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A recent survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) indicates a robust positive sentiment towards gold among central banks, with 95% of respondents expecting an increase in global gold reserves over the next year, up from 81% in the previous survey. Notably, 43% of central banks anticipate their own gold reserves will grow, with none predicting a decline. The survey highlights gold's appeal as a strategic asset for portfolio diversification, inflation hedging, and crisis management, contributing to a significant rise in gold prices, which have surged over 30% in both 2024 and 2025. While the US dollar remains the dominant reserve currency, 73% of respondents foresee a decline in its share over the next five years. Concerns about interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical instability are prevalent, particularly among emerging markets, reinforcing gold's status as a vital reserve asset. 
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Jun 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.in3F Oil Palm Private Limited has partnered with the Assam government to initiate an annual oil palm plantation drive in Dima Hasao district, as part of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). The project, launched at Digandu Village, will cover a 20-hectare plot owned by local farmer Maijen Hagjer, who employs sustainable agricultural practices. Srinivasarao Kilari, Vice President of 3F Oil Palm, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing oil palm cultivation in the North-East, describing it as a potentially transformative crop for the region. He assured that the company would supply quality planting materials and provide essential technical support. 3F Oil Palm is actively involved in plantation activities across five states in India, reinforcing its role in the country's agricultural development.
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Jun 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost for mango farmers in Karnataka, the Centre and State government have announced a joint compensation plan to address falling mango prices. During a recent video conference, Union Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan and Karnataka's Agriculture Minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy agreed to pay a differential price of ₹4 per kg for 2.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes, with each government contributing ₹2 per kg. This decision follows Karnataka's request for support under the price deficiency payment scheme (PDPS) for the 2025-26 marketing season. The state has cultivated mangoes across approximately 1.39 lakh hectares this season, anticipating an output of around 10 lakh tonnes. However, prices have plummeted, particularly in Srinivaspur, where totapuri mangoes have dropped to ₹450-550 per quintal, significantly below the estimated production cost of ₹5,466 per quintal, exacerbated by a ban on Karnataka mangoes in Andhra Pradesh.
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Jun 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThousands of bike taxi riders from across Karnataka have gathered in Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha to protest against a state-imposed ban on their operations, demanding the introduction of a formal regulatory policy. The rally, which organizers estimate has drawn over 5,000 participants, highlights the plight of an estimated 600,000 individuals affected by the ban, many of whom are struggling to meet basic needs such as food and school fees. Riders from various towns, including Mysuru and Tumkur, describe the ban as a "cry for help," with some stating it has stripped them of their income and dignity. They argue that bike taxis are vital to Karnataka's transport ecosystem and point to existing regulatory frameworks in 19 other Indian states as a precedent. The riders are calling for a fair policy that allows them to work under oversight, emphasizing that their livelihoods—and families—depend on it.
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Jun 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAir India has begun providing interim compensation of ₹25 lakh (approximately GBP 21,500) to families of victims from the tragic aircraft crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. As of June 20, three families have received this compensation, facilitated through a centralized helpdesk established on June 15 to expedite claims processing. This interim support is in addition to the ₹1 crore (around GBP 85,000) pledged by Tata Sons. The airline is also assisting injured survivors and the families of those who lost their lives on the ground, offering comprehensive financial aid for travel, accommodation, medical, and funeral expenses. The Gujarat government has confirmed the identification of 247 victims through DNA sampling, with 232 bodies returned to families, including 175 Indian citizens, nine from Portugal, 52 British, and one Canadian.
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Jun 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inHilton Metal Forging Ltd has announced it has received certification from RITES Ltd for the production of Vande Bharat and LHB railway wheelsets, a crucial step for commencing commercial output. The company aims to manufacture over 3,000 forged railway wagon wheelsets in FY26, with plans to scale production to more than 12,000 units by FY27. With an installed capacity of 20,000 wheelsets annually, Hilton is positioning itself as a significant player in the railway component supply chain, aligning with the Indian government's vision for a modernised rail network. This achievement marks Hilton as the first private MSME to gain such recognition under the "Make-in-India" initiative, coinciding with the Indian Railways' ambitious plan to upgrade 40,000 conventional coaches to Vande Bharat standards. The Railways Budget for 2025-26 is set at ₹2.65 lakh crore, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure.
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Jun 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe city gas distribution (CGD) sector is pivotal to India's energy transition, with compressed natural gas (CNG) expected to see substantial growth, as highlighted in a Crisil Intelligence report. This growth is driven by government initiatives, urban mobility demands, and expanding infrastructure, with over 18,000 proposed CNG stations and 12 crore households now accessible through licensing. The report, titled 'City Gas Pulse,' indicates that while top states continue to drive demand, new regions are emerging, supported by changing gas allocation patterns and private investments. CNG is increasingly central to India's energy mix, aiming for a 15% share in primary energy sources. Despite rising competition and infrastructure challenges, CNG remains a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels. India's commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing renewable energy sources aligns with its broader climate goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as outlined in its COP26 "Panchamrit" pledge.
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Jun 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) at Tripura's MBB Airport has proposed the establishment of a bird-free zone with a 10 km radius to enhance safety and sustainability in flight operations. This recommendation follows a tragic aircraft crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 274 lives. The meeting, chaired by District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, aimed to review and improve environmental management practices at the airport, focusing on effective waste disposal, bird hazard management, and solid waste handling. K C Meena, the airport director, highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation and district health services, to ensure continuous monitoring and timely action against environmental risks. The initiative seeks to strengthen the ecological balance around the airport while prioritizing aviation safety.
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Jun 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has reported a significant increase in domestic production of pulses and edible oils over the past decade, addressing concerns about the country's reliance on imports. In a presentation to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, it was revealed that imports accounted for 56% of the domestic demand for edible oils in 2023-24, costing the nation over ₹80,000 crore annually. While oilseeds production surged by 55% from 2014-15 to 2024-25, the ministry highlighted challenges in pulse production, noting that 75% of these crops are rainfed and cultivated on marginal lands by small farmers. The government aims for self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds by 2030-31, with MPs urging incentives for farmers to diversify from traditional crops like paddy and wheat. Additionally, a nationwide campaign promoting optimal edible oil usage was launched following Prime Minister Modi's call for a 10% reduction in intake for health benefits.
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Jun 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's blue-collar gig job market has seen a remarkable 92% year-on-year increase, according to a report by WorkIndia, a recruitment platform for blue- and grey-collar workers. This surge is attributed to the growing reliance on flexible, on-demand labor, particularly in the e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing sectors. WorkIndia CEO Nilesh Dungarwal noted that these roles are increasingly viewed as viable career options rather than temporary positions, especially in smaller cities. The report, which analyzed 481,000 job postings from 2023 to 2024, highlighted cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata as key hubs for last-mile logistics, each experiencing over 100% growth in delivery-related job postings. Additionally, the demand for gig roles has led to a 63% increase in applications, with graduates showing a notable interest in these opportunities.
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Jun 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost to rural connectivity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's mini bus initiative has successfully served nearly one crore passengers across 90,000 remote villages. Launched on June 16, the scheme operates on 3,103 routes, addressing the transportation needs of areas previously lacking access. The initiative builds on a legacy of public transport established by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who nationalized bus services in the state. Originally introduced in 1997, the mini bus service was revitalized following a Madras High Court ruling and a public hearing in July 2024, leading to a comprehensive scheme announced in January 2025. The service now covers distances of up to 26 km, enhancing mobility for residents in underserved regions. The Tamil Nadu government has emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving the quality of life for its rural population.
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Jun 21 2025, 3 pm
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