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Evolving Ports for India's Agricultural Export Goals

India's agricultural exports, which include fruits, vegetables, spices, and processed foods, predominantly rely on its ports, with over 80% of shipments transported via this route. However, inefficiencies at ports such as Visakhapatnam and JNPT hinder competitiveness, acting as a hidden export tax that diminishes value for farmers and processors. Issues like cargo contamination, inadequate cold chain facilities, and high handling charges exacerbate spoilage risks and inflate costs. To enhance its global agricultural footprint and support a $5 trillion economy, India must invest in modernizing port infrastructure, improving cold chain systems, and streamlining regulatory processes. Proposed reforms include establishing integrated processing hubs, enhancing freight transparency, and developing inland container depots. By addressing these challenges, India can bolster its agricultural export ecosystem, benefiting farmers and the economy at large. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 am

TIL Expands Material Handling Business Operations

TIL Ltd, a Kolkata-based manufacturer of lifting and logistics equipment, is set to unveil three new safety-focused products at the upcoming Excon trade fair in Bengaluru, as part of its strategy to enhance its material handling solutions. Company President Alok Kumar Tripathi announced that the new offerings include a pick-and-carry crane, marking TIL's entry into a segment with an annual market of 14,000-15,000 units, a reintroduction of an 85-tonne truck crane, and an innovative empty container handler designed for unpaved surfaces. TIL aims to regain its former market share in the truck crane segment, which has dwindled to 5% due to increased competition. The company is also strengthening partnerships with global leaders like Hyster-Yale and Manitowoc, while enhancing its aftermarket support and positioning itself as a comprehensive solutions provider through IoT and AI technologies. TIL serves a diverse clientele, including port operators and major infrastructure firms. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 am

Proposed EU Regulations for AI in Aviation

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has unveiled its inaugural regulatory proposal on artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation, initiating a three-month consultation period aimed at enhancing AI trustworthiness in line with the EU AI Act. The proposal outlines guidance on AI assurance, human factors, and ethics, addressing data-driven AI systems and setting the stage for future applications involving AI assistance and human-AI collaboration. Meanwhile, Airbus is significantly increasing production across its civil aircraft programs, targeting an output of 75 A320 family aircraft per month by 2027, marking a record high for civil aerospace. This ambitious 'rate 75' initiative is driven by strong demand for the A321neo, which constitutes two-thirds of the A320 family order book. In the LNG sector, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) continues to dominate, operating 107 LNG carriers as of March 2025, solidifying its position as the largest player in global LNG transport capacity. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 am

Kochi's India-Made Fleets: Crafted with Precision

Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is poised to enhance its revenue streams with the introduction of a new dry dock and the International Ship Repair Facility, as India seeks to bolster its shipping industry amid heavy reliance on foreign vessels. Chairman Madhu S Nair highlighted the $85 billion shipping requirement, with 85% of cargo currently transported by foreign ships, posing risks to the economy during global disruptions. The Indian government has launched a ₹70,000 crore initiative to elevate domestic shipbuilding, aiming for a top 10 global ranking by 2030. Recent orders from public sector oil and gas companies, including 59 shipbuilding contracts worth ₹47,800 crore, signal a positive shift. CSL anticipates doubling its turnover to ₹11,000-12,000 crore in the next five to six years, driven by new orders and government support, while a new block fabrication facility in Kochi will expedite ship construction. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 am

Centre favors small cars in CAFE-3 regulations

The Indian government is poised to extend support for small cars under the forthcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE III) norms, amid concerns that stringent targets could drive manufacturers away from this segment. Officials argue that many two-wheeler users cannot afford to upgrade to larger vehicles or electric cars, highlighting the importance of affordable entry-level options. The proposed relief includes a marginal 3 g/km carbon-dioxide deduction for petrol vehicles meeting small-car criteria, though this has faced opposition from larger car manufacturers. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has submitted feedback, advocating for a combined carbon-credit mechanism over five years rather than strict annual targets. The industry remains divided, with small-car manufacturers supporting the provisions while larger vehicle producers prefer weight-based relaxations. The revised CAFE III standards are set to take effect from April 2027, aiming to balance environmental goals with market realities. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 10 pm

September quarter shows mixed results for QSR sector

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry in India experienced a mixed performance in the September quarter, with some companies reporting strong same-store sales growth while others struggled due to weak dine-in recovery, margin pressures, and declining urban demand. Jubilant FoodWorks stood out with a 9.1% year-on-year growth for Domino’s India, primarily driven by its delivery channel. However, overall trends were subdued, with the pizza category seeing a 1.5% decline in same-store sales growth, and other segments like fried chicken facing negative growth. Experts, including Karan Taurani from Elara Capital, noted that despite a global recovery in QSRs, Indian brands lagged due to various challenges. Management from Sapphire Foods highlighted the impact of competitive intensity and constrained consumer spending, while Restaurant Brands Asia's CEO expressed optimism for future growth, citing government GST cuts as a potential boost for consumer discretionary spending. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 8 pm

Farmers seek Maize Control Order for ethanol MSP enforcement

Farmer leader Rampal Jat has called on the Indian government to implement a Maize Control Order, which would mandate ethanol distilleries to purchase maize from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). Speaking in New Delhi, Jat highlighted that current market prices for maize are significantly lower than the MSP of ₹2,400 per quintal, with farmers often receiving as little as ₹1,100 per quintal. He criticized the government for prioritizing distilleries over farmers, despite promises made in 2014 to enhance farmers' incomes through increased ethanol blending. Jat noted that while the target for 20% ethanol blending was achieved ahead of schedule in 2025, no similar target has been set for ensuring MSP for maize. He also pointed to a recent decline in maize prices linked to potential imports from the US, arguing that farmers lack the protections afforded to sugarcane producers under the Essential Commodities Act. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 9 pm

India, Russia officials discuss trade pact before Putin's visit

Ahead of a scheduled bilateral meeting in December, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to assess progress towards achieving a $100 billion trade target by 2030 and discuss a potential free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recent talks have focused on establishing a "time-bound" strategy for key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, and automobiles, amid India's growing trade deficit with Russia, which reached approximately $59 billion in FY25. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has been actively engaging with Russian officials to advance FTA negotiations, emphasizing the need for quarterly regulatory meetings to tackle certification and non-tariff issues. With U.S. tariffs complicating exports, India is looking to diversify its markets through enhanced trade with Russia and the EAEU, which includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 7 pm

India's five-year anti-dumping duty targets Vietnamese steel

India's steel imports reached 9.5 million tonnes in FY25, prompting the government to impose a five-year anti-dumping duty of $121.55 per tonne on hot-rolled flat steel imports from Vietnam. This measure aims to curb the influx of inexpensive Chinese steel, as industry analysts believe Vietnamese steel often acts as a conduit for Chinese shipments. Following a detailed investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the duty targets hot-rolled flat steel, both alloy and non-alloy, with specific dimensions, while Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC is exempt due to a low dumping margin. Early data for FY26 indicates a significant decline in finished steel imports, with a 27.6% year-on-year drop and a 47.7% fall in Chinese imports during April-May 2025. Despite the government's push for self-reliance under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, experts warn that the impact on Chinese steel imports may be limited, given the small share of Vietnamese steel in the overall market. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 7 pm

DoCA portal attracts 2.75 lakh users, 1.30 lakh cases filed

The Department of Consumer Affairs has reported significant success for its e-jagriti consumer grievance portal, which has registered nearly 275,000 users since its launch on January 1. As of November 13, the portal has facilitated 130,550 case filings and ensured the disposal of 127,058 cases, showcasing its effectiveness in enhancing consumer protection nationwide. The platform integrates various legacy systems into a single interface, allowing users, including NRIs, to file complaints, make payments, and participate in virtual hearings without needing to be physically present in India. High adoption rates have been noted in states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The portal's automated workflows and real-time updates have led to disposal rates exceeding 100% in ten states. Additionally, it has sent over 200,000 SMS alerts and 1.2 million email notifications to keep users informed about their cases. sources

Published:
Nov 16 2025, 6 pm

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