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The Telangana government has announced a significant increase in the area dedicated to cotton cultivation for the upcoming Kharif season, projecting it to rise to over 20.23 lakh hectares from 17.70 lakh hectares last year. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted that paddy cultivation is expected to expand to 27 lakh hectares, while maize and soybean areas will also see growth, with soyabean expected to double to 3.6 lakh hectares. Following a review meeting on Kharif preparedness, Rao emphasized the need to ensure adequate seed supply, with requirements set at 16.70 lakh quintals of paddy seeds and 1.35 lakh quintals of soybean seeds. He acknowledged challenges faced by seed producers and intermediaries that affect pricing and payments, urging officials to address these issues to support farmers effectively. The government aims to position 2.4 crore packets of cottonseeds to meet the anticipated demand. 
Published: Mar 29 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is set to release guidelines for the procurement of electric buses and trucks under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which runs from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. To accommodate rising demand, the government plans to reduce subsidy rates from three categories—₹20 lakh, ₹25 lakh, and ₹35 lakh—to lower amounts, enabling more vehicles to be rolled out. Currently, five cities, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, have secured a Payment Security Mechanism, with demand for approximately 15,000 e-buses already noted. Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) will initiate the tender process, allowing both original equipment manufacturers and operators to bid. The scheme has a total budget of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹4,391 crore allocated for e-buses, while guidelines for e-truck subsidies are also forthcoming, with a cap of around 2,000 units.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to convene with domestic airlines on April 1, 2025, to address growing concerns over wheelchair accessibility for passengers, particularly amid an increase in elderly and disabled travellers. Reports of delays and insufficient wheelchair availability have sparked backlash from netizens and disability rights advocates, with some passengers reportedly missing flights due to long waits. The DGCA aims to establish standardized guidelines for wheelchair assistance across all airlines and airports, ensuring it becomes a guaranteed right for those in need. However, industry insiders have raised concerns about the misuse of wheelchair services, particularly on international flights, suggesting that restrictions may be necessary to prevent abuse. Major airlines like IndiGo and Air India currently provide significant numbers of complimentary wheelchair services, but high demand often leads to delays, prompting discussions on real-time tracking and improved coordination among staff.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inElectric vehicle (EV) public charging stations (PCSs) in India have seen a significant surge in electricity consumption, rising nearly 85% year-on-year to 590.06 million units in the first three quarters of FY25, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Delhi led the consumption with 258.83 million units, accounting for 43.87% of the national total, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. The increase is largely attributed to the growing sales of two and three-wheeled EVs, particularly for last-mile delivery in e-commerce. Despite the growth, the Financial Industry Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) warns that the current utilisation rate of less than 2% is unsustainable for profitability, which requires a target of 8-10% by 2030. Challenges such as high infrastructure costs, low utilisation rates, and inconsistent electricity tariffs hinder the financial viability of PCSs across various states.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has proposed increasing the auto settlement limit for advanced claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, aimed at benefiting its 7.5 crore members. This decision, made during the 113th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) on March 28, 2025, in Srinagar, requires ratification by the CBT before implementation. The Ministry of Labour and Employment currently processes 60% of advance claims online within three days. Since the introduction of the auto mode in April 2020, the EPFO has seen a significant rise in claims, processing 2.16 crore auto claims in the current fiscal year, compared to 89.52 lakh in FY24. Additionally, the rejection rate for claims has decreased from 50% to 30%. The EPFO is also enhancing the claim process by allowing members with Aadhaar-verified Universal Account Numbers to make corrections independently and centralising member databases under a new IT system.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on a broader range of countries beyond the "dirty 15," which represent the largest trade deficits with the US. This move could benefit India, as it would create a more level playing field by subjecting many of its competitors to similar tariffs. While Trump did not specify the number of countries affected, he emphasized that the tariffs would be "kinder" than those imposed on the US. As negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US continue, India hopes to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. In FY24, India recorded a trade imbalance of over $35 billion with the US, exporting $77.51 billion and importing $42.19 billion. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of Trump's comments regarding tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has reported a slight revenue increase of 0.06% for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, achieving ₹30,400 crore compared to ₹30,381 crore the previous year. The defence public sector undertaking attributed challenges in delivering Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to engine shortages and disruptions caused by a January accident affecting the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet. Despite these setbacks, HAL's order book has surged to ₹1,84,000 crore, up from ₹94,129 crore, bolstered by new manufacturing contracts worth ₹1,02,000 crore and Repair, Overhaul, and Maintenance (ROH) contracts totaling ₹17,500 crore. Notably, HAL recently secured a significant contract with the Ministry of Defence for 156 LCH Prachand helicopters valued at ₹62,777 crore. The company has also expanded its production capabilities, adding new lines for LCA and HTT-40 aircraft, alongside enhancing aero engine capacity at its Koraput facility.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 8 pmeznews.inTelangana, a leading rice-producing state in India, has commenced its export journey by sending its first consignment of 12,500 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, valued at ₹45 crore. The shipment was flagged off by Telangana Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy from Kakinada Port. The Philippines has expressed interest in purchasing a total of one lakh tonnes of rice and eight lakh tonnes of paddy, following a quality assessment of Telangana's rice. The state has seen a significant rise in paddy production, exceeding 2.60 crore tonnes in 2023-24, well above local and national requirements. This increase in production has prompted the state to seek international markets to offload surplus stocks, with the Philippines deal marking a promising opportunity for Telangana's agricultural sector. The agreement for the rice sale was signed between the Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited and Planter Products Inc., representing the Philippine government.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a significant update for income tax assessees, the Finance Bill 2025 has redefined the computation of income discovered during search proceedings, replacing the term "total income" with "undisclosed income." This change clarifies that only undisclosed income will be subject to a punitive tax rate of 60%, effective retroactively from September 1, 2024. The amendment aims to alleviate taxpayer concerns that previously disclosed income could also be taxed at this higher rate during searches. Experts have welcomed the move, noting it removes ambiguity and aligns with the government's principle of "Trust first and scrutinise later." Tax professionals assert that the new law will likely reduce overall tax liabilities, as it prevents the misinterpretation that could have led to higher taxes on disclosed income. The Income Tax Department describes this shift as a "paradigm shift," focusing on identifying undisclosed income while safeguarding compliant taxpayers from undue penalties.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe European Union has tightened its safeguard measures on steel imports, effective April 1, 2025, imposing tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on 26 steel product categories. Under the new rules, imports within established quotas remain tariff-free, but exceeding these limits incurs a 25% duty. This revision is expected to significantly impact Indian steelmakers, who export approximately one-third of their metal shipments to the EU, potentially reducing their market access and increasing competition. Notably, India's hot-rolled coils quota could be cut by 25%, with similar restrictions on plates and wire rods. The EU aims to decrease imports by about 15% to bolster domestic industries, while Indian exporters may face retaliatory tariffs. The changes come amid concerns over global overcapacity and increased Chinese exports, which could further strain the EU market and challenge Indian exporters' competitiveness, particularly in high-demand segments.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs of March 26, 2025, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has procured a total of 1 crore bales of cotton for the 2024-25 marketing season, with Telangana leading the way at 40.38 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat. This year's procurement marks the second highest since the 2019-20 season, accounting for over a third of the national cotton production. Despite strong procurement figures, raw cotton prices remain below the minimum support price (MSP) in some regions, and demand from Indian spinning mills is sluggish due to weak export markets and high basis levels. Analysts suggest that while CCI faces challenges in selling its stock, prices may rise as private market supplies dwindle. The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption has also revised crop estimates down to 294.25 lakh bales, reflecting a tightening supply situation.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 5 pm
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