New Delhi: India has begun compiling granular industry data after the US sought consultations under a Section 301 probe into alleged excess capacity. The commerce and industry ministry has asked the industry to furnish details on installed capacity, production, employment, policy support, export profiles, linkages with the US, and integration into global value chains, according to people familiar with the matter.

The probe, under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, claims India has created significant excess capacity in petrochemicals, steel and solar modules, while identifying textiles, health, construction goods, and automotive goods as sectors where India has a global trade surplus.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated investigation concerning the acts, policies and practices of various economies relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors to examine whether such practices were unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they burden or restrict American commerce. “We are evaluating and examining the legal impact of the investigations launched by the US against India under Section 301(b),” said an official. The government has sought data on ownership profile of the industry such as whether majority share is held by private or public stakeholders, and domestic and foreign participation.

China, the EU, Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh and others are among the 16 economies under investigation. “The government is working on timely and evidence-based submissions from the industry as there are potential implications for India’s exports and overall trade relations,” said an industry representative.

Details related to capacity, production and utilisation from FY20 to FY25, the kind of policy support such as production linked incentive scheme, tax subsidy, export incentive and preferential credit, India’s share in global production of the respective products and global output of the goods, have been sought.
India’s February goods exports to the US fell 12.88% from a year earlier to $6.89 billion, reflecting the impact of high tariffs imposed on the country. Imports from the US rose 36.5% last month.Under Section 301, President Donald Trump may impose tariffs if the USTR determines that a trading partner has engaged in unfair trade practices. Washington launched the investigation after the US Supreme Court on February 20 struck down Trump’s earlier tariff regime.

Industry associations have also been asked for job information including direct and indirect employment, and linkages with the micro, small and medium enterprises in their respective sectors.

On Global Value Chain (GVC) Integration, the firms must specify the share of imported products and linkages with American companies. The firms also have been asked if they operate in upstream, midstream, or downstream activities such as raw material sourcing, manufacturing, assembly, or distribution.

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Travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport faced minimal delays at security checkpoints Thursday, with wait times hovering between 2 and 5 minutes across its two main terminals, providing welcome relief amid broader national worries about TSA staffing shortages and spring travel surges.

The Wayne County Airport Authority reported real-time security wait times of just 2 minutes at the Evans Terminal and 5 minutes at the McNamara Terminal on its official website as of early Thursday morning. Those figures align with consistent reports from recent days, where lines rarely exceeded 7 minutes even during moderate traffic periods.

Detroit Metro, or DTW as it is commonly known, serves as Michigan’s busiest airport and a major hub for Delta Air Lines. It handled more than 40 million passengers in recent years, yet its security operations have remained notably efficient compared to many larger U.S. hubs where lines have stretched for hours this week.

Airport officials and local news outlets noted that despite a partial government shutdown affecting some federal operations, DTW has avoided the long queues seen elsewhere. As of Tuesday afternoon, waits stood at 6 minutes in Evans and 7 minutes in McNamara, according to multiple reports. By Wednesday and into Thursday, those numbers dipped even lower in off-peak hours.

“DTW continues to move passengers through security smoothly,” a Wayne County Airport Authority spokesperson said. “We encourage travelers to check our website for the latest updates before heading to the airport.”

The airport’s homepage features a prominent security wait time display that refreshes regularly, showing separate estimates for each terminal. Evans Terminal, which primarily serves non-Delta carriers, and the larger McNamara Terminal, home to Delta’s operations, both benefit from multiple checkpoints and expedited lanes.

Typical TSA wait times at DTW average between 10 and 20 minutes throughout the day, with peaks during early morning Delta banks around 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and afternoon rushes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Historical data shows waits climbing to 20-25 minutes during those busy windows, but rarely beyond 30-35 minutes even on heavier travel days.

Travelers can further shorten their experience through TSA PreCheck, CLEAR biometric screening, and Global Entry. PreCheck lanes often clear in under 5 minutes, while standard lines move steadily thanks to adequate staffing levels at DTW compared to airports reporting agent call-outs elsewhere.

Airport authorities recommend arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights and 120 minutes before international departures to account for parking, ticketing and potential bag checks. “Give yourself plenty of time for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait lines,” the official guidance states.

This week, while some East Coast and Southern airports saw waits balloon to 2-3 hours due to spring break crowds and staffing issues tied to the partial shutdown, DTW stood out as an exception. Local media highlighted passenger reports of breezing through security in minutes, contrasting sharply with chaos at hubs like Atlanta, Houston and Charlotte.

One traveler departing Wednesday afternoon described the process as “shockingly quick.” “I was through McNamara security in about four minutes with PreCheck,” the passenger said. “I’ve had longer waits at much smaller airports.”

DTW offers multiple security checkpoints. In the McNamara Terminal, options include the main north and south checkpoints, with additional lanes during peak times. The Evans Terminal features checkpoints in the main lobby area. Signs direct passengers to the appropriate lines based on their boarding pass and trusted traveler status.

TSA PreCheck enrollment remains popular at DTW. The on-site enrollment center, located in the McNamara Terminal’s domestic baggage claim, allows eligible travelers to apply and often receive conditional approval on the spot. Members keep shoes and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags, speeding the process considerably.

CLEAR, the biometric identity platform, is also available at DTW and pairs well with PreCheck for even faster entry. Frequent flyers report combined use reducing total security time to 2-3 minutes on average.

Beyond expedited programs, the airport maintains efficient operations through technology and staffing strategies. Advanced imaging systems and automated tray returns help keep lines flowing. During busier periods, additional TSA officers are deployed to open more lanes.

For those without PreCheck, standard screening still moves relatively quickly at DTW. Passengers must follow the familiar 3-1-1 liquids rule — containers of 3.4 ounces or less in a single quart-sized bag — and remove electronics larger than a cellphone. The MyTSA app from the Transportation Security Administration provides historical wait estimates and real-time crowd reports submitted by fellow travelers.

DTW’s two-terminal layout helps distribute passenger flow. McNamara handles the bulk of traffic with its iconic architecture, including the dramatic light tunnel connecting concourses. Evans serves as a more compact alternative for other airlines. Both terminals offer ample dining and shopping options post-security, allowing passengers to relax once cleared.

Current alerts on the airport website include three active notices, primarily related to construction or parking updates, but none impacting security operations directly. Flight status remains largely on time, with no widespread delays attributed to security bottlenecks.

Travel experts advise checking wait times immediately before departure. The official metroairport.com site provides the most accurate real-time data, updated frequently. Third-party sites and the MyTSA app offer helpful supplements based on historical patterns and user reports.

Peak travel seasons, including summer vacations and holidays, typically see higher averages, but even then DTW rarely ranks among the worst for delays. Its central Midwest location and strong local TSA workforce contribute to reliability.

As spring break continues nationwide, DTW officials urge passengers to monitor both the airport site and their airline apps. Weather in the Detroit area remains mild for late March, with no major storms forecast that could exacerbate ground delays.

For international travelers, global entry and mobile passport control can further expedite entry upon return, though departure security follows the same domestic protocols.

Parents traveling with children or those needing assistance can request expedited screening or use family lanes where available. The airport also provides wheelchair and mobility services through airlines or third-party providers.

Business travelers appreciate DTW’s efficiency, often citing it as one of the smoother large-airport experiences in the country. With Delta’s extensive network, many connect through the hub without long security re-checks thanks to efficient design.

Looking ahead, the Wayne County Airport Authority continues investing in infrastructure. Future enhancements may include additional automated screening lanes and expanded PreCheck capacity to handle growing passenger volumes.

In the meantime, Thursday’s sub-5-minute waits underscore DTW’s reputation for traveler-friendly operations even when federal challenges arise elsewhere.

Passengers planning trips through Detroit Metro this week can breathe easier. While national headlines highlight TSA strains, local reality at DTW points to short lines and smooth sailing — a reassuring note for anyone flying soon.

To stay informed, bookmark metroairport.com or download the MyTSA app. A few minutes of preparation can turn potential stress into a stress-free start to any journey.

The latest phase of the Iran war is locked on the Strait of Hormuz and critical energy infrastructure. Already, its effects are rippling thousands of miles away in Asia.

Asia is at the front line of the energy crisis, ​with shortages hitting nearly every country. Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with some 80% going to Asia, according to the International Energy Agency.

As Iran refuses to open the strait, Asia is scrambling to mitigate disruptions and is being forced to take measures reminiscent of COVID-era actions.

Asia is especially susceptible due to its heavy import dependence, weaker currencies and large populations. And the impact has hit households fast.

The conflict has disrupted sectors from air ‌travel ⁠and shipping to gas supplies. People are struggling to cook and businesses across the board are bearing the brunt as liquefied petroleum gas imports slow.

A STATE-BY-STATE LOOK AT GAS PRICES AS IRAN CONFLICT PUSHES OIL HIGHER

Widespread disruptions have hit South Asia in particular, which is extremely reliant on Middle Eastern oil. India, which imports nearly 90% of its crude and about half its natural gas from abroad and is the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, has been left especially vulnerable.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone, their first call since the Feb. 28 war broke out. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stressed, “Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and ​accessible is essential for the whole world.”

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a conduit for more than 40% of India’s crude oil ​imports.

This week, two tankers bound for India sailed through the strait. Vessels with ties to China, Pakistan and Thailand have also transited successfully, while several other Asian governments are in talks with Tehran to secure passage.

But a lot of these imports are expected to be used for non-power, industrial purposes such as fertilizer production, leaving the public left in the lurch.

In a new move that shows the precariousness of the situation, India’s Reliance Industries, which operates the world’s biggest refining facility, reportedly bought 5 million barrels of Iranian oil. The deal marks India’s first such purchase since 2019 and comes days after the U.S. temporarily lifted sanctions.

“All our kitchens run on gas and so, they’ve all been hit,” Indian hospitality veteran AD Singh told FOX Business. “We have been forced to stop serving several items and shorten our menus, doing our best given what we have. But people are worried and livelihoods are at stake. It’s not a positive feeling,” the founder and managing director of the Olive Group of restaurants said.

KEVIN O’LEARY FORECASTS GLOBAL POWER SHIFT IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS IRAN CONFLICT RATTLES OIL MARKETS

It’s a similar story in much of the subcontinent. 

Two of Asia’s most advanced economies have also been hit hard. But while South Asia feels it more at the household level, Japan and South Korea are facing a different kind of strain.

The two east Asian nations are being rocked by surging import costs, forcing factories to scale back and governments to tap emergency reserves.

Japan, which imports more than 90% of its oil from the region, has begun tapping strategic reserves. South Korea is weighing reserve releases and emergency support measures.

Unlike India, both countries have larger financial buffers and energy stockpiles, allowing them to cushion the immediate impact even though structural risks remain high.

Strikes are hitting many nations, like India, Bangladesh and the Philippines as frustrations grow. Online rumors are deepening the chaos and prompting panic buying. In a few countries like India, police are being deployed at gas stations.

As Asia grapples with this energy crisis, many countries are now turning back to coal and firewood to offset their gas needs. 

Induction cooking equipment is flying off the shelves in LPG-dependent India, and early warning signs are popping up elsewhere in the region. Energy shocks are now showing up on dinner tables as well.

 “It’s taking some time to get set on these new ways,” AD Singh told FOX Business.

AMERICAN DRONE COMPANY CHALLENGES CHINESE DOMINANCE WHILE PREPARING TROOPS FOR SWARM ATTACKS

Japan and South Korea are accelerating plans to boost nuclear energy.

Several Asian countries have also released petrol and diesel from domestic reserves, temporarily loosened fuel standards and stepped up domestic production.

Emergency regulatory steps are beginning to sweep the region, from severe austerity measures in Sri Lanka to strict fuel rationing in Bangladesh.

The Philippines just became the first country to declare a national energy emergency, warning of “an imminent danger of a critically low energy supply.” The island imports 98% of its oil from the gulf.

Meanwhile, China just dialed back on planned fuel price hikes in a bid to “reduce the burden” on the population.

Some governments are also weighing stimulus packages and energy-saving campaigns are flooding social media as record-high costs bite household budgets. 

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“Any scarcity of essential fuels has a cascading effect across the continent,” Singh told FOX Business. “When it comes to food, ingredient prices rise, operation costs increase and business volumes are affected. And with the news all over the place, people are spooked.”