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Ethiopian 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.inIndia is actively pursuing access to a variety of critical minerals from Peru, including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, as part of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). These minerals are vital for India's green energy transition and electric vehicle production. New Delhi has submitted a non-paper outlining its interests and sensitivities, with further discussions scheduled for late July. Securing these resources would provide India with a stable supply chain, reducing vulnerability to policy changes. In FY25, India's exports to Peru rose by 9% to over $1 billion, while imports surged by 60% to approximately $5 billion. The FTA aims to enhance India's export of traditional goods and strengthen its presence in the Latin American market. Additionally, Peru seeks to increase its gold exports to India, although significant reductions in import duties may be challenging due to past issues with misuse.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRailways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the inauguration of India's largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant in Haryana, aimed at improving automobile logistics efficiency. The terminal, linked to Patli railway station via a 10 km dedicated rail line, was developed with an investment of ₹800 crore, significantly boosting its loading capacity to 4.5 lakh automobiles annually. Vaishnaw highlighted the addition of over 1,200 general coaches in the past year and plans to augment over 100 MEMU trains to enhance short-distance travel. He also revealed plans to produce 50 new Namo Bharat trains to meet rising passenger demand. In a bid to improve ticket booking, a new Tatkal system will require Aadhaar verification starting July 2025. Additionally, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is set for modernization to increase production capacity, while three Amrit Bharat trains are already operational, with more on the way.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAir India faced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday, with a San Francisco to Mumbai flight experiencing a technical issue that necessitated passenger deplaning during a scheduled stop in Kolkata. The airline reported at least six international flight cancellations due to enhanced maintenance checks on Boeing 787 aircraft, airspace closures, and unserviceable planes. Inclement weather further complicated matters, leading to flight diversions from Delhi and affecting domestic services. Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule criticized the airline for poor communication and service regarding a delayed Pune-Delhi flight. In response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu urged Air India to address passenger concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation summoned senior Air India executives following multiple cancellations and delays. Additionally, the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace has forced longer flight routes, exacerbating the situation for travelers, many of whom reported a lack of information from the airline.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inTruckers in India are raising concerns over rising fuel costs linked to a new government mandate requiring air-conditioned (AC) cabins in all newly manufactured trucks by October 2025. They anticipate a 4% increase in operational costs, which could significantly impact profits and lead to higher charges for customers, ultimately affecting the entire supply chain. Bal Malkit Singh, an advisor and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, emphasized that the cost of commercial vehicles could rise by up to 2% due to these changes. Major automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have begun integrating AC cabins into their truck models, citing enhanced driver comfort and productivity. However, truck owners like Vinay Kumar express concern that the added fuel expenses will further squeeze their already thin profit margins. In response, truckers plan to meet with government officials to seek relief and potentially extend the implementation deadline.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost for India's travel infrastructure, Travlounge has secured ₹25 crore in second-round funding from Gokulam Group, aimed at enhancing roadside facilities for travellers. Launched by Azcco Global and Beacon Group, Travlounge offers amenities such as international-standard lounges, hygienic toilets, sleeping pods, and cafes, catering to both long and short-distance journeys. The initiative, which began two years ago with an initial investment of ₹8 crore, reflects growing confidence in its potential. The project was recently highlighted with the unveiling of the Travlounge app by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, designed to streamline travel planning. With plans for nationwide expansion, Travlounge is set to transform the travel experience in India, ensuring quality amenities are accessible to all travellers.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 8 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 pm
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