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India bans foreign vessels in EEZ, issues new rules

The Indian government has introduced new regulations for deep-sea fishing in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), effectively prohibiting foreign vessels to bolster local fishermen and cooperatives. Announced as part of the Budget 2025-26, these rules aim to harness India's extensive marine resources by prioritising Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for deep-sea operations. Currently, approximately 238,000 fishing vessels are registered across 13 coastal states and Union Territories, with 64,187 mechanised vessels required to obtain a free Access Pass via the ReALCRaft portal, while small-scale fishers remain exempt. The government is also implementing measures to combat illegal fishing and harmful practices, alongside developing Fisheries Management Plans. With over 5 million people relying on fishing for their livelihoods, India's fish export earnings have surged, highlighting the sector's potential for growth and sustainability. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 6 pm

India permits 1.5 million tonnes of sugar exports for 2025-26

The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has forecasted an 18.5% increase in net sugar output for the 2025-26 season, projecting production to reach 30.95 million tonnes. In response to the anticipated surplus, the Indian government has approved the export of 15 lakh tonnes of sugar and removed a 50% export duty on molasses, measures aimed at stabilizing domestic prices. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi noted that these steps are crucial for the sugar industry, which had requested permission to export 20 lakh tonnes. The decision follows a previous allowance of 10 lakh tonnes in January, which helped raise ex-mill prices in Karnataka from ₹3,370 to between ₹3,700 and ₹3,930 per quintal. Additionally, the government is promoting ethanol production from excess sugarcane, significantly increasing ethanol supply and improving liquidity for sugar mills, while ensuring timely cane payments to farmers. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 7 pm

India, Australia agree to expedite trade pact discussions

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Australian counterpart Don Farrell on Saturday to review the ongoing negotiations for the second tranche of their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Both ministers expressed their commitment to achieving a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, building on the first part of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which took effect in December 2022. Their discussions encompassed various sectors, including trade in goods and services, investment, and cooperative initiatives. Notably, bilateral merchandise trade between India and Australia reached $24.1 billion in 2024-25, with India's exports experiencing a 14% increase in 2023-24 and an additional 8% in 2024-25. The meeting underscored the importance of enhancing economic ties between the two nations as they work towards finalizing the CECA. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 7 pm

Hindon Airport expansion to alleviate NCR air traffic issues

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning a significant expansion of the Hindon civil enclave in response to rising passenger traffic and flight operations. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared to enhance the airport's capacity and facilities, including the acquisition of nearly nine hectares of land for an expanded passenger area and additional check-in counters. A recent survey identified the need for 34,500 square metres to create four new aircraft parking bays, increasing the total from two to six, aimed at alleviating congestion. Currently, Hindon operates only during the day due to its status as an Indian Air Force base, and discussions with the Ministry of Defence are ongoing to secure additional operational clearances. With passenger numbers surging—over 5,000 daily and a 184.6% increase in departing passengers in fiscal 2024—Hindon is becoming a crucial alternative to the saturated Indira Gandhi International Airport. The DPR is expected to be completed within the next quarter, paving the way for construction. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 6 pm

Navy Day Operational Demo in Thiruvananthapuram

The Indian Navy is set to celebrate Navy Day 2025 with a grand Operational Demonstration at Shangumugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram on December 4, showcasing its maritime capabilities and technological advancements. This year’s event marks a continuation of the Navy's initiative to extend celebrations beyond major naval bases, following successful events in Puri and Sindhudurg. The demonstration will feature coordinated maneuvers by ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces, highlighting the Navy's operational readiness and commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests. Emphasizing self-reliance, the event will prominently display indigenously built platforms, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. Navy Day commemorates the Navy's crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, particularly Operation Trident, and the upcoming demonstration will honor the valor of Navy personnel while reaffirming India's status as a Combat Ready and Aatmanirbhar maritime force. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 5 pm

Air India Express adds Nagpur and Abu Dhabi routes

Air India Express, India's first international value carrier, has expanded its network by adding Nagpur as its fifth new destination in two months, bringing its total to 60 destinations. Starting December 1, 2025, the airline will operate twice-daily flights between Nagpur and Bengaluru, with bookings now available online. Additionally, Air India Express is enhancing its Gulf connectivity by launching new services to Abu Dhabi, with four weekly flights from Delhi and three from Pune beginning December 2, 2025. The airline's presence in Maharashtra is further solidified with over 130 weekly flights from Mumbai and more than 90 from Pune, alongside new operations from Navi Mumbai. The airline recently launched its brand campaign, ‘Xplore More, Xpress More,’ and upgraded its Boeing 737-8 interiors. Its ‘Tales of India’ initiative showcases India's cultural diversity through unique tail designs inspired by indigenous art forms. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 4 pm

India's bid for exclusive basmati rice rights faces setbacks

India's efforts to secure exclusive rights for its basmati rice have faced significant setbacks in New Zealand and Kenya, hindering its quest for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The New Zealand High Court recently upheld a decision rejecting the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority's (Apeda) application for a certification mark, citing that the term "Basmati" cannot be registered under New Zealand's Trade Marks Act due to its shared growing region with Pakistan. Similarly, Kenya's Court of Appeal dismissed Apeda's appeal against a ruling that allowed local company Krish Commodities to register a trademark incorporating "Basmati," as the term lacks formal recognition in Kenya. Experts have raised concerns over Apeda's inability to secure international GI registrations since obtaining the tag in 2016, suggesting a need for a review of its strategies and the challenges posed by differing international interpretations of GI. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 4 pm

US faces second day of flight cancellations amid shutdown

US airlines and travelers faced a second day of significant flight cancellations on Saturday, as the ongoing government shutdown prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mandate a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports. This cut is set to escalate to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by November 14, affecting around 700 flights from major carriers including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United. While cancellations decreased slightly on Saturday due to lower travel volume, the situation remains dire, with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners working without pay, leading to increased absenteeism. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if conditions worsen, cuts could reach 20%. The shutdown, now in its 39th day, has intensified political tensions, with Democrats blaming Republicans for the impasse over health insurance subsidies. The FAA also reported hundreds of flight delays due to controller absences, with over 5,600 flights affected on Friday alone. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 4 pm

India's October EV Sales Surge Across All Segments

India's electric vehicle (EV) retail market saw significant growth in October 2025, driven primarily by robust sales in passenger and commercial vehicles, while two- and three-wheeler segments experienced modest increases. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reported a remarkable 57.5% year-on-year rise in electric passenger vehicle sales, totaling 18,055 units, with Tata Motors leading the market at 7,239 units. The electric commercial vehicle segment surged by 105.9%, reaching 1,767 units, with Tata Motors again at the forefront. Electric three-wheeler sales rose 5.1% to 70,604 units, led by the Mahindra Group. The two-wheeler segment saw a slight increase of 2.6%, totaling 143,887 units, with Bajaj Auto topping the list. Overall, the data reflects a growing adoption of EVs in India, bolstered by new product launches and improved charging infrastructure, marking a significant shift towards clean mobility. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 3 pm

5,800 Women Farmers Supported by Louis-Dreyfuss in Rajasthan

Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Honorary President of the Louis Dreyfus Foundation (LDF), recently visited Rajasthan's Tonk district to assess the impact of the "Sustainable Income Enhancement and Nutrition Security Program," which has benefited approximately 5,800 women farmers across 69 villages since its launch in 2020. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Centre for microFinance, has reportedly tripled farmers' incomes over five years and significantly improved agricultural productivity and nutrition security. During her visit on November 3 and 4, Louis-Dreyfus engaged with local farmers and leaders, observing various sustainable agricultural practices, including vegetable cultivation and micro-irrigation systems. Key outcomes include an 80% increase in mustard yields and a 140% rise in gram production, alongside enhanced household nutrition. LDF's commitment to empowering smallholder farmers aligns with its global mission to foster self-sufficiency and food security in rural communities. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2025, 2 pm

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