eznews.in
Kimmo Lahdevirta, Finland's Ambassador to India, inaugurated the country's new Honorary Consulate in Gujarat on Monday, highlighting the state's robust infrastructure and innovation-driven environment as ideal for Finnish business collaborations. He noted that while initial cooperation focused on energy, Finnish companies are now actively engaged in diverse sectors such as clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable design. The consulate, led by prominent business leader Kulin Lalbhai, aims to strengthen Finnish-Indian ties and support Gujarat's growth through sustainable solutions and investments. Lahdevirta emphasized the cultural connections between Finland and Gujarat, citing Finnish designer Helena Perheentupa's contributions to textile design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. The ambassador presented Lalbhai with a Moomin plush toy, symbolizing Finland's cultural values, further underscoring the deepening partnership between the two regions. 
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPotato production in West Bengal has surged to 115 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 season, a significant increase from 100 lakh tonnes the previous year, marking the highest yield since 2012-13. However, this bumper crop has coincided with a sharp decline in demand, leading to a staggering 50% drop in wholesale prices, now ranging from Rs 12-14 per kg, down from Rs 24-25 a year ago. Farmers are facing substantial losses, receiving as little as Rs 7-8 per kg, exacerbated by last year's restrictions on inter-state sales that left excess stock in cold storage. Although the West Bengal government has lifted these restrictions, demand from other states remains low, particularly as competitors like Uttar Pradesh have captured markets previously reliant on Bengal's potatoes. Traders are urging the government to intervene by purchasing surplus potatoes for school meal programs to alleviate the financial strain on farmers.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is nearing the closure of its second Private Market Fund (PMF II), which aims to raise $1 billion, as confirmed by the Finance Ministry following a Governing Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The fund has successfully attracted private investors, aligning with previous guidance from the council. NIIF serves as a platform for global institutional investors to access India's private asset market, and its Assets Under Management have surpassed ₹30,000 crore, catalyzing ₹11,700 crore in capital. The council also discussed a proposed bilateral fund with the US and emphasized the importance of showcasing NIIF's performance internationally. NIIF has partnered with notable investors, including sovereign wealth funds and pension funds, and is advised to adopt a proactive fundraising strategy while exploring diverse financing sources to enhance its role in India's economic growth.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is considering limiting helicopter operations for the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand amid rising safety concerns. This review follows a series of incidents, including a fatal crash near Gangotri and a helicopter blade striking a car at Badrinath Helipad. Allegations have surfaced that operators are overloading helicopters to increase profits, despite stringent safety regulations. In response, the DGCA has initiated safety investigations and ordered special audits of helicopter operators, while restricting operations to 'Out of Ground Effect' conditions. The regulator is also monitoring live camera feeds from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures. Recent enforcement actions include the suspension of two operators for SOP violations and the immediate suspension of Kestrel Aviation pending investigation. The Chardham Yatra, which includes visits to sacred shrines, has seen a surge in helicopter service popularity, offering a quicker alternative to traditional travel.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs monsoon rains approach, the once-thriving tourism season in Wayanad, Kerala, has dwindled significantly, with local restaurant manager Nithesh reporting a drop in revenue from ₹14 lakh to ₹6.5 lakh following the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide. Tourist footfalls have plummeted by over 50%, exacerbated by district authorities closing attractions like Edakkal Caves even during light rain. The Wayanad Tourism Organisation estimates a loss exceeding ₹1,000 crore due to the landslide's aftermath, which has been sensationalized by media coverage. This trend reflects a broader challenge faced by tourism in climate-sensitive regions across India, where extreme weather events disrupt operations and alter consumer preferences. While some areas, like Manali, have seen increased tourist interest due to extended winters, the overall impact of climate change on tourism remains concerning, prompting calls for sustainable practices and a reimagining of tourism to align with environmental realities.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo, India's leading airline, is set to enhance its fleet with the introduction of Airbus A321 XLR aircraft in December, a move aimed at expanding its international reach and tapping into new markets. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized that the XLR's extended range of 8,700 km will allow the airline to connect Indian cities to destinations like Seoul and Athens, bridging the gap between its current Airbus 321 flights and future long-haul operations with A350 aircraft. IndiGo plans to launch direct flights to ten international destinations this fiscal year, including London and Amsterdam, as part of its strategy to establish a self-reliant direct flight network. The airline is also increasing its order for wide-body A350s and forming partnerships with major carriers like Air France-KLM and Delta to enhance connectivity to over 30 destinations in Europe and the US, positioning itself competitively against rivals like Air India and Emirates.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inClean energy consulting firm Mercom India has highlighted a slowdown in tendering activity during the first quarter of 2025, attributed to a backlog of unsigned power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power sale agreements (PSAs). This decline comes as India aims to boost its renewable energy capacity to 233 gigawatts (GW) by March 2027, with an expected addition of 75 GW in FY26 and FY27. Crisil Ratings noted that timely transmission infrastructure is crucial for this growth, with a capital expenditure of around ₹1 lakh crore planned for the next two fiscal years. However, delays due to right-of-way issues and equipment shortages could hinder progress. The transition towards hybrid and storage-backed capacities is seen as a solution to address the intermittency of solar and wind energy, with hybrids projected to account for 37% of new capacity. Minister Pralhad Joshi is actively engaging with states to expedite PPA signings.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) in Baramati has initiated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sugarcane yields, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI). This collaboration aims to integrate AI technology into sugarcane farming, addressing production shortcomings that have led to insufficient supply for local factories, which often operate for only about 100 days a year. VSI President Sharad Pawar emphasized the need to increase yield per acre to improve financial viability for sugar mills. The project, known as Project Farm Vibes, is supported by experts from the University of Oxford and Microsoft, and aims to provide farmers across Maharashtra with AI-driven insights to optimize cultivation practices. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has been open-sourced, allowing a broader community of researchers and farmers to leverage agricultural data for improved productivity.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is implementing a dual strategy to secure rare earth elements, crucial for electric vehicle production, amid rising concerns over reliance on Chinese supplies. The immediate plan involves enforcing end-user certificates (EUCs) for companies sourcing rare earth magnets from China, which currently dominates 50% of global production and 90% of supplies. Following China's export restrictions in April, over 30 Indian companies, including Brakes India and Hitachi Astemo, have begun the EUC application process, with some already receiving endorsements from the Chinese Embassy. A delegation is set to visit China to expedite export licenses. Concurrently, India is developing a ₹3,000 crore incentive-based manufacturing scheme aimed at boosting domestic production capacity to 4,000 tonnes over the next 7-10 years, with a focus on value addition and potential import duty exemptions to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn Agra, farmers have begun harvesting potatoes as the season kicks off, but the situation in West Bengal paints a starkly different picture. A record potato production of 115 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 season, up from 100 lakh tonnes the previous year, has led to a dramatic 50% drop in prices, causing significant losses for farmers. Currently, wholesale prices for the Jyoti variety are around Rs 12-14 per kg, down from Rs 24-25 a year ago. The muted demand, exacerbated by low prices of other vegetables, has left farmers struggling, with field prices plummeting to Rs 7-8 per kg. Restrictions on inter-state trade last year have compounded the issue, as neighboring states have turned to alternative suppliers. Traders are now urging the West Bengal government to intervene by purchasing surplus potatoes for government programs to alleviate the financial strain on growers.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from December 30, 2025, aims to restrict imports of certain products from deforested areas, significantly impacting India's coffee exports. Recently classified as a low-risk country under these regulations, India has seen its coffee export value exceed $1.01 billion in the first five months of 2025, a 30% increase from the previous year, despite a decline in volume. Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association, noted that the EU's classification simplifies due diligence for Indian exporters, easing compliance with EUDR norms. However, European buyers are already demanding compliance for shipments from July 1. Meanwhile, coffee prices have fluctuated, with robusta and arabica futures dropping due to improved production forecasts from major coffee-producing nations. Despite these challenges, Indian farmers are reportedly holding back on sales, anticipating better prices, which has affected export permits and demand.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 7 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact