eznews.in
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Uber, demanding clarification on its controversial practice of encouraging users to pay an "advance tip" for quicker ride acceptance. This action follows Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi's criticism of the feature, labeling it "unethical" and potentially in violation of fair trade norms. Joshi expressed concern on social media, stating that nudging users to pay a tip in advance is exploitative and undermines the essence of tipping as a gesture of appreciation. He emphasized the need for fairness, transparency, and accountability in customer interactions. The notice comes amid increasing complaints from users regarding ride cancellations and pressure tactics employed by mobility platforms. As of now, Uber has not publicly responded to the CCPA's notice, which highlights growing scrutiny over tipping practices in markets like India, where consumer trust and affordability are paramount. 
Published:
May 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndiGo, India's leading airline, is set to enhance its fleet with the introduction of Airbus A321 XLR aircraft in December, a move aimed at expanding its international reach and tapping into new markets. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized that the XLR's extended range of 8,700 km will allow the airline to connect Indian cities to destinations like Seoul and Athens, bridging the gap between its current Airbus 321 flights and future long-haul operations with A350 aircraft. IndiGo plans to launch direct flights to ten international destinations this fiscal year, including London and Amsterdam, as part of its strategy to establish a self-reliant direct flight network. The airline is also increasing its order for wide-body A350s and forming partnerships with major carriers like Air France-KLM and Delta to enhance connectivity to over 30 destinations in Europe and the US, positioning itself competitively against rivals like Air India and Emirates.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inClean energy consulting firm Mercom India has highlighted a slowdown in tendering activity during the first quarter of 2025, attributed to a backlog of unsigned power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power sale agreements (PSAs). This decline comes as India aims to boost its renewable energy capacity to 233 gigawatts (GW) by March 2027, with an expected addition of 75 GW in FY26 and FY27. Crisil Ratings noted that timely transmission infrastructure is crucial for this growth, with a capital expenditure of around ₹1 lakh crore planned for the next two fiscal years. However, delays due to right-of-way issues and equipment shortages could hinder progress. The transition towards hybrid and storage-backed capacities is seen as a solution to address the intermittency of solar and wind energy, with hybrids projected to account for 37% of new capacity. Minister Pralhad Joshi is actively engaging with states to expedite PPA signings.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) in Baramati has initiated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sugarcane yields, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI). This collaboration aims to integrate AI technology into sugarcane farming, addressing production shortcomings that have led to insufficient supply for local factories, which often operate for only about 100 days a year. VSI President Sharad Pawar emphasized the need to increase yield per acre to improve financial viability for sugar mills. The project, known as Project Farm Vibes, is supported by experts from the University of Oxford and Microsoft, and aims to provide farmers across Maharashtra with AI-driven insights to optimize cultivation practices. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has been open-sourced, allowing a broader community of researchers and farmers to leverage agricultural data for improved productivity.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is implementing a dual strategy to secure rare earth elements, crucial for electric vehicle production, amid rising concerns over reliance on Chinese supplies. The immediate plan involves enforcing end-user certificates (EUCs) for companies sourcing rare earth magnets from China, which currently dominates 50% of global production and 90% of supplies. Following China's export restrictions in April, over 30 Indian companies, including Brakes India and Hitachi Astemo, have begun the EUC application process, with some already receiving endorsements from the Chinese Embassy. A delegation is set to visit China to expedite export licenses. Concurrently, India is developing a ₹3,000 crore incentive-based manufacturing scheme aimed at boosting domestic production capacity to 4,000 tonnes over the next 7-10 years, with a focus on value addition and potential import duty exemptions to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn Agra, farmers have begun harvesting potatoes as the season kicks off, but the situation in West Bengal paints a starkly different picture. A record potato production of 115 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 season, up from 100 lakh tonnes the previous year, has led to a dramatic 50% drop in prices, causing significant losses for farmers. Currently, wholesale prices for the Jyoti variety are around Rs 12-14 per kg, down from Rs 24-25 a year ago. The muted demand, exacerbated by low prices of other vegetables, has left farmers struggling, with field prices plummeting to Rs 7-8 per kg. Restrictions on inter-state trade last year have compounded the issue, as neighboring states have turned to alternative suppliers. Traders are now urging the West Bengal government to intervene by purchasing surplus potatoes for government programs to alleviate the financial strain on growers.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from December 30, 2025, aims to restrict imports of certain products from deforested areas, significantly impacting India's coffee exports. Recently classified as a low-risk country under these regulations, India has seen its coffee export value exceed $1.01 billion in the first five months of 2025, a 30% increase from the previous year, despite a decline in volume. Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association, noted that the EU's classification simplifies due diligence for Indian exporters, easing compliance with EUDR norms. However, European buyers are already demanding compliance for shipments from July 1. Meanwhile, coffee prices have fluctuated, with robusta and arabica futures dropping due to improved production forecasts from major coffee-producing nations. Despite these challenges, Indian farmers are reportedly holding back on sales, anticipating better prices, which has affected export permits and demand.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inKimmo Lahdevirta, Finland's Ambassador to India, inaugurated the country's new Honorary Consulate in Gujarat on Monday, highlighting the state's robust infrastructure and innovation-driven environment as ideal for Finnish business collaborations. He noted that while initial cooperation focused on energy, Finnish companies are now actively engaged in diverse sectors such as clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable design. The consulate, led by prominent business leader Kulin Lalbhai, aims to strengthen Finnish-Indian ties and support Gujarat's growth through sustainable solutions and investments. Lahdevirta emphasized the cultural connections between Finland and Gujarat, citing Finnish designer Helena Perheentupa's contributions to textile design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. The ambassador presented Lalbhai with a Moomin plush toy, symbolizing Finland's cultural values, further underscoring the deepening partnership between the two regions.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA Singapore-flagged container vessel, the MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire approximately 130 nautical miles northwest of Kerala following an explosion on board, leading to the abandonment of the ship by its crew. The incident occurred on June 6, shortly after the vessel departed from Colombo, en route to Mumbai. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) responded promptly to the distress call, with firefighting efforts underway as the ship remains adrift. Of the 22 crew members, one has sustained serious injuries, while four others, including two Taiwanese, one Indonesian, and one Myanmarese, are missing. The fire has spread to other containers, raising concerns about further explosions and potential hazards. The ICG is conducting aerial assessments and has alerted nearby maritime traffic to maintain safe distances. Authorities are also investigating the cargo to determine if hazardous materials were involved in the incident.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTwo-wheeler sales in India are projected to sustain strong growth in FY26, following a robust performance in FY25, according to a report by CARE Ratings Ltd. The industry anticipates an 8–9 per cent increase in volume, despite a modest price rise due to the OBD-II Phase-B norms. Key factors driving this demand include easing inflation, increased disposable income from tax rebates, and lower interest rates following a cumulative 100 basis points cut by the Reserve Bank of India. The scooter segment has shown remarkable resilience, achieving double-digit growth for three consecutive years, with volumes reaching nearly 250 million units in FY25. Motorcycles, known for their fuel efficiency and versatility, also saw a 9 per cent sales increase. While electric two-wheeler growth has slowed due to subsidy reductions, the overall market remains optimistic, bolstered by favorable monsoon conditions expected in FY26.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship, made its inaugural visit to Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday, a significant milestone for the port inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the vessel enhances India's Exim trade by providing direct connectivity to key European ports, including Valencia and Barcelona, thereby reducing costs and delivery times for imports and exports. This development is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive cargoes from South India, such as perishable goods and industrial accessories. The ship's arrival positions Vizhinjam as a prominent player in global maritime trade, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the trading community. Measuring 399.9 meters in length, MSC IRINA is designed for efficient container transport between Asia and Europe and underscores Vizhinjam's capability to handle ultra-large container vessels, further solidifying its status as a vital maritime hub.
Published:
Jun 09 2025, 6 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact