eznews.in
The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has reported significant growth in the compressed biogas (CBG) sector, with 94 CBG plants selling over 31,400 tonnes during the fiscal year 2024-25, indicating robust market uptake. The sector is projected to attract investments exceeding ₹5,000 crore by 2026-27, driven by heightened interest from investors and stakeholders. Currently, more than 100 CBG plants are operational, and the IBA anticipates further commissioning of facilities alongside improved supply chains and supportive policy frameworks. A proposed reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the CBG sector is expected to enhance project viability, potentially increasing new investments by 4-5% in the short to medium term. The CBG industry is forecasted to grow to approximately $3-4 billion by 2026 and reach around $5 billion by 2030, underscoring its potential as a cleaner energy source and economic driver. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 12 pmeznews.inRaghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has expressed confidence in India's ability to diversify its export markets beyond the US and Mexico, despite recent tariff increases from both countries. Speaking to _businessline_, Singhania emphasized that while it may take time, India can develop alternative markets, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He noted that JK Tyre is already investing significantly in product development for Europe and expanding its presence in Latin and South America. Currently, exports account for 14-15% of the company's turnover, with a goal to increase this to 20% in the coming years. To support this expansion, JK Tyre recently announced a ₹5,000 crore investment over the next five to six years to enhance production capacity, including dedicated lines for export markets. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's automobile industry is poised for a robust 2026, with projected sales growth of 6-8%, following a record-breaking 2025. This optimistic outlook is bolstered by supportive policies, including GST rationalisation and income tax relief, which enhance affordability and consumer demand across various vehicle segments. The rebound in passenger vehicle sales, particularly in SUVs and electric vehicles, reflects a gradual shift in consumer preferences. However, the industry faces challenges, including rising compliance costs due to upcoming CAFE norms and mandatory safety regulations, which may pressure margins and pricing. Supply chain constraints and global uncertainties also pose risks. Despite these hurdles, industry leaders express confidence in sustained growth, driven by a dual-track strategy focusing on electrification and conventional powertrains. As the sector prepares for tighter regulations, the emphasis on innovation and investment in infrastructure will be crucial for maintaining momentum into 2026. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Railway Ministry has announced a fare increase for train tickets, effective December 26, 2025, raising prices by 1 paise per kilometer for ordinary class travel beyond 215 km and by 2 paise per kilometer for non-AC classes of mail and express trains, as well as AC classes across all trains. This adjustment is expected to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue for the Railways by March 31, 2026. Notably, there will be no changes to the monthly season ticket prices for suburban trains or for journeys up to 215 km in ordinary class. The Ministry highlighted that a previous fare hike in July 2025 has already yielded ₹700 crore in revenue to date. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable achievement, India reached a significant climate milestone in 2025, with 50% of its installed power generation capacity derived from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its 2030 Paris Agreement target. The country, often seen as a fossil fuel champion, now boasts a total installed capacity of approximately 510 gigawatts, with 262 gigawatts from non-fossil sources, including 254 gigawatts from renewables. The government added around 50 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2025, fueled by investments nearing ₹2 lakh crore. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted record growth, particularly in solar energy, and expressed optimism for continued momentum in 2026. However, challenges such as land acquisition and grid integration persist, necessitating further investment and structural reforms. Industry leaders emphasized the need for enhanced transmission networks and domestic manufacturing to sustain growth and improve energy security in India's evolving clean energy landscape. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndiGo has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential flight disruptions due to early-morning fog expected across Delhi and northern India on Sunday. The airline cautioned that reduced visibility could lead to delays or schedule changes, and its operations teams will monitor weather conditions closely throughout the night to minimize inconvenience. IndiGo emphasized that safety is its top priority and encouraged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. Passengers affected by cancellations can rebook or request refunds via the airline's website. The advisory comes after 66 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday due to low visibility, while Delhi Airport confirmed that all flight operations were functioning normally despite ongoing low-visibility procedures. Additionally, four flights were cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to adverse weather conditions. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn India, women are pivotal to agricultural productivity, yet they remain largely excluded from the financial system, with only 14% owning agricultural land and securing just 27% of credit against their deposits. Despite making up 64% of the agricultural workforce, cultural barriers and limited access to formal banking keep many women farmers reliant on informal lenders, often at high interest rates. However, a shift is underway as financial institutions and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) develop tailored lending models that prioritize women, offering collateral-free loans based on income and repayment potential. This new approach not only facilitates access to essential agricultural resources but also helps women build a formal credit history, enhancing their financial independence. By streamlining processes and ensuring transparency, these initiatives aim to empower women, ultimately fostering economic growth in rural communities and addressing the significant yield gap between male and female farmers. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inNearly 70% of India's rural population relies on agriculture, which is crucial for food security and livelihoods, yet the sector faces challenges such as fragmented landholdings, low productivity, and volatile prices. Despite agriculture contributing 18% to GDP, it employs 46% of the workforce, highlighting structural issues that hinder rural prosperity. To sustain an 8% economic growth rate, agriculture must grow at 4% annually. The rise of agritech startups, now exceeding 7,000, is transforming farming into a tech-driven enterprise, with innovations like soil mapping and digital marketplaces enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact. In Telangana, AI tools have led to significant increases in crop yields and reductions in pesticide use. The Indian government is fostering public-private partnerships to build a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture, aiming to make technology accessible and inclusive. However, challenges remain, including declining funding for agritech and the need for deeper collaboration and research. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inCoffee tourism is gaining traction in India, emerging as a significant niche within the country's agritourism sector. The Indian government is keen to promote coffee trails, as highlighted by Srivatsa Krishna, the new Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, during the centenary celebrations of the Central Coffee Research Institute. Krishna emphasized the potential for foreign tourists to engage with Indian coffee culture, from bean picking to tasting, while staying in local homestays. This initiative aims to generate foreign exchange and provide income for homestay owners in coffee-growing regions. The Western Ghats and areas like the Araku Valley and North East India are poised to attract visitors, bolstered by the rise of café culture and specialty coffee awareness. As a result, many coffee estate owners are diversifying their income by establishing homestays, showcasing India's unique shade-grown coffee heritage to both domestic and international tourists. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inNearly 20,000 litigations involving approximately ₹1,700 crore are pending under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), prompting the Labour and Employment Ministry to introduce an amnesty scheme from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Labour and Employment Secretary Vandana Gurnani recently reviewed the scheme's progress, aiming to enhance compliance with social security regulations and reduce court cases. So far, ESIC has filed applications to withdraw proceedings in 258 cases, while employers in 1,552 cases have requested withdrawal under the scheme. The amnesty covers disputes filed until March 31, 2025, including non-compliance with the ESIC Act and challenges to assessments. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Employers can settle disputes by paying the actual contribution and interest, allowing ESIC to withdraw court cases without penalties. Field offices have been authorized to facilitate these withdrawals. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
