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The Indian government has confirmed that there will be no changes to its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy concerning countries sharing a land border with India, including China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Under Press Note 3, issued in 2020, investors from these nations must obtain prior government approval for investments across all sectors. This policy mandates a uniform scrutiny process for FDI proposals from these countries, which are reviewed by an inter-ministerial committee led by the Home Secretary. Despite some reports suggesting a streamlined approval process for Chinese investments, government sources have reiterated that no amendments have been made to the existing FDI policy. Currently, most FDI entering India is processed through an automatic approval route, highlighting the significance of the established regulatory framework for investments from neighboring nations. 
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Jun 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAn Air India Boeing 787 en route from Tokyo to Delhi was diverted to Kolkata on Sunday due to air conditioning issues that resulted in "persistent warm temperatures" inside the cabin. The airline confirmed that the precautionary landing was made to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Ground teams are currently assisting affected passengers while the aircraft undergoes necessary checks. Air India has not disclosed the number of passengers on board or the expected timeline for the aircraft's return to service. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by airlines in maintaining cabin conditions, particularly during long-haul flights.
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Jun 30 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tabar has successfully responded to a distress call from the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6, which suffered a significant fire in its engine room and a total power failure while en route from Kandla, India, to Shinas, Oman. The incident occurred on June 29, 2025, prompting the Navy to deploy personnel and firefighting equipment to assist the vessel, which has 14 crew members, all of Indian origin. A spokesperson confirmed that firefighting teams from INS Tabar were transferred to the tanker via ship's boat and helicopter. Currently, 13 Indian naval personnel and five crew members from the tanker are engaged in firefighting efforts, with the intensity of the blaze reportedly reduced significantly. The operation highlights the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime safety and assistance in the region.
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Jun 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Malaysian palm oil industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing productivity. The Sawit Kinabalu Group (SKG) is leading the charge by implementing zero-waste practices, such as converting palm oil by-products into organic fertiliser and biofuel, while also innovating pest management through the cultivation of plants like *Antigonon leptopus* and *Turnera subulata*, which attract natural pest predators and cut insecticide use by 40%. Other firms, like SD Guthrie, are adopting robotics for fertiliser application and pest control, while smallholders are diversifying their farms with intercropping and sustainable practices. The industry is also exploring carbon credit trading to incentivize emissions reduction. With the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification promoting responsible practices, these efforts aim to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, supporting Malaysia's climate goals and food security.
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Jun 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's trade deficit is projected to widen to $300 billion in the financial year 2025-26, representing 7.0% of GDP, according to a report by ICICI Bank. This increase comes despite expectations that oil prices will remain stable, with the deficit primarily driven by a decline in non-oil exports. In FY25, the trade deficit reached $287 billion, up from $245 billion in FY24, largely due to a 6.2% rise in imports. While exports have shown modest growth of 3.1% year-on-year, this is mainly attributed to a significant 22% increase in exports to the US, while other markets saw declines. The report anticipates steady inflows from services exports and remittances, projecting a current account deficit of $30 billion (0.7% of GDP) for FY26. Despite global economic uncertainties, India's economy is expected to remain resilient, bolstered by fiscal and monetary support.
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Jun 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe early onset of the South-West monsoon and persistent rains in high ranges are threatening cardamom plantations in India, leading to outbreaks of fungal diseases and clump rot. Farmers attribute the spread of these diseases to excessive rainfall and wind damage during May and June, raising concerns about fruit setting and the upcoming season. P.C. Punnoose, general manager of KCPMC Ltd, noted that while crop expectations were initially normal, the wet conditions have delayed harvests to mid-July or August, with current auction prices averaging Rs2650 per kg. Despite these challenges, lower carry-forward stocks from last year may support higher prices until more crops arrive in August. Meanwhile, Guatemala's struggles with production have made India more competitive in the export market, with potential for substantial exports from August to January, although price volatility remains a concern due to global uncertainties.
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Jun 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed optimism about the country's economic growth, projecting it to remain the fastest-growing globally despite geopolitical challenges. In an interview with _businessline_, she indicated that the Centre will discuss financial considerations with the Finance Commission regarding the devolution of funds to states, amidst calls for increased allocations. Sitharaman highlighted ongoing efforts to rationalise Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, suggesting that higher rates on sin goods post-2026 are a possibility. She emphasized the need for more trade agreements and tailored banking solutions to support various industries, reinforcing her confidence in achieving a growth rate between 6.3% and 6.8% for FY26, as projected by the Economic Survey. Additionally, she noted that sovereign rating agencies should consider India's positive economic indicators, including energy surplus and rising purchasing power, as they assess the country's creditworthiness.
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Jun 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inNirmala Sitharaman, India's longest-serving Finance Minister, discussed the resilience of the Indian economy and its growth prospects in an interview with _businessline_ in New Delhi. She expressed confidence in achieving projected growth rates, citing opportunities for businesses and the importance of trade agreements and tailored banking credit. Over her 11 years in office, Sitharaman highlighted significant reforms, including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), alongside efforts to enhance budget transparency and public finance management. She noted the successful consolidation of public sector banks, which have improved profitability and customer experience. Addressing fiscal concerns, she assured that defense spending would not jeopardize budget projections, emphasizing the government's commitment to domestic production. Sitharaman also acknowledged the need for ongoing support for MSMEs and hinted at future disinvestment plans, while reiterating the importance of responsible financial management in the face of global challenges.
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Jun 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural sector has seen a significant boost, with Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker rising to ₹94,110 in FY25 from ₹61,247 in FY16, according to a report by the Statistics Ministry. Released by Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, the 'Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework (SDG-NIF) Progress Report, 2025' highlights a 54% increase in agricultural productivity and a tripling of the population covered by social protection systems, now at 64.3%. Additionally, access to improved drinking water sources in rural areas has surged to nearly 100%, while renewable energy's share in total electricity generation has climbed to over 22%. The report also notes a rise in waste recycling plants to 3,036 and a decrease in the Gini coefficient, indicating reduced income inequality. These developments reflect India's progress towards sustainable development and improved living standards across the nation.
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Jun 29 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance skills in seafood value addition, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is set to host India's inaugural National Skill Olympiad in Chennai on July 1. This event, part of Seafood Expo Bharat 2025, aims to build a trained workforce and raise awareness about quality in the seafood sector. Following multiple skill tests across India's East and West coasts, ten semi-finalists will compete for top honours, with cash prizes of ₹1,00,000 for first place, ₹75,000 for second, ₹50,000 for third, and ₹25,000 for fourth. MPEDA Chairman D V Swamy announced plans to make the Olympiad an annual event to bolster India's position as a global hub for value-added seafood exports. Currently, India has 650 processing units with a capacity exceeding 35,000 tonnes, contributing significantly to the country's seafood export revenue, which reached $7.44 billion in FY25.
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Jun 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndian Railways, one of the largest rail networks globally, is set to revamp its ticketing system to enhance passenger experience significantly. The overhaul includes a modernized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) capable of handling a tenfold increase in demand, processing over 150,000 ticket bookings per minute and supporting 4 million inquiries per minute by December 2025. Key features will include OTP-based authentication linked to Aadhaar for transparent and efficient bookings, a multilingual interface for user convenience, and tailored options for students and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the preparation of reservation charts for waitlisted passengers will shift to eight hours before train departures, providing more certainty for travelers. Starting July 1, 2025, stricter Tatkal booking rules will be implemented, requiring Aadhaar verification to combat fraudulent bookings. These reforms reflect Indian Railways' commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and improving services for its 23 million annual passengers.
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Jun 29 2025, 9 pm
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