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Civilian operations at 32 airports across northern and western India have resumed following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which had previously led to the temporary closure of these airports due to security concerns. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced that flights can now operate from these locations, effective immediately, and advised travelers to check flight statuses directly with airlines. Major airline IndiGo confirmed it would gradually restart services on the affected routes, although passengers may experience delays and last-minute changes. Additionally, the airline is offering waivers on change and cancellation fees for travel to and from these airports until May 22, 2025. Prior to the ceasefire, the suspension of flights had been extended until May 15 due to ongoing hostilities, with a 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) issued to cover the affected Flight Information Regions. 
Published: May 12 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA national training programme aimed at enhancing India's cocoa sector has begun at Kerala Agricultural University, focusing on knowledge exchange, skill development, and value-chain integration. Over three days, participants, including officials from various State Agricultural Departments and universities across India, will gain insights into cocoa cultivation, value addition, and marketing. Organised by the Cocoa Research Centre and the Directorate of Cashew-nut and Cocoa Development, the programme highlights the importance of a system-led approach to cocoa management, particularly when intercropped with coconut and areca nut. Jacob John, Director of Extension at KAU, called for integrated efforts in research and farmer engagement to boost sustainability and profitability in cocoa farming. K.N. Anith, Director of Research, emphasised the role of research-led innovations, while Femina, Director of DCCD, noted India's potential to satisfy the rising demand for cocoa in the food and confectionery sectors.
Published: May 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance its market presence, DRRK Foods, a key player in India's premium Basmati rice sector, has announced plans to increase its domestic distributor base by 50% by the end of this year. Currently collaborating with around 150 distributors, the company aims to expand this number to over 300 within the next two years. This initiative is part of DRRK's strategy to make its flagship Crown Basmati Rice brand more accessible to consumers across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director of DRRK Foods, emphasized the importance of strengthening the retail presence of Crown Rice, noting the growing consumer trust in quality Basmati rice. The expansion is seen as a crucial step towards establishing Crown as a leading name in the premium rice category, both domestically and in key international markets.
Published: May 12 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSevere thunderstorms are currently affecting the south and east Bay of Bengal, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the arrival of the southwest monsoon by Tuesday. Rainfall, including isolated heavy downpours, is expected to continue over the Nicobar Islands, creating favorable conditions for the monsoon's advance into the Andaman Sea and surrounding regions. The IMD anticipates rapid progression of the monsoon into the south Arabian Sea, Maldives, and parts of Kerala after May 20. This early onset is unusual but reflects robust atmospheric conditions. Meanwhile, Myanmar has advanced its monsoon onset window to May 12-14, with a potential low-pressure area forming over the Andaman Sea. Sri Lanka is also preparing for monsoon rains, particularly in its north-western and southern provinces, with strong winds expected. The Maldives is experiencing gusty winds, further indicating the approaching monsoon system.
Published: May 12 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCivil aviation authorities in India have announced the reopening of 32 airports, including key locations such as Srinagar and Amritsar, which were closed for civilian flight operations from May 9 to May 15 due to a military standoff with Pakistan. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform about the temporary suspension of operations amid heightened tensions. A formal announcement regarding the resumption of flights is expected shortly, as officials work to restore normalcy in air travel across northern and western India. The decision comes as the situation stabilizes following the recent armed conflict, allowing for the safe operation of civil flights once again.
Published: May 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia has emerged as a global leader in manufacturing and services activity, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data released by J.P. Morgan. For April 2025, India's manufacturing PMI was recorded at 58.2, while its services PMI reached 58.7, both significantly outperforming other major economies. In contrast, China's manufacturing PMI stood at 50.4 and its services PMI at 50.7, indicating moderate growth but still lagging behind India. Other economies, including the U.S., Eurozone, UK, and Japan, displayed mixed signals, with the U.S. manufacturing PMI at 48.7 and the Eurozone's manufacturing PMI at 49, both suggesting sluggish growth. The robust PMI figures for India reflect strong domestic demand and business optimism, underscoring the country's steady economic momentum as it continues to thrive amid global uncertainties.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inFarmers in ten border districts of Rajasthan and Punjab, who cultivate Kharif crops such as paddy, moong, and bajra across approximately 30 lakh hectares, remain resolute despite ongoing tensions with Pakistan. With a ceasefire now in place, they are optimistic about resuming normal agricultural activities as the monsoon approaches. Naik Mal Singh, a retired army personnel from Jaisalmer, expressed a willingness to sacrifice crops for national security, a sentiment echoed by fellow farmers like Harnam Singh and Chhinder Pal, who feel secure due to police and military presence. In Punjab, farmers produced 34.03 lakh tonnes of foodgrains this season, while Rajasthan yielded 8.84 lakh tonnes. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has directed officials to ensure adequate supplies of seeds and fertilizers, and to assess cultivable land near the border to support farmers in these regions.
Published: May 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's stock market faced a downturn, with the SENSEX dropping by 880.34 points to close at 79,454.47, while the NIFTY fell by 265.80 points to 24,008.00. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 44.00 to reach 5,207.00, and gold and silver saw increases of 342.00 and 19.00, respectively, closing at 96,510.00 and 96,748.00. Amid these economic fluctuations, Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation India, emphasized the urgent need for robust counter-drone systems to protect critical civilian infrastructure, including power plants and airports, from potential threats. He highlighted the risks posed by drones, particularly in the context of terrorism, and noted that the Indian government is considering a new scheme to promote the development of these systems, with an estimated fund of ₹1,000 crore over three years, aimed at enhancing national security and manufacturing capabilities.
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's economy is projected to have grown between 6.5% and 6.9% in the January-March quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY25), buoyed by increased consumption following the post-festival season surge from September to December 2024. The official growth figures will be released on May 30. While the anticipated Q4 growth could be the highest in a year, it remains below earlier expectations for the quarter. Economists predict a full-year growth rate of 6.2% to 6.4%, with revisions expected for the first three quarters. The Maha Kumbh festival significantly boosted demand, particularly in rural markets, contributing to an 11% year-on-year growth in the FMCG sector. Additionally, urban demand is stabilizing, aided by a reduction in personal income tax. Despite a modest recovery in passenger vehicle sales, the overall economic outlook remains positive, driven by private consumption and a resilient services sector.
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRising tensions between India and Pakistan are poised to impact the energy markets, raising concerns over the supply and movement of crude oil and gas, as both nations heavily rely on imports. Rystad Energy warns that prolonged conflict could hinder their energy needs, with India importing about 85% of its crude oil, primarily from the Middle East. Disruptions in maritime routes could lead to increased shipping risks and higher freight costs, potentially triggering price spikes that may widen India's current account deficit. Additionally, ongoing disputes with Saudi Arabia over crude supply terms complicate India's energy security. While India has strategic reserves to sustain supply for over a month, Pakistan's reserves last only 20 days. The situation could also affect long-term energy projects, with the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty posing risks to Pakistan's hydropower capacity, further exacerbating the energy crisis in the region.
Published: May 11 2025, 6 pm
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