“To promote ease of doing business, it is essential to alleviate tax pressure and compliance, whether it is company law, income tax, or GST. Currently, GST notices are issued nationwide by just seeing them in the portal and without any application of mind. The IATA president already mentioned in the public domain that foreign carriers may quit India due to tax (GST) issues. As GST is a relatively new law, it is suggested that no penalties be imposed for the initial three years of the new business, allowing citizens sufficient time to comprehend the law. Notably, the World Bank has acknowledged GST as the most complex law globally. We also must understand that due to COVID-19 for almost 3 years, it is important to consider that period with relaxation while doing tax assessments. Within TDS, streamlining more than 36 rates is necessary to improve the business environment. Also, it is imperative to support MSMEs by considering a 20% increase in the GST threshold limit for services (from 20 lakhs) and goods (from 40 lakhs), factoring in inflation. The company law department is imposing high penalties. However, the site doesn’t work many times. Already, GST collection crosses 2 lac crore monthly. The GST department will be collecting more and more revenue, and with the help of advanced technology, notices are issued. It is high time that aviation turbine fuel is bought under GST to create a level playing field between Indian carriers and foreign carriers who have the option to fill up their aircraft with cheaper ATF from outside the country.”

FedEx Express has teamed-up with Magic Bus India Foundation, to address the digital skills gap and employability challenges in India. This collaboration aims to upskill nearly 400 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, with a priority on enrolling female graduates from underserved communities in Hyderabad. This initiative supports the Indian government’s strategic emphasis on nurturing a thriving pool of tech talent. An intensive 75-day curriculum has been created to upskill these youth in leading-edge Cloud Computing and allied technologies, along with transferable life and employability skills. Cloud Computing is a leading technology trend rapidly being adopted across businesses, making it an in-demand skill. The curriculum will be delivered through in-person sessions conducted by expert technical and life skills trainers, facilitating a collaborative learning experience through group activities and teamwork.  The digital skilling program includes periodic employer engagement sessions with industry and sector experts, providing youth with practical insights into various entry-level IT/ITeS jobs. The program offers mentorship to help youth strengthen their professional profiles, and interview preparation skills. The course culminates with an industry-relevant project and an opportunity to earn a global certification to showcase the participants acquired skills and knowledge. Upon course completion, participants receive placement assistance for entry-level jobs in IT/ITeS sector and post-placement support to ensure long-term job satisfaction and performance in the workplace. “At FedEx, we recognize the immense potential of India’s youth and their crucial role in shaping the future,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President Marketing and Air Network, Middle East Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx. “Developing a rich pool of skilled professionals is essential for driving innovation and growth. Our support not only prepares the youth for immediate job opportunities but also …

ESR Group has leased 48,800 sq. ft. of prime industrial real estate to UPM’s business unit UPM Raflatac, a world-leading sustainable labelling solutions provider. UPM will use this space in ESR Taloja Industrial & Logistics Park (ESR Taloja) to serve its growing customer base in India and achieve higher efficiency in their operations. UPM Raflatac, headquartered in Helsinki, offers a wide range of pressure-sensitive label materials for various applications, from food and beverage packaging to pharmaceuticals and industrial labelling. The new space will provide them with a modern and efficient facility to streamline their operations, including warehousing and distribution. This collaboration amplifies Navi Mumbai’s rising eminence as a preferred industrial destination for international enterprises. Key benefits of the new space for UPM Strategic location: Situated near the JNPT port and well-connected to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, the park offers excellent access to key transportation routes. Modern infrastructure: The Grade A+ sustainable infrastructure, pre-certified Gold by IGBC, ensures efficient operations and aligns with UPM’s commitment to sustainability. Increased capacity: The additional space will allow UPM to expand its warehousing and distribution capabilities, catering to the growing demand for its labelling solutions. Potential for value-added services: The space can be configured to accommodate potential value-added services, further enhancing UPM Raflatac’s offerings to customers. Reflecting on this collaboration, Suresh Valecha – Country Manager of UPM Raflatac, India, said “This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting the dynamic growth of the Indian market. Our growing business demands a human-centric space that aligns seamlessly with our sustainability objectives. ESR Taloja’s strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure will ensure efficient product flow and allow us to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Taloja’s impressive infrastructure and facilities …

Lufthansa Cargo recently welcomed Boeing 777 freighter in Delhi which is named as ‘Namaste India,’ symbolizing the significance of India as one of the most important markets for global air freight service, Lufthansa Cargo team posted on its official Linkedin page. “The team members was super excited on the day and some colleagues happened to be lucky to get the closer view of this Aircraft,” the post added.

Nitin Aggarwal, CEO, TVS Infrastructure Investment Manager  says,“We look forward to budgetary provisions that bolster the sector’s infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and incentivise technological advancements in warehousing facilities. Recognizing warehousing as a distinct and emerging asset class is crucial for India’s continued economic advancement, facilitating increased foreign direct investment and bolstering our global competitiveness. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce hubs across India has amplified the demand for efficient warehousing solutions, reflecting the broader consumer trend towards rapid and reliable delivery services. This growth necessitates advanced, strategically located warehouses to meet the heightened expectations of modern consumers. Emerging corridors within Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are poised for higher rental growth, outpacing established submarkets due to a dearth of quality supply of industrial projects. We anticipate measures that recognize the exponential demand for industrial warehousing and support the sector in meeting this demand through sustainable solutions. “We advocate for incentives, including MSME status for the industrial real estate sector, and seek budgetary relaxations in tax rates and norms, including the crucial allowance of input tax credit under GST. Uniform land acquisition norms across states and simplified warehousing compliance processes would further catalyse the sector’s growth. We look forward to a budget that paves the way for a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive warehousing ecosystem in India.”

  The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a uniform 5% Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate for all aircraft and aircraft engine parts, effective from July 15th, 2024, said reports. “The introduction of a uniform 5 per cent IGST rate on MRO items is a major boost for the aviation sector. Previously, the varying GST rates of 5%,12%, 18%, and 28% on aircraft components created challenges, including an inverted duty structure and GST accumulation in MRO accounts. This new policy eliminates these disparities, simplifies the tax structure, and fosters growth in the MRO sector,” said Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjrapu Rammohan Naidu in reports.  According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India’s aviation sector is poised to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030, surpassing China and the United States. The sector’s expanding demand is expected to increase the number of aircraft in operation to 1,100 planes by 2027 from the current fleet of 700, solidifying India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major aviation markets.

  Henkel Adhesives Technologies India (Henkel India) announced the completion of Phase III of its manufacturing facility in Kurkumbh, near Pune, Maharashtra. The Kurkumbh site, which was launched in 2020, serves the growing demand of Indian industries for high-performance solutions in adhesives, sealants, and surface treatment products. The new Loctite plant, named after Henkel’s renowned brand Loctite, was inaugurated by Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, along with other Senior Management members of the company.  Henkel Adhesive Technologies entered the Indian market in 1996and is a significant growth driver for this business today. Henkel has been expanding its presence in the country through consistent strategic investments to meet the rapid growth. Today, the company has a strong footprint in India and operates five manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, a packaging academy, and an application center for the footwear industry. The new Loctite plant in the Kurkumbh manufacturing site reflects Henkel’s vision to drive growth in the Indian market. The plant will serve Indian businesses, further localize the product portfolio, and thus, reduce dependence on imports. It will also help address the supply-demand gap of high-performance adhesive solutions for the manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and automotive components sectors. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is well-positioned to meet the demand arising in these fast–growing market sectors.   Speaking on the launch, Mark Dorn, Executive Vice Presidentat Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said, “India has emerged as a focus market for Henkel globally. The new Loctite plant highlights our vision to emerge in the country as a self-reliantglobal market player with a strong local presence. With continued investments, efficient supply chains, and customer-focused solutions, Henkel is committed to driving …

Emirates SkyCargo and Boeing have announced an order for five additional 777 freighters as the operator again picks the world’s most capable twin-engine freighter to meet growing cargo demand. The new purchase takes Emirates’ order book to 245 Boeing wide-body aircraft, including 10 777 freighters. Emirates SkyCargo’s investment in the freighter will boost main deck cargo capacity 30 per cent by 2026 and increase, Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft, including 777 freighters, 777 converted freighters and 747 freighters. “Demand for our world-class product and services is growing amplified by Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city’s position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan,” said HRH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “The next phase will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the market’s evolving demands and reaffirming our confidence in the role of air freight and, specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade.” The freighter can fly up to 9,200 km and carry more freight—102 metric tonnes—than any other twin-engine cargo jet. This range and payload capability allows operators to offer more long-range, nonstop flights to connect distant markets such as the USA and Europe without refueling.

NIDO Group has announced a strategic partnership with Emiza to revolutionize package handling efficiency through the deployment of advanced vertical conveyor systems across Emiza’s facilities. Central to this partnership is the deployment of 5 vertical conveyors, designed to facilitate swift and seamless movement of packages from ground level to multiple floors. These innovative systems promise to expedite logistics operations, reducing processing times and enhancing overall operational efficiency for Emiza. By integrating these vertical conveyors, ‘Emiza can streamline its internal logistics processes, ensuring packages are moved quickly and efficiently between different levels within its warehouses. One of the key advantages of the vertical conveyor systems provided by NIDO Group is their ability to maximize space utilization. Unlike traditional horizontal conveyance methods that require extensive floor space, vertical conveyors occupy a smaller footprint, making them ideal for optimizing warehouse layouts. This space-saving feature is particularly beneficial for Emiza, allowing them to increase their handling capacity without the need for significant structural modifications. Additionally, NIDO Group’s vertical conveyors are tailored to meet the diverse operational needs of Emiza’s various facilities. “We are excited about our partnership with Emiza and the opportunity to enhance their logistics operations through our advanced vertical conveyor systems,” said Nirav Doshi, Founder & Managing Director at NIDO Group. “This collaboration reinforces our dedication to innovation and efficiency in logistics, supporting Emiza’s mission to deliver exceptional service to their clients.”