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Indian airlines narrow gap with foreign competitors: Report

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing a notable transformation, with domestic airlines increasingly capturing a share of the international passenger market, as highlighted in a report by ICICI Securities. Previously dominated by foreign carriers, which accounted for about 60% of international traffic before the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian airlines have seen their market share rise to nearly 45% since 2021. In contrast, foreign airlines still command over 80% of the international freight market. New international routes to destinations like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Ethiopia are gaining traction, with Turkey emerging as a key transit hub due to IndiGo's partnership with Turkish Airlines. In the first quarter of 2025, international passenger traffic remained robust, with 19.34 million total inbound and outbound passengers. The report anticipates further growth in air travel, particularly with the resumption of direct flights to China and the reopening of tourist visas for Chinese visitors. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 3 pm

Monsoon leaves NW and West India; East may see rain

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted that moderate to heavy rainfall will persist across East and North-East India, Peninsular India, and the West Coast throughout the week ending Sunday. As the monsoon withdraws from parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that the monsoon trough has been replaced by a cyclonic circulation over north-central Uttar Pradesh and eastern regions. While the monsoon is retreating from the northwest, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD also suggests the potential formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which could enhance rainfall in East and Central India. This weather activity is anticipated to continue into early October, coinciding with the transition to the North-East monsoon. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 5 pm

DSM Fresh Food sets IPO price at ₹96-101

DSM Fresh Food, the parent company of omnichannel meat retailer ZappFresh, has announced that its initial public offering (IPO) will open on September 26, 2025, with a price range of ₹96-101 per equity share, closing on September 30, 2025. The IPO aims to raise funds through the issuance of up to 59.06 lakh equity shares, with 3.31 lakh shares reserved for market makers and the remaining 55.75 lakh shares valued at ₹56.31 crore. Anchor investor bidding will begin a day earlier, on September 25. Established in 2015 and based in Gurugram, ZappFresh operates a farm-to-fork supply chain for fresh meat and ready-to-cook products, catering to both retail and business clients. The proceeds from the IPO will support working capital, marketing, capital expenditures, and acquisitions, following successful purchases of Bonsaro and Dr. Meat. The shares will be listed on BSE’s SME platform, with Narnolia Financial Services as the lead manager. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 3 pm

Retail chains must highlight discounts after GST changes, says Commerce Ministry

Starting September 22, coinciding with the first day of Navaratri, nearly 400 products, including soaps, cars, shampoos, tractors, and air conditioners, will see price reductions due to a significant overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. The new GST rates will feature a 5% slab for essential goods and an 18% slab for other items, eliminating the previous 12% and 28% rates. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has instructed retailers to prominently display and advertise these discounts, ensuring that the GST reductions are clearly reflected on receipts and bills. Retailers are encouraged to utilize various promotional channels, including posters and advertisements, to highlight the "Discount due to GST." Additionally, sales figures during this festive season will be monitored to assess the impact of the changes. Most daily food items will now fall under the 5% GST slab, with staples like bread, milk, and paneer being tax-free. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 4 pm

NDDB to establish 15 biogas plants across 6 states

Villages across India are set to benefit from a new initiative by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which plans to establish 15 compressed biogas (CBG) plants at a cost of ₹750 crore in six states, including Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra. This initiative aims to convert cow dung into clean energy, addressing rural sanitation issues and providing farmers with an additional income stream of up to ₹1 per kilogram of dung supplied. Each plant will require over 1,500 tonnes of cow dung daily and will produce purified biogas for vehicle fuel and thermal applications. NDDB has already partnered with various dairy cooperatives to facilitate this project, which is expected to generate significant amounts of biogas and organic slurry, enhancing soil health and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. The initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable rural development and waste management in India. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 4 pm

"India's Defence Needs Multi-Player Ecosystem for Strengthened Capabilities"

Tata Sons Executive Chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized the necessity of collaboration among multiple players in India's defence sector, stating that no single firm can meet the country's diverse defence needs. During a visit to Solar Industries' Defence Facility in Nagpur, he highlighted the importance of building national capabilities over pursuing business interests. "Defence is a very important sector, and we all have to contribute," he remarked, underscoring the immense requirements for ammunition, missiles, and other capabilities. Chandrasekaran noted that Tata's long-term vision prioritizes national interests, focusing on developing essential capabilities rather than immediate business gains. The Tata Group is increasingly involved in strategic defence programmes, partnering with the Ministry of Defence, armed forces, and the Defence Research and Development Organization. Looking ahead, Tata aims to collaborate with global original equipment manufacturers on 'Make in India' initiatives, enhancing the production of fighters, helicopters, and other critical defence systems. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 4 pm

iThink Logistics unveils AI platform for cross-border e-commerce

Logistics firm iThink Logistics (ITL) has unveiled an AI-powered Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) platform aimed at enhancing cross-border e-commerce for exporters. This innovative solution offers all-inclusive international shipping rates upfront, covering freight, duties, and taxes, thereby streamlining the shipping process. ITL's platform combines robust compliance infrastructure with affordability tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing real-time, country-specific duty and tax estimates that adapt to regulatory changes in key markets like the US and EU. Central to the platform is an AI-driven Duty and Tax Classification Engine, which accurately classifies products using global customs data. Co-founder Zaiba Sarang emphasized that this tool empowers Indian SMEs, traditionally underserved by existing solutions, to compete effectively on a global scale. The DDP model integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify and Amazon, reducing post-purchase friction and compliance risks for exporters. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 2 pm

Rains, elections, and imports impact Indian black pepper trade

Traders report that demand for Indian black pepper is under significant pressure due to a combination of factors, including cheaper imports from Brazil and weak purchasing activity ahead of the Bihar and Jharkhand elections. The adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and floods in North India, have further dampened demand, leading to a price drop of approximately ₹15 per kg in the Kochi Terminal market, where prices now stand at ₹686 for ungarbled and ₹706 for garbled varieties. Kishore Shamji, director of the Indian Pepper and Spices Trade Association, noted that trading activities have been hampered by flooding, while the upcoming elections have also contributed to reduced market activity. Although the festival season, starting with Navarathri on October 2, may boost demand, concerns about ongoing weather disruptions persist. Additionally, US tariffs are impacting international pepper prices, with Indian prices currently at $8100 per tonne, significantly higher than those from other producing countries. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 1 pm

Ola, Uber, Rapido receive bike taxi licenses in Mumbai

The Maharashtra State Transport Authority (STA) has approved provisional licenses for Ola, Uber, and Rapido to operate bike taxi services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, setting a fare of ₹10.27 per kilometer and a minimum charge of ₹15 for the first 1.5 kilometers. This decision follows a meeting on August 18, where the STA mandated that the companies must apply for permanent licenses within a month, adhering to the new Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025. Out of four applications received, only three were approved, with Smart-Ride's application rejected for non-compliance. The STA plans to review the bike taxi fares after one year. Despite a January 2023 government resolution banning private two-wheelers for app-based services, some companies continued operating illegally, prompting the transport department to file FIRs against them. The new bike taxi fares are notably lower than those for traditional black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws in the region. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 1 pm

US and India Begin Trade Talks on Tariff Issues

Negotiations between India and the United States have commenced regarding a proposed trade agreement aimed at addressing concerns over steep tariffs that have unsettled exporters. Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is leading the American delegation, while Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, represents India. Lynch's visit marks the first by a senior US trade official since the imposition of a 25% tariff and an additional penalty on Indian goods linked to the purchase of Russian crude oil. India has criticized the 50% tariff as unfair, and discussions have been ongoing virtually. The two nations aim to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025, with five negotiation rounds already completed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently welcomed US President Donald Trump's positive remarks on trade relations, emphasizing India's commitment to safeguarding the interests of its farmers and small businesses in any trade deal. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 12 pm

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