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The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has called on the government to permit the temporary import of copra and coconut oil to address a growing demand crisis and maintain consumer interest in coconut oil. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted that coconut production has faced significant stress over the past two years, exacerbated by severe weather and pest issues, leading to a reported 40% drop in yields. Consequently, coconut oil prices have surged, tripling in the last year to over ₹400 per kg. Asthana warned that if consumers shift to alternative oils due to high prices, it could lead to long-term demand loss and farmer distress. He urged the government to allow imports for 6-12 months to stabilize prices without adversely affecting farmers. The SEA suggested implementing safeguards like Tariff Rate Quotas to ensure legitimate imports while easing supply pressures in the market. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has projected that heavy rainfall will ease across most of North-West and East India by July 26, with the exception of the Himalayan foothills and parts of Central India and the West Coast. Over the next few days, Central and adjoining North-West India are expected to experience continued heavy rainfall, driven by a west-to-east Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) wave enhancing convective activity over the Bay of Bengal. This low-pressure system, located over south Jharkhand, may lead to a shift in the monsoon trough, potentially resulting in a "monsoon break" where rainfall concentrates in the foothills while diminishing in Central and North-West India. The India Meteorological Department anticipates near-normal to above-normal rainfall for Central India and widespread rainfall across North-West India, with cumulative rainfall in some regions exceeding 100% above average.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUnion Minister H D Kumaraswamy unveiled a groundbreaking scheme on Friday aimed at incentivizing the purchase of electric trucks, offering subsidies of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, which has allocated ₹500 crore for this purpose from a total budget of ₹10,900 crore. The initiative targets industries such as ports, logistics, cement, and steel, with plans to support approximately 5,600 electric trucks, particularly addressing air quality issues in Delhi. Kumaraswamy emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that diesel trucks, despite being only 3% of the vehicle population, account for 42% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme mandates the scrapping of old polluting trucks to qualify for incentives, which will be provided upfront to manufacturers. Additionally, the initiative promotes local manufacturing and aims to create green jobs, with several original equipment manufacturers already engaged in producing electric trucks in India.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAt a recent Foundation Day celebration in Mangaluru, A Kishore Kumar Kodgi, President of the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd, urged the Central government to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on copper sulphate, a vital agricultural input for farmers cultivating arecanut, cocoa, and other plantation crops. Currently taxed at 18%, Kodgi highlighted the economic strain this places on farmers compared to the 5% rate for fertilizers and micronutrients. He also called for a uniform classification of copper sulphate under a single HSN code for agricultural use. Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta pledged to support the cause, while KB Hebbar from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute announced a collaborative study on arecanut and human health, addressing previous research limitations. The event also saw the launch of new chocolate products and a soil conditioner by Campco.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSiemens has announced two significant contracts worth ₹773 crore to enhance the Nagpur Metro Rail system, awarded by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation. The project, set to be completed within 42 months, involves the design, manufacture, and installation of advanced signalling and telecommunication technologies for Phase 2 of the metro, which spans 32 stations over 43.8 kilometres. Utilizing Siemens' Metro Rail technologies, the initiative aims to improve train frequency, passenger experience, and safety standards, ensuring 100% punctuality and energy efficiency. Rajeev Joisar, Head of Mobility Business at Siemens, emphasized the project's role in promoting sustainable urban development in Nagpur, showcasing Siemens' commitment to integrating automation and digitalisation in India's urban transport landscape. The company continues to lead in technology solutions that enhance infrastructure and mobility, contributing to more efficient and livable cities.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has unveiled guidelines for its Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, offering incentives of ₹9.6 lakh for electric trucks (e-trucks) to promote sustainable freight mobility. A total of 5,600 e-trucks will be eligible for these incentives, with ₹100 crore earmarked for 1,100 trucks in Delhi. To qualify, buyers must present a scrappage certificate for an old internal combustion engine (ICE) truck, which can be obtained through the DigiELV portal. The initiative aims to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, as diesel trucks, despite making up only 3% of vehicles, account for 42% of emissions. Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy emphasized the scheme's potential impact on key sectors and its alignment with India's net-zero emissions goal by 2070. The PM E-DRIVE scheme, with a total budget of ₹10,900 crore, will be implemented from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBayer has launched Felujit, a new fungicide aimed at combating sheath blight in paddy cultivation across key rice-growing states in India, starting July. This innovative product features a dual-action formulation that combines Penflufen and Tebuconazole, effectively inhibiting the growth of sheath blight, a soil-borne disease. According to Bayer, a single application of Felujit offers superior efficacy, lasting over twice as long as current market alternatives, thereby reducing the need for multiple sprays and saving farmers time and labor costs. Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead for Bayer's Crop Science Division in the region, emphasized that Felujit not only enhances crop yields and quality but also supports farmers in optimizing resources amid rising agricultural challenges. Available in 320 ml and 1-litre sizes, Felujit is positioned as a vital tool in the fight against sheath blight, contributing to global food security.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAustralia's bid for deeper tariff cuts on wine and dairy has met resistance from India, complicating efforts to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) by the end of the year. Following an interim trade pact in 2022 that reduced tariffs on various goods, negotiations have stalled, particularly over dairy and alcohol, which are politically sensitive in India. Powerful farmer groups and politicians from key agricultural states oppose concessions, citing potential harm to millions of farmers and the nascent wine industry. Current tariffs on Australian wine and dairy products remain high, with Australia seeking accelerated cuts to enhance market access. Despite the deadlock, both nations express optimism, with India open to tariff reductions on non-agricultural goods and Australia keen to strengthen trade ties. The talks are supported by both prime ministers, aiming to bolster economic cooperation and resilience.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to bid out 124 highway and expressway projects in the fiscal year 2025-26, covering a total length of 6,376 km and valued at approximately Rs 3.4 lakh crore. Notable projects include the Gorakhpur-Kishanganj-Siliguri stretch (476 km), which will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), and the Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad segment (106 km), set to be executed via the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. Additionally, the capacity augmentation of the Pampore to Qazigund section of NH-44 (48 km) will be undertaken using the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. NHAI projects are primarily executed through these three models, with concession periods ranging from 15 to 20 years for BOT and HAM, while EPC projects have a defect liability period of 5 to 10 years, depending on the pavement type.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA month after India's deadliest aviation disaster in decades, authorities are set to release a preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which occurred just 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, fully loaded with fuel, lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a medical students' hostel in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and over 30 on the ground. Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, focusing on the fuel control switches that may have been inadvertently or intentionally toggled, potentially leading to a dual engine failure. While initial findings suggest no mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines, the investigation continues to explore various factors, including pilot experience and actions taken during the emergency. The report is expected to be factual, with no immediate conclusions or blame assigned as the inquiry unfolds.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pm
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