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The 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 pmeznews.inDuring a two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's commitment to strengthening ties with the island nation. Meeting with key Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed and Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Modi highlighted collaboration in infrastructure, technology, climate change, and energy as vital to both nations. He welcomed the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group and reiterated India's dedication to capacity building in the Maldives. Modi also engaged with former President Mohamed Nasheed, a proponent of closer India-Maldives relations, affirming the Maldives' significance in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Additionally, Modi announced a substantial ₹4,850 crore line of credit to support developmental cooperation. The Prime Minister's visit underscores India's strategic partnership with the Maldives, aiming for mutual benefits in the years ahead. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia generates over 500 million tonnes of agricultural residue annually, with an estimated 120 to 150 million tonnes deemed surplus for energy production. As the nation grapples with rising energy demands and environmental challenges, agricultural waste, including press mud from sugarcane and high-yielding crops like Napier grass, is becoming pivotal in the biogas revolution. Government initiatives such as SATAT and GOBARdhan aim to promote biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) plants, bolstered by financial support and regulatory changes. CEID is spearheading the establishment of CBG plants, addressing waste management and supporting India's net-zero emissions target by 2070. In states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, crop residue burning exacerbates air pollution, yet converting this waste into biogas offers a sustainable solution. With advanced techniques enabling the use of various biomass types, India is poised to enhance its bioenergy ecosystem while fostering rural employment and environmental sustainability. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe proposed India-US trade agreement is poised to significantly enhance India's appeal to investors, according to Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission. Speaking at an event in New York, he described the trade deal as a "big shot in the arm" for India's economy, which is also negotiating a similar agreement with the European Union. Panagariya emphasized that these deals would create an open market with the US and EU, the world's largest markets, thereby reducing trade friction and liberalizing India's economy. He noted that India is likely to lower tariffs as part of the agreement, presenting a tremendous opportunity for growth. With the US-India goods trade projected at $129.2 billion in 2024, both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Panagariya also highlighted India's potential for economic growth, driven by infrastructure development and a young workforce, while acknowledging the challenges of transitioning from agriculture to industry. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inFarmers in India burn approximately 90 million tonnes of crop residue annually, contributing to 17% of the greenhouse gases emitted by the agricultural sector and worsening air quality, particularly in North Indian cities like Delhi. This practice not only wastes a valuable resource but also exacerbates seasonal air pollution, accounting for up to 40% of it. However, researchers estimate that around 120 to 150 million tonnes of biomass could be repurposed into biofuels, potentially meeting 17% of the nation’s transport fuel needs and reducing reliance on costly crude oil imports. The Indian government aims for 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, with biofuels offering significant environmental benefits, including up to 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Initiatives like Madhya Pradesh’s Biofuel Scheme-2025 could create jobs and boost farmer incomes, but challenges in supply chains and regulatory processes must be addressed to realize this potential. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture, with over 60% of the population engaged in farming. However, the practice of soil testing, crucial for sustainable agriculture, is alarmingly underutilized. In Punjab's Barnala district, only 20% of farmers regularly test their soil, leaving the majority without vital scientific insights that could enhance crop yields and health. Soil testing identifies nutrient levels and deficiencies, guiding farmers on optimal fertiliser use and crop selection. Despite the availability of technology, many rural farmers lack awareness and face financial barriers to accessing soil testing services. Educating these farmers on the benefits of soil analysis is essential for improving agricultural productivity and financial stability. By adopting soil testing, farmers can reduce costs, enhance soil quality, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of India's agricultural sector. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that Indian Railways received 6,645 complaints regarding food quality in 2024-25, leading to fines in 1,341 cases. Additionally, 2,995 warnings were issued, and advisories were provided in 1,547 instances, with other actions taken in 762 cases. The data, presented in response to CPI(M) MP John Brittas's concerns about food safety and contract transparency, highlighted a significant rise in complaints over the past three years, from 1,082 in 2021-22 to 7,026 in 2023-24. Vaishnaw assured that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) follows a transparent tendering process for catering contracts, currently awarded to 20 entities. To enhance food safety, measures include the establishment of modern Base Kitchens, installation of CCTV, and deployment of Food Safety Supervisors to ensure hygiene standards are met. 
Published: Jul 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inUmang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, addressed concerns regarding potential US tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, stating that while there will be an impact, it will not be "debilitating" for the company. In a media interaction following the release of Cipla's first-quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2025, Vohra reported a 4% increase in revenues to ₹6,957 crore and a 10% rise in profit after tax to ₹1,298 crore. He emphasized that the pharmaceutical sector is essential, suggesting that tariffs would likely be lower than the average 15% seen in other industries, primarily affecting branded drugs rather than generics. Cipla's US business generated $226 million, with notable growth in its One Africa and emerging markets. Vohra highlighted the company's commitment to expanding key markets and investing in future growth while maintaining a healthy EBITDA margin of 25.6%. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe UK is set to fully implement its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on January 1, 2027, imposing a carbon price on imports of certain goods, including aluminum, cement, and steel, to reflect the carbon emissions from their production. While the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) does not formally address the potential impact of this carbon tax on Indian exports, there is an understanding that India can take measures to mitigate any adverse effects on its trade. Sources indicate that if the CBAM negatively affects India's market access under the FTA, India retains the right to rebalance concessions. The FTA, which eliminates tariffs on 99% of tariff lines for India, awaits ratification by the British Parliament, a process that could take up to a year. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inDuring a two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ₹4,850 crore line of credit to bolster economic ties with President Mohamed Muizzu, who welcomed him at the airport. The leaders also agreed to initiate negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing trade relations. Modi expressed optimism about the future of India-Maldives relations, despite Muizzu's pro-China stance and his election campaign that criticized India's influence. The Indian government also agreed to reduce Maldives' annual debt repayments by 40%, a move expected to alleviate the island nation's economic challenges. Ambassador Anil Trigunayat emphasized the need for India to navigate its complex neighborhood carefully, particularly in light of China's growing influence. India remains a key development partner for the Maldives, having provided significant financial support, including emergency assistance and currency swap lines in 2024. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Andhra Pradesh government has approved the Vijayawada Metro Rail Project Phase-I, which includes two corridors at an estimated cost of ₹10,118 crores, funded through a 50:50 joint venture model. Concurrently, the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has issued tenders for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project, valued at ₹6,250 crores, focusing on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for a 46.23 km viaduct, which includes a 20.16 km double-decker flyover and 42 elevated stations. Bids for this phase must be submitted by August 11, 2026. The state cabinet has also approved funding for 40% of the Visakhapatnam project, which has a total estimated cost of ₹11,498 crores. Together, the combined expenditure for both metro projects amounts to ₹21,616 crores, marking a significant investment in urban transport infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. 
Published: Jul 25 2025, 8 pm
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