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The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced an initiative to enhance parcel logistics by inviting interested parties to partner in providing logistics and fleet services. The SCR is developing an application-based parcel logistics service that will streamline the entire process, integrating first mile (pickup), mid mile (transportation by Railways), and last mile (delivery) services into a single digital platform. This innovative Rail Parcel App aims to simplify, expedite, and increase transparency in parcel movement for customers. Initially, the app will be piloted in the Hyderabad division, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, businesses, and logistics partners. SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava emphasized that this service could revolutionize parcel transportation by offering door-to-door delivery, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for logistics providers and the Railways. Interested agencies are encouraged to participate in this transformative project, which promises to enhance convenience and efficiency in parcel logistics. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe European Union (EU) is preparing to send a trade delegation to New Delhi in the second week of December, aiming to finalize the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. Key issues, including the EU's carbon border tax and steel import quotas, are expected to be addressed during this visit. Both sides are eager to announce the FTA at the upcoming India-EU Summit, potentially scheduled for January 27, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders. A joint statement from recent consultations emphasized the goal of concluding negotiations by year-end and accelerating discussions on related agreements. While progress has been made in market access, contentious regulatory mechanisms remain unresolved, with India seeking assurances that EU regulations will not undermine the FTA's benefits. In 2024-25, India’s bilateral trade with the EU reached $136.53 billion, underscoring the importance of this partnership. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have successfully developed India’s first Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), designed to enhance maritime safety and efficiency at ports. This software, which tracks vessel positions and issues meteorological hazard warnings, was created by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) in accordance with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' specifications. Funded by a ₹10 crore grant from the Shipping Ministry in 2020, the VTMS allows for full control over its source code and databases, fostering local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technology. Already implemented at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussions are underway to introduce the system at two additional ports on the Western Coast. This initiative marks a significant step towards indigenising technology in India's maritime sector. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's rice production during the kharif season for 2024-25 reached 122.8 million tonnes, contributing to a record total of 124.5 million tonnes for the kharif season that concluded in October, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year, according to the agriculture ministry. The ministry's first advance estimate for the kharif 2025-26 season predicts total foodgrain production at 173.3 million tonnes, up from 169.5 million tonnes in 2024-25. While rice and maize production are expected to rise, with maize estimated at 28.3 million tonnes, output for pulses, oilseeds, and cotton has declined. Pulses are projected at 7.4 million tonnes, down from 7.7 million tonnes, and oilseeds are estimated at 27.56 million tonnes, a decrease from 28.02 million tonnes. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that while excessive rainfall affected some areas, overall crop growth benefited from a good monsoon. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe sixth edition of the Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) for rubber and rubber products was inaugurated by Tripura's Minister of Industries and Commerce, Santana Chakma, in Agartala. Launched by the Rubber Board in 2021, the VTF aims to enhance exports by providing a digital platform for Indian manufacturers to showcase their products to both domestic and international buyers. This year's event emphasizes the concept of Bharat Sustainable Natural Rubber, reflecting India's commitment to eco-friendly production practices. The initiative not only facilitates networking between manufacturers, exporters, and potential investors but also strengthens the rubber industry's ecosystem by promoting sustainable practices across the value chain. Key figures at the launch included Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industries and Commerce, and M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, highlighting India's growing influence in the global rubber market. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's kharif foodgrain output has reached a record 173.33 million tonnes for the 2025-26 season, up from 169.4 million tonnes last year, largely due to favorable monsoon conditions. The first advance estimates indicate kharif rice production is projected at 124.5 million tonnes, an increase from 122.77 million tonnes in the previous year, while kharif maize output is expected to rise to 28.3 million tonnes from 24.8 million tonnes. Despite some adverse effects from excessive rainfall in certain areas, most regions benefited from the monsoon, leading to robust crop growth, according to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. However, production of pulses and oilseeds is anticipated to be slightly lower, with tur and urad outputs expected to decrease. Groundnut production is forecasted to rise, while soybean output is projected to decline. Overall, sugarcane and cotton production are also expected to see increases. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia marks National Milk Day today, celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of the White Revolution that transformed the nation into the world's leading milk producer, now contributing 25% of global supply. Since Independence, annual milk production has surged from 21 million tonnes to over 200 million tonnes, with per capita availability rising from 124 grams to 471 grams daily. However, despite these achievements, India faces challenges in milk yield per animal, which remains below the global average. To address this, experts advocate for a second phase of the White Revolution focused on enhancing productivity through improved nutrition, genetics, and cattle management. With a significant shortfall in cattle feed and the need for better veterinary care, leveraging advanced technologies and digitization is crucial. As India celebrates its dairy success, it must also embrace innovation to ensure a resilient and efficient dairy sector for the future. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAs India celebrates National Milk Day, the dairy sector's remarkable transformation from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer is highlighted. Contributing nearly a quarter of global milk production, India's dairy industry supports over 80 million farmers and accounts for 5% of the country's GDP. Milk production surged by 63.56% over the past decade, reaching 239.3 million tonnes in 2023-24, with per capita availability rising to 471 grams daily, well above the global average. Modern consumers now demand diverse, high-quality dairy products, prompting companies like Mother Dairy to innovate with offerings such as high-protein milk and probiotic drinks. Technological advancements, including blockchain for product traceability, enhance transparency and trust. As the sector evolves, collaboration between industry and research institutions is essential for sustainable growth, ensuring that the dairy ecosystem remains nutritionally rich and socially inclusive, while honoring the legacy of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India's White Revolution. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA high-level event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil has underscored the vital role of natural rubber in promoting sustainable development and enhancing climate resilience. Titled “Promoting Smallholder Projects for Net-Zero and Beyond,” the event was organized by the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) and supported by the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) and the American Forest Foundation (AFF). ANRPC's Lekshmi Nair emphasized the crucial contributions of smallholders to climate change mitigation, advocating for necessary support and partnerships to achieve global net-zero targets. Keynote speakers, including Satya Tripathi from the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, stressed the importance of private finance in supporting public goods, while Nisar Marisi from Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning highlighted the need for improved productivity and value chain efficiency in the natural rubber sector to align with global climate commitments. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's crude oil imports from Russia are set to decline after November 21, 2025, due to impending US sanctions on major Russian oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil. However, analysts from Kpler predict this decrease will be temporary as supply chains adapt. In November 2025, India averaged approximately 1.9 million barrels per day (mb/d) of Russian oil, a record for the month, driven by refiners stockpiling before sanctions took effect. This figure represents a 17% month-on-month increase and nearly 6% year-on-year rise. Despite anticipated short-term drops in imports, particularly in December and January, Indian refiners are likely to seek alternative non-sanctioned Russian suppliers and utilize complex logistics to maintain access to competitively priced crude. The ongoing geopolitical landscape and operational challenges in Russia further complicate the situation, but without more extensive sanctions, India is expected to continue sourcing Russian oil through indirect channels. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 12 pm
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