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US President Donald Trump has indicated that countries yet to receive tariff letters may face blanket tariffs of either 15% or 20%, effective August 1. This could include India, which has not yet received a letter, potentially subjecting its products to tariffs lower than the previously announced 26% reciprocal tariffs. Trump emphasized that not all countries require individual letters, stating, "We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay." The deadline for implementing these tariffs was extended from July 9 to August 1, following limited trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam. Indian negotiators recently returned from Washington without finalizing an interim trade deal, hindered by US demands in agriculture and dairy. As trade talks are set to resume, the Indian team is expected to return to Washington next week to continue negotiations. Canada was the latest country to receive a tariff letter, facing a 35% tariff from August 1. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inAt a recent Foundation Day celebration in Mangaluru, A Kishore Kumar Kodgi, President of the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd, urged the Central government to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on copper sulphate, a vital agricultural input for farmers cultivating arecanut, cocoa, and other plantation crops. Currently taxed at 18%, Kodgi highlighted the economic strain this places on farmers compared to the 5% rate for fertilizers and micronutrients. He also called for a uniform classification of copper sulphate under a single HSN code for agricultural use. Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta pledged to support the cause, while KB Hebbar from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute announced a collaborative study on arecanut and human health, addressing previous research limitations. The event also saw the launch of new chocolate products and a soil conditioner by Campco.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSiemens has announced two significant contracts worth ₹773 crore to enhance the Nagpur Metro Rail system, awarded by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation. The project, set to be completed within 42 months, involves the design, manufacture, and installation of advanced signalling and telecommunication technologies for Phase 2 of the metro, which spans 32 stations over 43.8 kilometres. Utilizing Siemens' Metro Rail technologies, the initiative aims to improve train frequency, passenger experience, and safety standards, ensuring 100% punctuality and energy efficiency. Rajeev Joisar, Head of Mobility Business at Siemens, emphasized the project's role in promoting sustainable urban development in Nagpur, showcasing Siemens' commitment to integrating automation and digitalisation in India's urban transport landscape. The company continues to lead in technology solutions that enhance infrastructure and mobility, contributing to more efficient and livable cities.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has unveiled guidelines for its Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, offering incentives of ₹9.6 lakh for electric trucks (e-trucks) to promote sustainable freight mobility. A total of 5,600 e-trucks will be eligible for these incentives, with ₹100 crore earmarked for 1,100 trucks in Delhi. To qualify, buyers must present a scrappage certificate for an old internal combustion engine (ICE) truck, which can be obtained through the DigiELV portal. The initiative aims to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, as diesel trucks, despite making up only 3% of vehicles, account for 42% of emissions. Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy emphasized the scheme's potential impact on key sectors and its alignment with India's net-zero emissions goal by 2070. The PM E-DRIVE scheme, with a total budget of ₹10,900 crore, will be implemented from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBayer has launched Felujit, a new fungicide aimed at combating sheath blight in paddy cultivation across key rice-growing states in India, starting July. This innovative product features a dual-action formulation that combines Penflufen and Tebuconazole, effectively inhibiting the growth of sheath blight, a soil-borne disease. According to Bayer, a single application of Felujit offers superior efficacy, lasting over twice as long as current market alternatives, thereby reducing the need for multiple sprays and saving farmers time and labor costs. Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead for Bayer's Crop Science Division in the region, emphasized that Felujit not only enhances crop yields and quality but also supports farmers in optimizing resources amid rising agricultural challenges. Available in 320 ml and 1-litre sizes, Felujit is positioned as a vital tool in the fight against sheath blight, contributing to global food security.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAustralia's bid for deeper tariff cuts on wine and dairy has met resistance from India, complicating efforts to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) by the end of the year. Following an interim trade pact in 2022 that reduced tariffs on various goods, negotiations have stalled, particularly over dairy and alcohol, which are politically sensitive in India. Powerful farmer groups and politicians from key agricultural states oppose concessions, citing potential harm to millions of farmers and the nascent wine industry. Current tariffs on Australian wine and dairy products remain high, with Australia seeking accelerated cuts to enhance market access. Despite the deadlock, both nations express optimism, with India open to tariff reductions on non-agricultural goods and Australia keen to strengthen trade ties. The talks are supported by both prime ministers, aiming to bolster economic cooperation and resilience.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to bid out 124 highway and expressway projects in the fiscal year 2025-26, covering a total length of 6,376 km and valued at approximately Rs 3.4 lakh crore. Notable projects include the Gorakhpur-Kishanganj-Siliguri stretch (476 km), which will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), and the Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad segment (106 km), set to be executed via the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. Additionally, the capacity augmentation of the Pampore to Qazigund section of NH-44 (48 km) will be undertaken using the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. NHAI projects are primarily executed through these three models, with concession periods ranging from 15 to 20 years for BOT and HAM, while EPC projects have a defect liability period of 5 to 10 years, depending on the pavement type.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA month after India's deadliest aviation disaster in decades, authorities are set to release a preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which occurred just 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, fully loaded with fuel, lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a medical students' hostel in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and over 30 on the ground. Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, focusing on the fuel control switches that may have been inadvertently or intentionally toggled, potentially leading to a dual engine failure. While initial findings suggest no mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines, the investigation continues to explore various factors, including pilot experience and actions taken during the emergency. The report is expected to be factual, with no immediate conclusions or blame assigned as the inquiry unfolds.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has called on the government to permit the temporary import of copra and coconut oil to address a growing demand crisis and maintain consumer interest in coconut oil. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted that coconut production has faced significant stress over the past two years, exacerbated by severe weather and pest issues, leading to a reported 40% drop in yields. Consequently, coconut oil prices have surged, tripling in the last year to over ₹400 per kg. Asthana warned that if consumers shift to alternative oils due to high prices, it could lead to long-term demand loss and farmer distress. He urged the government to allow imports for 6-12 months to stabilize prices without adversely affecting farmers. The SEA suggested implementing safeguards like Tariff Rate Quotas to ensure legitimate imports while easing supply pressures in the market.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) launched 148 non-AC electric buses on July 11, 2025, as part of its efforts to enhance public transport and reduce vehicular pollution in the city. The initiative, marked by a ceremonial flag-off by State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, introduces new express service routes and package tours. With this addition, BMTC's fleet now totals 1,436 electric buses, significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions by approximately 2.07 lakh kilograms and saving nearly 77,000 litres of diesel daily. The new buses feature a range of safety and accessibility enhancements, including wheelchair ramps, panic buttons for women's safety, and a fire detection system. BMTC plans to further expand its electric fleet, with 195 AC electric buses and an additional 4,500 buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme expected to be deployed soon, aiming for a total of 1,779 electric buses by year-end.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's current petrochemical demand is significantly below the global average, but as the economy continues to grow, consumption is expected to rise. A senior official from Reliance Industries highlighted the urgent need for India to enhance its petrochemical production capacity to meet both domestic and international demand, particularly in light of China's increasing dominance in the sector. Global petrochemical margins have been pressured by China's capacity expansions, which have led to a surplus. While India's economic growth outpaces that of major economies, its gasoline and gasoil demand is still on the rise, albeit at a slower rate as the country transitions to cleaner fuels. Vikram Sampat from Reliance warned that without proactive measures, India risks falling further behind China. He anticipates that Indian refiners may redirect a significant portion of gasoline and diesel output towards petrochemical production as fossil fuel demand peaks in the coming years.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 1 pm
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