eznews.in
India is currently evaluating a request from the United States to relax restrictions on ethanol imports amid ongoing trade negotiations, a move that has sparked concern among domestic industry stakeholders. The US is urging India to eliminate barriers on fuel ethanol, primarily used for blending with gasoline, while India maintains import duties to protect its burgeoning domestic ethanol sector. Critics, including former IAS officer Daulat Desai, warn that unrestricted imports could jeopardize India's circular economy and undermine local producers, potentially eroding investor confidence and threatening the nation's bioeconomy. India has made significant strides in its ethanol blending program, achieving a blending rate of 19.6% in January 2025, well on track to meet its 20% target by October 2025. The program has not only bolstered energy independence but also provided economic benefits to rural communities, generating substantial revenue and jobs. As negotiations progress, the government faces the challenge of balancing trade concessions with the long-term interests of its agricultural sector. 
Published: Jun 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inNepal is set to commence the export of 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh starting at midnight on June 15, 2025, following a trilateral agreement signed with India and Bangladesh on October 3, 2024. The electricity will be transmitted via India's 400-kV Muzaffarpur-Baharampur-Bheramara transmission line. This initiative marks a significant step in regional energy cooperation, as Nepal previously exported electricity to Bangladesh for a single day in November 2024 as a precursor to this agreement. Under the terms, Nepal will charge Bangladesh $6.4 cents per unit of electricity, with the arrangement expected to last for five years. The Nepal Electricity Authority confirmed that the first transmission will take place at midnight, highlighting the growing energy ties between the neighboring countries.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs the scarcity of rare earth magnets threatens electric vehicle (EV) production in India, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are exploring alternatives. Options include using substitute engineering materials, importing fully assembled motors from China, and developing rare earth magnet-free motors. Sterling Tools Ltd, based in Faridabad, has signed a technology licensing agreement with Advanced Electric Machines to produce these magnet-free motors, aiming to start production by FY27. The current crisis highlights the challenges posed by reliance on critical elements like neodymium and dysprosium, which are subject to rising costs and supply chain issues. Alternatives such as iron nitride and manganese-based compounds are being developed, particularly for cost-sensitive two- and three-wheeler EVs. Industry experts believe that with focused research and government support, India could significantly reduce its dependence on rare earth magnets by 2028-2030, fostering innovation and strategic diversification in the sector.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inInvestigators continued their grim search through the wreckage of an Air India aircraft that crashed near Ahmedabad airport, with the recovery of a crew member's remains marking the third day of efforts. The body was found while attempting to remove the tail section, which had become lodged in a building. As of Saturday, hospital authorities reported receiving approximately 270 bodies, including those of passengers and ground victims, although the exact death toll remains unclear due to ongoing DNA matching. The Gujarat government has yet to officially confirm the number of fatalities. Meanwhile, Tata Group announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim's family, including those on the ground. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge visited the crash site, urging for accountability and proper compensation while refraining from assigning blame in the wake of the tragedy.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCivil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Saturday that a high-level committee, led by the Union Home Secretary, has been established to investigate the recent crash of Air India’s Ahmedabad-Gatwick flight, with a report expected within three months. The committee, which will convene on Monday, includes experts from various fields, the Union Civil Aviation Secretary, and representatives from the Gujarat government and the Indian Air Force. Naidu emphasized the need for robust safety mechanisms to prevent future incidents, stating that India already has stringent aviation safety regulations that are being further strengthened. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will handle technical investigations, while the committee will assess the crash's root causes and contributing factors. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated enhanced inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, requiring thorough checks and maintenance actions to ensure safety and airworthiness.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia is considering relaxing its domestic value addition norms for rare earth magnets, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) production, amid ongoing supply constraints from China. If negotiations with Chinese authorities do not progress, India may permit the import of complete assemblies as a last resort, potentially impacting local manufacturers and increasing costs. Over 35 Indian companies, including major players like Brakes India and Continental Automotive, rely on Chinese rare earth magnets, with some already seeking end-user certificates to facilitate imports. However, the certification process is complicated by China's recent export restrictions, which require guarantees that the materials will be used for civilian purposes. Current stocks of rare earth magnets in India are projected to last until the end of June, raising concerns about disruptions for automakers such as Tata and Mahindra, who depend on these components for various vehicle technologies.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a press conference held at Udaan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, alongside Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol and Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, paid tribute to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, leaving only one survivor. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday. A high-level panel, chaired by the home secretary, has been established to investigate the incident, with a report expected in three months. The black box has been recovered, and its analysis is anticipated to provide crucial insights into the crash. Naidu emphasized India's stringent aviation safety standards and announced extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 fleet. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged the ongoing DNA testing to identify the deceased. No media questions were taken during the briefing.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe National Consumer Helpline has recorded 541,000 complaints in 2025, with 23% originating from Southern States, highlighting significant regional engagement, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nishi Khare. Speaking at a recent workshop, Khare noted that of the 2.85 million cases filed nationally, only 562,000 remain pending, with Southern States contributing just 13.34% to this backlog. She emphasized the need for adaptive legal and digital mechanisms in the digital age, citing initiatives like the Right to Repair Portal and e-Jagriti, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance consumer support. Khare praised the Southern States for their high case disposal rates, with Karnataka and Kerala exceeding the number of cases filed. The workshop included discussions on digital innovation and grievance mechanisms, attended by officials from various Southern States and legal experts, underscoring the government's commitment to improving consumer rights and redressal systems.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Sensex closed at 81,118.60, down 573.38 points, while the Nifty fell by 169.60 points to settle at 24,718.60. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 451.00 to reach 6,295.00, and gold increased by 1,908.00, now priced at 100,300.00. Silver also saw a gain, climbing 618.00 to 106,503.00. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government, alongside Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu, is eager to initiate the construction of a Greenfield International Airport in Amaravati within the next two years. Ongoing surveys are being conducted, and a feasibility report by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) is expected soon. The state is also advancing the second phase of land-pooling, with plans to allocate 4,000-5,000 acres for the airport, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment and boosting regional economic growth.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn response to the recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated enhanced safety checks across the airline's fleet. Air India announced on Saturday that it has completed one-time safety inspections on nine of its 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and is on track to finish checks on the remaining 24 aircraft as per the regulator's directive. The airline cautioned that these checks may result in longer turnaround times and potential delays on certain long-haul routes, particularly those affected by airport curfews. Air India emphasized that customers will be informed of any delays as the checks are conducted on the aircraft returning to India before they are cleared for future operations.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has highlighted the rapid expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (D-PNG) infrastructure as a key driver of growth in India's natural gas sector. By 2030, the city gas distribution (CGD) sector is projected to become the largest consumer of natural gas, accounting for nearly one-third of total consumption. The PNGRB's report anticipates that CGD will represent 29% of total consumption by 2030 and 44% by 2040, with significant demand increases expected in both the industrial and commercial segments. The report outlines two growth scenarios, with the CGD segment growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12%. Additionally, the report notes that LNG prices below $9 per million British thermal units could further stimulate demand, as consumers increasingly shift towards cleaner and more affordable fuel options.
Published: Jun 14 2025, 3 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact