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US President Donald Trump has indicated that countries yet to receive tariff letters may face blanket tariffs of either 15% or 20%, effective August 1. This could include India, which has not yet received a letter, potentially subjecting its products to tariffs lower than the previously announced 26% reciprocal tariffs. Trump emphasized that not all countries require individual letters, stating, "We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay." The deadline for implementing these tariffs was extended from July 9 to August 1, following limited trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam. Indian negotiators recently returned from Washington without finalizing an interim trade deal, hindered by US demands in agriculture and dairy. As trade talks are set to resume, the Indian team is expected to return to Washington next week to continue negotiations. Canada was the latest country to receive a tariff letter, facing a 35% tariff from August 1. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to bid out 124 highway and expressway projects in the fiscal year 2025-26, covering a total length of 6,376 km and valued at approximately Rs 3.4 lakh crore. Notable projects include the Gorakhpur-Kishanganj-Siliguri stretch (476 km), which will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), and the Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad segment (106 km), set to be executed via the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. Additionally, the capacity augmentation of the Pampore to Qazigund section of NH-44 (48 km) will be undertaken using the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. NHAI projects are primarily executed through these three models, with concession periods ranging from 15 to 20 years for BOT and HAM, while EPC projects have a defect liability period of 5 to 10 years, depending on the pavement type. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA month after India's deadliest aviation disaster in decades, authorities are set to release a preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which occurred just 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, fully loaded with fuel, lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a medical students' hostel in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and over 30 on the ground. Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, focusing on the fuel control switches that may have been inadvertently or intentionally toggled, potentially leading to a dual engine failure. While initial findings suggest no mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines, the investigation continues to explore various factors, including pilot experience and actions taken during the emergency. The report is expected to be factual, with no immediate conclusions or blame assigned as the inquiry unfolds. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has called on the government to permit the temporary import of copra and coconut oil to address a growing demand crisis and maintain consumer interest in coconut oil. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted that coconut production has faced significant stress over the past two years, exacerbated by severe weather and pest issues, leading to a reported 40% drop in yields. Consequently, coconut oil prices have surged, tripling in the last year to over ₹400 per kg. Asthana warned that if consumers shift to alternative oils due to high prices, it could lead to long-term demand loss and farmer distress. He urged the government to allow imports for 6-12 months to stabilize prices without adversely affecting farmers. The SEA suggested implementing safeguards like Tariff Rate Quotas to ensure legitimate imports while easing supply pressures in the market. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) launched 148 non-AC electric buses on July 11, 2025, as part of its efforts to enhance public transport and reduce vehicular pollution in the city. The initiative, marked by a ceremonial flag-off by State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, introduces new express service routes and package tours. With this addition, BMTC's fleet now totals 1,436 electric buses, significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions by approximately 2.07 lakh kilograms and saving nearly 77,000 litres of diesel daily. The new buses feature a range of safety and accessibility enhancements, including wheelchair ramps, panic buttons for women's safety, and a fire detection system. BMTC plans to further expand its electric fleet, with 195 AC electric buses and an additional 4,500 buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme expected to be deployed soon, aiming for a total of 1,779 electric buses by year-end. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's current petrochemical demand is significantly below the global average, but as the economy continues to grow, consumption is expected to rise. A senior official from Reliance Industries highlighted the urgent need for India to enhance its petrochemical production capacity to meet both domestic and international demand, particularly in light of China's increasing dominance in the sector. Global petrochemical margins have been pressured by China's capacity expansions, which have led to a surplus. While India's economic growth outpaces that of major economies, its gasoline and gasoil demand is still on the rise, albeit at a slower rate as the country transitions to cleaner fuels. Vikram Sampat from Reliance warned that without proactive measures, India risks falling further behind China. He anticipates that Indian refiners may redirect a significant portion of gasoline and diesel output towards petrochemical production as fossil fuel demand peaks in the coming years. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRapido, a Bangalore-based ride-hailing startup, is rapidly gaining traction in India, outpacing Uber and Ola in user acquisition and downloads. With its innovative motorcycle taxi service and a subscription-based pricing model, Rapido has achieved profitability for the first time, positioning itself for a potential public listing. The company charges drivers a minimal daily fee instead of taking commissions, allowing them to keep their fares, which has attracted a large pool of drivers and users in a market where public transport is often limited. Last year, Rapido's app was downloaded 33 million times, compared to Uber's 21 million and Ola's 19 million. Despite facing regulatory challenges, including a suspension of services in Karnataka due to legal issues, Rapido is focused on long-term growth and expanding its reach beyond 250 cities. Co-founders emphasize their understanding of local consumer needs as a key factor in their success. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Vizhinjam International Sea Port in Thiruvananthapuram has marked a significant milestone, with Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan announcing that nearly 400 container ships have docked at the facility since its first vessel, the San Fernando, arrived on July 11, 2024. The port, which commenced commercial operations in December 2024 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, has handled 8.3 lakh containers, including 23 ultra-large vessels. Vasavan highlighted the port's operational efficiency, showcasing India's capability to utilize advanced technologies like automation and AI. Additionally, the port has trained local women as the country's first female automated crane operators and has positively impacted over 100,000 people through various social responsibility initiatives. As the port celebrates its first anniversary, plans for a second construction phase, estimated to cost over ₹10,000 crore, are set to begin, further establishing Vizhinjam as a key maritime hub. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inSeattle recently hosted a vibrant event celebrating Indian mangoes, aimed at promoting their availability in the U.S. market. Organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the "Flavors of Indian Mangoes" event showcased five distinct varieties: Dussehri, Chausa, Langra, Mallika, and Totapuri. Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Senator Manka Dhingra, and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho were among the dignitaries who enjoyed the tasting experience, praising the mangoes' unique qualities. The event highlighted a 19% increase in Indian mango exports to the U.S. in 2024, underscoring the fruit's significance in trade. Additionally, a related Indian Food Festival in Redmond featured further mango tastings and discussions between Indian exporters and U.S. retail representatives, aiming to enhance the presence of premium Indian mangoes in the Pacific Northwest market. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's wholesale inflation is projected to have risen to 0.80% year-on-year in June 2025, up from 0.39% in May, driven by increases in food, fuel, and core inflation, according to a report by Union Bank of India. The core Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which excludes food and fuel, surged from 0.86% in May to 1.63% in June. While food inflation eased to 0.60% in June from 1.72% in May, fuel inflation remained in deflationary territory but saw a slower contraction at -1.82%. The report cautioned about potential risks to inflation, including volatile global commodity prices, tariff wars, geopolitical tensions, and uncertain monsoon progress, which could impact agricultural supply chains. Despite a moderate inflation outlook for June, the report emphasizes that external factors may pose significant challenges in the coming months. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 8 am
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