eznews.in
Silver prices have experienced significant volatility, recently surpassing $80 an ounce, as the CME Group implemented higher margin requirements and reduced position limits in the futures market. In India, silver futures on the MCX reached ₹2.5 lakh per kg, while globally, the metal's valuation climbed to $4.65 trillion, overtaking Nvidia. Prices fluctuated dramatically, with silver trading at $79.55 an ounce after peaking at $82.615. Concerns over a potential repeat of the 1970 "Silver Thursday" crash have emerged, as traders face delivery issues amid a physical silver shortage exacerbated by Chinese export curbs. Analysts suggest that the current surge is driven by geopolitical tensions, a lack of confidence in the dollar, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. With major banks reportedly caught short, the market anticipates a tumultuous week ahead as demand continues to outstrip supply. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 11 am ISTeznews.inIndia's agriculture sector is projected to achieve a record foodgrain output of over 357.73 million tonnes in 2025, despite challenges posed by US tariffs on farm exports. The implementation of GST reforms has provided significant input cost relief, with reductions in rates for various agricultural equipment and inputs. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi expressed optimism about the kharif and rabi sowing seasons, with kharif output estimated at a record 173.33 million tonnes. However, excessive rainfall in September has adversely affected crops in some regions. While agricultural growth is expected to slow to 4% for the fiscal year, protests by farmer unions continue, demanding legal minimum support prices and loan waivers. The government is also tightening regulations on fake agricultural inputs and is focused on enhancing farm incomes through various initiatives. As 2025 concludes, the sector faces ongoing challenges, including climate change and post-harvest losses, with stakeholders awaiting key legislative developments in 2026.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 11 am ISTeznews.inIndian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has unveiled Dharamrut, a natural botanical seaweed extract, at a cooperative and farmers conference in Bengaluru, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable agriculture. K. J. Patel, IFFCO's Managing Director, highlighted the product's formulation, enriched with amino and alginic acids, which aims to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance. He emphasized the integration of Dharamrut with existing nano fertilizers to optimize yields and reduce costs while promoting soil health. Dileep Sanghani, IFFCO's Chairman, underscored the cooperative's role in bolstering agricultural productivity through farmer-centric innovations. The conference, attended by around 2,000 farmers, focused on reinforcing cooperative values and adopting advanced agricultural technologies. Dharamrut is designed to improve nutrient absorption and crop resilience, aligning with IFFCO's commitment to fostering a sustainable and climate-smart agricultural ecosystem.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 10 am ISTeznews.inIn 2025, India's retail landscape underwent a seismic shift as the era of the 'delivery day' came to an end, merging traditional e-commerce with quick commerce. This transformation, driven by rising household incomes and a demand for convenience, saw quick commerce emerge as the fastest-growing retail format, boasting 33 million monthly users across over 150 cities. Major players like Amazon and Flipkart launched their own quick commerce services, offering sub-30-minute deliveries, while dark stores evolved into large facilities capable of stocking thousands of products. However, this rapid expansion sparked tensions with traditional Kirana stores, prompting regulatory scrutiny and calls for consumer protection. The government responded by formalizing gig worker rights, providing social security and benefits to millions. As the industry heads into 2026, a focus on regulatory compliance and labour welfare will be crucial, alongside efforts to further innovate delivery capabilities.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 10 am ISTeznews.inDense fog enveloped the national capital region on Monday morning, December 29, 2025, severely disrupting air traffic at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Visibility plummeted, with the runway visual range (RVR) dropping to approximately 50 metres, leading to 128 flight cancellations and eight diversions by 9 a.m. The average delay for arrivals reached five minutes, while departures faced a longer wait of around 26 minutes. In response, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an advisory regarding potential delays and cancellations as operations shifted to CAT-III conditions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation warned that fog could affect flights at other northern Indian airports, urging passengers to arrive early. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, advised travelers to monitor flight statuses and offered options for rebooking or refunds under various initiatives to mitigate the impact of the weather.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 10 am ISTeznews.inA recent controversy in Punjab has emerged over the proposed commercial cultivation of six wheat varieties that require higher fertilizer use, developed to increase yields through extended growing periods. While these varieties may provide short-term benefits, concerns arise due to rising February temperatures potentially damaging crops. Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR, could offer a more sustainable solution by creating high-yielding varieties with reduced water and fertilizer needs. However, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) faces delays in approvals and unresolved intellectual property agreements, hindering the commercial release of two climate-resilient rice varieties. Despite assurances from the government that these varieties will be accessible to small farmers, questions remain about the efficacy and transparency of the research process. Meanwhile, ICAR's own patented gene-editing tool, developed in 2024, awaits recognition, as researchers increasingly turn to alternative methods for crop improvement.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 9 am ISTeznews.inIndia's logistics sector is poised for transformation with the rollout of GST 2.0, aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency amid rising logistics expenses and complex supply chains. Building on the foundation laid by GST 1.0 in 2017, which unified the tax landscape and eliminated inter-state checkpoints, the new framework emphasizes simplification, integration, and compliance. This is expected to lower hidden costs, optimize network planning, and bolster global competitiveness. Key benefits include reduced logistics costs for sectors like FMCG and automobiles, which in turn supports household demand and increases shipment volumes. Lower GST rates on commercial vehicles facilitate fleet expansion, while streamlined compliance aids micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in scaling operations. By 2026, the sector anticipates lower service costs and enhanced digital capabilities, aligning with India's ambition to become a $5 trillion economy and fostering a more reliable supply chain network.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 6 am ISTeznews.inVizhinjam International Seaport, developed by Adani Ports in collaboration with the Kerala government, has quickly established itself as a key deep-water transshipment hub, handling a remarkable one million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) in just ten months. Strategically located near major east-west shipping lanes, the port is capable of accommodating the world's largest vessels, enhancing India's role in global logistics and maritime trade. Kerala Ports Minister VN Vasavan announced plans for a second phase of development, set to begin in mid-January, which will see an investment of ₹9,700 crore to expand the port's infrastructure. In its inaugural year, Vizhinjam handled 1.4 million TEU and 650 vessels, including 43 ultra-large container ships, significantly boosting Indian exim trade and reducing reliance on foreign ports. The port is also notable for its semi-automated operations and pioneering gender inclusion by employing women as crane operators.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 6 am ISTeznews.inBoeing's historic Red Barn, purchased in 1910, served as the company's first official headquarters and was pivotal in the design and manufacturing of airplanes from 1916 until the mid-1960s. This iconic structure, recognized as the oldest airplane manufacturing facility in the United States, was saved from demolition in the 1970s and is now displayed at The Museum of Flight. In other aviation news, Philippine Airlines has welcomed its first A350-1000, becoming the tenth airline globally to operate this advanced long-range aircraft. The A350-1000 will enhance the airline's transpacific network, complementing its existing A350-900 fleet. Featuring cutting-edge aerodynamics and new-generation engines, the aircraft is designed with 70% lighter materials, promising improved range, efficiency, and a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 6 am ISTeznews.inIn 2025, India's shipping sector saw significant advancements, particularly in shipbuilding, following the Union Cabinet's approval of a ₹69,725 crore package aimed at revitalising the industry. This initiative is expected to enhance India's maritime ecosystem and increase the domestic fleet, which currently comprises about 1,600 vessels, representing only 2% of global tonnage. A notable development occurred in December when South Korea's HD Hyundai announced plans for a $2 billion shipyard in Tamil Nadu. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also introduced operational guidelines for two major shipbuilding initiatives, with an outlay of ₹44,700 crore. Experts highlight the sector's potential for job creation and technological innovation, while also noting challenges such as the need for skilled workers and technological collaboration. With rising global interest and government support, India aims to position itself as a key player in the global shipping market, fostering growth and investment in the coming years.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 6 am IST
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact