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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to contribute up to $1.7 trillion to India's economy by 2035, emerging as a key growth driver, according to government estimates. This forecast coincides with increased public investment and policy support, exemplified by the IndiaAI Mission, which has earmarked over ₹10,300 crore for enhancing computing infrastructure, fostering startups, and expanding skilling initiatives. AI's economic impact is expected to span various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education, enhancing productivity through automation and data-driven decision-making. The technology sector, currently employing over six million people, is anticipated to see its AI talent pool double to over 12.5 lakh professionals by 2027. The government has also initiated reskilling programs, with over 18.5 lakh candidates enrolled in the FutureSkills PRIME platform. Additionally, efforts to build affordable AI infrastructure and promote inclusivity through multilingual tools aim to ensure that AI benefits reach a broader demographic, including India's 490 million informal workers. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a strategic move to enhance profitability and sustainability in India's natural rubber sector, the Rubber Board has introduced several technology-driven initiatives aimed at reducing production costs and increasing productivity. Executive Director M Vasanthageshan highlighted the advanced development of drone-based spraying techniques to combat major diseases, which could alleviate labor shortages and operational expenses for growers. Additionally, the Board is exploring the use of Nano Copper Oxychloride blended oil for plant protection, pending successful field trials. To capitalize on the European Union's demand for sustainable materials, the Rubber Board has launched Bharat Sustainable Natural Rubber, an online platform ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. Furthermore, the Rubber Product Incubation Centre has created RubFab, a natural rubber latex compound designed to replace conventional plastic rain guards. With domestic rubber imports exceeding ₹9,000 crore, ongoing clonal trials aim to introduce high-yielding, climate-resilient rubber clones within two years, while a new digital platform, INR Konnect, seeks to connect growers with untapped plantations. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has inaugurated an extended Export Cargo Warehouse, significantly boosting its annual export cargo handling capacity from 75,000 tonnes to 125,000 tonnes. The upgraded facility, inaugurated by Managing Director S. Suhas, features advanced security measures, including two additional X-ray machines, Explosive Trace Detection machines, and dedicated rooms for dangerous goods, cold storage, radioactive cargo, and valuables. This expansion aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety, benefiting exporters by improving turnaround times and strengthening cold-chain support for perishable and specialized cargo. The inauguration was attended by key officials, including E. Vikas, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, and other senior CIAL executives. Suhas emphasized that the project reflects CIAL's commitment to upgrading infrastructure to meet evolving trade and logistics demands, positioning the airport to handle a diverse range of export cargo, including pharmaceuticals and high-value consignments. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inTechugo, a mobile app development firm founded in 2015, is set to enhance its climate-resilient agriculture services and data-driven farmer engagement platforms, according to COO Ankit Singh. The company, which has developed over 1,800 applications, specializes in digital transformation for the agriculture sector, collaborating with agtech firms and government initiatives. Its innovative solutions, including offline mobile apps and AI-based decision support systems, cater to rural regions in India, serving over 10 million farmers. Notable projects include the Dhan App for Dhanuka Agritech, which connects farmers and automates business processes even in low connectivity areas. Techugo's scalable, multilingual platforms are designed for ease of use, ensuring data integrity and security. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable agriculture, the company reports an annual recurring revenue of ₹37 crore and a growth rate of 15-18%. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSolar power tariffs are declining globally as technology improves and adoption rises, with India's solar industry emerging as a key supplier to the United States. A report by PL Capital reveals that the US, having restricted imports from China-linked supply chains, accounted for 97% of India's solar module exports between 2023 and 2025. India's exports surged nearly ninefold in 2023 and doubled in 2024, positioning the country as a viable alternative in the global solar market. Indian solar modules are 19% to 21% cheaper than US-made counterparts, although competition from Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam remains strong. Despite a successful year for the US solar sector, challenges loom for Indian exporters, including a US investigation into alleged dumping and a planned 50% tariff on imports by August 2025. To meet rising demand, India is ramping up its renewable energy production, with expectations of reaching 430 GW of installations by 2030. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut its key interest rates by a cumulative 1.25% across four of its six monetary policy reviews in 2025, driven by record-low inflation. Newly appointed Governor Sanjay Malhotra described this as a "rare Goldilocks period" for the Indian economy, with growth exceeding 8% despite external challenges. However, he cautioned that growth may soften and inflation could rise towards the RBI's 4% target. The RBI's aggressive rate cuts, including a 0.50% reduction in June, have raised concerns about banks' narrowing net interest margins. Malhotra emphasized the need for regulatory relaxations to support growth, leading to 22 measures announced in October, including easing restrictions on banks' financing of corporate acquisitions. As the RBI navigates a depreciating rupee and aims for financial stability, its focus on customer-centric policies and regulatory consolidation will be crucial in 2026. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to conclude 2025 as a landmark year for its economy, with robust growth, low inflation, and improved labor market conditions, according to the government's year-end economic review. The real GDP surged by 8.2% in the second quarter of FY 2025-26, marking a six-quarter high, driven by strong domestic demand despite global trade challenges. This follows growth rates of 7.8% and 7.4% in the previous quarters. Inflation remained low, with the Consumer Price Index dropping from 4.26% in January to 0.71% in November, allowing the Reserve Bank of India to maintain a supportive monetary stance. The unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in November, the lowest since April, while merchandise exports rose to $38.13 billion. With a GDP exceeding $4.18 trillion, India is now the world's fourth-largest economy, and projections indicate continued growth, bolstered by structural reforms and inclusive policies. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inWeather models indicate a significant wet spell is expected for coastal Tamil Nadu and southern regions, as well as parts of Kerala, as the year draws to a close and into the New Year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and global weather agencies, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), predict isolated to scattered showers from Puducherry southwards and across most of Kerala, excluding the northern areas. This weather pattern is likely triggered by an easterly wave associated with a cyclonic circulation moving towards Sri Lanka. The north-east monsoon season has already benefited regions like Telangana and Rayalaseema, while Tamil Nadu recorded normal rainfall. The IMD forecasts that the upcoming rainfall will extend to various areas in both states, including key coastal towns and hilly regions, with the wet conditions expected to persist until January 5, 2026, before transitioning to a more typical weather pattern. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inUnion Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the first flight of the Dhruv NG, a next-generation civil helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aimed at fulfilling the needs of the civil aviation sector. During the event at HAL, Naidu explored the helicopter's advanced systems alongside the pilot. Weighing 5.5 tonnes, the Dhruv NG is a light twin-engine helicopter designed for the diverse challenges of Indian terrain and upgraded for the global market. It boasts enhanced safety features, including crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks, and is equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines for improved power. The helicopter's modern glass cockpit and advanced avionics ensure superior situational awareness. With a maximum speed of 285 km/h and a range of 630 km, the Dhruv NG is versatile, catering to VIP transport, medical emergencies, and disaster relief, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to imported models. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a significant development for Indian Railways, a military special train carrying military vehicles and heavy equipment crossed the Chenab Bridge on Tuesday, marking a crucial logistical operation from the Jammu Region to Anantnag. The year 2025 saw Indian Railways undertake ambitious projects, including the world’s highest rail bridge and the commissioning of the Birabi-Sairang line, enhancing connectivity to remote areas. The Ministry of Railways launched 42 projects valued over Rs 25,000 crore, while expanding Vande Bharat services with 15 new trains, bringing the total to 164. Safety improvements were notable, with train accidents dropping to 11, and 1,161 new road-over and under-bridges constructed. Additionally, 1,337 stations are undergoing modernization, and freight operations were bolstered by two new Dedicated Freight Corridors. The introduction of the RailOne App and Aadhaar-authenticated ticketing reforms further enhanced passenger services, reflecting a comprehensive push towards modernizing India's rail infrastructure. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 am
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