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Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF), a certified family-run organic farm based in Chennai, is enhancing supply chain transparency through innovative technologies, including QR code-based product traceability and blockchain authentication. Co-founder Satyajit Hange highlighted that consumers can scan QR codes on products to access detailed sourcing information, while blockchain ensures tamper-proof records of product history. TBOF is expanding its presence in India and the US, launching a direct-to-consumer website aimed at the premium Indian diaspora and engaging influencers to build brand awareness. The company is also focusing on corporate gifting and festive marketing. TBOF employs regenerative agriculture practices, supports women-led processing units, and promotes a zero-waste approach with biodegradable packaging. Additionally, it aims to streamline international organic certification and leverage AI for personalized consumer engagement, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable farming in India. 
Published: Mar 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inAs of January 1, 2024, over 1,300 positions within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) remain unfilled, highlighting a significant shortfall in administrative capacity, according to government data. The IAS Civil List 2024 indicates an authorized strength of 6,858 officers, with only 5,542 currently in position, resulting in a vacancy of 1,316. This issue extends to other services, with the Indian Police Service (IPS) facing 586 vacancies and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 1,042. A Parliamentary committee has raised concerns about the impact of these vacancies on governance and efficiency, urging the government to expedite recruitment processes. Recommendations from the C. Chandramouli Committee regarding direct recruitments are under consideration. To address delays in vacancy determinations, the committee suggested implementing an online submission portal for states and a penalty system for those failing to meet deadlines, aiming to streamline the promotion process and enhance administrative effectiveness.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNTPC is finalizing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a significant 2,400 MW capacity expansion at its Ramagundam project in Telangana, alleviating previous uncertainties regarding the project's Phase II due to delays in signing an 800 MW PPA by the Telangana government. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab are also set to source power from this expanded capacity, with Karnataka taking 600 MW, Punjab 400 MW, and Andhra Pradesh 1,000 MW. Telangana, originally assured 85% of the total 4,000 MW capacity under the AP Reorganisation Act, may miss out on additional procurement. The first phase of the project has already commissioned two units of 800 MW, and further work will commence once the PPAs are finalized, which could take about two years to start power supply. NTPC plans to focus on brownfield projects for thermal plants while also pursuing renewable energy initiatives in Andhra Pradesh through a joint venture.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to begin deliveries of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the first quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, following the arrival of the first F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace. The initial engine will undergo extensive testing, causing a slight delay in delivery, with subsequent engines expected monthly. The LCA Mk-1A, crucial for bolstering IAF's airpower, is currently undergoing additional firing and electronic warfare trials to ensure operational readiness. HAL has ramped up production capacity at its Nashik facility and displayed four LCA Mk-1As at Aero India 2025. Meanwhile, negotiations for the GE F-414 engines, intended for the Tejas Mk-2, are nearing completion, with an agreement on 80% technology transfer for local manufacturing expected soon. The IAF has expressed concerns over delays in aircraft delivery, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing its fleet.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's external debt reached approximately $718 billion by the end of December 2024, marking a significant increase of over $69 billion, or 10.7%, from the previous year, according to the Finance Ministry. This rise reflects a $49 billion increase over the first nine months of the fiscal year. The surge is largely attributed to non-financial corporations seeking funds for infrastructure projects, capitalizing on lower interest rates abroad. The debt-to-GDP ratio slightly rose to 19.1%, while the share of short-term debt increased to 19.4%. Notably, US dollar-denominated debt constituted 54.8% of the total external debt. The report also highlighted a decline in the outstanding external debt of the general government, contrasting with an increase in the non-government sector's debt. Loans remained the largest component of external debt, accounting for 33.6% of the total.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant incident on Sunday, March 30, 2025, eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed near Nirgundi station in Cuttack district, Odisha, at approximately 11:54 AM. Seven individuals sustained injuries and were promptly rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, with officials estimating that the total number of injured may not exceed ten. The East Coast Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Ashok Kumar Mishra, confirmed that a relief train has been dispatched to the site, and efforts are underway to assist affected passengers in reaching their destinations. In response to the derailment, three trains—the Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express, and Purulia Express—have been diverted. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Fire Service personnel are actively involved in the ongoing rescue operations, while railway helplines have been established for further assistance.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn the first eleven months of the fiscal year 2025, India's non-ferrous metal sector has shown promising growth, with primary aluminium production increasing by 0.9% compared to the previous year. The Mines Ministry reported a significant rise in iron ore production, which surged by 4.4% to 263 million tonnes (MT), up from 252 MT in the same period last year. This growth is indicative of strong demand in the steel industry, which relies heavily on iron ore, accounting for 70% of total mineral production by value. Additionally, manganese ore production rose by 12.8% to 3.4 MT, while bauxite output increased by 3.6% to 22.7 MT. As India stands as the second-largest aluminium producer and a key player in the global iron ore market, these trends suggest robust economic activity across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and automotive, prompting discussions among government ministries and trade bodies to assess the impact of these developments.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inGMR Airports has announced that the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved a significant increase in aeronautical tariffs for the Delhi airport, raising them by approximately 148% for the fourth control period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029. The revised tariffs, effective from April 16, 2025, include higher user development fees (UDF) for international passengers, while domestic UDF remains unchanged. The new structure differentiates fees for economy and business class travellers and splits UDF between embarking and disembarking passengers. Additionally, landing charges for wide-body aircraft on new international routes will be waived to promote long-haul flights. GMR Airports noted that AERA is deferring the implementation of a recent TDSAT judgement pending Supreme Court proceedings, while also incorporating corporate tax computations into the new tariff order as per a previous Supreme Court ruling.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inInterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent company of IndiGo, faces a hefty penalty of ₹944.20 crore imposed by the Income Tax Department under section 270A of the Income Tax Act for the assessment year 2021-22. The company contends that the order is based on a misunderstanding, as an appeal against the assessment order is still pending adjudication. IndiGo has stated that it will contest the penalty, deeming it erroneous and frivolous. Following the announcement, IndiGo's stock remained stable at ₹5113 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, with trading set to resume on April 1, 2025, after a market closure for Id-Ul-Fitr. Meanwhile, the broader market saw the Sensex decline by 191.51 points, closing at 77,414.92, and the Nifty 50 fell by 72.60 points to 23,519.35 on the last trading day of the financial year.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is advancing its Central Farmers’ Registry initiative, aimed at providing unique IDs to land-holding farmers to enhance credibility and offer personalized advisory services. Currently, 4.52 crore farmers have been registered out of a target of 10.01 crore across 12 states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while states like Punjab, Haryana, and Karnataka have yet to join. The registry will compile comprehensive data on farmers' land holdings and cropping patterns, facilitating verification during government procurement. The initiative, part of the Agristack digital public infrastructure, aims to streamline processes for farmers, allowing them to register for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and crop insurance in minutes without physical documentation. Additionally, the Centre plans to provide tailored guidance on crop selection and soil health to boost agricultural productivity, emphasizing the need for states to collaborate more effectively in this endeavor.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe EY Economy Watch has projected that the Indian economy is set to grow by 6.5% in the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025, with a focus on the need for a strategic fiscal policy that bolsters human capital development. The report highlights that government spending on education must rise to 6.5% of GDP by FY2048 from the current 4.6%, while health expenditure should increase to 3.8% from 1.1% in 2021, to meet the demands of a growing and youthful population. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing investment in education and healthcare to sustain long-term growth and improve human capital outcomes. Additionally, the report suggests that increasing the revenue-to-GDP ratio from 21% to 29% over time could provide necessary resources while maintaining fiscal discipline. Equalisation transfers are also recommended to address regional disparities in access to essential services, ensuring equitable growth across states.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 11 am
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