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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its monsoon forecast, predicting a rainfall of 106% of the long period average (LPA) of 87 cm for the June-September season, up from an earlier estimate of 105%. IMD officials, including Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, assured that rainfall will be evenly distributed across most states, with the exception of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, which may experience below-normal precipitation. The forecast indicates above-normal rainfall in central and southern regions, while the north-west is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. However, some areas in Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may see below-normal levels. The monsoon's early onset on May 24, the earliest since 2009, has raised concerns about potential rainfall deficits, but officials emphasized that any rain received post-onset is a bonus. The Bharat Forecast System will assist in short- and medium-range weather predictions during the season. 
Published: May 27 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA container from the MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Kerala coast on May 25, 2025, washed ashore at Tharayilkadavu, prompting swift action from the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in Kochi. Officials confirmed that while minor oil traces have been detected, there is no large-scale oil spill, and clean-up operations are underway. Captain Abul Kalam Azad outlined priorities including oil recovery and the retrieval of drifting containers, with a target completion date of July 3, 2025. The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, and over 100 containers are reported lost at sea. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed resources for aerial surveillance and pollution management, while the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority is coordinating clean-up efforts with trained volunteers. The situation is being closely monitored to mitigate environmental risks effectively.
Published: May 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has achieved a record foodgrain production of 353.96 million tonnes (mt) for the crop year ending June 30, 2025, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year's 332.3 mt. This year's output includes historic highs of 149.07 mt in rice, 117.51 mt in wheat, and 42.28 mt in maize, as reported by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The third advance estimate incorporates data from the summer season, which was not included in earlier estimates. Chouhan attributed the success to the dedication of farmers, the expertise of agricultural scientists, and effective government policies, supported by state cooperation. However, he noted a decline in mustard production, which was offset by increased yields in soyabean and groundnut, contributing to a total oilseeds output of 42.61 mt. Meanwhile, sugarcane and cotton production saw slight decreases compared to last year.
Published: May 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Department of Consumer Affairs has urged all e-commerce platforms to comply with guidelines aimed at preventing deceptive user interface designs known as "dark patterns." During a high-level meeting led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, the Ministry emphasized the need for regular internal audits to identify and eliminate these practices, which mislead consumers into making unintended choices. The Ministry has identified 13 specific dark patterns, including false urgency and subscription traps, and has called for platforms to ensure compliance not only on their own sites but also among third-party sellers. Joshi highlighted the importance of consumer trust, stating that companies should proactively address these issues rather than waiting for regulatory intervention. The meeting included representatives from major e-commerce firms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Zomato, and the Ministry plans to establish a joint working group to further address these concerns.
Published: May 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has imposed a stock limit on wheat for retailers, wholesalers, traders, stockists, and processors, mandating that any excess quantities must be disposed of within 15 days. This decision follows a significant decline in wheat procurement, with the government purchasing 29.82 million tonnes (mt) against a target of 33.27 mt by May 27. The stock limit, effective until March 31, 2026, aims to manage food security and curb hoarding, allowing retailers to hold a maximum of 10 tonnes and traders 3,000 tonnes. Processors can maintain stocks based on their monthly capacity. This announcement coincides with the Agriculture Minister's revised wheat production estimate, now projected at 117.51 mt for the 2023-24 season, reflecting a 3.7% increase from the previous year. Stakeholders are required to regularly update their stock information on the Food Ministry's portal.
Published: May 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is considering reducing import duties and barriers on select agricultural products as part of an interim trade deal with the United States, with negotiations intensifying ahead of a US delegation's visit to Delhi in June. The proposed concessions may be regulated through quotas or a minimum import price (MIP) to protect local farmers from an influx of imports. The urgency for an agreement stems from the impending expiration of a 90-day tariff pause, after which the US plans to impose a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. While discussions have progressed, India remains resistant to concessions on staple crops like rice and wheat, crucial for food security. Additionally, the country is unlikely to permit imports of genetically modified crops, which are largely banned under current regulations. The US has criticized India's high agricultural tariffs, which average 39%, compared to its own 5%, emphasizing the need for fair trade practices.
Published: May 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved over ₹7,000 crore for rail and road projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, as announced by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The plan includes ₹3,399 crore for multi-tracking rail projects in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, set for completion by 2029-30, and a ₹3,653 crore four-lane highway corridor from Badvel to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The rail projects will enhance connectivity across four districts, benefiting 784 villages and adding 176 km to the railway network, with an expected increase in freight traffic of 18.4 million tonnes per annum. The Badvel-Nellore Corridor will connect key industrial nodes and improve logistics performance, reducing the distance to Krishnapatnam Port by 33.9 km. Vaishnaw emphasized the environmental benefits of rail transport, including reduced oil imports and lower CO2 emissions.
Published: May 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's recent decision to sever trade ties with Pakistan has unexpectedly benefited the walnut industry in Jammu and Kashmir. On May 2, the Indian government imposed a ban on imports from Pakistan, including Afghan walnuts, which had previously undercut local prices. This move has led to a surge in demand and a price increase of 15 to 20 percent for locally grown walnuts, according to Haji Bahadur Khan, president of the Kashmir Walnut Growers Association. Despite this temporary relief, the industry faces ongoing challenges from cheaper imports from countries like California and Afghanistan, resulting in a decline in walnut cultivation area and exports over recent years. Jammu and Kashmir, which produces 90 percent of India's walnuts, prides itself on its organic farming practices, yet farmers continue to struggle for fair prices and government support. The closure of the Attari-Wagah border has provided a brief respite, but long-term solutions are still needed.
Published: May 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended a ban on yellow pea imports and an increase in import duties on pulses like tur, lentils, and urad to protect domestic farmers from the adverse effects of unrestricted imports, which have driven prices below the minimum support price (MSP). For the kharif marketing season 2025-26, the CACP has proposed a 1-13.9% increase in MSP for various crops, a move recently approved by the government. The CACP emphasized that aligning import duties with MSP is crucial for ensuring better prices for farmers and promoting the production of pulses and oilseeds. With India’s pulses imports reaching a record 68 lakh tonnes valued at $5.4 billion in 2024-25, the CACP also called for a comprehensive diversification strategy to enhance domestic production and address sustainability challenges in agriculture.
Published: May 28 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the fiscal year 2025-26, aimed at doubling farmers' income and enhancing agricultural growth. This initiative will benefit 7.71 crore farmers by providing short-term credit at a subsidised interest rate through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government will maintain a 1.5 per cent interest subvention, with an estimated cost of ₹15,640 crore. Under the scheme, farmers can access loans of up to ₹3 lakh at a 7 per cent interest rate, which can be reduced to as low as 1-2 per cent with additional state incentives. The decision underscores the government's commitment to improving the rural credit ecosystem and ensuring financial inclusion for small and marginal farmers, as institutional credit disbursement has significantly increased in recent years.
Published: May 28 2025, 7 pmeznews.inHyFun Foods has launched "Mumbai Aloo Vada," a ready-to-fry Indian burger featuring a spiced potato filling encased in a crispy gram flour coating. The product, first showcased at the International Food and Hospitality Fair - AAHAR, is now available to the HoReCa sector nationwide, with plans for retail distribution soon. In addition, the company is set to introduce a "Spicy Paneer Patty" as part of its expanding product range. HyFun's offerings, including the "HyFun Burger Patty," are now accessible through platforms like Blinkit, JioMart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, as well as major retail outlets. Haresh Karamchandani, Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasized the company's commitment to blending international favorites with authentic Indian cuisine, highlighting the positive reception at AAHAR as evidence of increasing consumer demand for such products.
Published: May 28 2025, 6 pm
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