eznews.in
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has announced that the User Development Fee (UDF) for domestic passengers at Delhi Airport will remain unchanged at ₹129 for the next four years, affecting approximately 80% of travelers. AERA Chairperson S.K.G. Rahate emphasized that this decision prioritizes domestic passengers, with no expected impact on domestic ticket prices. While international passengers will see a slight increase in UDF, the rates have been set lower than initially proposed, with economy class travelers facing a fee of ₹650 and business class passengers ₹810. AERA's review process involved stakeholder consultations and a thorough analysis, resulting in a 140% increase in airport charges, significantly lower than the 730% increase sought by the airport operator, DIAL. The adjustments aim to balance operational efficiency and capital expenditure while ensuring fair distribution of costs among all airport users. 
Published: Mar 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe White House has criticized India's 100% tariff on American agricultural products, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that such high tariffs, along with those from Japan and Canada, make it "virtually impossible" for U.S. goods to enter these markets. President Donald Trump, who has long condemned these trade barriers, is set to announce reciprocal tariffs on April 2, which he claims will mark a "Liberation Day" for American trade. Leavitt highlighted the significant tariffs imposed by various countries, including a 700% tariff from Japan on U.S. rice and nearly 300% from Canada on butter and cheese, asserting that these practices have harmed American workers. While specifics of the upcoming tariffs remain undisclosed, Leavitt emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring fairness for American businesses. Experts note, however, that India's actual tariff burden on U.S. goods may be lower than perceived.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Darjeeling tea industry is facing significant challenges as the plucking of its premium first flush tea, which typically begins around mid-March, has been delayed by at least two weeks due to adverse weather conditions. This first flush, known for being the world's most expensive tea, accounts for approximately 20% of the region's annual production and 40% of its revenue. Industry leaders warn that without adequate rainfall in the next week, crop losses could be substantial. Last year, production fell to 5.60 million kgs, the lowest in recent history, exacerbated by dry weather and declining demand. While India's overall tea exports rose by 9.9% in 2024, concerns are mounting over rising imports, particularly of cheaper teas from countries like Kenya and Vietnam, which threaten the domestic market. Industry experts emphasize the need for vigilance against unchecked imports that could undermine local producers.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inUncertainty looms over the potential imposition of reciprocal tariffs by US President Donald Trump on key trading partners, including India, set for April 2. Indian industry officials express concern, with many seeking government protection against the anticipated impacts. Stakeholders remain hopeful that the US may delay its decision, as India is among the few nations currently negotiating a trade agreement with the US. The proposed tariffs aim to address the US's trade deficit, which Trump attributes to lower American tariffs compared to those imposed by other countries. India, which has seen a trade surplus with the US, could face significant tariff differentials across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Experts warn that calculating the full impact of these tariffs is complex, as non-tariff barriers and currency fluctuations may also play a role in the US's reciprocal tariff policy.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inOil marketing companies have announced a ₹41 reduction in the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders, bringing the retail price in Delhi to ₹1,762, effective April 1, 2025. This follows a previous decrease of ₹7 on February 1. The price adjustments, which are influenced by fluctuations in global crude oil rates, are significant for commercial establishments such as restaurants and hotels that rely on LPG for daily operations. Despite the reduction in commercial LPG prices, domestic LPG cylinder rates remain unchanged, providing some relief to households. The Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners Association has raised concerns regarding new tender processes, threatening to continue a strike initiated on March 27 if their issues are not addressed. Overall, while the price cut offers marginal benefits to businesses, it reflects ongoing volatility in the international fuel market.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inWheat carryover stocks are projected to fall to a multi-year low of 259 million tonnes in 2025-26, down from 264 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to the International Grains Council (IGC). This decline is attributed to tightening inventories among major exporters and increased consumption, which is expected to reach 813 million tonnes. Analysts from BMI predict that wheat prices will rise throughout 2025, adjusting their forecast for the Chicago Board of Trade's second-month wheat price from 580 to 585 cents per bushel. Current futures are at 528 cents, influenced by favorable crop conditions in Europe, the US, and ongoing harvests in India and China. However, the USDA has lowered the US season-average farm price to 550 cents. Additionally, managed money market participants hold a net short position in wheat, indicating a bearish outlook, while potential risks include tariffs and currency fluctuations.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government is set to release guidelines for the procurement of electric buses and trucks under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which runs from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. To accommodate rising demand, the government plans to reduce subsidy rates from three categories—₹20 lakh, ₹25 lakh, and ₹35 lakh—to lower amounts, enabling more vehicles to be rolled out. Currently, five cities, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, have secured a Payment Security Mechanism, with demand for approximately 15,000 e-buses already noted. Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) will initiate the tender process, allowing both original equipment manufacturers and operators to bid. The scheme has a total budget of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹4,391 crore allocated for e-buses, while guidelines for e-truck subsidies are also forthcoming, with a cap of around 2,000 units.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to convene with domestic airlines on April 1, 2025, to address growing concerns over wheelchair accessibility for passengers, particularly amid an increase in elderly and disabled travellers. Reports of delays and insufficient wheelchair availability have sparked backlash from netizens and disability rights advocates, with some passengers reportedly missing flights due to long waits. The DGCA aims to establish standardized guidelines for wheelchair assistance across all airlines and airports, ensuring it becomes a guaranteed right for those in need. However, industry insiders have raised concerns about the misuse of wheelchair services, particularly on international flights, suggesting that restrictions may be necessary to prevent abuse. Major airlines like IndiGo and Air India currently provide significant numbers of complimentary wheelchair services, but high demand often leads to delays, prompting discussions on real-time tracking and improved coordination among staff.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inElectric vehicle (EV) public charging stations (PCSs) in India have seen a significant surge in electricity consumption, rising nearly 85% year-on-year to 590.06 million units in the first three quarters of FY25, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Delhi led the consumption with 258.83 million units, accounting for 43.87% of the national total, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. The increase is largely attributed to the growing sales of two and three-wheeled EVs, particularly for last-mile delivery in e-commerce. Despite the growth, the Financial Industry Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) warns that the current utilisation rate of less than 2% is unsustainable for profitability, which requires a target of 8-10% by 2030. Challenges such as high infrastructure costs, low utilisation rates, and inconsistent electricity tariffs hinder the financial viability of PCSs across various states.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has proposed increasing the auto settlement limit for advanced claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, aimed at benefiting its 7.5 crore members. This decision, made during the 113th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) on March 28, 2025, in Srinagar, requires ratification by the CBT before implementation. The Ministry of Labour and Employment currently processes 60% of advance claims online within three days. Since the introduction of the auto mode in April 2020, the EPFO has seen a significant rise in claims, processing 2.16 crore auto claims in the current fiscal year, compared to 89.52 lakh in FY24. Additionally, the rejection rate for claims has decreased from 50% to 30%. The EPFO is also enhancing the claim process by allowing members with Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Numbers to make corrections independently and centralising member databases under a new IT system.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on a broader range of countries beyond the "dirty 15," which represent the largest trade deficits with the US. This move could benefit India, as it would create a more level playing field by subjecting many of its competitors to similar tariffs. While Trump did not specify the number of countries affected, he emphasized that the tariffs would be "kinder" than those imposed on the US. As negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US continue, India hopes to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. In FY24, India recorded a trade imbalance of over $35 billion with the US, exporting $77.51 billion and importing $42.19 billion. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of Trump's comments regarding tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact