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Nelson Yang, founder and general manager of Farm to Material, is pioneering a sustainable textile initiative in Changhua, Taiwan, by transforming banana pseudostems into fibers for potential use in global sneaker brands. Once celebrated as the "banana kingdom" during the 1960s, Taiwan has shifted its focus to advanced semiconductor production, but Yang aims to revive the island's agricultural heritage. His company utilizes the often-discarded middle section of the banana plant, crushing and drying it to create fibers that can be blended with cotton or fashioned into vegan leather. Although still in its early stages, with no current orders from apparel companies, experts like Charlotte Chiang from the Taiwan Textile Federation highlight banana fiber's advantages over cotton, including lower water consumption and greater absorbency. Yang's vision aligns with a growing demand for sustainable materials, potentially positioning Taiwan as a leader in biomass fiber innovation within the textile industry. 
Published: Sep 18 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe families of four passengers who perished in the June crash of Air India Flight 171 have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell, alleging negligence linked to a faulty fuel cutoff switch on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The complaint, lodged in Delaware Superior Court, claims that the switch's locking mechanism was susceptible to inadvertent disengagement, leading to a loss of fuel supply and thrust shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals. The plaintiffs assert that both companies were aware of the risks, particularly following a 2018 warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regarding similar issues on Boeing aircraft. Investigators from India, the UK, and the US have yet to determine the definitive cause of the crash, although preliminary reports indicated cockpit confusion. Boeing and Honeywell have not commented on the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced clarifications to its Request for Proposal (RFP) provisions, aimed at enhancing contractor qualification standards, ensuring compliance, and increasing transparency in highway projects. These measures are designed to improve project execution quality, reduce delays, and lower lifecycle costs. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways emphasized that stringent criteria will ensure only technically capable contractors qualify, particularly clarifying the "Similar Work" requirement to include only completed highway projects with major components relevant to the bids. Additionally, the NHAI is addressing unauthorized subcontracting practices, which have raised concerns over quality and regulatory oversight, by classifying such actions as "Undesirable Practices" subject to penalties. The reforms also prohibit third-party-sourced bid and performance securities, reinforcing accountability and financial transparency in contractual obligations.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inSteel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has delivered approximately 15,000 metric tonnes of steel for the Bairabi-Sairang railway project in Mizoram, as announced by the Ministry of Steel. This supply includes nearly 10,000 metric tonnes of high-grade R-260 Prime rails sourced from SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant, alongside 5,000 metric tonnes of plates, TMT bars, and structural steel from its other facilities in Bokaro, Rourkela, Durgapur, and Burnpur. The 51-kilometre railway line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a significant investment of over Rs 8,070 crore and enhances connectivity to Aizawl. SAIL's contribution is part of its broader commitment to infrastructure development in Northeast India, supporting various projects that bolster the region's connectivity and economic growth. The new railway line also facilitates three additional train services, further integrating Mizoram into the national transport network.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia's power sector carbon dioxide emissions saw a rare decline of 1% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, marking only the second such drop in nearly five decades, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for Carbon Brief. This reduction was largely attributed to significant clean energy capacity additions, which surged by 25.1 gigawatts—a 69% increase from previous records—and a decrease in power demand due to unusually mild weather. The analysis indicated that slower demand growth accounted for 65% of the decline in fossil fuel generation, while clean energy expansion and increased hydropower output contributed 20% and 15%, respectively. Despite a rise in overall power generation, fossil fuel generation fell by 29 terawatt hours. CREA suggests that if clean energy growth continues, India's power sector emissions could peak before 2030, as the country aims to add 500 gigawatts of clean energy by that year.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is set to begin milk supply to the Assam Rifles by October, as announced by NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah during a launch event in Imphal, where a new brand identity for the Manipur Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd was unveiled. This initiative, which follows the NDDB's management takeover in April 2025, aims to provide a stable market for local farmers. The NDDB has invested ₹8 crore in financial support to enhance operations and clear farmer dues. New milk variants and value-added products, including Cow Special Milk and Probiotic Curd, were also introduced to meet consumer demands. Additionally, the Governor of Manipur inaugurated a Bulk Milk Chilling Centre and five all-women Dairy Cooperative Societies to empower rural women and promote entrepreneurship. With favorable conditions for dairying, the NDDB plans to expand its retail presence through 'Milk & More' booths across the region.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a National Policy on Geothermal Energy, aiming to tap into the country's estimated 10 gigawatts (GW) geothermal capacity. The policy seeks to promote exploration and development of this renewable energy source, which is particularly suited for applications like heat pumps, cooling, and agriculture. To enhance viability, the MNRE is considering financial incentives such as tax breaks, long-term concessional loans, and viability gap funding. The initiative aligns with India's Net Zero target for 2070 and includes plans for research and development of advanced geothermal technologies. Five pilot projects have been sanctioned, focusing on harnessing geothermal energy in Arunachal Pradesh and integrating it with solar energy. The policy also encourages partnerships between government and industry to leverage existing oil and gas infrastructure for geothermal development, while addressing the high costs associated with geothermal energy production.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPunjab's rice production is expected to decline this year following severe floods that devastated approximately 200,000 hectares of paddy crops, according to state officials. Last year, the state produced 14.36 million tonnes (mt) of rice, including Basmati, but the impact of the floods has primarily affected non-Basmati crops grown near rivers. The state has requested central assistance to prepare fields for the upcoming rabi season, as there is no prospect for a harvest this year. Punjab is crucial to India's rice procurement, contributing significantly to the Centre's target of 46.35 mt from the current kharif season. Despite government efforts to promote crop diversification due to groundwater depletion, farmers remain committed to paddy cultivation, drawn by the guaranteed minimum support price. As of September 1, the Food Corporation of India reported rice stocks of 36.91 mt, exceeding annual requirements.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo has signed an 11-year strategic maintenance agreement with French aerospace firm Thales to support its fleet of 430 Airbus A320 aircraft and an additional order of over 800 A32X aircraft. The deal includes Thales's 'Avionics-By-The-Hour' (ABTH) programme for avionics component repairs and the 'Repair-By-The-Hour' (RBTH) service, ensuring timely maintenance. Repairs will be conducted at Thales's new advanced avionics MRO facility in Gurugram, designed to meet the rising demand for avionics support and enhance fleet availability. IndiGo's Senior Vice-president of Engineering, Parichay Datta, emphasized that the partnership aims to provide a safe and hassle-free flying experience while maintaining operational excellence. Thomas Got, Vice President of Aviation Global Services at Thales, noted that the new facility strengthens their capacity to deliver reliable services to the evolving Indian aviation market. The announcement was made on September 17, 2025.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a recent notification by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), school bags, ballpoint pens, and fountain pens will now attract an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST), effective September 22. This decision follows recommendations from the GST Council's meeting on September 3, which outlined a new rate chart for approximately 1,200 goods. While the GST on various writing instruments remains at 18%, the tax on pencils and similar items has been reduced to zero from 12%. However, concerns have arisen regarding printed books, as uncoated paper used for them will also incur the 18% GST, potentially increasing book prices. Experts emphasize the need for industries to adapt their systems and supply chains to ensure smooth implementation of these changes, highlighting the importance of transparency and timely execution in the new tax regime.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 8 pm
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