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DGCA Eases Pilot Duty Regulations Partially

In a significant market update, India's benchmark indices saw gains, with the SENSEX rising by 470.30 points to close at 85,735.62, while the NIFTY increased by 158.90 points, reaching 26,192.65. In commodities, gold prices surged by 700.00 to settle at 128,000.00, and silver also experienced a notable rise, climbing 3,887.00 to 178,598.00. Conversely, crude oil prices dipped slightly, down by 3.00 to 5,380.00. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has relaxed certain pilot duty regulations following a staffing shortage that led IndiGo, India's largest airline, to cancel hundreds of flights this week. This development comes as the airline industry grapples with operational challenges. The situation remains fluid as further updates are anticipated. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 2 pm

IndiGo shares drop amid flight cancellations and parliamentary worries

IndiGo Airlines is facing significant operational challenges, leading to a wave of flight cancellations and a decline in its stock value. On December 3, 2025, shares of InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo's parent company, fell by 0.04% to ₹5,434.50, marking an 8% drop over five sessions. The airline cancelled over 350 flights on Thursday and 102 on Friday, affecting thousands of passengers, due to pilot shortages, technology issues, adverse weather, and new crew rostering rules. Technical analysts warn that the stock may decline further, with immediate support at ₹5,275-5,300. The situation has escalated to parliamentary discussions, with concerns raised about the airline's monopoly. In response, IndiGo plans to reduce operations starting December 8, aiming to resume normal services by February 10. The airline has stated it is not aware of any formal investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 2 pm

Delhi's November power demand hits record; December expected high

Delhi is experiencing unprecedented winter power demand, with a record peak of 4,486 megawatts (MW) recorded on November 28, 2025, the highest for the month in history. This surge marks a significant increase compared to previous years, with the highest demand in November 2024 being 4,259 MW. Local power distributors, including BSES Rajdhani Power and Tata Power Delhi Distribution, have successfully met rising demands, with projections indicating that overall winter demand could reach 6,000 MW this season, surpassing last year's peak of 5,655 MW. The India Meteorological Department anticipates a harsher winter, further driving demand. To ensure reliable power supply, distributors are implementing measures such as green energy sourcing and advanced demand forecasting. Notably, over half of the power supplied by BSES is derived from renewable sources, and surplus power will be banked for use during peak summer months. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 2 pm

IndiGo's on-time performance drops to 8.5% from 19.7%

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is facing significant operational challenges, leading to a drastic drop in its on-time performance (OTP) to just 8.5% on Thursday, down from 19.7% the previous day and 35% on Tuesday. The airline, which typically operates around 2,300 flights daily, has begun cancelling flights to address disruptions primarily caused by crew issues. In contrast, competitors such as Air India and Akasa Air reported OTPs of 61% and 63%, respectively. The OTP figures are based on performance at six major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai. Following the news, IndiGo's shares fell nearly 3% to ₹5,291.45 on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The airline's commitment to punctuality is now under scrutiny as it grapples with these operational setbacks. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 2 pm

EU Sanctions and Drone Attacks Boost Diesel Cracks to Highs

Crack spreads for diesel fuel have surged significantly from mid-October to mid-November, with prices in key markets such as New York Harbor, the US Gulf Coast, and the Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp (ARA) shipping hub surpassing $1 per gallon for the first time in over a year. This increase is attributed to new European Union sanctions on Russian oil, which target countries like India and Türkiye that process discounted Russian crude into diesel for export. Additionally, Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries and a prolonged outage at Kuwait's Al Zour refinery have further constrained global diesel supplies. The US Energy Information Administration noted that these factors have tightened available refined products, leading to higher prices in the Atlantic Basin and increased demand for operational refiners, particularly on the US Gulf Coast, where gasoline and distillate fuel oil exports have reached their highest levels this year. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 2 pm

India considers 12-year extension for coal power expansion

India is contemplating a significant expansion of its coal power capacity, potentially allowing for the construction of new plants until at least 2047. This proposal, currently under discussion between the Power Ministry and NITI Aayog, represents a notable departure from earlier projections that anticipated net additions peaking by 2035. The plan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of achieving energy independence and elevating India from a developing to a developed nation by 2047. Policymakers are considering increasing coal-fired capacity to 420 gigawatts, an 87% rise from current levels, leveraging the country's substantial coal reserves. While the government also aims to expand renewable energy and battery storage, concerns over geopolitical risks, particularly regarding supply chains dominated by China, remain a significant consideration. A spokesperson for the Power Ministry has yet to comment on the discussions. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 1 pm

EU carbon tax threatens steel exports to Europe

India, the world's second-largest crude steel producer after China, faces a potential decline in steel exports to Europe as the European Union's carbon tax, part of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), comes into effect on January 1. This levy, aimed at promoting decarbonisation, will impact not only steel but also cement, electricity, and fertilisers. With approximately two-thirds of India's steel exports directed to Europe, industry experts warn that Indian mills must reduce carbon emissions to remain competitive. Many companies are exploring alternative markets in Africa and the Middle East, as domestic demand continues to rise due to government infrastructure spending. However, uncertainty surrounds the tax's implementation, with steelmakers seeking clarity on its calculation. To mitigate the impact, some are considering transitioning to electric arc furnaces, which produce significantly lower emissions than traditional blast furnaces. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 12 pm

IndiGo's 500 Cancellations Spark Monopoly Worries in Rajya Sabha

In the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari raised alarm over IndiGo's cancellation of approximately 500 flights over the past two days, highlighting the airline's monopoly and its adverse effects on both parliamentarians and the public. During Zero Hour, Tiwari noted that many MPs had planned travel for the weekend, only to face disruptions due to the cancellations. He urged the government to address the issue, questioning the rationale behind the airline's operational challenges and seeking clarity on potential solutions. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured the House that the government was investigating the situation, having already consulted with the Civil Aviation Minister. Rijiju committed to keeping both parliamentarians and citizens informed about the developments regarding the airline's technical difficulties and the government's response. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 12 pm

US team expected in India next week for trade talks

A delegation of US officials is set to visit India next week for discussions on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), marking the second such visit since the US imposed a 25% tariff and an additional penalty on Indian goods linked to the purchase of Russian crude oil. The talks aim to finalize the first tranche of the trade pact, which seeks to address tariff challenges faced by Indian exporters. India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has expressed optimism about reaching a framework deal this year, despite acknowledging that negotiations will take time. The BTA is part of a broader effort to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. Recent data indicates a decline in India's merchandise exports to the US, attributed to the tariffs, while imports have risen. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at USD 131.84 billion in 2024-25. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 11 am

Amit Shah to review Banas Dairy on December 6

Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah, is set to chair a meeting at Banas Dairy in Gujarat on December 6 to review cooperative dairy development initiatives. During his visit, Shah will attend a public meeting in Sanadar, Banaskantha district, where he will inaugurate the Agthala Bio-CNG and Fertilizer Plant, aimed at enhancing farmers' income and promoting sustainable energy. He will also lay the foundation for a new 150 TPD Milk Powder and Baby Food Plant. Accompanying Shah will be members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation, who will tour Banas Dairy's advanced processing facilities, including Cheese and UHT Plants. The delegation will also assess livestock-centric initiatives at the Dama Semen Station and Embryo Transfer Lab, and visit the Sherpura Village Dairy Cooperative Society and the Banas Soil Testing Lab in Tharad. Ministers of State for Cooperation and senior officials will join the visit. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 11 am

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