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Drydocks World partners with CSL, CEMS for maritime workforce training

Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) to enhance India's maritime workforce. Announced during India Maritime Week 2025, the initiative aims to position India as a global hub for skilled shipbuilding and repair professionals by bridging skill gaps through training aligned with international standards. The MoU will facilitate annual training programs that combine theoretical and practical learning, utilizing advanced facilities and industry expertise from both India and the UAE. Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, emphasized the importance of developing a competitive workforce to sustain global shipbuilding, while Madhu S Nair of Cochin Shipyard highlighted the initiative's potential to meet domestic and international demands. Arun Sharma of CEMS reiterated the commitment to delivering hands-on training that empowers youth with globally recognized skills. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 8 am

Industry calls for 'Mission Aero Engine' amid Safran, GE talks

As India approaches a deal with French aerospace firm Safran for the co-development of advanced fighter jet engines, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) has urged the government to initiate a "Mission Aero Engine." This national initiative aims to develop indigenous 110 kN thrust engines for military and civilian use, addressing concerns over reliance on foreign partners that could lead to sanctions or delays. The SIDM's report, unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizes the need for self-reliance in aerospace propulsion technologies, proposing that the government support private sector efforts to design and manufacture these engines. With an estimated requirement of 712 engines for various aircraft, the report highlights the dual-use potential of the engines for commercial aircraft, enhancing economic viability. It warns against dependence on foreign manufacturers, advocating for India to retain rights for independent development and export to avoid long-term reliance on foreign technology. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 12 pm

Lufthansa's Q3 earnings exceed expectations slightly

Lufthansa reported operating earnings slightly exceeding expectations on Thursday, with an operating profit of €1.33 billion ($1.55 billion) for the quarter, marginally surpassing analysts' forecasts of €1.32 billion, although this figure represents a 1% decline from the previous year's €1.34 billion. The airline continues to face challenges in finalizing negotiations with unions to avert a potential strike, which could impact its recovery efforts. Despite these hurdles, Lufthansa reaffirmed its guidance for 2025, projecting operating profits to be significantly higher than last year's €1.6 billion. The results reflect the airline's ongoing efforts to stabilize its financial performance amid labor disputes and market pressures. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 12 pm

US extends Chabahar port waiver; India continues project work

India's operations at the strategically significant Chabahar port in Afghanistan will proceed uninterrupted following the extension of a waiver from US sanctions, sources confirmed. This extension allows India to continue its investment and management activities at the port, which is crucial for accessing Central Asia, Russia, and Europe while bypassing Pakistan. The waiver, initially set to expire on September 29, 2023, provides New Delhi with a temporary reprieve to advance its $120 million investment, part of a broader 10-year agreement with Iran. The port is integral to the International North South Transport Corridor, facilitating trade across a 7,200-km route. Following the US's revocation of the sanctions waiver, India engaged in discussions to secure the extension, with plans to reassess its position once the waiver period concludes early next year. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 12 pm

EXELmoto teams with Delhivery for e-bike fleet expansion

EXELmoto, the electric mobility startup backed by celebrities Suniel Shetty, KL Rahul, and Ahan Shetty, has announced a significant expansion into the B2B logistics sector through a partnership with Delhivery India Limited. At a press conference in Mumbai, the company revealed its customized e-bike designed for last-mile delivery, which has already seen 200 units deployed following successful pilot testing. Founder Akshai Varde highlighted the bike's 45 kg payload capacity and pedal-assist feature, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. Beyond logistics, EXELmoto plans to target various sectors, including tourism and education, and is exploring applications for government use. The company also launched 'Scoot', an electric cycle designed for women and elderly riders, which requires no license or registration. With 68 retail outlets and plans for Amazon and Flipkart listings, EXELmoto aims to manufacture 50,000 units annually by Q3 2026. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

AirAsia seeks $600 million bond to replace private credit

AirAsia Aviation Group is pursuing a significant restructuring plan, seeking 6.8 billion ringgit ($1.6 billion) to create a new, publicly listed entity that will streamline its operations by merging its various airline units. The Malaysian budget carrier is also aiming to raise up to $600 million by replacing a high-interest private credit facility with a lower-interest bond, targeting a coupon rate below 10%. This move comes as the airline capitalizes on improved travel demand to secure more favorable refinancing terms. Last year, AirAsia received $443 million in dual-tranche private financing, with borrowing costs reaching 11%. The group is actively exploring financing options, including public bond markets, and plans to hold investor meetings in Hong Kong and Singapore later this month. Deutsche Bank is the sole arranger for the proposed bond, although the bank has not commented on the matter. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

Zero GST boosts health insurance demand by 38%, report finds

The Indian government's recent decision to eliminate Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance premiums has led to a remarkable 38% increase in demand for higher coverage plans, according to a Policybazaar report. The average health insurance cover has risen from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, reflecting a growing consumer awareness of the need for comprehensive protection against escalating healthcare costs. Nearly 45% of buyers are now opting for policies in the Rs 15-25 lakh range, with a notable decline in preference for lower coverage. This trend is particularly evident in Tier-2 cities, where demand for higher coverage has surged. Additionally, there is a rising interest in add-ons like Day-1 Pre-Existing Disease coverage, especially among older customers. The report underscores a significant shift in consumer behavior, with more individuals prioritizing adequate health coverage, driven by the zero-GST policy that took effect on September 22, 2025. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

IntrCity SmartBus raises ₹250 crore, aims to triple trips

Mobility platform IntrCity SmartBus has successfully secured ₹250 crore in a Series D funding round, led by A91 Partners. The company intends to utilize the investment to enhance customer travel experiences, upgrade its fleet management technology, and expand its network in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Co-founder and President Kapil Raizada announced that IntrCity is on track to double its fleet and aims for a turnover of ₹1,000 crore by next year, while maintaining a robust 50% year-on-year growth. Currently operating over 550 trips daily, the company plans to increase this to more than 1,500 trips per day within the next three to four years, according to Co-founder and CEO Manish Rathi. The firm continues to grow organically and profitably, positioning itself for significant expansion in the competitive mobility sector. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

Maharashtra extends e-crop survey deadline to November 30

Maharashtra's Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced on Thursday that the deadline for the state's e-crop survey has been extended to November 30. Currently, only 36 percent of the crop area has been recorded in the ongoing digital survey. Bawankule has directed all district collectors to achieve full crop inspection within this extended timeframe. The minister emphasized that this extension is crucial to ensure that farmers do not miss out on vital benefits related to natural disaster relief, crop insurance, and loan schemes due to unregistered crops. The move aims to enhance the accuracy of agricultural data and support the farming community in Maharashtra. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

NITI Aayog: Increase manufacturing to 25% of GDP

India's NITI Aayog has released a report emphasizing the need for a robust and technologically advanced manufacturing sector to elevate its contribution to GDP from the current 15-17% to 25% by 2047, aiming to create over 100 million jobs. The report, titled "Reimagining Manufacturing: India's Roadmap to Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing," warns of a potential $5.1 trillion gap if growth is not sustained. It highlights the necessity for streamlined regulatory frameworks, particularly in advanced manufacturing, to facilitate modern technology applications and foster innovation. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of skilled talent, and fragmented supply chains. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underscored the importance of integrating frontier technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, while NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam stressed that incremental changes will not suffice for India's economic ascent. The roadmap aims for India to become a global manufacturing powerhouse by 2035. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 9 am

Unifeeder, Sagarmala Finance Corp Team Up for Green Shipping

In a significant move to enhance coastal shipping efficiency, Unifeeder, a subsidiary of DP World, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL), a government enterprise under India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The agreement, announced during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, aims to develop sustainable coastal shipping services that align with India's goals of reducing road congestion, lowering logistics costs, and decarbonising transportation. SMFCL will leverage its Maritime Development Fund to create low-cost financing options, while Unifeeder will provide its operational expertise and digital capabilities. This partnership seeks to establish a commercially viable model that facilitates the shift of cargo from road to sea, thereby improving multimodal connectivity and reducing emissions across India's supply chains. The initiative underscores India's commitment to sustainable logistics and innovative transportation solutions. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 9 am

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