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India's vegetable oil imports experienced a significant decline of 32% year-on-year, totaling 8.91 lakh tonnes in April, as reported by the Solvent Extractors Association (SEA). This drop is attributed to reduced demand for palm oil and increased domestic mustard crushing. In April 2024, imports of palm oil plummeted by 53% to 3.21 lakh tonnes, while refined edible oil imports from Nepal also contributed to the overall decrease. For the first half of the 2024-25 oil year, total imports fell to 65.02 lakh tonnes, down from 70.69 lakh tonnes the previous year. Notably, the share of palm oil in total imports decreased to 42%, while soft oils rose to 58%. As of May 1, India held edible oil stocks of 13.51 lakh tonnes, with Indonesia and Malaysia being the primary suppliers of palm oil, and Argentina, Brazil, and Russia supplying soybean oil. 
Published: May 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inExperts are advocating for cocoa to be recognized as a strategic crop in India, highlighting its potential to enhance rural income and reduce the country's reliance on cocoa imports, which currently stand at over 1.26 lakh tonnes annually, valued at ₹4,247 crore. Femina, Director of the Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development, emphasized that with a focused, cluster-based approach, India could cut its cocoa import dependency by 50%, unlocking new economic opportunities for farmers. Despite the domestic cocoa production meeting only 22% of national demand, initiatives are underway to boost cultivation, particularly in states like Kerala and Karnataka. The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is leading efforts by developing hybrid seedlings, which now dominate 90% of the cocoa cultivation area in India, contributing to the country's high productivity levels. Collaborative efforts with industry partners aim to further enhance the quality and availability of planting materials, ensuring the sector's growth and sustainability.
Published: May 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGlobal coffee prices saw a slight decline in April 2025, influenced by a lack of clear market direction, despite a drop in certified robusta stocks in London. The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) reported that the Composite Indicator Price averaged 335.76 US cents per pound, marking a 3.5% decrease from March. Prices for Colombian Milds and Other Milds fell by 2.7% and 2.8%, while Brazilian Naturals decreased by 3.6%. In India, farmgate coffee prices also eased, reflecting global trends, with arabica parchment prices ranging from ₹26,200-27,200 per 50-kg bag. The Indian Meteorological Department noted significant pre-monsoon rainfall, enhancing crop prospects for the upcoming season. However, the US Department of Agriculture projected a 2.4% dip in India's coffee crop for 2025-26 due to weather-related yield issues. Exports from January to May 2025 also declined, attributed to high prices affecting buyer behavior.
Published: May 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn April, food articles experienced a deflation of 0.86%, a significant shift from the 1.57% inflation recorded in March, contributing to a decrease in producers' inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to 0.85%, the lowest in 13 months. The WPI inflation was 2.05% in March and 1.19% a year earlier. The industry ministry attributed the positive inflation rate to rising prices in various manufacturing sectors, despite notable deflation in vegetables, with an 18.26% drop. Additionally, fuel and power saw a deflation of 2.18%. Experts, including Rajni Sinha from CareEdge, suggest that favorable agricultural conditions and an anticipated above-normal monsoon could keep food inflation manageable, although caution is advised regarding potential weather disruptions. International commodity prices have also declined, reflecting concerns over global economic growth, with Brent crude prices falling by approximately 25% year-on-year.
Published: May 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTraders in Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, have initiated a boycott of Turkish apples and marble, reacting to Turkey's support for Pakistan during India's recent anti-terror operations. Despite these calls, the Indian government has yet to impose any trade restrictions, as exports to Turkey represent a mere 1.5% of India's total exports. A source indicated that while the boycott may impact a few engineering goods, the overall effect on Indian exports is expected to be minimal. Turkey's foreign ministry condemned India's military actions against terror infrastructure in Pakistan, labeling them as "unprovoked aggression" and warning of escalating tensions. An online campaign urging a "Boycott Turkey" is gaining traction on Indian social media. In the fiscal year 2024-25, India's exports to Turkey fell by nearly 15%, totaling $5.2 billion, while imports from Turkey also decreased significantly.
Published: May 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThunderstorms have erupted across Kerala, Konkan, Mumbai, and parts of central India, coinciding with the anticipated onset of the monsoon next week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the monsoon will reach the Kerala coast by May 27, with a possible error margin of four days. The Arabian Sea arm of the monsoon is expected to make a stronger initial impact on mainland India compared to the Bay of Bengal arm, which may face delays due to a lack of cyclonic circulation. A monsoon vortex, crucial for the onset, is likely to form off the Konkan coast, aided by warm ocean temperatures exceeding 31°C. The US National Weather Service predicts a robust monsoon onset with above-normal rainfall expected in the coming weeks, while potential storm formations in the north-west Pacific and the Bay of Bengal could influence moisture distribution across the region.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn response to a tragic helicopter crash in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, which claimed the lives of six pilgrims and the pilot, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is ramping up safety measures for helicopter operations in the region. The DGCA is enhancing oversight of Char Dham charter flights, managed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), which selects operators for shuttle services to the Kedarnath shrine. Following the incident, the DGCA has mandated UCADA to implement a pre-flight compliance checklist covering pilot details, airworthiness, and safety protocols. Additional inspections and audits are anticipated to identify regulatory gaps. Recent safety improvements, initiated after previous accidents in 2022 and 2023, include the installation of high-resolution cameras for weather monitoring and enhanced pilot training assessments. The challenging terrain and weather conditions in the hilly region further complicate helicopter operations, necessitating careful consideration of engine efficiency and payload management.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inBharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has successfully deployed its advanced air defence system, Akashteer, during Operation Sindhoor, effectively countering threats from Pakistani drones and missiles. The system, designed to integrate sensor data into a real-time air situation picture, enhances precision engagement and situational awareness for ground-based defence units. BEL reported that Akashteer exceeded user expectations, providing robust air defence capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The system, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Make in India initiative, automates the detection and engagement of aerial threats and is vehicle-based for high mobility. Financially, BEL achieved a record turnover of approximately ₹23,000 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 16% increase from the previous year, with 90% of its revenue stemming from defence projects. BEL shares rose by 2.56% to close at ₹344.35.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe US soybean industry is emphasizing sustainability and health benefits to boost its global market share, as highlighted at the recent SUSTAINASUMMIT conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, hosted by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC). CEO Jim Sutter noted that consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainably sourced products, with Gen Z prioritizing sustainability over other concerns. US soybeans, certified under the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, boast a lower carbon footprint compared to other origins, and their high protein content offers significant health benefits. Kevin Roepke, USSEC's Regional Director, pointed out India's potential to utilize used cooking oil for biofuels, while Stan Born emphasized the environmental advantages of US soybean farming practices. Despite Brazil surpassing the US in production, concerns over Amazon deforestation persist. USSEC aims to enhance market access for US soy in various sectors, including aquaculture and livestock feed, particularly in India.
Published: May 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Ltd is set to unveil its ambitious CIAL 2.0 initiative on May 19, aimed at fully digitising airport operations and enhancing passenger experiences through advanced technologies. The ₹200-crore project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, automation, and robust cybersecurity measures. Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC), India's first on-premises server facility at an airport, designed to proactively protect digital infrastructure against rising cyber threats, including hacking and ransomware. The CDOC will utilise advanced security tools for real-time threat detection and incident response. Additionally, the airport will implement full-body scanners for efficient passenger screening and an Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) to streamline security processes, ensuring a balance between thorough security checks and passenger comfort. Managing Director S Suhas emphasised that CIAL 2.0 represents a significant leap into the future of digital transformation.
Published: May 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, a key player in Indian Railways' passenger coach production, is set to complete its order of Vande Bharat (VB) chair car coaches this year, having produced 23 of the 20-car rakes. General Manager U Subba Rao announced that the focus will soon shift to VB sleeper trains, with one already completed and additional orders placed for 10 more rakes. Trials for the sleeper trains have been conducted at speeds of 180 km/h, with final safety adjustments underway. ICF is also preparing to launch VB freight trains, expecting the first rake by mid-2025. Looking ahead, ICF aims to produce 4,200 coaches this year, including a tender for 600 general coaches, as part of a broader initiative to replace older coaches with safer LHB models. The combined target for ICF and other production units is 10,000 coaches annually for the next two years.
Published: May 14 2025, 3 pm
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