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Rajesh Varrier, EVP and Global Head of Operations at Cognizant, has asserted that India is on track to become the world's AI hub, capable of contributing significantly across the AI spectrum, from research and development to enterprise solutions. Speaking during a _businessline_ webinar, Varrier acknowledged the dual nature of AI's impact on industries, noting that while it enhances productivity—particularly among entry-level workers—it also raises concerns about job displacement. He emphasized that recent layoffs cannot be solely attributed to AI, as workforce changes often stem from strategic shifts within organizations. Varrier highlighted the importance of upskilling and cross-skilling to meet evolving technological demands, particularly in smaller cities rich in talent. He anticipates substantial growth in India's IT sector, currently valued at $250 billion, driven by AI adoption, which will create high-paying job opportunities and necessitate a skilled workforce adept in AI technologies. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn the wake of a tragic crash involving Air India's flight 'AI 171', which resulted in the deaths of 241 people shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, the airline has announced it will discontinue the flight number. Effective June 17, the route will now operate under the new designation 'AI 159'. This decision aligns with industry practices following fatal accidents, as airlines often retire specific flight numbers out of respect for the victims. Air India Express will also retire its flight number 'IX 171' in a similar gesture. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash occurred on June 12, and the remnants of the aircraft were found in a residential area near the airport. This is not the first instance of Air India discontinuing a flight number after a disaster; a similar action was taken in 2020 following a crash in Kozhikode.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA firefighting operation is underway aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire earlier this week while en route from Colombo to Mumbai. On Saturday, the vessel was towed 40 nautical miles away from the Kerala coast, an increase from its previous distance of 27 nautical miles. The towing operation, initiated by a Seaking helicopter from the Southern Naval Command, involved transferring tow cables from Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships to tug vessels, with operations hampered by heavy weather limiting towing speed to 1.5 knots. ICG ships Saksham, Samarth, Vikram, and IN Ship Sharda, along with OSV Triton Liberty, are escorting the towing vessels. The fire, which was sparked by an explosion in one of the containers, has seen 40 percent contained, with 18 of the 22 crew members rescued, while four remain missing. Firefighting efforts continue.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a tragic incident, an Air India Boeing 787-8, operating as flight 171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulting in the loss of 265 lives. The aircraft, bound for London, went down into a medical college complex in the Meghaninagar area, with the tail section of the plane now visible at the crash site. A team from the National Security Guard (NSG) has been deployed to assist in relief operations, although they lack investigative authority. Various agencies, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and local police, are conducting inquiries into the crash. Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were also reported to have visited the site. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding aviation safety and emergency response protocols in India.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA tragic crash involving an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London occurred shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 241 out of 242 people on board. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation, as confirmed by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed into a residential doctors' hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. In response, the Indian government has established a high-level multidisciplinary committee to analyze the crash's causes and recommend preventive measures. This committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, will review existing Standard Operating Procedures and access crucial records, including flight data and witness testimonies. Additionally, the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is preparing to send a team to assist in the investigation. The committee is expected to submit its findings within three months.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is currently evaluating a request from the United States to relax restrictions on ethanol imports amid ongoing trade negotiations, a move that has sparked concern among domestic industry stakeholders. The US is urging India to eliminate barriers on fuel ethanol, primarily used for blending with gasoline, while India maintains import duties to protect its burgeoning domestic ethanol sector. Critics, including former IAS officer Daulat Desai, warn that unrestricted imports could jeopardize India's circular economy and undermine local producers, potentially eroding investor confidence and threatening the nation's bioeconomy. India has made significant strides in its ethanol blending program, achieving a blending rate of 19.6% in January 2025, well on track to meet its 20% target by October 2025. The program has not only bolstered energy independence but also provided economic benefits to rural communities, generating substantial revenue and jobs. As negotiations progress, the government faces the challenge of balancing trade concessions with the long-term interests of its agricultural sector.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inA high-level multi-disciplinary committee, led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, has been established to investigate the causes of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which occurred on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and several others on the ground. The committee, which includes members from various governmental and aviation bodies, will not replace ongoing inquiries by other organizations but will focus on developing comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent future incidents. The panel will assess factors such as mechanical failure, human error, and regulatory compliance, and will also evaluate emergency response efforts. It is tasked with reviewing existing guidelines and past crash records, and will recommend policy changes and operational improvements. The committee is expected to publish its findings within three months and will have access to all relevant records, including flight data and maintenance logs.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn 2025, the global fertiliser trade is navigating a complex landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and government interventions, with India's fertiliser market projected to grow from $45.89 billion to $62.83 billion by 2030. As the world's largest fertiliser importer, India faces significant challenges due to its heavy reliance on imports for key nutrients like urea, phosphatic fertilisers, and potash. Factors driving price volatility include the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a weakening rupee, rising freight costs, and government subsidies that complicate market dynamics. Traders must adapt by ensuring competitive pricing, diversifying sourcing, managing inventory effectively, and complying with regulatory changes. The push for sustainable alternatives like nano fertilisers adds another layer of complexity. Success in this volatile market will depend on traders' agility, strategic planning, and alignment with local agricultural needs.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs World Ocean Day passed on June 8, attention turns to India's fishing and aquaculture sector, which, despite a 11,098 km coastline and significant contributions to GDP and employment, remains largely subsistence-based. With over 30 million livelihoods tied to fishing and seafood exports reaching ₹60,523.89 crore in 2023-24, the sector faces challenges of income stagnation and a fragmented value chain. To transform fishermen into entrepreneurs, the establishment of Fish Producer Organisations (FFPOs) is crucial for collective bargaining and cost reduction. Additionally, enhancing capacity through education on value addition and sustainable practices is essential. Infrastructure improvements, such as cold chains and processing units, alongside better access to financing, are needed to support innovation. The government must align existing schemes to foster integrated development in the fisheries sector, enabling fishermen to transition from mere survival to entrepreneurial success.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inIsrael's recent military action against Iran has raised concerns among Indian exporters about potential disruptions to trade routes and rising freight rates, compounding existing global uncertainties and US tariff challenges. As both Israel and Iran are key economic partners for India—Israel supplying defence equipment and Iran facilitating connectivity through the Chabahar port—this conflict presents a diplomatic dilemma for New Delhi. Experts warn that the escalation could impact vital shipping lanes, including the Suez Canal and Red Sea, affecting shipments to the US, Europe, and beyond. Additionally, the closure of airspace in Iran and Pakistan complicates logistics for Indian exporters. Analysts emphasize the need for India to navigate this delicate situation carefully, as any broader regional conflict could significantly disrupt global trade and adversely affect India's economic interests. The situation underscores the complexities of India's foreign relations amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Published: Jun 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's job market is showing signs of recovery, with job postings rising by 8.9% after eight months of decline, according to data from Indeed. Despite being 1.8% lower than last year and 16% below peak levels, current postings are nearly 80% above pre-pandemic figures. Notably, 1.5% of job postings now explicitly mention generative AI, a significant increase from the previous year, with 12.5% of data analytics roles highlighting this technology. The largest job gains were observed in sectors such as childcare, personal care, education, and manufacturing, while software development saw a decline of 4.2%. Callam Pickering, Indeed’s APAC Senior Economist, noted that India's transition to a more formal economy is driving job creation, outpacing other countries like the UK and New Zealand. In Karnataka and Telangana, generative AI mentions in job postings are particularly high, reflecting the growing demand for tech-related skills.
Published: Jun 13 2025, 9 pm
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