India's engineering goods exports recorded a robust 21% year-on-year increase in June, reaching $11.48 billion, driven by healthy demand from key markets such as China, the United States, Germany and Oman, according to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India. The strong performance comes despite ongoing concerns over shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, which have increased logistics costs and affected global trade routes.
Among the standout markets, exports to China surged 74% compared to the same month last year, rising to $361.47 million. India's total exports to China also grew by nearly 37% during the financial year ending March, touching around $20 billion, reflecting strengthening trade ties in several engineering segments. The continued growth in engineering shipments has helped cushion India's overall merchandise exports at a time when exporters are facing rising freight charges, higher insurance premiums and longer transit times due to geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime corridors.
During the April-June quarter of FY2026-27, engineering exports reached $34.14 billion, marking an 18.09% increase over $28.91 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year. The sector contributes more than one-fourth of India's total merchandise exports, making it one of the country's most important export industries.
The United States remained India's largest destination for engineering products in June, with exports valued at $1.95 billion. Meanwhile, exports to Oman expanded more than fourfold, reaching nearly $259 million, highlighting growing demand from West Asian markets. Government estimates cited by EEPC India show that engineering goods accounted for 28.4% of India's total merchandise exports during June, underlining the sector's significant contribution to the country's export performance.
EEPC India Chairman Pankaj Chadha said the engineering sector has demonstrated resilience despite disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia and the Middle East. He noted that engineering exports have consistently remained above $10 billion per month during the first three months of the current financial year, while stressing that continued policy support from the government would be important to sustain this momentum amid evolving global risks. Export growth was recorded across most regions in June, although shipments to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia declined. However, the sharp rise in exports to Oman helped ensure that overall engineering exports to the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region remained in positive territory. India also registered a recovery in exports to Turkey, reversing the decline witnessed last year.
The export expansion was broad-based, with 27 out of 34 engineering product categories posting year-on-year growth in June. However, a few segments—including lead and lead products, internal combustion engines, cranes and lifts, and office equipment—recorded lower exports compared to the previous year. The sector's strong performance reflects resilient global demand for Indian engineering products despite challenging international trade conditions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA), in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to strengthen disaster preparedness ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The strategy focuses on seismic monitoring and landslide risk mitigation in the pilgrimage town of Trimbakeshwar to ensure the safety of millions of devotees expected during the event. The plan was finalised during a review meeting chaired by NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh, with senior officials from the Geological Survey of India participating in the discussions.
Under the initiative, GSI will carry out a three-month seismic survey in Trimbakeshwar by installing five seismic monitoring stations across the region. The study is expected to generate detailed scientific data on local seismic activity, helping authorities make informed decisions on infrastructure development and disaster risk management before the Kumbh Mela. NTKMA will assist by identifying suitable locations for the monitoring stations, arranging accommodation for GSI personnel, and providing the necessary logistical support. GSI will revisit landslide-prone areas in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar during the first half of August. The fresh inspection aims to identify vulnerable locations and recommend preventive measures to minimise risks and improve pilgrim safety.
To improve coordination between the two agencies, officials agreed to establish a single nodal communication channel for all matters related to geological studies and landslide mitigation. This streamlined approach is expected to speed up decision-making and enhance collaboration. NTKMA will also share updated information on landslide-affected sites, including GPS coordinates and field photographs, to assist GSI in its technical evaluation.
The meeting was attended by Dr Bibhas Sen, Deputy Director General of the GSI State Unit; Mego Chasie, Director of the GSI State Unit; Sabir Pathan, Director of the GSI Regional Office in Nagpur; Akshay Joshi, Geophysicist at the GSI Regional Office, Nagpur; and NTKMA Additional Commissioner Kamlakar Randive.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NKTMA.
Two Indian nationals remain missing after a cargo ship was struck during an attack near Ukraine's Black Sea coast, prompting several crew members to jump into the water to escape the unfolding danger. Authorities have launched search and rescue operations as efforts continue to trace the missing sailors. The incident occurred when the Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was reportedly hit while berthed at the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The attack caused significant damage to the ship, forcing crew members to abandon the vessel amid the emergency.
According to officials, four Indian crew members were on board at the time of the strike. Two were rescued safely, while the remaining two are still unaccounted for. Their identities have not yet been released, and officials are continuing search operations in coordination with local rescue teams. India's diplomatic mission is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Ukrainian authorities, the shipping company, and other relevant agencies to gather information and assist in the rescue efforts.
The latest incident highlights the growing risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea, where the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has increasingly affected civilian maritime traffic. Merchant ships transporting essential cargo have repeatedly encountered security threats, despite not being directly involved in the conflict.
The attack has once again raised concerns over the safety of international seafarers, including thousands of Indian sailors employed on merchant vessels across global shipping routes. Maritime experts have warned that operations in conflict-prone regions have become significantly more hazardous due to frequent missile and drone attacks.
Rescue teams continue to search for the missing Indian crew members, while investigators assess the extent of the damage to the vessel and the circumstances surrounding the attack. Further updates are expected as rescue operations progress and authorities release more information on the condition and whereabouts of the missing sailors.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Veteran Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest any future elections, including the 2028 Karnataka Assembly polls, saying that advancing age, health concerns and the growing corruption in politics influenced his decision. The 79-year-old leader made the announcement in a public message, stating that while he is stepping away from electoral politics, he is not retiring from public life. Siddaramaiah said he would continue to remain politically active and speak on issues affecting the people of Karnataka and the country. Reflecting on his long political journey spanning nearly five decades, Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to the people who supported him throughout his career. He said the trust and affection shown by voters had been the greatest strength of his public life.
Explaining his decision, Siddaramaiah remarked that politics had become increasingly "corrupt" and that the current political environment no longer reflected the values that once inspired public service. Along with concerns over the changing nature of politics, he also cited his age and declining health as reasons for not seeking another electoral mandate. Despite his decision to stay away from elections, the senior Congress leader made it clear that he will continue to raise public issues and contribute to political discussions. He said his commitment to serving the people remains unchanged, even if he is no longer a candidate in future polls.
Siddaramaiah's announcement is expected to have significant political implications in Karnataka, where he has remained one of the Congress party's most influential leaders. His exit from electoral politics is likely to accelerate discussions on the party's future leadership and strategy ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Political observers believe that although Siddaramaiah may no longer contest elections, his experience and influence will continue to shape Congress politics in Karnataka. His guidance is expected to remain important as the party prepares for the next generation of leadership. The announcement marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, with one of the state's longest-serving leaders choosing to step back from electoral contests while promising to remain a voice for the people.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been diagnosed with typhoid but said his illness would not stop the ongoing protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. In a video message, Dipke said he has been undergoing treatment, including IV medication, while thanking supporters for continuing peaceful protests across the country. He expressed confidence that the movement would succeed in achieving its demands. The CJP-led agitation, focused on alleged examination irregularities and education reforms, will continue at Jantar Mantar despite Dipke’s health condition and the end of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On the July 24 episode of Open For Business, hosts Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing are joined by Santosh Rao, Head of Research and Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to break down today's market trends.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, but the tournament will be remembered for far more than the action on the pitch. From debates over hydration breaks, controversial VAR decisions, and a demanding match schedule to growing concerns about football's evolving identity under increasing commercial influence, the competition sparked widespread discussion. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the tournament's most talked-about controversies alongside Dr. Tom Heenan, a lecturer at the Monash Intercultural Lab at Monash University, offering insights into how these issues shaped the World Cup experience both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
