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US extends tariff suspension to August 1, aiding Indian exporters

The United States has extended the suspension of reciprocal tariffs, initially set to take effect on July 9, until August 1, 2025, providing crucial relief to Indian exporters amid ongoing trade negotiations. This decision comes as India seeks to finalize an interim trade deal with the US, which has been its largest trading partner since 2021-22. Notably, India was not included in the recent list of countries receiving tariff letters from the Trump administration, which targets several nations with new tariffs starting August 1. Exporters in India view this extension as a positive sign, allowing additional time for dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. With bilateral trade reaching USD 131.84 billion in 2024-25, stakeholders remain hopeful that a bilateral trade agreement can be concluded by fall 2025, although some caution that the short suspension period may necessitate exploring new markets. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 10 am

Early monsoon boosts crop production, acreage up 11%

Farmers in a border village between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are experiencing a boost in maize cultivation, thanks to the early arrival of the monsoon, which is 10-15 days ahead of schedule. A report by AnandRathi indicates that maize acreage has increased by 11% as farmers shift crop patterns, particularly replacing cotton with maize in western and southern India. Despite lower carried-over stocks, stable domestic and global prices suggest that significant price hikes are unlikely, reflecting a strong season for technical manufacturers. The agrochemicals sector is projected to grow by 8% year-on-year, with maize hybrid seeds expected to see a 20% increase. Analysts believe the sector is on a path to recovery after facing challenges from adverse weather, global stock pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. The report anticipates an 8% revenue growth for the sector, driven by improved product mix and operational efficiencies. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 1 pm

AAIB submits AI-171 crash report to Civil Aviation Ministry

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted a preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in over 250 fatalities. The report, based on initial findings, details the recovery of two black boxes—one retrieved from a rooftop on June 13 and the other from debris on June 16. The Crash Protection Module from the front black box was successfully accessed on June 25, 2025, at the AAIB Lab. The investigation is being led by AAIB officials, with support from technical teams from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Notably, the AAIB Lab is now equipped to decode black box data domestically, a significant advancement from previous practices that required sending data overseas. The NTSB team is currently in Delhi, collaborating closely with Indian authorities and technical experts from Boeing and GE. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 1 pm

Shankh Air aims to boost regional connectivity in UP

Shankh Air, a regional carrier based in Uttar Pradesh, is currently awaiting approval for its flying permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline plans to launch services connecting six destinations from the state capital, Lucknow, including Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Indore, and Dehradun. In a bid to differentiate itself from existing regional players, Shankh Air intends to lease narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft rather than the turboprop planes commonly used. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma recently met with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to discuss the airline's roadmap and its alignment with the government's UDAN scheme aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity. Vishwakarma emphasized the airline's commitment to supporting local businesses, tourism, and job creation in underserved areas of Uttar Pradesh, positioning Shankh Air as a catalyst for progress in the region. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 12 pm

Trump urges India, claims trade deal is near

US President Donald Trump has reiterated that a trade deal with India is imminent, despite ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield results. Reciprocal tariffs of 26% on Indian goods, initially set to take effect on July 9, have been paused for an additional three weeks, although a 10% baseline tariff remains in place for most countries. Trump has sent letters to fourteen trade partners, including Japan and South Korea, outlining new tariffs to be imposed from August 1, aimed at reducing America's trade deficit. While Trump described the August 1 deadline as "firm," he expressed openness to further negotiations. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that the country will negotiate on its own terms, prioritizing its agricultural and dairy interests, as well as seeking preferential access for labor-intensive products. The Indian negotiating team recently spent a week in Washington, but disagreements have delayed a final agreement. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 11 am

"Trump's Trade Tactics: Compliance Over Cooperation, Says GTRI"

A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's trade strategy, asserting that it relies on tariffs as a coercive tool rather than fostering genuine partnerships. The report highlights that Trump's approach circumvents traditional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), demanding tariff reductions and purchase commitments from partner countries without offering reciprocal concessions. Even if India finalizes a trade deal with the U.S., it may still face a minimum 10 percent additional levy on exports, as the existing 26 percent surcharge imposed in April may not be fully lifted. The GTRI warns that Trump's trade tactics create an unpredictable environment, with countries at risk of facing new tariffs despite any agreements reached. Furthermore, the report notes that Trump lacks Fast Track Trade Authority, complicating the legal basis for these tariffs, which have already been deemed unlawful by a federal court. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 11 am

Australia's $2.7 Trillion Pensions Shift Focus from US

Australia's A$4.1 trillion pension industry is shifting its investment strategies, with major funds expressing concerns over high US stock valuations and increased volatility linked to former President Donald Trump's policies. AustralianSuper, the largest pension fund, has reduced its exposure to US equities while remaining optimistic about infrastructure investments. Colonial First State is diversifying into emerging markets and private equity, citing attractive valuations in Chinese stocks. Other funds, like Australian Retirement Trust and Aware Super, are cautious about US investments, focusing instead on real assets and strategic allocations in Europe. Meanwhile, HESTA is exploring opportunities in US and European property markets, while Legalsuper maintains its US equity position but is wary of the dollar's strength. Overall, Australian pension funds are increasingly looking beyond the US to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging market potential. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 9 am

Delhi HC rejects Celebi's plea, supports BCAS ruling

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea from ground handling firm Celebi, which contested the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) due to national security concerns. Celebi claimed its license was cancelled without prior notice or adequate reasoning. However, the court ruled that national security considerations can supersede the principles of natural justice, emphasizing that the security of the nation is paramount. The BCAS revoked Celebi's clearance on May 15, shortly after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan and criticized India's military actions. The court highlighted the critical nature of ground handling services, which provide extensive access to sensitive airport operations, necessitating rigorous security vetting, especially for foreign-affiliated operators. This ruling may set a precedent for similar cases, including a pending appeal from another Celebi subsidiary. sources

Published:
Jul 07 2025, 8 pm

Chennai Port Authority gains ₹500 crore from Hyundai in 15 years

In the past 15 years, the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) has generated nearly ₹500 crore from Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), a key client for car exports. This revenue, derived from vessel and cargo-related charges, underscores a long-standing partnership that began with a strategic MoU 25 years ago. HMIL has exported over 3.7 million vehicles to more than 150 countries, currently serving over 60 markets with nine tailored models, including the CRETA and the newly launched CRETA Electric. The company exported 163,386 units in FY 2024-2025, with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru as its top markets. S. Kirupanandasamy, Traffic Manager at ChPA, noted that Hyundai benefits from a dedicated facility at the port, capable of holding over 4,000 vehicles. Looking ahead, HMIL's Managing Director, Unsoo Kim, projects a 7-8% growth in export volumes for FY26, driven by strong demand in emerging markets. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 7 am

JSW Infra awarded Kolkata port berth reconstruction contract

JSW Infrastructure has secured a significant contract from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority to reconstruct Berth 8 and mechanise Berths 7 and 8 at the Netaji Subhas Dock in Kolkata. This ambitious project, which is expected to enhance the port's container handling capacity, comes with a 30-year concession period and an estimated capital expenditure of ₹740 crore. The construction is set to take two years and will be executed under a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model as part of a public-private partnership (PPP). The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure and improve operational efficiency in one of India's key maritime hubs. sources

Published:
Jul 07 2025, 8 pm

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