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In a strategic effort to reclaim market share from the road logistics sector, Indian Railways is developing a policy aimed at reducing freight rates for short-distance cargo hauls of 250-300 km. Currently, Railways accounts for only 29% of India's freight transport, significantly trailing behind road transport's 65%. The initiative targets key sectors such as coal, cement, and steel, with plans to expand to other industries based on initial responses. While rail transport is cheaper at ₹1.36 per tonne per km compared to road's ₹2.5, it struggles with last-mile connectivity, a challenge the Railways is addressing through upgraded infrastructure and dedicated tracks. Pilot projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra are already underway to facilitate smaller, time-sensitive consignments. With nearly 100,000 wagons expected soon, Railways aims to enhance its competitiveness and increase its freight share to 35% in the coming years, reshaping India's logistics landscape. 
Published: Apr 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's coal-based power generation experienced its slowest annual growth since the pandemic, rising by just 2.8% in FY25, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Despite this slowdown, overall electricity generation reached a record 1,821 billion units, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. While peak electricity demand rose to 250 GW, largely met by renewable sources, thermal power lagged behind, contrasting with significant growth in nuclear (18.4%), large hydro (10.8%), and renewables (11.4%). The previous three years had seen thermal power growth rates of 9.9%, 8.2%, and 7.96%. Additionally, coal stocks at thermal plants increased by 15% to 58.1 million tonnes at the start of FY26, reflecting a strategy of pre-season stock accumulation to meet rising demand. The narrowing gap between demand and supply indicates improved efficiency in the power sector.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAndhra Pradesh has confirmed that recent tests for bird flu in areas previously affected by the virus have returned negative results. Animal Husbandry Minister K. Atchannaidu announced that samples from the Palnadu district and other impacted regions were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, which found no traces of the infection. Following this development, the government has reassured the public that it is safe to consume eggs and poultry. The state had previously culled several lakhs of birds and established containment zones after a severe outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in February, which significantly disrupted the poultry industry and led to a decline in sales. Concerns were heightened after a two-year-old girl died from the infection last month, reportedly after consuming raw chicken. The government is now working to restore confidence in poultry products.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inOn April 2, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on most trade partners, imposing a 26% tariff on India, aimed at leveling the playing field for US exporters. However, he later paused these tariffs for 90 days to facilitate negotiations on trade deals. Next week, Indian officials, led by Commerce Additional Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, will meet with US counterparts in Washington DC to discuss the early stages of a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) and address US interests in agriculture and non-tariff barriers. While India is expected to negotiate tariff cuts on some industrial goods, significant concessions in agriculture may be challenging due to its sensitivity. The discussions will also focus on developing terms of reference (ToRs) to avoid the reimposition of tariffs after the July 8 deadline. The US remains India's largest export market, with bilateral trade figures highlighting the importance of these negotiations.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia and the UK are intensifying efforts to finalize their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and a concurrent bilateral investment treaty (BIT), with a potential visit by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to London in May to expedite discussions. Following positive momentum from recent talks in Delhi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to the US, both nations are optimistic about resolving outstanding issues. The FTA negotiations, which began in January 2022 under former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, faced delays after the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, took power last July. Key points of contention include India's demand for greater access for students and professionals in the UK, while the UK seeks significant tariff reductions on products like scotch whisky and electric cars. Additionally, discussions on the BIT are ongoing, with adjustments being made to dispute resolution mechanisms to facilitate agreement.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inExperts have raised concerns that the Patent (Amendment) Rules 2024 could lead to increased litigation and negatively impact health safety in the Global South. During a roundtable discussion hosted by the All India Drugs Control Officers’ Confederation, Udaya Bhaskar, Director-General of AIDCOC Training Academy, highlighted that the amendments could hinder drug discovery timelines and undermine India's capacity to provide affordable medicines. Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, President of the Infection Control Academy of India, warned that these changes might exacerbate existing health inequities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as they could delay generic competition and raise pharmaceutical costs. The amendments also empower the Controller General of Patents to restrict who can file pre-grant oppositions, potentially increasing litigation risks. Additionally, the process for compulsory licensing could be delayed by up to five years, further complicating access to essential medications.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inP.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, addressed the 9th Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Management in Sambalpur, highlighting India's growing global influence amid geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. He described the current global landscape as "interesting and challenging," marked by disruptions in supply chains and protectionist policies. Mishra emphasized India's strengths, including its young population, expanding infrastructure, and technological advancements, which contribute to its strategic partnerships and soft power. He articulated the vision of a $5 trillion economy, focusing on poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and digital empowerment. Mishra also underscored India's commitment to climate goals, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and the importance of innovation in clean technology. He encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, entrepreneurial spirit, and ethical practices to drive growth and sustainability in the evolving economic landscape.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inMumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will close both runways for six hours on May 8 for essential maintenance ahead of the monsoon season, the airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), announced. The maintenance work, scheduled from 11 am to 5 pm, aims to ensure the safety and longevity of the airport's airside infrastructure by inspecting runway surfaces for wear and tear and implementing preventive measures against waterlogging. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued six months in advance to inform airlines and stakeholders, allowing them to adjust flight schedules accordingly. This annual maintenance is deemed crucial for facilitating safe landings and take-offs during the upcoming monsoon period.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Gujarat government has announced a significant procurement initiative, set to begin on April 21, 2025, aimed at purchasing ₹2,669 crore worth of chickpeas (chana) and mustard from 4.65 lakh farmers across the state. The initiative will see the government acquire 3.36 lakh metric tonnes of chickpeas, valued at ₹1,902 crore, and 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of mustard, worth ₹767 crore, at the minimum support price (MSP). The MSP for the 2024-25 Rabi season is set at ₹5,650 per quintal for chickpeas and ₹5,950 per quintal for mustard. Currently, over 3.36 lakh chickpea farmers and 1.18 lakh mustard farmers have registered to sell their produce. Notably, chickpea cultivation has increased to 8.49 lakh hectares this season, while mustard sowing has declined to 2.58 lakh hectares, reflecting a 16% drop compared to the previous three-year average.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a keynote address at the 24th FIMMDA-PDAI Annual Conference in Bali, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy amid global uncertainties, while acknowledging that GDP growth remains below aspirations. He projected a real GDP growth of 6.5% for FY26, emphasizing the need for India to achieve an average growth of 7.8% over the next 22 years to reach high-income status by 2047. Malhotra also addressed concerns regarding the Government Securities (G-Sec) market, noting modest turnover ratios and a concentration of liquidity among a few securities. He urged for increased retail participation and transparency in forex pricing, particularly for smaller customers. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges in developing a term money market and the need for banks to enhance liquidity transmission. The RBI remains committed to monitoring economic conditions and adapting policies proactively.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 3 pm
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