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IPL Biologicals Introduces Six New Products

IPL Biologicals has unveiled its NXG Range, a new portfolio of six soluble biological products aimed at enhancing farm productivity and promoting sustainability. Launched during the company's annual meeting in Agra, the NXG Range includes Subtilin, Viridex, Sporidex, BT-dex, BEE Boost, and 360, marking a first in India's biological agricultural input sector with their soluble powder format. Designed for compatibility with micro irrigation systems, these products focus on improving soil health, nutrient availability, and microbial efficacy across diverse agro-climatic zones. Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals, emphasized the growing demand for high-performance agricultural inputs as the global agri-biologicals market is projected to reach $43 billion by 2035. The new formulations promise operational benefits, including enhanced shelf stability and reduced clogging risks, while utilizing high colony-forming unit microbial strains to accelerate biological activity in the field. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 5 pm

BEL partners with Indian Army for IDDIS Counter Drone System

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has secured a contract with the Indian Army Air Defence to produce the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), further bolstered by additional orders totaling ₹572 crore since April 7, 2025. These major contracts encompass a range of technologies, including Software Defined Radio (SDR), Data Communication Units (DCU) for attack guns, AI solutions for naval applications, and various communication equipment. Notably, BEL's integrated drone detection system played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor, successfully neutralizing several low-RCS drones from Pakistan. For the financial year 2024-25, BEL reported a turnover of approximately ₹23,000 crore, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year's ₹19,820 crore, with 90% of its revenue stemming from defence projects. The company's export activities remain limited, contributing only 10% to its overall revenue. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 8 pm

Soybean stocks slightly drop to over 48 lakh tonnes by May 1

According to the latest supply-demand estimates from the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), soyabean crushing in April remained steady at 9.5 lakh tonnes, mirroring figures from the previous year. As of May 1, 2025, the country's soyabean stocks were reported at 48.35 lakh tonnes, down from 55.41 lakh tonnes a year earlier. Of this, 29.66 lakh tonnes are held by traders and farmers, while government agencies NAFED and NCCF hold 18.69 lakh tonnes. The government procured 19.96 lakh tonnes of soyabean under the price support scheme for the kharif 2024 season, but prices have remained below the minimum support price (MSP) due to weak demand. Market arrivals increased slightly to 5.5 lakh tonnes. Meanwhile, soyameal exports rose to 2.14 lakh tonnes, with Germany and France being the largest importers, despite Indian soyameal being pricier than alternatives from the US and Argentina. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 10 pm

India's April coffee exports rise 48% to $203 million

India's coffee exports saw a significant increase in value in April, rising 48% to $202.95 million, despite a decline in volume. According to the Coffee Board, export volumes fell to 35,259 tonnes, an 11% decrease from 39,827 tonnes in April 2024. From January 1 to May 15, total shipments dropped 13% to 154,000 tonnes compared to 177,000 tonnes last year. While Arabica shipments increased, robusta exports declined, with robusta parchment shipments down to 10,796 tonnes from 12,059 tonnes. Instant coffee exports also fell slightly to 19,122 tonnes. Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association, attributed the rise in value to higher prices, noting that buyers are hesitant to purchase Indian robustas due to cost. In the financial year ending March 2025, India exported a record 389,000 tonnes of coffee, valued at $1.82 billion. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 10 pm

Mumbai, Ahmedabad airports choose Indo Thai as interim provider

Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have temporarily engaged Indo Thai Airport Services for ground handling duties following the revocation of security clearance for Celebi, the previous service provider. This interim arrangement will remain in place until a new long-term partner is selected, with bids expected to be invited by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) within three days. MIAL has assured that Indo Thai will operate under its direct supervision, maintaining existing service standards. Celebi, which employed over 3,000 staff in Mumbai, has had its contracts terminated, but employees will receive temporary employment letters from the new handler. Other airports are also ensuring service continuity with their current providers. MIAL's CEO, Vishnu Jha, emphasized the commitment to a smooth transition and ongoing collaboration with aviation stakeholders and government authorities to facilitate operations during this period. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 8 pm

Chennai Airport Taxiways Enhanced

In the latest market update, the SENSEX fell by 200.15 points to close at 82,330.59, while the NIFTY dropped 42.30 points, settling at 25,019.80. In commodity markets, crude oil prices rose by 69.00 to reach 5,340.00, while gold and silver saw declines, with gold down 887.00 at 92,282.00 and silver falling 926.00 to 94,989.00. In infrastructure news, Chennai airport has implemented significant airside upgrades to improve operational efficiency, effective Friday. The Airports Authority of India announced the straightening and renaming of Taxiway F to Taxiway U, alongside the establishment of a new runway holding point at Taxiway A, aimed at reducing taxi times and runway occupancy. Additionally, extended and re-oriented cargo stands 7, 8, and 9 have been introduced to enhance cargo handling capacity. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 9 pm

Celebi sues India over unclear clearance amid Pakistan conflict

Turkey-based Celebi Airport Services has initiated legal proceedings against the Indian government following the revocation of its security clearance, which officials cited as necessary for national security. The decision, made amid rising public discontent over Turkey's support for Pakistan in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, has raised concerns about the potential loss of 3,791 jobs and investor confidence. In its court filing, Celebi criticized the government's vague justification for the revocation, arguing that it lacked specific reasoning and failed to substantiate claims of being a national security threat. The Delhi Airport has since announced the termination of its association with Celebi for ground handling and cargo operations. The case is set to be heard on Monday, as the Indian government faces pressure from political allies and public sentiment to take a firmer stance against Turkish entities. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 9 pm

Heritage Foods' profits boosted by value-added products in 2024-25

Heritage Foods has reported record revenues of ₹4,134.6 crore for the financial year 2024-25, marking a significant achievement for the company. In the fourth quarter alone, it achieved ₹1,048.46 crore, its highest quarterly revenue to date. Executive Director Brahmani Nara highlighted that excluding the bulk business-to-business segment, revenue growth consistently exceeded 10% each quarter, showcasing the strength of its core portfolio amid industry challenges. The company's net profit surged by 77% year-on-year to ₹188 crore, bolstered by a 2.3% increase in contributions from value-added products (VAP), which accounted for 32.5% of total revenue. Additionally, average milk procurement prices rose to ₹42.9 per litre in Q4, while milk sales volume increased by 4.5% year-on-year. The board has recommended a final dividend of ₹2.50 per equity share, reflecting the company's robust performance. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 7 pm

Electrical appliance industry may receive extension for quality order

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has indicated a potential extension for the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) for household and commercial electrical appliances, originally set for September 2024. This decision follows concerns raised by industry stakeholders during a meeting on May 15, where manufacturers highlighted the need for the QCO to first apply to finished goods before components, citing complexities in global supply chains. Key issues included ambiguity regarding the coverage of DC and battery-operated appliances, a lack of product manuals and testing facilities, and insufficient time for obtaining Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. Goyal acknowledged these concerns and urged the industry to propose the establishment of more modern testing facilities across public and state labs. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is working to enhance the testing and certification ecosystem, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 6 pm

Green Shipping Corridor Between VOC and Kandla Ports Advances

VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has designated 501 acres for green hydrogen manufacturing and storage, as part of a broader initiative to establish a green shipping corridor with Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat. This corridor will facilitate the operation of methanol-powered ships, managed by the State-owned Shipping Corporation of India. In February, Deendayal Port Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Bapu’s Shipping for bio-methanol bunkering services and joined the Methanol Institute to enhance collaboration with industry stakeholders. VOC Port is set to attract ₹41,860 crore in investments from companies like ACME Green Hydrogen and Sembcorp, while a pilot green hydrogen bunkering facility, backed by a ₹35 crore grant, is expected to be operational by January 2026. However, concerns remain regarding the availability of suitable ships and fuels, with industry experts urging government support to ensure the project's viability amidst rising costs. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 6 pm

Air India urges government to end IndiGo's Turkish lease

Air India has urged Indian officials to block IndiGo's leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing concerns over national security and the impact on India's aviation sector amid rising tensions with Turkey over its support for Pakistan. Following public backlash against Turkey's stance in the India-Pakistan conflict, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi, with junior aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol stating the decision was made to protect national interests. IndiGo's leasing arrangement, which has been in place since 2023, has reportedly increased seat capacity to Turkey, benefiting Turkish tourism and providing IndiGo with a codeshare partnership that enhances its international reach. Air India claims that the deal disadvantages Indian carriers, as it allows Turkey to gain financially while Indian airlines struggle with delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus. IndiGo has applied for an extension of its leasing agreement, which is set to expire on May 31. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 6 pm

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