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Civil aviation authorities in India have announced the reopening of 32 airports, including key locations such as Srinagar and Amritsar, which were closed for civilian flight operations from May 9 to May 15 due to a military standoff with Pakistan. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform about the temporary suspension of operations amid heightened tensions. A formal announcement regarding the resumption of flights is expected shortly, as officials work to restore normalcy in air travel across northern and western India. The decision comes as the situation stabilizes following the recent armed conflict, allowing for the safe operation of civil flights once again. 
Published: May 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian government has initiated the digitalisation of the seed production and distribution value chain, aiming for completion before the kharif season of 2026. Currently, 24 states are participating in the SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal, which tracks seeds from breeders to certified products under the oversight of State Seed Certification Agencies (SSCAs). Ajeet Kumar Sahu from the Union Agriculture Ministry highlighted that farmers will soon be able to access detailed information about seeds via QR codes on packets. Maharashtra has already completed its digitalisation, with other states like Assam and Punjab joining in recent seasons. The government plans to make data sharing mandatory through the SATHI portal following amendments to the Seeds Act, 1966, aimed at combating spurious seed sales and safeguarding farmers' interests. Consultations for the draft bill are currently underway, with the Centre seeking feedback from states.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inE-Way Bill (EWB) generation in India reached a record 11.93 crore in April, marking a 23% increase from the previous year, as economic activities picked up. Experts attribute this surge to heightened demand for seasonal goods, improved GST compliance, and enhanced enforcement against tax fraud. Notably, two significant changes implemented on April 1, including Multi-Factor Authentication for e-way bill access and integration with the Indian Railways’ Parcel system, have also contributed to the growth. Despite a typical slowdown in April following March's fiscal year-end rush, businesses appear to be maintaining operations and restocking in anticipation of future demand. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) also rose to a 10-month high of 58.2, reflecting strong manufacturing growth driven by export orders. Analysts suggest that the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy and lower interest rates may further support this economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUPL Ltd has reported a significant profit of ₹896 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, a sharp increase from ₹40 crore in the same period last year, driven by an 11% rise in revenues to ₹15,573 crore. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the company posted a net profit of ₹897 crore, rebounding from a loss of ₹1,200 crore the previous year, with total revenues climbing 8.2% to ₹46,637 crore. This growth was bolstered by strong performance in crop protection, seeds, and specialty chemicals, alongside successful new product launches worth approximately $100 million. UPL's net debt decreased by ₹8,320 crore to ₹13,860 crore, aided by improved cash flows and strategic fundraising. The board announced a 300% dividend, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable value creation. UPL SAS, the Indian arm, also saw a 13% revenue increase, highlighting robust growth in herbicides and strategic crops.
Published: May 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA national training programme aimed at enhancing India's cocoa sector has begun at Kerala Agricultural University, focusing on knowledge exchange, skill development, and value-chain integration. Over three days, participants, including officials from various State Agricultural Departments and universities across India, will gain insights into cocoa cultivation, value addition, and marketing. Organised by the Cocoa Research Centre and the Directorate of Cashew-nut and Cocoa Development, the programme highlights the importance of a system-led approach to cocoa management, particularly when intercropped with coconut and areca nut. Jacob John, Director of Extension at KAU, called for integrated efforts in research and farmer engagement to boost sustainability and profitability in cocoa farming. K.N. Anith, Director of Research, emphasised the role of research-led innovations, while Femina, Director of DCCD, noted India's potential to satisfy the rising demand for cocoa in the food and confectionery sectors.
Published: May 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance its market presence, DRRK Foods, a key player in India's premium Basmati rice sector, has announced plans to increase its domestic distributor base by 50% by the end of this year. Currently collaborating with around 150 distributors, the company aims to expand this number to over 300 within the next two years. This initiative is part of DRRK's strategy to make its flagship Crown Basmati Rice brand more accessible to consumers across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director of DRRK Foods, emphasized the importance of strengthening the retail presence of Crown Rice, noting the growing consumer trust in quality Basmati rice. The expansion is seen as a crucial step towards establishing Crown as a leading name in the premium rice category, both domestically and in key international markets.
Published: May 12 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSevere thunderstorms are currently affecting the south and east Bay of Bengal, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the arrival of the southwest monsoon by Tuesday. Rainfall, including isolated heavy downpours, is expected to continue over the Nicobar Islands, creating favorable conditions for the monsoon's advance into the Andaman Sea and surrounding regions. The IMD anticipates rapid progression of the monsoon into the south Arabian Sea, Maldives, and parts of Kerala after May 20. This early onset is unusual but reflects robust atmospheric conditions. Meanwhile, Myanmar has advanced its monsoon onset window to May 12-14, with a potential low-pressure area forming over the Andaman Sea. Sri Lanka is also preparing for monsoon rains, particularly in its north-western and southern provinces, with strong winds expected. The Maldives is experiencing gusty winds, further indicating the approaching monsoon system.
Published: May 12 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCivilian operations at 32 airports across northern and western India have resumed following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which had previously led to the temporary closure of these airports due to security concerns. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced that flights can now operate from these locations, effective immediately, and advised travelers to check flight statuses directly with airlines. Major airline IndiGo confirmed it would gradually restart services on the affected routes, although passengers may experience delays and last-minute changes. Additionally, the airline is offering waivers on change and cancellation fees for travel to and from these airports until May 22, 2025. Prior to the ceasefire, the suspension of flights had been extended until May 15 due to ongoing hostilities, with a 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) issued to cover the affected Flight Information Regions.
Published: May 12 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia has emerged as a global leader in manufacturing and services activity, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data released by J.P. Morgan. For April 2025, India's manufacturing PMI was recorded at 58.2, while its services PMI reached 58.7, both significantly outperforming other major economies. In contrast, China's manufacturing PMI stood at 50.4 and its services PMI at 50.7, indicating moderate growth but still lagging behind India. Other economies, including the U.S., Eurozone, UK, and Japan, displayed mixed signals, with the U.S. manufacturing PMI at 48.7 and the Eurozone's manufacturing PMI at 49, both suggesting sluggish growth. The robust PMI figures for India reflect strong domestic demand and business optimism, underscoring the country's steady economic momentum as it continues to thrive amid global uncertainties.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inFarmers in ten border districts of Rajasthan and Punjab, who cultivate Kharif crops such as paddy, moong, and bajra across approximately 30 lakh hectares, remain resolute despite ongoing tensions with Pakistan. With a ceasefire now in place, they are optimistic about resuming normal agricultural activities as the monsoon approaches. Naik Mal Singh, a retired army personnel from Jaisalmer, expressed a willingness to sacrifice crops for national security, a sentiment echoed by fellow farmers like Harnam Singh and Chhinder Pal, who feel secure due to police and military presence. In Punjab, farmers produced 34.03 lakh tonnes of foodgrains this season, while Rajasthan yielded 8.84 lakh tonnes. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has directed officials to ensure adequate supplies of seeds and fertilizers, and to assess cultivable land near the border to support farmers in these regions.
Published: May 11 2025, 9 pm
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