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Early monsoon rains in India have prompted farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district to accelerate the sowing of rice, oilseeds, and pulses, raising hopes for a record grain harvest this year, according to Farm Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi. With rainfall arriving ahead of schedule, farmers are benefiting from an extended growing season, which could enhance both current and winter crops if conditions remain favorable through September. India, a major global producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, relies heavily on the monsoon for irrigation, impacting food security and economic growth for its 1.4 billion citizens. Chaturvedi assured that fertilizer supplies are adequate, despite reliance on imports, and emphasized the government's commitment to diversifying crop production, including support for pulses and specialty rice varieties. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall in July, further supporting agricultural prospects. 
Published: Jul 04 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Shriram Mobility Bulletin for June 2025 reveals a robust recovery in India's logistics, mobility, and electric vehicle sectors, driven by pre-Kharif agricultural activities and a manufacturing push towards exports. Truck rentals increased across major routes, with the Kolkata-Guwahati corridor rising 2.4% month-on-month and 14% year-on-year. Despite a month-on-month dip in fuel consumption, petrol and diesel sales rose year-on-year by 6.4% and 1.2%, respectively. Vehicle retail sales showed mixed results; while overall numbers fell due to seasonal factors, agricultural tractors and construction equipment saw significant growth. The electric vehicle market thrived, with e-two wheelers up 5% month-on-month and a staggering 254% year-on-year. YS Chakravarti, CEO of Shriram Finance, noted a positive shift in economic momentum, highlighting the resilience of export-driven freight and the transportation sector's recovery as promising indicators for the upcoming quarter.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost for apple growers nationwide, the Indian government has increased the minimum import price (MIP) of apples from ₹50 to ₹80 per kg, effective June 3, 2025. This decision, announced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Chetan Singh Bragta during a press conference in Shimla, reflects the Modi administration's commitment to supporting farmers and horticulturists. Bragta hailed the MIP hike as a bold move to combat illegal foreign apple imports and ensure fair prices for local producers. He noted that this policy builds on the government's previous introduction of an MIP in 2023, a first for any administration. Emphasizing India's agricultural self-reliance, he pointed out that no apples have been imported from China since 2018. Bragta also criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for its lack of support for orchardists, while reaffirming the central government's dedication to enhancing farmer incomes and interests.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for central government employees, the Finance Ministry has announced that all tax benefits associated with the National Pension System (NPS) will now extend to the newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Launched earlier this year, the UPS offers a more predictable retirement income for recruits joining civil services from April 1, 2025, while also allowing existing NPS members a one-time option to switch. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has already established the necessary regulations for the scheme's implementation. With this latest decision, employees opting for UPS will enjoy the same tax relief and incentives as those under NPS, including deductions on contributions. This move aims to create parity between the two schemes, enhancing the appeal of UPS and reinforcing the government's commitment to improving retirement security for its employees.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Cochin, operated by DP World, has reported a significant 35% increase in container handling in June, processing over 81,000 TEUs compared to the previous month. This growth underscores the terminal's enhanced throughput capacity and operational efficiency, as it successfully managed 54 vessels, including several mother ships. CEO Dipin Kayyath emphasized the milestone as a testament to customer trust and the terminal's pivotal role in connecting India to global markets. The terminal's power infrastructure has been upgraded from 3 MVA to 5 MVA, ensuring uninterrupted operations during peak demand and reducing the carbon footprint through full electrification of yard equipment. Cochin's strategic location enhances coastal connectivity across India, while DP World’s Free Trade Warehousing Zone continues to facilitate EXIM trade and bolster regional economic growth.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAVPL International, a drone manufacturing and training firm, announced a $1 million investment on Friday to enhance research and development of defence drones, building on its previous commitment of $12 million in April 2025 for drone training and manufacturing. This latest funding aims to foster the indigenous development of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for India's defence and homeland security needs, addressing critical gaps in the country's drone ecosystem. Key objectives include reducing reliance on imported components, developing intelligent drones with advanced swarm autonomy, and establishing indigenous counter-UAS capabilities. The investment will also bolster AVPL's manufacturing infrastructure in Bihar and Hisar, while focusing on upskilling ex-servicemen and Agniveers through drone training, leveraging their combat experience to cultivate a skilled national workforce in UAV technology. AVPL specializes in drone technology, precision agriculture, and geospatial intelligence, among other applications.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inGlobal palm oil production is projected to reach 80.6 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, marking a 2.4% year-on-year increase, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company. Malaysian output is expected to rise to 19.5 million tonnes, while Indonesia's production is forecasted at 47.5 million tonnes. Despite this increase, palm oil prices are anticipated to remain stable, supported by strong demand from India and China, as well as biofuel policies in the US and Indonesia. BMI maintains its average price forecast for crude palm oil at MYR 4,150 per tonne for 2025, with prices likely fluctuating between MYR 3,800 and 4,000. Indian consumption is set to rise by 1.6%, while China's imports are expected to increase by 8.7%. Overall, the combination of robust production and reduced stockpiles in key markets is expected to temper price volatility throughout 2025.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Institute of Groundnut Research (IIGR) has identified high seed costs and low mechanisation adoption, particularly outside Gujarat, as significant barriers to expanding groundnut cultivation, which has plummeted from 83.22 lakh hectares in 1993-94 to 57.54 lakh hectares in 2024-25. IIGR Director Sandip Kumar Bera highlighted that many farmers cultivate on small landholdings and fail to implement Good Agronomic Practices, leading to stark yield disparities across states. Additionally, the lack of investment in mechanisation and local processing facilities hampers production. Groundnut farmers reportedly spend nearly half their production costs on seeds, with the average cost of production reaching ₹76,772 per hectare. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) noted significant yield gaps, with potential government interventions, such as seed distribution and assured procurement, suggested to enhance production and reduce costs. The National Mission in Edible Oil has allocated funds to develop breeder seed hubs to support groundnut cultivation.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Telangana Government has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reverse a recent decision to lower the import duty on crude palm oil from 27.5% to 16.5%. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao expressed concerns that this reduction has led to a significant drop in the prices of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs), which fell by ₹1,248 per tonne, now priced at ₹17,500. He warned that such price declines could deter farmers from cultivating palm oil, undermining the National Edible Oil Mission aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production. Telangana, which ranks first in the country for palm oil cultivation, has set a target of cultivating 50,000 hectares this financial year, with 18,185 farmers already registered. The state plans to expand oil palm acreage to 800,000 hectares, leveraging the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project to enhance irrigation capacities.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inSMPP Ltd, a leading defence equipment manufacturer, has secured two significant contracts worth ₹300 crore from the Indian Army to supply 27,700 bulletproof jackets and 11,700 advanced ballistic helmets. The orders, placed under emergency provisions, highlight SMPP's commitment to enhancing soldier safety with innovative designs. The bulletproof jackets feature advanced dynamic load distribution and quick release systems, improving comfort and protection against high-caliber threats. Notably, the ballistic helmet is touted as the world's first to defend against AK-47 fired hard steel core ammunition. SMPP, which holds over 90% of the personal protection market share in India, has a strong focus on research and development, with 17 patents filed and 10 granted. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Palwal, Haryana, and continues to lead in the design and production of critical defence equipment.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIran has reopened its airspace, which had been closed since June 13 due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, state media reported on Friday. The Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini airports, along with others across the country, are now operational for domestic and international flights, although Isfahan and Tabriz airports remain closed until further notice. This development follows a ceasefire established last month after a series of airstrikes by Israel and retaliatory missile attacks by Iran. Concurrently, the United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports, aiming to disrupt Tehran's financial resources amid escalating tensions. The Pentagon has indicated that Iran's capability to develop a nuclear weapon is now closer to two years away, following recent strikes on its nuclear facilities. Diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program have been effectively stalled due to the conflict.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 12 pm
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