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SMPP Ltd, a leading defence equipment manufacturer, has secured two significant contracts worth ₹300 crore from the Indian Army to supply 27,700 bulletproof jackets and 11,700 advanced ballistic helmets. The orders, placed under emergency provisions, highlight SMPP's commitment to enhancing soldier safety with innovative designs. The bulletproof jackets feature advanced dynamic load distribution and quick release systems, improving comfort and protection against high-caliber threats. Notably, the ballistic helmet is touted as the world's first to defend against AK-47 fired hard steel core ammunition. SMPP, which holds over 90% of the personal protection market share in India, has a strong focus on research and development, with 17 patents filed and 10 granted. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Palwal, Haryana, and continues to lead in the design and production of critical defence equipment. 
Published: Jul 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's alcohol beverage industry is projected to experience a 6% volume growth in FY26, with per capita consumption estimated at 2.5 litres of pure alcohol, up from 2.3 litres in FY23. The Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) segment is expected to grow by 5-6%, reaching around 464 million cases, while the beer segment is anticipated to expand at a faster rate of 8%, hitting approximately 412 million cases. According to Crisil Ratings, the industry, dominated by spirits which account for 65-70% of total revenue, is set to grow 8-10% to ₹5.3 lakh crore, driven by rising volumes and premiumisation trends. Key states for IMFL consumption include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, which together represent 40-45% of total sales. Despite rising input costs, particularly for extra neutral alcohol and barley, the industry's profitability is expected to improve due to higher realisations and ongoing volume growth.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India has launched its inaugural consumer awareness campaign aimed at promoting the nutritional benefits of chicken and shrimp. This initiative seeks to enhance domestic consumption of these products, particularly shrimp, which is predominantly exported to markets like the US and Vietnam. CLFMA Chairman Divya Kumar Gulati emphasized the campaign's focus on educating the public about the protein, fat, carbohydrate, and cholesterol content of these foods through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The campaign also aims to dispel myths surrounding these products and engage nutritionists and influencers to spread accurate information. With the Indian poultry sector growing at an annual rate of 8-10%, this effort comes at a crucial time, as consumption can fluctuate due to religious practices and disease outbreaks. The campaign is expected to bolster domestic shrimp consumption, which is primarily export-driven.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWest Bengal is intensifying efforts to boost its fish production, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Punjab, from which it typically imports around 100,000 tonnes annually. State Fisheries Minister Biplab Roy Chowdhury expressed optimism that within a year, the state will not only meet its own fish needs but also export surplus to other states and international markets. In the 2024-25 period, West Bengal exported 178,000 tonnes of fish, up from 162,000 tonnes the previous year, with a total production of 2.375 million tonnes. The government is focusing on harvesting larger fish and has initiated training programs for fish farming. Additionally, the "Abhay Pukur" scheme has successfully procured 33 rare fish species. Minister Pradip Mazumdar highlighted the growing demand for West Bengal's seafood, particularly in lucrative markets like the US, underscoring the potential for profitable investment in the sector.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAt a recent FICCI seminar, senior Indian Army officials underscored the urgent need for indigenous drone development to reduce reliance on Chinese components, particularly in light of ongoing military operations. Major General Rajiv Chibber announced that the Indian Army plans to issue $250 million in Request for Proposals (RFPs) over the next four months to enhance its firepower and air defense capabilities, building on a previous $60 billion in contracts for various unmanned aerial systems. However, he cautioned about the risks associated with dependence on imported critical components, which could lead to counterfeit parts infiltrating UAVs. To address these challenges, a comprehensive drone framework is expected by September, aimed at incentivizing local production and streamlining testing processes. Lt Gen Rahul R Singh emphasized the importance of timely equipment delivery and quality, particularly given India's complex geopolitical landscape, which includes adversaries like Pakistan, supported by China.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted that Central India, particularly Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will experience the heaviest rainfall over the next three days as the monsoon intensifies into early July. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for fishermen, advising a suspension of fishing operations in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal due to strong winds. Isolated areas in East Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are expected to see extreme rainfall exceeding 21 cm within 24 hours. A robust monsoon trough, coupled with a secondary trough from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, is driving this surge in precipitation. The IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across various regions, including the West Coast and North-West India, with heavy rain expected in several states over the coming days, contributing to a national rainfall total that is currently 12% above normal.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTea prices in Kochi auctions have surged, particularly for orthodox varieties, driven by strong demand from international buyers following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. In sale 27, the market for whole leaf tea saw prices increase by ₹5-10 per kilogram, with 2,70,446 kg offered and a sales rate of 95%. Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis reported active participation from exporters to West Asian and CIS countries, resulting in an average price rise to ₹183, up from ₹180 the previous week. Conversely, the CTC dust market faced challenges, with only 63% of good CTC brokens sold from 39,000 kg offered, while overall sales for CTC dust were lower at 84% from 5,96,658 kg. The average price for CTC dust fell to ₹143, down ₹2 from the previous week, reflecting declining local sales. The orthodox dust market also showed irregular trends, with 10,500 kg offered.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin Shipyard Limited has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea's HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. (KSOE) to enhance India's shipbuilding capabilities. The agreement focuses on joint project exploration, technical knowledge exchange, and workforce upskilling, aligning with India's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This collaboration aims to boost domestic shipbuilding through global partnerships and is supported by the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, which seeks to modernize ports and upgrade infrastructure. KSOE, a leader in shipbuilding and marine engineering, will assist in elevating India's shipbuilding standards and productivity. The MoU represents a significant advancement in strengthening India's maritime sector, fostering self-reliance and competitiveness on a global scale.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin International Aviation Services Limited (CIASL) has launched a ₹50 crore project to establish Kochi as a key aircraft maintenance hub in India. The initiative was inaugurated by CIASL Chairman S. Suhas, who laid the foundation for the new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Cochin International Airport. Spanning 53,800 sq ft, the facility is set to be completed within eight months and will cater to a variety of aircraft, including business jets and helicopters. This expansion aims to reduce reliance on international MRO services, which currently lead to significant foreign exchange outflows. Suhas emphasized the project's role in creating a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem in Kerala, while CIASL Managing Director Santhosh J. Poovattil highlighted plans for a second phase of development worth ₹150 crore. The hangar will also feature Kerala's first covered aircraft parking facility, enhancing protection for aircraft against adverse weather conditions.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for Tamil Nadu's maritime infrastructure, Mahathi Cuddalore Port and Maritime Pvt Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board to revitalize the defunct Cuddalore port. The agreement, witnessed by Chief Minister MK Stalin, aims to enhance operations at the minor port, which has suffered from continuous silting. Originally developed at a cost of ₹160 crore, the port features a depth of approximately 2.5 meters at low tide and 3-4 meters alongside the wharf. Mahathi Infra Services Pvt. Ltd (MISPL), the Hyderabad-based company behind the initiative, has a robust track record in oil and gas infrastructure projects, with an order book valued at ₹734.70 crore as of June 30, 2024. The company has been involved in various projects across India, Liberia, and Uganda, indicating a strong international presence in the sector.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia has proposed retaliatory duties against the United States under World Trade Organization (WTO) norms in response to US tariffs on its automobile sector, which it claims violate international trade agreements. The Indian government notified the WTO's Council for Trade in Goods of its intention to suspend concessions by increasing tariffs on selected US products. This move follows the US's implementation of a 25% tariff on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile parts from India, effective May 3, 2025. India argues that these measures, which have not been formally notified to the WTO, are inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the agreement on Safeguards. With annual imports affected amounting to $2.9 billion, India’s proposed tariffs could yield approximately $723.75 million in duties from US goods, complicating ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement between the two nations.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 4 pm
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