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India plans to borrow ₹2.7 lakh crore through the sale of ultra-long bonds in the first half of the financial year, amid growing investor concerns over the supply of long-term government bonds maturing in 30 years and beyond. These bonds, which constitute one-third of New Delhi's borrowing needs, have seen tepid demand, leading to a significant rise in yields. The gap between the benchmark 10-year bond yield and long-term bonds has reached an alarming 80 basis points, the highest in four years. Major investors, including insurers and pension funds, have reduced their market activity due to a slowdown in premium inflows, exacerbating the situation. Experts suggest that a revision of the borrowing calendar may be necessary to alleviate the pressure on long-term bond supply, as the market shows a stronger appetite for bonds maturing within seven years. 
Published: Jun 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA low-pressure area is anticipated to form over the north-west Bay of Bengal off the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by Thursday, heralding a significant wet spell across India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this system, marked by rotating winds, could enhance monsoon conditions, potentially extending rainfall across the country ahead of the usual July 8 timeline. The low-pressure system is expected to operate steadily, benefiting from a quieter storm season in the South China Sea and the Pacific, which has seen limited activity. Meanwhile, the monsoon has gradually advanced into parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, with conditions favorable for further progression. Recent heavy rainfall has raised overall precipitation levels by 4%, although some regions, particularly in Central India and the South Peninsula, still face deficits. Heavy rains have been reported in various states, including West Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as the monsoon approaches.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inScientists at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) have developed a groundbreaking method to assess soil health, significantly reducing the evaluation time from weeks to mere minutes. This innovative approach, which combines satellite imaging and spectroscopy, has achieved an impressive 81% accuracy rate in detecting soil degradation, a pressing issue for food security in drought-prone regions. The research highlights the importance of irrigation in mitigating the adverse effects of soil degradation, showing that while rain-fed crops suffer yield declines, irrigated crops demonstrate resilience. This method not only provides a quick and cost-effective alternative to traditional soil testing but also equips farmers and policymakers with vital insights to enhance soil health and bolster food systems in semi-arid areas. The findings were published by the British Society of Soil Science, emphasizing the need for timely interventions to protect agricultural landscapes.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs Malaysia's palm oil industry faces stringent European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) norms and increasing competition, efforts are intensifying to empower smallholders, who manage a significant portion of the sector. These farmers, cultivating 26.4% of palm oil plantations, often operate on tight margins due to limited resources and fluctuating prices. To enhance their competitiveness, they receive support in the form of seeds, fertilizers, and training in sustainable practices. Initiatives like the Wild Asia Group Scheme (WAGS) are pivotal, helping smallholders achieve certification under global standards, thereby improving yields and reducing costs. With Sabah contributing nearly a quarter of Malaysia's output, the region is a key focus for these empowerment efforts. As the industry adapts to meet global sustainability demands, smallholders are positioned as essential players in ensuring the sector's resilience and long-term growth.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGulf carriers remain the preferred choice for Indian travelers heading to destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, thanks to their superior frequency and connectivity. However, following the reopening of Iran's airspace, many passengers are now considering transit routes through Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, despite a significant rise in airfares. For instance, fares from Chennai to New York have surged from ₹1.90 lakh to ₹2.55 lakh in just ten days. Travel agencies report increased inquiries for these routes, particularly from those with urgent travel needs. Amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, anxiety among travelers has led to cancellations and rebookings on European airlines. This sentiment extends beyond India, with Australian travelers also experiencing longer flight times as airlines reroute to avoid affected airspace. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has announced a peak surcharge for tickets issued after June 27, 2025.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Phase 2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, which includes two elevated corridors spanning 12.75 km at a cost of ₹3,626 crore. The new routes, from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, will extend the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi corridor and feature 13 stations, connecting key suburbs and enhancing public transport accessibility. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the project aligns with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan, aiming to improve mass transit in Pune. The corridors will integrate with existing metro lines and intercity bus services, facilitating seamless urban travel. Expected to alleviate congestion on major roads, the project is projected to increase daily ridership significantly over the coming decades. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited will oversee the implementation, with pre-construction activities already underway, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban development in Pune.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inBoomitra, a soil carbon project developer, has secured a landmark agreement with Restoration Climate and the Ethereum Climate Platform (ECP) for 500,000 carbon removal credits from its Northern Mexico Grassland Restoration project over five years, marking the largest soil carbon credit transaction to date. CEO Aadith Moorthy emphasized the significance of this deal in showcasing the scalability of soil carbon removal in developing countries and its appeal to diverse buyers as a cost-effective climate solution that benefits agriculture and local communities. ECP, leveraging blockchain technology, aims to enhance climate investments by connecting project developers with investors, while Restoration Climate focuses on navigating climate risks through market-based solutions. Recent visits by Restoration Climate executives highlighted the positive impacts on local ranchers and soil health, underscoring the transformative potential of technology, such as AI and satellite data, in measuring soil carbon and facilitating large-scale restoration efforts.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has urged the government to reinstate standard packaging for edible oils to protect consumer interests and enhance market transparency. BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, highlighted that the removal of Schedule 2 from the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules in 2022 has led to a rise in non-standardized packaging sizes, such as 800 g and 870 g, causing consumer confusion and complicating price comparisons. This lack of standardization not only misleads consumers but also fosters unhealthy competition and unfair trade practices. Mehta emphasized the need for clear labeling and uniform pack sizes to ensure price transparency and maintain market integrity. The SEA has consulted with industry stakeholders and submitted a proposal to the Department of Legal Metrology, advocating for the reintroduction of 'Serial Number 10 of Second Schedule' to benefit consumers, regulators, and the industry alike.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs of June 24, India's monsoon rainfall has exceeded the Long Period Average (LPA) by 4.0%, marking a promising start to the season. Research from ICICI Bank indicates that this surplus is likely to enhance Kharif crop production, particularly in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have reported rainfall 135% and 134% above LPA, respectively. Other significant agricultural states, including Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, have also experienced above-average rainfall. However, regions such as Telangana and Chhattisgarh are facing substantial deficits, which could hinder crop yields. Despite these disparities, Kharif sowing has increased by 10.4% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in rice and pulses. While cumulative rainfall stands at 104% of the LPA, slightly below the India Meteorological Department's forecast, the uneven distribution of rainfall remains a concern as the monsoon progresses. Further developments in rainfall patterns will be crucial for the agricultural sector's outlook.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) in Kozhikode has unveiled an eco-friendly bio-pesticide aimed at tackling the cardamom thrips, a pest that devastates cardamom crops across over 70,000 hectares in India, causing yield losses of up to 48% and financial damages of ₹2-4 lakh per acre. Traditionally, farmers have relied on chemical insecticides, which pose health risks and leave harmful residues. The new formulation, derived from the entomopathogenic fungus _Lecanicillium psalliotae_, effectively controls thrips while promoting plant growth and improving soil nutrients. Field trials in Idukki and Wayanad have confirmed its efficacy, matching that of chemical alternatives. Designed for ease of use, the bio-pesticide can be mixed with farmyard manure and applied directly to the soil, reducing reliance on chemicals and ensuring compliance with international standards. IISR is now seeking industry partners for commercial production and marketing of this innovative solution.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 3 pm
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