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Trailblazing Indian Women in the Maritime Sector

At the recent India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, five pioneering Indian women seafarers were celebrated for their groundbreaking roles in the maritime industry: Suneeti Bala, chief engineer; Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi, the only female marine pilot; Sonali Banerjee, marine engineer; Parvathy Rajalakshmi, naval architect; and Radhika Menon, a merchant navy captain. Their achievements reflect a significant increase in female representation in the sector, with the number of Indian women seafarers rising from 1,600 in 2021 to nearly 6,000 by the end of 2024, aided by government initiatives and industry support. Despite this progress, women still represent only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce. The government’s Sagar Mein Samman initiative and corporate diversity programs aim to further enhance women's participation, while scholarships and all-women training batches are fostering inclusivity. Experts note a cultural shift, with increasing family support encouraging young women to pursue maritime careers. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 6 am

Allcargo Logistics finalizes demerger of supply chain business

Allcargo Logistics Limited has confirmed that the demerger of its international supply chain business and the merger of its domestic operations became effective on November 1. This restructuring, approved by the Mumbai branch of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on October 10, involves the creation of a new entity, Allcargo Global Limited, which will house the international supply chain operations. Meanwhile, the domestic express distribution and consultative logistics businesses will be consolidated into Allcargo Logistics Limited to enhance operational synergy. The board has set November 12 as the record date for the transaction, after which Allcargo Logistics shares will trade without the international business. Shareholders will receive one share in both Allcargo Logistics and Allcargo Global on a 1:1 basis, while Allcargo Gati Limited shareholders will receive 63 shares of Allcargo Logistics for every 10 shares held. The listing of Allcargo Global will follow regulatory approvals. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 1 pm

Kochi to host marine ecosystem challenges symposium Tuesday

Around 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are set to gather in Kochi for the fourth edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems: Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS-4), commencing on Tuesday at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. The event, inaugurated by former ISRO Chairman S Somanath, will address critical issues facing marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture, with approximately 500 research works presented across four key themes: ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries and mariculture, climate and environmental resilience, and products, value chain, and livelihoods. Special sessions will focus on women in marine biology and marine mammal research, alongside an industry meet aimed at fostering collaboration between scientific innovation and commercial application. Additionally, the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network meeting will promote regional cooperation, with the symposium expected to pave the way for a comprehensive roadmap towards healthier oceans and humanity. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 1 pm

Textile manufacturers seek tax breaks and export assistance

The Indian garments and textiles industry, significantly impacted by US import tariffs, is urging the government for various fiscal measures ahead of the 2026-27 budget. In recent consultations, industry representatives highlighted the need for tax concessions, depreciation allowances, and the revival of the interest equalisation scheme, which supports micro and small enterprises in the sector. With US tariffs on Indian textiles reaching 50%, compared to 19-20% for competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh, exports have plummeted by 37% from May to September 2025. The sector, which employs over 45 million people and is projected to grow from $174 billion to $350 billion by 2030, is also advocating for a 15% concessional tax rate to bolster new manufacturing firms. Additionally, they seek expanded duty-free import benefits for trims and accessories to enhance competitiveness amid global economic challenges. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 1 pm

PMI Hits 59.2 Amid Strong Demand and Manufacturing Growth

India's manufacturing sector showed significant improvement in October, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 59.2, up from 57.7 in September, marking the twelfth consecutive month of job creation, according to S&P Global. The PMI, which reflects the health of the sector based on responses from 400 purchasing managers, indicates expansion when above 50. Chief India Economist at HSBC, Pranjul Bhandari, noted that robust demand spurred growth in output, new orders, and job creation, despite a modest increase in input costs. The report highlighted that GST reforms, productivity gains, and technological investments have bolstered manufacturing productivity. While external sales grew at the slowest pace in ten months, manufacturers remain optimistic about future business, attributing their positive outlook to ongoing GST reforms and anticipated demand resilience. Overall, the sector's performance reflects a strengthening economy, with expectations for continued growth. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 12 pm

PM to meet exporters to boost India's global trade competitiveness

In a bid to bolster India's competitiveness in global trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with exporters from key labour-intensive sectors, including apparel, leather, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering, and seafood, on Monday. The meeting comes amid challenges posed by a steep 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods, which has raised concerns about the impact on these sectors. Export promotion council heads will also attend the discussions, which are crucial as India negotiates a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Despite facing global economic hurdles, India's exports grew by 6.74% to $36.38 billion in September, while imports surged by 16.6%, resulting in a trade deficit of $31.15 billion. For the April-September period, exports rose by 3.02% to $220.12 billion, with imports increasing by 4.53%, leading to a cumulative trade deficit of $154.99 billion. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 12 pm

Cardamom sector thrives as Idukki harvest accelerates

The cardamom sector in India is experiencing a surge in demand and increased auction arrivals, despite a 15-20% production dip due to heavy rains from May to October. With the picking season in Idukki underway, crop estimates range from 32,000 to 34,000 tonnes, bolstered by expanded cultivation and investments. Prices are projected to stabilize between ₹2,400 and ₹2,700 per kg for the next few months, with no significant declines anticipated. India has reclaimed its position as the world's largest cardamom producer, surpassing Guatemala, which is facing a production shortfall due to recovery from last year's El Niño drought. Domestic growers are strategically managing their stocks to maximize profits, while exporters are preparing for upcoming global demand, particularly from the Gulf. To enhance competitiveness, a revision of export prices for premium grades may be necessary, given the current scarcity of preferred sizes. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 12 pm

GST 2.0 drives $68 billion shopping surge in India

India's recent reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has spurred a significant increase in consumer spending during the festival season, with retail sales rising 8.5% to over $67.6 billion from September 22 to October 21. This surge, driven by demand for items such as jewellery, electronics, and cars, comes in the wake of a challenging economic environment exacerbated by a 50% import levy imposed by the US. Major car manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, reported substantial sales increases, with Maruti's production team working overtime to meet demand. However, analysts caution that this sales boost may partly reflect pent-up demand, and ongoing economic challenges, such as slow income growth and a weak labor market, could temper future consumption. Despite these concerns, companies remain optimistic about sustained growth, with signs of recovery in household sentiment noted by industry leaders. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 11 am

Bay resumes activity with new easterly waves

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has indicated a new wave of rain approaching Tamil Nadu and its coasts as the Bay of Bengal becomes active again. Following a low-pressure area that recently affected Mumbai and surrounding regions, light to moderate rainfall has been recorded across several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Significant rainfall totals included 3 cm in Mumbai and 2 cm in Nizamabad and Hyderabad. A fresh low-pressure system has emerged over the Bay of Bengal, expected to move north-northwest towards the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in Tamil Nadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next few days, potentially influenced by incoming easterly waves and remnants of Typhoon Kalmaegi. These weather patterns are known for bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, raising concerns among weather watchers. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 11 am

Nationwide Livestock Transport Network Needed to Boost Rural Economy

Farmers in Maharashtra, supported by the Quresh Conference, have urged the Indian government to establish a standardized livestock transport system to enhance the agri-supply chain. The proposal, directed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers, advocates for officially recognized trucks with uniform colors and logos, toll-free access, and dedicated transport hubs at the taluka level. It also calls for rest sheds every 100–200 km and water facilities along major routes. Currently, livestock transport is fraught with challenges, including inadequate vehicles that compromise animal welfare and expose farmers to harassment from vigilantes. National Vice President of the Quresh Conference, Sadiq Khatik, emphasized the potential for economic growth and rural employment through formalized transport systems. The initiative follows criticism from the Bombay High Court regarding poor transportation practices, highlighting the urgent need for modernization in the sector. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 11 am

India's US exports fall 37.5% from May to September 2025

India's exports to the United States have plummeted by 37.5% from May to September 2025, dropping from $8.8 billion to $5.5 billion, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, smartphones, metals, and automotive parts have all seen significant declines. Pharmaceutical exports fell by 15.7%, while industrial metals and auto parts experienced a 16.7% drop. Notably, aluminium exports decreased by 37%, copper by 25%, and auto parts by 12%. Labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, gems, and agri-foods, suffered a 33% decline, with textiles and garments shipments down 37%. The downturn is attributed to a 50% tariff imposed by the US on a range of Indian products starting August 27, reflecting a broader slowdown in US industrial activity rather than a loss of competitiveness, according to GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 10 am

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