A Fortnightly Newsletter 1st to 15th November,2025
A Fortnightly Newsletter 1st to 15th November,2025
India’s palm oil imports hit 5-year low as soyoil purchases surge to record
India’s palm oil imports hit a five-year low in the 2024/25 marketing year, while soyoil purchases reached a record high. This shift, driven by a widening price premium for palm oil, saw its share in India’s total vegetable oil imports drop significantly. The country’s overall vegetable oil imports saw a marginal increase, with substantial spending…
China sees American hand in $13-billion Bitcoin theft
The theft of the 127,272 Bitcoin tokens from the LuBian Bitcoin mining pool that took place in December 2020 ranks as one of the largest crypto heists in history. The hack is likely a “state-level hacker operation” led by the US, according to the Chinese National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center. Read More…
Indian entrepreneurs will touch the skies; Vallabh Bhanshali says turbulence is fuel for growth
Enam Group Chairman Vallabh Bhanshali says India’s entrepreneurs are well-placed to thrive despite global turbulence from U.S. tariffs, China’s resource controls, and slowing world markets. With GST reforms boosting sentiment, stronger capital markets, and a government leaning toward deregulation, he believes India is entering a new era of entrepreneurial resurgence driven by superior execution, innovation,…
Bangladesh braces for disruptions as former ruling party calls for lockdown to protest Hasina trial
The Bangladesh capital on Thursday woke up to heightened security vigil over the Dhaka lockdown call by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s now disbanded Awami League in protest against her trial over last year’s protests that left hundreds dead. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity involving a crackdown on the student-led uprising that ended…
Centre approves rationalization of royalty rates for critical minerals to boost domestic production
In a bid to accelerate the domestic production of rare earth and critical minerals, the Centre has approved the rationalization of royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium—minerals that are essential for high-tech industries and green energy technologies. Graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium are vital for advanced technological applications and the ongoing global energy…
President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption
President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks. The shutdown magnified partisan divisions in Washington as Trump took unprecedented unilateral actions, including canceling…
Importance of Electronic Warfare: Air Marshal Dixit Hails Operation Sindoor; Pushes for Private Sector’s Role in Defence
Addressing the CAPSS-IMR Seminar, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit emphasised that the successful Operation Sindoor reaffirmed the critical role of electronic warfare, cyber resilience and multi-domain operations. He urged greater involvement of private sector defence firms in India’s innovation drive to bolster strategic readiness. Read More…
Navy Chief Begins US Visit to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation, Deepen Defence Ties
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi has embarked on a week-long official visit to the United States, underscoring the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the United States Navy. Discussions will focus on maritime domain awareness, operational linkages, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Read More…
Coimbatore to Host Two-Day Defence Conclave on Nov 13-14
The two-day Defence Conclave will be held at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore on November 13-14, organised by the Codissia Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC). Over 40 MSMEs will showcase indigenous defence technologies, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Read More…