MANGALURU: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) celebrated Karnataka Rajyotsava at the port with patriotic spirit and enthusiasm. The event was presided over by Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson of NMPA, while noted writer and television anchor Shri Prakash Hosabettu attended as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Shri Yallappa Vaddar, President of NMPA Kannada Sangha, and Dr. Surekha Hoskeri, member of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebration Committee and Chief Medical Officer, NMPA. The celebrations began with Smt. S. Shanthi hoisting the State Flag in the presence of dignitaries, Board Members, NMPA Kannada Sangha members, officers, employees, staff and school students. The formal inauguration followed with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Deputy Chairperson and floral tributes to Mother Bhuvaneshwari. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Prakash Hosabettu spoke about the importance of the Kannada language, the significance of Karnataka Rajyotsava and the history behind the celebration. He appreciated NMPA for bringing together members of the entire port community and marking the occasion in an inclusive manner.
DUBAI: DP World's Shipping Solutions AMEA business (Shipping Solutions) is expanding its China-Africa shipping network with the introduction of the China Africa Link, a new weekly service aimed at improving trade connectivity between the Far East and Africa. The service will offer customers more shipping options, wider market access and stronger supply chain resilience. Operated by Shipping Solutions, the China Africa Link is scheduled to begin operations in late November 2026. It will strengthen maritime links between China and the growing markets of East and Southern Africa. The service will follow a port rotation covering Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha in China, Port Klang Westport in Malaysia, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Maputo in Mozambique and Singapore, before returning to Shanghai. The route will create additional connections between major Chinese export centres and important African markets, supporting cargo movement across established and emerging trade routes. The China Africa Link also reflects DP World Marine Services' Connected Trade Corridors strategy. This approach combines maritime services, port infrastructure and inland transport to build more integrated and flexible trade networks. By adding connections to key African gateways, the service will give customers more routing choices, accommodate growing cargo volumes and strengthen links between regional and international markets. Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, DP World, said: "Global trade is changing, and our customers need more than shipping capacity. They need reliable connections, greater choice and the flexibility to adapt as trade patterns evolve. The new China Africa Link demonstrates how we are bringing our Connected Trade Corridors approach to life. By strengthening maritime connectivity between China and Africa, we are opening up more opportunities for businesses and creating smarter, more flexible shipping networks that help keep cargo moving."
VISAKHAPATNAM: Cyclone Murasu has moved into the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm began affecting the coastline around 1 AM on Monday, disrupting normal activities across several coastal areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone made landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh. Coastal areas have experienced wind speeds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, while the system is expected to move across the state’s coastline over the next few hours. As the storm intensified, Visakhapatnam Port was placed under a high-level Signal 9 storm warning. Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu has affected the Andhra Pradesh coastline, raising concerns over port operations and maritime activity. Although the main landfall occurred further south near Ongole in Prakasam district, the cyclone’s northern peripheral impact has also affected Visakhapatnam Port. The situation has disrupted regional maritime operations and logistics activity. In neighbouring Odisha, the state government has moved more than 160,000 people from Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Air travel has also faced disruptions. A total of 19 flights operating from three airports in Andhra Pradesh have been cancelled, while 11 flights from Chennai airport have been postponed due to the cyclone.
Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels with senior European Commission officials to discuss ways to strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The discussions included meetings with Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE); Mr. Koen Doens, Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA); and Mr. Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). During his meeting with Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, both sides explored ways to promote two-way trade, improve market access, build more resilient supply chains and expand business opportunities for companies in India and the EU. They reiterated their commitment to reaching a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to continue working closely on pending procedural and implementation-related matters. The discussion with Mr. Koen Doens centred on strengthening development cooperation and strategic ties between India and the EU. Key areas included sustainable development, clean energy, green technologies and other shared priorities. In his meeting with Mr. Gerassimos Thomas, Shri Agrawal discussed customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides underlined the need for transparent, efficient and digitally enabled customs processes to reduce business costs, support trade and ensure the smooth movement of legitimate goods.
Paradip Port has achieved a fresh operational milestone, as Paradip East Quay Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (PEQCTPL) recorded its highest-ever monthly cargo throughput in October 2026. The performance highlights the terminal’s expanding cargo handling capabilities and its growing contribution to the port’s operations. During the month, the terminal handled 22,29,464 metric tonnes (2.23 million tonnes) of cargo, exceeding its previous monthly record of 2.13 million tonnes, set in March 2026. The latest figures establish a new benchmark for PEQCTPL and reflect improvements in its operational efficiency and cargo handling capacity. The achievement reflects the combined efforts of the PEQCTPL team, whose coordination and commitment have supported smooth and efficient terminal operations. The record volume also points to the terminal’s important role in strengthening Paradip Port’s cargo handling infrastructure and overall operational performance. The new milestone highlights the contribution of the workforce and the coordination between various stakeholders involved in day-to-day terminal activities. By setting a new monthly record, PEQCTPL has demonstrated its ability to manage rising cargo volumes while maintaining efficient operations at Paradip Port. Paradip Port Authority congratulated the entire PEQCTPL team on the achievement, recognising their dedication and collective efforts in reaching this operational milestone.
A preliminary framework reportedly prepared for negotiations between the United States and Iran proposes transferring Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile to a mutually agreed third country or reducing its enrichment level. The proposal also calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding, Al Arabiya English reported. According to Al Arabiya English, which obtained details of the draft's key provisions, China could potentially serve as a guarantor to support the implementation and long-term sustainability of any agreement. The proposed framework also suggests holding direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha rather than Istanbul. Under the arrangement, Iran would take steps concerning its nuclear programme and maritime security, while the United States would respond by easing sanctions, blockades and other economic restrictions. An independent verification mechanism would monitor compliance before each stage of implementation. This would ensure that neither side makes major concessions without receiving corresponding commitments that can be independently verified. The draft also outlines a dispute-resolution process involving mediators and guarantor countries. The mechanism is intended to address delays or possible violations and reduce the risk of a fresh military escalation, according to the news platform.
Increase your brand visibility and thought leadership in Industry
Speak at JOSC events and engage your target audience
Showcase your product to industry influencers and CXOs
Attend JOSC events and maximize your networking