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The Indian Power Ministry is set to release a revised draft of the Electricity Amendment Bill within three months, following significant opposition protests that led to its referral to a Parliamentary Standing Committee after its introduction in August 2022. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal confirmed the timeline but did not specify when the new draft would be presented in Parliament. The bill aims to modernize India's power sector by allowing private companies into power distribution and enabling consumer choice among service providers. Critics argue that the amendments threaten state autonomy and promote privatization. Additionally, the government is exploring the public listing of certain distribution companies (Discoms) to improve their financial health, with a Group of Ministers tasked to address related issues expected to report by April 2025. 
Published: Feb 21 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inThe Bar Council of India (BCI) has vehemently opposed the Draft Advocates Amendment Bill, 2025, citing concerns over its potential to undermine the independence of the legal profession. In a letter to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra criticized the proposed transfer of regulatory powers over foreign law firms from the BCI to the Central Government, arguing it contradicts the A.K. Balaji judgment and disrupts established regulatory frameworks. Additionally, Mishra condemned Section 49B, which would allow the Centre to issue binding directives to the BCI, labeling it "unconstitutional" and a direct threat to the Council's autonomy. The BCI expressed alarm over unilateral changes made to the draft without consulting legal professionals, warning of impending protests if the contentious provisions are not amended. Legal observers anticipate escalating debates regarding the bill's implications for India's legal regulatory landscape.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inIndia's agricultural exports have surged since 2014, with unique products like fresh pomegranates, figs, dragon fruits, and red rice making their debut in international markets. This expansion is attributed to government initiatives such as the "One District, One Product" scheme and a focus on the North-East, which aim to empower farmers and enhance rural incomes. Notable achievements include the first sea shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia and the successful air export of Bhagwa pomegranates to the US. Additionally, ready-to-drink fig juice from Purandar figs has reached Poland, while dragon fruits from Gujarat and Burmese grapes from Assam have been sent to London and Dubai, respectively. The government’s collaboration with state authorities has been crucial in facilitating these exports, marking a significant step in promoting India's rich agricultural heritage on the global stage.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inUnion Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, has acknowledged that the Ministry is falling short of its transmission network targets for the current financial year, primarily due to challenges in land acquisition and right of way (RoW) issues. Speaking at the National Conference on Sustainable Cooling and Doubling the Rate of Energy Efficiency Improvement in New Delhi, Khattar stressed the urgency of accelerating implementation to meet rising power consumption demands. The Ministry has reported the addition of 6,327 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 51,500 MVA of transformation capacity from April to January in FY25. To mitigate land acquisition challenges, compensation for tower areas has been increased significantly, and the government is advancing plans for a subsea transmission cable project to connect India with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, estimated at ₹40,000 crore. India's transmission network has expanded by 67% since FY14, effectively managing peak power demands.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the CII Kerala Entrepreneurs Development Forum in Kochi, aimed at bolstering the micro-entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. This initiative, established by the CII Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood, seeks to transform job seekers into job creators by providing comprehensive support to micro-enterprises. The forum will facilitate mentorship, skill development, and scalable business models, addressing challenges faced by micro-entrepreneurs. The first cohort of 50 micro-entrepreneurs, supported by V-Guard Industries, will receive essential tools and training to enhance their businesses. CII has called for corporate participation to accelerate grassroots economic growth and emphasized the need for collaboration with the state government. Additionally, CII Kerala unveiled a Vision document 2047, outlining a strategic roadmap to elevate the state to a $1 trillion economy, reflecting its commitment to sustainable economic development.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inUnion Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal chaired a meeting in Kochi with stakeholders from the natural rubber sector, organized by the Rubber Board, to discuss strategies for enhancing domestic rubber production and exploring new market opportunities. Key topics included advancing mechanisation and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as financing options for growers and improving certification facilities. Goyal reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the rubber industry for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Participants included representatives from the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association and the All India Rubber Industries Association, who voiced concerns over the impact of rubber compound imports on local growers. George Valy, President of the Indian Rubber Dealers Federation, noted the Minister's willingness to address issues such as improving prices for growers and reviewing import norms under the advanced license scheme, while also considering the supply of smoke houses for drying rubber sheets.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inIndia's agricultural exports could face significant challenges if the US implements uniform reciprocal tariffs, with shrimp, dairy, and processed foods potentially incurring duties of up to 38.2%, according to the Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI). The report highlights that sectors such as pharmaceuticals, diamonds, and electronics may also be affected, facing tariffs between 7.2% and 13.3%. To mitigate these impacts, GTRI recommends that India propose a 'zero-for-zero' tariff strategy, allowing for the elimination of tariffs on specific products without jeopardizing domestic industries. This strategy could be based on India's previous Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offers to Japan, Korea, and ASEAN. With US President Donald Trump expected to announce reciprocal tariffs in April, the report emphasizes the need for India to act swiftly to foster a more balanced trade relationship, noting that India's average tariff rate is significantly higher than that of the US.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inIndia is considering an 'on-tap' policy for the allotment of critical mineral blocks, which would allow eligible applicants to apply for licenses year-round, rather than during specific windows. This approach aims to expedite the auction process and increase the likelihood of successful bids for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Currently, these blocks are auctioned under a reverse bidding mechanism, where companies compete by offering the lowest share of auction premiums. The Mines Ministry has identified 24 critical minerals, most of which are imported, and reported a 50% success rate in recent e-auctions. Additionally, the government is looking to revise a funding scheme for exploration, which has seen limited uptake since its announcement in June 2024. Proposed changes may include raising the reimbursement cap from ₹20 crore to ₹40 crore to encourage participation from private exploration agencies and junior mining companies.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 6 pm ISTeznews.inThe PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has called for enhanced innovation in irrigation technology to mitigate the adverse effects of unpredictable monsoons on Indian agriculture. In a report released on February 21, 2025, the industry body emphasized the need to gradually reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers as part of a broader move towards sustainability. It highlighted the importance of investing in research and development for drought-resistant and pest-tolerant crop varieties, as well as precision agriculture and digital farming solutions. The report also noted the government's mandate for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to develop climate-resilient seed varieties and the release of 109 such varieties last August. Additionally, it stressed the necessity of private sector involvement in improving supply chains and market access, alongside recommendations for liberalizing output markets, strengthening farmer-producer organizations, and enhancing farmers' skills and knowledge.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 7 pm ISTeznews.inAt the Nikkei India-Japan Economy & Investment Forum 2025, Indian Minister Harsh Malhotra urged Japanese businesses to increase their investments in India, highlighting the country's stable economic environment, progressive reforms, and burgeoning consumer market. Japan is currently India's fifth-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with investments exceeding $43 billion from 2000 to 2024. Malhotra emphasized the benefits of local manufacturing for both domestic and global supply chains, inviting Japanese firms to leverage India's skilled workforce and investor-friendly policies. He noted significant interest from Japanese companies in India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with major players like Suzuki and Toyota establishing manufacturing facilities. Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Ono echoed the sentiment, stating that Japan's expertise could help India achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. With over 60% of Japanese investments in manufacturing, Japan plays a crucial role in India's 'Make in India' initiative.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 7 pm IST
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