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India's sugar production for the 2025-26 season is under significant threat, as early data reveals a slight decline in sugarcane acreage, with total cultivated area dropping to 5.31 million hectares from 5.34 million a year prior. Uttar Pradesh, the largest sugar-producing state, reported a decrease in sugarcane area to 2.79 million hectares, while Maharashtra and Karnataka saw increases. However, Karnataka's production has plummeted to 4.04 million tonnes, down from 5.14 million tonnes last year, highlighting that more acreage does not guarantee higher yields. Agricultural experts warn of risks from heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and pest attacks, particularly the Red Rot disease affecting the CO-0238 variety. Despite the USDA's optimistic forecast of a 25% increase in output, domestic expectations remain lower, with production for 2024-25 projected at 26.2 million tonnes, significantly down from 31.95 million tonnes the previous season. The confluence of these factors casts uncertainty over future sugar yields. 
Published: Jun 08 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is set to welcome the MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship, on Monday, according to a statement from the Adani Group. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the vessel measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, making it four times longer than a standard FIFA football field. This marks the MSC IRINA's maiden visit to a South Asian port, underscoring Vizhinjam's capability to handle ultra-large container vessels and its strategic role in global shipping. The ship, launched in March 2023, is designed for transporting large volumes between Asia and Europe and features energy-saving technologies that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%. The port, operated by the Adani Group under a 40-year concession agreement with the Kerala government, has previously hosted other large vessels, including MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to conduct a safety review of helicopter operations at the Chardham Yatra following a series of alarming incidents, including a recent crash near Gangotri that claimed six lives and a near-miss involving a helicopter blade striking a car at Badrinath Helipad. Sources indicate that some operators may be overloading helicopters to increase profits, despite existing safety regulations. In response, the DGCA has deployed a regulatory team to monitor operations at the Sahastradhara helidrome in Dehradun, intensifying on-the-ground surveillance. The regulator has warned that any safety lapses could result in significant fines. The Chardham Yatra, which includes visits to sacred sites like Yamunotri and Kedarnath, has seen a rise in helicopter services, offering a quicker alternative for pilgrims, with packages ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is urgently seeking to establish rare earth magnet supply chains with five countries—Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, the US, and Russia—amid concerns over China's dominance, which controls 70% of global production and 90% of supplies. With a critical 45-60 day timeline, Indian officials are exploring options to secure approximately 809 tonnes of magnets essential for electric vehicle (EV) production. Diplomatic efforts are underway, including discussions with the Chinese Embassy to restore access to supplies, as China has recently imposed export restrictions, requiring assurances that the magnets will be used for civilian purposes only. While Vietnam and Indonesia are seen as immediate alternatives, both face challenges due to high domestic consumption and potential Chinese influence. The Indian government is also considering allowing imports of entire assemblies to circumvent stringent domestic value addition requirements, as supplies to automobile manufacturers are expected to run out by the end of June.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia is set to experience significant disruptions to the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes, which facilitate trade between its North Eastern region and Bangladesh, following the withdrawal of transshipment arrangements effective April 8. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that this decision will impact cargo volumes, which have already dropped by 20%, and affect connectivity to the North East. The revocation, attributed to logistical challenges at Indian ports, has led Bangladesh to close land ports to Indian exports, prompting India to retaliate by restricting Bangladeshi ready-made garment shipments to just two ports. This ban extends to other key Bangladeshi exports, including plastics and processed foods. The IBP waterways, crucial for transporting goods like fly ash from West Bengal to Bangladesh, will also be affected, potentially disrupting operations at Mongla Port, which is vital for inland vessel traffic.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to surpass Japan as the world's fourth-largest economy, but experts caution against complacency due to significant disparities in GDP per capita. According to IMF data from April 2025, India's GDP per capita stands at $2,878.4, just 8.5% of Japan's $33,955.7, highlighting that Japan's income is approximately 11.8 times higher. Claude Smadja, former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, emphasized that while India's economic size is a positive indicator, it should drive reforms aimed at improving living standards for all citizens, not just the urban middle class. He noted India's unique advantage in big data, driven by widespread internet access and the Aadhaar system, which could propel technological innovation. However, he warned of vulnerabilities, particularly from foreign tech interests. To achieve a $7-trillion economy by 2030, India must enhance its manufacturing sector, boost R&D, and improve rural productivity to foster inclusive growth.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inReliance Infrastructure is set to enhance its defence vertical by focusing on aircraft upgrade programmes, targeting a market opportunity of ₹5,000 crore over the next 7-10 years. This initiative marks Reliance as India's first private sector entity to independently manage a comprehensive aircraft upgrade programme, traditionally the realm of public sector units and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has already achieved a significant milestone by upgrading 55 Dornier-228 aircraft under a ₹350 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and US-based Genesys, securing a repeat order after initial success. With military aircraft requiring regular upgrades to extend their service life, the global market for such enhancements is projected to grow from ₹5,00,000 crore to ₹7,00,000 crore in the next seven years. Reliance's strategy aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, positioning it as a key player in the defence aviation sector and opening avenues for international collaboration.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe National Solar Energy Federation of India has urged the Prime Minister’s Office to extend the waiver on Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for renewable energy projects, which are at risk due to delays beyond developers' control. The Federation, representing various stakeholders in the solar sector, highlighted that the waiver, initially announced by the Ministry of Power, has been crucial for making renewable energy competitive. However, delays in implementation by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) have left many projects vulnerable to missing the June 30 commissioning deadline, jeopardizing investments worth nearly ₹5 lakh crore. The Federation proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework for the waiver, suggesting that projects meeting specific criteria, such as financial closure and land acquisition, should qualify. This approach aims to ensure that only committed developers benefit from the extension, aligning with recent regulatory flexibilities for other renewable projects.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inRussia continues to solidify its position as India's leading seaborne crude oil supplier, accounting for over one-third of the country's imports in the latter half of the financial year, thanks to competitive pricing and operational advantages. Despite this, traditional suppliers from West Asia are ramping up shipments as they benefit from the easing of voluntary production cuts. Seasonal refinery maintenance in India and increasing competition from the Middle East and the US could impact Russian exports, particularly after June, when some refineries affected by drone attacks resume operations. Kpler's Lead Research Analyst, Sumit Ritolia, highlights that Russia's Urals grade crude, priced around $50 per barrel in May, remains attractive due to its discounts against global benchmarks. However, potential increases in Russian refinery throughput could limit export volumes, while Middle Eastern oil is expected to compete more aggressively with US supplies as production cuts are lifted.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMaharashtra and Karnataka have emerged as the leading states for foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, collectively accounting for 51% of inflows during the financial year 2024-25, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Maharashtra attracted the highest FDI at $19.6 billion, representing 31% of the national total, while Karnataka received $6.62 billion. Other notable states included Delhi with $6 billion, Gujarat at $5.71 billion, Tamil Nadu with $3.68 billion, Haryana at $3.14 billion, and Telangana with $3 billion. Experts attribute the significant FDI inflows in Maharashtra and Karnataka to substantial improvements in infrastructure, making these states more attractive to foreign investors. Overall, total FDI in India grew by 14% to reach $81.04 billion, marking the highest level in three years, up from $71.3 billion in 2023-24.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the country's commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests amid ongoing trade negotiations with the United States regarding agricultural market access. In an interview, Chouhan stated that India would carefully evaluate potential gains and losses before finalizing any agreements, particularly in light of US demands for greater access to its agricultural market. The negotiations aim to establish a framework for a bilateral deal expected to be signed by fall 2025. While the US seeks to export more agricultural products, including corn and soybeans, it faces high Indian tariffs, which can reach up to 50%. Chouhan reiterated that India would not compromise its farmers' welfare, highlighting the need to protect domestic producers from global price fluctuations and potential backlash from rural communities.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 2 pm
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