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Indian automakers, government tackle rare earth magnet supply issues

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) are collaborating with the government to tackle supply restrictions imposed by China on rare earth magnets, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) production. With China supplying 90% of the global market and halving its exports in April, concerns are rising over potential production impacts. Shailesh Chandra, SIAM President, expressed optimism about government support, noting that Tata Motors currently has sufficient inventory to avoid immediate production issues. However, Bajaj Auto warned that its EV operations could face significant disruptions if shipments do not resume, with 80% of necessary components sourced from China. Industry experts are urging the Indian government to engage with China to mitigate the situation, as continued shortages could lead to inflation and production delays for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). sources

Published:
Jun 02 2025, 8 pm

CBIC simplifies DGGI notice review and appeal process

In a bid to streamline the resolution of Goods and Services Tax (GST) disputes, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has introduced a circular outlining a standardized process for reviewing, revising, and appealing Orders-in-Original (O-I-Os) issued by Common Adjudicating Authorities (CAAs) in cases handled by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). This mechanism is expected to benefit sectors such as banking, insurance, e-commerce, and logistics, which have faced increased scrutiny due to complex supply chains and aggressive tax positions. The circular designates the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner of Central Tax as the reviewing authority, allowing appeals to be made within three months under Section 107 of the CGST Act. Experts believe this reform will enhance procedural clarity, reduce litigation, and restore trust in the enforcement process, particularly amid ongoing investigations into tax fraud and compliance issues. sources

Published:
Jun 25 2025, 9 am

Jay Wood Industry plans two new South manufacturing units

Jay Wood Industry, a prominent Indian manufacturer of wooden pallets and boxes, is set to establish two new manufacturing units in South India within the next 3-5 years to enhance customer proximity and meet rising demand. Managing Director Deepak Shah emphasized the company's commitment to backward integration through in-house plank manufacturing, which will improve quality control and cost management. With sustainability at its core, Jay Wood's Taloja plant operates entirely on solar power, and the company is investing in automation and data-driven planning. The Indian wooden pallet market is projected to grow significantly, driven by demand from sectors like FMCG, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Currently producing over 550,000 pallets annually, Jay Wood sources wood from PEFC-certified forests and adheres to global standards for reuse and circularity. The company aims for a 40% revenue growth this year, bolstered by increased production capacity and strong sector demand. sources

Published:
Jun 25 2025, 9 am

Air India investigates dizziness incident on London-Mumbai flight

The Bombay Stock Exchange's SENSEX rose by 158.32 points to close at 82,055.11, while the NIFTY gained 72.45 points, reaching 25,044.35. In contrast, crude oil prices fell significantly by 479.00 to settle at 5,567.00, alongside declines in gold and silver, which dropped by 2,458.00 and 2,045.00, respectively, with gold priced at 96,930.00 and silver at 104,714.00. Meanwhile, Tata Group's Air India is investigating an incident involving five passengers and two crew members who experienced dizziness and nausea during flight AI130 from London Heathrow to Mumbai. The flight landed safely on Monday night, and medical teams provided immediate assistance. Two passengers and two crew members were taken for further examination but were later discharged. An Air India spokesperson emphasized the airline's commitment to passenger safety and the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the incident. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 9 pm

DGCA Inspects Major Airports

India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has conducted inspections at major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, to enhance safety measures within the aviation sector. These inspections, carried out last week during night and early morning hours, were part of a comprehensive surveillance initiative aimed at assessing the aviation ecosystem. Led by a Joint Director General-level officer, the inspections identified several safety concerns, such as ineffective monitoring, unserviceable ground handling equipment, and inadequate maintenance procedures. Notable findings included worn-out tyres on a domestic flight and improperly secured life vests. The DGCA has communicated these issues to the relevant operators, mandating corrective actions within seven days. This initiative is part of a broader "Comprehensive Special Audit" aimed at evaluating safety management systems and regulatory compliance across the aviation sector, with the goal of providing a holistic assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 8 pm

India to launch village-level Krishi Clinics for farmers

The Union government is contemplating the establishment of Krishi Clinics at the village level to address farmers' concerns regarding crop pests and diseases, as highlighted by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a review of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA). Following a 15-day nationwide campaign, farmers' suggestions are being evaluated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with specific requests for long-lasting tomato varieties and affordable hybrid rice seeds noted. Challenges identified include low mandi prices for soyabean, rising input costs, and inadequate market access. To enhance operational efficiency, recommendations include subsidies for small farming implements and the development of cold chains to minimize post-harvest losses. The government aims to improve farmers' understanding of Integrated Farming Systems and ensure timely availability of seeds and fertilizers, with hopes for a successful Kharif season due to favorable monsoon predictions. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 8 pm

Indian airlines restart flights to West Asia and beyond

Indian airlines have resumed flights to West Asia and beyond after a brief suspension due to Iran's military strikes on US bases in the Gulf region. The suspension, which took effect just before midnight on Tuesday, stranded many passengers as airspace restrictions were imposed. Following a truce between Iran, Israel, and the US, airspace over several Gulf countries reopened, allowing airlines to progressively reinstate operations. Air India announced it would resume flights starting June 24, with services to Europe and North America also set to restart. IndiGo and other airlines are cautiously resuming operations, monitoring the situation closely for safety. Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines confirmed the reinstatement of flights, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and minimizing disruptions. Despite the resumption, many stranded passengers faced delays in connecting flights, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region's air travel landscape. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 8 pm

Centre greenlights summer moong, urad procurement in MP, UP

The Agriculture Ministry has sanctioned the procurement of summer moong and urad from Madhya Pradesh, as well as urad from Uttar Pradesh, at minimum support price (MSP). Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan convened a meeting with the agriculture ministers of both states to approve this initiative under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). He highlighted the financial implications for the Centre but reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring farmers receive their due benefits, particularly by reducing middlemen's influence through direct procurement. Chouhan stressed the importance of utilizing advanced technologies for farmer registration and suggested increasing procurement centres to enhance transparency. He also addressed concerns regarding irregularities in storage, urging officials to implement effective measures. The meeting included key figures such as Madhya Pradesh's Minister for Farmers’ Welfare and Uttar Pradesh's Agriculture Minister, alongside senior officials from the Union government. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 8 pm

Centre approves 2.5 lakh tonnes of Karnataka mangoes purchase

The Indian government has approved the procurement of 250,000 tonnes of mango from Karnataka for the 2025-26 season at ₹1,616 per quintal, as part of the Market Intervention Scheme aimed at safeguarding farmers' interests amid plummeting prices. This decision follows concerns raised by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy regarding the plight of mango growers, whose prices have recently dropped to ₹400-500 per quintal, prompting protests for government action. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed the procurement plan, expressing hope it would alleviate the financial strain on farmers. Karnataka, a major mango-producing state, has cultivated the fruit across 139,000 hectares this season, anticipating an output of around 1 million tonnes. Prices had previously ranged from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per quintal in May, but a recent ban on Karnataka mangoes by Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district has exacerbated the decline in market prices. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 8 pm

Flyers to pay Rs 1,225 user fee in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai airport is set to commence operations by the end of August, with domestic flights launching first, followed by international services. The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved an ad hoc user development fee (UDF) of ₹620 for domestic passengers and ₹1,225 for international travelers, while arrivals will incur charges of ₹270 and ₹525, respectively. Notably, the airport has received approval to waive landing fees for international routes for the first year. However, AERA rejected the airport's request for higher rates, emphasizing the need for rationalization of UDF and landing charges. The regulator also criticized the complexity of the tariff rate card for cargo operations, urging simplification. The airport anticipates handling nearly 12 million passengers in FY26, primarily on domestic routes, with projections of 33.90 million by 2030. The total capital expenditure for the first two phases is estimated at ₹22,531 crore. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 6 pm

Monsoon Weakens in North-West India Despite Heavy Rain

Heavy rain is expected over East-Central and Central India, excluding Gujarat, for the next six days, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a slowdown in the northern limit of the monsoon across North India, although it has advanced into parts of west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Conditions are deemed favorable for further monsoon progression into Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi by late Wednesday, potentially arriving ahead of the usual June 30 date. A network of cyclonic circulations is anticipated to establish a monsoon trough, facilitating moisture influx across the region. Despite the absence of a western disturbance, which could enhance rainfall, overall rainfall figures have improved, with significant precipitation recorded in various states, including West Bengal, Sikkim, and Gujarat. The IMD forecasts continued heavy rain across multiple regions in the coming days. sources

Published:
Jun 24 2025, 6 pm

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