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The Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday a significant increase in the annual remuneration for booth-level officers (BLOs), who are essential in preparing electoral rolls. Their pay has doubled from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per annum, reflecting the vital role they play in updating voters' lists at the grassroots level. Typically comprised of teachers and state government employees, BLOs manage voter registration within booths that will not exceed 1,200 voters. Additionally, the EC has introduced a special incentive of ₹6,000 for BLOs involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list, currently underway in Bihar. The remuneration for BLO supervisors has also been raised from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 annually, while electoral registration officers (EROs) and assistant EROs (AEROs) will receive honorariums of ₹30,000 and ₹25,000, respectively. The EC emphasized that accurate electoral rolls are fundamental to democracy. 
Published: Aug 02 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe global synthetic rubber market is set for significant growth by 2025, driven by demand from the automotive, industrial, and sustainability sectors. The automotive industry, particularly tyre production, is expected to account for over 69% of synthetic rubber consumption, with a notable shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) necessitating advanced materials like bio-based solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) for improved efficiency. Concurrently, companies are investing in bio-based alternatives to reduce fossil fuel dependency, with manufacturers like Continental aiming for 65% renewable content in their tyres. Beyond automotive applications, synthetic rubber is increasingly utilized in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, and electronics, thanks to its durability and customizable properties. The Asia-Pacific region leads global consumption, fueled by rapid EV and automotive production, particularly in China and India. Overall, the market is expected to thrive amid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, despite facing price and regulatory challenges.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe performance of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in Q1 FY26 faced significant challenges due to erratic weather and unseasonal rains, particularly impacting summer-centric categories. Analysts had anticipated this disruption, with companies like Dabur India reporting a 4.4% decline in glucose sales, while Tata Consumer Products noted that early monsoon conditions adversely affected its Ready-to-Drink (RTD) segment, despite achieving positive volume growth overall. Hindustan Unilever also acknowledged that its ice cream sales were hindered by the weather, although it experienced high-single-digit volume growth. Analysts from Nomura warned of potential year-on-year declines in sales for categories such as juices, soft drinks, and ice creams. Nevertheless, FMCG firms reported a gradual recovery in urban demand, with improved market sentiment and expectations for stable consumption in FY26, suggesting resilience amid adverse conditions.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAt the inaugural session of the International Kolkata Foodtech 2025, industry leaders highlighted the significant growth potential of the food sector in eastern India, despite existing challenges. While the region excels in the bakery segment, it notably lags in ice cream production, accounting for only 15% of the country's total consumption, compared to 35% in the west and 25% in both the north and south. Dream Bake CEO Nemisha Ghia emphasized the need for sustainable packaging and urged stakeholders to position the region as a leader in the food industry. Bhikharam Chandmal Director Ashish Agarwal pointed out that despite being a major consumer of sweets and namkeen, eastern India has yet to establish itself as a manufacturing hub. The B2B exhibition, taking place at the Biswa Bangla Milan Mela Complex, will run until August 4, showcasing opportunities for growth in the sector.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the disbursement of Rs 7,000 to 47 lakh farmers under the 'Annadatha Sukhibhava' scheme, part of a broader initiative promising Rs 20,000 annually to eligible farmers. The scheme, which combines state and central funds, aims to alleviate financial burdens on farmers and is a key component of Naidu's 'Super Six' election promises ahead of the 2024 polls. During the launch in Prakasam district, Naidu emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, stating, "all the struggles are limited to him." He also outlined plans for river interlinking and the completion of the Polavaram Project by 2027. Addressing concerns over US tariffs impacting aquaculture, Naidu pledged to develop a strategy to assist affected farmers. He criticized opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for alleged misconduct towards women and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh into a prosperous state.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking initiative, Bengaluru's Namma Metro successfully facilitated the transportation of a donated human liver for transplant on August 1, marking a first for the metro system. The liver was securely transferred from Vydehi Hospital to Whitefield Metro Station at 8.38 PM, accompanied by a medical team of eight, including a doctor. Upon arrival, the team was met by Metro personnel who coordinated the necessary security checks. The liver was then transported on a train that departed at 8.42 PM and arrived at Rajarajeshwarinagar Metro Station by 9.48 PM, where another medical team ensured a smooth transfer to a waiting ambulance for delivery to Sparsh Hospital. This operation adhered to guidelines set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and follows a similar successful organ transport by Hyderabad Metro earlier this year, showcasing innovative solutions in organ transportation across India.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBritish families awaiting the identification of remains from the Air India 171 crash, which claimed 241 lives including 52 British nationals, are anticipating DNA match confirmations following high-level discussions between India and the UK. Legal representatives from Keystone Law, assisting the families, have urged for expedited processes amid concerns over mislabelled remains, with two out of twelve caskets repatriated to the UK found to be incorrectly identified. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has asserted that all remains were handled with professionalism. A preliminary report indicated that fuel supply to both engines was cut off shortly after takeoff, leading to the crash. Keystone Law has called for transparency regarding the investigation and potential compensation from Tata Group, which is reportedly considering a fund to support affected families. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch is also reviewing the findings of the crash investigation.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 3 pmeznews.inResearch firm ICRA has reported that kharif crop sowing for the 2025 season is expected to surpass last year's figures, driven by favourable monsoon conditions. As of July 2025, sowing has been completed on 76% of the normal area, reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase. Kharif crops, primarily moong, rice, and maize, are typically sown during the rainy months of June and July. The India Meteorological Department's forecast of above-normal rainfall for August and September is promising for ongoing sowing and will aid reservoir replenishment ahead of the rabi season from October to March. The report highlights that India experienced above-normal rainfall in July 2025, with the overall Southwest Monsoon expected to exceed 106% of the long period average. ICRA also projects a 4.5% growth in the gross value added (GVA) for agriculture, forestry, and fishing in the first quarter of 2025-26, alongside a rise in rural wages, which is likely to enhance rural consumption.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe recent imposition of a 25 per cent tariff by the US on Indian exports, effective August 7, has raised significant concerns within India's automotive and tyre industries, according to rating firm Icra. With the US representing 27 per cent of India's auto component exports and 17 per cent of tyre exports, the tariff places Indian manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage compared to Asian counterparts like Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which benefit from lower or preferential duties. This tariff increase threatens to undermine the competitiveness of Indian suppliers, particularly in the off-highway and replacement tyre segments. While Indian tyre exporters previously held a slight edge over Chinese competitors, this advantage may diminish due to the more favorable tariff rates for Southeast Asian nations. To mitigate the impact, auto component exporters are expected to diversify their markets and enhance cost efficiencies. The auto components industry reported a turnover of $80.2 billion for FY2025, reflecting a 10 per cent growth from the previous year.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAdani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), part of the Adani Group, has initiated Phase-1 of a significant city side development project across eight airports in India, covering a total of 655 acres. This first phase will develop 114 acres, with approximately 50 acres allocated to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, while the remaining 60-65 acres will be distributed among other airports including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur. The city side development aims to create hotels, retail spaces, and entertainment facilities to enhance connectivity and services for urban populations. Currently, the Mumbai airport is the only operational asset, with others undergoing expansion. AAHL reported a 25% increase in income, reaching ₹10,224 crore in Q1 FY26, serving 23.4 million passengers. However, the company anticipates ongoing global trade instability, which may impact pricing and profit margins across its integrated resource management and other sectors.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 11 am
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