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C. Murugan, the Deputy Chairman of the Tea Board, announced on Saturday that the Board will implement 100% quality testing of tea imports to combat the influx of cheap, inferior varieties that threaten the domestic industry. Speaking at the Tea Association of India’s biennial meeting, Murugan highlighted the need for infrastructure development to facilitate this testing, which is expected to take 15 to 20 days before seeking legal and ministry approval. He noted that substandard imports from countries like Nepal and Vietnam are particularly damaging, especially to the Darjeeling tea sector. West Bengal Labour Secretary Avanindra Singh echoed these concerns, urging industry stakeholders to acquire closed tea gardens and involve workers in management to foster a sense of ownership. The Tea Development and Promotion Scheme of 2026 has allocated ₹1,500 crore to support the industry, including small tea growers, amidst ongoing challenges such as unpaid wages for workers. 
Published: Jan 03 2026, 3 pmeznews.inAir India's inaugural trial flight successfully landed at the newly constructed Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on January 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state's aviation sector. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu was aboard the flight from Delhi, celebrating the airport's readiness for full operations expected to commence in June 2026. Developed by GMR Group, the airport spans 2,200 acres and is designed to accommodate 4.5 million passengers annually. The project, executed under a Public Private Partnership model, aims to enhance regional connectivity in Uttarandhra. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu hailed the successful trial as a pivotal moment for the region, emphasizing its potential to boost local development and connectivity. The airport's planning began during the NDA government's tenure from 2014 to 2019.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's agricultural risk landscape is undergoing a significant transformation due to climate change, extreme weather, and pollution, with parametric insurance emerging as a vital solution. Unlike traditional insurance, parametric insurance offers rapid payouts based on specific weather triggers, such as rainfall or air quality index breaches, ensuring swift compensation without lengthy assessments. This innovative approach covers a wide range of risks, including droughts, floods, and pollution-related losses, particularly relevant as air quality deteriorates during the stubble burning season. Recent initiatives, such as SEWA's weather-linked plans and Nagaland's rainfall index scheme, have provided timely financial relief to farmers and rural households. The parametric insurance market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% through 2033, significantly outpacing traditional crop insurance. As insurers develop tailored products, the focus is shifting towards comprehensive coverage that includes livestock and fisheries, enhancing economic security for vulnerable communities.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 10 ameznews.inAs India aims for energy self-reliance by 2047 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Compressed Biogas (CBG) is emerging as a key player in transforming agricultural and industrial waste into clean energy. The country is shifting its perspective on biogas plants from isolated projects to essential components of a circular economy. With a goal to expand its natural gas pipeline network significantly by 2030, India is leveraging German best practices while adapting to local conditions. Success hinges on four pillars: improving feedstock quality, adopting fit-to-size engineering, certifying co-products like Fermented Organic Manure, and establishing policy-driven demand through landfill bans and thermal energy monetization. Additionally, integrating carbon credits into the financial model can provide a crucial revenue stream. By prioritizing long-term value and treating waste as a strategic asset, India is poised to lead in the global waste-to-energy sector, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for energy security.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia's livestock economy is undergoing a significant transformation as animal welfare increasingly influences consumer behavior, regulatory practices, and business sustainability. Historically viewed as a moral issue, animal welfare is now integral to market strategy, with 70% of consumers under 40 prioritizing sustainability and ethical purchasing. The dairy sector exemplifies this shift, with premium products linked to animal welfare commanding substantial price premiums, even amid inflation. Financial losses from poor welfare practices, such as disease outbreaks and food safety failures, underscore the economic imperative for compliance. Regulatory enforcement is tightening, with recent crackdowns leading to more recalls and reputational damage for non-compliant businesses. As the market evolves, companies that embrace animal welfare not only mitigate risks but also tap into a lucrative opportunity, positioning themselves for long-term success in a landscape increasingly defined by ethical considerations. The question now is whether businesses will adapt or risk obsolescence in this new paradigm.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 9 ameznews.inMajor U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, canceled hundreds of flights on Saturday following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed airspace in parts of the Caribbean due to safety concerns related to the ongoing military activity, a decision that does not affect non-U.S. airlines. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the restrictions would be lifted "when appropriate." Affected carriers are waiving change fees and fare differences for customers rescheduling flights. In contrast, Air Canada reported that its operations to the Caribbean and South America were continuing normally, while monitoring the situation closely. Flight records indicated a halt in commercial air traffic over Venezuelan airspace following the military action.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 3 ameznews.inIn a strategic move ahead of the Assembly elections, the Tamil Nadu government has introduced the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), addressing a long-standing demand from government employees and teachers for financial security. TAPS guarantees a pension of 50% of the last-drawn salary, but unlike the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), it requires a 10% employee contribution, with the state covering additional costs. This scheme resembles the Central government's Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) and aims to balance employee needs with state finances. The initiative is expected to benefit over 600,000 employees, although it poses a significant financial burden, with an upfront cost of ₹13,000 crore and an annual contribution of around ₹11,000 crore. Despite the state's revenue deficit projected at 1.2% of GSDP for FY26, officials have committed to fully funding TAPS to support employee welfare, leading to the withdrawal of a planned strike by employee unions.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called on States to adopt a strategic approach to budget utilisation, cautioning that delays in spending allocated funds lead to losses and hinder the timely release of central instalments. During a review meeting with State agriculture ministers, Chouhan emphasized the importance of expending funds earmarked for various schemes before March to prevent administrative bottlenecks that could disrupt programme implementation. He noted that budget allocations are often stalled due to minor procedural issues. The meeting assessed the progress of central agriculture schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana. Chouhan also highlighted the need for prompt verification of eligible farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme, improved crop insurance coverage, and timely claims settlement, while stressing the importance of seed and fertiliser availability. He assured States of continued central support to bolster the agriculture sector and protect farmers' interests.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Maharashtra government has announced a waiver of stamp duty on agricultural and crop loan documents for loans up to ₹2 lakh, a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on farmers and streamlining the loan process. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the decision, effective from January 1, 2026, follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to simplify revenue laws for better accessibility. Previously, farmers were required to pay a stamp duty of 0.3% per ₹1 lakh, which meant a cost of approximately ₹600 for a ₹2 lakh loan. The new policy eliminates this fee on essential legal documents, including title deeds and loan agreements, thereby reducing borrowing costs and making the crop loan process more user-friendly. This initiative will apply statewide and affect all banks, cooperative institutions, and lending agencies involved in agricultural financing.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant milestone for Meghalaya, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) announced the state's first-ever full freight rake loading, involving 42 covered wagons of coal dispatched from Mendipathar, its only railway head, to Jalalgarh. This operation, conducted last week, follows Mendipathar's entry into the railway freight network with its inaugural unloading on February 4, 2025. Since then, the station has successfully managed 29 mini rakes and six full rakes, equating to 20.5 full rakes in total. Railway officials highlighted that this achievement underscores Mendipathar's capability to handle large-scale freight operations, which are anticipated to enhance the movement of goods and bolster economic activity in the region. The development marks a pivotal step in improving logistics and infrastructure in Meghalaya, promising to support local industries and trade.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Fertilisers Minister J P Nadda announced on Saturday that the government will tackle issues surrounding balanced fertiliser use and the diversion of fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes, collaborating with various departments. Speaking at a Chintan Shivir in New Delhi, Nadda emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to prioritising farmers in governance, aiming to enhance their livelihoods. He noted that despite challenges, the department has successfully met farmers' fertiliser needs through record production and imports. Minister of State for Fertilizers Anupriya Patel highlighted the session's goal of generating ideas to help India become a developed nation by 2047. Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra stated that the interactive nature of the discussions would allow for diverse ideas to be considered. The event, attended by officials, scientists, and industry representatives, focused on topics such as new-age fertilisers, self-sufficiency, and improving the fertiliser ecosystem.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 7 pm
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