eznews.inThe Tea Board has introduced an updated Plant Protection Code (PPC) aimed at enhancing pest management in tea cultivation by offering a broader selection of chemicals and bio-pesticides. The revised code includes three newly approved pesticides—Acynonapyr, Copper Hydroxide, and Tebufenpyrad—alongside four bio-pesticides: _Trichoderma Asperellum_, _Beauveria Bassiana_, _Metarhizium anisopliae_, and _Bacillus Thuringiensis var_. This new PPC aligns with national regulations, permitting only Central Insecticides Board-approved products, and encourages tea growers to minimize pesticide use while ensuring effective pest control. Despite the necessity of plant protection formulations in tea cultivation, the industry faces significant crop losses of 15-30% due to pests and diseases, exacerbated by climate change. India's tea production peaked at 1.39 billion kg in 2023 but fell to 1.28 billion kg in 2024 due to adverse weather, while the country emerged as the third-largest tea exporter in 2024. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA) during a joint press conference in Male on Friday. This landmark initiative aims to bolster economic ties between the two nations. The discussions also encompassed cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure, with both leaders participating in one-on-one and delegation-level talks. They witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and three agreements, including a substantial line of credit worth USD 565 million for priority projects in the Maldives. Additionally, the leaders jointly released a commemorative stamp celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. The day also saw the inauguration of various development projects, including social housing units and infrastructure improvements, alongside the transfer of vehicles and equipment to the Maldivian government.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for sustainable transportation, India is developing a 1,200 HP hydrogen-powered train, positioning the country as a leader in hydrogen train technology, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The first hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car was successfully tested at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The initiative, part of the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' project, aims to deploy 35 hydrogen trains on various heritage and hill routes, with an estimated cost of ₹80 crore per train and an additional ₹70 crore for ground infrastructure per route. This development underscores India's commitment to innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions, as highlighted by the minister during a recent address to the Rajya Sabha. The project is expected to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the Indian Railways.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn the 2024-25 fiscal year, India exported 1.37 lakh tonnes of turmeric, with hopes of tapping into a new market following the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK. While India is the world's leading turmeric producer, accounting for 80% of global output, the UK is not among its top five importers, presenting significant opportunities for Indian farmers. Palle Gangadhar Reddy, Chairman of the newly established Turmeric Board, expressed optimism that the FTA could help achieve a ₹5,000-crore export target by 2030. Farmers like Narasimha Naidu noted that the duty-free access to the UK market could stabilize prices and enhance returns. With an estimated production of 11.16 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, major contributors include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. Current turmeric prices range from ₹11,900 to ₹12,300 per quintal, as farmers await better off-season prices amid fluctuating local market conditions.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe VOC Port has reported a significant improvement in operational efficiency, achieving a 63.08% reduction in Pre-Berthing Detention Time, which decreased from 31.20 hours in April-June 2024 to just 11:52 hours in the same period of 2025. This enhancement is attributed to the swift execution of key infrastructure projects, including the commissioning of North Cargo Berth-II and III, specifically designed for bulk cargo handling. Additionally, the port has enhanced its capabilities with the deployment of five Harbour Mobile Cranes and crawler cranes for the handling of windmill blades. These developments underscore the port's commitment to improving logistics and operational performance, positioning it as a more efficient hub for maritime trade. The announcement was made in a release published on July 25, 2025.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe New Thoothukudi Airport Terminal in Tamil Nadu is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, 2025, following a ₹381 crore redevelopment aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and accommodating larger aircraft, including the Airbus 321. The upgraded terminal will feature a 17,341 sq m building with four entry gates, 21 check-in counters, and the capacity to handle five aircraft simultaneously, significantly increasing passenger capacity from 156 to 1,400 per hour. This development is crucial for supporting over ₹45,000 crore in industrial projects in the area, including major investments in green energy and automotive sectors. The extended runway, now the second longest in the state, will facilitate international flights, reducing reliance on distant airports for residents of five nearby districts. The airport's enhancements are expected to boost air cargo traffic and strengthen trade links with South Asia, particularly Colombo and the Maldives.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia, the world's largest mango producer, is projected to produce approximately 36 million tonnes of mangoes by 2034, accounting for 42% of global output, primarily for local markets, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034. Per capita mango consumption in India is expected to rise to 23.1 kg, while banana production is forecasted to reach 45 million tonnes, with per capita consumption increasing to 28.1 kg. Globally, mango production is set to grow at 2.8% annually, driven by rising incomes and population dynamics, with Asia maintaining a 70% share. In 2024, global mango exports rose by 3% to 2.5 million tonnes, with the US and EU as leading importers. However, the banana trade faced challenges from adverse weather and pests, leading to a decline in import prices. The report highlights uncertainties affecting production and trade, including economic pressures and geopolitical factors.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inClimate change is significantly impacting India's horticultural sector, with yield losses of up to 65% reported in key crops due to irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, according to Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary. For instance, continuous waterlogging can lead to a 36.6% loss in onion yields, while high temperatures during the flowering stage of tomatoes can cause a staggering 65% reduction. Additionally, a 1.5-2°C increase in winter temperatures is shifting apple cultivation to higher altitudes, resulting in a 30% yield decline. The aquaculture sector is also vulnerable, with potential losses ranging from 20-100% due to extreme weather events. In response to agricultural challenges, the government is leveraging technology, including AI and IoT, to enhance productivity and support farmers through initiatives like the e-NAM platform, which facilitates direct sales and improves market access for over 1.79 crore farmers.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCold storages in West Bengal are currently holding a record 70.85 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes, but the West Bengal Cold Storage Association (WBCSA) has raised concerns over a significant drop in wholesale prices, which could lead to severe financial losses for farmers and storage operators. WBCSA president Sunil Kumar Rana highlighted that farmers, who control 80% of the stored stock, are facing immense pressure as the wholesale price of the Jyoti variety plummeted from Rs 15 per kg to Rs 9 per kg. The association is urging the state government to intervene by ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 15/kg and fulfilling its earlier promise to procure 11 lakh tonnes of potatoes. Without immediate action, including the revival of inter-state trade and the introduction of transport subsidies, the rural economy could suffer long-term damage, potentially destabilizing the state's Rs 10,000-crore potato industry.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has predicted heavy rainfall across West Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, parts of the West Coast, and the hills of North-West India over the next week, lasting until July 31. This follows the intensification of a low-pressure area in the north-east Bay of Bengal into a monsoon depression, which crossed the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that the depression will maintain its status as it moves across West Bengal and into north Odisha and Jharkhand. While the overall monsoon remains robust, significant rainfall deficits persist in East and North-East India, particularly in Assam, Meghalaya, and Bihar. Conversely, Rajasthan has reported surplus rainfall. The IMD suggests that a new low-pressure system may form by July 30, potentially impacting rainfall distribution in the region.
Published: Jul 25 2025, 5 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact