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German defence firm thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) is seeking safeguards against potential risks in the ₹70,000 crore Project-75I submarine programme, which it is developing in partnership with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL). This precaution follows the infamous HDW submarine scandal of 1981, which involved kickback allegations and led to a CBI investigation. To mitigate future liabilities, tkMS is pursuing a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. The project aims to construct six advanced submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion systems, enhancing endurance and stealth, with the first delivery anticipated seven years post-contract signing. Negotiations will also focus on risk-sharing and technology transfer, as the Indian Navy seeks to increase indigenous production capabilities from an initial 45% to 60%. If successful, Project-75I will significantly bolster India's defence manufacturing sector and maritime capabilities, marking a pivotal step towards strategic autonomy. 
Published: Sep 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced plans to include solar wafers in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by June 1, 2028, contingent on India achieving a cumulative capacity of 15 gigawatts (GW). Currently, the country lacks a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for polysilicon, ingots, and wafers. The MNRE has released a draft for ALMM List-III, inviting stakeholder feedback until October 11, 2025. Key conditions for the list's implementation include the requirement for at least three independent wafer manufacturing units, collectively producing a minimum of 15 GW annually, and that manufacturers must have ingot production capacity equivalent to their wafer output. Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the government's commitment to developing a complete solar manufacturing ecosystem in India, aiming for self-sufficiency in solar cells, wafers, and ingots by 2028.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndian airlines are intensifying their presence in Southeast Asia to capture a larger share of outbound travelers and transit traffic. IndiGo plans to launch new flights to Bali from Mumbai and Delhi, complementing its existing service from Bengaluru, while Vistara, now part of Air India, was the first to connect Delhi to Bali in December 2023. The surge in direct flights has significantly boosted tourist arrivals, with India ranking among the top three source markets for Bali. Online travel portal Yatra.com reports a 30-35% increase in inquiries for Southeast Asia, driven by improved airline connectivity. Akasa Air is set to commence flights to Phuket and is exploring further destinations, while Air India will introduce a direct service to Manila next month. Overall, data indicates a 12% rise in scheduled flights between India and Southeast Asia, reflecting a shift in demand from the Indian diaspora to a broader base of outbound travelers.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's logistics and industrial real estate sector experienced robust growth in the first half of 2025, with total leasing reaching 30.7 million square feet (MSF), marking a 21.6% year-on-year increase and a 12.1% rise from the previous half-year, according to Cushman & Wakefield's latest report. The surge is attributed to strong demand in warehousing and manufacturing, with warehousing alone accounting for 21.9 MSF, or 71.3% of total leasing. Engineering & Manufacturing led the sector with 9.7 MSF leased, while the e-commerce sector saw a remarkable 158% annual growth, reaching 4.6 MSF. Mumbai topped the leasing activity with 7.0 MSF, followed by Delhi NCR and Pune. A healthy supply pipeline of 25 MSF of Grade-A warehousing is anticipated over the next few years, supported by policy measures and sustained demand, indicating a positive outlook for the sector through 2025.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at a joint conclave in Chennai on Sunday, aimed at simplifying the tax structure for consumers. The new GST 2.0 will reduce the number of tax slabs to two, with 99% of items previously in the 12% bracket now falling to 5% or a nil rate, particularly for food products, addressing past classification issues. Sitharaman highlighted that this "historic tax cut" is expected to inject nearly ₹2 lakh crore into the economy, a move initially intended as a Diwali bonus for consumers. Trade representatives expressed gratitude for the reforms but raised concerns about the impact on smaller retailers and specific sectors, such as the paper industry, which faces confusion over dual tax rates. The event featured various industry leaders who pledged to ensure that the benefits of the tax cuts reach consumers.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the crucial role of ethanol in sustaining India's sugar industry during a recent event in Pune, where he also highlighted the urgent need for technological advancements in agriculture. Addressing the issue of farmer suicides in Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, Gadkari attributed these tragedies to water scarcity, asserting that improved water availability could prevent such extreme measures. He praised the Naam Foundation's efforts in water conservation and supporting the families of affected farmers. Gadkari noted that the sugar sector has thrived due to ethanol, which has helped mitigate the financial struggles of sugarcane cultivators and mill operators. Meanwhile, the Congress party has accused Gadkari of a conflict of interest regarding his advocacy for ethanol production, a claim the BJP has dismissed. The controversy surrounding the rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol continues, with debates over its impact on vehicle performance.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia must prioritize the development of its own sovereign cloud technology, operating systems, and cybersecurity measures to reduce its heavy reliance on US digital infrastructure, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank warns that this dependence poses significant risks, particularly amid geopolitical tensions, as a US-imposed service cut-off could disrupt critical sectors like banking and governance. GTRI advocates for the "Digital Swaraj Mission" by 2030 to foster self-reliance in digital solutions, comparing India's situation unfavorably to China and Europe, which are advancing their own technologies. The report emphasizes the importance of treating India's vast data resources as strategic assets, suggesting measures such as local data storage and the development of a domestic AI ecosystem. With ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, GTRI stresses the urgency of building a secure digital infrastructure to safeguard India's economic and democratic interests.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced plans to introduce the Insurance Amendment Bill in Parliament during the upcoming Winter session, which typically begins in late November. The bill aims to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, a move intended to attract more foreign capital and enhance competition. Sitharaman emphasized that this change would apply to companies investing their entire premium in India and would involve a review and simplification of existing investment conditions. The proposed amendments will also modify the Insurance Act of 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act of 1956, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act of 1999, focusing on policyholder interests and operational efficiency. Currently, the insurance sector has attracted ₹82,000 crore in FDI, and the reforms aim to boost market penetration and job creation, supporting the goal of "Insurance for All by 2047."
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Sunday that recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms represent a significant victory for all Indian citizens. Speaking at the "Tax Reforms for Rising Bharat" event in Chennai, she highlighted the decision to implement these reforms ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive to launch them before the Deepavali festival, acknowledging the diverse festival calendar across states. Sitharaman emphasized that the positive effects of the GST would benefit consumers throughout the day. Notably, she revealed that 99 percent of goods previously taxed at 12 percent will now see a reduction to 5 percent. The new GST reforms are scheduled to take effect on September 22, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in the country's tax structure aimed at enhancing economic growth and consumer welfare.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the early withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from parts of west Rajasthan, occurring three days ahead of the usual schedule of September 17. Following a period of heavy rainfall, western Rajasthan has experienced a 75% surplus since June 1, although recent days saw only 0.1 mm of rain against a normal of 4.9 mm from September 11-14. The IMD indicated that conditions are favorable for further withdrawal from additional areas in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat over the next few days. The monsoon, which covered the entire country by June 29—nine days earlier than average—has resulted in a national rainfall total of 846.3 mm, 7% above the long-term average. However, the east and north-east regions have reported a 20% deficit, while the north-west has seen a 32% increase in rainfall.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 1 pm
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