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Vizhinjam Port Hits 1 Million TEUs in 10 Months

Vizhinjam International Seaport has set a record as the fastest port in India to handle over 1 million TEUs, achieving this milestone within just 10 months of its launch and concluding its inaugural year with a total of 1.32 million TEUs. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. in collaboration with the Kerala Government, the port has welcomed 615 vessels, including 41 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) over 399 metres long, the highest for any Indian port. Notably, MSC Verona, with a 17.1-metre draft, became the deepest-draft vessel handled in South Asia. Vizhinjam is also pioneering automation in India’s maritime sector, being the first semi-automated container port and employing women as automated crane operators. Positioned near key East-West shipping lanes, the port is poised to enhance India’s role in global logistics, fostering economic growth and supply-chain efficiency. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 4 pm

Aequs targets premium aircraft parts amid Airbus IPO launch

Aequs, an Indian aerospace supplier for major companies like Airbus and Boeing, is poised to expand into higher-value aircraft parts production as Western planemakers increase sourcing from India due to ongoing supply chain challenges. The company, which generates 90% of its revenue from aerospace, recently launched a $102.4 million IPO that was fully subscribed within hours, aiming for a valuation of up to $923.5 million. CEO Aravind Melligeri highlighted plans for vertical integration to enhance production capabilities, allowing for more in-house processing. While Aequs seeks to grow its aerospace segment, it also aims to boost its consumer products division, which currently accounts for just 10% of revenue, tapping into the global shift away from reliance on China. The company reported a 17% revenue increase to ₹537 crore in the first half of the fiscal year, with losses narrowing significantly. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 4 pm

Moonrider raises $6M in Series A funding for electric tractors

Bengaluru-based electric tractor technology firm Moonrider has secured $6 million in its Series A funding round, led by pi Ventures, with participation from Singularity AMC and existing investors Advantedge Founders and Micelio Fund. The company claims its electric tractors can reduce land preparation and farming costs by up to 80%, achieving price parity with diesel tractors through deep vertical integration of drivetrain, battery systems, and electronics. Founder and CEO Anoop Srikantaswamy emphasized that the investment will accelerate the transition from pilot projects to full commercial deployment, ultimately benefiting millions of farmers. Industry experts highlighted Moonrider's innovative approach to farm economics, with electric tractors offering lower operating costs and competitive upfront pricing. Investors expressed confidence in Moonrider's potential to lead the shift towards sustainable agriculture, positioning the company as a key player in the electrification of commercial vehicles in developing markets. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 2 pm

Centre allocates ₹109 crore for Vellore, Neyveli, Salem airports

The Indian government has allocated ₹109 crore for the development of three airports in Tamil Nadu under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). Vellore will receive ₹59 crore, Neyveli ₹26 crore, and Salem ₹24 crore. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that while Salem is already operational, development at Neyveli and Vellore is complete, with licensing currently underway. The UDAN scheme aims to enhance airport infrastructure and air connectivity, particularly in remote areas. Tamil Nadu has been awarded 68 UDAN routes, with 26 operational and 12 pending commencement, although delays have been attributed to various factors. Notably, Hosur has been removed from the scheme due to a distance restriction, but the Tamil Nadu government is moving forward with plans for a new greenfield airport there. Nationwide, UDAN has operationalized 651 routes connecting 93 underserved airports, with plans to expand to 120 new destinations in the coming decade. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 3 pm

Airbus lowers delivery target due to jet issues

Airbus SE has revised its aircraft delivery target for 2025, reducing it by 3.7% to 790 jets, down from an earlier goal of 820, due to quality issues with its A320 model. The company disclosed that 628 jets have fuselage panels that do not meet specifications, with 168 already in service. Airbus is currently inspecting all affected aircraft, although it anticipates that many panels will conform to standards. This announcement follows a significant recall related to potential flight control corruption in the A320, which affected around 6,000 aircraft. The dual setbacks have unsettled investors, leading to Airbus's worst trading day since April. Additionally, the manufacturer is grappling with supply chain shortages impacting engine and cabin deliveries, while maintenance issues with A320neo engines have temporarily grounded hundreds of planes. Industry experts warn that competitive pressures may be compromising quality standards. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 pm

Gujarat Pipavav Port, NYK India sign MoU for RoRo upgrade

In a significant move to enhance its operational capacity, Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NYK India Private Limited to upgrade its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) infrastructure. This initiative aims to increase the port's handling capacity to 500,000 cars annually while focusing on reducing dwell time and improving logistics efficiency. The partnership will also facilitate better vessel-rail synchronisation to accommodate rising rail volumes. The port has already seen a 39% increase in RoRo units, handling 99,000 in the first half of the fiscal year, compared to 71,000 during the same period last year. With major clients like Maruti Suzuki and Honda Motors, Pipavav Port anticipates a growth of 20-25% in RoRo volumes for the current fiscal year. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 1 pm

BEML secures ₹414 cr contract for additional trainsets from BMRCL

State-owned BEML has announced a new contract valued at ₹414 crore with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) for the supply of additional trainsets as part of the second phase of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project. This contract aims to enhance urban connectivity and support the expansion of the city's metro network, increasing passenger capacity. In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, BEML confirmed the order but did not disclose specifics regarding delivery timelines or train specifications. This latest agreement follows a previous contract worth ₹405 crore for seven additional metro trains for the same project. BEML, which operates in defence, mining, and rail sectors, has manufacturing facilities across several locations, including Bengaluru and Mysore, and boasts a comprehensive network for sales and services. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 1 pm

Heavy rain expected in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Thunderstorms and rain clouds enveloped Chennai and parts of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday morning as a well-marked low-pressure area, a remnant of the weakened cyclone Ditwah, crossed the coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the depression had shifted southwest, leading to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with significant accumulations exceeding 10 cm in several locations. Heavy rains are expected to persist across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, while isolated showers were also recorded in Kerala. The low-pressure system is anticipated to continue its slow movement southwest, eventually transforming into a conventional low-pressure area by Thursday, which will extend rain coverage into interior Tamil Nadu. A trough associated with the low is facilitating light to moderate rainfall across the South Peninsula, indicating a broader impact of this weather system. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 am

WOTR trains rural women as drone pilots with Walmart support

The ProRISE project, spearheaded by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), has successfully trained 2,100 farmers, primarily women, in drone piloting to promote climate-resilient agriculture. Supported by the Walmart Foundation, this initiative empowers women in rural Maharashtra by equipping them with essential skills and certifications, enabling them to operate drones for precision spraying and crop monitoring. Early results indicate significant benefits, including reduced labor and chemical use, alongside improved pest control. Initially launched in Jalna and Dharashiv districts, the program aims to reach an additional 29% of farmers by next month, with plans for further expansion across western India and beyond. WOTR Director Sandip Jadhav emphasized the initiative's dual goal of enhancing women's livelihoods and fostering sustainable agricultural practices, while Walmart.org's Nishant Gupta highlighted the importance of innovation and inclusivity in driving community change. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 pm

November Services PMI Increased to 59.8

India's services sector showed notable improvement in November, with the S&P Global Services PMI Business Activity Index rising from 58.9 in October to 59.8, reflecting strong new business inflows that bolstered output growth. Despite this positive trend, job creation remained modest, with many companies reporting stable payroll numbers. The report indicated that input cost inflation had eased to its lowest level in nearly five-and-a-half years, contributing to a negligible increase in selling prices. However, new export orders saw a softer growth rate, reaching an eight-month low. While firms expressed some optimism for future output growth, concerns over competition and potential disruptions from upcoming state assembly elections tempered enthusiasm. Overall, the data suggests a stable services sector, albeit with cautious sentiment regarding future expansion, as companies focus on maintaining demand and minimizing price hikes. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 pm

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