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Heavy rain alert for Kerala and Mahe as monsoon returns

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted an active monsoon, particularly along India's west coast, with heavy rainfall expected over the next four days, benefiting West Madhya Pradesh. Recent reports indicate heavy to very heavy rain has already impacted parts of Telangana, Kerala, and Mahe, as monsoon activity strengthens due to conditions over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry starting Saturday, with isolated heavy rain also forecasted for coastal Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, a western disturbance is anticipated to affect North-West India from Friday, although a depression in the West Pacific may divert monsoon flows. The US Climate Prediction Centre suggests above-normal rainfall for Central and North-West India next week, while the Madden-Julian Oscillation is not expected to influence the monsoon in the coming weeks. sources

Published:
Jun 11 2025, 6 pm

Boeing supports Air India crash; CEO speaks to N Chandrasekaran

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed condolences following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. In a statement, Ortberg conveyed his sympathies to the families of the passengers and crew, emphasizing Boeing's commitment to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which crashed into a medical college complex, was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Ortberg confirmed that a Boeing team is prepared to assist the investigation while adhering to protocols set by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization. This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history, with reports suggesting a high fatality rate among those on board. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 am

ADM to onboard more FPOs as direct procurement hits 80%

ADM Agro Industries India, a subsidiary of a US nutrition firm, has significantly increased its direct procurement from farmer producer companies (FPOs), rising from 20% to 80% over the past two years. Despite this growth, the company remains non-committal about expanding its operations beyond Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. During a recent webinar, manager Amol Dhawan revealed that ADM Agro's soyabean processing plant has procured 1.45 lakh tonnes of soyabean worth ₹700 crore from FPOs last year, with 75,000 tonnes already purchased in 2025. The company has partnered with 300 FPOs, transacting with 147 in 2024. Other corporates, including Olam India and Britannia, are also engaging with FPOs, encouraged by government initiatives to connect farmers with businesses. This shift allows FPOs to secure better prices for their produce, as direct sales reduce transaction costs. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 10 pm

India considers grounding Boeing 787-8 after initial inquiry

India is considering grounding its entire fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners following a crash involving Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, which was purchased in 2012, was part of a fleet of 26 787-8s operated by Air India. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is in discussions with Boeing India, the US National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the incident. Previous allegations of manufacturing defects in the 787s had been settled in favor of Boeing, but concerns have resurfaced after this crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated an investigation, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is considering mandatory checks for all operational 787s. Aviation expert Mark Martin expressed shock at the incident, highlighting the aircraft's safety record and the experience of the crew involved. Boeing has stated it is ready to assist Air India in the investigation. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 8 pm

India's Rare Earth Wealth Untapped Amid China's Dominance

India, possessing the world's fifth-largest rare earth element (REE) reserves at nearly 7 million tonnes, faces challenges in capitalizing on this potential as China's export restrictions tighten. Despite significant untapped deposits in states like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, India's mining efforts remain stunted due to a lack of advanced processing technology. The US Geological Survey ranks India third globally in REE reserves, yet the country mined only 2,900 tonnes in 2023 and 2024. Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) is exploring international partnerships for REE cooperation, but domestic production is hampered by regulatory constraints and insufficient technology. With China controlling 70% of the REE market, India's response, including policy adjustments and mineral auctions, appears sluggish. The urgency to develop domestic capabilities is underscored by soaring global demand for REEs, particularly for electric vehicles and high-tech components, as India seeks to reduce its reliance on imports. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 9 pm

India, China discuss lifting rare earth export controls: MEA

Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are negotiating a trade deal that could see China commit to supplying rare earth materials to the United States. Meanwhile, India is engaging with China regarding its recent export controls on rare earth products, which were implemented in April and have impacted global manufacturers, particularly in the automotive sector. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for predictability in trade aligned with international norms. China's export restrictions were a response to U.S. tariffs, but the country has expressed a willingness to discuss these controls with India. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China is open to enhancing dialogue and cooperation to stabilize global industrial and supply chains. As the U.S.-China negotiations progress, other nations may face challenges if they do not address their own supply concerns. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 9 pm

Reservoir storage in India dips as monsoon pauses

The water levels in India's 161 major reservoirs have seen a slight decline this week, dropping to 55.519 billion cubic metres (BCM), or 30.43% of their total capacity, following a two-week increase as the south-west monsoon paused for 10 days. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that current storage levels are nearly 40% higher than last year and 30% above the 10-year average. The India Meteorological Department noted that 72% of the country's districts experienced deficient rainfall between June 1 and June 11. While eastern and southern regions saw storage increases, northern and western regions reported declines. However, with forecasts of surplus rainfall during the monsoon, experts anticipate improved agricultural production, building on last year's record outputs in rice, wheat, and maize, and projecting agricultural growth of over 3.5% for the current fiscal year. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 8 pm

Retail inflation falls to 2.82%, lowest in six years

Retail inflation in India fell to a 75-month low of 2.82% in May, down from 3.16% in April, primarily driven by declining food prices, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). This decrease, attributed to lower costs for pulses, vegetables, and cereals, may not prompt the Reserve Bank of India to cut interest rates in its upcoming August meeting. The Consumer Food Price Index also saw a drop to 0.99% from 1.78% in April. Despite recent increases in vegetable prices due to heavy rainfall, HDFC Bank forecasts inflation to remain between 2.7% and 3.1% in June, aided by reduced import duties on edible oils. Rajni Sinha, Chief Economist at CareEdge, noted that the depreciation of the US dollar index has alleviated concerns over imported inflation, although geopolitical tensions have caused a recent rise in Brent crude prices. Economists predict a continued downward trend in inflation, with potential rate cuts if growth slows. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 8 pm

Kerala HC detains MSC vessel over cashew import dispute

The Kerala High Court has ordered the detention of the MSC Manafa F, a sister vessel of the sunken MSC Elsa 3, until ₹6 crore is deposited to address claims from raw cashew importers affiliated with the Cashew Export Promotion Council. Justice Abdul Hakkim stated that the vessel could depart Kerala's territorial waters upon the shipping firm presenting the demand draft. Importers have alleged that their cargo was not delivered as per the bill of lading, despite a notice of arrival being issued. Joy Thattil, representing the petitioners, emphasized the shipping line's failure to safeguard the importers' interests. R.K. Bhoodes, vice-chairman of the Council, confirmed that they are seeking compensation for the loss of cargo, which was supposed to arrive in Thoothukudi on May 26 but was lost when the ship capsized en route to Cochin Port. The shipping line has not clarified the status of the cargo. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 7 pm

Timeline: Ahmedabad AI Crash Marks 35-Year Worst Disaster

An Air India Boeing aircraft, carrying 242 passengers, crashed into a building just outside Ahmedabad airport during its Ahmedabad-London flight. This incident adds to a troubling history of aviation accidents involving Air India and other airlines in India. Notable crashes include the Air India Express Flight 1344, which skidded off the runway in Kozhikode in August 2020, resulting in 21 fatalities, and the tragic Mangalore crash of Air India Express Flight 812 in May 2010, which claimed 158 lives. Other significant incidents include the mid-air collision in Charkhi Dadri in November 1996, which killed 349 people, and the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 605 in February 1990, which resulted in 92 deaths. These events highlight ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in the region. The latest crash is under investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause of the incident. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 7 pm

India informs WTO of ongoing wheat, sugar export restrictions

India has maintained its ban on wheat exports since May 2022, a decision prompted by an unseasonal heat wave that adversely affected crop yields and drove up domestic prices. The Indian government has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) that these export curbs on wheat and sugar are temporary measures aimed at preventing critical shortages and stabilizing domestic markets. While New Delhi has faced scrutiny from countries like the US and Australia regarding these restrictions, officials assert that they will remain in place until the underlying conditions improve. Additionally, the government has indicated that wheat exports may be permitted upon requests from importing nations to address their food security needs. Similar restrictions on sugar exports, implemented in June 2022, require specific permission for export, underscoring the importance of ensuring affordable access to these staple commodities for millions of Indians. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 6 pm

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