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LA 2028 Olympics to Introduce Electric Air Taxis for VIPs

In a groundbreaking move for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Archer Aviation has unveiled its piloted electric air taxi, named Midnight, which will transport up to four passengers between key venues via a network of vertiports. The service aims to provide a quieter, low-emission alternative to traditional helicopters, with flights expected to take between 10 to 20 minutes. Key locations in the network include SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Los Angeles International Airport. Archer's CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the company's goal to revolutionize transportation in Los Angeles, particularly during the Games. The eVTOL aircraft is designed with advanced safety features and aims for FAA certification comparable to commercial airliners. As an official provider for the LA 2028 Olympics, Archer will also support emergency services and security, marking a significant innovation in the Olympic experience, according to LA chairperson Casey Wasserman. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 10 am

IPL Biologicals Introduces Six New Products

IPL Biologicals has unveiled its NXG Range, a new portfolio of six soluble biological products aimed at enhancing farm productivity and promoting sustainability. Launched during the company's annual meeting in Agra, the NXG Range includes Subtilin, Viridex, Sporidex, BT-dex, BEE Boost, and 360, marking a first in India's biological agricultural input sector with their soluble powder format. Designed for compatibility with micro irrigation systems, these products focus on improving soil health, nutrient availability, and microbial efficacy across diverse agro-climatic zones. Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals, emphasized the growing demand for high-performance agricultural inputs as the global agri-biologicals market is projected to reach $43 billion by 2035. The new formulations promise operational benefits, including enhanced shelf stability and reduced clogging risks, while utilizing high colony-forming unit microbial strains to accelerate biological activity in the field. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 5 pm

Dhanuka Agritech PAT Rises 24% in 2024-25 from Rabi Growth

Dhanuka Agritech Ltd has reported a robust financial performance for the fiscal year 2024-25, with revenues reaching ₹2,035.15 crore, a 15.73% increase from ₹1,758.54 crore in 2023-24. The company's profit after tax (PAT) also saw a significant rise, climbing 24.20% to ₹296.96 crore from ₹239.09 crore the previous year. Chairman Mahendra Kumar Dhanuka attributed this success to the resilience of their business model, the dedication of their team, and the trust of the farming community. He highlighted the positive impact of a favourable rabi season and strong crop acreage on demand during the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, Dhanuka expressed confidence in sustaining this momentum, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and expanding product offerings to enhance value for stakeholders. The company aims to continue promoting sustainable agricultural practices as it moves into the next fiscal year. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 5 pm

US-China tariff cut benefits Indian exporters amid high duties

In a significant development for global trade, the US and China have agreed to reduce high import tariffs, with US duties on Chinese goods set to decrease from 145% to 30%, while China will lower its tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%. This move, announced during a bilateral meeting in Geneva on May 10, 2025, is expected to enhance global trade and supply chains. However, despite the reductions, tariffs on Chinese goods entering the US will still exceed 50%, presenting an opportunity for Indian exporters to strengthen their competitiveness in the global market. An official highlighted that India is focused on improving its manufacturing capabilities, suggesting that the current tariff landscape could benefit Indian businesses. Nonetheless, some trade experts caution that the reduction in US-China tariffs may diminish the tariff advantage previously enjoyed by Indian exporters. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 5 pm

Karnataka requests MHI for e-bus allocation under PM E-DRIVE

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has received a formal proposal from Karnataka for the allocation of electric buses (e-Buses) under the Prime Minister E-DRIVE initiative, aimed at enhancing urban public transport. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted the request, highlighting the need for improved transport systems in major cities. Minister HD Kumaraswamy assured the state of full support from the Centre, confirming that the allocation process is already in motion and will occur in a phased manner. Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, 14,000 e-Buses are set to be distributed across nine cities, with discussions also addressing necessary infrastructure such as charging stations and maintenance systems. Kumaraswamy emphasized the initiative's goal of creating a cleaner and smarter transport future, with a total budget of ₹10,900 crore allocated for the project over two years, from April 2024 to March 2026. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 4 pm

State intervention essential for profitable millet farming: CACP Chairman

Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), emphasized the need for better incentives for farmers to enhance the profitability of millets during the Millet Stakeholders conference organized by Nutrihub. He pointed out that the current profitability of millets lags behind competing crops, despite significant increases in the minimum support price (MSP) over the past seven years, which have improved market prices and farmer returns. Sharma advocated for a three-pronged approach to sustain the millet mission, focusing on technology, institutional strengthening, and farmer incentives. He highlighted the importance of state-level interventions, particularly in procurement operations, to boost market prices. Additionally, he noted the potential of technology to address supply challenges and improve the cultivation and consumption of millets, which are often perceived as difficult to cook and understand nutritionally. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 2 pm

Etihad Airways orders 28 Boeing jets for $14.5 billion

Etihad Airways has announced a significant order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the latest 777X jets, during a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Gulf region. This $14.5 billion deal, which will benefit American companies Boeing and General Electric, is part of Etihad's strategy to double its fleet size by 2030. The new aircraft, expected to join the airline's fleet from 2028, aim to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and passenger experience. CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the importance of managing fleet growth in line with demand and long-term network plans. Additionally, the airline is developing a comprehensive roadmap for operations through 2035, amid speculation regarding a potential initial public offering (IPO) as it seeks to strengthen its market position following improved financial performance. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 2 pm

Delhi's PNG rollout vital for India's clean energy efforts: Experts

The Delhi government's initiative to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to 111 villages on the city's periphery marks a significant advancement in providing clean cooking fuel to underserved communities. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health in India, emphasized the importance of this equity-focused initiative, targeting low-income households that have historically lacked access to reliable clean energy. In collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Limited and other city gas distributors, the plan aims to connect all 357 villages in Delhi to the PNG network by 2025, replacing traditional biomass and LPG. Experts, including Anumita Roy Chowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment, highlighted the health and environmental benefits of reducing reliance on solid fuels, which contribute significantly to indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is also seen as crucial for improving women's health and reducing the burden of air pollution, which claimed millions of lives globally in 2021. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 1 pm

IIT Madras creates technology for textile wastewater treatment

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled a groundbreaking technology for the efficient treatment of wastewater from the textile industry, addressing significant environmental concerns. Deployed at a plant in Tiruppur, the new electrochemical-based methodology has demonstrated a remarkable reduction in harmful compounds, achieving 96% colour removal and 60% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal from dyebath effluent. This initiative, supported by the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre, aims to enhance the techno-economic viability of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plants. Led by Prof Indumathi M. Nambi, the pilot project at the Kunnakalpalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant has successfully processed 400 litres per day, optimising the system for practical application. The technology offers several advantages over existing methods, including reduced load on reverse osmosis systems, lower infrastructure costs, and a chlorine-free process that mitigates the risk of carcinogenic byproducts. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 1 pm

Kochi tea prices fall as arrivals increase

Tea prices at the Kochi auctions saw a decline this week, attributed to an increase in arrivals at the auction platform. In sale 20 of CTC dust, 746,717 kg was offered, with 84% sold, although prices for good liquoring teas fell by ₹1 to ₹2, and more significantly for low medium and plainer varieties, leading to numerous withdrawals, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis. Kerala loose tea traders and upcountry buyers provided some support, with blenders absorbing 64% of the total CTC quantity sold, resulting in an average price drop to ₹149 from ₹151 the previous week. The Orthodox dust market also experienced a decline, with 7,500 kg offered and limited absorption by exporters. The Orthodox leaf market saw prices for whole leaves decrease by ₹5 to ₹7, while CTC leaf demand remained steady, with a 100% sales rate for 28,500 kg offered. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 12 pm

Agri, pharma, electronics dominate India's FY25 exports

India's merchandise exports surpassed USD 437 billion in 2024-25, with agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods collectively accounting for over 50% of this total, according to government data. Engineering goods led the way, contributing 26.67%, while agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and electronics accounted for 11.85%, 6.96%, and 8.82%, respectively. The electronics sector experienced remarkable growth, with exports rising 32.46% to USD 38.58 billion, driven by a 101% surge in computer hardware. Key markets for these goods included the UAE, US, and UK. Engineering goods exports increased by 6.74% to USD 116.67 billion, while pharmaceuticals rose 9.4% to USD 30.47 billion. Notably, rice exports reached a record USD 12.5 billion, solidifying India's status as the top global exporter. The agricultural sector also saw growth in spices, coffee, tea, and marine products, with exports expanding to over 130 countries. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 11 am

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