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India's Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is set to implement new rules on related party transactions (RPTs) in July, significantly expanding compliance requirements for companies. The regulations now encompass entities related in the past financial year, increasing the number of transactions subject to scrutiny. Experts warn that the heightened disclosure demands, including independent valuations and fairness opinions, could slow decision-making and inflate costs, particularly for mid-sized and promoter-driven firms. The ambiguity surrounding what constitutes an "arm's-length" transaction raises concerns about potential disputes among management, audit committees, and regulators. Additionally, the increased responsibilities placed on audit committee members and independent directors may deter qualified professionals from these roles. Critics, including former SEBI chairman M. Damodaran, have expressed concerns over the potential for regulatory overreach, as the rules may hinder legitimate business activities while aiming to enhance transparency and protect investors. 
Published: May 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to inaugurate a new special train service connecting Dr MGR Chennai Central to Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur, Rajasthan, via video conference on Saturday. The Railway Board has approved the introduction of Train No. 20625/20626, which will operate five days a week. The inaugural journey is scheduled to depart Chennai at 17:30 on May 3, arriving in Bhagat Ki Kothi at 12:30 on the third day. The train will feature a diverse coach composition, including two AC two-tier coaches, four AC three-tier coaches, four AC three-tier economy coaches, six sleeper class coaches, four general second class coaches, one Divyangjan-friendly second class coach, and a luggage-cum-brake van. It will make stops at several key stations, including Vijayawada, Warangal, and Vadodara, before reaching its final destination. 
Published: May 02 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's manufacturing sector experienced its most significant growth in ten months in April, driven by strong export demand and increased production, despite companies raising selling prices at the fastest rate in over 11 years. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 58.2, slightly up from March's 58.1, indicating robust activity. Chief India economist at HSBC, Pranjul Bhandari, noted that the surge in new export orders suggests a potential shift in production to India amid changing trade dynamics. Consumer goods manufacturers reported the highest growth, while overall new orders remained strong, close to an eight-month high. The hiring pace also increased, with manufacturers offering more permanent and temporary contracts. Despite moderate input cost inflation, firms raised selling prices significantly, reflecting healthy demand. Business confidence remains high, with over 30% of manufacturers anticipating increased output in the coming year. 
Published: May 02 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndian Railways has launched a nationwide competition inviting professionals, college students, and school students to design standardised digital clocks for railway stations across the country. The initiative aims to unify the appearance of clocks at platforms and stations, with a grand prize of ₹5 lakh for the winning design. Each category will also feature five consolation prizes of ₹50,000. Participants can submit their designs online from May 1 to May 31, ensuring that entries are high-resolution and original, accompanied by a concept note. Students in the school category must provide a valid school ID, while college entrants must be enrolled in recognised institutions. All submissions should respect intellectual property rights. Entries can be sent to [email protected]. This competition reflects Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through innovative design. 
Published: May 02 2025, 8 ameznews.inMumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has refuted claims made by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding pressure tactics to shift airline operations to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). In a statement released on Thursday, MIAL emphasized that it has adhered to a transparent and consultative process, engaging stakeholders since 2018 in the master planning of NMIA. The airport operator highlighted that recent operational adjustments, including the suspension of freighter operations and slot reductions for West Asian airlines, are part of necessary infrastructure upgrades overseen by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India. MIAL firmly rejected IATA's insinuations, asserting that airlines retain full autonomy over their network planning and that there has been no attempt to influence traffic movement between the two airports. The NMIA project, envisioned in 1997, is seen as a significant national infrastructure development. 
Published: May 01 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is preparing for the upcoming Census, with the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approving the inclusion of caste enumeration. The Union Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 allocates over ₹500 crore for Census-related activities, but significantly more funding will be necessary to complete the Census and update the National Population Register (NPR). A 2019 Cabinet decision estimated the Census would cost over ₹8,700 crore, with an additional ₹3,900 crore for the NPR. Originally scheduled for 2020, the Census was postponed due to the pandemic. While no specific timeline has been announced, it is anticipated that the Census will commence before the Bihar Assembly elections later this year. To facilitate this, the government may introduce a Supplementary Demand for Grants (SDG) in the monsoon session of Parliament, a move that reflects the political urgency surrounding the Census process. 
Published: May 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn FY24, India achieved a remarkable milestone by exporting over $435 billion in goods, with electronics, chemicals, and machinery leading the charge. A report by 3one4 Capital projects that India's manufacturing gross value added (GVA) will surge from $459 billion in FY24 to $1.6 trillion by FY2034, fueled by substantial capital investment and government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The industrial sector currently contributes 27.6% to GDP, with manufacturing alone accounting for 14.2%. Notably, electronics production reached $115 billion, while auto component exports soared to $20 billion, positioning India as a key player in global supply chains. The chemicals sector is expected to double its market share by 2029, and aerospace manufacturing is gaining traction with innovative start-ups. State incentives are further bolstering regional growth, making India a competitive alternative in the global market. 
Published: May 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe closure of Pakistan's airspace has led to a 45-minute increase in flight durations for IndiGo's services to Baku, Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi, Georgia. Despite this disruption, demand for Central Asian destinations remains strong, with travel companies noting a 2% month-on-month reduction in overall capacity between India and Central Asia in April. IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights from Delhi to Almaty and Tashkent until May 7, while Kazakhstan's Air Astana has introduced three weekly flights from Almaty to Mumbai. Additionally, Azerbaijan Airlines plans to launch a new service between Baku and Ahmedabad in July. Travel experts report that customers are willing to adjust their travel plans rather than change destinations, driven by a desire for culturally rich experiences. Year-on-year, capacity between India and Central Asia has surged by 26%, with Indian and Central Asian airlines operating 18 daily services, predominantly from Delhi. 
Published: May 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has indicated a cautious approach towards potential trade deals with India, Japan, and South Korea, asserting that these nations need the US more than vice versa. As negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with India loom, the US Commerce Department is scrutinizing India's tariffs and trade restrictions, particularly on agricultural products. Trump emphasized his lack of urgency, stating, "We are sitting on the catbird seat," while expressing optimism about ongoing tariff negotiations with India. Top US officials have described the deal as "close," urging India to reduce tariffs on various goods, including automobiles and agricultural products. However, Indian negotiators face challenges due to domestic sensitivities surrounding food security. Following Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on countries with trade surpluses, including a 26% levy on India, a 90-day pause has been granted to facilitate trade discussions, with in-person meetings scheduled for late May. 
Published: May 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWater levels in over 80% of India's 161 major reservoirs have fallen below 50%, with overall storage at just 33.36% of their total capacity, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). This week, 105 reservoirs reported storage below 40%, while Tamil Nadu's reservoirs led with a healthier 64.36%. The northern and eastern regions are particularly affected, with levels below 30%, although the northern region saw a slight increase this week. The CWC noted that while current levels are higher than last year and the 10-year average, the India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal temperatures in May, which could exacerbate the decline. However, timely onset of the South-West monsoon, expected around June 1, could improve conditions. The central and western regions fared better, with Madhya Pradesh and Goa reporting over 40% storage, while Maharashtra struggled at 26.23%. 
Published: May 01 2025, 8 pm
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