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The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
India's tea production increases in 2025, Darjeeling's output remains a concern
While the production of tea in the country from January to May 2025 increased by 25.76% compared to last year, the output of Darjeeling tea that dropped by 10.34% in the same period remains a matter of concern. The production of tea across the country from January to May 2025 stood at 336.22 million kilograms compared to 267.36 million kilograms between January to May 2024. 'For January–May 2025, provisional data indicates a recovery, with All-India production rising by 25.76% in the same period of 2024. Regionally, West Bengal saw a 44% rise, while Assam recorded a 14% growth,' a press statement by the Tea Board said on Tuesday (July 29, 2025). For Darjeeling tea, the production between January to May 2025 was 1.34 Mkg compared to 1.47 Mkg in the same period in 2023. The shortfall in 2025 can be pegged at 18.24%. According to Tea Board, the tea production figures show a relative improvement compared to the poor production in 2024, but in comparison to 2023 levels, most regions have experienced a decline in production. 'The production shortfall is largely attributed to unfavourable weather conditions, compounded by pest attacks that have further impacted the industry,' the press statement added. The Tea Board also added that production of 'Big Growers' (Registered Tea Gardens) has declined by 12.89% in West Bengal and 8.65% in Assam compared to 2023 level'. Unfavourable weather conditions The Tea Board said the challenges faced by industry include unfavourable climate conditions. 'A 2°C rise in average day temperatures and reduced rainfall compared to last year led to dry conditions, stressing tea growth and resulting in a 20-25% production drop in key tea growing regions of Assam & West Bengal,' the press statement said. On the price front, the auction prices for CTC Leaf and Dust have declined by almost 7% in Assam and 9.5% in Dooars/Terai from April to late July 2025, which are a concern for the industry's financial sustainability. The country's tea exports for January–April 2025 totalled 85.77 Mkg, marginally down by 0.18 Mkg (-0.22%) compared to 85.95 Mkg in 2024. Rising imports India's tea imports from January to March 2025, rose to 9.86 Mkg from 5.12 Mkg in 2024, with Kenya's imports doubling (4.26 Mkg vs. 2.05 Mkg). 'A significant influx of tea imports in 2024 and early 2025 has contributed to depressing prices. Total imports in 2024 surged by 82% to 44.53 Mkg from 24.52 Mkg in 2023, with Kenya and Nepal accounting for 74% of the total,' the Tea Board data stated.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
All-India quota medical admissions: First round registration extended till July 31 in Gujarat
Ahmedabad: The medical counselling committee (MCC) extended the registration deadline for the first round of admissions under the All-India quota (AIQ) for medical courses. Candidates can now register and make payments for the first round of counselling until July 31. As per the revised schedule, the registration process will close at 12pm on July 31, and the payment window will remain open until 3pm on the same day. The choice-filling process must also be completed by 11.55pm on July 31, with the choice-locking window open from 4pm to 11.55pm. The decision to extend the timeline comes in response to requests from students who sought more time to complete the first round of AIQ counselling. The MCC issued an official notification outlining the updated schedule. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The reset option for registration will be available until 10am on July 31. Following the choice-filling phase, seat processing will be conducted on Aug 1 and 2. The result for the first round of AIQ seat allotment will be declared on Aug 3 and 4, and students will be required to report to the allotted colleges between Aug 4 and August 8. This extension provides additional time for candidates to participate in the AIQ counselling process, ensuring broader participation and reducing last-minute rush.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Meritorious school student bags IISER seat, but funds a worry
In a first for the Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students, Ludhiana, a girl from Jalalabad has secured a seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali. But behind this academic triumph lies a story of grit and an uphill financial struggle that has now forced her to seek an education loan of nearly ₹8 lakh. Simran, an alumni of the Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students, Ludhiana has become the first student to earn a coveted seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali. (HT Photo) Simran, 18, a student of the 2023–24 batch from the Meritorious School, Ludhiana, has secured admission in the five-year BS-MS dual degree programme at IISER after achieving an impressive rank of 452 in the General-EWS category. She also cracked the JEE Advanced with an All-India Rank of 5,000. According to her, the academic high is overshadowed by the financial burden that accompanies it. 'My father is a farmer and my mother works as an ASHA worker. I have two siblings still pursuing studies. With our limited family income, there is no way to pay for my education without taking a loan,' Simran shared. 'The total expense, including fees, adds up to ₹7–8 lakh, excluding mess and transport, I have no other option but to consider taking a loan.' Simran's academic journey has been equally inspiring. A state rank holder in both Class 10 and 12, she passed Class 10 from a government school in Jalalabad, before which she was a CBSE student. After her family faced severe financial constraints during the pandemic, she was admitted to a government school. She then moved to the Meritorious School in Ludhiana for Class 11 and 12, choosing the non-medical stream to follow her dream of becoming a researcher. 'There were days when continuing school itself felt like a challenge, but I never gave up,' she said. 'I credit my parents and teachers, especially my physics teacher Lakhvir Singh, for believing in me.' With no scholarship support from the state government and no aid forthcoming, Simran says she is left to rely entirely on her performance during the course, to repay her loan. 'I had even taken a drop year to prepare for both JEE and IISER. Now, I must study even harder so I can earn a scholarship in the coming semesters,' she added. School principal Satwant Kaur expressed pride in Simran's achievement and said she will raise the matter with district education officials. 'Such talent deserves full support. I will speak to the higher authorities to try and get her financial assistance,' she said. Despite multiple attempts, district education officer (secondary) Dimple Madaan did not respond.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ribhav first from Chd to climb to no. 1 rank in U-16 tennis
Chandigarh: In a proud moment for Chandigarh and Indian tennis, 14-year-old Ribhav Saroha climbed to the pinnacle of junior tennis by becoming the All-India Rank No. 1 in the U-16 category as on June 16. Currently ranked no. 2, Ribhav is the first player trained entirely in Chandigarh to reach this national milestone. The young player trains under Marco Seruca, a former Portuguese Davis Cup player and now a full-time coach in Chandigarh. "Some days, I split my training into three hours in the morning and two in the evening. Other days, it's a solid five-hour stretch, depending on what Marco sir plans," said Ribhav. "I'm hoping to continue this form and make a strong transition into the men's circuit soon." Ribhav's admiration for the sport isn't limited to just the technique, he's even mirrored his hero, Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, by sporting a hairstyle just like his. Ribhav credits his coach for not only building his game but shaping his mindset. Talking about his philosophy, Marco said, "It's very simple. Tennis is a sport that is based on time. Gaining time to perform the best quality shots you can and taking time away from the opponent. Ultimately, it's about the rhythm of the play." Talking of the tennis ecosystem in India, Marco said, "India has just as much talent and potential as any other country. However, parents here are more focused on academic careers and building a safety net rather than letting them take risks." He emphasized how consistency with a coach is important for the players to realise their full potential and that due to limitations of infrastructure and methodology, a player's growth can be hampered.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Indian team bags gold and silver medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad
Team India showed a remarkable performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) that concluded in Dubai on July 14. The team comprising four members brought home two gold and two silver medals, securing sixth place in the overall medal tally among 90 countries that participated in this IChO. This year's IChO, which was held from July 5, witnessed the participation of 354 students worldwide. Among medal winners is Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district who was in news recently for choosing Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) over Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) despite having an impressive All-India Rank 8 on Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) – Advanced, which determines admissions to IITs, prestigious technology institutions in the country which have global repute. Apart from Devesh, Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad in Telangana bagged the gold medals for India. The silver medals were awarded to Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar in Odisha and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi. The team's achievement was celebrated on Tuesday at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) located in Mumbai, which has been the hub for science Olympiad training in India. This year's IChO which was held between 5 to 14 of July, 2025, witnessed participation from 354 students worldwide. India's consistent presence at the Olympiad was marked by this being its 26th participation. Over the years, Indian students have achieved an impressive record with 30 per cent gold, 53 per cent silver, and 17 per cent bronze medals. The team representing India was led by Professor Ankush Gupta of HBCSE, Mumbai, serving as Head Mentor, along with Professor Seema Gupta (Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi), and scientific observers Dr Neeraja Dashaputre (IISER Pune) and Dr Amrit Mitra (Govt. General Degree College, Singur, West Bengal). The HBCSE-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) continues to serve as the national hub for Olympiad training and selection across scientific disciplines. As per information shared by the HBCSE, the team's success is credited to intensive preparation at orientation and pre-departure camps organised by HBCSE, supported by dedicated mentors and educators.
