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L&T Metro Hyderabad reports ₹6,600 crore loss, starts campaign

L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRHL) has initiated a 'Save Your Metro' campaign in response to backlash over recent fare hikes, which have seen increases of 20 to 25 percent. The company, citing cumulative losses exceeding ₹6,600 crore and a 160 percent rise in operational costs over five years, is urging commuters to support the fare adjustments to ensure continued service and additional trains. As part of the campaign, flex banners have been displayed at metro stations, and a digital outreach has been launched. In an effort to mitigate commuter dissatisfaction, L&TMRHL announced a 10 percent discount on the revised fares, effective May 24. However, many commuters remain frustrated, arguing that the discount does not address the substantial fare increase and lacks a clear timeline for its continuation. The fare hike, which took effect on May 17, raised the minimum fare from ₹10 to ₹12 and the maximum from ₹60 to ₹75. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 8 pm

ICAR: India can achieve 40 million tonnes in fishery production

India's fisheries sector could see production soar from 18 million tonnes to 40 million tonnes by 2047, contingent on key policy reforms from both state and central governments, according to JK Jena, Deputy Director-General at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Currently growing at 9% annually—far surpassing the global average of 2.5%—the sector has benefited from increased investment, scientific advancements, and supportive government initiatives. Jena noted the introduction of 50 fish seed species, expanding farming options beyond traditional carps. In marine fisheries, production could rise from nearly 4 million tonnes to 5.3 million tonnes through improved techniques, while deep-sea resources remain underutilized. On-vessel processing could enhance the quality of high-value tuna, which often degrades before reaching shore. Additionally, selective breeding could boost carp production significantly, with a target of 12 million tonnes in the next 8-10 years. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 8 am

Adani Ports plans to raise ₹6,000 cr through NCDs

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), part of the Adani Group, announced plans to raise up to ₹6,000 crore through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) following an in-principle approval from its Board of Directors. The funds generated from this initiative will be allocated towards capital expenditure, refinancing existing debt, and supporting general corporate purposes, as detailed in a stock exchange filing. The NCDs are expected to be issued in one or more tranches on a private placement basis and will be listed on the stock exchanges. This move underscores APSEZ's strategy to bolster its financial position and enhance operational capabilities amid a dynamic market environment. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 10 pm

Brookfield aims for $100 billion AUM in India by 2028

Brookfield Asset Management, led by President Connor Teskey, anticipates its assets under management in India will surge to $100 billion within five years, marking a threefold increase primarily through acquisitions and organic growth. Currently managing $30 billion in India, Brookfield's investments span infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and private equity. Teskey highlighted India as a high-growth market, benefiting from global supply chain shifts and robust domestic demand, which positions it as a key player for future investments. The firm is particularly focused on infrastructure, including energy, digital infrastructure, and transportation, and is actively exploring opportunities in ports and other transportation sectors. With a global strategy aligned with trends in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and deglobalisation, Brookfield aims to leverage India's economic stability and growth potential to enhance its investment portfolio. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 7 pm

360 ONE Asset launches ₹500 crore fund for startups

360 ONE Asset, a subsidiary of 360 ONE WAM, has unveiled a ₹500 crore early-stage venture capital fund aimed at supporting innovative founders in emerging sectors such as consumer technology, fintech infrastructure, generative AI, and frontier technologies like spacetech, defence, and precision manufacturing. This initiative is part of a broader ₹25,000 crore (USD 3 billion) strategy, which includes diverse investments ranging from gaming to space-tech. Sameer Nath, CIO of 360 ONE Asset, emphasized the fund's role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of unicorns as India embarks on a new wave of startup-led economic transformation. The fund is backed by a seasoned team and an Advisory Board featuring industry leaders like Gaurav Kushwaha and Nigel Vaz. Abhishek Nag, Senior Fund Manager, highlighted the fund's goal to bridge the gap between India's micro-VC ecosystem and larger global funds, providing long-term support to exceptional founders. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 9 pm

India's Port Ban Disrupts Pakistan's Trade Activities

Pakistan's shipping crisis is poised to benefit India, particularly in the rice market, as Indian basmati prices have surged by 20% amid ongoing trade disputes. India has halted transshipments from Pakistani ports, leading to the suspension of direct shipping services and forcing companies to reroute through terminals in Colombo, Salalah, and Jebel Ali. This disruption has resulted in increased shipping costs, delays, and heightened insurance charges for vessels heading to Pakistan. As a consequence, Pakistan's economy, already struggling with a depreciating rupee, faces significant challenges in importing essential goods and exporting textiles and grains. The backlog of export containers at Pakistani terminals has exacerbated the situation, with delays affecting shipments of rice and other commodities. Meanwhile, Indian basmati rice prices have risen from around $850 to between $1,050 and $1,100 per tonne, giving India a competitive edge in the market. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 8 pm

IIMR Incubator Fuels India's Millet Start-up Surge

Nutrihub, established at the Indian Institute of Millet Research (ICAR-IIMR) in Hyderabad, is revolutionizing the millet value chain by nurturing over 500 start-ups that have collectively raised ₹1,000 crore in funding. Launched six years ago with support from the Department of Science and Technology, Nutrihub focuses on enhancing millet consumption, bridging the gap between producers and consumers. It employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing around 80 technologies developed by IIMR to assist start-ups in creating value-added millet products. The incubator features a Common Facility Center, allowing entrepreneurs to access advanced processing machinery at minimal costs. Success stories include Millet Marvels, which has expanded to seven outlets, and TrooGood, the largest millet chikki manufacturer, with projected revenues of ₹180 crore. However, the start-up landscape remains challenging, with a survival rate of only 60% for those incubated at Nutrihub. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 7 pm

India's key reservoirs below 30% storage capacity

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the south-west monsoon, which contributes over 70% of the country's annual rainfall, is expected to commence this week. This comes as the storage levels in India's 161 key reservoirs have fallen below 30% of their total capacity of 182.444 billion cubic metres, with 70% of these reservoirs filled to less than 40%. Current data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicates that reservoir levels stand at 53.578 billion cubic metres, or 29.37%. While the situation is better than the previous year and the last decade, regional disparities persist, with the western and central regions showing levels above 30%, while northern, eastern, and southern regions lag behind. The formation of low-pressure areas over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is anticipated to enhance reservoir storage in the coming weeks. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 7 pm

CCPA probes Ola, Rapido over 'advance tipping' issue

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has raised concerns over the practice of "advance tipping" in ride-hailing services, prompting an investigation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) into companies like Ola and Rapido, following a notice issued to Uber. In a post on X, Joshi described the practice as "deeply concerning," arguing that nudging users to tip in advance for quicker service is both unethical and exploitative, constituting unfair trade practices. He emphasized that tips should be given as a gesture of appreciation after service, not as an obligation. The minister called for fairness, transparency, and accountability in customer interactions, highlighting the need for regulatory scrutiny of such practices in the industry. Forward tipping, where passengers are encouraged to tip before their ride is completed, has come under scrutiny as part of this broader investigation into consumer rights. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 7 pm

April engineering goods exports rise 11.28% to $9.51 billion

India's engineering goods exports experienced a robust year-on-year growth of 11.28% in April 2025, reaching $9.51 billion, driven by increased shipments of electric machinery, motor vehicles, and copper products, despite a lower base effect. Key markets such as the US and UAE saw significant increases, with exports to the US rising by 17% to $1.66 billion and those to the UAE surging by 37.3% to $538.8 million. However, exports to China, Turkey, Mexico, and Italy faced declines, with shipments to China dropping by 21.7%. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, highlighted the importance of government support and the recent India-UK Free Trade Agreement in bolstering export growth. Overall, engineering goods accounted for 24.71% of India's total merchandise exports in April 2025, with 28 out of 34 engineering panels reporting growth, although six categories, including aluminium and aircraft, saw declines. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 6 pm

'Low' Forms in Arabian Sea; IMD Issues Twin Bay Watch

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted heavy rainfall along India's west coast, particularly around Mumbai, over the next few days, coinciding with the anticipated arrival of the monsoon in Kerala and North-East India. A low-pressure area formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also monitoring another potential low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. While the Arabian Sea system may intensify into a depression, the IMD suggests that the Bay system could weaken first. The monsoon's onset is expected to be powered by two atmospheric systems, with the Arabian Sea likely proving stronger. As conditions become favorable for the monsoon's advancement across southern India and into the North-Eastern states, the pre-monsoon season has already recorded a 10% surplus in rainfall, with forecasts indicating a robust monsoon season ahead. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 5 pm

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