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Indian Railways is set to enhance passenger safety by installing CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives, following successful trials in passenger coaches. This initiative aims to deter miscreants and organized gangs that often target unsuspecting travelers. The cameras will be strategically placed in common areas near doors to maintain passenger privacy, with each coach equipped with four dome cameras and locomotives fitted with six cameras, including those at the front, rear, and sides. High-quality footage will be ensured even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and in low-light conditions. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, recently reviewed the installation progress, with plans to incorporate AI technology to analyze the data captured by the cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission. This comprehensive security measure is expected to significantly reduce incidents of crime on trains. 
Published: Jul 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's economic growth cycle may be nearing its lowest point, buoyed by favorable macroeconomic conditions, including a decline in interest rates, lower crude oil prices, and expectations of a normal monsoon, according to a report by HSBC Mutual Fund. The report suggests these factors could catalyze a growth rebound in the coming quarters, despite ongoing global trade uncertainties that may hinder private capital expenditure. It anticipates a medium-term uptrend in India's investment cycle, driven by government infrastructure spending, increased private investments, and a recovering real estate sector. Additionally, the report highlights potential growth from investments in renewable energy and localization of technology. While Nifty valuations have risen, the fund remains optimistic about Indian equities, citing a robust growth outlook. However, it warns of challenges from geopolitical tensions and US tariffs that could impact global growth. India's GDP growth accelerated to 7.4% year-on-year in Q4FY25, aided by government measures to stimulate private consumption.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a volatile trading session, India's benchmark indices faced declines, with the SENSEX closing at 82,151.02, down 349.45 points, while the NIFTY fell by 94.50 points to settle at 25,055.35. In contrast, crude oil prices saw a modest increase, rising by 20.00 to reach 5,901.00. Gold and silver also experienced gains, with gold up by 232.00 at 98,050.00 and silver rising by 1,484.00 to 114,485.00. Meanwhile, retail inflation is anticipated to dip below 2.8% for June, marking a significant decline from May's 2.82%, driven by easing food prices due to a robust spring harvest. This would represent the second consecutive month of inflation below 3% and could influence monetary policy decisions by the Reserve Bank of India. The official inflation data is set to be released later today at 4:00 PM IST.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndian pension managers are urging the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to relax existing rules governing corporate bond investments, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The Association of NPS Intermediaries has requested an increase in the cap on corporate bonds maturing in less than three years, currently set at 10%, and seeks permission to invest in bonds rated by a single credit agency. This push for regulatory flexibility comes as the National Pension System's assets have surged to 14.4 trillion rupees ($168 billion) since the pandemic, driven by economic growth and increased investor engagement. However, the share of corporate bonds in the portfolio has declined, falling to 23.7% in March 2024 from 27.2% the previous year. While the requests aim to enhance investment opportunities, concerns remain about potential risks to credit quality and the challenges of reinvesting proceeds from shorter-maturity bonds.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia is advised to maintain its stance on core sectors, particularly agriculture, amid increasing pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report cautions that entering into trade agreements under duress could result in "irreversible consequences," especially given the potential for political shifts in the US. GTRI highlights that Trump's aggressive trade tactics are losing credibility, with only the UK and Vietnam agreeing to his "one-sided trade terms." Other nations, including Japan, South Korea, the EU, and Australia, have resisted these demands, which GTRI describes as MASALA deals—Mutually Agreed Settlements Achieved through Leveraged Arm-twisting. The report underscores that India is not alone in facing such pressures, as the US is negotiating with over 20 countries, many of which are pushing back against these politically motivated agreements that lack long-term stability.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia's ambitious dedicated freight corridor (DFC) project, a ₹1.25-lakh-crore initiative aimed at transforming freight movement, is nearing completion, with full commissioning expected by December. The final 110 km stretch of the western DFC, which has faced multiple delays, is set for phased operations starting in August. The DFC comprises 3,300 km of electrified double-line tracks, enhancing freight capacity between Punjab and Bihar, and Haryana and Maharashtra, while reducing logistics costs and carbon emissions. Currently, the DFC operates at 85% capacity, with projections to reach 96-99% by mid-2026. DFCCIL is also planning new corridors and exploring refinancing options to lower borrowing costs. Additionally, a multimodal logistics park in Gujarat aims to shift freight from road to rail, as 45% of India's freight currently relies on road transport. The project is part of the broader Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which includes developing 150 cargo terminals to attract private investment.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inKottayam Port and Container Terminal, India's first inland container depot, is set to enhance its operations by developing inland water connectivity with Vizhinjam Port for cargo transshipment. The Kerala government has shown support for this initiative, with preliminary discussions held with the Customs Commissioner, anticipating a movement of at least 30 TEUs daily. General Manager KM Roopesh Babu highlighted the need for dredging to establish a cargo route via Thrikkunnapuzha and the Thottappally Spillway, projecting an increase of around 2,000 TEUs per month to meet the demands of exporters in Central Travancore. The port, operational since 2012, has facilitated over 25,000 TEUs to Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal, generating ₹92 crore in taxes. Plans for expansion include a ₹20 crore investment from a UK firm to enhance infrastructure and equipment. Currently, Kottayam ICD primarily relies on road and rail for cargo transit, despite recent regulatory approval for inland waterway use.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inAs consumer demand for rapid delivery of everyday essentials surges, quick-commerce platforms like Swiggy's Instamart and Blinkit are significantly expanding their networks of dark stores—micro-warehousing units designed for swift order fulfillment. Swiggy's Instamart reported a rise in its dark stores from 523 to 1,021 in just one year, averaging over 1,000 daily orders per store. Blinkit, formerly Zomato, also experienced substantial growth, adding 294 stores in the last quarter alone, with plans to reach 2,000 by FY26. New entrant Zippee has similarly doubled its dark store count to 80. The rapid expansion reflects a shift in consumer expectations, with quick commerce becoming integral to daily life. Industry experts highlight the need for efficient storage solutions to support this growth, particularly in underserved Tier 2 and 3 cities, as companies adapt to evolving consumer demands and competitive pressures in the market.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndia is cautiously evaluating a US request for market access to soybean and corn as part of ongoing trade negotiations, with experts warning of potential cross-contamination risks. The Indian government is particularly concerned about ensuring that imports are non-genetically modified (GM), as the country has strict regulations against GM products. However, certification challenges arise since over 90% of US soybean and corn production is GM, and segregating non-GM varieties is uncommon. While self-certification for imports is being considered, it poses risks of mislabeling. The Global Trade Research Initiative has highlighted that importing GM products could contaminate India's agricultural exports, risking rejections in key markets like the EU. An Indian delegation is set to travel to Washington, D.C., to continue discussions on a bilateral trade agreement after previous negotiations stalled. NITI Aayog's Ramesh Chand indicated that India might agree to import non-GM soybean and corn as part of a mini-deal.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAviation experts are scrutinizing a 2018 FAA advisory regarding potential disengagement of the fuel switch locking mechanism on Boeing models, as investigations into the crash of Air India Flight AI 171 continue. Preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have ruled out weather, airworthiness, pilot error, bird strikes, and fuel quality as causes, leading experts to suggest that electrical or software malfunctions may be to blame for the in-flight shutdown of both engines shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in 241 fatalities. Pilots have expressed confidence in their actions, with no evidence of misconduct. Veteran aviator Captain Shakti Lumba has raised questions about the fuel control switch's physical position during the incident, while Mark D. Martin of Martin Consulting cautioned against prematurely exonerating Boeing and GE, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation before drawing conclusions.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 8 pm
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