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Concerns over the ecological impact of expanding oil palm cultivation in India's North-Eastern states have been raised by environmental groups and scientists, particularly regarding unregulated expansion that could threaten fragile ecosystems. However, the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) prohibits the conversion of forest land for plantations, advocating instead for the replacement of low-yield crops and the use of fallow lands. Currently, oil palm cultivation occupies less than 0.1% of the region's land, with only 35,000–40,000 hectares under cultivation, far below the potential 962,000 hectares identified by NMEO-OP. While oil palm can yield significantly more oil per hectare than traditional crops, its expansion must be managed carefully to avoid deforestation, requiring strict adherence to environmental safeguards and effective land-use planning. Sustainable development in the region hinges on collaboration among government and industry stakeholders to ensure responsible cultivation practices. 
Published: Oct 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inState-owned Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) is set to launch a major tender next month for the procurement of 10,900 electric buses, aimed at enhancing sustainable public transport in major Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Scheduled for November 6, 2025, this initiative is part of the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP) and has attracted interest from numerous domestic and international manufacturers. The tender will provide a mix of AC and non-AC buses across various models, with Bengaluru receiving the largest share of 4,500 buses. Successful bidders will be required to establish local charging depots and employ local drivers, promoting gender diversity in the workforce. The project is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with an estimated annual reduction of over 4 million tonnes of CO₂. CESL's procurement model aims to ensure efficiency and affordability, minimizing financial burdens on city administrations while accelerating the transition to electric mobility.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia is set to host the Asia-Pacific region's aircraft accident investigators' meeting for the first time in New Delhi from October 28-31, with around 90 participants expected from various countries. Organized by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on behalf of the Civil Aviation Ministry, the meeting will include representatives from ICAO member states and international organizations. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu will inaugurate the event, which aims to enhance cooperation and share expertise in aircraft accident investigations. A workshop on October 28 and 29 will address key topics, followed by discussions among ICAO representatives and AAIB officials on October 30 and 31. The AAIB, responsible for classifying safety occurrences in Indian airspace, is currently investigating 25 cases, including the tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives in June.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAir India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is set to enhance its operational efficiency and capacity through a new cabin retrofit programme aimed at standardising its Boeing 737-8 fleet. The initiative will add approximately 650 seats, equivalent to four new aircraft, by converting the current mixed seating layout into a uniform all-economy configuration of 189 seats per aircraft. This change is expected to reduce unit operating costs by nearly 15% and streamline operations, particularly important for the airline's model of quick turnarounds, as it currently operates over 500 daily flights across 41 domestic and 17 international airports. The retrofit will also simplify maintenance and crew training, aligning with practices of successful low-cost carriers globally. Despite the temporary grounding of aircraft during the transition, executives believe the long-term benefits will significantly enhance passenger experience and operational flexibility, reinforcing Air India Express's growth strategy since its integration into the Tata Group.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA new low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Saturday, November 1, according to the EC-AIFS model, potentially shifting towards the West Bengal coast. This follows the intensification of a depression into a deep depression located approximately 610 km west of Port Blair and 790 km east-southeast of Chennai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that this system may evolve into a tropical cyclone, named _Montha_, by Monday morning, with sustained winds of 90-100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h, as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast. Meanwhile, another depression in the east-central Arabian Sea is expected to move westward, away from the West Coast. Rainfall in the South Peninsula is anticipated to be below normal this week, as moisture is redirected towards northern and central India, with a return to normal conditions expected by November 3.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 11 ameznews.inSmallholder farmers, who constitute about 86% of India's agricultural sector, face significant challenges in adopting agricultural insurance, crucial for safeguarding their livelihoods against erratic weather patterns. The Indian government is responding with a nationwide parametric insurance program, which promises a more transparent and efficient alternative to traditional indemnity-based models. This new approach, triggered by specific climatic thresholds, aims to address barriers such as high premiums, complex claims processes, and low settlement rates that have historically deterred farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, has made strides but still encounters issues like limited reach and delayed payouts. By leveraging satellite data and AI, the parametric model enhances risk assessment and accelerates claims, making insurance more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. This holistic strategy, supported by farmer education and local partnerships, seeks to bolster climate resilience and provide financial stability for farmers facing environmental shocks.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Odisha government has launched the 'B-MAAN' scheme, allocating ₹14,182 crore to establish the state as a premier aviation hub in eastern India. Approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Cabinet, the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) initiative aims to consolidate various aspects of the aviation sector under a unified framework, promoting the vision of "Aviation for All." Key components include infrastructure development, enhanced air connectivity, and the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. The scheme also emphasizes the adoption of innovative technologies such as drones, seaplanes, and e-VTOL aircraft, positioning Odisha at the forefront of modern aviation and green mobility. Additionally, the initiative will focus on strengthening air cargo infrastructure and fostering skill development within the sector, according to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural sector is witnessing a transformative shift as electric tractors gradually replace traditional diesel-powered machinery. This change is driven by the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet climate commitments, with electric tractors offering significant economic advantages, including lower operating costs—20-25% of diesel expenses—and reduced maintenance needs. As the government promotes rural electrification and solar energy, these machines promise to enhance sustainability while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Furthermore, modern electric tractors are equipped with advanced technology, such as GPS tracking and data analytics, empowering farmers to optimize their operations. However, challenges like battery costs and charging infrastructure remain. With supportive policies and public-private partnerships, India is poised to lead in sustainable agriculture, fostering a future where productivity and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously.
Published: Oct 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's diesel exports to the European Union (EU) are projected to remain robust through the end of 2025, ahead of the January 21, 2026, deadline for the EU's 18th sanctions package, which prohibits refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil. September 2025 saw record shipments of approximately 291,000 barrels per day, the highest since December 2023, driven by anticipation of the sanctions. Analysts expect continued strong flows of diesel and jet fuel, although rising domestic demand during the Diwali festival may tighten export availability. The EU's sanctions will likely reshape supply chains and increase freight costs, but India's Reliance Industries (RIL) may navigate these challenges by leveraging its dual-refinery structure to ensure compliance. The European Commission has clarified the rules surrounding the sanctions, potentially allowing RIL to maintain its export capabilities while adhering to the new regulations.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThunderstorms have engulfed large areas of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal as the region prepares for a severe cyclone, expected to impact the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an upgraded weather warning, indicating that a depression located about 460 km west-southwest of Port Blair is set to intensify into cyclone _Montha_ by Monday morning. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with wind speeds reaching 90-100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and parts of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Meanwhile, a separate depression in the Arabian Sea is expected to move towards the Konkan coast, bringing additional rainfall to the region. The IMD has reported significant rainfall across various states, including Goa and Karnataka, in the past 24 hours.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 5 pm
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