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The Indian Navy is enhancing its coastal defence capabilities with the keel laying of the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at Cochin Shipyard Limited. This initiative is part of a broader plan to induct 16 indigenously designed vessels, with the first ship, Arnala, set to be commissioned soon. These ships, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Cochin Shipyard, will replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes and feature over 80% indigenous content, reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defence. Equipped with advanced underwater sensors and a sophisticated weapon suite, the ASW-SWCs are designed to detect and neutralise submarine threats, particularly in shallow coastal waters. Their operational capabilities will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's ability to protect its coastline and offshore assets, contributing to regional stability and reducing reliance on foreign military imports. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia's current account deficit (CAD) for FY25 is under upward pressure due to rising global crude prices, with a report from Union Bank of India (UBI) indicating that every $10 per barrel increase in oil prices could worsen the CAD by nearly $15 billion. While UBI maintains its CAD estimate at 0.9% of GDP for FY25, it warns of a potential increase to 1.2% in FY26, driven by commodity price pressures. Brent crude prices have recently surged 14% amid geopolitical tensions, fluctuating between $64 and $76. The report highlights that global commodity prices, particularly crude oil and metals, will significantly impact India's trade deficit, although weak global demand may mitigate some effects. Despite these challenges, a robust services trade surplus of $188.75 billion is providing a buffer against the oil trade deficit of $122.45 billion. Ongoing geopolitical developments will be crucial in shaping India's trade outlook.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance highway travel efficiency, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the introduction of a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000, effective from August 15, 2025. The pass, valid for one year or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first—aims to streamline toll payments for non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Gadkari emphasized that the initiative addresses long-standing issues at toll plazas, particularly those within a 60 km radius, by simplifying transactions and reducing congestion. A dedicated activation and renewal link will be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This move is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners across the country.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports saw a slight increase of 1.79% in the first two months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, reaching 7.81 lakh tonnes compared to 7.67 lakh tonnes during the same period in 2024-25. According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), May 2025 alone recorded exports of 3.15 lakh tonnes, up 4.31% from May 2024. The rising demand for soyabean meal in African nations, driven by livestock production, has bolstered exports, with over 1.18 lakh tonnes shipped primarily to Kenya and Kuwait. Additionally, India exported 3.47 lakh tonnes of rapeseed meal to Far-Eastern countries, maintaining its competitive edge due to favorable pricing. Major importers included South Korea, China, and Bangladesh, with significant shipments of both rapeseed and soyabean meal. The current FOB price of rapeseed meal in India is notably lower than that of canola meal in Europe, enhancing export opportunities.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's coconut and coconut product exports have surged by 25% in FY25, generating ₹4,349 crore compared to ₹3,469 crore the previous year. The primary contributor to this growth is activated carbon, which alone accounted for ₹2,799 crore from 1,76,435 tonnes shipped, up from ₹2,108 crore on 1,54,059 tonnes in FY24. However, producers are concerned about competition from cheaper, lower-quality activated carbon from China, which is benefiting from controlled charcoal supplies in Africa. The cost of charcoal in India has skyrocketed from below ₹40,000 to ₹85,000 per tonne due to a shortage of coconut shells, making Indian products less competitive at $3,600-3,700 per tonne compared to $2,500-2,700 for Chinese manufacturers. Climate change has exacerbated coconut production issues, further straining the activated carbon industry, predominantly located in southern India, as rising raw material costs and geopolitical factors impact profitability.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's poultry industry, Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a next-generation vaccine designed to combat Bursal, Newcastle, and Marek’s diseases. This innovative single-dose solution aims to address the practical challenges faced by poultry farmers, providing early, reliable, and long-lasting immunity with just one administration at the hatchery. The company highlighted that disease outbreaks pose a serious threat to productivity and profitability in the sector, which is crucial for India's food supply and rural economy. The new vaccine streamlines disease prevention by reducing the need for multiple vaccinations, thereby lowering labor requirements and minimizing stress on the birds. Dr. Vinod Gopal, Country Head-Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim India, emphasized the vaccine's focus on local needs, stating it reflects the company's commitment to enhancing productivity and improving bird welfare for farmers across the country. The vaccine is suitable for broilers, layers, and breeders.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAuthorities in Jammu and Kashmir have designated the routes for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, as no-fly zones, a decision that has sparked criticism from political leaders and analysts. The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department announced the restrictions on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, citing security concerns following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 27 lives. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed apprehension that the ban on helicopter services could convey a negative image of the region's stability, particularly as it is the first such restriction in years. Abdullah, who oversees tourism, has been working to restore confidence in the area, emphasizing that a single incident should not derail ongoing peace efforts since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Analysts warn that the no-fly zone could exacerbate public anxiety and hinder tourism recovery in the region.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inLiquefied natural gas (LNG) is projected to remain the most cost-effective fuel for the transport and logistics sector, particularly for buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), for the next 15 years, according to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). In 2024, LNG, along with diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG), is expected to be cheaper than electric vehicles (EVs) for medium and heavy goods vehicles. While EVs are becoming competitive in segments like two and three-wheelers, their total cost of ownership (TCO) remains higher for HGVs, especially over longer distances. The study highlights that LNG's affordability stems from its distribution advantages, allowing it to be sold at lower prices than CNG. CEEW recommends establishing LNG refuelling stations along major highways to support the growing adoption of LNG-powered vehicles, which currently offer the lowest TCO in their categories.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn the wake of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, has expressed its condolences and support for the airline and its parent company, Tata Sons. The statement comes after former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel criticized Singapore Airlines for its perceived silence regarding the incident, highlighting their significant role as a shareholder and their responsibility in maintaining Air India's fleet. In response, Singapore Airlines emphasized its ongoing communication with Tata Sons and Air India, offering full assistance during this challenging period. The airline, which partnered with Tata Sons to establish Vistara in 2015, has a collaborative relationship with Air India, including shared management and operational strategies, with Singapore Airlines' CEO also serving on Air India's board.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's market borrowing program has demonstrated a stable evolution, with net borrowings remaining manageable despite increasing economic demands, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The government is adhering to fiscal discipline under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, with gross market borrowing through government securities (G-secs) estimated at ₹14.8 lakh crore for FY26, and net borrowing projected at ₹11.5 lakh crore. As of FY26, the government has raised ₹3.2 lakh crore in gross borrowing. While the outstanding stock of government debt has risen significantly from ₹41.6 lakh crore in FY15 to ₹114.5 lakh crore in FY26, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline from 57.1% in 2024-25 to 56.1% in 2025-26. The government is also employing debt switches and buybacks to fine-tune its borrowing profile, ensuring long-term sustainability amid prudent fiscal management.
Published: Jun 18 2025, 9 am
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