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Danish shipping giant AP Moller–Maersk reported a robust performance across all its business sectors in 2025, achieving full-year revenues of $56 billion, bolstered by a 4.9 per cent growth in ocean volumes and enhanced operational efficiency. Despite this growth, profitability faced challenges due to declining freight rates linked to supply overcapacity. The company’s new east-west network boasted over 90 per cent on-time arrivals, leading to unexpected cost savings. In a separate development, Japan's MOL has taken delivery of the LPG dual-fuel very large gas carrier, Energia Grandeur, from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, which will operate under a charter with TotalEnergies. The vessel's design reflects MOL's commitment to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, air traffic across Europe saw an overall increase of 8 per cent from 2017 to 2025, though growth was uneven, with southern European markets thriving while central and northern regions, including Sweden and Germany, experienced significant declines. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 6 pmeznews.inWings India 2026, held in Hyderabad from January 28-31, showcased a diverse array of aircraft from leading global aviation companies, emphasizing India's potential as a burgeoning aviation hub. Organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, and FICCI, the event featured insights from industry leaders, including Piyush Srivastava, who highlighted the significant opportunity in aircraft component manufacturing. Despite India holding over 5% of the global aircraft delivery backlog, it currently produces less than 2% of necessary components, prompting calls for enhanced capabilities and government support, such as production-linked incentives for MSMEs. Key deals included Air India's order for 30 Boeing aircraft and agreements with Airbus and HAL for advanced aircraft and helicopters. The event also featured impressive aerial displays, including performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, and showcased a wide range of aircraft, reinforcing India's commitment to advancing its aviation sector.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's logistics industry, valued at ₹3.5 lakh crore, is undergoing significant transformation, with road freight accounting for over 70% of this sector. The introduction of GST 1.0 in 2017 provided large fleet operators with a competitive edge through input tax credits, leading to consolidation and a shift towards multi-axle trucks. However, the recent implementation of GST 2.0 in September 2025 has altered the landscape, reducing tax rates on trucks and insurance while increasing costs for larger operators, thereby leveling the playing field for smaller fleets. This shift is expected to encourage small fleet ownership and partnerships with larger operators. Infrastructure initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and Bharatmala, along with fintech innovations, are enhancing access to credit for smaller players. As the market evolves, stakeholders in banking and logistics must adapt to these changes, particularly as investments in alternative fuel technologies gain momentum, potentially reshaping the industry further.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's cold chain market is poised for a dramatic expansion, projected to grow from approximately $13 billion to $75 billion by 2033, according to a study by Grand View Horizon. This surge, driven by increasing demand for perishables, high-value medicines, and e-grocery services, highlights the urgent need for a cohesive cold chain ecosystem, as noted in a report by Amicus Growth Advisors. The report emphasizes that investments will favor integrated, technology-driven logistics over standalone solutions, as effective cold chain management is crucial for preserving value across the supply chain—from farms to consumers. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Partner at Amicus, underscores the cold chain's role in enhancing farmer income, ensuring food safety, and maintaining pharmaceutical efficacy. As consumption patterns evolve and regulations tighten, the report suggests that businesses must treat cold chain logistics as a strategic priority to thrive in this burgeoning market.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia and Canada have taken a significant step towards normalising their strained relations by agreeing to develop a "shared work plan" aimed at enhancing cooperation on national security and law enforcement. This decision emerged from a meeting between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in Ottawa. The plan will facilitate collaboration on pressing issues, including transnational criminal networks and the illegal drug trade, particularly fentanyl precursors. Both nations will establish security liaison officers to improve communication and information sharing. This initiative follows a diplomatic crisis triggered by allegations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, which India vehemently denied. The recent political changes in Canada, including the election of Prime Minister Mark Carney, have paved the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 11 pmeznews.inThe Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a temporary suspension of its proposed annual fare hike, which was set to increase fares by ₹1 to ₹5 across ten fare zones within its 96.10 km network. The decision to hold off on the fare adjustment will remain in effect until further notice, as stated by BMRCL. The revised fare structure will be communicated following a review by the Board and in line with recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC). This development comes as part of BMRCL's ongoing efforts to assess fare policies and ensure accessibility for commuters. Further updates are expected after the Board's evaluation.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 11 pmeznews.inUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has refrained from confirming the specifics of the US claim that India agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of the interim trade agreement. He noted that the agreement includes provisions for "re-balancing of concessions," which could protect India from potential tariff reinstatements by the US. Goyal expressed optimism about the trade deal, highlighting that it has already halved tariffs on India's labour-intensive goods from 50% to 25%, with further reductions expected. He emphasized India's commitment to import $500 billion worth of US goods over the next five years, aiming to diversify sources and enhance quality and pricing. However, concerns linger regarding the US executive order linking tariff revocation to India's oil purchases from Russia, with President Trump warning of reinstated levies if such imports continue. The interim agreement, sealed on February 6, includes clauses allowing for modifications in commitments if tariffs change.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Income Tax Department has proposed significant revisions to perquisite valuations under the Income Tax Rules, marking a major shift in the taxation of employee benefits that have remained unchanged for decades. The draft rules suggest nearly tripling the taxable value of employer-provided motor car usage and gifts, while quadrupling the value of food vouchers. For instance, the monthly valuation for cars with an engine capacity up to 1.6 litres will rise to ₹8,000 from ₹2,700. Additionally, the tax-free value of employer-provided meals will increase to ₹250 per meal, and the annual tax-free threshold for gifts will rise to ₹15,000 from ₹5,000. Experts have welcomed these changes as a necessary reform to align the tax framework with current economic conditions. The department is inviting public feedback on the draft rules until February 22, ahead of the new Income Tax Act's implementation on April 1, 2025.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for the expansion of drone-based logistics, particularly for transporting cargo and essential medical supplies over distances of 50 to 100 kilometres. The report, launched by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, advocates for the development of a scalable Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) corridor in the National Capital Region (NCR) to alleviate transit times and infrastructure challenges. It suggests a pilot project linking Gurugram, Connaught Place, and Jewar International Airport, while also proposing the use of rooftops as vertiports in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai. The study emphasizes the need for a robust regulatory framework within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and collaboration with urban planning bodies. Additionally, it recommends dedicated financing instruments from public financial institutions to support AAM initiatives, including phased trials for drone delivery and medical logistics.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inMalaysia has requested an enhancement of air traffic rights to allow its airlines to increase flights to India, during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. While both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthening air connectivity, India did not make any commitments regarding the request. The joint statement highlighted the importance of mutual trust and cooperation in civil aviation, acknowledging the rising demand for passenger travel. Currently, there are 66 daily flights between the two nations, with Air Asia Berhad and Malaysia Airlines dominating the routes. The request comes amid a surge in trade and tourism, with over 1.5 million Indians visiting Malaysia in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Malaysia is a key trading partner for India, and recent negotiations have led to increased air traffic rights with other countries in the region, including Indonesia and Thailand.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 7 pm
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