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In Jharkhand's Ramgarh district, abandoned coal pits are being repurposed into thriving fish farms, offering new livelihoods for displaced communities and addressing local protein shortages. With approximately 1,741 such pits across the state, many dating back to the 1980s, the Kuju Fishermen Cooperative Society has emerged as a notable success story. Founded in 2010 by Shashikant Mahto, the cooperative has expanded from initial fish farming efforts to operating 126 cages across a 22-acre pit, producing 40 tonnes of fish last year, primarily Pangasius and Monosex Tilapia. The initiative, supported by government subsidies, highlights the potential of these pits for aquaculture, despite regulatory challenges. State officials emphasize the untapped opportunities for fish farming in abandoned coal and stone pits, which could significantly boost local production. This model not only provides sustainable livelihoods but also transforms environmental liabilities into economic assets, offering a blueprint for similar regions across India. 
Published: Jun 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHigh and rising public debt levels are heightening the financial system's vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations, limiting governments' capacity to respond to crises, according to a report from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Outgoing BIS head Agustín Carstens warned that ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical strife are exposing significant weaknesses in the global economy, which is at a "pivotal moment" marked by increased uncertainty. The report, released ahead of a critical U.S. trade tariff deadline, highlights concerns over rising protectionism and its detrimental effects on economic growth. Additionally, the dollar has fallen 10% this year, marking its largest first-half decline since the 1970s, although BIS economic adviser Hyun Song Shin noted that it is premature to conclude a major shift away from U.S. assets. The BIS also reported a record profit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high creditworthiness amid these challenges.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Southwest monsoon has covered the entire country by June 29, 2025, nine days ahead of the normal schedule and marking the earliest full coverage in five years, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, the monsoon's early arrival is expected to accelerate Kharif sowing, which has already seen a 10% increase in acreage compared to last year. The IMD noted that the monsoon has only fully covered India in June six times over the past 25 years, with the earliest instance occurring on June 16, 2013. Current rainfall across the country stands at 170.3 mm, 8% above the long-term average, although some regions, including parts of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, remain deficient. As farmers prepare for the crucial July sowing period, the IMD forecasts a total monsoon rainfall of 108% of normal for the season.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndian auto industry representatives are still awaiting formal approval from the Chinese commerce ministry to travel to China for crucial meetings regarding the import of rare earth magnets, essential for electric vehicles and other technologies. Despite around 40-50 executives having received visas last month, no appointments have been granted, leaving the delegation in limbo. The situation is dire, with industry sources warning of potential production losses due to shortages, as China has imposed strict export restrictions since April on seven rare earth elements, requiring special licenses for shipments. India relies heavily on China for these materials, sourcing over 80% of its 540 tonnes of magnet imports last fiscal year. As of May 2025, numerous import requests from Indian companies remain unapproved by Chinese authorities, exacerbating concerns over supply chain disruptions in the domestic automobile sector.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Indian decorative paints industry is grappling with intense competition and aggressive pricing strategies from both new entrants and established players, impacting sales and margins in FY25. Major companies like Asian Paints, which commands over 50% of the market, reported a 5.7% decline in value despite a 2.5% increase in volume, attributing this to subdued urban demand and a shift towards more affordable options. Kansai Nerolac and Berger Paints echoed similar concerns, noting that while rural demand showed resilience, urban markets remained flat. However, optimism for FY26 is emerging, with expectations of modest growth driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, rising urbanization, and increased construction activities. The market, currently valued at $9.60 billion, is projected to grow to $15.04 billion by 2029, bolstered by government initiatives and a shift towards eco-friendly products.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent report by Cushman & Wakefield highlights significant shortcomings in the Indian government's skill and talent initiatives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with 71% of small firms reporting no benefits from government-run training programs. The survey found that while 39% of MSMEs acknowledged receiving some advantages, 61% felt excluded from these initiatives. Despite MSMEs employing 80% of the manufacturing workforce and contributing 40% of the sector's output, productivity remains low, with workers generating only 14% of what their counterparts in larger firms do. The government has allocated ₹2,500 crore for sector-specific industrial parks to enhance operational efficiency and attract foreign investment. However, challenges such as high logistics costs, inadequate warehousing, and skill gaps persist, threatening the long-term competitiveness of the sector. Experts emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and productivity measures to convert policy efforts into tangible outcomes.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's ban on ships carrying Pakistani goods, implemented on May 2, 2025, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, has significantly disrupted trade relations between the two countries. The ban has led to increased freight charges and extended transit times, with Pakistani importers reporting delays of 30 to 50 days as they shift from mother vessels to more costly feeder vessels. While exporters have noted a rise in shipping and insurance costs, the overall impact on exports remains limited, according to industry representatives. The deteriorating trade ties, which have been strained since the Pulwama attack in 2019, have seen bilateral trade plummet from $2.41 billion in 2018 to just $1.2 billion in 2024. Pakistan's exports to India have also drastically declined, highlighting the broader economic implications of the ongoing tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn his latest 'Maan ki Baat' broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the entrepreneurial achievements of women from Bhadrachalam, Telangana, and Kalaburgi, Karnataka, as exemplars of women-led development in India. He highlighted how women in Bhadrachalam have transitioned from field laborers to successful entrepreneurs, producing 'Bhadradri Millet Magic' biscuits and affordable 'Giri Sanitary Pads', distributing 40,000 units within three months. In Kalaburgi, a cooperative of women is now producing over 3,000 jowar rotis daily, with demand extending to Bengaluru and online food platforms. Modi also praised Meghalaya's 'Ahimsa Silk', recently awarded a GI Tag, emphasizing its non-violent production method and suitability for global markets. He urged support for local products, reinforcing the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' initiative, which aims to boost self-reliance and promote Indian craftsmanship.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall in Jharkhand, including the state capital Ranchi, effective until July 1. Ranchi has experienced light to moderate rain since Sunday, with expectations of increased intensity throughout the day. The alert covers several districts, including Khunti, Saraikela-Kharswan, and East and West Singhbhum, due to a low-pressure area forming in the northern Bay of Bengal and a trough over Jharkhand. From June 1 to June 28, Jharkhand recorded an 80% surplus in rainfall, totaling 306.5 mm against a normal of 170.3 mm, with Ranchi seeing the highest surplus at 207%. However, Godda and Deoghar districts are still facing deficits of 26% and 22%, respectively. The IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall across East and Central India until Saturday.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inFertilisers, essential for enhancing crop yields, saw a significant rise in usage following India's Green Revolution, aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency. However, while balanced application can boost productivity, excessive use leads to environmental degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In FY2023-24, India produced 31.41 million tonnes of urea and 9.55 million tonnes of NP/NPK complex fertilisers, yet still relies on imports for 30% of its needs. Current fertiliser subsidies, particularly for urea, have made it more affordable for small farmers but have discouraged balanced nutrient application, resulting in imbalanced nutrient ratios and declining soil health. With India's population projected to exceed 1.6 billion by 2050, a new fertiliser policy is crucial, focusing on sustainable practices, farmer education, and reducing import dependency. This includes integrating technology and corporate social responsibility to transform the agricultural landscape while ensuring food security.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndian agriculture, historically marked by innovation, faces new challenges such as rising input costs, dwindling rural labor, and unpredictable weather, which complicate timely agrochemical application. In response, drone technology is emerging as a transformative solution. Agricultural drones, equipped with GPS and AI, can spray an acre in under ten minutes, reducing pesticide use by 20-30% and water consumption by up to 90%. The Indian government is supporting this shift through initiatives like the Drone Rules 2021 and the 'Drone Didi' program, which empowers women to provide drone services in rural areas. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, quality assurance, and the need for greater awareness among farmers. Despite these barriers, drones represent a significant opportunity for precision farming, promising to enhance productivity and sustainability in Indian agriculture as the sector adapts to modern demands.
Published: Jun 29 2025, 9 am
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