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A MakeMyTrip spokesperson has reported a dramatic 60% drop in bookings and a staggering 250% increase in cancellations for travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey over the past week, amid rising public anger towards these nations for their support of Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor.’ BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has called on the Indian government to reassess aviation partnerships, particularly with Turkish Airlines, citing concerns over national sovereignty and security. He urged a temporary suspension of collaborations with Turkey and increased scrutiny of ties with Azerbaijan and China. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also advocated for a travel boycott, warning that the decline in Indian tourists could severely impact the economies of these countries, which previously welcomed hundreds of thousands of Indian visitors. Following these developments, MakeMyTrip has ceased promotions for these destinations, while ixigo has suspended all bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. 
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May 14 2025, 8 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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May 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe 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.
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May 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA Liberian container vessel, MSC Elsa III, carrying marine fuel, sank off the coast of Kerala on Sunday, May 25, 2025, after developing a critical 26-degree list the previous day. The ship, located nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, lost several containers into the sea before the Indian Navy's INS Sujata successfully rescued the remaining three crew members. Fortunately, all 24 crew members were saved, with no reported loss of life or environmental damage, despite concerns about potential oil spills. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed the ship Saksham for air surveillance and pollution control, while a NavArea warning has been issued to passing vessels regarding floating containers. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, with initial assessments suggesting weather-related factors, including strong winds and high waves, may have contributed to the vessel's instability.
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May 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inProfessor Ana Mijic from Imperial College London's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has highlighted the need for careful planning in large-scale water transfer projects aimed at supporting agriculture, particularly in the context of the Indo-Gangetic plains. In an interview, she noted that while such transfers could alleviate water shortages during dry spells, they have yet to be implemented. Mijic, who led the CHANSE project, emphasized the importance of accurate weather predictions and proactive planning to manage the complexities of the monsoon cycle, which is increasingly disrupted by climate change. This unpredictability poses significant challenges to water availability, affecting both agricultural practices and infrastructure. Unsustainable practices, such as excessive groundwater pumping and fertilizer use, exacerbate these issues, leading to conflicts with urban development and ecological conservation. Mijic advocates for farmers to adopt more sustainable techniques, including drip irrigation and crop selection that minimizes water use and environmental impact.
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May 25 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian Navy is assessing how to assist the Liberian-registered feeder ship MSC Elsa III, which began listing mid-sea off Kochi, resulting in the loss of several containers. The vessel, measuring 183.91 meters, is currently stable, with no further listing observed, as efforts are made to prevent environmental damage. Three crew members remained on board and were later rescued by the Coast Guard vessel INS Sujata, while 21 others had been evacuated earlier. A second MSC ship has arrived to aid in the operation, with Coast Guard and Indian Navy vessels monitoring the situation. Kerala Port Minister VN Vasavan stated that the cause of the incident, which saw eight containers fall into the sea, is still under investigation, with potential factors including weather conditions or stability issues. Concerns have been raised about the floating containers posing risks to local fishing boats and passing vessels.
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May 25 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the approval of the world's first genome-edited rice varieties, a move expected to enhance sustainable rice production and bolster its competitiveness in global markets. This innovation, which includes improved versions of popular rice types like Sambha Mahsuri, aims to address food security, particularly for the impoverished. However, the development has sparked debates on the safety of genome editing, necessitating clear communication to the public to counter misinformation and foster understanding. The CRISPR-Cas technology, likened to tailoring, allows precise genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA, ensuring the integrity of the rice genome. As India plays a crucial role in the global rice trade, projected to contribute significantly to a record 24 million tonnes by 2025-26, ethical considerations and regulatory oversight remain vital to ensure the responsible application of this transformative technology.
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May 25 2025, 9 ameznews.inPre-monsoon rains across Maharashtra since early May have raised concerns for onion farmers, already grappling with declining prices for the essential vegetable. Thousands of acres of onion crops have suffered damage, with the full extent of losses yet to be determined as assessments are ongoing. Regions including Nashik, Pune, and Kolhapur have experienced heavy unseasonal rainfall, exacerbating the situation. As of May 20, onion prices in the Lasalgaon market had dropped to an average of Rs 1,150 per quintal. Farmers who harvested before March reported good yields, while those harvesting in April and May faced challenges from both heat and rain. Despite the difficulties, Maharashtra remains the leading onion-producing state, with significant export revenues. Farmers are calling for clearer government guidelines on annual output to better plan their production and mitigate the impact of fluctuating prices.
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May 25 2025, 9 am
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