eznews.inConcerns over the ecological impact of expanding oil palm cultivation in India's North-Eastern states have been raised by environmental groups and scientists, particularly regarding unregulated expansion that could threaten fragile ecosystems. However, the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) prohibits the conversion of forest land for plantations, advocating instead for the replacement of low-yield crops and the use of fallow lands. Currently, oil palm cultivation occupies less than 0.1% of the region's land, with only 35,000–40,000 hectares under cultivation, far below the potential 962,000 hectares identified by NMEO-OP. While oil palm can yield significantly more oil per hectare than traditional crops, its expansion must be managed carefully to avoid deforestation, requiring strict adherence to environmental safeguards and effective land-use planning. Sustainable development in the region hinges on collaboration among government and industry stakeholders to ensure responsible cultivation practices. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inSmallholder farmers, who constitute about 86% of India's agricultural sector, face significant challenges in adopting agricultural insurance, crucial for safeguarding their livelihoods against erratic weather patterns. The Indian government is responding with a nationwide parametric insurance program, which promises a more transparent and efficient alternative to traditional indemnity-based models. This new approach, triggered by specific climatic thresholds, aims to address barriers such as high premiums, complex claims processes, and low settlement rates that have historically deterred farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, has made strides but still encounters issues like limited reach and delayed payouts. By leveraging satellite data and AI, the parametric model enhances risk assessment and accelerates claims, making insurance more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. This holistic strategy, supported by farmer education and local partnerships, seeks to bolster climate resilience and provide financial stability for farmers facing environmental shocks.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Odisha government has launched the 'B-MAAN' scheme, allocating ₹14,182 crore to establish the state as a premier aviation hub in eastern India. Approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Cabinet, the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) initiative aims to consolidate various aspects of the aviation sector under a unified framework, promoting the vision of "Aviation for All." Key components include infrastructure development, enhanced air connectivity, and the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. The scheme also emphasizes the adoption of innovative technologies such as drones, seaplanes, and e-VTOL aircraft, positioning Odisha at the forefront of modern aviation and green mobility. Additionally, the initiative will focus on strengthening air cargo infrastructure and fostering skill development within the sector, according to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural sector is witnessing a transformative shift as electric tractors gradually replace traditional diesel-powered machinery. This change is driven by the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet climate commitments, with electric tractors offering significant economic advantages, including lower operating costs—20-25% of diesel expenses—and reduced maintenance needs. As the government promotes rural electrification and solar energy, these machines promise to enhance sustainability while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Furthermore, modern electric tractors are equipped with advanced technology, such as GPS tracking and data analytics, empowering farmers to optimize their operations. However, challenges like battery costs and charging infrastructure remain. With supportive policies and public-private partnerships, India is poised to lead in sustainable agriculture, fostering a future where productivity and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's diesel exports to the European Union (EU) are projected to remain robust through the end of 2025, ahead of the January 21, 2026, deadline for the EU's 18th sanctions package, which prohibits refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil. September 2025 saw record shipments of approximately 291,000 barrels per day, the highest since December 2023, driven by anticipation of the sanctions. Analysts expect continued strong flows of diesel and jet fuel, although rising domestic demand during the Diwali festival may tighten export availability. The EU's sanctions will likely reshape supply chains and increase freight costs, but India's Reliance Industries (RIL) may navigate these challenges by leveraging its dual-refinery structure to ensure compliance. The European Commission has clarified the rules surrounding the sanctions, potentially allowing RIL to maintain its export capabilities while adhering to the new regulations.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThunderstorms have engulfed large areas of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal as the region prepares for a severe cyclone, expected to impact the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an upgraded weather warning, indicating that a depression located about 460 km west-southwest of Port Blair is set to intensify into cyclone _Montha_ by Monday morning. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with wind speeds reaching 90-100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and parts of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Meanwhile, a separate depression in the Arabian Sea is expected to move towards the Konkan coast, bringing additional rainfall to the region. The IMD has reported significant rainfall across various states, including Goa and Karnataka, in the past 24 hours.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCivil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu inaugurated the revamped Terminal 2 (T2) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), set to commence operations on October 26. The refurbishment aims to enhance passenger handling capacity, with Air India and IndiGo scheduled to operate 120 daily flights from the terminal. Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to transforming airports into world-class transit hubs, noting that IGIA currently manages nearly 50% of the Northern region's passenger traffic. The over 40-year-old T2, closed for renovations since April, will feature modern amenities, including a Self Baggage Drop facility and six new Passenger Boarding Bridges, to improve efficiency and reduce wait times. With an annual capacity of over 100 million passengers, IGIA is poised to become a leading aviation hub, focusing on sustainability and efficient space utilization. The first flight to arrive at the revamped terminal will be IndiGo's 6E 2058 from Lucknow.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance trade facilitation, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced the consolidation of 31 customs duty notifications into a single notification, effective from November 1, 2025. This initiative, described by the CBIC as a step towards simplification, transparency, and improved ease of doing business, aims to streamline customs processes for traders. The new consolidated notification, designated as Notification No. 45/2025, was officially communicated via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 25, 2025. The CBIC emphasized that this measure is part of ongoing efforts to modernize and simplify the regulatory framework governing customs duties in India, ultimately benefiting the trade community.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHousing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to collaborate on port infrastructure projects valued at ₹5,000 crore. The agreement, signed by HUDCO's Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kulshrestha and JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh, aims to foster cooperation in the development and financing of both existing and future infrastructure initiatives at the JN port. This non-binding MoU signifies HUDCO's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure, as the corporation traditionally focuses on financing housing and urban development projects. The announcement was made in a regulatory filing on October 25, 2025, highlighting the strategic partnership's potential to bolster port infrastructure in India.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA significant weather event is unfolding in the Bay of Bengal, where a well-marked low-pressure area has intensified into a depression, located approximately 420 km west-southwest of Port Blair as of Saturday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that this system will evolve into a cyclone, named Montha, by Monday morning, potentially impacting the Andhra Pradesh coast. Meanwhile, another depression in the Arabian Sea is expected to move northwest, bringing light to moderate rainfall across various regions, including heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh over the coming days. The IMD warns of very heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema starting Sunday, with similar conditions anticipated in Odisha and West Bengal. Residents are advised to prepare for adverse weather as these systems develop.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 11 am
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