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As the scarcity of rare earth magnets threatens electric vehicle (EV) production in India, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are exploring alternatives. Options include using substitute engineering materials, importing fully assembled motors from China, and developing rare earth magnet-free motors. Sterling Tools Ltd, based in Faridabad, has signed a technology licensing agreement with Advanced Electric Machines to produce these magnet-free motors, aiming to start production by FY27. The current crisis highlights the challenges posed by reliance on critical elements like neodymium and dysprosium, which are subject to rising costs and supply chain issues. Alternatives such as iron nitride and manganese-based compounds are being developed, particularly for cost-sensitive two- and three-wheeler EVs. Industry experts believe that with focused research and government support, India could significantly reduce its dependence on rare earth magnets by 2028-2030, fostering innovation and strategic diversification in the sector. 
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia is set to achieve record rice production in the 2025-26 season, with forecasts from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimating output at 151 million tonnes, a 1% increase from the previous year. This rise is attributed to a harvested area of 51 million hectares and a record yield of 4.44 tonnes per hectare. The USDA also projects wheat production to reach 117.5 million tonnes, matching the Indian government's estimates, supported by favourable climatic conditions and increased minimum support prices for farmers. As of June 1, the Food Corporation of India reported record rice stocks of 37.99 million tonnes and wheat stocks at a three-year high of 36.93 million tonnes. However, global rice trade remains sluggish due to weak demand, with expectations for improvement only in the latter half of July. Overall, the upcoming season is marked by abundant harvests across Asia, overshadowing shortfalls in North America and Oceania.
Published: Jun 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn ancient India, agriculture was deeply intertwined with celestial cycles, reflecting a profound understanding of the relationship between the Earth and the sky. Farmers relied on the agricultural almanac, developed by sages, which aligned farming practices with the 27 lunar constellations, or _nakshatras_. Each _nakshatra_ dictated optimal times for planting, watering, and harvesting, emphasizing a sacred, cyclical view of time. While modern farming has significantly increased yields, it has also led to soil depletion and ecological damage due to intensive practices and agrochemicals. In contrast, regenerative agriculture, rooted in traditional wisdom, seeks to restore ecological balance by working harmoniously with nature. The Indian agricultural calendar, divided into six seasons, guides farmers in sustainable practices, underscoring the belief that the well-being of farmers is essential for the health of the planet. As we face contemporary environmental challenges, this ancient knowledge may offer vital solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Published: Jun 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inNepal is set to commence the export of 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh starting at midnight on June 15, 2025, following a trilateral agreement signed with India and Bangladesh on October 3, 2024. The electricity will be transmitted via India's 400-kV Muzaffarpur-Baharampur-Bheramara transmission line. This initiative marks a significant step in regional energy cooperation, as Nepal previously exported electricity to Bangladesh for a single day in November 2024 as a precursor to this agreement. Under the terms, Nepal will charge Bangladesh $6.4 cents per unit of electricity, with the arrangement expected to last for five years. The Nepal Electricity Authority confirmed that the first transmission will take place at midnight, highlighting the growing energy ties between the neighboring countries.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inInvestigators continued their grim search through the wreckage of an Air India aircraft that crashed near Ahmedabad airport, with the recovery of a crew member's remains marking the third day of efforts. The body was found while attempting to remove the tail section, which had become lodged in a building. As of Saturday, hospital authorities reported receiving approximately 270 bodies, including those of passengers and ground victims, although the exact death toll remains unclear due to ongoing DNA matching. The Gujarat government has yet to officially confirm the number of fatalities. Meanwhile, Tata Group announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim's family, including those on the ground. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge visited the crash site, urging for accountability and proper compensation while refraining from assigning blame in the wake of the tragedy.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCivil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Saturday that a high-level committee, led by the Union Home Secretary, has been established to investigate the recent crash of Air India’s Ahmedabad-Gatwick flight, with a report expected within three months. The committee, which will convene on Monday, includes experts from various fields, the Union Civil Aviation Secretary, and representatives from the Gujarat government and the Indian Air Force. Naidu emphasized the need for robust safety mechanisms to prevent future incidents, stating that India already has stringent aviation safety regulations that are being further strengthened. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will handle technical investigations, while the committee will assess the crash's root causes and contributing factors. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated enhanced inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, requiring thorough checks and maintenance actions to ensure safety and airworthiness.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia is considering relaxing its domestic value addition norms for rare earth magnets, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) production, amid ongoing supply constraints from China. If negotiations with Chinese authorities do not progress, India may permit the import of complete assemblies as a last resort, potentially impacting local manufacturers and increasing costs. Over 35 Indian companies, including major players like Brakes India and Continental Automotive, rely on Chinese rare earth magnets, with some already seeking end-user certificates to facilitate imports. However, the certification process is complicated by China's recent export restrictions, which require guarantees that the materials will be used for civilian purposes. Current stocks of rare earth magnets in India are projected to last until the end of June, raising concerns about disruptions for automakers such as Tata and Mahindra, who depend on these components for various vehicle technologies.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a press conference held at Udaan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, alongside Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol and Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, paid tribute to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, leaving only one survivor. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday. A high-level panel, chaired by the home secretary, has been established to investigate the incident, with a report expected in three months. The black box has been recovered, and its analysis is anticipated to provide crucial insights into the crash. Naidu emphasized India's stringent aviation safety standards and announced extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 fleet. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged the ongoing DNA testing to identify the deceased. No media questions were taken during the briefing.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe National Consumer Helpline has recorded 541,000 complaints in 2025, with 23% originating from Southern States, highlighting significant regional engagement, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nishi Khare. Speaking at a recent workshop, Khare noted that of the 2.85 million cases filed nationally, only 562,000 remain pending, with Southern States contributing just 13.34% to this backlog. She emphasized the need for adaptive legal and digital mechanisms in the digital age, citing initiatives like the Right to Repair Portal and e-Jagriti, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance consumer support. Khare praised the Southern States for their high case disposal rates, with Karnataka and Kerala exceeding the number of cases filed. The workshop included discussions on digital innovation and grievance mechanisms, attended by officials from various Southern States and legal experts, underscoring the government's commitment to improving consumer rights and redressal systems.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Sensex closed at 81,118.60, down 573.38 points, while the Nifty fell by 169.60 points to settle at 24,718.60. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 451.00 to reach 6,295.00, and gold increased by 1,908.00, now priced at 100,300.00. Silver also saw a gain, climbing 618.00 to 106,503.00. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government, alongside Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu, is eager to initiate the construction of a Greenfield International Airport in Amaravati within the next two years. Ongoing surveys are being conducted, and a feasibility report by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) is expected soon. The state is also advancing the second phase of land-pooling, with plans to allocate 4,000-5,000 acres for the airport, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment and boosting regional economic growth.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pm
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