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The Indian government is set to initiate wheat sales under the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) from August, with plans to auction 6-7 million tonnes by March 31, 2026, at a reserve price of ₹2,550 per quintal, excluding transport costs. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) will determine the quantity and timing of sales, ensuring that sufficient stocks are reserved for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and buffer norms. Currently, the government has procured 300.35 lakh tonnes of wheat, surpassing last year's figures, resulting in a total stock of over 365 lakh tonnes. Despite a bumper harvest, demand for OMSS wheat may be lower this year, as many flour millers have adequate supplies for the next few months. Additionally, the committee of secretaries has restricted sales to private millers for retail, allowing only cooperatives and NGOs to purchase wheat at the fixed rate. 
Published: Jul 02 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndiGo and Air India Express have secured fifth and tenth positions, respectively, in a global ranking of the lowest carbon-emitting airlines, compiled by aviation analytics firm Cirium. The study assessed carbon dioxide emissions per available seat kilometre (ASK), a key industry metric reflecting passenger capacity. Wizz Air of Hungary topped the list with an impressive 53.9 grams of CO2 per ASK in 2024, while IndiGo and Air India Express recorded emissions of 58.2 grams and 60.5 grams per ASK, respectively. The rankings highlight the importance of operating young, fuel-efficient aircraft and high-density cabin configurations, which help distribute emissions across more passengers. IndiGo boasts the youngest fleet among major airlines, with an average age of 4.1 years, compared to Air India Express's 6.9 years. Cirium's methodology emphasizes emission intensity, focusing on factors such as aircraft efficiency and route optimisation.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPassenger vehicle wholesales in India fell by 6.4% year-on-year in June, totaling approximately 320,000 units, down from 342,000 units in June 2024. This decline is attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly the India-Pakistan conflict, and ongoing uncertainties regarding tariffs, which have dampened consumer sentiment despite lower lending rates and reduced EMIs. Major automaker Maruti Suzuki reported a significant 13.3% drop in domestic dispatches, reflecting broader industry challenges exacerbated by erratic weather patterns and consumer cancellations linked to the conflict. Industry experts, including C S Vigneshwar of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association, remain cautiously optimistic, anticipating a potential sales rebound during the festive season, contingent on favorable monsoon conditions. However, analysts warn of production risks due to ongoing restrictions on rare earth imports from China, which could further impact sales for companies like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe United States is intensifying its efforts to secure greater market access from India in ongoing trade negotiations, urging for reduced tariffs across various sectors, despite India's reluctance to compromise on sensitive areas like agriculture. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal that would allow US competition in the Indian market, emphasizing the need for lower tariffs. However, with a July 9 deadline approaching, India remains firm on protecting its agricultural interests and seeks reciprocal benefits in US market access. If an agreement is not reached, the Trump administration may resort to a minimal deal or impose reciprocal tariffs. Indian negotiators are pushing for a rollback of existing tariffs, but face challenges as the US is reportedly offering limited concessions. The negotiations highlight the complexities of balancing interests, with sources indicating that a fair deal must benefit both parties.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into early warning systems for natural disasters presents both opportunities and challenges, according to Sanjay Srivastava, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction at UN-ESCAP. While AI can enhance forecasting and risk knowledge, it must be implemented ethically, with a focus on data governance, bias mitigation, and transparency to maintain public trust. The India Meteorological Department's Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre is modernising its Multi-Hazard Early Warning System by incorporating AI to predict Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential, a key factor in cyclone intensity. However, disparities in resources hinder implementation in vulnerable regions. Despite advancements in AI technologies, including drone-enabled communication networks and predictive analytics, gaps remain in the essential pillars of early warning systems. As extreme heat becomes a leading cause of weather-related fatalities, the need for effective AI-driven solutions is more pressing than ever.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his inaugural bilateral visit to Ghana, as part of a five-nation tour that also includes Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, running from July 2-9, 2025. During this trip, Modi is set to engage in discussions regarding the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR preferential trade agreement (PTA) with leaders from Brazil and Argentina. The existing PTA, operational since 2009, currently offers limited tariff concessions on 450 and 452 tariff lines, respectively. With rising global trade uncertainties, particularly due to US tariffs, both India and MERCOSUR are keen to enhance their trade relations. India’s exports to Latin America stood at $15.17 billion in FY 2025, representing less than 2% of the region's total imports, indicating significant potential for growth. Modi's meetings will also focus on collaboration in critical minerals, especially as Brazil assumes the chairmanship of MERCOSUR.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India is proposing amendments to the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, originally established in 2014, and is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders. The amendments aim to relax cross-holding restrictions and update registration norms for rating agencies. Notably, the Ministry plans to delete clauses that prevent board members of audience measurement companies from being involved in broadcasting or advertising, thereby allowing industry stakeholders to serve on these boards. Additionally, a clause restricting rating agencies from engaging in consultancy roles that could create conflicts of interest has been revised. The amendments also update the legal framework by referencing the Companies Act of 2013 instead of the 1956 Act. Once finalized, these changes will take immediate effect and apply to all existing rating agencies.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Civil Aviation Ministry has unveiled new draft regulations aimed at enhancing the safety of transporting dangerous goods, proposing penalties of up to ₹1 crore for violations involving flammable substances, gases, lithium batteries, and radioactive materials. The revised rules, which are open for public comment, emphasize rigorous training and assessment for personnel handling such materials, marking a significant update from the 2003 regulations. The new framework allows the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to approve specific dangerous goods shipments and conduct more stringent inspections. Penalties for non-compliance will range from ₹10,000 for minor training violations to ₹1 crore for serious infractions, such as transporting goods without regulatory approval. Industry experts have noted that the rules align with international safety standards, although some stakeholders have raised concerns about the fairness of the penalty structure, suggesting it should be standardized across organizations.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inHeavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, parts of Gujarat, and East Rajasthan until Thursday, as the monsoon remains robust over northern India, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Wednesday, extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm is forecast for East Rajasthan and the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, despite a weakening low-pressure system over south Jharkhand. The monsoon trough, currently south of its normal position, is anticipated to bring intense rainfall to Central and North-West India while leaving parts of North-East India and the southern peninsula relatively dry. A new low-pressure area is predicted to develop over Central India, potentially leading to flooding rains in East-Central India over the next ten days. Heavy rainfall is also expected in West India, particularly in Konkan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra, with strong winds forecast across the South Peninsula.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's coffee exports surged by 19% in value to approximately $616 million during the June quarter, despite an 18% drop in volume to 1.03 lakh tonnes, attributed to rising prices. Last year, the value of coffee shipments was $517 million. The Coffee Board's data indicates that the unit value realized increased significantly, reaching ₹5.07 lakh per tonne, a 49% rise from ₹3.39 lakh per tonne in the same period last year. Italy remained the largest buyer, importing around 33,823 tonnes, followed by Germany at 17,468 tonnes and Belgium at 15,615 tonnes. The first half of 2025 saw total coffee shipments valued at $1,166 million, a 26% increase from $924 million in 2024, while volumes fell to 2.06 lakh tonnes from 2.43 lakh tonnes. India, the seventh largest coffee producer, exports over two-thirds of its 3.6 lakh tonnes of annual production.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a press conference in Kochi, Arun Mammen, Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), announced a 9% increase in India's tyre exports, reaching ₹25,051 crore in FY25, up from ₹23,073 crore the previous year. This growth is attributed to significant investments, robust manufacturing, and focused research and development, despite challenges such as trade policy uncertainties and global supply chain disruptions. Mammen highlighted that the tyre industry has invested approximately ₹27,000 crore in recent years, reflecting confidence in India's economic future. He noted that Indian tyres are exported to over 170 countries, with a strong presence in the US and Europe. However, the industry faces challenges, including reliance on imported natural rubber, which constitutes 40% of its requirements. To address this, ATMA has launched Project INROAD, aiming to cultivate 2 lakh hectares of rubber plantations with ₹1,100 crore in funding from member companies.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 5 pm
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