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Severe rain forecast for Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra

In a mixed day for Indian markets, the SENSEX rose by 130.90 points to close at 82,886.41, while the NIFTY gained 10.55 points, reaching 25,255.30. In commodities, gold saw an increase of 138.00, priced at 97,495.00, and silver rose by 420.00 to 106,400.00. Conversely, crude oil prices fell by 33.00, settling at 5,610.00. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for strong surface winds, reaching speeds of 40-60 km/h, across Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana over the next four days. Fresh thunderstorms have developed off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with heavy rainfall expected in various regions, including Konkan, Goa, and parts of North-West India, as a low-pressure area forms over the north-west Bay of Bengal. The IMD forecasts isolated heavy rainfall in several states, including Punjab and Uttarakhand, in the coming days. sources

Published:
Jun 26 2025, 9 am

Vizhinjam Terminal seeks Shore Tension System for monsoon waves

Vizhinjam Terminal is set to enhance its operations by implementing a Shore Tension System aimed at mitigating the impact of waves and boosting vessel productivity, particularly during the monsoon season. Sources indicate that the terminal has engaged Dutch agencies for the procurement of this equipment, expected to arrive within two months. This marks the terminal's first monsoon since its launch in December 2024, during which it recorded a throughput of 99,976 TEUs in June, a decline from 1.04 lakh TEUs in May, yet surpassing the concession agreement's monthly target of 85,000 TEUs. The Shore Tension System will improve vessel mooring safety amid strong winds and waves, thereby enhancing crane productivity and reducing vessel turnaround times. Experts warn that the South West monsoon generates challenging wave conditions, complicating port operations, but the new system is anticipated to significantly improve throughput and operational efficiency. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 12 pm

8 Bills Set for Introduction in Monsoon Session

The Indian government is poised to introduce eight new Bills during the Monsoon Session, which runs from July 21 to August 21. Key proposals include the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, aimed at enhancing mineral recovery and optimizing mining practices, and the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, designed to protect significant geological sites. Additionally, the National Sports Governance Bill seeks to improve governance in sports, while amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act will align with international standards. Other Bills include the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, and the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill. The Lok Sabha Bulletin indicates a total of 12 Bills will be addressed, including three awaiting consideration: The Indian Ports Bill, The Merchant Shipping Bill, and a Bill on the representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 11 am

Ashok Leyland teams with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank for financing

Ashok Leyland has announced a strategic partnership with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to enhance vehicle financing options for customers across Tamil Nadu. The two entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing customized loan solutions, thereby strengthening Ashok Leyland's market presence and improving access to its innovative, cost-effective products. Viplav Shah, Head of Ashok Leyland's Light Commercial Vehicle Business, emphasized that this collaboration will facilitate better accessibility to their offerings. Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, which operates 676 branches throughout the state, is committed to catering to diverse financial needs, and its Chairman, Mani Subramanian, expressed confidence that the partnership will bolster support for businesses in the commercial vehicle sector. This initiative reflects a growing trend of collaboration between automotive manufacturers and financial institutions to drive growth in the industry. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 11 am

Analysts doubt effectiveness of US 50% copper tariff

Copper prices are nearing record highs on the COMEX amid the Trump administration's proposal for a 50% tariff on imports of the metal, aimed at bolstering domestic production. However, analysts question the effectiveness of this strategy, noting that the U.S. produces only 5% of the world's copper and has seen a 20% decline in output over the past decade. The lengthy permitting process for new mines, which can take up to 29 years, further complicates efforts to increase domestic supply. Financial consultancy JP Morgan forecasts a decline in copper prices, predicting they will drop to $9,100 per tonne by late 2025. The Australian Office of the Chief Economist warns that the tariffs could lead to higher domestic prices, impacting U.S. manufacturers and potentially harming the refining sector. Experts suggest that export restrictions and expedited mine permitting may be more effective than tariffs in supporting U.S. copper production. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 9 am

India, US Trade Pact Talks Advancing Rapidly: Goyal

Negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States are progressing rapidly, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The Indian delegation is currently in Washington for discussions aimed at finalizing the first phase of the agreement by fall 2023. Goyal emphasized the cooperative spirit of the talks, which aim to create a mutually beneficial trade framework. Concurrently, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs) with the EU and the UK, noting that these modern pacts encompass a broader range of issues, including services, regulatory systems, and digital trade principles. Barthwal explained that the new agreements are designed to foster global capability centres in India and provide businesses with regulatory certainty. The FTA discussions are characterized by detailed deliberations and stakeholder consultations, reflecting the complexity of contemporary trade relationships. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 9 am

Parliamentary Committee to adopt new Income Tax Bill report tomorrow

A Parliamentary Committee is set to convene on Wednesday to adopt a report on the new Income Tax Bill, which the government plans to consider and pass during the Monsoon Session from July 21 to August 21. Chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, the Select Committee will review the Draft Report on the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to simplify tax language, eliminate redundancies, and enhance the taxpayer experience. The proposed legislation, intended to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, is designed to reduce its length by nearly half and streamline provisions for easier understanding. Notably, the new Bill will replace the concepts of 'previous year' and 'assessment year' with a single 'tax year.' Following the Committee's report, the government will consider recommendations before seeking Cabinet approval for discussion in the Lok Sabha. The new law is expected to take effect from April 1, 2026. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 9 am

July CPI inflation may hit record low, SBI predicts 3% FY26

India's retail inflation is projected to hit a record low in July 2025, with the State Bank of India (SBI) forecasting an average Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation of 3.0-3.2% for the financial year 2025-26, significantly below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) estimate of 3.7%. This follows a notable decline in June 2025, where CPI inflation fell to 2.10%, the lowest in 77 months, primarily due to a sharp drop in food prices. Despite this positive trend, concerns remain over rising imported inflation, which accounted for 71% of the CPI increase in June, driven by higher gold and silver prices. The RBI's recent 50 basis points rate cut aims to support economic growth, with the possibility of an additional 25 basis points cut on the horizon. The central bank continues to balance growth and inflation while navigating external trade disruptions. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 9 am

US Inflation Expected to Rise Due to Trump's Tariffs

Inflation is expected to have accelerated in June, with consumer prices likely rising 2.6% year-on-year, up from 2.4% in May, according to FactSet. This increase is attributed to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on nearly all imports, which have raised costs for electronics and appliances. However, the overall inflationary impact has been mitigated by falling prices for airfares and hotels, alongside modest rental cost increases. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, is projected to rise to 3% from 2.8% in May. The Federal Reserve remains cautious about cutting interest rates, as rising prices could complicate economic policy. Trump has criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, calling for immediate rate cuts to ease housing costs. While some companies, like Walmart and Mitsubishi, have begun raising prices in response to tariffs, many others are holding off, awaiting potential trade agreements that could alleviate duties. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 9 am

Tea Prices Drop in North India Due to Increased Supply

Tea prices at North India auction centres have dropped by 10-15% year-on-year, attributed to a significant rise in tea availability and increased imports of inexpensive Kenyan teas. The volume of tea sold from June to July this year surged to 51.79 million kgs, up from 39.42 million kgs during the same period last year. Average prices across five sales in Guwahati, Siliguri, and Kolkata fell to between ₹229.04 and ₹246.49 per kg, compared to higher prices in 2024. Industry experts, including Indian Tea Association Chairman Hemant Bangur, noted that the influx of Kenyan teas is negatively impacting domestic prices, prompting calls for the Tea Board to restrict imports. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding compliance with pesticide residue regulations, with some gardens reportedly failing to meet standards, which could affect future production and market stability. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 8 am

India can gain textile export share from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia

India is poised to significantly enhance its apparel exports to the United States, as highlighted in a recent State Bank of India (SBI) report amid ongoing tariff tensions affecting key Asian competitors. Currently holding a 6% share of the US apparel import market, India could potentially capture an additional 5%, contributing an estimated 0.1% to its GDP. While India has a Revealed Comparative Advantage in textiles, it faces tough competition from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with Vietnam benefiting from a more favorable tariff structure. However, the US tariffs disadvantage Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia, creating an opportunity for India to increase its market share. The report also identifies potential growth in other sectors, including agricultural goods and processed products, urging India to leverage these trade shifts to bolster its export presence and drive economic growth. sources

Published:
Jul 15 2025, 8 am

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