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The United States has expressed its willingness to consult with India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the 25% tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium imports, which India argues should be classified as safeguard measures. The US, however, maintains that these tariffs are security measures aimed at protecting national security, not safeguard actions. In a recent submission to the WTO, the US stated it is open to discussions but insists that any talks would not be under the Agreement on Safeguards. The tariffs, initially imposed by former President Trump in 2018, are estimated to impact $5 billion of India's engineering goods exports and threaten around $1 billion in aluminium exports. India has previously retaliated with tariffs on US products and hopes for constructive dialogue with the Biden administration, following a rollback of some retaliatory measures earlier this year. 
Published: Apr 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Indian negotiating team is currently in Washington, D.C., for crucial talks regarding a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the United States, following a previous round that failed to yield an interim deal. The urgency of these discussions is underscored by a new deadline of August 1, set by President Donald Trump, for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit. Trump had previously announced a 26% tariff for India, which was temporarily suspended until July 9 to allow for negotiations. While India seeks a limited interim pact to avoid these tariffs, the U.S. demands greater market access across various sectors, including agriculture, complicating the talks. Additionally, India is pushing for the rollback of existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Both sides hope to overcome these hurdles to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Health Ministry has proposed the installation of Sugar and Oil boards in Central government offices and institutions to combat obesity by raising awareness about the sugar and oil content in popular foods such as samosas, jalebis, vada pav, burgers, and soft drinks. Milind Deora, Chairman of the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee, emphasized the need for uniform regulations across all food categories, including both Indian and Western snacks, to ensure that Indian foods are not unfairly targeted. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for lifestyle changes to address obesity, which poses significant health risks and economic burdens. The boards will serve as visual reminders in various settings, including schools and offices, to inform consumers about hidden fats and sugars, while promoting healthier dietary choices. The Ministry has also recommended that health messages be integrated into publications and that healthier food options be made available.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe West Bengal Cabinet has approved the transfer of approximately 40 acres of land from the C.K. Birla Group-owned Hindustan Motors to Titagarh Rail Systems for the expansion of metro and Vande Bharat train coach production. This decision follows a three-year legal process to reclaim 395 acres of idle land in Uttarpara, previously associated with the now-defunct Ambassador car manufacturing. Titagarh Rail Systems plans to establish a state-of-the-art testing facility and dedicated test track on the new site, enhancing the safety and performance of their trains before passenger service. The company has entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the land, valued at ₹126.63 crore. This strategic move comes as Hindustan Motors, once India's first car manufacturer, has shifted focus from electric vehicle production due to government notices regarding land resumption, following the cessation of Ambassador car production in 2014.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the establishment of a Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. This initiative, revealed during the second edition of the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, aims to operationalise the recently signed BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC). Sonowal emphasized that the centre will harmonise maritime policies, promote digital and green transformations, and enhance the skills of the maritime workforce. He highlighted the conclave's role in unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal, fostering collaboration among member nations to boost port-led industrialisation, digital integration, and cruise tourism. The minister urged for the swift ratification and implementation of the AMTC, with the event attended by key officials and 28 delegates from BIMSTEC member countries.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant ruling on August 2, 2024, the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) upheld lower authorities' decisions, rejecting appeals from Stemcyte India regarding service tax liabilities for umbilical cord blood stem cell banking services. The Supreme Court later clarified that these services, which involve the collection, processing, and storage of stem cells, qualify as "healthcare services" and are thus exempt from indirect taxes, including GST. This ruling, rooted in a 2013 Health Ministry memorandum, emphasizes the preventive and curative nature of stem cell banking. Experts suggest that this decision could lower costs for consumers, as the exemption previously withdrawn in 2022 is now reinstated under general healthcare services. The case highlights the evolving landscape of healthcare service taxation in India, with implications for both providers and consumers in the stem cell banking sector.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAs of July 11, kharif sowing in India has shown a robust overall increase, with total acreage reaching 597.86 lakh hectares, a 7% rise from 560.59 lakh hectares last year, despite a weekly decline due to mixed rainfall patterns. On July 4, the acreage was over 11% higher than the previous year. While heavy rainfall in central and north-western regions has benefited some areas, parts of southern, eastern, and north-eastern India have experienced low rainfall, impacting sowing rates. Notably, paddy acreage increased by 10.6% to 123.68 lakh hectares, and pulse coverage surged by 25.7%. However, oilseed sowing lagged slightly, with soybean acreage down 8%. Officials remain optimistic about a bumper harvest but caution that rainfall in September will be critical for crop health. Overall, the monsoon has delivered 9.5% more rainfall than normal since June 1, with significant regional disparities.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition, with 50% of its installed electricity capacity now sourced from non-fossil fuels, five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that out of a total capacity of 484.8 gigawatts (GW), 242.8 GW comes from renewable and clean sources, highlighting the country's commitment to climate action and sustainable development. Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized this achievement as a proud moment for India, showcasing the effectiveness of various flagship programs like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar, which have empowered farmers and households with solar energy. Looking ahead, India aims to enhance clean energy access, focusing on quality and resilience, while integrating advanced technologies like AI to optimize energy management. However, the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAt the CII Global Capability Centres (GCCs) Summit in New Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman projected that the gross value addition (GVA) from GCCs in India could reach between $150 billion and $200 billion by 2030, with a significant increase in global roles within these centres. Currently, GCCs contribute $68 billion to India's GDP and employ approximately 2.16 million professionals, a figure expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2030. Sitharaman noted that the establishment of GCCs is accelerating, with one new centre opening weekly in 2024. The sector has evolved to include high-value roles, with a notable presence of architects and data scientists. Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur emphasized the need for streamlined national policies to enhance India's position as a GCC hub, learning from successful states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to gain a competitive edge in the US market due to the evolving trade and tariff landscape, according to a report by Niti Aayog. The analysis indicates that under the current US tariff regime, India could enhance its competitiveness in 22 of the top 30 product categories, which account for 61% of its exports to the US. Key sectors benefiting from this advantage include pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery. While India faces slightly higher tariffs in six categories, the average disadvantage remains minimal at just 1%. The report highlights the importance of agile policymaking to leverage these new trade dynamics, especially as the US has temporarily suspended reciprocal tariffs on India until August 1, 2025. However, if an interim trade deal is not reached, the US may impose these tariffs, potentially altering the competitive landscape for India and its trade partners.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated inspections of the fuel control switch locking mechanism on various Boeing aircraft models following preliminary findings from the investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which resulted in 260 fatalities. The directive, which requires completion by July 21, 2025, aligns with a 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that highlighted potential risks associated with the fuel switch mechanism. The affected models include the Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 787, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and MD-90 series. Although the FAA's advisory was non-mandatory, the DGCA emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures. The preliminary report indicated that both fuel control switches transitioned from 'run' to 'cutoff' shortly after takeoff, leading to engine shutdowns. While the cause remains undetermined, experts suggest a faulty switch may be implicated.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 7 pm
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