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India must urgently address its increasing reliance on Chinese imports, as highlighted in a recent report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report advocates for reverse-engineering low- to mid-tech imports, enhancing domestic production incentives, and investing in deep-tech manufacturing to bolster economic resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions with China. With India's trade deficit with China reaching $100 billion, the report emphasizes the need for targeted fiscal and regulatory support for domestic firms capable of designing advanced components. It also calls for a reassessment of Chinese involvement in sensitive sectors like telecom and power, suggesting potential restrictions and partnerships with trusted nations such as Japan and the EU. The GTRI concludes that India can achieve self-reliance through strategic investment and import substitution, aiming for economic autonomy without isolation. 
Published: Jul 04 2025, 8 ameznews.inAVPL International, a drone manufacturing and training firm, announced a $1 million investment on Friday to enhance research and development of defence drones, building on its previous commitment of $12 million in April 2025 for drone training and manufacturing. This latest funding aims to foster the indigenous development of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for India's defence and homeland security needs, addressing critical gaps in the country's drone ecosystem. Key objectives include reducing reliance on imported components, developing intelligent drones with advanced swarm autonomy, and establishing indigenous counter-UAS capabilities. The investment will also bolster AVPL's manufacturing infrastructure in Bihar and Hisar, while focusing on upskilling ex-servicemen and Agniveers through drone training, leveraging their combat experience to cultivate a skilled national workforce in UAV technology. AVPL specializes in drone technology, precision agriculture, and geospatial intelligence, among other applications.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inGlobal palm oil production is projected to reach 80.6 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, marking a 2.4% year-on-year increase, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company. Malaysian output is expected to rise to 19.5 million tonnes, while Indonesia's production is forecasted at 47.5 million tonnes. Despite this increase, palm oil prices are anticipated to remain stable, supported by strong demand from India and China, as well as biofuel policies in the US and Indonesia. BMI maintains its average price forecast for crude palm oil at MYR 4,150 per tonne for 2025, with prices likely fluctuating between MYR 3,800 and 4,000. Indian consumption is set to rise by 1.6%, while China's imports are expected to increase by 8.7%. Overall, the combination of robust production and reduced stockpiles in key markets is expected to temper price volatility throughout 2025.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Institute of Groundnut Research (IIGR) has identified high seed costs and low mechanisation adoption, particularly outside Gujarat, as significant barriers to expanding groundnut cultivation, which has plummeted from 83.22 lakh hectares in 1993-94 to 57.54 lakh hectares in 2024-25. IIGR Director Sandip Kumar Bera highlighted that many farmers cultivate on small landholdings and fail to implement Good Agronomic Practices, leading to stark yield disparities across states. Additionally, the lack of investment in mechanisation and local processing facilities hampers production. Groundnut farmers reportedly spend nearly half their production costs on seeds, with the average cost of production reaching ₹76,772 per hectare. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) noted significant yield gaps, with potential government interventions, such as seed distribution and assured procurement, suggested to enhance production and reduce costs. The National Mission in Edible Oil has allocated funds to develop breeder seed hubs to support groundnut cultivation.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Telangana Government has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reverse a recent decision to lower the import duty on crude palm oil from 27.5% to 16.5%. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao expressed concerns that this reduction has led to a significant drop in the prices of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs), which fell by ₹1,248 per tonne, now priced at ₹17,500. He warned that such price declines could deter farmers from cultivating palm oil, undermining the National Edible Oil Mission aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production. Telangana, which ranks first in the country for palm oil cultivation, has set a target of cultivating 50,000 hectares this financial year, with 18,185 farmers already registered. The state plans to expand oil palm acreage to 800,000 hectares, leveraging the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project to enhance irrigation capacities.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inSMPP Ltd, a leading defence equipment manufacturer, has secured two significant contracts worth ₹300 crore from the Indian Army to supply 27,700 bulletproof jackets and 11,700 advanced ballistic helmets. The orders, placed under emergency provisions, highlight SMPP's commitment to enhancing soldier safety with innovative designs. The bulletproof jackets feature advanced dynamic load distribution and quick release systems, improving comfort and protection against high-caliber threats. Notably, the ballistic helmet is touted as the world's first to defend against AK-47 fired hard steel core ammunition. SMPP, which holds over 90% of the personal protection market share in India, has a strong focus on research and development, with 17 patents filed and 10 granted. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Palwal, Haryana, and continues to lead in the design and production of critical defence equipment.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIran has reopened its airspace, which had been closed since June 13 due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, state media reported on Friday. The Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini airports, along with others across the country, are now operational for domestic and international flights, although Isfahan and Tabriz airports remain closed until further notice. This development follows a ceasefire established last month after a series of airstrikes by Israel and retaliatory missile attacks by Iran. Concurrently, the United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports, aiming to disrupt Tehran's financial resources amid escalating tensions. The Pentagon has indicated that Iran's capability to develop a nuclear weapon is now closer to two years away, following recent strikes on its nuclear facilities. Diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program have been effectively stalled due to the conflict.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inKerala's traditional fisherfolk are protesting against a government policy allowing corporate entry into deep-sea fishing with larger vessels, which they argue threatens their livelihoods and the marine ecosystem. Charles George, president of the Kerala Fishermen Coordination Committee, warned that deploying big ships would lead to overfishing and increased competition for resources, jeopardizing the sustainability of small-scale fishing operations. Concerns have also been raised about the potential bypassing of Kerala's harbours, as companies could transfer their catch at sea, undermining the state's marine economy. Hibi Eden, Union Minister for Fisheries, has been urged to consult with local communities before implementing the policy, which includes subsidies for constructing larger vessels. Critics point to the detrimental effects seen in other regions, where industrial fishing has led to significant fish stock depletion. The move is seen as part of a broader push towards Blue Economy initiatives, which many in the fishing community oppose.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inInvestment opportunities in Assam's trade and tourism sectors were showcased to industry leaders in New York during a special B2B Buyer-Seller meet focused on Assam Tea, hosted by the Indian Consulate. The event, organized in collaboration with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, featured insights from Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and Consul General Binaya S Pradhan, emphasizing the region's vast potential. Celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea, the consulate facilitated meetings between major producers and US buyers, with Secretary of the Indian Tea Association Arijit Raha providing historical context on the India-US tea trade. Attendees enjoyed tea tasting sessions led by experts, fostering valuable connections and strengthening trade ties between Indian producers and American buyers. The initiative highlights Assam's rich cultural heritage and its growing significance in global markets.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian automobile industry is poised for robust export growth in two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and passenger vehicles, despite mixed domestic sales, according to a report by Axis Securities. In June 2025, the two-wheeler sector saw a slight 2% increase in wholesale volumes, primarily driven by a remarkable 35% year-on-year rise in exports, while domestic sales fell by 3%. The passenger vehicle segment experienced a more significant decline of 7-8% in domestic sales, attributed to lower volumes from major manufacturers like Hyundai and Tata Motors, although Mahindra & Mahindra and others showed resilience. In the commercial vehicle sector, domestic dispatches dipped by 2%, with some manufacturers like VECV and M&M reporting growth. The report anticipates low-to-mid single-digit growth in overall passenger vehicle volumes for FY26, while two-wheeler exports surged by 22%, highlighting a divergence between export success and domestic market challenges.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn the latest market update, the SENSEX closed at 83,214.73, down by 24.74 points, while crude oil prices fell by 3.00 to settle at 5,721.00. In contrast, gold prices rose by 298.00, reaching 97,080.00, and silver increased by 392.00, now priced at 107,677.00. Meanwhile, trade data from the US Census Bureau revealed a significant shift in import dynamics, with China's share of US goods imports dropping to 7.1% in May, the lowest since 2001. This decline, part of a long-term trend initiated during the Trump administration, has benefitted neighboring Asian countries, particularly Taiwan and Vietnam, which each accounted for nearly 6% of US imports, up from about 3% in 2023. Taiwan's growth is largely attributed to rising demand for semiconductors, while Vietnam's increase is linked to transshipments from China and local production using Chinese components.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 10 am
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