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Heavy rainfall has been reported across the South Peninsula and the foothills of North-West India, while the rest of the country continues to experience a weak phase of the monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that extremely heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Mahe, with significant precipitation also affecting Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. The monsoon trough has shifted northward, but fresh moisture from a circulation off the Tamil Nadu coast is expected to enhance rainfall in the region. Forecasts indicate that extremely heavy rainfall is likely in West Uttar Pradesh and northern Kerala in the coming days, with a potential low-pressure area forming over the Odisha coast by mid-August, signaling an end to the weak monsoon phase. This shift may lead to widespread rains across the country, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, as the Madden-Julian Oscillation wave influences weather patterns. 
Published: Aug 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs India navigates the complexities of US tariff threats, domestic refiners are actively seeking alternatives to Russian crude oil to maintain operational flexibility and protect profit margins. Recent data indicates a significant decline in Russian crude imports, dropping to approximately 1.6 million barrels per day in July, partly due to seasonal refinery maintenance and reduced demand. While state-run refiners are particularly affected, private refiners, who account for over half of Russian crude intake, are also diversifying their procurement amid rising geopolitical tensions. Despite the challenges of replacing Russian barrels, which are favored for their cost-effectiveness and compatibility, refiners remain in a cautious stance, balancing energy security with compliance to global norms. Notably, imports from the US have surged, reflecting a strategic pivot, although a complete disengagement from Russian crude is deemed unlikely in the near term.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a series of military procurement proposals worth approximately ₹67,000 crore, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. Key approvals include the Indian Navy's acquisition of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft for anti-submarine warfare, and upgrades to the BARAK-1 missile system and BrahMos fire control systems. The Indian Army will receive Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for infantry vehicles to improve night operations. Additionally, the Indian Air Force's Mountain Radars and upgrades to the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system were sanctioned to bolster air surveillance in mountainous regions. The DAC also greenlit the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft, enhancing surveillance and combat capabilities, alongside maintenance contracts for C-17 and C-130J fleets and the S-400 missile system.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has urged the government to decriminalise violations related to non-subsidised fertilizers, advocating for their removal from the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) due to the current sufficiency of fertilizers and food in India. At a recent Business-to-Government roundtable in New Delhi, industry leaders argued that the ECA's punitive measures deter new entrants. IMMA President Rahul Mirchandani called for market-driven regulations for non-subsidised products and the updating of State-notified fertilizer grades, while also emphasising the need for a unified digital licensing system under the "One Nation, One Licence" framework. Concerns were raised regarding new bio-stimulant regulations, with stakeholders seeking transitional measures. The association also recommended removing non-subsidised fertilizers from the export restrictions to enhance India's position as a global fertilizer supplier. The event facilitated discussions among policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders on these pressing issues.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inTextile exporters in India are facing significant challenges as demand from the US has already slowed and is projected to decline by 10-15% this fiscal year. In a recent meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, industry representatives expressed concerns over a new 25% reciprocal tariff imposed by the US, urging the government to eliminate the existing 11% import duty on cotton to maintain competitiveness. Key demands included a two-year moratorium on term loans, revival of the Interest Equalisation Scheme, and an extension of tax rebate benefits. Minister Goyal indicated the government's readiness to assist exporters by reducing manufacturing costs and addressing banking and GST issues. Amid ongoing bilateral trade discussions, apparel exporters remain hopeful for a resolution within the next few months, as uncertainty looms over pending orders for the upcoming holiday season.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has launched a national AI-ML network programme in collaboration with the Agriculture Development Trust (ADT) of Baramati, Maharashtra, aimed at enhancing sugarcane productivity and farmers' income through artificial intelligence. The initiative, which follows a successful project with the University of Oxford and Microsoft that empowered over 1,000 farmers with AI-driven solutions, has reportedly led to a 40% increase in crop yield, a 35% reduction in labor costs, and a 30% decrease in water usage. ISMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ADT and Pune-based agri-tech service provider Map My Crop to further this initiative. Director General Deepak Ballani emphasized that the technology-backed network will enable farmers to make informed decisions, optimize resource use, and improve profitability. Field demonstrations and capacity-building sessions are planned to facilitate rapid adoption of these advancements in sugarcane farming.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to significantly increase tariffs on India within 24 hours, citing the country's purchase of Russian oil as a reason for its "unacceptable" trade practices. In a televised interview, Trump criticized India as a "not a good trade partner" due to its high tariffs, stating that the current 25% reciprocal tariffs would be raised further. Meanwhile, India remains steadfast in its position to protect its farmers and vulnerable sectors during ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations, despite the looming tariff threat. A source indicated that India faces a tariff disadvantage compared to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, and it hopes a trade agreement with the US will address this. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump's earlier threats, arguing that its imports are essential for maintaining affordable energy and highlighting the hypocrisy of nations criticizing India while continuing trade with Russia.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo has officially begun construction on a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, following a traditional Bhoomi Poojan ceremony attended by government and aviation officials. Spanning 31 acres, the facility is set to become one of India's largest, three times the size of IndiGo's existing MROs in Delhi and Bengaluru. It will feature up to 12 bays capable of servicing both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, with completion expected by early 2028. This initiative aligns with IndiGo's ambition to enhance its global aviation presence by 2030 and is anticipated to create over 1,000 jobs. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized the facility's role in strengthening IndiGo's operational base in Bengaluru, which currently handles over 200 daily flights, while also contributing to the development of a comprehensive aviation ecosystem in India.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in London last month, heralding a new era for UK-India trade relations. Rolls-Royce anticipates significant benefits from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), particularly through reduced tariffs on aerospace components, which will enhance bilateral supply chains. John Kelly, Senior Vice President at Rolls-Royce, highlighted that the FTA aligns with the UK-India Vision 2035 roadmap, fostering collaboration in defence and advanced propulsion technologies. The company aims to double its India-based supply chain presence over the next five years, leveraging partnerships with firms like HAL and Tata. While Rolls-Royce is exploring the expansion of its global Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) network, no specific plans for an MRO facility in India have been confirmed. The company remains committed to supporting India's regional aviation growth through initiatives like the UDAN programme.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India is currently verifying the authenticity of foreign-issued crew certificates held by approximately 3,800 seafarers, following protests from unions against a July 18 order that restricts ship owners from hiring individuals with certificates from Central American countries like Honduras and Panama. This order aims to combat malpractices in recruitment, as investigations revealed that unapproved entities were issuing fraudulent certificates of competency (CoCs) and certificates of proficiency (CoPs). Of the affected seafarers, around 2,000 hold officer rank certificates, with 80% issued by Honduras. The DGS has instructed these seafarers to submit their training and certification records, promising immediate employment for those with valid documents, while invalid certificates will be reported for cancellation. A writ petition has also been filed in the Bombay High Court regarding this issue.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a pivotal move to enhance suburban mobility in the Greater Chennai Area, the Ministry of Railways has approved the merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), a process initiated by the State government in 2011. Following a detailed presentation by Southern Railway to the Railway Board on July 16, the formal approval was communicated on July 31. The merger will transfer all MRTS assets, including tracks and infrastructure, to the Tamil Nadu government and CMRL, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) currently being drafted. The agreement stipulates that land currently held by MRTS will revert to the State, while Southern Railway will assist in training CMRL staff for two years. The MRTS, operational since 1997 and currently serving around 100,000 passengers daily, aims to create a more integrated urban transport system in Chennai, facilitating seamless connections between various modes of transport.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 7 pm
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