eznews.in
The recent crash of Air India flight 171, which resulted in the deaths of 241 people, has reignited discussions within the aviation industry regarding the potential installation of cockpit video cameras to monitor pilot actions. Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association, advocates for such measures, arguing that video footage could provide crucial insights into pilot behavior, particularly in light of preliminary findings suggesting one pilot may have cut off fuel to the engines shortly after takeoff. While proponents believe video could enhance safety investigations, critics, including U.S. pilots' unions, express concerns over privacy and potential misuse of footage. They argue that existing voice and data recorders suffice for accident analysis. The debate reflects a broader tension between enhancing aviation safety and protecting pilot privacy, with experts divided on the necessity and implications of cockpit video technology. 
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, known as Milma, has praised the Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) recent decision to classify dairy farms with collection and chilling facilities, as well as primary milk cooperative societies, under the agriculture category in its latest tariff revision. Milma Chairman K S Mani expressed gratitude to Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty, highlighting that this long-standing demand reflects the government's commitment to the dairy sector, a vital part of Kerala's agrarian economy. The April tariff revision shifted these dairy operations from the commercial category, which charged ₹65 per kW, to the more favorable agriculture category at ₹30 per kW. This change benefits dairy farms that collect, chill, and store milk before processing, as well as cooperative societies that aggregate milk from farmers for bulk sales, thereby supporting the growth of the dairy cooperative movement in the state.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGold prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the second half of 2025, with a potential increase of 0-5%, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Following a strong start to the year, where gold rose 26% due to a weaker US dollar and heightened geopolitical risks, the WGC's "Mid-Year Outlook" suggests that while demand from investors and central banks will persist, various economic factors, including inflation and trade tensions, will heavily influence gold's trajectory. Spot gold was priced at $3,341.29 per ounce, with futures slightly higher. The WGC cautions that if stagflationary pressures worsen, gold could rise by 10-15%, but a resolution of global conflicts could see prices drop by 12-17%. Despite elevated prices potentially dampening consumer demand, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and falling interest rates may sustain investor interest in gold as a safe-haven asset.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in India has surged from 5,151 in calendar year 2022 to over 26,000 by early fiscal year 2025, marking a significant boost in the country's EV infrastructure. According to a report by CareEdge Advisory, electric car sales penetration is projected to exceed 7% by fiscal year 2028, contingent on resolving disruptions in rare earth element supply and supported by new model launches. The report highlights that India's electric car ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with sales increasing from just over 5,000 units in fiscal year 2021 to more than 107,000 units by fiscal year 2025. While electric four-wheelers still represent a small fraction of total EV sales, the segment is poised for growth, bolstered by government initiatives like FAME III and the production-linked incentive scheme for advanced battery technologies, which aim to enhance domestic supply chains and reduce production costs.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has surpassed its five-year airport infrastructure investment target, achieving ₹96,843 crore in capital expenditure, exceeding the original goal of ₹91,637 crore set under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). This represents a 105% increase and reflects a consistent upward trend in investments aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure across the country. The final year of the NIP, FY24-25, recorded the highest annual expenditure of ₹19,317 crore. Private and public-private partnerships contributed ₹67,978 crore, underscoring confidence in India's aviation growth. The Airports Authority of India accounted for ₹28,865 crore, nearly 30% of total investments. Despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the surge in capital expenditure has led to significant improvements in airport capacity and passenger experience. With around 150 operational airports, the robust infrastructure established during this period positions India to seize emerging opportunities in both domestic and international aviation markets.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has reiterated his firm stance in trade negotiations with India, insisting that the country must eliminate all import tariffs on American goods as discussions for a bilateral trade agreement resume in Washington. In exchange, Trump suggested the US could reduce its planned 26% tariffs on Indian products to below 20%. However, sources indicate that if the US maintains its hardline approach, India may opt to delay a mini-deal in favor of a more comprehensive agreement. Key demands from the US include reduced tariffs on sensitive sectors like agriculture and automobiles, while India is reluctant to grant additional market access in areas crucial to its economy. As the August 1 deadline approaches, India is preparing for potential tariffs on its exports, with its chief negotiator emphasizing the need to assess the full impact of US tariffs before formulating a backup plan.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a mixed trading session, the Indian stock market saw the SENSEX rise by 95.69 points to close at 82,666.60, while the NIFTY gained 18.80 points, reaching 25,214.60. Commodity prices also experienced upward movement, with crude oil increasing by ₹22 to ₹5,735, gold rising by ₹105 to ₹97,316, and silver climbing by ₹293 to ₹111,779. Meanwhile, the pepper market in North India is facing challenges due to heavy rains, leading to steady prices at the Kochi terminal, where ungarbled varieties are priced at ₹666. Kishore Shamji of the Indian Pepper and Spices Trade Association noted that imports totaled around 7,000 tonnes in May and June, with 1,100 tonnes sourced from Sri Lanka. The global pepper market is also affected by US tariffs, which have led to a decline in Vietnamese exports, while Indian farmers are encouraged to increase acreage to meet rising domestic demand.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe early arrival of the southwest monsoon has significantly boosted fertiliser demand, leading to improved sales for Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Official figures indicate that FACT handled 1.79 lakh tonnes of NPK fertiliser in FY26, up from 1.41 lakh tonnes in FY25, while ammonium sulphate sales rose to 45,320 tonnes from 40,027 tonnes. However, rising raw material costs, particularly for feedstock LNG, phosphoric acid, and sulphur, are beginning to impact production, with prices for phosphoric acid increasing by over $100 recently. Experts highlight that dwindling Chinese supplies of speciality fertilisers, coupled with India's reliance on imports, underscore the need for self-sufficiency through enhanced domestic production and diversification of import sources. The company aims to meet market demand for the kharif season despite these challenges.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Darjeeling tea industry is facing significant challenges, despite its Geographical Indication (GI) status, due to poor enforcement and competition from teas marketed as Darjeeling from Nepal. Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Group, highlights that climate change is severely impacting production, necessitating practices like replanting and regenerative agriculture to enhance yields. This year, production has declined further, continuing a troubling trend. While export demand remains steady in traditional markets, the influx of lower-quality substitutes has diluted the premium status of Darjeeling tea, leading to stagnant prices at auctions. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have increased freight costs and delivery delays. Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of biodynamic farming for soil health and crop resilience, which can improve quality and consistency. Overall, the industry must adapt to climate-related risks and enhance productivity to sustain its reputation and profitability.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA Parliamentary panel has proposed 285 recommendations for the Income Tax Bill-2025, aimed at modernising and simplifying India's tax laws. Chaired by BJP leader Baijayant Panda, the Select Committee of the Lok Sabha is set to present its report on the draft legislation during the Monsoon session, starting Monday. Following the report's submission, the government will review the suggestions and may seek Cabinet approval before advancing the bill for Lok Sabha consideration. The new law, intended to enhance the taxpayer experience by simplifying language and streamlining processes, is scheduled for implementation on April 1, 2026. This legislation will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, which has undergone 65 amendments and over 4,000 changes since its inception. The government aims to create a more efficient tax framework to better serve citizens and businesses alike.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDelhi-based Crystal Crop Protection Ltd (CCPL) is expanding its focus on seed exports, alongside its established crop protection products, targeting markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. CEO Satyender Singh highlighted the importance of registration processes, which can take up to three years, and noted that CCPL is currently exporting to 35 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Japan, with an export business valued at ₹200 crore. The company, which has a ₹2,700 crore turnover and has made 13 acquisitions in recent years, is investing significantly in research and development, particularly in seed innovation, with a goal of reaching ₹1,000 crore in revenue within the next two to three years. CCPL aims to enhance its crop protection offerings with unique products while maintaining a strong commitment to serving Indian farmers through extensive distribution networks and partnerships.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact