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India's recent rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on renewable energy products is poised to significantly lower capital costs for solar and wind power projects by approximately 5%, according to Girishkumar Kadam, Group Head of ICRA. This move, part of the government's broader strategy to combat climate change and transition to a net-zero economy, reduces GST on solar PV cells and wind equipment while increasing taxes on fossil fuels, making traditional energy sources more expensive. Industry leaders, including Manoj Mishra from Grant Thornton Bharat, highlight that this shift enhances the financial viability of renewable energy projects, potentially lowering generation costs for solar and wind power. However, challenges remain for developers with existing Power Purchase Agreements, as they may need to renegotiate terms. Overall, the changes are expected to accelerate India's clean energy transition and bolster domestic manufacturing efforts. 
Published: Sep 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHealth experts are alarmed by the Indian government's recent decision to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on beedis from 28% to 18%, while other tobacco products remain taxed at 40%. This tax disparity is expected to make beedis, which are already the most commonly smoked tobacco product in India with over 70 million users, more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations. Renowned oncologist Dr. Vishal Rao warned that this could lead to increased consumption and a rise in tobacco-related health issues, including cancers and respiratory diseases. Public health advocates stress that uniform, high taxation on all tobacco products is crucial to deter use and protect public health, as evidenced by global studies showing that price increases can significantly reduce consumption. They urge the government to reconsider this tax reduction, arguing it undermines decades of public health efforts and disproportionately impacts low-income communities.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified its relief operations in response to severe flooding in the Jammu region and northern Punjab, exacerbated by relentless rainfall. As of August 27, 2025, IAF helicopters have evacuated 541 individuals from the Bharmor-Chamba sector and airlifted over 10,000 kg of essential supplies to Kullu and Kishtwar. The IAF confirmed its commitment to humanitarian assistance, with assets ready for ongoing missions. Meanwhile, Punjab's Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that the floods have affected 1,996 villages across 22 districts, impacting approximately 387,013 residents. In the last 24 hours alone, 925 people were rescued, bringing the total to 22,854, with Gurdaspur seeing the highest evacuations. The situation remains critical, with continuous rescue efforts underway as more areas report flooding.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's coal imports fell by 16.4% in July, totaling 21.08 million tonnes (MT), down from 25.23 MT in the same month last year, primarily due to sluggish demand during the monsoon season and high stock levels. For the April-July period of the current fiscal year, imports decreased to 97.49 MT from 100.48 MT a year earlier, according to mjunction services. Non-coking coal imports in July were 11.54 MT, a significant drop from 16.52 MT in July 2024, while coking coal imports rose to 5.85 MT from 4.81 MT. The April-July figures show non-coking coal imports at 60.62 MT, down from 65.64 MT, while coking coal imports increased to 22.22 MT from 20.26 MT. Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy assured that the country is prepared to meet demand and will not face shortages during the monsoon, emphasizing the government's commitment to sustainable growth and reduced import reliance.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia, a leading global producer of fruits, vegetables, and grains, faces significant post-harvest losses due to microbial spoilage and moisture damage, costing billions annually. While cold chain infrastructure improvements are vital, innovative paper packaging presents an immediate and sustainable solution. Modern paper packaging, designed for breathability and moisture management, effectively protects sensitive crops like tomatoes and mangoes, while advancements in antimicrobial coatings enhance food safety. This eco-friendly option also supports traceability, allowing farmers to track produce and improve market transparency. Economically, it reduces rejection rates and extends shelf life, making it appealing to both domestic and international markets. Implementing paper packaging can be achieved swiftly, with a structured approach enabling visible improvements within a single agricultural season. By addressing key supply chain challenges, paper packaging not only safeguards produce but also bolsters livelihoods and aligns with India's sustainability goals, positioning itself as a crucial element in the quest for food security.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) announced plans to establish a dedicated Myanmar Trade Council, aiming to enhance trade, education, and technology collaborations, particularly benefiting Karnataka and Bengaluru. This initiative comes as Myanmar, recently inducted into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to strengthen its long-standing bilateral ties with India. Speaking at the International Resilience Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, Myanmar's Ambassador to India, Zaw Oo, emphasized the need for increased Indian investment in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. The IETO highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reached $1.8 billion in FY 2024–25, with India exporting pharmaceuticals and machinery, while Myanmar supplies pulses and natural gas. IETO President Asif Iqbal noted that Myanmar's SCO membership signals a new era of regional cooperation, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable global partnerships.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Matarbari deep-sea port in Bangladesh, located on Maheskhali Island near Cox's Bazar, has officially opened, enhancing trade and connectivity in South Asia by allowing mother vessels to dock directly. Developed with a loan from Japan, the port is part of a broader initiative that includes the establishment of 2,400 MW coal-based power plants, with 1,200 MW already operational. The project aims to create a commercial hub integrating logistics, energy, and manufacturing, significantly boosting the region's economic potential. By 2030, the port will accommodate two vessels simultaneously, facilitating rapid coal delivery and supporting a Free Trade Zone. With an estimated investment of $60-65 billion over the next 20-30 years, the port is projected to generate around 1.5 lakh direct jobs and contribute $150 billion to GDP, positioning Matarbari as a key player in regional trade and development, akin to Singapore by 2060.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural landscape is evolving, with a notable surge in maize demand driven by rising household incomes, increased meat consumption, and a growing ethanol industry. The government aims to elevate maize production to 86 million tonnes by 2047, more than doubling the projected 42.3 million tonnes for 2024-25. However, current productivity at approximately 3.5 tonnes per hectare lags behind the global average of 6 tonnes, partly due to pest challenges like the fall armyworm. To address these issues, farmers are encouraged to adopt modern practices such as high-density planting and precision farming, utilizing technology like drones and GPS for better crop management. Additionally, an enabling policy framework is essential to support these advancements, including the promotion of digital tools and farmer collectives. By implementing these strategies, India can enhance maize cultivation, ensuring food security and boosting farmer incomes while adapting to climate challenges.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn Andhra Pradesh, the mood among tobacco farmers has shifted from confidence to anxiety as a dramatic collapse in High-Density (HD) Burley prices has halved their earnings in just one season. Farmers in the tobacco-rich districts of Prakasam, Nellore, and Guntur are struggling to cover rising cultivation costs, with prices plummeting from ₹272 to ₹230 per kg, leaving many unable to recover their investments. While Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco has seen price increases, the Burley crisis serves as a stark reminder of market vulnerabilities. Experts warn that Andhra must transition from volume-driven growth to a value-focused approach, incorporating technology, sustainability, and market diversification to secure farmers' livelihoods. Learning from global examples, the state needs to establish digital traceability and expand buyer networks to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness in the global market. The urgency for reform is critical as tightening regulations loom on the horizon.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 9 ameznews.inFlour millers in India are urging the government to eliminate the 5% GST on consumer packs of _atta_, maida, and _sooji_ weighing up to 25 kg, following the GST Council's recent decision to exempt certain wheat-based products like roti and paratha from tax. The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India argues that the current tax structure creates an inequity, as bulk buyers such as hotels and food processors do not pay GST, while households purchasing smaller packs do. This disparity disproportionately affects families, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where home-cooked meals are a staple. The federation's president, Navneet Chitlangia, emphasized that aligning tax policies would provide significant relief to millions of consumers. A recent Kerala High Court ruling also highlighted the unfairness of differential GST rates on similar products, reinforcing the millers' call for a more equitable tax system.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian shrimp sector is facing significant challenges due to the imposition of 50% US tariffs, which has raised concerns among feed manufacturers about reduced feed consumption by shrimp producers. Divya Kumar Gulati, President of the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA), urged the Indian government to pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations to support the industry, similar to the recent agreement with the UK. The animal feed market, currently valued at $16 billion, is growing at 6-8% annually, but faces raw material shortages, particularly corn, which is essential for poultry feed. With corn production insufficient to meet both feed and ethanol demands, the government has diverted 5.2 million tonnes of rice for ethanol, yet Gulati warns of impending shortages. The shrimp industry, producing 1 million tonnes primarily for export, has not developed a domestic market, leaving it vulnerable to tariff impacts.
Published: Sep 06 2025, 7 pm
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