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Girish Aggarwal, managing director of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, has downplayed concerns regarding competition from the upcoming Vadhvan container port in Maharashtra, asserting that both Mundra and Pipavav ports will remain the most cost-effective options for hinterland connectivity. During a recent earnings call, Aggarwal emphasized that North India's landlocked geography ensures that Pipavav and Mundra will continue to attract local cargo, which he believes cannot be diverted to Vadhvan or Nhava Sheva. APM Terminals, which operates Pipavav and has a 4% share of India's container market, reported a 14.1% decline in container handling, with 694,000 TEUs processed in FY 2025. The company is also set to begin work on a new liquid jetty, expected to be operational by 2026-27, while a proposed expressway from Deesa to Pipavav aims to boost cargo volumes in the future. 
Published: May 31 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Defence Research and Development Organisation's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to issue an expression of interest in the coming weeks to select a production partner for the 5.5 generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the first prototype expected between 2026 and 2027. This initiative aims to engage the burgeoning indigenous aerospace sector, allowing companies like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T, and Mahindra Aerospace to participate in the manufacturing and supply chain for the stealth aircraft. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the programme, emphasizing that only indigenous firms can bid, although they may form joint ventures. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lead the project, evaluating proposals from 24 indigenous companies to form a consortium. HAL is also exploring public-private partnerships, as seen in the ongoing Tejas LCA Mk-1A project, which involves multiple private sector contributions.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inTim Clark, president of Emirates, highlighted the impact of outdated air service agreements on Indian passengers, who face higher fares due to capacity restrictions between India and Dubai. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association's annual general meeting, Clark noted that Emirates operates 47 daily flights between the two regions, which are the busiest international routes for Indian travelers, with over 4.4 million passengers annually. However, the bilateral agreement limits capacity to 65,000 seats per week for each country, preventing airlines from increasing flights despite strong demand. Clark emphasized that the lack of supply directly contributes to elevated airfares, stating, "The more you restrict supply the higher will be the fares." He also confirmed that Emirates has no immediate plans to shift operations to the new Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports unless additional traffic rights are granted.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia has officially become the third-largest aviation market globally, a development attributed to enhanced airport infrastructure, the emergence of robust airlines, and improved connectivity, according to Amitabh Khosla, Country Director for India, Nepal, and Bhutan at the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Speaking at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Khosla highlighted the significant ramp-up in airport capacity, including new facilities in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which is vital for boosting air travel. He emphasized the critical role of air connectivity in driving economic growth, linking it to competitiveness, productivity, and tourism. Additionally, Khosla noted India's potential in developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with production expected to commence in 2026. While India has opted out of the voluntary phases of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) until 2027, the country is poised to play a significant role in the global aviation landscape.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has emerged as the world's third busiest aviation market, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with significant investments in infrastructure across over 150 airports. In the year leading up to March 2025, India recorded 176.4 million flights, a 9% increase from the previous year, with 137.7 million being domestic. The busiest routes included Mumbai-Delhi, Bengaluru-Delhi, and Bengaluru-Mumbai, while domestic flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Kolkata saw the highest growth. International passenger traffic also rose by 11%, reaching 38.6 million, with the UAE being the top destination. The aviation sector directly employs nearly 370,000 people and contributes $5.6 billion to the GDP, with broader impacts raising employment to 7.7 million and GDP contribution to $53.6 billion. IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, highlighted the remarkable growth in India's air connectivity during the 81st IATA annual general meeting in New Delhi.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is set to raise concerns over the United States' recent decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminium to 50% during the upcoming bilateral trade agreement (BTA) negotiations in New Delhi on June 5-6. Indian officials aim to advocate for a rollback of these tariffs, which could impact approximately $7.5 billion in annual exports to the US. The UK recently secured the elimination of similar tariffs in its trade pact with the US, prompting India to seek comparable exemptions. Exporters' bodies, including the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), have urged the government to prioritize this issue to prevent Indian exporters from facing significant disadvantages. Additionally, India has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the tariffs, reserving the right to retaliate if the situation remains unresolved. The BTA discussions, initiated in March, aim to deliver initial outcomes by Fall 2025.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines has expanded its international ambitions by increasing its order of Airbus A350 aircraft from 30 to 60, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. The airline has also formed a strategic partnership with Delta Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, enhancing connectivity for passengers to over 30 destinations across Europe and the US. This collaboration aims to bolster occupancy on IndiGo's new routes from Mumbai to Amsterdam and Manchester, which will utilize wet-leased Boeing 787s starting in July. Delta CEO Ed Bastian emphasized the partnership's potential for improved service and reliability, although he ruled out any equity investment in IndiGo. The alliance comes as IndiGo seeks to strengthen its position against competitors like Air India and Emirates, while also capitalizing on the growing demand for one-stop flights between India and the US, which saw over 7 million passengers in FY25.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAir India is committed to expanding India's international direct flight network and enhancing service standards, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. Speaking from the airline's Gurugram headquarters, Wilson emphasized the importance of aviation in connecting people and economies, advocating for a domestic aviation ecosystem that employs Indian personnel and supports local tourism and business. Air India is investing in training, with a new aviation academy in Gurugram and South Asia's largest flying school in Bengaluru, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce. With India's aviation market growing at 8-10% annually, Wilson noted that current air travel rates are only a fifth of China's, indicating significant growth potential. Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has quadrupled international-to-international connectivity and expanded its global network by 25%. The airline has ordered 570 new aircraft to facilitate further growth, with new deliveries expected from 2027.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTruJet is preparing for a revival after its pandemic-induced shutdown, joining a wave of Indian start-up airlines looking to purchase aircraft amid soaring lease costs and a shortage of available planes. The average monthly lease for a pre-owned ATR72-600 turboprop is $90,000, while an A320neo costs $275,000, with used aircraft from Indonesia priced at $7 million and $60 million, respectively. The volatility of the dollar-rupee exchange rate and rising financing rates have increased leasing costs by 20-25% year-on-year, prompting airlines to consider ownership for long-term financial benefits. Start-ups like FLY91 have begun purchasing aircraft directly, citing advantages such as asset ownership and maintenance control. However, industry experts warn against buying low-priced second-hand aircraft from the grey market, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance to maintain India's airworthiness standards. With a projected demand for over 2,000 aircraft by 2040, ownership could provide a competitive edge in India's aviation market.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), also known as NaMo Bharat, is revolutionizing urban mobility in India by providing high-speed, air-conditioned trains that connect satellite cities to Delhi. Currently operational in its first phase, the RRTS significantly reduces travel times and enhances the quality of life for commuters, with plans for expansion to cover over 8,000 sq km, more than doubling the reach of the Delhi Metro. The system not only offers a reliable alternative to private vehicles, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and environmental impact, but also promotes regional development by unlocking new employment opportunities. With trains reaching speeds of 180 km/h and equipped with modern amenities, RRTS prioritizes passenger comfort and safety through advanced technology. Its integration with existing transport networks further enhances its efficiency, positioning RRTS as a key player in India's sustainable urban development strategy.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inScientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines have made a significant discovery, identifying six pigmented rice varieties with potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, as detailed in the journal *Food Hydrocolloids and Health*. This research is particularly relevant in Asia, where colorectal cancer rates are rising. The team screened 800 pigmented rice varieties, finding that only six exhibited antioxidant levels comparable to superfoods like blueberries. Notably, these rice extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, suggesting a safer alternative to traditional chemotherapy. The researchers are now focused on conducting efficacy trials using mouse models, with the goal of eventually testing on humans. They have also developed a multi-nutrient supplement from rice bran, which retains about 70% of its beneficial properties when cooked. Future efforts will include identifying the genes responsible for these anti-cancer traits to enhance high-yield rice varieties.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 5 pm
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