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Nagpur canal project secures water for 200 families, crops

A project aimed at revitalizing the Sawangi canal in Nagpur has successfully enhanced the fertility of approximately 400 hectares of land, benefiting 200 families with improved access to drinking water and irrigation for livestock. Launched in February 2024, the initiative involved the widening and deepening of a 4.11-kilometre stretch of the canal, significantly boosting groundwater levels and elevating the living standards of local farmers and wildlife. This effort, part of a corporate social responsibility programme by Allcargo Group's Avashya Foundation in partnership with local NGOs, focused on desilting and restoring the canal to optimize water storage and prevent soil erosion. The project has created 100,000 cubic metres of surface water storage and contributes 225,000 cubic metres of groundwater annually, supporting over 1,200 farmers. Union minister Nitin Gadkari praised the initiative, emphasizing the need for similar projects to combat farmer suicides in the Vidarbha region. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 11 am

State intervention essential for profitable millet farming: CACP Chairman

Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), emphasized the need for better incentives for farmers to enhance the profitability of millets during the Millet Stakeholders conference organized by Nutrihub. He pointed out that the current profitability of millets lags behind competing crops, despite significant increases in the minimum support price (MSP) over the past seven years, which have improved market prices and farmer returns. Sharma advocated for a three-pronged approach to sustain the millet mission, focusing on technology, institutional strengthening, and farmer incentives. He highlighted the importance of state-level interventions, particularly in procurement operations, to boost market prices. Additionally, he noted the potential of technology to address supply challenges and improve the cultivation and consumption of millets, which are often perceived as difficult to cook and understand nutritionally. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 2 pm

Etihad Airways orders 28 Boeing jets for $14.5 billion

Etihad Airways has announced a significant order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the latest 777X jets, during a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Gulf region. This $14.5 billion deal, which will benefit American companies Boeing and General Electric, is part of Etihad's strategy to double its fleet size by 2030. The new aircraft, expected to join the airline's fleet from 2028, aim to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and passenger experience. CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the importance of managing fleet growth in line with demand and long-term network plans. Additionally, the airline is developing a comprehensive roadmap for operations through 2035, amid speculation regarding a potential initial public offering (IPO) as it seeks to strengthen its market position following improved financial performance. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 2 pm

Delhi's PNG rollout vital for India's clean energy efforts: Experts

The Delhi government's initiative to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to 111 villages on the city's periphery marks a significant advancement in providing clean cooking fuel to underserved communities. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health in India, emphasized the importance of this equity-focused initiative, targeting low-income households that have historically lacked access to reliable clean energy. In collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Limited and other city gas distributors, the plan aims to connect all 357 villages in Delhi to the PNG network by 2025, replacing traditional biomass and LPG. Experts, including Anumita Roy Chowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment, highlighted the health and environmental benefits of reducing reliance on solid fuels, which contribute significantly to indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is also seen as crucial for improving women's health and reducing the burden of air pollution, which claimed millions of lives globally in 2021. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 1 pm

IIT Madras creates technology for textile wastewater treatment

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled a groundbreaking technology for the efficient treatment of wastewater from the textile industry, addressing significant environmental concerns. Deployed at a plant in Tiruppur, the new electrochemical-based methodology has demonstrated a remarkable reduction in harmful compounds, achieving 96% colour removal and 60% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal from dyebath effluent. This initiative, supported by the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre, aims to enhance the techno-economic viability of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plants. Led by Prof Indumathi M. Nambi, the pilot project at the Kunnakalpalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant has successfully processed 400 litres per day, optimising the system for practical application. The technology offers several advantages over existing methods, including reduced load on reverse osmosis systems, lower infrastructure costs, and a chlorine-free process that mitigates the risk of carcinogenic byproducts. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 1 pm

Kochi tea prices fall as arrivals increase

Tea prices at the Kochi auctions saw a decline this week, attributed to an increase in arrivals at the auction platform. In sale 20 of CTC dust, 746,717 kg was offered, with 84% sold, although prices for good liquoring teas fell by ₹1 to ₹2, and more significantly for low medium and plainer varieties, leading to numerous withdrawals, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis. Kerala loose tea traders and upcountry buyers provided some support, with blenders absorbing 64% of the total CTC quantity sold, resulting in an average price drop to ₹149 from ₹151 the previous week. The Orthodox dust market also experienced a decline, with 7,500 kg offered and limited absorption by exporters. The Orthodox leaf market saw prices for whole leaves decrease by ₹5 to ₹7, while CTC leaf demand remained steady, with a 100% sales rate for 28,500 kg offered. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 12 pm

Agri, pharma, electronics dominate India's FY25 exports

India's merchandise exports surpassed USD 437 billion in 2024-25, with agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods collectively accounting for over 50% of this total, according to government data. Engineering goods led the way, contributing 26.67%, while agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and electronics accounted for 11.85%, 6.96%, and 8.82%, respectively. The electronics sector experienced remarkable growth, with exports rising 32.46% to USD 38.58 billion, driven by a 101% surge in computer hardware. Key markets for these goods included the UAE, US, and UK. Engineering goods exports increased by 6.74% to USD 116.67 billion, while pharmaceuticals rose 9.4% to USD 30.47 billion. Notably, rice exports reached a record USD 12.5 billion, solidifying India's status as the top global exporter. The agricultural sector also saw growth in spices, coffee, tea, and marine products, with exports expanding to over 130 countries. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 11 am

LA 2028 Olympics to Introduce Electric Air Taxis for VIPs

In a groundbreaking move for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Archer Aviation has unveiled its piloted electric air taxi, named Midnight, which will transport up to four passengers between key venues via a network of vertiports. The service aims to provide a quieter, low-emission alternative to traditional helicopters, with flights expected to take between 10 to 20 minutes. Key locations in the network include SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Los Angeles International Airport. Archer's CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the company's goal to revolutionize transportation in Los Angeles, particularly during the Games. The eVTOL aircraft is designed with advanced safety features and aims for FAA certification comparable to commercial airliners. As an official provider for the LA 2028 Olympics, Archer will also support emergency services and security, marking a significant innovation in the Olympic experience, according to LA chairperson Casey Wasserman. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 10 am

IMD predicts simultaneous monsoon onset for Kerala, Northeast India

Thunderstorms have been observed over the Bay of Bengal and parts of India, including Telangana, Rayalaseema, Goa, and Coastal Karnataka, as pre-monsoon weather patterns take hold. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the southwest monsoon to reach Kerala around May 27, with potential advancement into North-East India simultaneously. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected along the west coast, particularly in Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala, while North-West and North-East India may experience below-normal activity. Current neutral conditions in the equatorial Pacific, resembling La Niña, are contributing to vigorous pre-monsoon showers, with the overall rainfall deficit reduced to just 2%. The IMD anticipates above-normal monsoon rainfall this year, with most global models supporting this outlook. An official announcement regarding the monsoon's arrival in Sri Lanka is also awaited, as satellite imagery shows rain cover over coastal regions. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 10 am

Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates Horticulture College buildings in Mizoram

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, inaugurated the new Academic cum Administrative building of the College of Horticulture in Thenzawl and a PG girls' hostel at the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry in Selesih via video conference. Mizoram Governor Gen. Dr. VK Singh participated online, while Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended in person. Chauhan expressed regret for his absence due to adverse weather conditions but highlighted Mizoram's potential for horticulture, noting that only 10% of its cultivable land is currently utilized. He emphasized the importance of promoting farmers' producer organizations (FPOs) and sustainable practices to tap into the global organic market. Chief Minister Lalduhoma praised the colleges as vital educational assets for the region, while Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agriculture University, acknowledged the support from leaders for the development of these institutions. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 9 am

UN Revises India's 2025 GDP Growth to 6.3%

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised down to 6.3%, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. Despite this adjustment from the previous estimate of 7.1% for 2024, India remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, buoyed by strong private consumption and public investment. The report highlights a precarious global economic landscape, with heightened trade tensions and rising tariffs threatening production costs and supply chains. While India's inflation is expected to decrease from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, the Reserve Bank of India has begun easing its policy rate. The global GDP growth forecast has also been downgraded to 2.4% for 2025, reflecting broader economic challenges affecting both developed and developing nations. The report underscores the need for multilateral cooperation to address these issues and support vulnerable economies facing declining growth and rising debt. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 8 am

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