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Eminent soil scientist Rattan Lal has been appointed as the Global Ambassador of regenagri, an international initiative aimed at promoting regenerative agriculture to enhance land health and support farming communities. This recognition celebrates Lal's extensive contributions to soil science and regenerative practices over several decades. In his new role, Lal will advocate for the benefits of regenerative agriculture, guiding the regenagri team in developing standards and participating in discussions to advance the initiative's goals. He emphasized that regenagri represents innovative farming systems that can restore degraded soils, combat climate change, and promote biodiversity while ensuring the production of nutritious food. Franco Costantini, CEO of regenagri, expressed enthusiasm for Lal's appointment, highlighting the urgency of restoring global soil health. A Distinguished University Professor at The Ohio State University and recipient of multiple prestigious awards, Lal is recognized for his pioneering work in soil-centric agricultural management and climate-resilient practices. 
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Jun 02 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) to enhance climate insights for the agriculture sector. IMD will provide gridded rainfall data and historical datasets to help assess climatic hazards, crucial for farmers and agri-based industries in determining drought or flood-prone areas. Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD's Director General, emphasized the importance of rainfall data, particularly during the monsoon season, which accounts for 70-90% of India's annual precipitation. This partnership aims to develop India's first weather derivatives, enabling stakeholders to hedge against climate-related risks. NCDEX's Managing Director, Arun Raste, highlighted the initiative as a vital step towards a climate-resilient rural economy, offering market-based solutions to weather volatility. The collaboration will also include capacity-building and training programs for various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
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Jul 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMalaysia's AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines have secured significant Airbus deals totaling $20 billion as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim concluded his European tour. AirAsia has tentatively agreed to purchase up to 70 extended-range Airbus A321XLR jets, valued at approximately $12.3 billion, while Malaysia Airlines has ordered 20 A330neo widebody planes for $7.5 billion. The agreements are part of a broader strategy to enhance Malaysia's aviation capabilities and bolster security, with plans to acquire additional maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters. AirAsia aims to expand its route network across Asia-Pacific, leveraging the new jets to serve markets that are less viable for larger aircraft. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines is focused on renewing its fleet to support long-haul growth. Anwar's visit to France underscores Malaysia's commitment to strengthening trade ties with key partners in Europe.
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Jul 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia has been ranked as the fourth most equal country globally, according to government reports citing World Bank data. The Gini score, which measures income distribution, improved to 25.5 in the fiscal year 2022-23, down from 28.8 in 2011-12, placing India in the 'moderately low' inequality category. This score is just shy of the 'low inequality' group, which includes countries like the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. The report highlights that India outperforms 167 other nations, with only 30 countries classified in the same inequality category. The government attributes this progress to targeted policies aimed at poverty reduction and financial inclusion, resulting in 171 million Indians lifted out of extreme poverty over the past decade. Initiatives such as PM Jan Dhan and Direct Benefit Transfer have been pivotal in enhancing access to essential services, thereby improving the quality of life for many families across the country.
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Jul 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA Thai Lion Air flight scheduled to travel from Kolkata to Bangkok was cancelled shortly after pushback on Saturday due to a technical issue involving the aircraft's flaps, which are crucial for safe take-off and landing. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 130 passengers and seven crew members, had landed in Kolkata at 1.23 am and was set to depart at 2.35 am. However, after reporting the flap-related problem, the aircraft returned to the parking bay at 2.43 am. Frustrated passengers expressed their dissatisfaction towards airline staff, but an airline official emphasized that passenger safety is the top priority. All affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodations as the flight remains cancelled for the day. The incident highlights the importance of technical safety checks in aviation, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken before flights depart.
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Jul 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inApple growers in Himachal Pradesh have expressed support for the Indian government's decision to raise the Minimum Import Price (MIP) for imported apples from ₹50 to ₹80 per kg, a move aimed at protecting domestic farmers from cheaper imports, particularly from Iran and Turkey. However, concerns linger regarding the practical enforcement of this policy. Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch, emphasized the importance of effective implementation, citing previous instances where Iranian apples entered India at ₹41 per kg despite the MIP. He warned that without strict monitoring, the new MIP could prove ineffective. The group also highlighted potential challenges posed by upcoming trade policy deadlines that could lead to zero import duties on agricultural inputs, stressing that only a 50% import duty alongside the revised MIP would ensure fair pricing for Indian apples. The farmers are calling for robust enforcement to realize the benefits of the new pricing structure.
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Jul 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a recent address at the IIT Madras Alumni Association's Sangam 2025 event, Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's evolving economic landscape, emphasizing the role of new technologies in shaping the nation's future. He noted that India's vibrant startup ecosystem, coupled with advancements in scientific research and innovation, is transforming the country from a job seeker to a job creator. Goyal underscored the government's commitment to fostering a future-ready nation through policies that embrace cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. He asserted that these initiatives are crucial for maintaining India's position as the fastest-growing large economy globally, even amid a backdrop of slowing global trade. Goyal's remarks reflect a broader vision of leveraging technology to enhance manufacturing, business, and service sectors, thereby bolstering India's international engagements.
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Jul 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Information Technology (IT) sector is expected to deliver mixed results in the first quarter of Financial Year 2026, according to a report by HDFC Securities. While tier-1 companies are projected to experience muted revenue growth, mid-tier firms are anticipated to outperform. Despite global economic uncertainties and reduced discretionary spending due to US tariff measures, demand deterioration has been less severe than expected, allowing firms to maintain their full-year guidance. A significant cross-currency tailwind is expected to boost reported revenue growth in USD terms, although tier-1 players may see a quarter-on-quarter revenue decline of up to 2.8%. In contrast, mid-tier firms are forecasted to achieve growth ranging from +3.7% to -3.4%. The report highlights a robust deal pipeline, particularly in cost optimization and AI initiatives, underscoring generative AI's role as a key growth driver as companies transition from proof-of-concept to full-scale deployments.
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Jul 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian soft drink industry is poised for a resurgence, with growth rates expected to exceed 10% next year, according to a report by Systematix Institutional Equities. The Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) sector, valued at ₹300 billion, has historically seen growth of 13-14% and is anticipated to continue this trend in the medium term. Currently, the market is dominated by Liquid Refreshment Beverages, where soft drinks account for 40-45% of the overall market. Despite local brands holding a significant share, competition has eased post-GST, allowing larger players to gain ground. Notably, per capita beverage consumption in India remains low compared to regional counterparts like Bangladesh and Pakistan. The industry is being shaped by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and a youthful demographic, with increasing demand for healthier options and regional flavours driving innovation.
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Jul 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of allowing genetically modified (GM) farm products from the US under a proposed interim trade pact with India, expected to be announced before July 9. GTRI warns that imports of GM products, including soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), could jeopardize India's agricultural exports to the European Union (EU), a crucial market for Indian goods. The EU enforces strict GM labeling regulations and has a strong consumer preference for GM-free products, which could lead to shipment rejections and increased testing costs for Indian exporters. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava highlighted the risks of cross-contamination due to India's fragmented agri-logistics and lack of segregation infrastructure. Currently, only Bt cotton is approved for GM cultivation in India, while imports of GM feed materials like DDGS remain banned.
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Jul 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced a significant reduction in toll rates, cutting them by up to 50% for national highway sections featuring structures like tunnels, bridges, and flyovers. This change, effective from July 2, 2025, follows amendments to the NH Fee Rules of 2008, introducing a new formula for calculating toll charges. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that toll fees will now be determined by comparing two calculations: ten times the length of the structures plus the remaining highway length, or five times the total highway length, with the lesser amount applied. For instance, on a 40-kilometre highway predominantly consisting of structures, users would only pay tolls based on 200 kilometres, effectively halving their costs. A senior official from the National Highway Authority of India noted that the previous toll calculation aimed to cover higher construction costs associated with such infrastructure.
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Jul 05 2025, 9 am
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