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Monsoon intensifies with strong Arabian Sea, Bay winds

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted that Central India, particularly Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will experience the heaviest rainfall over the next three days as the monsoon intensifies into early July. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for fishermen, advising a suspension of fishing operations in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal due to strong winds. Isolated areas in East Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are expected to see extreme rainfall exceeding 21 cm within 24 hours. A robust monsoon trough, coupled with a secondary trough from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, is driving this surge in precipitation. The IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across various regions, including the West Coast and North-West India, with heavy rain expected in several states over the coming days, contributing to a national rainfall total that is currently 12% above normal. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 6 pm

India-US trade deal unlikely by July 9 deadline

India's Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has signaled that an interim trade deal with the United States is unlikely before the July 9 deadline for reciprocal tariffs, emphasizing that India does not negotiate under pressure. Following a week of discussions in Washington, Goyal stated that India prioritizes its national interests and will only agree to a trade deal when it is fully matured and beneficial. The US, under President Donald Trump, has indicated that countries without a deal will face increased tariffs, which could range from 10% to 70%. Negotiations have stalled due to US demands for broader market access, particularly in sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, without offering equivalent concessions to India. Goyal reiterated that any agreement must safeguard India's food security and farmers' interests while also addressing India's need for access to labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 pm

I&B Ministry's TRP guideline changes: Mixed reactions emerge

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry is set to amend guidelines for audience measurement agencies, aiming to eliminate cross-holding restrictions and facilitate the entry of multiple players in the sector. This initiative is seen as a progressive step towards fostering innovation, particularly as viewership shifts increasingly to digital platforms. While some experts welcome the move for potentially enhancing competition and improving data reliability, concerns have been raised about conflicts of interest and the risk of undermining the credibility of existing systems, particularly the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), which currently dominates TV ratings. Industry voices emphasize the need for transparency and trust in any new rating systems, cautioning against the dilution of BARC's established credibility. Advocates argue that the amendments could lead to better reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) and improved measurement for streaming services, addressing long-standing issues of opacity in the current ratings landscape. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 pm

Air India pilot's cockpit medical emergency now stable

An Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi experienced a two-hour delay early Friday after a pilot collapsed in the cockpit of the Airbus A320. The airline confirmed the medical emergency, stating that the pilot was unable to operate flight AI2414 and was promptly taken to a local hospital, where he is now reported to be stable and under medical supervision. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at 3:05 am, eventually took off after the airline arranged for an additional pilot to take over. Air India emphasized that their immediate priority is to support the pilot and his family during this time, ensuring his swift recovery. The incident highlights the airline's commitment to passenger safety and the well-being of its crew. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 pm

India plans WTO retaliation over US auto tariffs

On March 26, 2023, the United States implemented a 25% tariff on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile parts from India, a move described as a safeguard measure. In response, India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to impose retaliatory duties on US goods, potentially amounting to $723.75 million, which aligns with the US's tariff collection on Indian auto exports. India's notification highlights that the US tariffs could impact $2.895 billion in annual imports from India. While India has not yet decided to impose these retaliatory duties, it reserves the right to do so, citing a lack of consultations under WTO rules and asserting that the US measures violate international trade agreements. This development follows India's earlier notification regarding retaliatory duties on US steel and aluminum tariffs, which had been raised to 50%. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 9 pm

India's alcobev sector to grow 6%; beer leads spirits

India's alcohol beverage industry is projected to experience a 6% volume growth in FY26, with per capita consumption estimated at 2.5 litres of pure alcohol, up from 2.3 litres in FY23. The Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) segment is expected to grow by 5-6%, reaching around 464 million cases, while the beer segment is anticipated to expand at a faster rate of 8%, hitting approximately 412 million cases. According to Crisil Ratings, the industry, dominated by spirits which account for 65-70% of total revenue, is set to grow 8-10% to ₹5.3 lakh crore, driven by rising volumes and premiumisation trends. Key states for IMFL consumption include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, which together represent 40-45% of total sales. Despite rising input costs, particularly for extra neutral alcohol and barley, the industry's profitability is expected to improve due to higher realisations and ongoing volume growth. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 8 pm

CLFMA launches campaign for chicken and shrimp nutrition awareness

The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India has launched its inaugural consumer awareness campaign aimed at promoting the nutritional benefits of chicken and shrimp. This initiative seeks to enhance domestic consumption of these products, particularly shrimp, which is predominantly exported to markets like the US and Vietnam. CLFMA Chairman Divya Kumar Gulati emphasized the campaign's focus on educating the public about the protein, fat, carbohydrate, and cholesterol content of these foods through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The campaign also aims to dispel myths surrounding these products and engage nutritionists and influencers to spread accurate information. With the Indian poultry sector growing at an annual rate of 8-10%, this effort comes at a crucial time, as consumption can fluctuate due to religious practices and disease outbreaks. The campaign is expected to bolster domestic shrimp consumption, which is primarily export-driven. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 8 pm

West Bengal aims for fish production self-sufficiency soon

West Bengal is intensifying efforts to boost its fish production, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Punjab, from which it typically imports around 100,000 tonnes annually. State Fisheries Minister Biplab Roy Chowdhury expressed optimism that within a year, the state will not only meet its own fish needs but also export surplus to other states and international markets. In the 2024-25 period, West Bengal exported 178,000 tonnes of fish, up from 162,000 tonnes the previous year, with a total production of 2.375 million tonnes. The government is focusing on harvesting larger fish and has initiated training programs for fish farming. Additionally, the "Abhay Pukur" scheme has successfully procured 33 rare fish species. Minister Pradip Mazumdar highlighted the growing demand for West Bengal's seafood, particularly in lucrative markets like the US, underscoring the potential for profitable investment in the sector. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 6 pm

Army issues $250M drone RFPs to boost military tech

At a recent FICCI seminar, senior Indian Army officials underscored the urgent need for indigenous drone development to reduce reliance on Chinese components, particularly in light of ongoing military operations. Major General Rajiv Chibber announced that the Indian Army plans to issue $250 million in Request for Proposals (RFPs) over the next four months to enhance its firepower and air defense capabilities, building on a previous $60 billion in contracts for various unmanned aerial systems. However, he cautioned about the risks associated with dependence on imported critical components, which could lead to counterfeit parts infiltrating UAVs. To address these challenges, a comprehensive drone framework is expected by September, aimed at incentivizing local production and streamlining testing processes. Lt Gen Rahul R Singh emphasized the importance of timely equipment delivery and quality, particularly given India's complex geopolitical landscape, which includes adversaries like Pakistan, supported by China. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 7 pm

Orthodox tea prices rise in Kochi due to export demand

Tea prices in Kochi auctions have surged, particularly for orthodox varieties, driven by strong demand from international buyers following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. In sale 27, the market for whole leaf tea saw prices increase by ₹5-10 per kilogram, with 2,70,446 kg offered and a sales rate of 95%. Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis reported active participation from exporters to West Asian and CIS countries, resulting in an average price rise to ₹183, up from ₹180 the previous week. Conversely, the CTC dust market faced challenges, with only 63% of good CTC brokens sold from 39,000 kg offered, while overall sales for CTC dust were lower at 84% from 5,96,658 kg. The average price for CTC dust fell to ₹143, down ₹2 from the previous week, reflecting declining local sales. The orthodox dust market also showed irregular trends, with 10,500 kg offered. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 5 pm

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