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An onion growers' association in Maharashtra has called for ₹1 lakh per acre in compensation for farmers affected by severe rainfall last month, which devastated crops across the state, the largest onion producer in India. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Rajya Kanda Utpadak Sanghatna highlighted the unprecedented rainfall since May 6, which severely impacted districts including Jalgaon, Nashik, and Pune. Many farmers lost their entire Rabi season crop before harvest, while others faced losses from harvested onions that were not stored properly. The association also requested a subsidy of ₹2,000 per quintal for those forced to sell at low prices and urged the government to procure three lakh tonnes of onions at a minimum rate of ₹3,000 per quintal to support farmers. They emphasized the need for an urgent and accurate damage assessment to facilitate immediate compensation. 
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Jun 01 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's oil and gas sector is set for steady growth through fiscal years 2026 and 2027, buoyed by strong refining margins and increasing demand, despite recent market volatility, according to Systematix Institutional Equities. The sector is expected to achieve average sales, EBITDA, and PAT growth of 6%, 12.9%, and 13.3% year-on-year for FY26, and 7.8%, 9%, and 10.1% for FY27, respectively. Key investment recommendations include Reliance Industries, GAIL India, Mahanagar Gas, and Gulf Oil Lubricants. Recent market fluctuations saw Brent crude prices drop by 22.9% year-on-year due to increased OPEC supply, while Gross Refining Margins surged by 85% month-on-month, reflecting lower crude costs and improved product cracks. Natural gas prices showed mixed trends, with US prices falling sharply, while Asian LNG prices rose due to regional demand. Overall, the sector's earnings showed a slight decline year-on-year but a sequential increase in Q4 FY25.
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Jun 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's forests, vital to the nation's ecology, are facing severe threats, having lost 2.33 million hectares of cover from 2001 to 2023, compounded by over 345,989 forest fires reported between 2020 and 2021. The crisis is particularly acute in mineral-rich states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, where mining has exacerbated forest degradation. In response, PRADAN, a 43-year-old organization, is spearheading community-driven initiatives like seed ball plantation, which involves encasing native seeds in soil and compost to protect them from environmental threats. This low-cost, scalable method allows for effective reforestation in challenging areas. Engaging local communities, especially women and youth, PRADAN has facilitated training and awareness campaigns, resulting in the sowing of 1.6 million seed balls in 2024. This initiative not only aids forest regeneration but also enhances soil health and biodiversity, offering a hopeful path towards sustainable environmental restoration in India.
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Jun 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA tragic incident on Monday morning in Maharashtra's Thane district has drawn attention to the ongoing overcrowding issues and safety concerns on Mumbai's rail network. At least four passengers lost their lives and six others were injured after falling from a moving local train between Diva and Kopar stations while en route to Kasara. The overcrowded train, during peak hours, saw many passengers standing at the doors, leading to the unfortunate event where around ten individuals fell out. A guard from another train alerted authorities, and the injured were quickly taken to a civic-run hospital in Kalwa, where four were pronounced dead on arrival. Local political leaders, including Shiv Sena's Naresh Mhaske, have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures on the railways. The incident has reignited discussions about the urgent need for better crowd management and passenger safety protocols.
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Jun 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAn underwater salvage operation for the sunken container ship MSC ELSA 3 has begun off the Kerala coast, coordinated by the Directorate General of Shipping alongside the Indian Coast Guard and state authorities. The vessel sank 13 nautical miles offshore on May 25, prompting the deployment of support vessels, including Nand Saarthi and Offshore Warrior, to address a light oil sheen observed at the surface. The Indian Coast Guard's pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahahari, remains on-site for monitoring. A multi-beam seabed survey is underway, with initial data analysis expected soon. The Diving Support Vessel SEAMEC III is also en route to assist in salvage operations. Meanwhile, Marine Emergency Response Services has successfully recovered 51 of the 61 containers that washed ashore, with no hazardous materials reported. Shoreline clean-up efforts for plastic nurdles are ongoing, and authorities confirm no oil pollution has been detected along the coast.
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Jun 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia 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.
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Jun 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inA growing crisis in global agriculture is emerging as the sector increasingly contributes to plastic pollution, threatening soil health and food safety. According to a 2019 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agricultural value chains utilized approximately 12.5 million tonnes of plastic, primarily in the form of mulching films, irrigation tubing, and packaging. While these materials help farmers cope with climate change and enhance productivity, their environmental impact is severe, as most plastics are not recycled and often end up burned or buried, leading to toxic emissions and microplastic contamination. With demand for plastic products in agriculture projected to rise by nearly 50% by 2030, a shift towards sustainable practices is essential. Solutions include bioplastics and traditional organic methods, alongside bioremediation techniques to detoxify soils. Addressing plastic pollution is crucial for the future of farming, emphasizing the need for responsible growth practices.
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Jun 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inBayer has unveiled BICOTA, a new pest management product aimed at assisting rice farmers in combating stem borer infestations, which can severely impact crop yields. Set to launch in June 2025, BICOTA will be available in key rice-producing states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu. The product promises rapid action against stem borers, offering prolonged protection with a single application, thereby enhancing root and tiller development and overall crop health. Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer's Crop Science Division in India, emphasized the company's commitment to easing farmers' burdens through innovative solutions that save time and reduce labor costs while boosting yields and income. BICOTA is designed to be safe for beneficial insects and aligns with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, featuring a granular formulation for easy application across fields.
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Jun 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inAir India pilots are being offered voluntary deputation opportunities with Singapore Airlines' low-cost carrier, Scoot, as part of a deepening partnership between the two airlines. Approximately 100 positions for captains and first officers are available for a one- to two-year term, allowing Air India pilots to gain international experience and training on Embraer aircraft, which they do not currently operate. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson described the initiative as mutually beneficial, enhancing operational synergies and sharing expertise. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in the merged Air India and Vistara, aims to leverage its investment to tap into the growing Indian market. With strong air travel demand between India and Singapore, SIA is keen to collaborate closely with Air India, as highlighted by CEO Goh Choon Phong, who noted the importance of attracting qualified talent to support Scoot's growth.
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Jun 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe MSC Irina, the world's largest container ship, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the newly inaugurated port, which was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the MSC Irina is designed for efficient transportation between Asia and Europe, enhancing global trade routes. Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the vessel can stack containers up to 26 tiers high, surpassing its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs. The ship, launched in March 2023, is also equipped with energy-saving features that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%, aligning with modern environmental standards. Its arrival underscores Vizhinjam's capability to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels and positions the port as a key player in sustainable maritime practices.
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Jun 09 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is set to welcome the MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship, on Monday, according to a statement from the Adani Group. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the vessel measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, making it four times longer than a standard FIFA football field. This marks the MSC IRINA's maiden visit to a South Asian port, underscoring Vizhinjam's capability to handle ultra-large container vessels and its strategic role in global shipping. The ship, launched in March 2023, is designed for transporting large volumes between Asia and Europe and features energy-saving technologies that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%. The port, operated by the Adani Group under a 40-year concession agreement with the Kerala government, has previously hosted other large vessels, including MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini.
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Jun 08 2025, 9 pm
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