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In its 54th meeting, the GST Council, led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced significant decisions including the exemption of service imports by foreign airline companies. A Group of Ministers (GoM) will be established to evaluate potential tax rate reductions on life and health insurance, with a report expected by the end of October for consideration in November. Currently, health and life insurance premiums are subject to an 18% GST, with varying rates for endowment plans. The Council also formed another GoM to assess the future of a cess on luxury goods, which is set to expire in March 2026. Sitharaman highlighted a substantial increase in revenue from online gaming and casinos, following the implementation of a 28% GST. Additionally, the Council recommended a reduction in GST rates for specific cancer drugs and the initiation of a pilot for B2C e-invoicing. 
Published: Sep 09 2024, 9 pmeznews.inThe successful runway trial of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, conducted on October 12, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the project's development. Attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the event featured the Indian Air Force’s C-295 aircraft landing on the runway, followed by a ceremonial water cannon salute. A Sukhoi-30 fighter jet also completed a successful take-off, underscoring the occasion's importance. With the airport expected to commence regular passenger services by March 2025, Shinde highlighted its potential to create thousands of jobs and attract IT parks and business hubs. Fadnavis emphasized the airport's role in transforming regional connectivity, projecting an annual capacity of 90 million passengers, and integrating with major infrastructure projects like the Sewri-Nhava Sheva Sea Link and the Mumbai Metro networks, positioning it as a landmark development for India's aviation sector.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 1 pmeznews.inThe Union Government has disbursed the first instalment of the 15th Finance Commission grants for 2024-25 to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, as announced by the panchayati raj ministry. Andhra Pradesh received ₹395.50 crore in untied grants and ₹593.26 crore in tied grants, benefiting nine district panchayats, 615 block panchayats, and 12,853 gram panchayats. Rajasthan was allocated ₹507.11 crore in untied grants and ₹760.67 crore in tied grants for 22 district panchayats, 287 block panchayats, and 9,068 gram panchayats. The untied grants will address local needs across various sectors, while tied grants will focus on essential services like sanitation and water management. Notably, these funds cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs, empowering panchayats to enhance infrastructure and services in line with Article 243G of the Constitution.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 1 pmeznews.inThe International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has launched a 'Released Variety Panel' featuring over 130 sequenced rice varieties, aimed at enhancing the accessibility and utilization of improved rice types among farmers. Scientists and breeders can request seeds through the International Rice Genebank, with access facilitated via the SNP-Seek Database. While some requests may incur a fee to cover Genebank costs, the process is expected to take around six weeks from order to shipment. This initiative, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Zegar Family Foundation, and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, seeks to connect upstream rice research with practical applications, potentially increasing the adoption of resilient rice varieties that can withstand climate change. The RVP is designed to serve as a benchmark for beneficial traits in rice, thereby enhancing the impact of research on agricultural practices.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 12 pmeznews.inFarmers are increasingly turning to solar energy as a viable solution to enhance their financial stability and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With agriculture being a resource-intensive sector, the rising costs of electricity and water pose significant challenges. Solar power offers a cost-effective alternative, allowing farmers to reduce their reliance on expensive grid electricity and diesel generators. Initial investments in solar panels yield long-term savings, with minimal maintenance required over their 25 to 30-year lifespan. Government incentives, such as India’s PM-KUSUM scheme, further alleviate financial burdens by subsidizing installation costs. Additionally, farmers can sell surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra income and increasing land value. Beyond economic advantages, solar energy contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security in rural areas. As awareness of these benefits grows, the adoption of solar power in agriculture is expected to rise, fostering a more sustainable future for farmers and society.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 12 pmeznews.inAs climate change intensifies drought conditions, Indian farmers are increasingly turning to e-drones as a vital tool for sustainable agriculture. These advanced drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors, enable precise irrigation management by providing real-time data on soil moisture and crop health. This technology allows farmers to optimize water usage, reduce waste, and enhance crop yields, particularly in arid regions where over 60% of agricultural land relies on unpredictable monsoons. E-drones facilitate soil moisture mapping, aerial irrigation monitoring, and the automation of irrigation systems, ensuring that water is applied efficiently. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology are extending the operational range of these drones, making them even more effective in managing water resources. As India grapples with the dual challenges of agricultural abundance and water scarcity, e-drones represent a transformative solution for sustainable farming practices.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 12 pmeznews.inBoeing is set to lay off approximately 10% of its workforce, including executives, managers, and employees, as the company grapples with ongoing financial losses and a strike that has severely impacted production of its top-selling aircraft. In a memo to staff, new CEO Kelly Ortberg announced the layoffs, which will follow a period of temporary furloughs that will now be suspended. The company is also delaying the launch of its new 777X aircraft to 2026 and will cease production of the cargo version of the 767 jet in 2027 after fulfilling existing orders. Since 2019, Boeing has incurred losses exceeding $25 billion, and negotiations with striking union machinists, who have been on strike since September 14, have yet to yield a resolution after two days of talks this week.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 11 ameznews.inOn October 12, 2024, New Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 152, categorizing it as "moderate," according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This reading indicates a level of air pollution that is acceptable but may pose a risk to some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions. The national capital experienced a minimum temperature of 18.6 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below the seasonal average. Weather forecasts suggest predominantly cloudy skies throughout the day, with a maximum temperature expected to reach around 34 degrees Celsius. Additionally, humidity levels were reported at 74% at 8:30 AM. The AQI scale ranges from 0-50 for "good" air quality to 401-500 for "severe," highlighting the ongoing challenges of air pollution in urban areas.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 10 ameznews.inIndia has officially signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), allowing the establishment of its Secretariat in New Delhi. The agreement, signed by senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, was approved by the Union Cabinet on October 3. It grants the GBA legal status and privileges under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1947, facilitating its operations in India. Launched during India's G20 Presidency in September 2023, the GBA aims to enhance global biofuel usage by addressing challenges like feedstock availability and investment attraction. With membership now at 27 countries and 12 international organizations, the Secretariat's establishment is expected to create job opportunities for Indian biofuel experts and showcase domestic innovation, aligning with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision for self-reliance and sustainable energy solutions.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 9 ameznews.inThe National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has approved ₹770 crore in financial assistance for two irrigation projects in Jharkhand, as part of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the fiscal year 2024-25. Chief General Manager S K Jahagirdar announced that ₹769.58 crore will be allocated for projects in Palamu and Giridih districts. The Palamu project aims to irrigate an additional 11,000 hectares across eight blocks, while the Giridih megalift irrigation initiative will benefit 165 of the 197 villages in Pirtand block, enhancing 10,158 hectares of cultivable land. NABARD emphasized that these projects are expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity in the region. With this latest sanction, NABARD's total support to Jharkhand under RIDF for FY 2024-25 has reached ₹1,017 crore, contributing to a cumulative support of approximately ₹24,300 crore since the fund's inception.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 9 ameznews.inA train accident involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express (Train No. 12578) occurred at Kavarapettai in the Chennai Division, where it collided with the rear of a stationary train. The incident resulted in several passengers sustaining injuries, and a fire broke out following the collision, leading to the derailment of at least two coaches. Tamil Nadu police have confirmed that rescue teams and ambulances are on their way to the scene to assist those affected. Further details regarding the extent of injuries and the cause of the accident are still pending as authorities continue to respond to the situation.
Published: Oct 11 2024, 9 pm
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