News Bulletin: July 2025 – Edition 2
1. RBI Eases Foreign Exchange Rules to Boost Indian Shipping Sector
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has simplified foreign exchange regulations to enhance the ease of doing business in the shipping sector. Tugboats, dredgers, and offshore vessels are now exempt from the Export Declaration Form requirement, aligning with cargo ship rules and enabling faster deployment. Additionally, the advance remittance limit for ship imports has increased from $5 million to $50 million, eliminating the need for a bank guarantee. These reforms address long-standing industry concerns, improve competitiveness in the used-ship market, and signal India’s growing readiness for global maritime engagement.
Source: ET Infra
2. Israel Launches Intense Airstrikes on Houthi‑Held Ports in Yemen
Israel conducted a series of intense airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen – Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif – alongside the Ras Kanatib power plant and the seized vessel Galaxy Leader, marking its first strikes on Yemen in nearly a month. The operation involved around 20 fighter jets and over 50 munitions, targeting presumed Iranian arms transfers to the Houthis. In response, the Houthis launched missiles and drones toward Israeli cities and ports. These developments escalate the Red Sea crisis, impacting maritime security and global shipping routes.
Source: Maritime Gateway
3. JSW Infra to Invest ₹740 Crore in Kolkata Port Container Terminal
JSW Infrastructure has secured a ₹740 crore Letter of Award from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority to revamp and mechanize berths 7 and 8 at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Dock under a 30-year PPP concession. The DBFOT project, expected to be completed in two years, will enable phased operational startup during construction and significantly boost container handling capacity and efficiency .This marks JSW Infra’s first terminal in West Bengal and enhances its container capacity to nearly 1 million TEUs, bolstering its strategic Eastern port presence.
Source: Maritime Gateway
4. Indian Railways Partners with DFCCIL to Deploy AI‑Powered Inspection for Train Safety
Indian Railways and DFCCIL have signed an MoU to introduce Machine Vision‑Based Inspection Systems (MVIS), an AI/ML-driven technology for real-time monitoring of train undercarriage components. Four MVIS units will be installed wayside, capturing high-resolution images of moving trains to automatically detect faults such as loose or missing parts. The system triggers real-time alerts to maintenance teams, reducing manual inspections, boosting safety, and preventing service disruptions. This marks a major step in modernizing rail infrastructure and ensuring proactive maintenance across India’s freight corridors.
Source: India Shipping News
5. Switzerland Ratifies $100 Billion India‑EFTA Trade Pact, Set for October Launch
Switzerland has completed the ratification of the long-awaited Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India and other EFTA nations – Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – signifying the end of nearly 16 years of negotiations. The pact is expected to come into effect in October 2025 (though some sources suggest September) . Over the next 15 years, it aims to facilitate $100 billion in investments and create 1 million jobs in India. The agreement will reduce tariffs, simplify customs processes, strengthen IP rights, and promote sustainable trade ties – underpinned by an upcoming “EFTA Desk” to support market entry and investment flows.
Source: India Shipping News
