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India's recent push for electric trucks (e-trucks) has drawn criticism from transport experts who argue that the initiative could hinder the country's net-zero goals. They contend that e-trucks are impractical for most commercial freight due to their limited range of approximately 150 kilometers, compared to the extensive capabilities of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vehicles, which can cover up to 2,400 kilometers on major highways. The existing CNG infrastructure, with 24/7 availability across 25 states, further enhances its viability for long-haul operations. Additionally, the cost disparity is significant, with e-trucks priced around ₹58 lakh, even after incentives, versus ₹15 lakh for CNG trucks. Experts advocate for a shift in focus towards proven CNG/LNG technologies, which have been effective for over 15 years, to achieve meaningful emissions reductions and support India's clean freight movement ambitions. 
Published: Jul 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndian Railways is set to enhance passenger safety by installing CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives, following successful trials in passenger coaches. This initiative aims to deter miscreants and organized gangs that often target unsuspecting travelers. The cameras will be strategically placed in common areas near doors to maintain passenger privacy, with each coach equipped with four dome cameras and locomotives fitted with six cameras, including those at the front, rear, and sides. High-quality footage will be ensured even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and in low-light conditions. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, recently reviewed the installation progress, with plans to incorporate AI technology to analyze the data captured by the cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission. This comprehensive security measure is expected to significantly reduce incidents of crime on trains.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is cautiously evaluating a US request for market access to soybean and corn as part of ongoing trade negotiations, with experts warning of potential cross-contamination risks. The Indian government is particularly concerned about ensuring that imports are non-genetically modified (GM), as the country has strict regulations against GM products. However, certification challenges arise since over 90% of US soybean and corn production is GM, and segregating non-GM varieties is uncommon. While self-certification for imports is being considered, it poses risks of mislabeling. The Global Trade Research Initiative has highlighted that importing GM products could contaminate India's agricultural exports, risking rejections in key markets like the EU. An Indian delegation is set to travel to Washington, D.C., to continue discussions on a bilateral trade agreement after previous negotiations stalled. NITI Aayog's Ramesh Chand indicated that India might agree to import non-GM soybean and corn as part of a mini-deal.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAviation experts are scrutinizing a 2018 FAA advisory regarding potential disengagement of the fuel switch locking mechanism on Boeing models, as investigations into the crash of Air India Flight AI 171 continue. Preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have ruled out weather, airworthiness, pilot error, bird strikes, and fuel quality as causes, leading experts to suggest that electrical or software malfunctions may be to blame for the in-flight shutdown of both engines shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in 241 fatalities. Pilots have expressed confidence in their actions, with no evidence of misconduct. Veteran aviator Captain Shakti Lumba has raised questions about the fuel control switch's physical position during the incident, while Mark D. Martin of Martin Consulting cautioned against prematurely exonerating Boeing and GE, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation before drawing conclusions.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's recent directive to Chief Ministers to combat substandard fertilizers appears to divert attention from a critical fertilizer shortage affecting India. While the Minister's letter highlights issues of "fake fertilizers" and "black marketing," it neglects the urgent calls from states like Punjab, Telangana, and Rajasthan for increased supplies. The timing is significant, as fertilizer sales surged by 12.5% in the April-June quarter, driven by a favorable monsoon, contradicting the government's push for reduced chemical fertilizer use. The core issue lies in supply-side management, with states struggling not just against malpractices but also facing genuine shortages. Telangana's Chief Minister and Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister have both sought assurances of adequate urea supplies, while Uttar Pradesh has imposed purchase caps for farmers. The Centre's focus on illegal activities obscures the pressing demand-supply gap, underscored by Fertilizers Minister J.P. Nadda's recent trip to Saudi Arabia to secure urea and DAP supplies.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRefunds in direct taxes and GST have seen a significant increase in the first quarter of the last three fiscal years, impacting net collections amid a decline in gross tax revenues. Data from the Income Tax Department indicates that gross tax collection from April 1 to July 10 reached over ₹6.65 lakh crore, a modest growth of just over 3%. However, refunds surged to approximately ₹1.02 lakh crore, marking a 38% increase. Experts attribute this rise to lower corporate profits and personal tax regime switches, with Vivek Jalan noting that corporate refunds stem from reduced profits linked to disappointing top-line performance. In the GST sector, gross collections rose to over ₹6.22 lakh crore, an 11.8% increase, while refunds climbed nearly 20% to around ₹80,000 crore. Saurabh Agarwal highlighted a shift in the refund-to-collection ratio, suggesting government reforms are enhancing tax compliance and fostering business confidence.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's tax administration has seen a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with taxpayer refunds soaring by 474% from ₹83,008 crores in 2013-14 to ₹4,76,743 crores by 2024-25, significantly outpacing the 274% increase in gross direct tax collections. The average time to process refunds has dramatically decreased from 93 days to just 17 days, reflecting the success of digital modernization efforts, including end-to-end online filing and automated processing. The number of income tax returns filed has also surged, rising from 3.8 crores to 8.89 crores, indicating a growing formalization of the economy. Officials attribute this growth to increased voluntary compliance and enhanced tax payment mechanisms. The rise in refunds and their expedited processing not only improves cash flow for taxpayers but also signals a more engaged participation in India's formal economy, marking a significant milestone in the country's tax ecosystem.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe sales volume of used cars in India is projected to exceed 6 million units this fiscal year, driven by increasing consumer demand, digital adoption, and improved financing options, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The used-to-new car sales ratio has risen to 1.4 from below 1 five years ago, with used vehicle sales growing at 8% last fiscal and expected to reach 10% this year. The market value of used cars is estimated at ₹4 lakh crore, nearly matching new car sales. Despite high operational costs and ongoing cash losses for organized players, revenue growth is anticipated to lead to breakeven at the operating profit level within 12-18 months. The report highlights that India's used-to-new ratio still lags behind mature markets, indicating significant growth potential. Enhanced access to vehicle finance and a diverse range of models for first-time buyers are expected to further support this market's resilience.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inVRL Logistics, based in Hubballi, Karnataka, is actively addressing the severe driver shortage plaguing the transport industry by promoting driving as a viable profession. The company is visiting villages to dispel negative perceptions associated with driving, a challenge highlighted in its latest Annual Report. With a workforce of 22,236 employees, including a significant number of drivers, VRL is committed to recruiting full-time drivers and providing them with comprehensive training and benefits. Chairman Vijay Sankeshwar acknowledged the various challenges faced by the logistics sector, including unhealthy competition and adverse weather conditions, while emphasizing a cautious approach to fleet expansion. As of March 2025, VRL operated 6,115 vehicles and reported a 10% increase in revenue to ₹3,186 crore, with net profit soaring 105% year-on-year to ₹183 crore. The company is also modernizing its fleet, having added 457 vehicles in line with its growth strategy.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a bid to bolster the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy projects, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has mandated the installation of automatic weather stations (AWS) at wind and solar plants with capacities of 50 MW or more. This directive, outlined in a notification dated July 7, aims to address the challenges posed by inaccurate weather forecasts, which can lead to financial penalties under the Deviation Settlement Mechanism. The CEA has developed guidelines requiring these stations to be integrated into bid documents for renewable energy projects. Each AWS must be strategically located to accurately reflect local weather conditions, with specific requirements for solar and wind installations. The stations will measure critical meteorological parameters, enhancing generation predictability and grid stability. The initiative follows an advisory issued in February promoting the co-location of energy storage systems with solar projects to improve cost efficiency and grid stability.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is set to host the 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave on July 14-15, 2025, aimed at enhancing regional maritime connectivity. Themed “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships,” the two-day event will gather ministerial delegations, port authorities, and maritime experts from BIMSTEC member countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the conclave, which aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Discussions will focus on green ports, smart logistics, and cross-border collaboration, fostering investment and innovation. As a leader in green and smart port initiatives, Visakhapatnam is positioned to redefine the Bay of Bengal as a global trade hub, reinforcing India’s strategic maritime role in the Indo-Pacific region.
Published: Jul 13 2025, 3 pm
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