eznews.inThe Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has announced that the User Development Fee (UDF) for domestic passengers at Delhi Airport will remain unchanged at ₹129 for the next four years, affecting approximately 80% of travelers. AERA Chairperson S.K.G. Rahate emphasized that this decision prioritizes domestic passengers, with no expected impact on domestic ticket prices. While international passengers will see a slight increase in UDF, the rates have been set lower than initially proposed, with economy class travelers facing a fee of ₹650 and business class passengers ₹810. AERA's review process involved stakeholder consultations and a thorough analysis, resulting in a 140% increase in airport charges, significantly lower than the 730% increase sought by the airport operator, DIAL. The adjustments aim to balance operational efficiency and capital expenditure while ensuring fair distribution of costs among all airport users. 
Published: Mar 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAfter four days of negotiations in New Delhi, no resolution was reached regarding the potential imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the US on Indian products, set to take effect on April 2. Following President Donald Trump's announcement earlier this year that trading partners with high tariffs, including India, must reduce them or face retaliatory measures, top trade officials from both nations have made progress towards a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). The Commerce Department indicated that discussions have laid the groundwork for future sectoral engagements, aiming to finalize the first phase of the BTA by fall 2025 and double bilateral trade by 2030. Despite the lack of clarity on tariffs, Indian officials remain hopeful for a favorable outcome, as the US is India's largest trading partner, with exports to the US reaching $77.51 billion in FY24. Further developments are expected as both sides continue to negotiate.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Telangana government has announced a significant increase in the area dedicated to cotton cultivation for the upcoming Kharif season, projecting it to rise to over 20.23 lakh hectares from 17.70 lakh hectares last year. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted that paddy cultivation is expected to expand to 27 lakh hectares, while maize and soybean areas will also see growth, with soyabean expected to double to 3.6 lakh hectares. Following a review meeting on Kharif preparedness, Rao emphasized the need to ensure adequate seed supply, with requirements set at 16.70 lakh quintals of paddy seeds and 1.35 lakh quintals of soybean seeds. He acknowledged challenges faced by seed producers and intermediaries that affect pricing and payments, urging officials to address these issues to support farmers effectively. The government aims to position 2.4 crore packets of cottonseeds to meet the anticipated demand.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTripura has made significant strides in potato farming by adopting Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology across all eight districts, involving 104 farmers in the 2023-24 season. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted the initiative's success during a recent assembly session, where he presented locally grown produce to Chief Minister Manik Saha. The introduction of ARC technology aims to boost seed production efficiency and reduce reliance on external suppliers, with plans to expand participation to 402 farmers in 2024-25, including 40 receiving government-subsidised mini-tubers. The initiative, which began in 2022 and is set to continue until 2025, has already increased yields from 4,000 kg to an estimated 6,000 kg per kani, with expectations to exceed 10,000 kg in the future. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance Tripura's agricultural economy and improve farmers' incomes through certified seed production.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has solidified its position as the world's third-largest producer of renewable energy, with a commitment to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, up from the current 220 GW. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that India's solar manufacturing capacity will expand to 125 GW by 2030, with solar cell production increasing from 25 GW to 40 GW. This growth follows a decade of significant advancements in the sector, which previously had negligible solar manufacturing. Joshi highlighted the government's initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive scheme, to boost local production of solar components. He emphasized India's low greenhouse gas emissions relative to its population and the country's ambition to become a global leader in renewable energy manufacturing. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the state's development policies, which have attracted substantial investments and positioned Gujarat as a hub for industrial growth.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inForce Motors has secured a significant order for 2,978 vehicles from the Indian defence forces, aimed at fulfilling the operational needs of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Pune-based automaker emphasized that these vehicles are specifically designed to perform in challenging defence environments, highlighting their commitment to delivering mission-ready solutions. Known for its Gurkha Light Strike Vehicle (LSV), Force Motors has a longstanding presence in the defence sector, with the LSV recognized for its durability and off-road capabilities. The announcement comes amid a broader trend, as the Ministry of Defence has reported a total of 193 deals worth over ₹2,09,050 crore during the fiscal year 2024-25. Force Motors' Managing Director, Prasan Firodia, underscored the focus on quality, reliability, and performance in meeting the rigorous demands of defence personnel.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia and the United States are advancing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to finalize the first phase by fall 2025 and double trade to $500 billion by 2030. US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing optimism despite ongoing concerns over India's high tariffs on American goods. A US delegation, led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, recently concluded talks in New Delhi, with both nations seeking concessions in various sectors. While the US demands duty reductions on industrial goods and agriculture, India is likely to focus on labor-intensive sectors like textiles. Amid these discussions, India has already reduced tariffs on certain American products, including whiskey and wines. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $119.71 billion in 2023-24, and India has received significant foreign direct investment from the US, totaling $67.8 billion since 2000.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance the ease of doing business, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a high-level committee to review non-financial sector regulations during her Budget speech last month. Finance Secretary Ajay Seth confirmed that the committee will commence its work shortly, aiming to provide recommendations within a year. The initiative seeks to modernize regulatory frameworks, eliminate outdated legislative provisions, and promote a more flexible, people-friendly approach to compliance and inspections. Additionally, an Investment Friendliness Index will be introduced to foster competitive federalism among states, encouraging them to adopt business-friendly reforms. Seth emphasized that achieving the vision of a developed India, or "Viksit Bharat," requires collective efforts from all regions and states. The Financial Stability and Development Council will also evaluate current financial regulations to support sector development and improve capital efficiency, as outlined in the Budget 2025-26.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd has secured a substantial ₹627 billion ($7.3 billion) contract to supply 156 light combat helicopters to India's military, as announced by the government on March 29, 2025. The order includes 90 helicopters for the Army and the remainder for the Air Force, with deliveries set to commence in 2028 and extend over five years. This initiative aims to bolster the combat capabilities of India's armed forces, particularly in high-altitude regions, which is crucial given the country's strategic challenges along its Himalayan borders with Pakistan and China. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these domestically produced helicopters will significantly enhance operational effectiveness in these demanding environments.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inBengaluru has launched its first commercial drone delivery service, Skye Air, nearly three years after hospitals in the city proposed using drones for medical deliveries to alleviate traffic congestion. The service, operational in the Konanakunte and Kanakapura Road areas, allows residents to receive deliveries within seven minutes. Skye Ship One, the drone used, can carry up to 10 kg per trip and operates within a designated airspace at 120 meters above ground. Ankit Kumar, founder and CEO of Skye Air, noted that the company has achieved one million deliveries in Gurugram, which first introduced the service. The drones utilize Skye UTM, a proprietary traffic management system designed for unmanned aerial systems. Kumar anticipates that drone logistics will significantly reduce carbon emissions and plans to expand services to include food delivery and additional routes in Bengaluru, including Bannerghatta Road.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 11 am
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