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The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, operated by the Adani Group near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is pioneering automation in container and ship handling, achieving full capacity utilization of 1.2 million TEUs in its inaugural year. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2024, the port has efficiently managed over 380 container ships, including the world's largest, _MSC Irina_. Unlike traditional terminals, where operators manually control cranes, Vizhinjam employs remote operations from a control room, enhancing productivity and reducing stress. The port utilizes advanced technologies, including automated quay cranes and a digital twin system for real-time monitoring, significantly improving operational safety and efficiency. Additionally, a vessel traffic management system optimizes ship movements and enhances navigational safety. While the port's automation is impressive, the integration of fully automated inter-terminal vehicles remains a future goal, as experts note the challenges of achieving complete automation in global ports. 
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inFarMart, a food supply platform catering to Asia, West Asia, and Africa, is enhancing its AI capabilities with a new agentic model for market linkage, currently in beta testing with early adopters. This innovative conversational tool acts as a real-time intelligence layer for farmers, processors, and buyers, facilitating tasks related to market trends, pricing, shipment tracking, and buyer leads through natural language. Users have reported improved decision-making and less dependence on manual brokers. The company plans to publicly launch the AI product by year-end, featuring support for regional languages and voice-first functionalities. By integrating this AI with its backend systems, FarMart aims to create a fully intelligent supply chain connecting farms, factories, and customers. CEO Alekh Sanghera emphasized the company's commitment to food safety and its position as a leader in the agri-food sector, connecting over 3.8 million farmers and 1,100 processing units to 3,000 institutional buyers.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inP Rajeeve, Kerala's Industries Minister, inaugurated the Agri Business Incubator (ABI) programme at Kerala Agricultural University, aimed at fostering innovation in the food processing sector. The initiative, supported by the Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion and funded through a 60:40 Centre-State ratio, aligns with the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. Rajeeve highlighted Kerala's achievement in meeting PMFME targets and announced plans for food parks in collaboration with universities to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities. The ABI features modern processing lines for local products, including spices and fruits, and laboratories for quality analysis, designed to assist entrepreneurs, farmers, and students. The facility has already facilitated the first agri exports to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, marking a significant milestone as the first university-based incubator in India to enter the export market. This initiative exemplifies the integration of academic expertise with industrial infrastructure to boost the agri-food sector.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a landmark ruling, the Anti Profiteering division of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) has ordered Subway franchisee Urban Essence to deposit over ₹5.47 lakh for failing to pass on a GST rate reduction to consumers. The ruling, delivered by President Sanjaya Kumar Mishra on August 5, marks the first order from the newly established anti-profiteering mechanism following the dissolution of the National Anti-Profiteering Authority. The Tribunal found that Urban Essence did not adjust its prices after the GST on restaurant services was reduced from 18% to 5% on November 15, 2017, and failed to provide valid reasons for maintaining higher prices. This decision sets a significant precedent for future cases under Section 171 of the CGST Act, emphasizing that businesses must pass on tax benefits to consumers, regardless of operational cost increases. The ruling underscores the seriousness of anti-profiteering enforcement in India.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) has called on the Indian government to implement urgent measures in response to a 50% US tariff on Indian rubber products, which threatens to undermine the competitiveness of exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). AIRIA President Shashi Singh warned that the tariff would significantly increase prices in the US market, potentially leading to a sharp decline in export volumes as buyers turn to countries with lower duties, such as Vietnam and Thailand. He emphasized the need for export incentives, interest-free loans, and expedited free trade agreement negotiations to access new markets. Additionally, Singh urged the government to bolster domestic demand through investments in infrastructure, automotive, and defense sectors to help the industry withstand the tariff's impact. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, India recorded a trade surplus of ₹5,267 crore with the US, with rubber exports totaling ₹7,505 crore.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Good Rice Alliance (TGRA) has achieved an ‘Ae’ ex ante rating from BeZero Carbon, indicating a strong commitment to sustainable rice farming in India. This initiative, backed by Bayer and Shell Energy India, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). The ‘Ae’ rating signifies a high likelihood of successful project execution and the potential for each TGRA credit to deliver one ton of CO2e avoidance. Since May 2023, TGRA has enrolled over 12,000 smallholder farmers across 13 states, covering 35,000 hectares and reducing methane emissions by nearly 120,000 tonnes annually. The project not only conserves water—potentially saving over 330 billion gallons per season—but also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing its role in combating climate change while supporting local communities.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inSpiceJet has announced a damp-lease agreement for five additional Boeing 737 aircraft as it prepares for the winter travel season. Currently, the airline operates 13 Boeing 737s and six regional jets from a total fleet of 53, with 34 aircraft grounded, according to Planespotter.com. The newly leased planes are expected to join the fleet in October, with some arriving earlier, and will be utilized through May 2026. This move follows a similar announcement made on July 25 for five leased aircraft, aimed at bolstering capacity during the peak winter season and extending into early summer 2026. Under the damp-lease arrangement, operational crews will be shared between SpiceJet and the leasing operator. The airline is also in advanced discussions to secure more aircraft ahead of the winter schedule, which commences in October each year.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a significant move to enhance the efficiency of the insolvency framework, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The proposed changes aim to expedite the admission, resolution, and liquidation processes, reducing the average admission time from over 434 days to just 14 days. Key features include the introduction of a creditor-initiated insolvency resolution process, provisions for domestic group and cross-border insolvency, and empowering the committee of creditors to oversee liquidation. The amendments also seek to improve governance by addressing the misuse of personal guarantors and enhancing regulatory oversight. Notably, the bill proposes to streamline the adjudication process, allowing the Adjudicating Authority to rely on default records from financial institutions, thereby facilitating quicker resolutions and maximizing asset value. The bill has been referred to a Select Committee for further examination.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for 'low to moderate' flash flood risks in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, with 'very heavy' rainfall expected today. The IMD's National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin predicts up to 180 mm of rain in certain areas over the next 24 hours, exacerbated by recent rainfall of 62 mm, which has led to soil saturation levels of 85-99%. In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla and Sirmaur are particularly at risk, while multiple districts in Uttarakhand, including Almora and Dehradun, are also on alert. Bihar's Arariya and Kishanganj, along with various districts in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, face similar threats. The IMD cautioned that surface runoff and inundation could occur in fully saturated soils and low-lying areas, prompting regional meteorological offices to remain vigilant.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inSarabjit Singh Puri, Chairman of Fateh Rural Limited, highlights a significant shift in agriculture as educated children of farmers increasingly adopt sustainable practices. In an online discussion with _businessline_, Puri noted that farmers are reconsidering chemical usage, opting for alternatives that maintain productivity. The integration of technology, such as sensors and IoT devices, is enhancing efficiency in crop management, particularly for export-oriented products like grapes. Fateh Rural, established in 2003, operates call centres that support agricultural marketing, employing rural women graduates to communicate effectively with farmers. With a workforce of 150, the company plans to expand its services across India and internationally, aiming to cater to farmers in various languages. Puri emphasized the growing reliance on smartphones among older farmers and the role of digital platforms in connecting them with new markets and agricultural innovations. Fateh Rural also serves diverse sectors, including agri-machinery and solar technology.
Published: Aug 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's tourism sector has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost employment from 50 million to nearly 200 million jobs by 2047, as part of the Tourism Vision 2047 initiative. Announced at a national tourism conclave organized by the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the roadmap aims to create a $3 trillion tourism economy, attracting 100 million international visitors and 20 billion domestic trips. Key industry leaders, including Puneet Chhatwal, emphasized tourism's potential as a significant job creator and economic driver, urging policy reforms such as granting tourism infrastructure status and promoting India as a premier destination. FAITH also called for enhanced infrastructure development and sustainability measures to protect ecological integrity. Vice Chairman Ajeet Bajaj stressed the need for a collaborative approach among government, industry, and local communities to elevate tourism's contribution to India's GDP from 5% to 10% by 2047.
Published: Aug 12 2025, 9 pm
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