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In a significant move bolstered by the Indian government's NMEO-OP initiative, Patanjali Group has entered a five-year contract with Sabah's Sawit Kinabalu, the provincial government's investment arm in the oil palm sector. Signed in 2022, the agreement aims for Sawit Kinabalu to supply 4 million oil palm seeds, with 1.5 million already delivered. Patanjali is the sole Indian company to secure such a partnership, as it establishes palm oil nurseries and mills in India's North-East, including a collaboration with Godrej Agrovet in Nagaland. Sawit Kinabalu, a fully integrated player in Malaysia's palm oil industry, operates 36 estates and 7 mills, producing 100,000-120,000 tonnes annually. The NMEO-OP programme, launched in August 2021, aims to enhance sustainable palm oil cultivation, promoting intercropping and reducing pesticide use, while also providing farmers with additional income opportunities. 
Published: Jun 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSoaring clouds over East, North-West, and West India have alleviated heat wave conditions as twin low-pressure areas emerged, enhancing monsoon activity. On Tuesday, the monsoon advanced its northern limit to Gujarat, parts of Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant second phase of rainfall since its onset in May. The low-pressure systems, one over eastern Gujarat and the other over south-west Bangladesh, are expected to intensify, with the latter likely developing into a depression over North-West India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecasts a potential third low-pressure area forming over West Bengal in the coming days, which could lead to further heavy rainfall across the region. Meanwhile, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was reported in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, with conditions favorable for the monsoon's continued advance into additional states over the next two days.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the introduction of advanced firefighting equipment in its Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department. The initiative was inaugurated by State Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who oversaw the commissioning and demonstration of two key pieces of equipment: the Articulated Boom Lift and the Multipurpose Firefighting Robot. The Articulated Boom Lift, a hydraulically operated aerial platform, can reach heights of 28 metres and support loads of up to 250 kg, making it ideal for high-elevation rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Multipurpose Firefighting Robot is a remote-controlled unit designed for extreme fire conditions, featuring an inbuilt camera and 360-degree navigation for real-time monitoring. A live demonstration showcased the equipment's operational versatility, reinforcing CIAL's commitment to adhering to international safety standards and embracing innovation in emergency response.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inKochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has submitted a feasibility report for a water metro system in Mumbai, aiming to replicate the success of its Kochi Water Metro Project. The report, presented to Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitish Rane, outlines a 250-km waterway network with 29 terminals connecting key water bodies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Vaitarna and Vasai. Rane praised the KMRL team for their timely work and instructed relevant departments to begin project implementation, including the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR). This marks KMRL's first consulting assignment won through competitive bidding, enhancing its reputation as a national player in sustainable urban transport. The consultancy division is also conducting feasibility studies for similar projects in 21 other cities across 11 states and two Union Territories, positioning KMRL to potentially become a global leader in urban water transport, akin to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in the metro rail sector.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inUnion Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced significant changes to the Indian Railways' Tatkal ticket booking system during a cabinet briefing in New Delhi. Starting July 1, 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings will require Aadhaar-based OTP verification to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair access. Additionally, the Railways plans to issue passenger reservation charts 24 hours before train departures, a change aimed at alleviating issues for passengers with wait-listed or RAC tickets. This pilot project, currently underway in the Bikaner division, has received positive feedback and will soon be implemented nationwide. To further enhance transparency, authorized ticketing agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. These measures are part of a broader effort to improve the booking process and ensure that genuine users benefit from the Tatkal scheme.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inEthiopian Airlines has launched a new direct flight service from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa, marking a significant enhancement in international connectivity for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The inaugural flight took off on June 17, 2025, following a celebratory ceremony attended by senior officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) and Ethiopian Airlines. The new route, featuring three weekly evening departures, offers a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GHIAL, expressed enthusiasm for the service, highlighting its potential to strengthen ties between South India and Africa, an emerging market of increasing strategic importance. The direct connection is anticipated to boost opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, facilitating greater trade and investment between India and the African continent.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a challenging month for India's gems and jewellery sector, overall exports fell by 15.81% to $2.26 billion in May, primarily due to new tariffs imposed by the US, according to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Exports of cut and polished diamonds saw a significant decline of 35.49%, dropping to $949.70 million, while polished lab-grown diamonds also fell by 32.76%. However, gold jewellery exports bucked the trend, rising 17.24% to $997.50 million, driven by heightened demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, silver jewellery exports decreased by 17.59% during April-May, and coloured gemstone exports saw a slight decline of 1.13%. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali noted that the overall export downturn reflects the impact of US tariffs, while the surge in gold jewellery exports highlights its status as a safe haven asset.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift in global trade dynamics, China's exports to the United States plummeted by 34.5% in May 2025, dropping from $44 billion to $28.8 billion, as reported by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). While overall exports rose by 4.6% to $316.2 billion, this decline was offset by increased shipments to other regions, with exports to the European Union rising by 12% to $49.5 billion, ASEAN by 15% to $58.4 billion, and India by 12.4% to $11.13 billion. Concurrently, India's imports from China and Hong Kong surged by 22.4% to $12 billion, driven by electronics and machinery. Despite a slight overall decline in India's merchandise imports, exports to the US grew by 17.3% to $8.8 billion, largely due to smartphones. The report cautioned nations to be wary of aggressive export strategies that could lead to dumping, as geopolitical tensions continue to shape trade relations.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inTropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt Ltd has launched the #SawalKalKaHai campaign to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, aiming to ensure long-term food security. The initiative encourages environmentally friendly farming practices and responsible consumer choices, highlighting the connection between food choices and farming methods. A campaign film illustrates the journey of food from soil to plate, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions for individual and environmental health. The campaign stresses the need to protect soil health and maintain ecological balance, urging both farmers and consumers to take collective responsibility for sustainability. Founder VK Jhaver stated that the campaign is a call to action for conscious choices that secure a better future, while General Manager Chandrika Rodrigues emphasized the goal of bridging the gap between rural farms and urban consumers to foster a healthier food ecosystem. The initiative marks the start of a long-term movement for sustainable practices in India.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inCoconut oil prices have surged to ₹410 per litre, marking an ₹80 increase in just a week, primarily due to declining copra production, according to Thalath Mahmood, president of the Cochin Oil Merchant Association. This price hike has led to a 10-20% drop in local demand, with consumers turning to cheaper alternatives like palmolein and sunflower oil, priced at ₹130 and ₹150, respectively. In Kerala, where coconut oil is a staple for cooking, copra prices have also risen to ₹231 per kg. Mahmood warned that the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could further inflate edible oil costs due to increased freight rates, while the rise in coconut oil prices has resulted in a proliferation of inferior and adulterated oils. The association plans to urge the government to lift import restrictions on coconut oil and copra to address the industry's crisis. Meanwhile, raw coconut prices have climbed to ₹70 per kg amid declining production.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inChaos erupted at Ahmedabad airport on Tuesday following the cancellation of an Air India flight to Gatwick, UK, scheduled for 1 PM. Passengers expressed frustration as Air India officials failed to provide explanations for the cancellation or information regarding refunds. Hasmukh Barot, who traveled from Patan district, reported that staff were unaware of the reasons behind the cancellation and could not address refund inquiries. Another passenger, Sohal Dave, highlighted the urgency of his family's situation, as his children were set to start school soon. In response, an Air India spokesperson clarified that the flight was cancelled due to the unavailability of the aircraft, linked to airspace restrictions and precautionary checks, not technical issues. The airline has since offered hotel accommodations, full refunds, and alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers, while also announcing the cancellation of flight AI-170 from Gatwick to Amritsar.
Published: Jun 17 2025, 2 pm
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