eznews.inIn 2025, the precious metals market experienced unprecedented growth, with gold prices soaring over 70%, silver reaching $72 an ounce, platinum climbing 160%, and palladium hitting a three-year high. The surge was largely attributed to a weakening US dollar, which fell 12% in the first half of the year amid global trade tensions, particularly with China. Silver, in short supply since 2020, began to reappear in the market, although investments in silver mining remained low. Meanwhile, platinum's rise was influenced by labor unrest in South Africa, which produces 70% of the world's supply. Despite high prices, demand for gold and silver jewelry in India remained robust, with consumers opting for lighter pieces. Analysts predict a bullish outlook for 2026, driven by potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts and ongoing global economic uncertainties, while silver is increasingly seen as an accessible investment for middle-class households. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFedEx has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, driven by enhanced supply chain resilience and manufacturing capabilities, according to Kami Viswanathan, the company's president for the Middle East, India subcontinent, and Africa. The global express transport leader operates 36 freighter flights weekly to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and is establishing a new facility at Navi Mumbai airport to bolster its parcel and mail services. Viswanathan emphasized ongoing investments to strengthen FedEx's network, enabling businesses to integrate into global value chains with reliability and speed. Recent initiatives include a 60,000 square metre hub at Bengaluru's AISATS Logistics Park and a new freighter service linking Bengaluru with Guangzhou. She noted that India's logistics sector is evolving, supported by initiatives like PM GatiShakti, which enhance supply chain efficiency amid global uncertainties, while growth in air cargo reflects India's emerging role as a key manufacturing and export hub.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAgritech firm Ninjacart has reported a slight reduction in losses for FY2025, despite a decline in revenues, as it streamlined operations by exiting low-margin business segments. The Walmart-backed company announced an operating revenue of ₹1,634 crore, down from ₹2,007 crore in FY2024, while losses remained stable at ₹256 crore compared to ₹260 crore the previous year. This revenue dip reflects Ninjacart's strategic shift towards enhancing its margin mix and operational sustainability, resulting in improved gross and contribution margins. The company's core businesses, which cater to retailers and quick-commerce players, are experiencing robust growth, with over 100% year-on-year expansion in FY2026 and achieving operating profitability. CEO Kartheeswaran K.K. emphasized the importance of disciplined execution and conscious decision-making in positioning the company for sustainable growth, with a goal of achieving overall profitability by FY2027.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is set to introduce sea buckthorn, a nutrient-rich fruit from the cold deserts of Ladakh, into mainstream markets, following its successful procurement of local apples and apricots. Chairman Meenesh Shah highlighted the fruit's high Vitamin C content and its potential for commercial success, especially after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which enhances its market visibility alongside other regional products. Traditionally harvested by local farmers and women-led self-help groups, sea buckthorn has suffered from a lack of structured procurement, limiting price transparency. NDDB plans to implement organized buy-back arrangements to ensure fair pricing and volume for farmers, leveraging its existing Safal retail network. This initiative follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with the Sham Vegetable and Fruit Growers Cooperative Society, aimed at improving market access for Ladakh's diverse agricultural produce, including apricots and apples, which have already seen significant procurement increases.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTransport Corporation of India (TCI) has expanded its cold chain warehousing capabilities with a new 150,000 square foot facility in Gurugram, Haryana, aimed at supporting high-throughput sectors such as quick commerce, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. The facility, operated by TCI Cold Chain Solutions Ltd, features multi-temperature storage options, including frozen, chilled, and air-conditioned zones, and operates on a pay-as-you-use model. B Sumit Kumar, CEO of TCI Cold Chain Solutions, highlighted the strategic location near the National Capital Region (NCR) as a key advantage for enhancing last-mile distribution and supply chain efficiency. The Taj Nagar area has become a vital logistics hub due to its proximity to major cities and the increasing demand for quick commerce services. TCI Cold Chain Solutions is a joint venture, with TCI holding an 80% stake and Mitsui & Co Ltd owning the remaining 20%.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Textiles is poised to receive over 22% of the proposed ₹6,000 crore budget for the Cotton Productivity Mission, which has yet to gain Cabinet approval nearly 11 months after its announcement. Despite this allocation, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is expected to receive less than 10% of the funding, raising concerns about its ability to meet productivity targets. A former ICAR scientist suggested that the Ministry should act as a facilitator between ICAR and industry, emphasizing the need for farmers to be assured of competitive prices against imported cotton. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is set to receive the largest share, over ₹4,000 crore, while the mission aims to enhance cotton farming productivity and sustainability. However, India's cotton production has declined for the third consecutive year, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRating agency ICRA has significantly upgraded its wholesale volume growth outlook for the tractor industry to 15-17% for the financial year 2025-26, up from a previous estimate of 8-10%. This optimistic forecast follows a robust performance, including a remarkable 30% year-on-year growth in November 2025 and a cumulative 19% increase over the first eight months of FY26. Key factors driving this growth include a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tractors to 5%, enhancing affordability for farmers, and favourable agricultural conditions following a successful monsoon season. Additionally, the impending implementation of stricter TREM V emission norms in April 2026 is expected to spur pre-buying activity, further boosting sales. ICRA also noted that major tractor manufacturers maintain strong credit profiles, supported by low debt levels and healthy cash reserves, indicating a period of recovery and expansion for the sector.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's operational natural gas pipeline network has expanded to 25,429 km as part of a government initiative to establish a national gas grid aimed at enhancing energy security and providing cleaner fuel nationwide. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has introduced the "One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff" system, standardizing transportation charges across 90% of pipelines to ensure equitable pricing. As of December 1, 2025, approximately 10.35 crore beneficiaries have been reached under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, with the government approving an additional 25 lakh LPG connections for FY 2025-26 to facilitate access. The eligibility process has been streamlined, and targeted subsidies have increased LPG consumption from three refills per person in 2019-20 to an expected 4.85 refills in FY 2025-26. The Ministry has also enhanced petroleum marketing infrastructure, with over 90,000 retail outlets now offering digital payment options.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent decision to eliminate the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance has resulted in a significant increase in health coverage, with the average sum insured rising by 31% from ₹14.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh, according to a Policybazaar report. Following the GST exemption, demand for higher sum insured policies surged, with those in the ₹10-25 lakh range increasing by 47% and policies above ₹25 lakh soaring by 85%. Conversely, policies under ₹10 lakh saw a 24% decline. The trend continued into 2025, with younger buyers aged 18-35 making up 30% of purchases, while smaller towns experienced a notable rise in demand. Notably, Delhi and Bengaluru led in health insurance bookings. The report also highlighted common claim reasons, including heart conditions and cancer, alongside a growing preference for multi-year health insurance plans, reflecting a shift towards more comprehensive coverage.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has re-tendered its search for a concessionaire to operate the Kovilpatti airstrip for aircraft training, inviting interest from Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). This decision follows technical issues related to the minimum price and eligibility criteria, which arose from pre-bid feedback that could not be addressed on the e-tender platform. TIDCO will close the previous tender and issue a revised one. The Kovilpatti airstrip, located in Thoothukudi district, spans 63 hectares and was originally constructed by Lakshmi Mills for private use. The asphalt runway measures 1.2 km in length and 15 m in width, situated approximately 6 km from Kovilpatti town. Notably, in July 2023, the EKVI Aircraft Training Organisation became the first FTO approved in Tamil Nadu by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, marking a significant development in the region's aviation training landscape.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pm
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