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Wreckage from the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, remains on the ground as investigations continue into the tragedy that claimed 260 lives. A cockpit recording revealed that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal cut the fuel flow to the engines just seconds after departure, prompting First Officer Clive Kunder to question this decision. The preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted that both fuel switches were found in the "run" position at the crash site, despite indications of engine relighting before the low-altitude crash. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that no mechanical faults were identified, and all maintenance was up to date. Following the report, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing confirmed the safety of fuel switch locks on their aircraft. 
Published: Jul 17 2025, 6 ameznews.inAir India announced on Wednesday the successful completion of precautionary inspections on the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanism across its Boeing 787-8 fleet, with no issues reported. The inspections, initiated by the airline's Engineering team over the weekend, were conducted in response to a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued on July 14. Air India confirmed that all Boeing 787-8 aircraft have also received Throttle Control Module (TCM) replacements as part of Boeing's maintenance schedule, noting that the FCS is integrated within the TCM. In a communication to pilots, the airline stressed the importance of vigilance, encouraging crew members to report any anomalies through the Technical Log or the Coruson safety reporting tool. Air India expressed gratitude to its flight and engineering teams for their dedication to operational safety, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia has introduced new regulations governing the exploration and production of atomic minerals in its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, effective immediately. The "Offshore Area Atomic Minerals Concession Rules, 2025," notified by the Ministry of Mines and the Department of Atomic Energy, impose strict government oversight on resources like uranium and thorium, crucial for the nation’s nuclear program. Foreign firms are largely excluded from direct exploration, permitted only under stringent conditions and with prior security clearance. The rules mandate that any significant discoveries must be reported to the Directorate of Atomic Minerals Exploration and Research, with the government retaining the right to revoke licenses for strategically sensitive finds. Additionally, developers must adhere to environmental and reporting requirements, including bank guarantees and data-sharing protocols. This regulatory framework aims to enhance India's control over its offshore nuclear resources amid rising geopolitical tensions and energy demands.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal hosted a workshop on Wednesday focused on forest standards, certification, and product traceability, supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the UK government. This event is part of a broader initiative under the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) aimed at enhancing timber traceability and certification in the agroforestry sector. IIFM Director K Ravichandran highlighted the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS), known as ‘PRAMAAN’, launched in December 2023, which aims to ensure sustainable forest management and gain international recognition. The workshop also explored the UK's experiences in developing certification systems, providing valuable insights for India. Owain Roberts, Head of Climate Change Policy at the British High Commission, noted that this collaboration is crucial for promoting sustainable agroforestry and supporting smallholder farmers.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's tea exports for the April-June quarter of the current fiscal year surged by 17% in value, reaching $218.95 million, driven by robust demand from traditional markets. June alone saw a remarkable 32% increase in exports, totaling $83.24 million compared to $62.76 million in June 2024, according to the Commerce Ministry. In rupee terms, exports rose by approximately 20% to ₹1,873.72 crore. Despite geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Iran-Israel conflict, shipments to Iran and other countries remained steady. Industry leaders attribute the growth to increased global demand, particularly for orthodox teas, and higher domestic production, which is expected to stabilize local prices. While North India reported an 8% rise in export volumes, South India experienced a 5% decline. Experts suggest that enhancing the quality of orthodox teas could further boost exports, although labor shortages pose challenges to production.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe upcoming Income Tax Bill, set for consideration in the Monsoon Session starting July 21, aims to address the longstanding regulatory-tax mismatch concerning Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). The Select Committee has endorsed amendments to the Bill, which will clarify the definition of NPAs and align tax treatment with regulatory guidelines. Currently, the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) definition of NPAs conflicts with tax regulations, leading to disputes over the taxation of interest income on defaulted loans. While banks cease to recognize interest income on NPAs after 90 days, tax authorities may still tax it unless the account is in default for 180 days. The new Bill proposes that interest income from NPAs be taxed only when actually received or credited, thereby reducing litigation and ensuring that only real income is taxed. This alignment is expected to harmonize financial, regulatory, and tax frameworks, ultimately minimizing disputes.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is experiencing rapid growth, with public charging stations increasing five-fold from 5,151 in 2022 to 26,367 by early 2025, according to a CareEdge Ratings report. This surge, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 72%, is driven by robust initiatives from both central and state governments, which are also attracting significant public and private investments. The report highlights the government's commitment to promoting EV adoption, supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for battery manufacturing, expected to reduce import dependency by up to 20% by FY27. However, a notable gap remains, as there is currently only one public charging station for every 235 electric vehicles on the road, underscoring the need for continued development of charging infrastructure to match the increasing sales of EVs in the country.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has agreed to reform the medical assessment process for civil pilots, aligning it with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as concerns over current military-based evaluations were raised by the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-India). During a meeting on July 14, ALPA-India sought 'observer status' in Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigations, arguing that independent pilot representation is essential for fair outcomes, a practice common in many jurisdictions. The DGCA has requested supporting documentation from the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and will facilitate further discussions between ALPA-India and AAIB. Additionally, ALPA-India highlighted issues such as weekly rest violations and the misuse of sick leave, prompting the DGCA to convene a meeting with operators for corrective measures. The regulator also agreed to review penalties imposed on pilots for data discrepancies attributed to airlines.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Select Committee has adopted its report on the new Income-Tax Bill, which will now be submitted to the Speaker for government consideration. Key amendments include a redefinition of the powers of Income-Tax authorities regarding evidence production and a refined definition of "associated enterprises." However, the committee opted not to include company secretaries or cost accountants in the definition of "accountant," maintaining that only Chartered Accountants, as per the Chartered Accountants Act of 1949, qualify. The government aims to present a comprehensive Income Tax Bill, 2025, that overhauls the existing framework, addressing issues from digital documentation to international taxation. This legislation seeks to replace the outdated Income-Tax Act of 1961 with a modernized code that reflects current economic and technological realities, promoting clarity and compliance in India's tax system. The Bill is part of the legislative agenda for the Monsoon Session starting July 21.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY), set to commence in October, with an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore over six years. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity in 100 selected districts, benefiting approximately 1.7 crore farmers. The scheme, part of the 2025-26 Budget proposals, will integrate 36 existing schemes across 11 departments and encourage private sector partnerships. Chouhan emphasized the need for the program, citing disparities in agricultural productivity across states and districts, particularly in rainfed areas. Districts will be chosen based on criteria such as low crop yield and limited agricultural credit. A comprehensive monitoring system involving Niti Aayog and district-level committees will oversee implementation, with a focus on sustainable practices, crop diversification, and improved irrigation facilities.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 8 pm
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