eznews.inThe World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported promising signs of recovery for the Earth's ozone layer, with the 2024 ozone hole being smaller than in previous years. Released on World Ozone Day, the WMO Ozone Bulletin highlights that while natural atmospheric fluctuations contributed to this year's reduced ozone depletion, coordinated global efforts, particularly the Montreal Protocol, have played a crucial role. Since its inception, the Protocol has led to the phase-out of over 99% of ozone-depleting substances, paving the way for the ozone layer to potentially recover to 1980 levels by mid-century. The 2024 Antarctic ozone hole showed a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tonnes, below the 1990-2020 average, indicating a delayed onset and faster recovery. However, experts stress the need for ongoing monitoring and adherence to international agreements, including the Kigali Amendment, to ensure continued progress against climate change. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Indian government has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 by one day to September 16, 2025, following significant technical issues that disrupted submissions on the original deadline. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported that over 7.3 crore ITRs were filed by September 15, surpassing last year's total. The e-filing portal experienced heavy traffic, coinciding with the deadline for the second quarterly advance tax payment. Despite the department's guidance on resolving access issues, many users continued to face difficulties, prompting complaints on social media. The extension comes after a previous delay in the filing deadline from July 31 to September 15 due to revisions in ITR forms. The CBDT has announced that the portal will undergo maintenance on September 16 to facilitate these changes.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 4 ameznews.inAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced an incentive of ₹800 per bag of urea for farmers who reduce their consumption during the fourth district Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati on Monday. This decision follows a significant urea shortage in the kharif season, with a 50-kg bag priced at approximately ₹260. Naidu emphasized the need for better planning to ensure timely urea supply, asserting that there is currently no shortage. He also highlighted health concerns, referencing a recent rejection of a chilli consignment by China due to chemical residues and noting that Andhra Pradesh ranks fifth in cancer cases, urging education for farmers on the dangers of excessive urea use. Additionally, he pledged support for aquaculture farmers facing challenges from US tariffs, promising power at ₹1.50 per unit and calling for the registration of all aquaculture farmers.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe upgraded Terminal 2 (T2) at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is set to commence operations on October 26, coinciding with the winter schedule. Managed by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the terminal has undergone significant renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, having been closed since April. DIAL announced that T2 will feature advanced amenities, including a Self Baggage Drop facility and new passenger boarding bridges equipped with autonomous docking technology. Starting from the night of October 25-26, around 120 daily domestic flights operated by Air India and IndiGo will transition to the revamped terminal. DIAL Chief Executive Videh Kumar Jaipuriar emphasized that the upgrades represent a reimagining of the passenger experience, aiming to enhance efficiency and prepare IGI Airport for future aviation demands, while reinforcing India's position as a leading aviation hub.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA US trade delegation, led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, is set to meet Indian officials in New Delhi on Tuesday to address the stalled India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism about the discussions, which aim to resolve issues surrounding US demands for greater market access to sensitive agricultural products like soybean and corn. The negotiations have faced setbacks, particularly after former President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods and criticized India's purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict. While the upcoming meeting is not a formal negotiation round, it is seen as a critical step towards reaching an agreement. The outcome may also determine whether Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Washington for further talks. Recently, Trump signaled a desire to mend relations with India, expressing confidence in achieving a successful resolution for both nations.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for vigilance in ensuring that government funds reach intended beneficiaries during the annual Rabi conference in New Delhi. He highlighted a concerning case where a list of 700 farmers indicated that many had not received subsidies, with 158 out of 500 contacted farmers reporting no assistance. Chouhan called for collaboration between the Centre and States, urging officials to address issues such as climate resilience, quality inputs, and the convergence of agricultural schemes. He praised the agricultural sector's 3.7% growth, while also warning against the sale of fake fertilizers and urging the proper implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance. Additionally, he advised officials to remain alert to pest attacks affecting crops like soyabean and paddy, stressing the importance of quick relief efforts in flood-affected areas.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is set to sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) this week, aimed at enhancing the food delivery sector. NRAI President Sagar Daryani emphasized that the MoU will clarify the roles of NRAI, ONDC, and various buyer and seller apps, marking a collaborative effort to stimulate growth in the industry. Additionally, the NRAI is partnering with ride-hailing service Rapido to establish a transparent commission policy. The upcoming India Restaurant Summit in Goa will address industry challenges and further MoU signings. Following a period of decline, the restaurant sector is experiencing a recovery, bolstered by recent GST reforms that are expected to increase consumer spending. However, the industry continues to seek input tax credits on purchases, while e-commerce food delivery services will incur an 18% GST. The Indian food services market is projected to grow to ₹7.76 lakh crore by 2028.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has signed a ₹740 crore concession agreement with JSW Infrastructure to modernize and mechanize two key berths at the Netaji Subhas Dock. The project includes the reconstruction of berth 8 and the installation of rail-mounted quay cranes at berths 7 and 8, aimed at enhancing container cargo handling efficiency. With a projected capacity of 500,000 TEUs, the agreement allows JSW Kolkata Container Terminal to operate the berths for 30 years. SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman emphasized the initiative's alignment with the Indian government's vision for world-class ports, reinforcing SMPK's role as a vital maritime gateway in Eastern India. This partnership is expected to drive growth and competitiveness, marking a significant step in JSW Infrastructure's strategy to expand its terminal portfolio under the government's port privatization initiative. The project was awarded on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAutomobile dealers are ramping up vehicle stocks and placing additional orders with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in response to a surge in consumer demand following reduced GST rates effective from September 22. Dealers have reported increasing orders by up to 20% across various segments, including passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, as consumer inquiries rise after a prolonged lull. Sachin Vasantrao Mahajan, Chairperson of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) Maharashtra, noted that dealers are keen to maintain inventory through the festival season. Despite a subdued Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam due to delayed purchases, the anticipated decline in vehicle prices has led to increased foot traffic in showrooms. Additionally, there is a notable interest from consumers looking to purchase second or third vehicles, a trend not seen in the previous festive season. While bookings are low during the Shraadh period, inquiries about vehicle customization and delivery timelines are on the rise.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAs of September 9, the bajra area in Rajasthan, India's leading producer of the nutri-cereal, has decreased to 43.15 lakh hectares from 43.25 lakh hectares a year ago, with Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena reporting that up to 75% of the crop may have been damaged due to heavy rainfall. A survey to assess the full extent of the damage is ongoing and expected to conclude by September 20. Meanwhile, a senior official from the Union Agriculture Ministry indicated that overall foodgrain production for the kharif season is unlikely to fall below last year's levels, despite losses in some states. The government is utilizing satellite imagery to evaluate damage, particularly for paddy crops. Additionally, Meena announced measures against fake seeds following previous actions against counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides, while farmers unable to re-sow crops will receive partial insurance compensation.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 8 pm
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