eznews.inThe Indian Navy has received _Anjadip_, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), marking a significant step in India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Delivered by Kolkata's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Chennai, _Anjadip_ boasts nearly 88% indigenous content and is equipped with advanced capabilities, including lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and shallow-water sonar, enhancing the Navy's coastal surveillance and mine-laying operations. The vessel, measuring approximately 77 meters, is the largest Indian naval warship propelled by waterjets and features an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun. Named after Anjadip Island off Karnataka's coast, the ship underscores India's commitment to maritime security. Its delivery follows the commissioning of four other warships, reinforcing the nation's growing domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and reducing reliance on imports. 
Published: Dec 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGold and silver prices surged to record highs on Monday, with gold surpassing $4,400 an ounce for the first time, reaching $4,420, while silver was quoted at $69.20 an ounce. Platinum also approached its record high of $2,200, trading at $2,111, and palladium hit a 3.5-year peak at $1,815. Analysts attribute this rally to increased haven buying amid fears of potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts, with central banks reportedly buying gold at unprecedented levels. The gold-silver ratio has dropped to 67, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics, as silver has gained 138% this year compared to gold's 68%. Mining executive David Jensen noted a scarcity of physical silver, contributing to its rising prices. Experts predict that gold could reach $4,500 and silver may exceed $70, as investors seek safer assets amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia and New Zealand have successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in just nine months, paving the way for zero-duty access for Indian goods in New Zealand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the deal, highlighting its potential to strengthen bilateral ties. However, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticized the agreement as a "bad deal," indicating opposition from his coalition party. The FTA, expected to take effect in 2026, aims to facilitate $20 billion in foreign direct investment from New Zealand over 15 years and increase work visas for Indian service providers. Key sectors such as textiles, engineering, and pharmaceuticals are anticipated to benefit significantly. While sensitive agricultural products remain protected, New Zealand will enjoy reduced tariffs on various goods, including sheep meat and wine. The agreement also includes provisions for student mobility and skilled work visas.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inKarnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on December 22, 2025, that Bengaluru's metro network will expand to 175 km by December 2027, following a meeting with BMRCL officials. Currently, 96 km of the metro is operational, including the recently launched 24-km Yellow line, which has reduced traffic by 30% along its route. Shivakumar revealed plans to operationalize an additional 41 km in 2026 and 38 km, including an airport line, by the end of 2027. The government will also initiate tenders next month for 100 km under Phase 3, with a projected cost of ₹25,311 crore, financed partly through JICA. Key openings in 2026 include six stations from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere and a 13.76 km underground section. The airport line is set to open in June 2027, further enhancing the city's transport infrastructure.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA 21-member delegation, led by Mr. Dipak Shah of the South India Tea Promotion Group, participated in a business meeting in Ahmedabad over the weekend, coinciding with the Gujarat Tea Traders Association's (GTTA) Annual General Meeting. Approximately 310 members, including prominent packeteers like Wagh Bakri and Jivraj, attended the event, which featured a two-hour tea tasting session. This was followed by an interactive discussion addressing current market challenges and potential solutions. Gujarat boasts the highest per capita tea consumption in India at 1.4 kg, significantly surpassing the national average of 0.7 kg. The tasting session showcased the improved quality of South Indian teas, leading to expectations of increased purchases. The meeting was organized by the Tea Trade Association of Coimbatore, chaired by Mr. Girish Nair.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSalil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, announced that Air India is set to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the coming weeks, a move aimed at enhancing the airline's wide-body capacity to meet increasing long-haul demand. The 787-9, part of Boeing's 787 family, features advanced composite materials for improved fuel efficiency and a range of approximately 7,565 nautical miles, accommodating 250 to 290 passengers. Air India has ordered 20 of these aircraft as part of a larger acquisition of over 200 Boeing jets in 2023. Gupte emphasized that while aircraft availability is crucial, other factors such as infrastructure readiness, regulatory frameworks, and pilot availability also significantly impact capacity deployment in India's aviation sector. Boeing is committed to evolving its production processes to ensure safety and quality, aiming to rebuild trust in the aerospace industry.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPernod Ricard India Foundation's PRavah programme has made significant strides in enhancing water stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and rural livelihoods, impacting over 500,000 individuals across India in 2024-25. The initiative employs a comprehensive Water Agriculture and Livelihoods (WAL) framework, integrating water security with climate-resilient farming practices. In this period, 14 WAL programmes supported 22,430 farmers in 107 villages across eight states, adding 631 million litres of water harvesting capacity through the construction of 70 water structures. The foundation collaborates with local agencies to tailor interventions addressing specific socio-economic challenges, such as groundwater depletion and soil health decline. Notable initiatives include Krishak Kranti in Punjab, focusing on sustainable agriculture, and Sabla in Uttar Pradesh, a women-centric programme promoting diversified cropping. On Kisan Diwas, PRavah reaffirmed its commitment to fostering resilience and long-term transformation in rural communities throughout India.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Navy has received "Anjadip," the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Delivered at Chennai Port, Anjadip marks GRSE's 115th warship and the 77th for the Navy. This delivery follows the commissioning of four other warships in 2025, including the Advanced Guided Missile Frigate Himgiri and the first two ASW SWCs, showcasing GRSE's rapid production capabilities. Anjadip features an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun and boasts nearly 88% indigenous content, aligning with India's Atmanirbharta initiative in defense. Designed for sub-surface surveillance and anti-submarine operations, the vessel can accommodate 57 personnel and is equipped with advanced combat systems. GRSE is currently constructing 12 additional warships, including advanced stealth frigates and offshore patrol vessels, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing India's maritime security and shipbuilding expertise.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRainfall across Kashmir's Valley, accompanied by snowfall at higher altitudes, has brought much-needed relief to saffron farmers in Pampore after a prolonged dry spell. Local grower Ali Mohammad expressed gratitude for the precipitation, which is crucial for the development of corms essential for next season's harvest. The recent rains, with Gulmarg receiving the highest at 24.4 mm and 20 cm of snow, have replenished soil moisture and alleviated water scarcity concerns. Saffron, known as "red gold," supports around 16,000 families in the region, but experts warn that irregular weather patterns threaten both quality and yield. Additionally, the fresh snowfall has sparked optimism for the winter tourism season, with tour operators noting an influx of visitors to Gulmarg, which has transformed into a winter wonderland. Local authorities are monitoring agricultural conditions closely, balancing the benefits of the precipitation with concerns over unpredictable weather.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani has inaugurated a new Innovation Hub for IFFCO Nanoventions near Coimbatore, aimed at advancing climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable nano-based farming. This facility, part of IFFCO's research and manufacturing centre in Thondamuthur, will leverage nanotechnology to enhance farm productivity while promoting soil health. IFFCO Nanoventions has already developed nano-based fertilisers, such as nano Urea and nano DAP, which allow crops to absorb nutrients more efficiently, reducing the need for fertilisers and improving harvests. The Coimbatore hub is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot manufacturing units, with several products approved under the Fertiliser Control Order. During the inauguration, Sanghani emphasized the importance of cooperative-led research in tackling challenges like climate change and rising costs, urging for the promotion of IFFCO’s nano fertilisers. Additionally, the hub introduced a new bio-stimulant, DharAmrut, designed to enhance plant growth and support sustainable practices.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 5 pm
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