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As of March 26, 2025, the MSME Samadhaan portal has recorded over 97,000 applications from micro and small enterprises (MSEs) concerning pending dues exceeding ₹21,600 crore, including debts owed by Central Ministries and State Governments. In response to this issue, the Indian Government has mandated that all companies submit half-yearly returns detailing any payments overdue to MSE suppliers beyond 45 days. This directive, issued under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, aims to ensure timely payments and accountability. Companies failing to comply may face penalties, including the obligation to pay compound interest on overdue amounts. The Finance Minister previously highlighted the importance of timely payments in the 2023-24 Union Budget, introducing tax implications for companies delaying payments to MSEs. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting the MSE sector and addressing the longstanding issue of delayed payments. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd has secured a substantial ₹627 billion ($7.3 billion) contract to supply 156 light combat helicopters to India's military, as announced by the government on March 29, 2025. The order includes 90 helicopters for the Army and the remainder for the Air Force, with deliveries set to commence in 2028 and extend over five years. This initiative aims to bolster the combat capabilities of India's armed forces, particularly in high-altitude regions, which is crucial given the country's strategic challenges along its Himalayan borders with Pakistan and China. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these domestically produced helicopters will significantly enhance operational effectiveness in these demanding environments.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inBengaluru has launched its first commercial drone delivery service, Skye Air, nearly three years after hospitals in the city proposed using drones for medical deliveries to alleviate traffic congestion. The service, operational in the Konanakunte and Kanakapura Road areas, allows residents to receive deliveries within seven minutes. Skye Ship One, the drone used, can carry up to 10 kg per trip and operates within a designated airspace at 120 meters above ground. Ankit Kumar, founder and CEO of Skye Air, noted that the company has achieved one million deliveries in Gurugram, which first introduced the service. The drones utilize Skye UTM, a proprietary traffic management system designed for unmanned aerial systems. Kumar anticipates that drone logistics will significantly reduce carbon emissions and plans to expand services to include food delivery and additional routes in Bengaluru, including Bannerghatta Road.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian hospitality sector is poised for significant growth, with an anticipated 8-10% increase in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) for FY25, reaching ₹5,300-5,400, driven by a rise in Average Room Rates (ARR) of ₹8,000-8,200 and an occupancy rate of 67-68%. A report by CareEdge Ratings forecasts a further 7-8% growth in FY26, with RevPAR expected to rise to ₹5,600-5,700, supported by strong domestic travel and a rebound in foreign tourist arrivals. As of March 2024, India boasts around 180,000 branded hotel rooms, with over 80,000 more in the pipeline, particularly in key leisure destinations. The sector's positive outlook is bolstered by robust domestic demand, rising investments, and improved infrastructure. Notably, international tourism has rebounded to 99% of pre-pandemic levels, while domestic air passenger traffic surged from 167 million in FY22 to 307 million in FY24, indicating a strong recovery trajectory.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inUnion Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of a cooperative taxi service during the 'Times Now Summit 2025' in New Delhi, emphasizing that the initiative will be driven by taxi drivers rather than the government. This cooperative model, inspired by the principle of "Sahakar se Samriddhi," aims to allow drivers to register various vehicles, including two-wheelers and rickshaws, with profits directly benefiting the drivers who are members of the society. Shah highlighted that this approach promotes democratic management and equitable profit distribution, ultimately enhancing the income and working conditions of taxi drivers. The initiative aligns with India's broader cooperative movement, which includes over eight lakh societies across various sectors, fostering self-reliance and financial inclusion. The government aims to support such cooperatives, which compete alongside private enterprises, to ensure inclusive growth and improved services for consumers.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 10 ameznews.inStubble burning remains a significant environmental challenge in India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, despite various campaigns promoting sustainable alternatives like supplying crop residue to Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. Farmers often resort to burning due to its cost-effectiveness and speed, as it requires no additional labor or machinery. However, this practice not only contributes to severe air pollution but also undermines soil health. Key barriers include a lack of structured markets, inconsistent pricing, and logistical difficulties in transporting stubble to CBG facilities. To combat these issues, experts suggest establishing organized markets with a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for stubble, creating regional collection centers, and enhancing awareness among farmers about the benefits of selling stubble. Public-private partnerships could also facilitate investment in the stubble supply chain, ultimately reducing reliance on burning and promoting the use of agricultural residue for clean energy.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant move to bolster food security, Telangana's Minister for Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies, Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced on March 29, 2025, that the state will provide free fine rice to 84% of its population starting from Ugadi, the Telugu New Year. Reddy praised Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her role in introducing the Food Security Act, emphasizing the initiative's aim to ensure that no one goes hungry. He acknowledged past issues with the quality of rations under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and assured improvements under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's leadership. Reddy linked the initiative to Rahul Gandhi's vision of inclusive growth, stating that the benefits of development should reach all societal segments, particularly the vulnerable. Meanwhile, tensions arose as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLCs protested against the Congress government, accusing it of failing farmers regarding loan waivers.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 9 ameznews.inAir India Express plans to expand its fleet by adding approximately 15 aircraft in the upcoming fiscal year, as part of a broader strategy to enhance capacity amid rising scrutiny over fare increases in India's rapidly growing domestic air travel market. The airline's Managing Director, Aloke Singh, indicated that the anticipated growth in capacity, projected to rise by about 45% next year, is expected to outstrip demand, potentially leading to lower ticket prices. This comes as Indian airlines are set to add a total of 96 aircraft this calendar year, slightly fewer than in previous years. Singh also noted that Air India Express aims to complete retrofitting its jets with economy seats by fiscal year 2027 and is exploring deeper partnerships with international low-cost carriers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recently faced calls to regulate airfares, reflecting growing concerns over rising ticket prices.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's dairy sector, crucial to its rural economy, is poised for growth following the Union Budget's expansion of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which raises the subsidised loan limit for farmers from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This initiative aims to benefit approximately 7.7 crore farmers, addressing long-standing issues of limited access to institutional credit, as nearly 50% of agricultural households report outstanding debt. Enhanced credit access is expected to enable dairy farmers to invest in high-yield cattle, modern equipment, and sustainable practices, potentially boosting productivity and contributing to GDP. However, challenges remain, including ensuring that small farmers can easily access loans, addressing documentation issues, and improving financial literacy. Digital financial inclusion initiatives could streamline access to credit, but successful implementation will be critical. The government's ability to simplify processes and provide ongoing support will determine the initiative's effectiveness in transforming the dairy industry and improving rural incomes.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 10 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend," while addressing ongoing tariff discussions between the two nations. Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged the high tariffs imposed by India on American goods, describing them as "brutal." He expressed optimism that negotiations would yield positive results, stating, "I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country." Trump's comments follow Modi's recent visit to Washington, where the two leaders engaged in bilateral talks. The US President has consistently criticized India's tariff policies and announced that reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing levies on American products would take effect on April 2. Trump's remarks highlight the delicate balance of friendship and economic tension as both leaders seek to navigate trade relations.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Coffee Board of India has launched a new line of speciality Geographical Indication (GI) tagged coffee drip bags, offering consumers a convenient way to enjoy premium single-origin coffees. Priced at ₹200 for a box of five 12-gram bags, the product features five varieties of Arabica coffee sourced from renowned regions, including Coorg and Chikmagalur. Developed under the Atal Innovation Labs, these drip bags allow users to brew coffee simply by adding hot water. Coffee Board CEO K G Jagadeesha emphasized the initiative's aim to promote GI-tagged coffees through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, enhancing accessibility for consumers. The Board, which has secured seven GI tags for various coffees, aims to bolster domestic consumption, which has seen a modest increase over the past decade. Future plans include launching GI-Robusta variants, further expanding the range of accessible specialty coffees in India.
Published: Mar 28 2025, 10 pm
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