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Kochi-based seafood exporter Kings Infra Ventures Ltd has announced an ambitious growth strategy, expanding into Andhra Pradesh, a key player in India's aquaculture sector, which accounted for over 32% of national seafood exports in FY24. The company has partnered with Aadhya Seafoods to enhance its shrimp supply chain, adhering to its quality and sustainability standards. Chairman Shaji Baby John outlined plans to create a future-ready global seafood platform, leveraging smart technology and sustainable practices. A significant initiative is the development of BlueTechOS, a digital platform designed to optimize the aquaculture value chain through real-time monitoring, blockchain traceability, and automated compliance. Kings Infra also aims to boost seafood exports via Vizag, Tuticorin, and Kollam ports, monetize land assets worth ₹150 crore, and expand its premium retail brands. Additionally, the company is transitioning to a professionally managed structure, appointing industry veterans to lead its operations. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndian Railways has introduced significant reforms to its passenger reservation system as of July 1, marking its first fare increase since 2020. Non-AC Mail/Express train fares will rise by one paisa per kilometer, while AC class fares will increase by two paisa per kilometer, although suburban trains and short journeys under 500 kilometers remain exempt. A key procedural change now mandates that reservation charts be prepared eight hours before departure, enhancing clarity for waitlisted travelers. Additionally, waiting list capacities have been restructured, allowing AC coaches to accommodate up to 60% of total berths. New security measures require Aadhaar-based verification for Tatkal bookings, with restrictions on agents during peak booking times. The reforms also extend to premium services, and a modernized Passenger Reservation System is set to launch by December 2025, aiming to process 1.5 lakh bookings per minute and improve accessibility for various passenger groups.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAgritech firm Eeki has secured $7 million in funding from Sixth Sense Ventures to enhance its sustainable food ecosystem, which aims to provide nutritious and affordable food while using 95% less water than traditional farming methods. The investment will facilitate the nationwide scale-up of Eeki's aeroponic technology, including the deployment of its advanced Gen 3 Growing Chambers, which utilize climate-controlled, soil-free environments to optimize plant growth. Eeki's innovative approach not only conserves water but also ensures higher yields and pesticide-free produce year-round. CEO Abhay Singh emphasized the significance of this funding in advancing climate-resilient farming in India and beyond. Co-founder Amit Kumar noted that 30% of their team is dedicated to maximizing crop yields with minimal resources. Sixth Sense Ventures' founder, Nikhil Vora, praised Eeki's model for its cost efficiency and potential for global scalability, highlighting the company's promise in addressing future food security challenges.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inTea prices at Coonoor auctions experienced a decline last week, influenced by uncertainty in the export market and increased arrivals. Traders noted that elevated transport costs to various overseas destinations, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in West Asia, have led to shipment rescheduling. The auctions saw a total offered quantity of 2,047,153 kg of leaf tea, with a sales percentage of 77%, while dust grades fared slightly worse at 72% from 534,010 kg. Global Tea Auctioneers reported that high-priced, quality teas remained steady, with some lots increasing by ₹3 to ₹4, although certain lower-quality lots dropped by ₹4 to ₹5. Demand for CTC leaf was generally subdued, while orthodox leaf grades saw a slight uptick in prices. Overall, the market reflected a mixed performance, with some categories experiencing price increases and others facing declines.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Minister H D Kumaraswamy met with Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), to explore strategic opportunities, including securing long-term access to low-silica limestone from the UAE and collaboration in green steel initiatives. During his visit to Dubai, where he inaugurated MECON and NMDC offices, Kumaraswamy highlighted the potential for green hydrogen and trade partnerships through value-added steel exports from India. He invited RAK to engage in infrastructure development and raw material value chains, emphasizing that steel is vital for India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. The minister noted that NMDC's new office would facilitate mineral asset acquisitions and strategic joint ventures, while MECON's operations would focus on industrial project execution and green steel strategies. Currently, SAIL sources around 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from RAK, with plans for increased procurement as part of its capacity expansion.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has overtaken China as the world's fourth-largest biofuel consumer for the second consecutive year in 2024, with consumption rising 40% year-on-year to 77,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kbbloe/d). Despite this achievement, India lags behind China in biofuel production, which increased by nearly 31% to 106 kbbloe/d. The Statistical Review of World Energy 2025, published by The Energy Institute, highlights that global biofuel demand reached a record 2.2 million barrels per day, with the Asia Pacific region leading growth. The US remains the top consumer at 856 kbbloe/d, while India’s production grew 27% to 70 kbbloe/d. The review underscores the critical role of biofuels in decarbonising transport and industry, amidst rising global CO₂ emissions and a complex energy landscape where renewable advancements coexist with fossil fuel reliance.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBengaluru-based biomanufacturing firm Loopworm has secured $3.25 million in a Pre-Series A funding round, led by WaterBridge Ventures and Japan's Enrission India Capital. Co-founded by IIT-Roorkee graduates Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri, Loopworm is pioneering a novel method of producing recombinant proteins using silkworms, which significantly reduces the costs and energy typically associated with traditional bioreactor systems. The company aims to commercialize its technology for applications in diagnostics and animal vaccines, targeting sectors with lower regulatory hurdles. With a state-of-the-art facility capable of processing 6,000 tonnes of insects annually, Loopworm is already exporting its products to international markets, including Europe and South America. The firm has filed multiple patents for its technology and is committed to contributing to India's bio-economy vision, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving global biotech landscape.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's manufacturing sector experienced a significant boost in June, with activity reaching a 14-month high, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, which rose to 58.4 from May's 57.6. This growth was largely driven by a surge in international sales, leading to record levels of hiring and the steepest increase in new orders in nearly a year. Notably, export orders saw their third-highest growth rate since data collection began in 2005, with strong demand from US markets. Despite rising uncertainties surrounding US tariffs and stalled trade negotiations, manufacturers reported easing price pressures, with input cost inflation slowing to its lowest in four months. However, business confidence dipped to an eight-month low as concerns about competition and inflation emerged. Overall, the robust demand has prompted manufacturers to expand output and workforce at unprecedented rates.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe White House has expressed optimism regarding ongoing trade negotiations with India, describing the two nations as "strategic allies" and suggesting that a deal is imminent. However, India remains firm in its refusal to grant market access for sensitive agricultural and dairy products, a key demand from the U.S. as the July 9 deadline for an interim trade pact approaches. White House Press Secretary Katherine Leavitt confirmed that trade teams have been negotiating in Washington, but warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to the reimposition of reciprocal tariffs, initially announced by President Trump in April. Sources indicate that India's commitment to protecting its food security and vulnerable farmers complicates the negotiations, particularly concerning U.S. demands for access to genetically modified crops. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned that continued resistance from negotiating countries could result in tariffs reverting to their previous levels.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced a six-month extension of import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke, a key raw material for steelmaking, effective from July 1. The new order sets country-specific quotas, limiting imports to 1.4 million metric tons until December 31. This decision has raised concerns among major steel producers, including ArcelorMittal Nippon India and JSW Steel, who argue that such restrictions impede their growth by complicating the sourcing of preferred grades locally. In April, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal encouraged steelmakers to rely on domestic suppliers. Additionally, India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into low-ash met coke imports from several countries, including Australia and China, following a request from an industry body. The import of this material has surged over the past four years, with major suppliers including China, Japan, and Indonesia.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Alliance for a Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) Kisan Swaraj has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reject the import of genetically modified (GM) crops and US dairy products, citing concerns over national laws and public health. In a letter, ASHA leaders Kavitha Kuruganti and Ananthasayanan expressed alarm at reports suggesting the Indian government might concede to US pressure during trade negotiations. They emphasized that allowing GM crops would violate the Environment Protection Act and the Food Safety and Standards Act, undermining India's regulatory framework. The alliance highlighted the potential risks to agriculture, biosafety, and rural livelihoods, arguing that India’s diverse food systems cannot afford the irreversible consequences of GM crop introduction. Additionally, they warned that importing US dairy, often produced with banned substances like recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, could threaten consumer safety and displace local dairy farmers, exacerbating rural distress.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 10 am
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