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India is poised for a dual transformation, addressing food security for its 1.4 billion citizens while spearheading a global clean energy transition, with agriculture at the heart of both challenges. Farmers, traditionally seen as food producers, are being redefined as "prosumers" of energy through initiatives like the National Policy on Biofuels and PM-KUSUM, which promote ethanol blending and renewable energy use on farms. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly in water-intensive irrigation practices that waste resources. To combat this, a shift towards low-water crops and sustainable farming practices, such as low carbon farming, is essential. Empowering farmers with access to renewable energy and affordable fertilizers is crucial for a just energy transition. By recognizing farmers as key players in this journey, India can lead in sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security and climate leadership while fostering rural prosperity. The time is ripe for action to equip farmers for a greener future. 
Published: Jun 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inKimmo Lahdevirta, Finland's Ambassador to India, inaugurated the country's new Honorary Consulate in Gujarat on Monday, highlighting the state's robust infrastructure and innovation-driven environment as ideal for Finnish business collaborations. He noted that while initial cooperation focused on energy, Finnish companies are now actively engaged in diverse sectors such as clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable design. The consulate, led by prominent business leader Kulin Lalbhai, aims to strengthen Finnish-Indian ties and support Gujarat's growth through sustainable solutions and investments. Lahdevirta emphasized the cultural connections between Finland and Gujarat, citing Finnish designer Helena Perheentupa's contributions to textile design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. The ambassador presented Lalbhai with a Moomin plush toy, symbolizing Finland's cultural values, further underscoring the deepening partnership between the two regions.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA Singapore-flagged container vessel, the MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire approximately 130 nautical miles northwest of Kerala following an explosion on board, leading to the abandonment of the ship by its crew. The incident occurred on June 6, shortly after the vessel departed from Colombo, en route to Mumbai. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) responded promptly to the distress call, with firefighting efforts underway as the ship remains adrift. Of the 22 crew members, one has sustained serious injuries, while four others, including two Taiwanese, one Indonesian, and one Myanmarese, are missing. The fire has spread to other containers, raising concerns about further explosions and potential hazards. The ICG is conducting aerial assessments and has alerted nearby maritime traffic to maintain safe distances. Authorities are also investigating the cargo to determine if hazardous materials were involved in the incident.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTwo-wheeler sales in India are projected to sustain strong growth in FY26, following a robust performance in FY25, according to a report by CARE Ratings Ltd. The industry anticipates an 8–9 per cent increase in volume, despite a modest price rise due to the OBD-II Phase-B norms. Key factors driving this demand include easing inflation, increased disposable income from tax rebates, and lower interest rates following a cumulative 100 basis points cut by the Reserve Bank of India. The scooter segment has shown remarkable resilience, achieving double-digit growth for three consecutive years, with volumes reaching nearly 250 million units in FY25. Motorcycles, known for their fuel efficiency and versatility, also saw a 9 per cent sales increase. While electric two-wheeler growth has slowed due to subsidy reductions, the overall market remains optimistic, bolstered by favorable monsoon conditions expected in FY26.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship, made its inaugural visit to Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday, a significant milestone for the port inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the vessel enhances India's Exim trade by providing direct connectivity to key European ports, including Valencia and Barcelona, thereby reducing costs and delivery times for imports and exports. This development is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive cargoes from South India, such as perishable goods and industrial accessories. The ship's arrival positions Vizhinjam as a prominent player in global maritime trade, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the trading community. Measuring 399.9 meters in length, MSC IRINA is designed for efficient container transport between Asia and Europe and underscores Vizhinjam's capability to handle ultra-large container vessels, further solidifying its status as a vital maritime hub.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inLogistics provider Xpressbees has appointed Tarun Agarwal as Vice President of B2C First Mile, marking a significant addition to its leadership team. Agarwal brings over 31 years of experience in operations, logistics, and e-commerce, previously serving as Vice President of Operations at Ecom Express. His extensive career includes leadership roles at Aramex India, Delhivery, Snapdeal, and Blue Dart Express, where he managed operations across Delhi NCR and North India. Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Agarwal aims to enhance the company's logistics solutions through technology and process innovation. Rahul Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer of Xpressbees, highlighted that Agarwal's operational expertise will be crucial in bolstering first-mile operations and supporting the company's growth in the B2C sector. Founded in 2015 as FirstCry's logistics provider, Xpressbees now offers comprehensive domestic and international supply chain solutions, operating over 260 hubs and 4,500 fulfillment centers nationwide.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the monsoon will become active over the South Peninsula starting Thursday, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in Karnataka. This weather pattern will extend to Konkan and Goa for three days from Friday, marking the end of a two-week hiatus following an early monsoon onset in Kerala on May 24. The IMD noted that a low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal, which is crucial for sustaining monsoon activity. Additionally, a western disturbance is influencing weather patterns, with anticipated interactions that could enhance rainfall across various regions. Heavy rainfall is already affecting Marathawada and South Interior Karnataka, with further precipitation expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states. Thunder squalls are also forecasted in parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar, with moderate rainfall expected in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIRB Infrastructure reported a nearly 9% year-on-year increase in toll revenue, reaching ₹581 crore in May 2025, compared to ₹536 crore in the same month last year. The IRB MP Expressway in Maharashtra was the largest contributor, generating ₹159.5 crore, up from ₹152.6 crore in May 2024. The IRB Golconda Expressway followed with ₹73 crore, an increase from ₹62.7 crore, while the Ahmedabad Vadodara Super Express Tollway contributed ₹68.7 crore, up from ₹64.5 crore. The company also noted a rise in toll revenue from the TOT-12 project Lalitpur Lakhnadon NH44, which collected ₹37.5 crore, compared to ₹35.5 crore last year. Deputy CEO Amitabh Murarka attributed the growth to the vacation season, despite minor impacts from pre-monsoon rains. He expressed optimism for continued growth, bolstered by the addition of new vehicles and ongoing project completions. IRB is India's largest integrated private toll roads developer, with assets exceeding ₹80,000 crore across 12 states.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inDalmia Bharat, India's fourth-largest cement manufacturer, aims to boost its cement capacity from 49.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 75 mtpa by FY28, with a long-term goal of reaching 110-130 mtpa in Phase II. The company plans to invest ₹3,520 crore over the next two years, adding 3 mtpa in Pune and Belgaum. The cement sector is expected to see a growth rebound of 7-8% in FY26, following a subdued 5% growth last year due to general elections and erratic weather. Dalmia Bharat's leadership noted that the top four companies' market share has risen from 48% in 2021-22 to nearly 58% in 2024-25, with significant capacity changes occurring. Despite a 4.8% revenue decline in FY25, the company is focused on cost reduction strategies, including renewable energy use and supply chain optimization, to enhance profitability as cement prices begin to recover.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant breakthrough for India's agricultural sector, scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have unveiled a new pigeonpea (tur dal) variety, ICPV 25444, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures of up to 45°C. This innovation could transform approximately 12 million hectares of rice fallows, which are currently underutilized due to high heat and water scarcity. The new variety not only promises to double yields from 1.1-1.2 tonnes to 2 tonnes per hectare but also reduces the time-to-harvest from 6-7 months to just four. Utilizing a technique called speed breeding, researchers have accelerated the breeding process, cutting development time from 15 years to five. This heat-tolerant cultivar has been successfully tested in states like Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana, offering a potential solution to India's annual shortfall of 1.5 million tonnes in pigeonpea production, which currently necessitates $800 million in imports.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod, Kerala, has developed innovative cropping system models that significantly boost farm productivity and climate resilience, according to Director K Balachandra Hebbar. Notably, a model combining coconut, black pepper, banana, and pineapple yields net returns of ₹3.5-4 lakh per hectare annually, outperforming traditional coconut cultivation by two to three times. Another successful model integrates arecanut, black pepper, cocoa, and banana, generating net returns of ₹4.4-10 lakh per hectare. Hebbar emphasized the importance of adopting high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of plantation crops, such as Kalpa Ratna and Shatamangala, to enhance productivity. The CPCRI is also spearheading the 'Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' initiative, which aims to empower farmers through science-backed interventions and outreach efforts across 80-90 villages per district, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop management.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 4 pm
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