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India is actively seeking to address its growing trade deficit with China, which reached nearly $100 billion in the fiscal year 2025, through established mechanisms, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a press conference in Delhi, emphasized the importance of promoting long-term policy transparency and predictability in economic relations. Additionally, discussions are underway to resume direct flights between the two nations, suspended since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, with technical teams currently reviewing necessary arrangements. Jaiswal noted that both countries are committed to extending dialogue mechanisms to tackle priority issues, including visa matters and people-to-people exchanges, following Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to China in January. The ongoing talks reflect a broader effort to enhance cooperation and resolve outstanding concerns between India and China. 
Published: Apr 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines has expanded its international ambitions by increasing its order of Airbus A350 aircraft from 30 to 60, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. The airline has also formed a strategic partnership with Delta Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, enhancing connectivity for passengers to over 30 destinations across Europe and the US. This collaboration aims to bolster occupancy on IndiGo's new routes from Mumbai to Amsterdam and Manchester, which will utilize wet-leased Boeing 787s starting in July. Delta CEO Ed Bastian emphasized the partnership's potential for improved service and reliability, although he ruled out any equity investment in IndiGo. The alliance comes as IndiGo seeks to strengthen its position against competitors like Air India and Emirates, while also capitalizing on the growing demand for one-stop flights between India and the US, which saw over 7 million passengers in FY25.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAir India is committed to expanding India's international direct flight network and enhancing service standards, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. Speaking from the airline's Gurugram headquarters, Wilson emphasized the importance of aviation in connecting people and economies, advocating for a domestic aviation ecosystem that employs Indian personnel and supports local tourism and business. Air India is investing in training, with a new aviation academy in Gurugram and South Asia's largest flying school in Bengaluru, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce. With India's aviation market growing at 8-10% annually, Wilson noted that current air travel rates are only a fifth of China's, indicating significant growth potential. Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has quadrupled international-to-international connectivity and expanded its global network by 25%. The airline has ordered 570 new aircraft to facilitate further growth, with new deliveries expected from 2027.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTruJet is preparing for a revival after its pandemic-induced shutdown, joining a wave of Indian start-up airlines looking to purchase aircraft amid soaring lease costs and a shortage of available planes. The average monthly lease for a pre-owned ATR72-600 turboprop is $90,000, while an A320neo costs $275,000, with used aircraft from Indonesia priced at $7 million and $60 million, respectively. The volatility of the dollar-rupee exchange rate and rising financing rates have increased leasing costs by 20-25% year-on-year, prompting airlines to consider ownership for long-term financial benefits. Start-ups like FLY91 have begun purchasing aircraft directly, citing advantages such as asset ownership and maintenance control. However, industry experts warn against buying low-priced second-hand aircraft from the grey market, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance to maintain India's airworthiness standards. With a projected demand for over 2,000 aircraft by 2040, ownership could provide a competitive edge in India's aviation market.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), also known as NaMo Bharat, is revolutionizing urban mobility in India by providing high-speed, air-conditioned trains that connect satellite cities to Delhi. Currently operational in its first phase, the RRTS significantly reduces travel times and enhances the quality of life for commuters, with plans for expansion to cover over 8,000 sq km, more than doubling the reach of the Delhi Metro. The system not only offers a reliable alternative to private vehicles, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and environmental impact, but also promotes regional development by unlocking new employment opportunities. With trains reaching speeds of 180 km/h and equipped with modern amenities, RRTS prioritizes passenger comfort and safety through advanced technology. Its integration with existing transport networks further enhances its efficiency, positioning RRTS as a key player in India's sustainable urban development strategy.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inScientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines have made a significant discovery, identifying six pigmented rice varieties with potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, as detailed in the journal *Food Hydrocolloids and Health*. This research is particularly relevant in Asia, where colorectal cancer rates are rising. The team screened 800 pigmented rice varieties, finding that only six exhibited antioxidant levels comparable to superfoods like blueberries. Notably, these rice extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, suggesting a safer alternative to traditional chemotherapy. The researchers are now focused on conducting efficacy trials using mouse models, with the goal of eventually testing on humans. They have also developed a multi-nutrient supplement from rice bran, which retains about 70% of its beneficial properties when cooked. Future efforts will include identifying the genes responsible for these anti-cancer traits to enhance high-yield rice varieties.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's ambitious goal of adding 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 necessitates an annual investment of ₹17.5 lakh crore, with experts suggesting that leveraging the country's substantial household savings could play a crucial role. At a recent event marking the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell's 24th foundation day, panellists, including officials from IREDA and the Environment Ministry, highlighted the need to mobilise approximately $200 billion annually, representing 5-6% of India's GDP. Currently, 30% of clean energy funding comes from equity, with the remainder sourced from debt, primarily through non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and bond markets. The rise in household financial savings, which increased by over 16% year-on-year to ₹15.52 lakh crore in FY24, underscores the potential for redirecting these funds into green investments. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as sovereign green bonds and sustainability-linked loans, are also being explored to attract both domestic and foreign capital into India's burgeoning green economy.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a notable development in Vietnam's shipping sector, French shipping giant CMA CGM has launched its first fully electric container barge, designed for exclusive use by Nike. The barge will operate on a 180 km route between Binh Duong province and Cai Mep port, Vietnam's primary container gateway, with a solar-powered charging station established at the port to support its operations. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 778 tonnes annually, marking a significant step towards CMA CGM's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd has deployed three Argo floats off the coast of Chile to monitor oceanic changes and global climate, contributing to the global Argo Program, which involves over 25 countries and aims to enhance understanding of ocean environments.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndiGo has announced a firm order for an additional 30 Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, bringing its total order for the model to 60. This decision follows a previous order placed in April last year for 30 A350s, which included an option for 70 more. During a briefing in New Delhi, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed the new order, emphasizing the airline's commitment to expanding its international operations. With over 900 aircraft on order for future delivery, IndiGo is poised to enhance its global presence, including plans to launch flights to 10 new international destinations using leased Boeing 787 planes by the end of the current fiscal year in March 2026. The airline continues to solidify its position as India's largest carrier amid a competitive aviation landscape.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to address an anticipated jet shortage, Tata Group's Air India is reportedly in negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for a substantial new order that could include around 200 additional single-aisle aircraft. This potential order builds on a massive deal made in 2023 and may encompass hundreds of planes across various sizes, including large wide-body aircraft. Industry sources indicate that these discussions are part of Air India's strategy to bolster its fleet amid increasing demand. However, representatives from Air India, Airbus, and Boeing have yet to comment on the ongoing negotiations. The developments come as the airline industry continues to recover and expand following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA recent working paper by People Research on India’s Consumer Economy (PRICE) reveals that the average annual income of Annadata households—those reliant on farming—has increased by approximately 20% from 2020-21 to 2024-25, compared to over 25% for all households. The study, authored by Rajesh Shukla and colleagues, indicates a decline in the share of Annadata households' income to total household income, dropping from 94% to 90%. With around 68.4 million households classified as full-time agricultural, the paper highlights a significant shift towards non-farm income, with 52% of agricultural households now earning from diverse sources. This diversification is crucial for mitigating risks associated with farming, such as fluctuating prices and climate unpredictability. The authors stress the need for collaborative efforts to support these households, positioning them as vital contributors to India's economic future and rural prosperity as the nation aims for development by 2047.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 4 pm
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