in 2010. The proposal seeks greater market access in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for agricultural products, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. Both parties aim to conclude the AITIGA review by the end of 2025, with an announcement expected at the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur. ASEAN has recognized India's concerns regarding non-tariff barriers and the influx of inexpensive Chinese goods, while also exploring new collaborative areas such as the digital and green economies. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inBengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport Limited (BIAL) is actively seeking to attract garment exporters from Tiruppur to utilize its facilities for daily cargo shipments. To enhance logistical efficiency, BIAL is considering the establishment of a cargo collection center in Tiruppur, which would facilitate seamless transport via a non-bonded trucking system. During a recent meeting, exporters raised concerns regarding cargo routing information and stickering processes, prompting BIAL officials to assure them that these issues would be reviewed and addressed. Additionally, exporters requested the formation of a Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee with Bangalore Customs to tackle operational challenges. While many Tiruppur exporters currently prefer sea transport for international shipments, the competitive air freight options from Bengaluru are becoming increasingly appealing. The development of bonded trucking and improved connectivity options is expected to further streamline cargo movement in the region. 
Published: Oct 19 2025, 5 pm
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