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Wheat carryover stocks are projected to fall to a multi-year low of 259 million tonnes in 2025-26, down from 264 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to the International Grains Council (IGC). This decline is attributed to tightening inventories among major exporters and increased consumption, which is expected to reach 813 million tonnes. Analysts from BMI predict that wheat prices will rise throughout 2025, adjusting their forecast for the Chicago Board of Trade's second-month wheat price from 580 to 585 cents per bushel. Current futures are at 528 cents, influenced by favorable crop conditions in Europe, the US, and ongoing harvests in India and China. However, the USDA has lowered the US season-average farm price to 550 cents. Additionally, managed money market participants hold a net short position in wheat, indicating a bearish outlook, while potential risks include tariffs and currency fluctuations. 
Published: Apr 01 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is advancing the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) aimed at repurposing retiring thermal power plants and captive power plants, as announced by Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, in Parliament. The Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR-200) will cater to energy-intensive industries like aluminium and steel, while SMR-55 units are designed for remote and off-grid locations to aid in decarbonising the energy sector. A high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is also planned for hydrogen generation to support the transport sector. Safety standards are being reviewed by committees involving various governmental bodies, with proposed amendments to existing nuclear legislation to facilitate private sector participation. The Indian government aims to deploy 100 GWe of nuclear energy by 2047, with a budget allocation of Rs 20,000 crore for five SMRs by 2033, following the recent connection of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project to the grid.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOdisha has achieved a significant milestone with its first international export of drumsticks (_moringa_) and pointed gourds (_parwal_) from Rayagada district to Dubai, marking a pivotal moment for the state's agricultural sector. The 910 kg consignment was dispatched from Biju Patnaik International Airport, facilitated by the Swornajyoti Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd, under the Promotion and Stabilization of FPOs (PSFPO) project, supported by the Gates Foundation. In the 2024-25 period, Odisha exported over 52 tonnes of various fresh produce, bolstered by partnerships with organizations like APEDA and the World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar. Experts highlight that this export not only enhances farmers' incomes by 40-60% but also positions Odisha as an emerging agri-export hub. The initiative aims to align farming with market demands, ensuring sustainable growth for local farmers through improved market access and quality production practices.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inChennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has officially handed over the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the operation and maintenance of its Phase II network to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at a total cost of ₹5,870 crores. This contract encompasses 118.9 route kilometers across three corridors: C3, C4, and C5, along with three maintenance depots. The LoA was presented by CMRL Managing Director MA Siddique to DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar on April 2, 2025, in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both organizations. The agreement outlines the responsibilities for operations and maintenance of all assets within the Phase II network, ensuring that services meet global standards for passenger delivery and asset upkeep. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing Chennai's metro infrastructure and service quality.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs of March 31, 2025, the procurement of Kharif-grown paddy has been completed in all Indian states except West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, and Tripura, with total purchases reaching 45.73 million tonnes, a 1% increase from the previous year. However, rice procurement slowed in March, with the growth rate dropping from 5% to just 1% as the government grapples with surplus rice, estimated at 41 million tonnes, after fulfilling food security requirements. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has procured significant amounts from various states, including 11.63 million tonnes from Punjab and 3.86 million tonnes from Uttar Pradesh. The government aims to purchase 7 million tonnes of Rabi-grown paddy starting April 1, 2025. Experts suggest that the lower-than-expected procurement may aid in better management of surplus rice, crucial for the government's welfare schemes, especially as rice has increasingly replaced wheat in public distribution.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 2 pmeznews.inBoeing's diversion of 737 Max jets originally intended for Chinese carriers has provided Air India Ltd. with a temporary boost in aircraft supply, but this advantage is set to diminish by June 2025. Since September 2023, Air India has received an average of two jets per month, benefiting from a backlog clearance due to Chinese airlines deferring deliveries over safety concerns regarding lithium batteries. The airline has ordered 190 jets, with its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, having taken possession of 41 of the 50 available "white-tail" planes. However, with no new deliveries expected until after March 2026, Air India risks falling behind market leader IndiGo, which is expanding its fleet aggressively. Boeing aims to ramp up production to 38 jets monthly by mid-2025, while Air India has also acquired six Airbus A350-900s and leased 11 Boeing 777s amid ongoing delivery challenges.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 2 pmeznews.inOn April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce a new series of tariffs during an event dubbed "Liberation Day," aimed at reducing reliance on foreign goods and boosting domestic manufacturing. The announcement, scheduled for 4 PM ET (1:30 AM IST on April 3), will detail reciprocal tariffs that could impact key trading partners, including India. While Trump claims these measures will create jobs and stimulate investment, economists warn that the tariffs may lead to higher consumer prices and sluggish economic growth. Reports suggest that India is preparing to make significant tariff cuts on American products, a move Trump welcomed. However, uncertainty remains regarding the specifics of the tariffs and their potential effects on U.S. families and the global economy, with some analysts predicting substantial cost increases for consumers.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department to intensify monitoring of illegal imports of Chinese garlic, following reports of its continued entry into the country despite a longstanding ban. The ban, imposed in 2005 due to harmful fungi found in Chinese garlic, has not deterred illegal shipments, with 507 tonnes seized in the 2024-25 fiscal year alone. Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramnath Thakur, confirmed that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had previously seized 546 tonnes during 2023-24. In response to complaints about the sale of Chinese garlic in Chennai, the FSSAI has directed local authorities to enhance surveillance and enforcement measures, in line with the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003, which governs agricultural imports.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's aviation turbine fuel (ATF) consumption surged to a record 799,000 tonnes in March 2025, marking a 9.3% increase month-on-month and a 17% rise compared to March 2023, according to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). This peak was part of a trend throughout the fiscal year, with ATF consumption reaching an all-time high of 8.98 million tonnes, up nearly 9% year-on-year. The spike in fuel usage was bolstered by increased travel during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival, although overall passenger growth for FY25 is projected to be slightly lower than expected at around 410 million due to aircraft delivery delays and adverse weather. Looking ahead, the PPAC anticipates a robust 11% annual growth in jet fuel consumption for FY26, driven by rising disposable incomes in India, with international travel expected to expand significantly as new wide-body aircraft are introduced.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 12 pmeznews.inKerala's black pepper production has seen a dramatic decline, with the area under cultivation dropping by 15% from 85,431 hectares in 2014-15 to 72,669 hectares in 2023-24, resulting in a 25% decrease in output from 40,690 tonnes to 30,798 tonnes. Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur attributed this downturn to various factors, including pests, diseases like foot rot, and the impact of severe floods in 2018 and 2019, which coincided with low market prices, discouraging farmers. Additionally, competition from more profitable crops and insufficient soil conservation measures have exacerbated the situation. To support farmers, the government has initiated programs through the Kerala State Horticulture Mission, focusing on quality planting materials and garden rehabilitation. Research institutions have also developed high-yield, disease-resistant pepper varieties, which now account for 70% of the country's production areas, aiming to boost productivity and restore interest in black pepper cultivation.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 12 pmeznews.inDP World Cochin's International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) has achieved a remarkable 11% growth in FY2024-25, handling 834,665 TEUs, surpassing the previous record of 754,237 TEUs. The terminal also set a new transhipment volume record of 169,562 TEUs and recorded significant activity across various business segments, including foreign and coastal exports. Infrastructure enhancements, such as new Ship-to-Shore cranes and electrified Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes, have increased the terminal's capacity to 1.4 million TEUs. Additionally, Kerala's first Free Trade Warehousing Zone has successfully managed 2,255 tonnes of cargo. CEO Praveen Joseph emphasized the importance of sustainability and efficiency in operations, aiming to support regional trade growth. The terminal's direct connectivity to key regions, including the Far East and Middle East, allows for 50% of cargo to bypass congested hubs, significantly reducing transit times.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 12 pm
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