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India's infrastructure output experienced a year-on-year growth of 3.8% in March, according to government data released on Monday. This sector, which encompasses eight key industries and accounts for 40% of the nation's industrial production, saw a revised growth rate of 3.4% in February, up from an initial estimate of 2.9%. Additionally, for the fiscal year 2024-25, infrastructure output recorded a robust increase of 4.4%. These figures reflect a positive trend in India's economic recovery and development, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to bolster infrastructure as a critical component of industrial growth. The data underscores the resilience of the sector amid broader economic challenges, suggesting a steady path forward for India's industrial landscape. 
Published: Apr 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGMR Aero Academy (GMR AA) has announced the resumption of its Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) training programme at its Hyderabad campus, set to begin on May 14. This internationally-recognised programme, which previously trained over 350 personnel from 2013 to 2018, will welcome its ninth batch for a comprehensive 24-week course featuring an ICAO-compliant curriculum and hands-on training with modern firefighting equipment, led by industry experts. Graduates will benefit from GMR AA’s extensive network across Indian airports and partnerships with major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. Ashok Gopinath, President of GMR Aero Academy, emphasized the critical role of airport firefighters in aviation safety, likening their life-saving actions to those of the armed forces. He noted a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, highlighting the urgent need to address the current supply shortage.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGold prices surged to new heights on Monday, reaching nearly ₹1 lakh for 10 grams in India, as the dollar index fell by 1.13% to a three-year low of 98.10. This decline in the dollar, which measures its strength against six currencies, made gold cheaper for international buyers, driving prices up by 2% or ₹1,760 per 10 grams to ₹96,670. Over the past month, gold has risen 13% amid global economic uncertainty, particularly due to escalating US-China trade tensions. Despite the price surge, demand in India remains subdued, with discounts offered by dealers increasing to $74 per ounce. Internationally, Comex gold hit a record high of $3,396 per ounce, reflecting a 60% increase since March 2024. Analysts attribute the rally to geopolitical risks and central bank demand, as the dollar continues to weaken, down over 9% year-to-date, amid expectations of a shift in Federal Reserve policy.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe National Horticulture Board (NHB) has unveiled revised guidelines for its Cluster Development Programme (CDP) aimed at tackling significant challenges in India's horticulture sector, including high post-harvest losses and price fluctuations. The NHB is seeking expressions of interest to appoint agencies responsible for developing high-value multi-commodity horticulture clusters and peri-urban vegetable clusters. These initiatives, backed by a ₹2,000-crore investment over five years, aim to enhance supply chain efficiency and stabilize prices, particularly for key crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes in major urban centres. The redesigned CDP will also allow for the identification of new clusters by interested parties, promoting specialization across the horticultural value chain. Despite record production of 352.23 million tonnes of horticulture crops in 2023-24, experts caution that the stringent ₹100 crore minimum annual farm gate value requirement may hinder innovation and crop diversity. The guidelines remain subject to revision by the agriculture ministry.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAir India is negotiating with Boeing to acquire 737 Max jets originally intended for Chinese airlines, as ongoing US-China trade tensions disrupt deliveries. The Tata Group-owned airline aims to expedite its revival by securing these aircraft, which have been rejected by Chinese carriers due to tariffs imposed by Beijing. Air India has previously accepted 41 such jets and is keen to obtain additional slots for future deliveries. The trade conflict has also prompted other Asian airlines, including Malaysia Aviation Group, to pursue similar opportunities. However, complications may arise from existing cabin configurations and payments made by the original customers. As Air India seeks to bolster its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, it faces challenges from supply chain issues and a retrofit program that will temporarily reduce its fleet. The airline's growth could be hindered if it cannot secure newly available Boeing planes, especially as it competes with India's dominant carrier, IndiGo.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Index of Core Industries (ICI) recorded a growth of 4.4% during the April-March 2024-25 fiscal year, a decline from 7.6% in the previous year, according to government data released on Monday. In March, the output of eight key infrastructure sectors improved slightly to 3.8%, up from 3.4% in February, but down from 6.3% in March 2024. Notably, crude oil and natural gas production experienced negative growth, while coal, refinery products, steel, and electricity saw moderated growth rates of 1.6%, 0.2%, 7.1%, and 6.2%, respectively. Conversely, fertilizer production surged by 8.8%, and cement production increased to 11.6%. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, attributed the core sector's performance to higher electricity generation amid rising temperatures, predicting an Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth of 3.0-3.5% for March 2025.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost for India's rural economy, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has reported a record turnover exceeding ₹1.7 lakh crore for FY24-25, marking its highest since inception. Chairman Manoj Kumar attributed this success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the support of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). KVIC aims for an ambitious ₹2 lakh crore in sales for FY25-26. Over the past 11 years, production has surged nearly fourfold, while sales have increased fivefold, with Khadi garment sales alone rising by 561%. Employment generation has also seen a 49.23% rise, providing jobs to 1.94 crore individuals. The Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Program has established over 10.18 lakh units, supporting 90 lakh jobs. With a focus on women's empowerment, 80% of Khadi artisans are women, and wages have risen by 275% in the last decade, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable rural development.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inHDFC Bank has announced plans to provide clean and renewable energy solutions to over 1,000 villages in India by 2025 through its corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘Parivartan’. The initiative aims to empower rural and semi-urban communities with solar-powered infrastructure, including over 61,655 solar street lights installed across 22 states, and projects such as portable solar pumps and solar-powered water supply systems. To address barriers to solar adoption, HDFC Bank's ‘Solar Shiksha’ initiative offers educational workshops and practical demonstrations, reaching schools, hospitals, and orphanages in states like Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha emphasized the importance of inclusive development for a sustainable future, while Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR, highlighted the need for a knowledge-driven framework to ensure long-term community energy independence. The initiative reaffirms HDFC Bank's commitment to fostering equitable and resilient energy solutions in India.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe weather outlook for the remainder of April indicates an increase in nor’wester activity across East and North-East India, driven by strong westerly wind streams. A western disturbance has formed a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan, creating a trough of low pressure extending from north-west Rajasthan to east Bangladesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of violent weather, including widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, particularly in North-East India, where heavy rainfall is expected in Assam and Meghalaya over the next five days. Additionally, a trough from north Chhattisgarh to the Gulf of Mannar will bring similar conditions to southern states, including Karnataka and Kerala. As the month progresses, a high-pressure area may develop, potentially confining the nor’westers to narrow streams along the eastern Himalayas and affecting the eastern seaboard from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) has called on the Indian government to prioritize the revival of organic, non-GMO soybean and soybean meal exports to the United States amid ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations. Previously, India exported between 150,000 and 200,000 tonnes of these products to the US, but trade was halted due to safeguard duties imposed after domestic US producers raised concerns. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana emphasized the importance of including this issue in BTA discussions. Additionally, the association highlighted problems with non-standardized packaging of edible oils, which has led to consumer confusion due to varying pack sizes introduced after regulatory changes in 2022. SEA has urged the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to restore standardized packaging requirements to enhance transparency and consumer trust in the market.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 4 pm
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