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Maharashtra’s Authority for Advance Ruling (MAAR) has determined that diagnostic services for blood tests aimed at early cancer detection do not qualify for GST exemption, as they fall outside the definition of 'Healthcare services.' Epigeneres Biotech Private Ltd sought clarification on this matter, but MAAR ruled that their tests, still in the developmental phase and lacking validation from medical regulatory bodies, do not meet the criteria for exemption. The authority noted the absence of necessary licenses from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and approvals from the Indian Council for Medical Research. Sandeep Sehgal, a partner at AKM Global, emphasized that this ruling underscores the distinction between approved healthcare diagnostics and experimental testing methods, indicating that only tests with proper regulatory approvals can be exempt from GST. This serves as a critical reminder for diagnostic start-ups utilizing advanced technologies to secure the necessary licenses. 
Published: Apr 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (Nafed) has made significant strides in the procurement of various pulses under the price support scheme for the kharif marketing season 2024-25, acquiring over 2.62 lakh tonnes of tur (arhar) at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹7,550 per quintal by April 20. Karnataka led the purchases with over 1.25 lakh tonnes, followed by Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, 1.76 lakh tonnes of moong were procured at an MSP of ₹8,682 per quintal, with Rajasthan being the top contributor. In the rabi 2025 season, Nafed has procured around 10,385 tonnes of gram at ₹5,650 per quintal, primarily from Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, and 51,155 tonnes of masoor at ₹6,700 per quintal, mostly from Madhya Pradesh. The ongoing efforts reflect Nafed's commitment to supporting farmers through price stabilization.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) announced a record sales figure of over ₹1.7 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 9.5% increase from ₹1.56 lakh crore in FY24. Production also saw significant growth, rising to approximately ₹1.17 lakh crore, an 8% increase from the previous year. KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar highlighted that production has quadrupled since FY14, with sales increasing nearly five-fold during the same period. Cumulative employment in the sector rose to 1.94 crore in FY25, a 49% increase from 1.3 crore in FY14, largely attributed to the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Program (PMEGP), which has established over 10 lakh units. Notably, over 57% of the 7.43 lakh trainees in the last decade were women, and wages for khadi artisans have surged by 275% over 11 years, with a 100% increase in the last three years.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's agricultural import bill surged over 20% to $27 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, driven by increased imports of edible oils, pulses, cotton, and various fruits and vegetables, according to the Commerce Ministry. The value of vegetable oil imports rose 16.55% to $17.33 billion, largely due to rising global prices, particularly for palm oil. Despite a slight decrease in overall vegetable oil imports to 5.8 million tonnes, demand remains high amid changing dietary habits. Pulses imports soared 46% to a record $5.47 billion, as the government permitted free imports to address domestic shortages. Cotton imports also doubled to $1.21 billion, influenced by lower domestic production and favorable global prices. Additionally, imports of fruits and vegetables increased by 11% to $3.26 billion, reflecting rising disposable incomes and population growth.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has reported significant progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, with nearly 75% of the excavation for the underground station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) completed. The station, which will reach a depth of 32 meters, requires a total excavation of 18.72 lakh cubic meters, of which over 14 lakh cubic meters has already been removed. The BKC station will feature six platforms, each 415 meters long, and will include three levels: platform, concourse, and service floor. Construction of the base slab is underway, with 25,000 cubic meters of concrete poured so far. Additionally, work has commenced on three elevated stations in Maharashtra and a 21-kilometer tunnel. As of April 2025, 293 kilometers of viaduct has been completed, primarily in Gujarat, where noise barriers and track bed construction are also progressing.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US Vice President JD Vance, along with Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, to his official residence in New Delhi on Monday. During their meeting, they discussed the progress of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, focusing on enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, and strategic technologies. Vance, on a four-day official visit, is set to travel to Jaipur and Agra following his discussions with Modi. The leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional and global issues. Vance's visit comes amid urgent talks to finalize an early tranche of the BTA to avert potential reciprocal tariffs from the Trump administration. India remains a key export destination for the US, with significant trade figures reported. The visit aims to strengthen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inGMR Aero Academy (GMR AA) has announced the resumption of its Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) training programme at its Hyderabad campus, set to begin on May 14. This internationally-recognised programme, which previously trained over 350 personnel from 2013 to 2018, will welcome its ninth batch for a comprehensive 24-week course featuring an ICAO-compliant curriculum and hands-on training with modern firefighting equipment, led by industry experts. Graduates will benefit from GMR AA’s extensive network across Indian airports and partnerships with major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. Ashok Gopinath, President of GMR Aero Academy, emphasized the critical role of airport firefighters in aviation safety, likening their life-saving actions to those of the armed forces. He noted a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, highlighting the urgent need to address the current supply shortage.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGold prices surged to new heights on Monday, reaching nearly ₹1 lakh for 10 grams in India, as the dollar index fell by 1.13% to a three-year low of 98.10. This decline in the dollar, which measures its strength against six currencies, made gold cheaper for international buyers, driving prices up by 2% or ₹1,760 per 10 grams to ₹96,670. Over the past month, gold has risen 13% amid global economic uncertainty, particularly due to escalating US-China trade tensions. Despite the price surge, demand in India remains subdued, with discounts offered by dealers increasing to $74 per ounce. Internationally, Comex gold hit a record high of $3,396 per ounce, reflecting a 60% increase since March 2024. Analysts attribute the rally to geopolitical risks and central bank demand, as the dollar continues to weaken, down over 9% year-to-date, amid expectations of a shift in Federal Reserve policy.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe National Horticulture Board (NHB) has unveiled revised guidelines for its Cluster Development Programme (CDP) aimed at tackling significant challenges in India's horticulture sector, including high post-harvest losses and price fluctuations. The NHB is seeking expressions of interest to appoint agencies responsible for developing high-value multi-commodity horticulture clusters and peri-urban vegetable clusters. These initiatives, backed by a ₹2,000-crore investment over five years, aim to enhance supply chain efficiency and stabilize prices, particularly for key crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes in major urban centres. The redesigned CDP will also allow for the identification of new clusters by interested parties, promoting specialization across the horticultural value chain. Despite record production of 352.23 million tonnes of horticulture crops in 2023-24, experts caution that the stringent ₹100 crore minimum annual farm gate value requirement may hinder innovation and crop diversity. The guidelines remain subject to revision by the agriculture ministry.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAir India is negotiating with Boeing to acquire 737 Max jets originally intended for Chinese airlines, as ongoing US-China trade tensions disrupt deliveries. The Tata Group-owned airline aims to expedite its revival by securing these aircraft, which have been rejected by Chinese carriers due to tariffs imposed by Beijing. Air India has previously accepted 41 such jets and is keen to obtain additional slots for future deliveries. The trade conflict has also prompted other Asian airlines, including Malaysia Aviation Group, to pursue similar opportunities. However, complications may arise from existing cabin configurations and payments made by the original customers. As Air India seeks to bolster its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, it faces challenges from supply chain issues and a retrofit program that will temporarily reduce its fleet. The airline's growth could be hindered if it cannot secure newly available Boeing planes, especially as it competes with India's dominant carrier, IndiGo.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pm
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