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A recent policy paper from the Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) outlines a comprehensive action plan to enhance Bihar's turmeric economy, positioning Samastipur as a key hub. Titled "Harnessing the Potential of Turmeric – the ‘Golden Spice’ in Bihar," the report advocates for a state action plan and the pursuit of Geographical Indication (GI) status for local turmeric varieties. RPCAU has developed two high-yielding varieties, Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonalika, which outperform traditional cultivars and contain higher curcumin levels. With Bihar currently contributing only 0.25% to national turmeric production, the paper emphasizes the need for strengthening farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and establishing processing units under the One District One Product initiative. It also highlights the potential for premium pricing in domestic and export markets, particularly in pharmaceuticals, while advocating for capacity building and marketing strategies to boost farmer incomes and employment opportunities in the region. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia, now the world's fourth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.18 trillion, is poised to sustain its 'goldilocks' phase of strong growth and low inflation, bolstered by robust banking performance and ongoing reforms. The BJP-led government's upcoming Budget is anticipated to introduce measures aimed at enhancing capital expenditure and attracting private investment, despite global tariff and geopolitical uncertainties. Real GDP growth reached 8.2% in Q2 of 2025-26, while retail inflation fell below the Reserve Bank's lower tolerance band of 2%. Experts predict that growth will remain resilient, supported by strong domestic demand and easing inflation, although external challenges persist. Major global firms, including Microsoft and Amazon, have announced significant investments, further enhancing India's economic landscape. The government is also expected to finalize a trade deal with the US, which could boost exports and industry, while maintaining its capital expenditure targets to foster overall investment.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian Finance Ministry has announced new rules regarding foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies, following the recent passage of the 'Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act.' The updated regulations, effective from December 30, 2025, eliminate the requirement for a majority of directors and key management personnel to be Indian residents, although at least one of the Chairman, CEO, or Managing Director must be an Indian citizen. The changes also remove previous stipulations regarding profit retention and independent director composition, streamlining governance for foreign-invested firms. Additionally, references to outdated regulations have been updated to align with current laws. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the aim of increasing FDI is to enhance choice and efficiency in the insurance sector, while also reinforcing public sector insurance firms through significant financial support.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian government has released draft rules for four key labour codes—Code of Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020)—inviting public feedback over the next 45 days. These comprehensive rules, which aim to streamline 29 existing labour laws, were published in the Gazette on Tuesday, with the Code on Social Security being the most extensive at 270 pages. Labour and Employment Secretary Vandana Gurnani indicated that the finalisation process would take approximately 90 days, although states may require additional time to implement the codes. The reforms are designed to modernise labour regulations, enhance worker welfare, and promote gender equality in the workplace. Key provisions include statutory minimum wages, fixed-term employment benefits, expanded social security for gig workers, and improved occupational safety standards, all contributing to a more resilient workforce in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe European Union's carbon tax on certain metals, effective from Thursday, is poised to impact India's steel exports significantly, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The tax targets goods with high carbon emissions during production, with steel emissions highest from the Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF–BOF) routes, and lowest from scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) methods. Indian exporters may need to reduce prices by 15-22% to accommodate the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) tax, which will shift costs to them despite being paid by EU importers. Starting January 2026, every shipment of Indian steel and aluminium will incur a carbon cost, with stringent compliance requirements for emissions data verification. GTRI warns that smaller exporters may struggle to meet these demands, while low-emission producers could gain a competitive edge. India's steel and aluminium exports to the EU have already declined by 24.4% from $7.71 billion in FY24 to $5.82 billion in FY25.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inDense fog and low visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi led to significant disruptions on Wednesday, with at least 148 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed. The cancellations included 78 arrivals and 70 departures, while two flights were diverted. The airport's operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), reported that visibility was improving but warned that some flights might still be affected. In response to the situation, DIAL is coordinating with stakeholders to assist passengers across terminals. The civil aviation ministry also noted that fog conditions in Northern India could impact operations at other airports, urging airlines to comply with passenger service norms, including timely updates and support during delays, rebooking, or refunds. IGIA typically manages around 1,300 flight movements daily.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inAt least 109 workers were injured in a collision between two monorail trains inside a tunnel at a hydropower project under construction in Pipalkoti, Uttarakhand, late Tuesday. According to district officials, most injuries were minor, although four workers sustained fractures. The incident occurred when the brakes of one of the trains failed while transporting workers and construction materials. Gaurav Kumar, the area's top administrative officer, confirmed that the tracks have been cleared and work on the project, managed by Tehri Hydro Development Corp (THDC) and partially owned by NTPC Ltd, will resume on Wednesday. Hydropower is a significant contributor to India's energy landscape, accounting for approximately 51 gigawatts of the country's total installed capacity of around 505 gigawatts, with Uttarakhand hosting over ten operational hydropower plants and several more in development.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inAir India Express has celebrated the induction of its 51st Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking a significant milestone as the airline's first fully customised line-fit delivery from Boeing's Seattle facility. The aircraft, which will enter service in January, features a cabin designed for enhanced comfort, including ergonomically designed seats, generous legroom, and fast-charging power outlets. This addition strengthens Air India Express's position as India's largest Boeing operator, with a fleet exceeding 100 aircraft. The airline is also retrofitting existing Boeing 737-8s to standardise seating across its fleet. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, highlighted the airline's rapid expansion, with plans to connect 60 destinations, including 12 new ones in 2025. The airline's new brand campaign, 'Xplore More, Xpress More', reflects its commitment to enhancing travel experiences while celebrating India's cultural diversity through unique aircraft tail designs.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inAir China has finalized a significant agreement with Airbus to acquire 60 A320neo aircraft, a deal valued at approximately $9.5 billion at list prices. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights the growing activity in China's aviation market, which is the second-largest globally, following similar intentions from carriers like Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines to purchase Airbus jets. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in batches from 2028 to 2032, as disclosed in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This purchase is part of a broader framework agreement established in 2022 between China Aviation Supplies Holding Company and Airbus, which included a total of 132 A320-family aircraft and eight A350 widebodies, valued at around $17 billion. Ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington have hindered Boeing's ability to secure new orders in China, thereby benefiting Airbus in the competitive landscape.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has called on the Department of Telecommunications to intervene regarding alleged denials of Right of Way (RoW) permissions and exorbitant charges imposed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) for telecom infrastructure deployment. COAI claims that major telecom service providers, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, have faced obstacles in obtaining necessary approvals for 4G and 5G connectivity at the airport. NMIAL, however, refuted these allegations, asserting that it has not denied RoW permissions and has already installed In-Building Solutions (IBS) infrastructure in collaboration with some operators. The airport operator emphasized its commitment to providing high-speed connectivity and stated that the charges levied are in line with industry standards. COAI criticized the fees as disproportionately high and called for regulatory action against NMIAL for allegedly creating a monopolistic environment that contravenes telecom regulations.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 3 am
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