Trending Economy

Listen as Radio

KLM CEO: India is the most crucial market

KLM, part of the Air France-KLM group, is prioritizing its operations in India, which it views as its most significant market. CEO Marjan Rintel announced plans to launch a new route from Amsterdam to Hyderabad in September, capitalizing on the increasing demand for trade and travel. KLM currently serves Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, and is enhancing its market presence through a codeshare partnership with IndiGo, which will provide greater access to European and US destinations. Rintel highlighted the rise in outbound travel, immigration, and the demand for labor in Europe as key factors driving air travel demand from India. Despite a recent cooling in demand for economy class on US-India routes, business and premium traffic remain strong. Additionally, Air France has increased its flight frequency to Delhi, reflecting the airline's commitment to expanding its capacity in the region. sources

Published:
Jun 03 2025, 12 pm

Airbus procurement chief transitions to India; no successor announced

Airbus has appointed Juergen Westermeier, its procurement chief, to lead operations in India and South Asia starting September 1, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by Reuters. His successor is yet to be announced. The European aircraft manufacturer is grappling with production and delivery challenges, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions and labor shortages post-COVID-19. Deliveries fell by 4% in May and are down 5% for the year, complicating Airbus's goal of increasing deliveries by 7% to 820 planes by 2025. Notably, production of the A320neo family has lagged behind Boeing's 737 MAX for the first time since August 2019. Westermeier's appointment follows a recent reshuffle in key engineering roles, with CEO Guillaume Faury commending his contributions. Despite concerns over supply chain issues, sources indicate that Westermeier's move is not directly related to these challenges. sources

Published:
Jun 05 2025, 10 am

Retail inflation may drop to 3% in May, UBI says

Retail inflation in India, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is projected to decline to 3.0% in May, marking a six-year low, primarily due to falling prices of cereals and pulses, according to a report by the Union Bank of India (UBI). The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported a decrease in inflation from 3.34% in March to 3.16% in April. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, slightly increased to 4.18%, driven by a low base effect from the previous year. Despite this, stable commodity prices and weak demand are expected to keep core inflation in check. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) considers the current inflation rates manageable, remaining within its target range of 2-6%. Policymakers aim to maintain retail inflation around 4% to ensure economic stability, with expectations of continued control over inflation in the upcoming financial year. sources

Published:
Jun 05 2025, 10 am

CUMTA's inaugural meeting focuses on Chennai's mobility plan

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Authority (CUMTA) convened its inaugural executive committee meeting, chaired by Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, to enhance urban mobility in Chennai. The meeting focused on reviewing various projects and studies, particularly the Comprehensive Mobility Plan and Accessibility Enhancements. Key discussions included improvements to metro stations, the introduction of smart parking solutions, and advancements in public transport systems. Additionally, the committee explored multi-modal integration, upgrades to metro and suburban rail projects, freight rail connectivity, and the development of intermediate public transport and cycling initiatives. Officials from multiple departments, including Chennai Metro Rail and the transport department, participated in the meeting, underscoring a collaborative approach to urban transport challenges in the region. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 9 pm

M B Patil opens Thales' new IFE Lab in Bengaluru

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, inaugurated a new In-Flight Entertainment & Services Lab at Thales’ Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru, marking a significant advancement in aerospace technology. The lab will focus on research, testing, and development of in-flight entertainment systems, reinforcing Thales' commitment to Karnataka's innovation ecosystem. Patil highlighted the company's ongoing collaboration with local industries and academic institutions, which has integrated Karnataka into Thales' global innovation network and fostered a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector. The new facility complements Thales' existing operations in Bengaluru, which include mission-critical systems in avionics and air-traffic management, and follows plans for a dedicated avionics maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility by 2025. The event was attended by Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, underscoring the international ties in the region's burgeoning aerospace and defence landscape. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 9 pm

Rabobank: Global grains and oilseeds trade grows amid turmoil

In the 2023-24 season, global trade in grains and oilseeds surged to 880 million tonnes, valued at $330 billion, according to a Rabobank report. Despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict causing price spikes, trade volumes grew at a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% for grains and 2.4% for oilseeds over the past five years, though this was slower than the previous decade's 7% growth. Soyabeans emerged as the most-traded oilseed, with an average of 168 million tonnes traded annually from 2021 to 2023, primarily driven by demand from China, which has become a key player in the soyabean market. Wheat remains the most traded grain, with Russia leading in exports. Factors such as population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, potential declines in Chinese soyabean imports, and changing biofuel policies are expected to shape future trade dynamics, alongside weather impacts on crop yields. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 8 pm

Amul launches milk in Spain, plans EU expansion soon

The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) has announced the launch of Amul milk in Spain, starting with Madrid and Barcelona, and plans to expand to other cities including Malaga, Valencia, and Alicante, as well as Lisbon in Portugal. This initiative marks Amul's first entry into the European market, facilitated through a partnership with Cooperativa Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches (COVAP), Spain's leading dairy cooperative. The official launch event took place at the Indian Embassy in Madrid, attended by Indian Ambassador Dinesh K Patnaik and Spanish officials. GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing Amul's commitment to becoming a global dairy brand. COVAP, founded in 1959, processes over 400 million liters of milk annually and exports to more than 30 countries. Amul, recognized as India's largest consumer products group, aims to further its international presence, with future plans for launches in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 8 pm

Govt urges states to boost e-NAM inter-state trade

In a significant development for India's agricultural trade, last week saw the sale of 49.7 quintals of groundnut, 45 quintals of wheat, and 6 quintals of coriander through inter-State transactions, amounting to ₹2,34,197, ₹1,13,548, and ₹43,896 respectively. This activity coincides with the Centre's preparations to launch e-NAM 2.0, which aims to enhance inter-State trading by prompting states to amend their Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Acts. Initial outreach has focused on Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with plans to expand to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Odisha. However, experts highlight the need for structural reforms, including a unified licensing system and quality assurance mechanisms, to build trust among buyers and farmers. While some states have made amendments to facilitate e-NAM transactions, challenges remain, particularly for buyers in states without APMC laws. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 8 pm

Indian agriculture to hit $1.4 trillion by 2035: McKinsey

A recent McKinsey report highlights the burgeoning demand from India's expanding middle class for high-value and processed agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like paneer and curd. The report notes that India's agriculture sector, valued between $580 billion and $650 billion, is the fastest-growing globally, with a projected growth to $1.4 trillion by 2035, driven by structural reforms and digital innovations. India boasts significant advantages, such as a large consumer base and low production costs, positioning it as a key player in the global agricultural landscape. The report identifies four key growth areas: bio building blocks, processed foods, agrochemicals, and agribiologicals, with potential revenues of $533 billion across 40 business segments. Additionally, India's bioeconomy is set to expand from $10 billion in 2014 to $165 billion by 2024, underscoring the sector's transformative potential. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 8 pm

Chennai Airport uses thunder booms to prevent bird strikes

Chennai Airport has introduced 30 hand-held thunder booms and two battery-operated tipping carts to enhance airside safety and operational efficiency. The thunder booms are designed to scare away birds, thereby reducing the risk of bird strikes, particularly during the critical phases of aircraft take-off and landing. From January to October 2023, the airport recorded 39 bird and animal strikes, with the majority occurring during these vulnerable moments, as noted by Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh. The airport, which manages nearly 480 flight movements daily, is situated near forested areas and the Adyar River, attracting birds that can disrupt operations. The new equipment offers a quieter and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods, such as firecrackers, for bird dispersal, ensuring safer aircraft movements and improved airside maintenance. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 7 pm

Jammu and Kashmir joins India's rail network for first time

Jammu and Kashmir is set to gain rail connectivity with the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-km project that has faced decades of delays due to regional instability and challenging terrain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the project on July 6, marking his first visit to the region since Operation Sindoor. The USBRL, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, will provide year-round access to the Kashmir Valley, ending its isolation from the rest of India. The project, completed at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, is expected to boost local businesses and tourism, particularly during peak seasons. In addition to the rail link, Modi will also lay the foundation for several road projects and inaugurate the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, further enhancing infrastructure in the region. sources

Published:
Jun 04 2025, 7 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!