eznews.in
The Rajya Sabha has approved the Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill, completing the budgetary process for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total budget of ₹50 lakh crore set to take effect from April 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government's commitment to respecting taxpayers by raising the tax threshold to ₹12 lakh. The budget outlines a capital expenditure of ₹11.22 lakh crore, with a projected fiscal deficit of 4.4% and a GDP estimate of ₹3,56,97,923 crore, reflecting a 10.1% increase from the previous year. However, concerns were raised by opposition leaders, including P. Chidambaram, regarding the government's lack of response to potential tariffs from the US, which could severely impact Indian exports. Calls for equitable distribution of cess revenues to state governments were also made, highlighting the need for fiscal justice amid looming economic challenges. 
Published: Mar 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service on April 19, starting from Katra due to ongoing renovations at the Jammu railway station. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that the service will transition to Jammu once the renovations are completed, expected around August. The train is uniquely designed with anti-freezing features to operate in extreme cold, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C. It includes advanced heating systems, a heated windshield in the driver's cabin, and anti-vibration seismic devices to ensure safety and comfort in the earthquake-prone region. Additionally, a snow removal train will precede passenger and freight services, ensuring year-round connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. Modi's visit will also include an inspection of the world's highest rail bridge, further highlighting the strategic importance of this rail link.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced a target to blend one percent of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into conventional jet fuel for international flights by 2027. The first batch of SAF, derived from waste sources like used cooking oil and agricultural waste, is expected to be available by March 2026, with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) leading the initiative through a co-processing method that utilizes existing facilities, thus reducing capital expenditure. IOCL is collaborating with LanzaJet to produce SAF using alcohol-to-jet technology, while other state oil companies are also exploring SAF production. Challenges such as high costs and fragmented supply chains remain, but the establishment of SAF production plants is anticipated to foster a domestic ecosystem and advance technology indigenization. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol highlighted the ongoing efforts by public sector oil companies to set up pilot and commercial-scale SAF facilities.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's crude oil imports surged to a record 5.13 million barrels per day (mb/d) in March 2025, the highest monthly volume in over 15 years, driven by strong domestic demand and high refining capacity. This increase is largely attributed to the procurement of discounted Russian barrels, which rose to approximately 1.9 mb/d, despite ongoing sanctions. Analysts from Kpler noted that the availability of Russian Urals crude at prices below the $60 cap has allowed Indian refiners to navigate logistical challenges effectively. The surge in imports reflects a combination of seasonal factors, including the fiscal year-end for public sector oil marketing companies, robust fuel demand, and agricultural activity. As geopolitical tensions persist, India remains a key market for Russian oil, with expectations of continued strong flows unless secondary sanctions are imposed. OPEC forecasts India's oil demand will grow significantly in 2025, further solidifying its role in the global energy landscape.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIngrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), celebrated the organization's 25th anniversary in India, highlighting the burgeoning market for cruelty-free alternatives such as vegan leather and lab-grown meat. Newkirk emphasized that India is at the forefront of this industry, producing innovative materials like sugarcane and cactus leather, which are gaining international traction. She urged businesses and consumers to adopt cruelty-free practices across various sectors, citing advancements in technology that facilitate humane testing methods, such as organ-on-a-chip and in vitro testing. However, she noted setbacks, including ethical concerns surrounding xenotransplantation and the treatment of indigenous species like the rhesus macaque. Newkirk also advocated for alternatives in food production, promoting plant-based options that are environmentally friendly and animal-friendly, while challenging the dairy industry's objections to non-dairy milk labels.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is bracing for potential reciprocal tariffs from US President Donald Trump, with discussions set to begin on April 2. While a waiver seems unlikely, sources indicate that India is seeking a deferral to allow negotiators more time to finalize the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) established during recent talks in New Delhi. The upcoming sectoral discussions will focus on key US interests, including agriculture, medical equipment, automobiles, electric vehicles, and spirits, reflecting India's commitment to reducing trade barriers. Trump has expressed mixed sentiments, acknowledging India's high tariffs while noting positive discussions with Prime Minister Modi. The BTA aims to enhance cooperation and could potentially double bilateral trade to $500 billion. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with exports reaching $77.51 billion and imports at $42.19 billion in FY24, underscoring the significance of these negotiations.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners Association, based in Namakkal, has initiated an indefinite strike across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry, affecting over 5,500 LPG tanker lorries. The strike, which began on March 27, stems from unresolved concerns regarding new tender conditions for the period 2025-2030, which the association claims would severely impact their operations. In a letter to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the association outlined several grievances, including the need to review a penalty clause deemed overly punitive, the unjust practice of blacklisting trucks involved in accidents, and the proposed security deposit of Rs 10 lakh per state, which they argue should align with the current tender's structure. The association insists that unless their critical concerns are addressed, they will not resume operations.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAs of January 1, 2024, over 1,300 positions within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) remain unfilled, highlighting a significant shortfall in administrative capacity, according to government data. The IAS Civil List 2024 indicates an authorized strength of 6,858 officers, with only 5,542 currently in position, resulting in a vacancy of 1,316. This issue extends to other services, with the Indian Police Service (IPS) facing 586 vacancies and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 1,042. A Parliamentary committee has raised concerns about the impact of these vacancies on governance and efficiency, urging the government to expedite recruitment processes. Recommendations from the C. Chandramouli Committee regarding direct recruitments are under consideration. To address delays in vacancy determinations, the committee suggested implementing an online submission portal for states and a penalty system for those failing to meet deadlines, aiming to streamline the promotion process and enhance administrative effectiveness.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNTPC is finalizing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a significant 2,400 MW capacity expansion at its Ramagundam project in Telangana, alleviating previous uncertainties regarding the project's Phase II due to delays in signing an 800 MW PPA by the Telangana government. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab are also set to source power from this expanded capacity, with Karnataka taking 600 MW, Punjab 400 MW, and Andhra Pradesh 1,000 MW. Telangana, originally assured 85% of the total 4,000 MW capacity under the AP Reorganisation Act, may miss out on additional procurement. The first phase of the project has already commissioned two units of 800 MW, and further work will commence once the PPAs are finalized, which could take about two years to start power supply. NTPC plans to focus on brownfield projects for thermal plants while also pursuing renewable energy initiatives in Andhra Pradesh through a joint venture.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to begin deliveries of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the first quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, following the arrival of the first F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace. The initial engine will undergo extensive testing, causing a slight delay in delivery, with subsequent engines expected monthly. The LCA Mk-1A, crucial for bolstering IAF's airpower, is currently undergoing additional firing and electronic warfare trials to ensure operational readiness. HAL has ramped up production capacity at its Nashik facility and displayed four LCA Mk-1As at Aero India 2025. Meanwhile, negotiations for the GE F-414 engines, intended for the Tejas Mk-2, are nearing completion, with an agreement on 80% technology transfer for local manufacturing expected soon. The IAF has expressed concerns over delays in aircraft delivery, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing its fleet.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's external debt reached approximately $718 billion by the end of December 2024, marking a significant increase of over $69 billion, or 10.7%, from the previous year, according to the Finance Ministry. This rise reflects a $49 billion increase over the first nine months of the fiscal year. The surge is largely attributed to non-financial corporations seeking funds for infrastructure projects, capitalizing on lower interest rates abroad. The debt-to-GDP ratio slightly rose to 19.1%, while the share of short-term debt increased to 19.4%. Notably, US dollar-denominated debt constituted 54.8% of the total external debt. The report also highlighted a decline in the outstanding external debt of the general government, contrasting with an increase in the non-government sector's debt. Loans remained the largest component of external debt, accounting for 33.6% of the total.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 3 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact