eznews.inA 21-member delegation, led by Mr. Dipak Shah of the South India Tea Promotion Group, participated in a business meeting in Ahmedabad over the weekend, coinciding with the Gujarat Tea Traders Association's (GTTA) Annual General Meeting. Approximately 310 members, including prominent packeteers like Wagh Bakri and Jivraj, attended the event, which featured a two-hour tea tasting session. This was followed by an interactive discussion addressing current market challenges and potential solutions. Gujarat boasts the highest per capita tea consumption in India at 1.4 kg, significantly surpassing the national average of 0.7 kg. The tasting session showcased the improved quality of South Indian teas, leading to expectations of increased purchases. The meeting was organized by the Tea Trade Association of Coimbatore, chaired by Mr. Girish Nair. 
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSalil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, announced that Air India is set to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the coming weeks, a move aimed at enhancing the airline's wide-body capacity to meet increasing long-haul demand. The 787-9, part of Boeing's 787 family, features advanced composite materials for improved fuel efficiency and a range of approximately 7,565 nautical miles, accommodating 250 to 290 passengers. Air India has ordered 20 of these aircraft as part of a larger acquisition of over 200 Boeing jets in 2023. Gupte emphasized that while aircraft availability is crucial, other factors such as infrastructure readiness, regulatory frameworks, and pilot availability also significantly impact capacity deployment in India's aviation sector. Boeing is committed to evolving its production processes to ensure safety and quality, aiming to rebuild trust in the aerospace industry.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPernod Ricard India Foundation's PRavah programme has made significant strides in enhancing water stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and rural livelihoods, impacting over 500,000 individuals across India in 2024-25. The initiative employs a comprehensive Water Agriculture and Livelihoods (WAL) framework, integrating water security with climate-resilient farming practices. In this period, 14 WAL programmes supported 22,430 farmers in 107 villages across eight states, adding 631 million litres of water harvesting capacity through the construction of 70 water structures. The foundation collaborates with local agencies to tailor interventions addressing specific socio-economic challenges, such as groundwater depletion and soil health decline. Notable initiatives include Krishak Kranti in Punjab, focusing on sustainable agriculture, and Sabla in Uttar Pradesh, a women-centric programme promoting diversified cropping. On Kisan Diwas, PRavah reaffirmed its commitment to fostering resilience and long-term transformation in rural communities throughout India.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Navy has received "Anjadip," the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Delivered at Chennai Port, Anjadip marks GRSE's 115th warship and the 77th for the Navy. This delivery follows the commissioning of four other warships in 2025, including the Advanced Guided Missile Frigate Himgiri and the first two ASW SWCs, showcasing GRSE's rapid production capabilities. Anjadip features an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun and boasts nearly 88% indigenous content, aligning with India's Atmanirbharta initiative in defense. Designed for sub-surface surveillance and anti-submarine operations, the vessel can accommodate 57 personnel and is equipped with advanced combat systems. GRSE is currently constructing 12 additional warships, including advanced stealth frigates and offshore patrol vessels, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing India's maritime security and shipbuilding expertise.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRainfall across Kashmir's Valley, accompanied by snowfall at higher altitudes, has brought much-needed relief to saffron farmers in Pampore after a prolonged dry spell. Local grower Ali Mohammad expressed gratitude for the precipitation, which is crucial for the development of corms essential for next season's harvest. The recent rains, with Gulmarg receiving the highest at 24.4 mm and 20 cm of snow, have replenished soil moisture and alleviated water scarcity concerns. Saffron, known as "red gold," supports around 16,000 families in the region, but experts warn that irregular weather patterns threaten both quality and yield. Additionally, the fresh snowfall has sparked optimism for the winter tourism season, with tour operators noting an influx of visitors to Gulmarg, which has transformed into a winter wonderland. Local authorities are monitoring agricultural conditions closely, balancing the benefits of the precipitation with concerns over unpredictable weather.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani has inaugurated a new Innovation Hub for IFFCO Nanoventions near Coimbatore, aimed at advancing climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable nano-based farming. This facility, part of IFFCO's research and manufacturing centre in Thondamuthur, will leverage nanotechnology to enhance farm productivity while promoting soil health. IFFCO Nanoventions has already developed nano-based fertilisers, such as nano Urea and nano DAP, which allow crops to absorb nutrients more efficiently, reducing the need for fertilisers and improving harvests. The Coimbatore hub is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot manufacturing units, with several products approved under the Fertiliser Control Order. During the inauguration, Sanghani emphasized the importance of cooperative-led research in tackling challenges like climate change and rising costs, urging for the promotion of IFFCO’s nano fertilisers. Additionally, the hub introduced a new bio-stimulant, DharAmrut, designed to enhance plant growth and support sustainable practices.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVedanta Aluminium has announced its commitment to empowering over 20,000 farmers in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, coinciding with National Farmers Day (Kisan Diwas). The initiative, which benefits more than 12,000 women, focuses on enhancing soil fertility, securing water access, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers in regions such as Jharsuguda and Kalahandi have reported productivity increases of 15-20% and income rises of 18-22% through these science-backed interventions. Key projects include Project Vedgram and Project Sangam in Odisha, which promote soil health and water conservation, and the Mor Jal Mor Maati programme in Chhattisgarh, which emphasizes water security and mechanisation. Additionally, Vedanta has partnered with institutions to innovate agricultural practices and introduced digital tools like Ayushman CowFit collars to aid precision farming. CEO Rajiv Kumar highlighted the initiative's goal of aligning industrial progress with rural prosperity, fostering resilient farming ecosystems.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata is set to issue a tender within the next two months for the development of an agro processing zone as part of its broader land monetisation and port-led industrialisation strategy. The port, previously known as Kolkata Port Trust, has approximately 100 acres of land available for various industrial initiatives, including a toy manufacturing zone, tea processing, textiles, and leather. Deputy Chairperson Samrat Rahi indicated that these zones will likely be developed on a land lease model. Additionally, a significant cold storage facility exceeding 50,000 square feet has been established for the preservation of marine products, fruits, and medicines. Following the successful launch of a direct weekly shipping service to China, SMP is also considering direct services to other East Asian nations, further enhancing its operational capacity and container traffic at its two dock systems.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia and New Zealand have successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in just nine months, set to provide zero-duty access for all Indian goods in New Zealand upon its implementation, expected in 2026. The FTA aims to facilitate $20 billion in foreign direct investment over 15 years and will be reviewed annually. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the agreement's benefits for various sectors, including textiles, engineering, and healthcare, while also introducing a new visa pathway for Indian service providers. Sensitive agricultural products, such as dairy and certain vegetables, will be shielded from tariff cuts. However, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticized the deal as unfavorable for New Zealanders, indicating potential opposition from his party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon jointly announced the agreement, emphasizing the strengthened bilateral ties.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSurendar Singh Rawat, a farmer from Chatra village in Uttarakhand, has significantly improved his income through high-density apple farming under Project Unnati Apple, an initiative supported by Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies. As the nation observes National Kisan Day on December 23, Rawat's story exemplifies the impact of modern agricultural practices on farmers' livelihoods. After learning about the project in 2021, he established his first orchard, which began yielding fruit in its first year, thanks to the training and support provided. His daughter, Jiya, noted the importance of sustainable farming practices, which have led to healthy plants and strong yields. This year, Rawat anticipates earnings between ₹2.5 and ₹3 lakh and plans to expand his orchards. His success has attracted fellow farmers seeking to adopt similar techniques, underscoring the value of knowledge and guidance in agriculture.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 4 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact