eznews.inChennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) achieved a significant milestone in 2025, recording 11.19 crore passengers, marking a 6% increase from the 10.52 crore passengers in 2024, according to official data. Since its launch on June 29, 2015, a total of 46.73 crore passengers have utilized the metro service up to December 31, 2025. To encourage ridership, CMRL is offering a 20% discount on various ticketing services, including the NCMC Card and digital QR tickets available through platforms like WhatsApp, Paytm, and PhonePe, as well as the CMRL Mobile App. However, this discount does not apply to single journey paper QR tickets purchased at ticket counters. The announcement was made in a release published on January 2, 2026. 
Published: Jan 02 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's gherkin exports are projected to decline by approximately 10% in FY26, primarily due to tariffs imposed by the United States, the country's largest market, which accounts for about 25% of exports. Despite the weakening rupee providing some financial relief, exporters like GM Vinod, President of the Indian Gherkin Exporters Association, acknowledge that the volume of exports will decrease. Efforts to diversify into European and Russian markets face challenges, as these regions produce their own gherkins and offer limited pricing competitiveness. Current export figures show a slight increase, with $169.71 million in revenue from April to October 2025, compared to $159.02 million the previous year. Exporters are also seeking government support through interest subventions and faster GST refunds, as they adjust production levels amid market uncertainties. Gherkins are primarily cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with most output destined for international markets.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) reported a record container throughput of 7.94 million twenty-foot long containers for the calendar year 2025, marking a 12.64% increase from the previous year. December was particularly notable, with the port handling 7.11 lakh containers in a single month, the highest monthly figure recorded. Overall cargo throughput also saw a significant rise, climbing 9.86% to reach 99.17 million metric tonnes. JNPA chairperson Gaurav Dayal attributed this growth to stable demand and improved coordination among terminal operations, shipping lines, and service providers. The expansion of port facilities, including the recent inauguration of the second phase of the PSA Mumbai terminal, which doubled its capacity to 4.8 million containers annually, has further bolstered these impressive figures. The developments reflect a robust performance for JNPA as it continues to enhance its operational capabilities.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT has approved the third phase of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), allocating ₹41,863 crore to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that companies including BPL, Wipro Hydraulics, and Tata Electronics have been selected for the initiative, which has already seen 46 approvals and a total investment of ₹54,567 crore since its inception last year. This scheme has directly created 51,000 jobs and aims to bolster the production of critical components such as printed circuit boards, Li-ion cells, and display modules, thereby reducing imports and fostering export potential in high-precision mobile enclosures. The government is set to provide substantial support to the industry, with a six-week window for companies to outline their manufacturing requirements under the scheme.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 2 pmeznews.inArya.ag, an integrated grain commerce platform founded in 2013 by Prasanna Rao, Chattanathan Devarajan, and Anand Chandra, has secured ₹725 crore (approximately $80.58 million) in equity funding from GEF Capital Partners. This investment aims to enhance the company's engagement with farmers, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and improving resilience against climate change. Arya.ag's model addresses critical gaps in Indian agriculture by providing access to technology, finance, and market linkages, thereby helping smallholder farmers increase their incomes. The company reported a 28% growth in net revenue to ₹300 crore for the first half of fiscal 2025-26, with profits rising 39% to ₹31.5 crore. With operations in 60% of Indian districts and a network of 12,000 agri-warehouses, Arya.ag aggregates $3 billion worth of grain annually and facilitates over $1.5 billion in loans to agricultural stakeholders. Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor for this funding round.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 1 pmeznews.inAt least three tankers carrying Russian crude oil are en route to Reliance Industries Ltd.'s Jamnagar refinery on India's west coast, marking a resumption of modest purchases after a brief halt due to increased US scrutiny. The vessels, transporting approximately 2.2 million barrels of Urals crude, are expected to arrive early this month, with the oil intended for domestic fuel production rather than export. Reliance had previously paused its purchases following US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil in October but has since sourced oil from other suppliers. Despite facing criticism from US officials, India has continued to import Russian oil, with Reliance being a significant buyer throughout 2024-2025. Other Indian refiners, including Indian Oil Corp. and Bharat Petroleum, are also acquiring Russian crude from non-sanctioned traders, attracted by discounted prices amid fluctuating global trade dynamics.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIn a significant milestone for India's ambitious bullet train initiative, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw witnessed the completion of a 1.5-km mountain tunnel in Maharashtra's Palghar district. This breakthrough, conducted virtually from Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, marks the second tunnel completion for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which is designed to facilitate bullet trains traveling at speeds of up to 320 km/h, reducing travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 17 minutes. The first tunnel, a 5-km underground section between Thane and BKC, was completed in September 2025. The project, which traverses Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is being developed with technical and financial support from the Japanese government, underscoring international collaboration in India's infrastructure development efforts.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's aviation sector is facing heightened scrutiny following a tragic June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner that claimed 260 lives. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has identified multiple safety lapses at Air India, which was government-owned until 2022. In a separate incident, Canada's transport regulator has urged Air India to investigate a pilot who reported for duty under the influence of alcohol, failing two breathalyzer tests at Vancouver International Airport. This incident, described as a "serious matter," led to a last-minute flight delay on December 23, with an alternate pilot stepping in. Air India confirmed the pilot has been suspended pending an inquiry, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards rule violations. Additionally, the DGCA has issued warning notices to four Air India pilots over serious safety concerns related to regulatory compliance and decision-making, particularly regarding a Boeing 787 aircraft with known issues.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThree months after the rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST 2.0) reforms, both the automobile and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors are experiencing a surge in demand, with expectations for further growth in the coming months. FMCG companies reported an uptick in sales following GST rate cuts, with projections indicating a 12-13% year-on-year growth in the packaged food segment for the March quarter, up from 8-9% in December. Industry leaders, including Mayank Shah of Parle Products and Manish Tiwary of Nestle India, noted that the timing of the GST cuts has positively influenced sales volumes. In the automobile sector, Tata Motors achieved record sales, with over 171,000 units dispatched in Q3 FY26, driven by pent-up demand following the GST announcement. Experts anticipate continued growth in both sectors, supported by government infrastructure initiatives and improved consumer engagement strategies.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has voiced strong opposition to a significant tax hike on tobacco products, as outlined in the Finance Ministry's new excise duty regulations set to take effect on February 1, 2026. The new rules impose duties ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, which FAIFA argues will lead to decreased sales and adversely affect farmers' livelihoods. The organization highlighted that the tax regime disproportionately impacts farmers of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, who already face exorbitant tax rates compared to those for bidis and chewing tobacco. FAIFA President Murali Babu expressed dismay over the government's failure to uphold promises of revenue neutrality made during the introduction of GST 2.0, warning that the tax increase could destabilize the entire tobacco economy and harm millions involved in the sector.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 12 pm
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