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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Saturday that the state is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to combat tax evasion, emphasizing that increased tax collection is vital for the region's development. Speaking at the GST 'Jaagrookta Abhiyan' event in Agartala, Saha highlighted that Tripura's annual budget for 2024-25 is ₹27,800 crore, with only ₹3,700 crore generated from its own revenue. He noted that a significant portion of this revenue is allocated to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and Urban Local Bodies. Saha urged citizens to fulfill their GST obligations, framing them as partners in the state's growth, and warned that tax evaders would face legal consequences as the government enhances its enforcement capabilities. He reiterated the importance of tax revenue in building infrastructure and achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBalrampur Chini Mills has laid the foundation stone for India's first polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer manufacturing facility in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, with plans to commence commercial production by the end of 2026. The Kolkata-based company aims to invest ₹2,850 crore in the plant, which will have an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes. This initiative is part of Balrampur's strategy to diversify its revenue streams, targeting 50% of its income from non-sugar businesses within three years, up from the current 20%. The project is expected to create 225 direct jobs and over 2,000 indirect jobs, aligning with the Uttar Pradesh Bioplastic Industry Policy 2024. PLA is seen as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, with applications in various consumer products. Balrampur's Chairman Vivek Saraogi emphasized the significance of this investment as the company's largest to date, aimed at maximizing value and mitigating risks.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA) aims to boost the country's electrical and electronics exports from $12 billion to $25 billion over the next five years, as announced by President Sunil Singhvi at the Elecrama 2025 event in Greater Noida. Singhvi emphasized the need for India to become a global hub for manufacturing in this sector, particularly as the global supply chain shifts towards India as a reliable energy partner. He highlighted the importance of engaging with international standard bodies and enhancing quality standards and testing infrastructure to meet global benchmarks. Singhvi also called on industry members to invest in innovation, skills development, and new technologies to ensure that Indian products align with international standards. Established in 1948, IEEMA represents over 1,000 manufacturers in the electrical and industrial electronics sectors, advocating for policies that support export growth and competitiveness.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA meeting between a Central team led by Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi and farmer leaders in Chandigarh concluded without resolution, with a follow-up scheduled for March 19. Chouhan described the discussions as productive, with farmers presenting their demands, including a legally enforced minimum support price (MSP) for crops, while the government outlined its initiatives to support the agricultural sector. Discrepancies arose over market price data, with farmers questioning the government's figures. Despite Chouhan's appeal for fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his indefinite fast, farmers insisted they would only do so once their MSP demand is met. This meeting follows a year of protests led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, and comes after four previous rounds of talks in February 2024 ended without agreement on government procurement guarantees for certain crops. Farmers are also seeking debt waivers, pensions, and justice for past violence victims.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Kerala Government has garnered Expressions of Interest (EoIs) worth ₹1,52,905.67 crore from 374 companies during the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025), as announced by State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve. The two-day summit attracted global industry leaders and policymakers from 26 countries, focusing on investment opportunities, particularly in the IT sector. Notably, 24 IT companies plan to invest nearly ₹8,500 crore, potentially creating 60,000 jobs. To facilitate these investments, the government will implement a fast-track mechanism for each EoI, with a dedicated nodal officer and a review committee led by the Chief Secretary. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of the IT sector, which employs around 200,000 professionals in Kerala, highlighting its potential to generate indirect employment in various support services. A dedicated investor toll-free number and email will also be established to expedite the investment process.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has announced refunds totaling ₹1.56 crore for over 600 students enrolled in coaching centres for Civil Services and Engineering courses, who were previously denied refunds despite adhering to the institutes' terms. Following complaints lodged with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), the DoCA facilitated a streamlined dispute resolution process, ensuring students received compensation for unfulfilled services, late classes, or cancelled courses. The department has mandated that all coaching centres adopt a student-centric approach and implement clear, transparent refund policies to protect students' financial interests. It emphasized that legitimate refund claims cannot be denied and urged coaching institutes to uphold consumer rights. The NCH's intervention has proven effective in resolving grievances before they escalate to legal disputes, providing students with a reliable means to safeguard their interests in the education sector.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has requested a report from Air India following complaints from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan about a broken seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized the importance of passenger safety and comfort, stating that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will investigate whether Air India violated regulations by selling the defective seat. Chauhan expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, claiming the seat was uncomfortable and had been previously flagged as unserviceable. In response, Air India maintained that the seat was not broken, attributing any issues to design rather than safety. The airline has initiated a retrofit program to upgrade nearly 20,000 seats on its aircraft. Air India has apologized for the incident, asserting that it does not reflect their service standards and pledging a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inArtson Engineering Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Projects Ltd, has announced plans to establish a passenger shipbuilding unit in Kochi, in collaboration with Malabar Cements Ltd. A memorandum of understanding was signed during the Invest Kerala Global Summit, with CEO Shashank Jha highlighting the profitability of shipbuilding, noting that every ₹1 invested could yield an ₹8 return. The new facility will focus on constructing medium-sized vessels of 100 tonnes, aimed at enhancing the inland water transportation sector, which is anticipated to see increased demand due to the Pradhan Mantri Gatishakthi Project. The shipbuilding unit will occupy seven acres of land leased from Kochi Port and is expected to create around 300 direct jobs, contributing to local employment and economic growth.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inOterra, a Danish leader in natural coloring ingredients and parent company of Akay Natural Ingredients, is set to invest nearly ₹100 crore in India over three years to enhance its Kochi production facility. At the opening of its first plant, which cost ₹10 crore, Global CEO Martin Sontag announced plans to increase production capacity from 200 to 1,000 tonnes annually. The investment aims to meet the growing demand for natural colors in the food and beverage industry, particularly in India and the Asia-Pacific region, as consumer preferences shift towards healthier options post-COVID. Emmanuel Nambusseril, chairman of the All India Spices Exporters Forum, noted that the Indian market for natural colors, currently valued at $20 million, is dominated by synthetic alternatives, but is expected to see significant growth as consumer awareness rises. Oterra's long-term vision includes further investments aligned with business growth in this promising sector.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAt the Invest Kerala Global Summit, experts emphasized the need for strategic policy initiatives to enhance the state's marine sector. Abraham Tharakan, Chairman of Amalgam Group, advocated for simplified seafood import procedures to boost value addition and proposed utilizing unproductive paddy fields for brackish water aquaculture. He also called for a uniform national trawling policy to protect juvenile fish and recommended the installation of Turtle Extruder Devices (TED) in fishing nets. Alex Ninan, Vice Chairman of MPEDA, highlighted the potential growth of the global seafood market from $350 billion to $650 billion in the next decade, urging Kerala to capitalize on this opportunity. Former SEAI President Jagdish Fofande noted Kerala's historical leadership in seafood and the need for full-capacity operations and new market access. Anwar Hashim of Abad Group stressed sustainability, while Rammohan from MPEDA discussed compliance with international standards and innovative aquaculture practices.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 4 pm
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