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In a significant update to India's maritime legal framework, President Droupadi Murmu has enacted the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025, and the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, marking the first major reform in a century. These laws, which replace outdated regulations from 1925 and 1958, aim to modernise sea trade, bolster domestic shipping, and enhance maritime security. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act aligns with global standards, reducing legal disputes and improving logistics by standardising carrier responsibilities and liabilities. Meanwhile, the Coastal Shipping Act streamlines coastal trade, requiring foreign vessels to obtain licenses while prioritising Indian ships. Both Acts are designed to lower freight costs, reduce reliance on foreign vessels, and improve multimodal transport efficiency. A senior official from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways described the reforms as essential for making India a competitive player in global trade while securing its extensive coastline. 
Published: Aug 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significant impact of enhanced connectivity on the tourism sector during a recent event organized by the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). He noted that government investments in airports, highways, and railways have transformed travel within the country, making it more accessible and enjoyable for both domestic and international tourists. Jaishankar emphasized the doubling of airport numbers and the extensive upgrades to railway and highway networks. He also mentioned streamlined visa processes and initiatives like the "Heal in India" campaign, which promote wellness tourism. The 'One District, One Product' scheme was praised for diversifying tourism while preserving cultural heritage. Reflecting on India's G20 presidency, he stated that hosting meetings at heritage sites allowed delegates to experience the country's cultural diversity, ultimately reshaping their perceptions of India. Jaishankar concluded by asserting that tourism fosters national pride and unity beyond mere economic benefits.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a significant development, the Indian government has approved the first cadre review of the Border Security Force (BSF) in its 60-year history, resulting in the addition of nearly 4,000 posts from constable to inspector ranks. This restructuring, which affects Group B and Group C personnel, will facilitate immediate promotions for 23,710 members, with orders for 8,116 personnel already issued. The BSF, comprising approximately 265,000 personnel, is primarily responsible for securing India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as internal security duties. The Ministry of Home Affairs, with the finance ministry's approval, initiated this review to enhance career progression and alleviate stagnation within the ranks, thereby boosting morale among the force's personnel. The changes are expected to improve promotion opportunities significantly, fostering professional development within the BSF.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI) has been launched by the Jodhpur-based South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in collaboration with a major processor-exporter and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in Rajasthan, aiming to revitalize interest among smallholder guar producers. With Rajasthan contributing approximately 85% of India's guar output, the initiative seeks to enhance production practices, promote scientific pest management, and ensure fair pricing for farmers. Despite a decline in acreage under guar cultivation, the global demand for sustainable guar is rising, particularly for its applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and oil extraction. The initiative, funded by Adarsh Guar Gum Udyog, will directly engage 480 farmers and indirectly benefit 2,600 more in the Jodhpur and Barmer districts over two years. This effort aims to produce over 1,200 tonnes of sustainable guar, addressing both quality and sustainability amid fluctuating global markets.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo's Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers, announced the airline's readiness to resume flights to China pending a bilateral agreement between India and China. While both nations have agreed in principle to restore direct air services, final arrangements are still in progress. Elbers highlighted that IndiGo previously operated daily flights from New Delhi to Chengdu and Kolkata to Guangzhou before the COVID-19 pandemic halted operations in early 2020, exacerbated by military tensions in the Galwan Valley. The Indian government is currently gathering feedback from airlines regarding their past experiences in China, with discussions focusing on airfare regulations imposed by China on Indian carriers. Additionally, the potential entry of Chinese low-cost airlines into the Indian market is seen as a significant opportunity to enhance tourism. The Indian embassy in Beijing has also resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year hiatus.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, and digitisation during the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) held in New Delhi. Key Indian ministers, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, engaged with a high-level Singaporean delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of synergy between government and industry to advance India-Singapore relations. The Singaporean delegation included prominent figures such as Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Digital Development Minister Josephine Teo. Since its inception in September 2022, the ISMR has aimed to strengthen ties, with Singapore being a significant trade partner for India, accounting for nearly 28% of India's trade with ASEAN in 2024-25. Singapore has also emerged as a leading source of foreign direct investment into India, contributing approximately $174.8 billion over the past 25 years.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is considering blending soyameal with Bharat _atta_ (flour) to enhance protein intake among the population and boost domestic soyameal consumption, amid declining exports and a surplus. Nafed, a major cooperative, has been assigned to assess the feasibility of a 5% blend. Soyabean, a crucial kharif oilseed, is primarily processed into soyameal, which is vital for poultry feed and human consumption. The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has advocated for transport assistance for soyameal exports and a reduction in railway freight tariffs to improve competitiveness. Recent data indicates a drop in soyameal exports from 19.24 lakh tonnes to 17.08 lakh tonnes year-on-year. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits the blending of soyameal with wheat flour, provided it meets specific safety regulations.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAdani Digital Labs (ADL), the technology division of Adan Airport Holdings Limited, which operates seven airports across the country, has unveiled a new rewards programme and an upgraded app designed to enhance the air travel experience. Executive Director Srushti Adani stated that these initiatives aim to provide a digital-first experience, alleviating passenger anxieties associated with travel. The revamped app will offer real-time information, exciting rewards, and tiered lounge services, moving beyond typical aggregator offerings to create a personalized experience. Key features will include rewards, lounge access, shopping, and various airport services to assist travellers in planning their journeys. Additionally, ADL announced the opening of a new 150-seater office in Ahmedabad, which will focus on developing customer-centric solutions to tackle common travel challenges such as time constraints and long queues.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inLadakh's apricot export industry is gaining momentum, with a significant shipment of 1.5 metric tonnes of Halman apricots recently dispatched to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. This marks the first time the region has exported to these Gulf countries, following its initial foray into international markets in 2021 with a 20-tonne shipment to Dubai. PT Rudra Goud, Secretary of Industries and Commerce, highlighted the increasing exports this year, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and the Lulu Group. Apricots, cultivated organically across 2,600 hectares, are vital for over 30,000 families in Ladakh, producing approximately 15,868 tonnes annually. The peak harvest season runs from mid-July to late August, with farmers actively preparing their produce for markets. The industry received a boost in 2021 when Raktsey Karoo apricots were granted a Geographical Indication tag, enhancing their market value.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndian Railways has restructured its partnership for the Vande Bharat sleeper train project, shifting majority control from the sanctioned Russian firm Metrowagonmash to Locomotive Electronics Systems (LES). LES's stake in the joint venture, Kinet Railway Solutions, has increased from 5% to 40%, while Metrowagonmash's share has decreased from 70% to 35%. The Indian partner, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), retains a 25% stake. This change comes amid concerns over Western sanctions affecting vendor relationships, as European suppliers were hesitant to engage with a sanctioned entity. A Ministry official stated that the restructuring would not impact the trains' functioning or manufacturing outcomes. RVNL emphasized that the move was aimed at cost optimization and ensuring a steady supply of critical components. The changes are expected to bolster project execution and align with India's 'Make in India' initiative, with RVNL's equity in the JV valued at over ₹8,600 crore.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to meet Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Moscow on August 21, amid rising tensions following the US's imposition of tariffs on India for its oil and arms purchases from Russia. The meeting, which comes shortly after a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aims to address key bilateral issues and international cooperation. The US has announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports, which Trump claims undermines Russia's military capabilities, yet this has not deterred India from strengthening its ties with Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to its "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" with Russia in a recent phone call with Putin. The Indian government has defended its energy imports, emphasizing that they are driven by market factors and aimed at ensuring energy security for its population.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 7 pm
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