eznews.inNatural Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd has launched an innovative AI-based initiative to boost sugarcane productivity in Ranjangaon, Dharashiv district, marking a significant advancement in agricultural practices. The project, which involves 753 farmers—the largest participation for such an initiative in Maharashtra—was developed in collaboration with KVK Baramati, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, and the West Indian Sugar Mills Association. The factory, with a crushing capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day, has established an independent Sugarcane Development Department to provide ongoing training and practical support to farmers. This includes the installation of 20 weather stations and 500 sensors to offer real-time data on water management and nutrient use. Farmers adhering to expert recommendations will be rewarded with prizes for achieving record production. The project was inaugurated recently, with a meeting held to guide participating farmers, according to BB Thombre, Chairman and Managing Director of the company. 
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Pune Public Policy Festival (PPPF) is set to return for its third edition on January 9 and 10, 2026, at the Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics (GIPE). This year's theme, "Decoding Technology and Society," highlights India's shifting policy priorities in a technology-centric landscape. The two-day event will facilitate discussions on critical topics such as artificial intelligence governance, financial innovation, and mental health in the AI era, aiming to foster evidence-based dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. Notable speakers include General Anil Chauhan, M.J. Akbar, and Vijay Gokhale, among others. Supported by various donors, including the Parimal and Pramod Chaudhari Foundation and Forbes Marshal, the festival aims to unite policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to devise solutions for a rapidly evolving nation. Tickets are available on the festival's official website.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has announced a new machine-based levy for pan masala manufacturers, deemed the most equitable and transparent method for taxing fast, continuous production. Effective February 1, the GST rate will rise to 40%, with a cess of 48% replacing the current compensation cess. Manufacturers must register and pay cess monthly based on the maximum capacity of their machines, regardless of actual output. Notably, if a new machine is added mid-month, the full cess for that machine must be paid within five days. However, companies starting mid-month will pay on a pro-rata basis. An abatement provision allows for cess adjustments if a machine is inoperative for over 15 consecutive days. This shift aims to enhance tax reliability, moving away from traditional output-based taxation methods.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inDairy farmers are facing significant challenges due to rising feed inflation, with costs for corn, soybean meal, and other essentials increasing, making it difficult for small farmers to maintain productivity. Ravin Saluja, Director at Nova Dairy, highlighted that milk prices do not adjust quickly enough to match feed costs, leading to lower quality and reduced payouts for farmers. He emphasized the need for better fodder planning, government intervention during inflation peaks, and structural reforms in the dairy industry, including quality-based pricing and improved procurement infrastructure. Saluja also warned against the risks of adulteration from unorganised players, which undermines consumer trust and affects pricing. While India is often seen as a "milk surplus" nation, regional imbalances persist, with production concentrated in certain states, complicating logistics and pricing for farmers. Sustainable practices are becoming integral to operations, enhancing long-term productivity and cost stability.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) unveiled four innovative value-added products during its 110th Foundation Day in Kasaragod, Kerala, including the coconut milk-based vegan dessert, Kalpa Kulfi. This non-dairy treat, flavored with cardamom and sweetened with coconut sugar, offers a plant-based alternative to traditional kulfi. Alongside it, CPCRI introduced Kalpa Wafer Cones, made from a nutrient-rich blend of sweet potato flour and coconut ingredients, enhancing dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Addressing coconut water waste, Kalpa Qbitz features fiber-rich cubes of nata de coco soaked in coconut neera, developed through microbial valorisation. Additionally, in collaboration with the ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, CPCRI launched Kalpa Velvet, a unique dark chocolate combining cocoa, cashew butter, and coconut-derived ingredients. Director KB Hebbar emphasized the institute's commitment to extending the shelf-life of plantation products while promoting value addition.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), KB Hebbar, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration within the plantation sector to address challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th Plantation Crops Symposium (PLACROSYM) in Kasaragod, Hebbar noted that while prices for plantation commodities remain favorable, many farmers struggle to benefit due to these adverse factors. He urged stakeholders to unite in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate variability on agriculture. Despite occupying less than 5% of India’s cultivated land, plantation crops contribute nearly 10% to the agricultural GDP and over 14% of agricultural exports, highlighting their economic significance. The symposium, themed "Future proofing plantation sector for wellbeing and welfare," attracted over 200 participants, including scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives, all focused on enhancing the sector's resilience and productivity.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inConsumers of solar power may face increased costs for the installation of panels and related components due to a significant rise in the prices of key raw materials, including silver, copper, and aluminium. Over the past year, silver prices have surged by 150%, copper by 40%, and aluminium by over 20%. This escalation has led to production cost increases of 8-10% for solar modules, which constitute about half of a solar project's total cost. Despite these pressures, industry experts suggest that the overall impact on solar power charges will be minimal, as the sector maintains a cost advantage over other energy sources. Manufacturers are adapting by improving technology and sourcing efficiency, while exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on these metals. The long-term outlook remains optimistic, with expectations of price stabilization and continued demand for solar energy, bolstered by government initiatives to localize manufacturing and enhance supply chain resilience.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Delhi High Court on Monday declined to stay the trial against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, requesting a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding his plea challenging the framing of charges. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that the court could not rule on the stay application without reviewing the CBI's reply, which is due by January 14. The trial court had previously framed charges against Yadav, his family, and 11 others for offences including cheating and criminal conspiracy related to irregularities in the leasing of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm. The CBI alleges that the tender process was manipulated to benefit Sujata Hotels, with the trial court describing the case as potentially indicative of "crony capitalism." The maximum punishment under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ten years, while cheating carries a seven-year sentence.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inA coalition of senior industry leaders has launched the "Hundred Million Jobs" initiative, aiming to create 100 million jobs in India over the next decade amid ongoing employment challenges despite the country's rapid economic growth. Announced by prominent figures including Harish Mehta of Nasscom and A J Patel of TiE, the initiative addresses the need for 8-9 million jobs annually to accommodate India's expanding working-age population of 12 million. With traditional sectors struggling and automation reshaping job landscapes, the initiative emphasizes entrepreneurship, reskilling, and job-intensive enterprise development as key strategies. The mission, described as a "systems challenge," seeks to align skills and policies to foster resilient livelihoods across regions. Supported by a diverse group of leaders, including Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, the non-profit initiative will collaborate with government and civil society to enhance local economies and promote large-scale reskilling efforts.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has projected a fertiliser requirement of ₹37,952 crore for the Rabi 2025-26 season, marking an increase of ₹736 crore from the Kharif 2025 season, amid fluctuating global prices. To shield farmers from rising costs, the government has significantly boosted subsidies under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, particularly for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), which saw its subsidy rise to ₹29,805 per tonne from ₹21,911 last year. This initiative aims to ensure affordable fertiliser availability during the crucial sowing period for wheat, oilseeds, and pulses, while promoting balanced fertilisation to combat soil degradation caused by excessive nitrogen use. Since the NBS scheme's inception in 2010, foodgrain productivity has increased from 1,930 kg per hectare to 2,578 kg per hectare by 2024-25. Critics question the fiscal sustainability of the over ₹2.04 lakh crore spent on NBS subsidies, while supporters highlight improved yields and reduced import dependence as justifications for the expenditure.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pm
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