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Railway Min opens largest Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Manesar

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the inauguration of India's largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant in Haryana, aimed at improving automobile logistics efficiency. The terminal, linked to Patli railway station via a 10 km dedicated rail line, was developed with an investment of ₹800 crore, significantly boosting its loading capacity to 4.5 lakh automobiles annually. Vaishnaw highlighted the addition of over 1,200 general coaches in the past year and plans to augment over 100 MEMU trains to enhance short-distance travel. He also revealed plans to produce 50 new Namo Bharat trains to meet rising passenger demand. In a bid to improve ticket booking, a new Tatkal system will require Aadhaar verification starting July 2025. Additionally, the Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is set for modernization to increase production capacity, while three Amrit Bharat trains are already operational, with more on the way. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

DGCA: No major safety issues with Air India Boeing 787

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated additional inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, although no major safety concerns were identified during the checks. Following a review meeting, the DGCA expressed worries about Air India's maintenance practices, which have led to significant flight delays, including 83 cancellations in the past six days, primarily involving Boeing 787s. The regulator urged the airline to enhance coordination among its engineering and operations teams and improve its defect reporting system. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions in Delhi and airspace closures over Iran and Iraq have further complicated flight schedules, resulting in longer travel times. Passengers have voiced frustration over poor communication regarding delays and cancellations, with some reporting a lack of assistance from Air India staff. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has called for immediate action to address passenger concerns. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 10 pm

Delhivery secures CCI approval for Ecom Express acquisition

Delhivery Ltd's board has approved the acquisition of at least 99.4% of Ecom Express Ltd's share capital for a maximum consideration of ₹1,407 crore, following clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This strategic move aims to bolster Delhivery's logistics capabilities, enhancing its service offerings in the e-commerce sector. Ecom Express, an unlisted public company, specializes in logistics solutions tailored for the Indian e-commerce market, utilizing automated systems for various operations, including delivery and returns management. The acquisition, announced in April, is expected to scale up Delhivery's business, which has invested in automation and logistics technology. Ecom's turnover for the fiscal year 2023-24 was ₹2,607.3 crore, reflecting a growth from ₹2,548.1 crore the previous year. Regulatory approval is essential for significant deals to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair business practices. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

"Yara's Kanwar: Boost Soil Organic Carbon with Balanced Fertilizers"

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, emphasized the critical issue of organic carbon deficiency in soil, advocating for a tailored crop nutrient management strategy that incorporates organic minerals and biostimulants. During the launch of Yara's Sustainability Report 2024, he highlighted the imbalance in nutrient usage in India, where nitrogen is overused while potash remains underutilized due to pricing policies. Yara India has reached over 650,000 farmers through agronomy sessions and digital platforms, showcasing its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The report outlines initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including a shift to rail transport and water conservation efforts. Kanwar also addressed challenges in the regulation of biostimulants, calling for streamlined standards to foster innovation. Yara aims to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and water neutrality at its Babrala plant by the end of the decade, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship and inclusive growth. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 9 pm

Scindia and SpaceX's Shotwell Explore Collaboration Opportunities

Minister of Telecommunications Jyotiraditya Scindia met with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell on Tuesday to explore collaboration opportunities in satellite communications, following the recent licensing of Starlink to commence commercial operations in India. Scindia highlighted the meeting as productive, noting that Shotwell praised the license as a significant milestone. He emphasized the potential of satellite technologies to support India's digital ambitions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, aiming to empower citizens nationwide. The Minister's discussions come as India embraces a digital revolution, with Starlink joining Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio, both of which have also received approval to operate in the country. Scindia's engagement with Shotwell underscores the government's commitment to leveraging satellite communications to enhance connectivity and drive progress in the digital landscape. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 9 pm

India-Peru FTA: New Delhi aims for critical minerals supply

India is actively pursuing access to a variety of critical minerals from Peru, including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, as part of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). These minerals are vital for India's green energy transition and electric vehicle production. New Delhi has submitted a non-paper outlining its interests and sensitivities, with further discussions scheduled for late July. Securing these resources would provide India with a stable supply chain, reducing vulnerability to policy changes. In FY25, India's exports to Peru rose by 9% to over $1 billion, while imports surged by 60% to approximately $5 billion. The FTA aims to enhance India's export of traditional goods and strengthen its presence in the Latin American market. Additionally, Peru seeks to increase its gold exports to India, although significant reductions in import duties may be challenging due to past issues with misuse. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

Air India experiences flight schedule disruptions

Air India faced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday, with a San Francisco to Mumbai flight experiencing a technical issue that necessitated passenger deplaning during a scheduled stop in Kolkata. The airline reported at least six international flight cancellations due to enhanced maintenance checks on Boeing 787 aircraft, airspace closures, and unserviceable planes. Inclement weather further complicated matters, leading to flight diversions from Delhi and affecting domestic services. Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule criticized the airline for poor communication and service regarding a delayed Pune-Delhi flight. In response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu urged Air India to address passenger concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation summoned senior Air India executives following multiple cancellations and delays. Additionally, the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace has forced longer flight routes, exacerbating the situation for travelers, many of whom reported a lack of information from the airline. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

AC Truck Cabins May Raise Operational Costs by 4%

Truckers in India are raising concerns over rising fuel costs linked to a new government mandate requiring air-conditioned (AC) cabins in all newly manufactured trucks by October 2025. They anticipate a 4% increase in operational costs, which could significantly impact profits and lead to higher charges for customers, ultimately affecting the entire supply chain. Bal Malkit Singh, an advisor and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, emphasized that the cost of commercial vehicles could rise by up to 2% due to these changes. Major automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have begun integrating AC cabins into their truck models, citing enhanced driver comfort and productivity. However, truck owners like Vinay Kumar express concern that the added fuel expenses will further squeeze their already thin profit margins. In response, truckers plan to meet with government officials to seek relief and potentially extend the implementation deadline. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

Travlounge secures funding to improve nationwide travel lounges

In a significant boost for India's travel infrastructure, Travlounge has secured ₹25 crore in second-round funding from Gokulam Group, aimed at enhancing roadside facilities for travellers. Launched by Azcco Global and Beacon Group, Travlounge offers amenities such as international-standard lounges, hygienic toilets, sleeping pods, and cafes, catering to both long and short-distance journeys. The initiative, which began two years ago with an initial investment of ₹8 crore, reflects growing confidence in its potential. The project was recently highlighted with the unveiling of the Travlounge app by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, designed to streamline travel planning. With plans for nationwide expansion, Travlounge is set to transform the travel experience in India, ensuring quality amenities are accessible to all travellers. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 8 pm

Climate Change Causing Failures in EHV Transmission Towers

A Standing Committee of Experts, led by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has attributed the failures of extra heavy voltage (EHV) transmission towers in 2024 to high-intensity winds linked to climate change. Utilities are required to report failures of 220 kV and above transmission towers within 48 hours and submit detailed reports within a month; however, compliance has been poor, with only 10 out of 28 incidents reported on time. The committee noted that many utilities failed to provide crucial wind speed data, which is essential for verifying the effectiveness of tower designs. Discussions included the potential installation of wind sensors in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department to enhance data collection. The committee also highlighted the need to update the wind zone map of India, last revised in 2016, to reflect changing wind patterns due to climate events. sources

Published:
Jun 17 2025, 7 pm

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