eznews.in
In June 2025, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reported a significant surge in the Electric Vehicle (EV) market, with sales nearly doubling year-on-year, as 5 out of every 100 passenger vehicles sold were EVs, up from 2 the previous year. Despite this growth, overall vehicle sales saw a decline due to financing challenges and supply shortages, although demand was bolstered by seasonal festivities. The two-wheeler EV segment also experienced a rise, increasing from 6.07% to 7.28% month-on-month. FADA remains cautiously optimistic about the auto retail sector, anticipating a boost from increased government capital expenditure focused on infrastructure and green energy projects. While overall sales volumes fell by 9.44% month-on-month, the Construction Equipment segment soared by nearly 55% year-on-year, indicating strong demand driven by early deliveries and a favorable monsoon forecast, which is expected to enhance rural liquidity and stimulate further growth in the sector. 
Published: Jul 07 2025, 2 pmeznews.inSingapore has been named the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations out of 227, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which utilizes data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Following Singapore, Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 190 destinations. The top five is rounded out by seven EU countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—each with 189 visa-free destinations, while another group of seven European nations, including Austria and Sweden, offers access to 188. New Zealand ties for fifth place with Greece and Switzerland. At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan's passport holders can only access 25 destinations without a visa. In related news, Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges ports have mandated the use of mass flow meters for bunker vessels to enhance transparency and efficiency in fuel delivery, with compliance checks in place.
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndiaOne Air's Bhubaneswar-Jeypore flight, which celebrated its third anniversary on July 3, has significantly enhanced access to the mineral-rich, tribal-dominated Koraput district in South Odisha, reducing travel times to just 90 minutes to Bhubaneswar and 45 minutes to Visakhapatnam. Despite challenges such as high operating costs and pilot shortages, the airline has successfully completed over 4,500 flights, transporting more than 32,000 passengers. The Odisha government has stepped in to provide financial support following the discontinuation of central viability gap funding, recognizing the airline's vital role in the region. Additionally, Odisha's new destination policy aims to stimulate aviation growth by offering financial incentives to airlines for new routes, contributing to a 22% increase in traffic at Bhubaneswar airport. Airlines like Star Air are optimistic about expanding their networks in the state, highlighting a growing demand for regional connectivity.
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, operated by the Adani Group near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is pioneering automation in container and ship handling, achieving full capacity utilization of 1.2 million TEUs in its inaugural year. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2024, the port has efficiently managed over 380 container ships, including the world's largest, _MSC Irina_. Unlike traditional terminals, where operators manually control cranes, Vizhinjam employs remote operations from a control room, enhancing productivity and reducing stress. The port utilizes advanced technologies, including automated quay cranes and a digital twin system for real-time monitoring, significantly improving operational safety and efficiency. Additionally, a vessel traffic management system optimizes ship movements and enhances navigational safety. While the port's automation is impressive, the integration of fully automated inter-terminal vehicles remains a future goal, as experts note the challenges of achieving complete automation in global ports.
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inBalmer Lawrie & Co, a diversified public sector undertaking, is set to fully operationalise its third-party logistics (3PL) service by the end of the current financial year, with its main hub located in Dankuni, West Bengal. The company has already commenced operations in part of the 150,000 sq ft facility, capitalising on increased demand during the Durga Puja festival. Initial customers include sectors such as consumer durables and garments. The Dankuni hub, which is on a 15-year lease, is expected to be fully functional by August, with three additional spokes in Siliguri, Guwahati, and Bhubaneswar, each covering 25,000 sq ft. The logistics business, currently the second-largest revenue source for Balmer Lawrie, is projected to become the largest this fiscal year, with FY25 revenues at ₹2,494.49 crore. A cold chain facility is also planned for completion by March 2026, targeting the food and dairy sectors.
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndian exporters in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles are struggling to leverage the lower duties available under the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), according to a recent study by the Commerce Department. Despite significant exports to ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, the utilisation of preferential tariff routes remains low, at around 30-40%. This underutilisation is contributing to a widening trade deficit, which surged to $45.2 billion in FY 25 from $8 billion in 2010. The study highlights specific commodities, such as vegetable oils and medicaments, where Indian exporters have not capitalised on the duty differentials, which can be as high as 35% for certain products. As India seeks to negotiate last-mile concessions ahead of the ASEAN summit, the review of the trade pact initiated in 2023 has yet to yield significant improvements.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrated the inauguration of Bengaluru's Yellow Line Metro and the commencement of Phase-3 works, marking a significant step in alleviating the city's traffic woes. The Yellow Line, spanning 19 km, is expected to boost daily ridership to 1.25 million, with future expansions potentially accommodating 3 million passengers by 2030, contingent on central government approvals. Siddaramaiah highlighted the state's substantial financial commitment, contributing over ₹25,387 crore—87.37% of the total funding—compared to the Centre's ₹7,468 crore. He urged the Union government for increased funding, similar to support given to other states, emphasizing that Karnataka, a major tax contributor, deserves equitable treatment. The Yellow Line will enhance connectivity to key biotech and IT hubs, while ongoing and planned projects aim to transform Bengaluru into a model city, with a total metro network of 117 km expected upon completion of Phase-2.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of the Bengaluru Metro on August 10, 2025, taking a metro ride from RV Road to Electronic City alongside Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. During the event, Modi announced that India is on the verge of producing its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip, highlighting Bengaluru as a symbol of a new India that blends philosophical and technological knowledge. He laid the foundation for the Orange Line of Namma Metro, which, along with the Yellow Line, is expected to accommodate 2.5 million passengers daily, alleviating the city's severe traffic congestion. Khattar noted the strain on Bengaluru's infrastructure due to its population of 14 million and nearly 12 million vehicles. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the significant increase in railway funding for Karnataka, with ongoing projects worth ₹54,000 crore.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is considering amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to establish a mineral and metal trading exchange, akin to the London Metal Exchange, to enhance price discovery and bolster self-reliance amid ongoing supply chain disruptions. Discussed in a recent Cabinet meeting, the proposed changes aim to create a structured marketplace for minerals, which currently lacks a legal framework for trading. The amendments would also remove existing restrictions on the sale of minerals from captive mines, allowing miners to sell their entire output in the open market, thereby encouraging investment and increasing production. The Cabinet noted that many mineral-rich countries have successfully implemented such exchanges, which are essential for developing a competitive and transparent mineral trading environment in India. The government plans to introduce these provisions in the ongoing parliamentary session.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 19.15 km Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro on his first visit to the city since beginning his third term, marking a significant enhancement to the city's public transport. The new line, which connects RV Road to Bommasandra through 16 stations, was built at a cost of ₹5,056.99 crore. Modi also laid the foundation for Phase-3 of the metro, a 44.65 km expansion project estimated at ₹15,611 crore. Additionally, he flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, including a direct service between Bengaluru and Belagavi, aimed at improving regional connectivity. However, the event was marred by political controversy, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticizing the central government's limited financial contribution to the metro projects, claiming the state bore 80% of the costs. This visit comes as Bengaluru solidifies its status as a BJP stronghold following recent electoral successes.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's vast domestic market could serve as a buffer for exporters facing potential losses in the US market, according to economists. They emphasize that a rationalization of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates is crucial to stimulate domestic consumption and mitigate the impact of declining export demand. The recent Union Budget has already increased the income tax threshold, providing citizens with more disposable income, particularly in urban areas where consumption has been sluggish. Experts advocate for a streamlined GST structure with fewer categories and a core rate of 14%, while suggesting that contentious issues, such as the inclusion of petroleum products, be deferred. Some analysts, like Ajay Bagga, argue for immediate GST cuts to pass on lower crude oil prices to consumers. However, economist Garima Kapoor warns that targeted subsidies may be more effective than broad GST reductions, which could lead to permanent revenue losses for the government.
Published: Aug 10 2025, 3 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact