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The United States is negotiating an early trade deal with India during a 90-day tariff pause, aiming to secure tariff breaks and concessions in sectors such as automobiles, motorcycles, alcohol, and medical equipment. India hopes to gain exemption from a full 26% reciprocal tariff, which includes a 10% baseline tariff already imposed. While the Trump administration can remove these reciprocal tariffs without Congressional approval, additional concessions are currently off the table. New Delhi plans to demand market access for its labour-intensive sectors in future negotiations, which are part of a broader bilateral trade agreement due by September-October 2025. The US is also pushing for digital trade provisions, including data localisation rules, to be included in the interim pact. If successful, India could gain a competitive edge over countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, which face higher reciprocal tariffs. 
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May 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Chennai Unified Metropolitan Authority (CUMTA) convened its inaugural executive committee meeting, chaired by Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, to enhance urban mobility in Chennai. The meeting focused on reviewing various projects and studies, particularly the Comprehensive Mobility Plan and Accessibility Enhancements. Key discussions included improvements to metro stations, the introduction of smart parking solutions, and advancements in public transport systems. Additionally, the committee explored multi-modal integration, upgrades to metro and suburban rail projects, freight rail connectivity, and the development of intermediate public transport and cycling initiatives. Officials from multiple departments, including Chennai Metro Rail and the transport department, participated in the meeting, underscoring a collaborative approach to urban transport challenges in the region.
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Jun 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inKarnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, inaugurated a new In-Flight Entertainment & Services Lab at Thales’ Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru, marking a significant advancement in aerospace technology. The lab will focus on research, testing, and development of in-flight entertainment systems, reinforcing Thales' commitment to Karnataka's innovation ecosystem. Patil highlighted the company's ongoing collaboration with local industries and academic institutions, which has integrated Karnataka into Thales' global innovation network and fostered a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector. The new facility complements Thales' existing operations in Bengaluru, which include mission-critical systems in avionics and air-traffic management, and follows plans for a dedicated avionics maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility by 2025. The event was attended by Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, underscoring the international ties in the region's burgeoning aerospace and defence landscape.
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Jun 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn the 2023-24 season, global trade in grains and oilseeds surged to 880 million tonnes, valued at $330 billion, according to a Rabobank report. Despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict causing price spikes, trade volumes grew at a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% for grains and 2.4% for oilseeds over the past five years, though this was slower than the previous decade's 7% growth. Soyabeans emerged as the most-traded oilseed, with an average of 168 million tonnes traded annually from 2021 to 2023, primarily driven by demand from China, which has become a key player in the soyabean market. Wheat remains the most traded grain, with Russia leading in exports. Factors such as population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, potential declines in Chinese soyabean imports, and changing biofuel policies are expected to shape future trade dynamics, alongside weather impacts on crop yields.
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Jun 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) has announced the launch of Amul milk in Spain, starting with Madrid and Barcelona, and plans to expand to other cities including Malaga, Valencia, and Alicante, as well as Lisbon in Portugal. This initiative marks Amul's first entry into the European market, facilitated through a partnership with Cooperativa Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches (COVAP), Spain's leading dairy cooperative. The official launch event took place at the Indian Embassy in Madrid, attended by Indian Ambassador Dinesh K Patnaik and Spanish officials. GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing Amul's commitment to becoming a global dairy brand. COVAP, founded in 1959, processes over 400 million liters of milk annually and exports to more than 30 countries. Amul, recognized as India's largest consumer products group, aims to further its international presence, with future plans for launches in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
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Jun 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's agricultural trade, last week saw the sale of 49.7 quintals of groundnut, 45 quintals of wheat, and 6 quintals of coriander through inter-State transactions, amounting to ₹2,34,197, ₹1,13,548, and ₹43,896 respectively. This activity coincides with the Centre's preparations to launch e-NAM 2.0, which aims to enhance inter-State trading by prompting states to amend their Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Acts. Initial outreach has focused on Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with plans to expand to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Odisha. However, experts highlight the need for structural reforms, including a unified licensing system and quality assurance mechanisms, to build trust among buyers and farmers. While some states have made amendments to facilitate e-NAM transactions, challenges remain, particularly for buyers in states without APMC laws.
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Jun 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent McKinsey report highlights the burgeoning demand from India's expanding middle class for high-value and processed agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like paneer and curd. The report notes that India's agriculture sector, valued between $580 billion and $650 billion, is the fastest-growing globally, with a projected growth to $1.4 trillion by 2035, driven by structural reforms and digital innovations. India boasts significant advantages, such as a large consumer base and low production costs, positioning it as a key player in the global agricultural landscape. The report identifies four key growth areas: bio building blocks, processed foods, agrochemicals, and agribiologicals, with potential revenues of $533 billion across 40 business segments. Additionally, India's bioeconomy is set to expand from $10 billion in 2014 to $165 billion by 2024, underscoring the sector's transformative potential.
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Jun 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inChennai Airport has introduced 30 hand-held thunder booms and two battery-operated tipping carts to enhance airside safety and operational efficiency. The thunder booms are designed to scare away birds, thereby reducing the risk of bird strikes, particularly during the critical phases of aircraft take-off and landing. From January to October 2023, the airport recorded 39 bird and animal strikes, with the majority occurring during these vulnerable moments, as noted by Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh. The airport, which manages nearly 480 flight movements daily, is situated near forested areas and the Adyar River, attracting birds that can disrupt operations. The new equipment offers a quieter and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods, such as firecrackers, for bird dispersal, ensuring safer aircraft movements and improved airside maintenance.
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Jun 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inJammu and Kashmir is set to gain rail connectivity with the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-km project that has faced decades of delays due to regional instability and challenging terrain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the project on July 6, marking his first visit to the region since Operation Sindoor. The USBRL, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, will provide year-round access to the Kashmir Valley, ending its isolation from the rest of India. The project, completed at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, is expected to boost local businesses and tourism, particularly during peak seasons. In addition to the rail link, Modi will also lay the foundation for several road projects and inaugurate the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, further enhancing infrastructure in the region.
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Jun 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), announced the company's plans to enter the ground-handling sector, which encompasses services like passenger assistance and baggage management. To facilitate this expansion, AAHL has recruited industry experts and is seeking necessary regulatory approvals. The company aims to establish itself as a significant player in ground handling within five years, potentially through organic growth or strategic acquisitions, especially following the revocation of Celebi India’s security clearance. In addition, Bansal confirmed that preparations for the Navi Mumbai Airport are progressing, with domestic operations expected to commence by July, pending final security arrangements and the establishment of ground handling units. AAHL, which has secured the operation and management rights for six airports across India, currently dominates the market, accounting for 25% of passenger traffic and 33% of air cargo.
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Jun 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inChennai Metro Asset Management Limited (CMAML), a collaboration between Chennai Metro Rail Limited and TIDCO, has awarded a ₹567-crore contract to Bridge and Roof Company (India) Ltd for the development of a Multimodal Facility Complex (MMFC) and the redevelopment of the Kuralagam Building at Broadway. The project, executed on behalf of the Greater Chennai Corporation, spans 6.484 acres and will feature a total built-up area of 1,36,580.37 square meters, including two basement levels, a ground floor, and multiple upper floors. The MMFC will incorporate 73 bus bays and is designed to accommodate 3,250 people simultaneously, with parking for 433 cars and 1,174 two-wheelers. Additionally, the redeveloped Kuralagam building will provide essential paratransit facilities, subways, and foot overbridges, enhancing connectivity with the nearby High Court metro station.
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Jun 04 2025, 7 pm
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