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The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has called for the establishment of a Centralized Oversight Mechanism for the country's tribunals, advocating for legislative amendments to the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021. This proposed body would oversee performance monitoring, data tracking, and grievance redressal, aiming to enhance the efficiency of India's justice delivery system. Currently, over 16 central tribunals operate under various ministries, significantly impacting economic governance and the ease of doing business. CII highlighted the staggering ₹6.7 trillion pending at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, underscoring the urgent need for reform. The industry body referenced Supreme Court judgments and the Law Commission's recommendations, which have long supported a centralized authority to address inefficiencies stemming from fragmented administrative control. The lack of real-time performance data for tribunals further complicates reform efforts, contrasting sharply with the comprehensive statistics available for the court system. 
Published: May 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndiGo is poised to enhance its cargo operations with the launch of new services from Mumbai to Amsterdam and Manchester, utilizing a wet-leased Boeing 787 capable of transporting 18-20 tonnes of cargo per flight. The airline's CEO, Pieter Elbers, highlighted the significant growth potential in cargo movement between India and Europe, aligning with the Make in India initiative. IndiGo has expanded its fleet by adding 67 aircraft, bringing the total to 434, and has formed strategic partnerships with Air France-KLM and FedEx to bolster its cargo traffic. Despite Indian carriers holding a small share of international freight traffic, Elbers believes the new European routes will help increase this share. The decision to launch from Mumbai, rather than Delhi, was influenced by the closure of Pakistan's airspace, although the airline acknowledges that its Mumbai network is less robust. IndiGo expects to receive additional Boeing 787s in the coming year to support its European operations.
Published: May 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has signaled its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States if the latter does not roll back its 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which were introduced by President Donald Trump earlier this year. The Indian government estimates that these tariffs could impact exports worth $7.6 billion annually. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who recently met with US officials in Washington, is advocating for the removal of these tariffs as part of an early trade deal during a 90-day pause on US reciprocal tariffs. India is hopeful for a resolution similar to the recent agreement between the US and the UK, which included tariff exemptions under a quota. However, the US has set ambitious demands for the interim deal, including tariff reductions and changes in digital trade rules, prompting India to seek immediate concessions rather than waiting for a broader bilateral trade agreement.
Published: May 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn Vellore, Tamil Nadu, women are seen harvesting millet in the sweltering heat, highlighting the ongoing agricultural practices in rural India. Despite a successful campaign promoting millet consumption during the International Year of Millets 2023, a recent study by the International Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) reveals a stark urban-rural divide. Urban consumers are increasingly opting for value-added millet products, while rural areas remain committed to traditional staples. The study, which surveyed 1,000 farmers and 922 consumers across four states, noted improvements in millet cultivation and profitability, yet challenges such as high production costs and limited processing facilities persist. To sustain momentum, the IIMR advocates for a National Millet Development Programme, emphasizing financial incentives and increased investment in research for high-yield, climate-resilient varieties. Experts stress the need to promote value-added millet products in rural areas to enhance consumption and support farmers' profitability.
Published: May 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn India, bananas occupy approximately 20% of the total land area dedicated to crop cultivation, with the resilient Desi Banana variety thriving despite climate change concerns. A report by UK NGO Christian Aid warns that 60% of prime banana-growing regions face threats from rising temperatures and extreme weather, prompting calls for urgent emission reductions and enhanced support for farmers. However, R Selvarajan, Director of the ICAR - National Research Centre for Banana, asserts that while cultivation areas are shifting to new regions like Uttar Pradesh, overall banana output remains stable, with India producing 37 million tonnes annually, leading globally among 135 banana-producing countries. The report also highlights the emergence of the TR4 strain of Panama disease, which poses a new risk. Despite being the largest producer, India ranks only 12th in banana exports, with most production aimed at domestic consumption.
Published: May 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is emerging as Apple's primary manufacturing hub for iPhones, despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to relocate production to the US. Analysts highlight that Foxconn's recent $1.5 billion investment in a new component factory near Chennai underscores India's strategic importance, particularly as Apple aims to reduce its reliance on China. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, confirmed that a significant portion of iPhones sold in the US will be sourced from India. Experts note that India's skilled labor force, competitive costs, and government incentives, such as Production-Linked Incentives (PLIs), make it an attractive manufacturing destination. While Trump's tariff threats loom, analysts suggest they may be more of a negotiation tactic than a genuine push for US production, as shifting supply chains is complex and costly. Overall, India is positioned as the most viable option for Apple's manufacturing needs in the near future.
Published: May 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn the 122nd episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat,' aired on Sunday at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, key government figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gathered to listen as Modi highlighted the significance of "Operation Sindoor." He described the operation as a symbol of India's resolve and courage, instilling a renewed sense of patriotism across the nation. Modi emphasized the importance of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vocal for Local," urging citizens to prioritize domestic products as a contribution to nation-building. He also celebrated the increase in the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat and the success of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, which has boosted honey production by 60% over the past 11 years. Modi's address underscored the connection between public participation and national progress, calling for vigilance in wildlife protection and support for local entrepreneurs.
Published: May 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA Liberia-flagged container vessel, MSC ELSA 3, tilted shortly after departing Vizhinjam port, approximately 38 miles from Kochi, on Saturday, raising concerns of a potential oil spill in the Arabian Sea. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is actively monitoring the situation, as the ecological and economic repercussions could be significant, particularly for artisanal fishers in coastal areas. An oil spill could threaten sensitive marine species and disrupt fishing activities, especially during the monsoon season, which is crucial for pelagic fish breeding. The extent of the impact will depend on the volume of leakage and the effectiveness of containment efforts. CMFRI plans to conduct field surveys and track the spill's movement to assess its ecological effects. Director Grinson George emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate damage and promised updates as more information becomes available.
Published: May 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs the filing period for Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26 approaches, experts are urging taxpayers to ensure accurate reconciliation between Goods and Services Tax (GST) turnover and income tax filings. Discrepancies could lead to increased compliance costs and scrutiny from tax authorities. Taxpayers must file monthly GST returns and an annual return, with data shared automatically between the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) under a revised Memorandum of Understanding. Experts highlight that technological advancements in data analytics necessitate meticulous matching of business transactions across various returns and databases. Any inconsistencies, such as timing mismatches or accounting treatments, could trigger automated alerts, prompting tax queries. To mitigate unintended consequences, experts recommend that the government provide clearer guidelines and reasonable thresholds for minor discrepancies to assist both taxpayers and tax officers.
Published: May 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, the Department of Pension and Pensionary Welfare has announced that central government employees absorbed into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) will forfeit their retirement benefits if dismissed for misconduct. Effective from May 23, 2025, this change alters the previous rule, which allowed employees to retain their retirement benefits despite such dismissals. The new regulations will also affect provisions related to pension, family pension, and compassionate allowances, emphasizing the importance of future good conduct for pension eligibility. Employees who joined before January 1, 2004, may continue under the old pension scheme if they resign with proper permission. The revised rules stipulate that any government servant dismissed for serious misconduct will lose their pension and gratuity, although a compassionate allowance may be granted in exceptional cases. This move aims to reinforce accountability within the public sector workforce.
Published: May 25 2025, 2 pm
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