eznews.inIndia's tea production experienced a notable decline in June 2025, dropping approximately 9% to 133.50 million kg, following a period of growth in the first five months of the year. In North India, production fell by 7.44% to 112.51 million kg, while South India saw a more significant decrease of 16.7%, with output at 20.99 million kg. Adverse weather conditions, including excessive rainfall and reduced sunlight, were primarily responsible for this downturn. Specifically, Assam's output decreased by 10% to 68.55 million kg, with the Assam Valley contributing to this decline. West Bengal's production slightly decreased to 40.61 million kg, although gains in the Terai and Darjeeling regions mitigated some losses. Tamil Nadu and Kerala also reported declines of 11% and 31%, respectively, highlighting the widespread impact of the weather on tea cultivation across the country. 
Published: Aug 03 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's first bullet train service, set to connect Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) with key cities in Gujarat, including Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, is expected to commence soon, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The high-speed train will operate at 320 km per hour, significantly reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just two hours and seven minutes. During a virtual event from Bhavnagar, where he flagged off several new express trains, Vaishnaw highlighted ongoing railway projects in Gujarat and the rapid progress made under the Modi government, which has seen the laying of 34,000 km of new tracks over 11 years. He also noted the redevelopment of 1,300 railway stations and the introduction of new train services, including the Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express, aimed at enhancing passenger experience with modern technology.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's significant imports of Russian crude oil, primarily transported via Suezmax and Aframax tankers, are poised for a major shift due to new sanctions from the European Union, which have lowered the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.6 per barrel. This change is expected to compel Russia to bolster its "dark fleet" to maintain deliveries to India, China, and Turkey. Maritime consultancy Drewry warns that a decline in Russian oil imports could lead India to revert to traditional suppliers in West Asia, increasing demand for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at the expense of mid-sized tankers. The sanctions reflect a broader geopolitical strategy, with the EU focusing on limiting Russia's energy revenue while the US aims for diplomatic leverage over Iran. Despite these restrictions, Russian and Iranian oil continues to find its way to select markets, indicating the resilience of the parallel oil trade.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe National Statistical Office (NSO) is set to modernize its methods for calculating India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) by integrating new digital data sources. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, announced that the NSO will utilize data from the GST portal, vehicle registrations, and UPI transactions, alongside traditional sources, to update the GDP series with a new base year of 2022-23, expected to be released on February 27, 2026. Similarly, the CPI will shift its base year from 2012 to 2024, incorporating data from online platforms and administrative records for fuel prices. The revised CPI series, anticipated in early 2026, will feature an expanded item basket based on the 2023-24 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey. Additionally, a Working Group is reviewing the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and the NSO plans to launch two new surveys focused on household travel and domestic tourism expenditure.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has called on the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to implement a concessional electricity tariff for compressed biogas (CBG) plants, highlighting that electricity costs constitute a significant operational expense, averaging 30% of overall operating costs. In a detailed submission, IBA noted that high industrial electricity rates, which can reach up to 48%, hinder the viability of CBG production. The association proposed shifting from the current industrial tariff of ₹7 per kWh to a domestic rate of ₹4.5 per kWh, which would alleviate financial pressures and enhance competitiveness in the sector. IBA Chairman Gaurav Kedia emphasized that such a policy change is crucial for achieving India's clean energy goals, including its commitment to a 50% non-fossil energy transition by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. Established in 2011, IBA aims to promote sustainable biogas solutions across the country.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndian exporters across various sectors, including food, textiles, and marine, are urgently seeking government support in light of a new 25% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump, effective August 7. During a meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, industry representatives requested financial assistance, affordable credit, and incentives similar to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. With interest rates in India ranging from 8% to over 12%, exporters argue that competing nations like China and Vietnam offer significantly lower rates, putting them at a disadvantage. The tariff is expected to severely impact sectors such as textiles, gems, and shrimp, with potential job losses looming as US buyers begin to cancel or delay orders. Industry leaders, including Sudhir Sekhri of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, have called for immediate government intervention to prevent further economic fallout.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inOver 20 lakh farmers in Assam have received over ₹422 crore under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, officials announced on Sunday. The funds were disbursed as part of a nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. The 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme has benefited more than 20.31 lakh eligible farming families in the state, with each family receiving ₹6,000 annually in three instalments of ₹2,000. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora highlighted the scheme's role in providing timely support to farmers, reflecting the government's commitment to their welfare. PM-KISAN, initiated on February 24, 2019, is recognized as the world's largest direct benefit transfer programme, aimed at addressing farmers' financial needs and boosting agricultural productivity. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the scheme for empowering farmers and acknowledged Modi's efforts in supporting the agricultural community.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBJP leader Tejasvi Surya announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Yellow Line of the Bengaluru Metro on August 10, 2025. Surya expressed gratitude on social media, highlighting the significance of the event for Bengaluru's infrastructure development. The Yellow Line, spanning 19.15 km with 16 stations, is expected to serve around 800,000 commuters and alleviate traffic congestion, particularly at the notorious Silk Board junction. Surya emphasized that public transport is essential for addressing the city's traffic challenges. The inauguration will coincide with the laying of the foundation stone for Metro Phase 3, a project approved by the Cabinet, which will extend 44.65 km at a cost of ₹15,611 crore. Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed the details, noting the total investment for the Yellow Line at ₹5,056.99 crore.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh is set to meet industry stakeholders next week to discuss the implications of US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian textiles, which could affect approximately half of India's $86 billion exports to the US. The US is a crucial market for India, accounting for 25% of its textile and apparel exports. The meeting will also focus on leveraging opportunities from the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as the government and industry aim to achieve a textile export target of $100 billion by 2030. While it is deemed "premature" to propose specific measures to support exporters in light of the US tariffs, the government seeks industry feedback on challenges and potential in both the UK market and other untapped regions. The textile sector, alongside gems, jewellery, and other industries, will be significantly impacted by the new tariffs.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari, alongside Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated and laid the foundation for 29 National Highway projects covering 272 km, with an investment exceeding ₹5,233 crore in Mangalagiri. Gadkari emphasized that these initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to enhance road safety, reduce transportation costs, and improve connectivity in rural and urban areas, particularly in accident-prone regions. He noted a significant reduction in India's logistics costs from 16% to 10%, with a target of 9% by December 2025, which is expected to double exports and create jobs. Key upgrades include the transformation of the Madanapalle to Pileru stretch of NH-71 into a modern 4-lane corridor and enhancements to the Kurnool to Mandlem section of NH-340C. Additionally, 27 new projects will improve access to religious and tourist sites, as well as economic hubs across the state.
Published: Aug 03 2025, 11 am
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