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In a significant move to support India's green initiatives, the Indian Army has officially integrated bio-diesel into its fuel supply chain, aligning with the National Biofuel Policy's goal of achieving 5% diesel blending by 2030. The launch ceremony in New Delhi was led by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, alongside senior officials and representatives from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This initiative, coinciding with the 265th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps, marks a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy sustainability within the Army's logistics framework. The Army has also committed to adopting E-20 petrol by December 2025, furthering its green mobility efforts. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable fuel solutions, the Vice Chief highlighted the Army's role in advancing the nation’s clean energy objectives, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. 
Published: Dec 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer is set to engage in trade discussions with senior Indian officials on December 10-11, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as a familiarization trip, with Switzer scheduled to meet Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to advance negotiations on a multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The talks follow the imposition of a 50% tariff on India by the US in August, which included a reciprocal tariff and a penalty related to oil purchases from Russia. India is keen to finalize the first phase of the BTA, focusing on rolling back these tariffs by year-end, as its exports to the US, particularly in labor-intensive sectors, have already been adversely affected. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in 2024-25.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo has informed the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it cannot currently identify the specific causes behind significant disruptions affecting its operations nationwide. In response to a DGCA show cause notice, CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras stated that a comprehensive 'Root Cause Analysis' would require the full fifteen-day response period allowed by regulations. The airline attributed the disruptions to a combination of minor technical issues, winter schedule changes, adverse weather, increased congestion, and new crew rostering rules. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu noted that IndiGo had not raised concerns about the new duty-time limits prior to the disruptions, which began on December 3. To address the situation, IndiGo implemented a "drastic measure" of network cancellations on December 5 to recover stranded customers and ease congestion, allowing services to gradually normalize from December 6. The airline has also processed substantial refunds for affected passengers.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inEuropean Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is in New Delhi, leading a delegation of senior officials, including DG Trade Sabine Weyand, to expedite the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Both parties aim to "substantially conclude" discussions by the end of December, although key issues remain unresolved, such as market access for European automobiles, EU steel import quotas, compliance standards, and India's mobility concerns. Sefcovic emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue, stating that a commercially meaningful FTA could unlock significant potential for both sides. He met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his two-day visit, with plans for further discussions with Indian officials to address existing gaps. A formal announcement regarding the FTA is anticipated at the upcoming India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL) has revoked connectivity for 24 renewable energy projects, totaling approximately 6.43 GW, due to delays caused by developers, as reported to Parliament on Monday. Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik clarified that these cancellations are not linked to transmission planning issues, emphasizing that the government remains committed to its target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030. Currently, 259 GW of non-fossil capacity is connected to the grid, with significant infrastructure developments underway, including the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 172 GW of renewable energy. Additionally, 16 petitions are pending before the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission from power generators seeking protection against connectivity revocations. The government is also implementing the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses in power distribution, with projects worth ₹2.83 lakh crore already sanctioned.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inDuring the ongoing winter session of Parliament, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu addressed concerns regarding IndiGo's recent operational disruptions. He clarified that the airline had not raised any issues about the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) guidelines, which were implemented on November 1, 2025, prior to the disruptions that began on December 3. Naidu emphasized that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders while formulating the revised norms, which included 22 guidelines. He noted that while airlines sought variations for the November guidelines, there were no issues with those implemented in July. The minister acknowledged the challenges faced by passengers during the disruptions and confirmed that an inquiry is underway, promising strict action where necessary to ensure compliance across the civil aviation sector.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia and Oman are set to finalize their long-awaited bilateral free trade agreement, known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on December 17-18. Key issues, including Oman's 'Omanisation' policy, which mandates local recruitment, and concerns over potential misuse of the treaty by China, have reportedly been resolved. The agreement is expected to enhance India's exports by providing improved market access and tariff benefits for sectors such as engineering, electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, thereby strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, India aims to establish safeguards against third-party exports, particularly from China, through specific Rules of Origin. With bilateral trade reaching $10.6 billion in FY25, Oman stands as India's third-largest trading partner in the Gulf region, making this agreement pivotal for India's market diversification strategy in West Asia.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAgriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised farmers as the "greatest practical scientists" during a recent event in New Delhi, highlighting innovative techniques used by litchi farmers in Bihar to extend the fruit's shelf life. He noted that while food production has surged since 2014, the rising costs of production, driven by increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, have left farmers with little profit. Chouhan urged the industry to adopt sustainable practices, warning that over-reliance on chemicals could jeopardize future crop yields. He advocated for a shift towards natural and organic farming methods. Meanwhile, R G Agarwal, chair of PHDCCI’s Agribusiness Committee, emphasized the need for farmers to have alternatives to chemical pesticides, given the constraints of small land holdings in India. He called for a collective effort to provide farmers with the necessary technology and support to enhance their productivity and income, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen India's agricultural future.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a brainstorming session, or "Chintan Baitak," scheduled for December 22-23 in Karnal, Haryana, aimed at addressing policy gaps and farmers' concerns amid declining agricultural commodity prices. Speaking at an agri-business summit organized by PHDCCI, Chouhan emphasized the need for wider consultations with stakeholders, including experts and industry leaders, to enhance agricultural practices. He highlighted the importance of balanced use of fertilizers and pesticides while advocating for traditional farming methods to combat pests. Ramesh Chand from Niti Aayog projected a 4% growth in the agriculture sector for 2025-26, surpassing China's growth, but noted the necessity for India to achieve a 5% growth rate to meet its development goals. Chouhan also pointed out the disparity between farm-gate prices and consumer prices, stressing the need for improved seed and pesticide management laws to ensure quality inputs for farmers.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMinister of State in the Finance Ministry, Pankaj Chaudhary, revealed in Lok Sabha that over 44,000 taxpayers have been contacted for failing to disclose cryptocurrency transactions in their Income Tax Returns (ITRs). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also seized assets worth over ₹4,000 crore linked to crypto-related money laundering cases. Chaudhary noted that the collection of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on crypto transactions has more than doubled, rising from ₹221 crore in 2022-23 to over ₹511 crore in 2024-25. He highlighted that the Finance Act 2022 imposes a 1% TDS on virtual digital assets (VDAs), applicable even to offshore transactions. However, some offshore exchanges are reportedly non-compliant. Chaudhary emphasized the need for international cooperation to effectively regulate crypto assets, given their borderless nature, and mentioned significant undisclosed income detected through recent tax enforcement actions.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 7 pm
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