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A special audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12 has revealed significant lapses in aircraft maintenance and safety protocols across Indian airlines and airports. The audit, which assessed various aspects including flight operations, airworthiness, and ramp safety, identified recurring defects and inadequate monitoring practices. Notably, unserviceable ground-handling equipment and non-compliance with maintenance procedures were highlighted. The DGCA reported that safety precautions were often ignored by maintenance engineers, and critical defect reports were not properly documented. Additionally, one domestic flight was delayed due to worn tires, and a flight simulator was found outdated. The DGCA has mandated corrective actions within seven days. The findings underscore a concerning aviation safety culture that has not evolved in line with India's rapid industry growth, prompting calls for regulatory reforms, including proposed laws to address building height violations near airports. 
Published: Jun 25 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's economic activity showed resilience in May 2025, despite global uncertainties, according to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) latest bulletin. High-frequency indicators, including E-Way bills and Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue, indicated robust growth, with GST collections exceeding ₹2 lakh crore for the second consecutive month. However, urban demand exhibited signs of moderation, particularly in passenger vehicle sales, while rural demand surged, bolstered by a strong agricultural sector. Inflation remained benign, with headline inflation at 2.8%, the lowest since February 2019, driven by record crop production. Despite these positive indicators, RBI staffers warned of potential risks from ongoing trade policy uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, which could impact future economic prospects. Overall, consumer sentiment remains stable, reflecting optimism about the economy's resilience amid external challenges.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia and the United States are currently engaged in negotiations to finalize an interim trade deal by July 9, 2025, amid ongoing tensions over tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. While India aims to keep the option of retaliatory measures open at the World Trade Organization (WTO) should the talks falter, it has pledged not to take immediate action during the discussions. The backdrop includes a history of tariffs imposed by the US in 2018, which led India to retaliate with tariffs on various US products. Recently, India lodged complaints with the WTO regarding the US tariffs, arguing they are improperly applied safeguard measures affecting $7.6 billion in exports. As negotiations progress, India seeks to address not only the reciprocal tariffs but also sector-specific tariffs on automobiles. The full trade agreement is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2025, although uncertainties remain regarding the outcome of the talks.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndiGo is expanding its international reach by connecting over 50 domestic destinations to Manchester and Amsterdam via Mumbai, according to industry sources. The airline aims to establish Mumbai as a regional hub, facilitating travel from tier-2 and tier-3 cities to Europe with attractive features like single ticket check-in and short layovers of under five hours. This strategy not only enhances passenger convenience but also allows IndiGo to circumvent Pakistan's airspace and conflict zones in West Asia. The airline's CEO, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the goal of creating a self-reliant flight network to meet the rising demand for international travel. IndiGo plans to launch direct flights to ten new international destinations this fiscal year, including London and Copenhagen, and has partnered with Air France-KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic to enhance connectivity to over 30 destinations in Europe and the US, positioning itself as a competitive player in global aviation.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA low-pressure area is anticipated to form over the north-west Bay of Bengal off the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by Thursday, heralding a significant wet spell across India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this system, marked by rotating winds, could enhance monsoon conditions, potentially extending rainfall across the country ahead of the usual July 8 timeline. The low-pressure system is expected to operate steadily, benefiting from a quieter storm season in the South China Sea and the Pacific, which has seen limited activity. Meanwhile, the monsoon has gradually advanced into parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, with conditions favorable for further progression. Recent heavy rainfall has raised overall precipitation levels by 4%, although some regions, particularly in Central India and the South Peninsula, still face deficits. Heavy rains have been reported in various states, including West Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as the monsoon approaches.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inScientists at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) have developed a groundbreaking method to assess soil health, significantly reducing the evaluation time from weeks to mere minutes. This innovative approach, which combines satellite imaging and spectroscopy, has achieved an impressive 81% accuracy rate in detecting soil degradation, a pressing issue for food security in drought-prone regions. The research highlights the importance of irrigation in mitigating the adverse effects of soil degradation, showing that while rain-fed crops suffer yield declines, irrigated crops demonstrate resilience. This method not only provides a quick and cost-effective alternative to traditional soil testing but also equips farmers and policymakers with vital insights to enhance soil health and bolster food systems in semi-arid areas. The findings were published by the British Society of Soil Science, emphasizing the need for timely interventions to protect agricultural landscapes.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs Malaysia's palm oil industry faces stringent European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) norms and increasing competition, efforts are intensifying to empower smallholders, who manage a significant portion of the sector. These farmers, cultivating 26.4% of palm oil plantations, often operate on tight margins due to limited resources and fluctuating prices. To enhance their competitiveness, they receive support in the form of seeds, fertilizers, and training in sustainable practices. Initiatives like the Wild Asia Group Scheme (WAGS) are pivotal, helping smallholders achieve certification under global standards, thereby improving yields and reducing costs. With Sabah contributing nearly a quarter of Malaysia's output, the region is a key focus for these empowerment efforts. As the industry adapts to meet global sustainability demands, smallholders are positioned as essential players in ensuring the sector's resilience and long-term growth.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGulf carriers remain the preferred choice for Indian travelers heading to destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, thanks to their superior frequency and connectivity. However, following the reopening of Iran's airspace, many passengers are now considering transit routes through Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, despite a significant rise in airfares. For instance, fares from Chennai to New York have surged from ₹1.90 lakh to ₹2.55 lakh in just ten days. Travel agencies report increased inquiries for these routes, particularly from those with urgent travel needs. Amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, anxiety among travelers has led to cancellations and rebookings on European airlines. This sentiment extends beyond India, with Australian travelers also experiencing longer flight times as airlines reroute to avoid affected airspace. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has announced a peak surcharge for tickets issued after June 27, 2025.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Phase 2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, which includes two elevated corridors spanning 12.75 km at a cost of ₹3,626 crore. The new routes, from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, will extend the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi corridor and feature 13 stations, connecting key suburbs and enhancing public transport accessibility. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the project aligns with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan, aiming to improve mass transit in Pune. The corridors will integrate with existing metro lines and intercity bus services, facilitating seamless urban travel. Expected to alleviate congestion on major roads, the project is projected to increase daily ridership significantly over the coming decades. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited will oversee the implementation, with pre-construction activities already underway, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban development in Pune.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inBoomitra, a soil carbon project developer, has secured a landmark agreement with Restoration Climate and the Ethereum Climate Platform (ECP) for 500,000 carbon removal credits from its Northern Mexico Grassland Restoration project over five years, marking the largest soil carbon credit transaction to date. CEO Aadith Moorthy emphasized the significance of this deal in showcasing the scalability of soil carbon removal in developing countries and its appeal to diverse buyers as a cost-effective climate solution that benefits agriculture and local communities. ECP, leveraging blockchain technology, aims to enhance climate investments by connecting project developers with investors, while Restoration Climate focuses on navigating climate risks through market-based solutions. Recent visits by Restoration Climate executives highlighted the positive impacts on local ranchers and soil health, underscoring the transformative potential of technology, such as AI and satellite data, in measuring soil carbon and facilitating large-scale restoration efforts.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has urged the government to reinstate standard packaging for edible oils to protect consumer interests and enhance market transparency. BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, highlighted that the removal of Schedule 2 from the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules in 2022 has led to a rise in non-standardized packaging sizes, such as 800 g and 870 g, causing consumer confusion and complicating price comparisons. This lack of standardization not only misleads consumers but also fosters unhealthy competition and unfair trade practices. Mehta emphasized the need for clear labeling and uniform pack sizes to ensure price transparency and maintain market integrity. The SEA has consulted with industry stakeholders and submitted a proposal to the Department of Legal Metrology, advocating for the reintroduction of 'Serial Number 10 of Second Schedule' to benefit consumers, regulators, and the industry alike.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 3 pm
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