eznews.inSaffron cultivation in Kashmir is facing a significant decline, with official data revealing a reduction in area from approximately 5,700 hectares in the late 1990s to just 3,665 hectares by 2025. In Pampore’s Lethpora, farmers like Ali Mohammad Reshi report a drastic drop in yields, with this year's harvest at only 25% of last season's output, attributed to dry winters and poor corm growth. The region, home to over 20,000 households reliant on saffron, has seen its output diminish due to climate change and unregulated land conversion. Erratic weather patterns, including snowless winters, have exacerbated the situation, while government initiatives like the Jammu and Kashmir Saffron Act and the National Saffron Mission have failed to deliver effective solutions. Farmers express frustration over unimplemented irrigation systems, raising concerns about the future of this centuries-old heritage crop. 
Published: Oct 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAirbus India has called on the Indian government to extend the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to the aerospace manufacturing sector, emphasizing the need for substantial long-term investment to bolster the country's aerospace component production. Speaking at the Aviation India and South Asia 2025 summit, President Jürgen Westermeier highlighted that Airbus currently sources approximately $1.5 billion worth of components from India annually and is keen to enhance the local aerospace ecosystem. He noted the company's commitment to improving quality and efficiency in manufacturing, alongside expanding its engineering workforce by 20% each year. While Airbus has sufficient capacity for current aircraft production, it is actively involved in producing the C295 military transport aircraft with Tata and is set to inaugurate a final assembly line for the H125 helicopter in March 2026. The company has over 1,200 passenger jets on order from Indian airlines, underscoring its significant presence in the market.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNoida International Airport (NIA) is on track to receive its regulatory aerodrome license by early November, pending successful navigation equipment calibration testing by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Senior industry representatives indicated that if the NIA passes these tests, the license could be granted between November 5 and 7. Before this, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) must conduct anti-sabotage inspections. With a December opening anticipated, NIA has begun advanced terminal trials and technical equipment testing, as confirmed by CEO Christoph Schnellmann. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the airport's construction phase is expected to conclude by the end of October. Initially, the airport will operate a single runway and terminal, capable of handling six million passengers in its first year, with plans to expand capacity to 70 million annually. IndiGo is set to be the first airline to operate from the new facility.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTamil Nadu is set to introduce a comprehensive maritime and shipbuilding policy aimed at attracting global players and fostering equity partnerships between the state and private industry, according to Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. Speaking at the India Maritime Week 2025, he highlighted the need for government support, including viability gap funding, to develop untapped minor ports and enhance the maritime sector. This initiative coincides with significant investments from public sector shipyards Cochin Shipyards and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, which plan to invest ₹30,000 crore and create 55,000 jobs. Additionally, major ports in Tamil Nadu signed MoUs worth nearly ₹32,000 crore during the summit, including a notable ₹4,320 crore agreement between Chennai Port Authority and Hyundai Motor India for export car storage. The Chennai Port Authority is also moving forward with plans for a new outer harbour, with a feasibility report expected in two years.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAnay Gupta, Managing Director of Vinko Auto Industries Ltd in Delhi, has been appointed as the new president of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) for the 2025-26 term. K Ganesh, Managing Director of MRP Autorub Group in Chennai, will serve as Senior Vice President, while Vinod Bansal, Managing Director of Jayshree Polymers Pvt. Ltd in Pune, takes on the role of Vice-President. Gupta, who has been a member of AIRIA’s Managing Committee since 2017 and previously chaired the Northern Region from 2020 to 2022, is dedicated to promoting growth, innovation, and marketing excellence within the rubber industry. In a press release, he emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of members and support the sector's growth in India. The announcement was made on October 29, 2025.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inVaraha, a pioneering carbon removal project developer, has achieved a significant milestone by issuing its first ‘Enhanced Rock Weathering’ (ERW) credits under the Puro.earth registry, marking the first such issuance in Asia and the third globally. The initiative, based in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, involves the use of finely ground basalt rock powder, a waste by-product from stone crushing, to permanently sequester atmospheric CO₂ as stable bicarbonates. This process not only aids in carbon drawdown but also enhances soil productivity by modulating acidity, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving crop yields for smallholder cotton farmers. Varaha has scaled its operations to deploy 100,000 tonnes of basalt powder, significantly impacting thousands of acres. Co-Founder Madhur Jain emphasized the inclusive nature of their climate action, while Puro.earth COO Benno Fuchs praised Varaha's innovative approach to expanding the carbon dioxide removal market.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inKerala Agricultural University (KAU) has launched its inaugural Drone Pilot Training Programme, aimed at enhancing agricultural practices through advanced technology. Inaugurated at the KAU Agri Business Incubator in Vellanikkara, the initiative is part of a NABARD-funded project titled “Empowering Agriculture through Innovation.” Collaborating with Modha Aero Academy Pvt. Ltd., the programme seeks to train participants in drone operation, maintenance, and data-driven farm management, thereby fostering a new generation of skilled professionals and agripreneurs. Nagesh Kumar Anumala from NABARD emphasized the importance of drone technology in precision farming, while KAU's Director of Research, K. N. Anith, noted that the training will create certified manpower to implement innovative solutions in the field. The initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing labour shortages and improving farm efficiency in Kerala, marking a significant shift towards technology-led agricultural transformation.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSynthite Industries, a leading player in spice extracts, is set to enhance its pepper sourcing operations in Indonesia, as revealed by Executive Chairman Viju Jacob. The company is considering establishing a pre-processing and blending facility in the region, aiming to strengthen its presence in South-East Asia. Jacob highlighted Indonesia's reputation for high-quality pepper and its strategic position in the spice trade, expressing a desire to collaborate with local farmers and cooperatives to improve value addition. This initiative seeks to boost local sourcing, enhance supply chain efficiency, and support farmers through technology and sustainable practices. With existing operations in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, Synthite's investment in Indonesia reflects its commitment to expanding its sourcing network. Jacob also noted the challenges facing the pepper industry, including fragmented supply chains and low farmer incomes, while emphasizing the need for high-quality production to meet rising global demand.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is taking significant steps to bolster its maritime sector and reduce the costs associated with crude oil imports, according to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. Speaking at 'India Maritime Week 2025', Puri announced plans to aggregate cargo demand from public sector undertakings (PSUs) to secure long-term charters for Indian carriers, alongside advancing a ship owning and leasing model to enhance domestic ownership. He highlighted the urgent need for India to increase its fleet, as only 20% of its oil and gas trade is currently carried by Indian-flagged vessels. With India's crude oil consumption rising from 5 million to 5.6 million barrels per day, Puri emphasized the importance of maritime strength for both national and global benefits. The government is also working to establish shipbuilding clusters and has aggregated demand for 180 vessels, with plans for further acquisitions.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAbu Dhabi is set to invest $2 billion in Maharashtra's ports and shipbuilding sector, marking a significant milestone as the first agreement of its kind between Abu Dhabi Ports and any Indian state government. Maharashtra's Port and Fisheries Minister, Nitesh Rane, announced the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on social media, highlighting the deal's importance in underscoring the state's global significance. The investment will cover various areas, including shipbuilding, maritime transport, port infrastructure, and water sports management, aligning with Maharashtra's long-term vision for blue-economy development. This partnership is expected to enhance the state's maritime capabilities and bolster economic growth. The announcement was made on October 29, 2025.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pm
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