eznews.inPawan Agarwal, Managing Director of Naini Papers Ltd, has been elected President of the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) during its 26th Annual General Meeting, marking a significant leadership change in the national body representing India's paper sector. Pavan Khaitan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kuantum Papers Ltd, has been appointed as the new Vice President. The AGM also saw the nomination of chairpersons for various IPMA sub-committees, including Sushil Kumar Khetan for Commercial & Taxation, Rajesh Kumar Ponnuru for Marketing, A S Mehta for Raw Material, and Ashok Kumar for Technical & Environment. The IPMA plays a crucial role in the ₹1,00,000 crore paper industry, which directly employs 500,000 individuals and supports an additional 1.5 million jobs, representing a diverse range of paper products from large integrated mills across both private and public sectors. 
Published: Dec 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) is nearing completion of a significant reclamation project at Jawahar Dweep, with 95% of the 13-hectare site finished, aimed at enhancing crude throughput efficiency. This ₹2,700 crore initiative, in collaboration with HPCL and BPCL, will facilitate the development of 4.2 lakh tonnes of crude and product tank storage, reducing tanker turnaround times. Additionally, the Sixth Oil Berth project, costing ₹400 crore, will bolster the port's capacity to handle Suezmax vessels, increasing crude-handling capability by 5-6 MTPA. Parallel expansions at Pir Pau include a Fourth Chemical Berth, adding 2-3 MTPA of capacity, supported by 6 hectares of reclaimed land. Future plans involve deepening anchorages and constructing a 5 km offshore trestle to improve cargo movement. The MbPA is also drafting an Integrated Mumbai Port Masterplan 2047 to accommodate projected traffic growth from 68.3 MTPA to 106.2 MTPA by 2053, positioning Mumbai as a key maritime hub.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndian Railways is operating 89 special trains across various destinations to accommodate commuters affected by widespread IndiGo flight cancellations. With full occupancy reported, particularly from metro cities, the special services are set to run until December 12, with routes including Mumbai, Pune, and Howrah. Notably, trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station have seen a staggering 126% booking, while services from Howrah to CSMT reached 157%. In response to the surge in demand, additional coaches have been added to existing trains, with Northern and Western Railways enhancing services by incorporating 3AC and chair car coaches. A senior Indian Railways official noted the overwhelming passenger response, with kiosks set up outside major airports to assist travelers. This initiative underscores Indian Railways' commitment to ensuring smooth travel and adequate accommodation during this period of heightened demand, as approximately 450 IndiGo flights were cancelled on Monday.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAir India successfully implemented new flight duty time regulations mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which took effect on November 1, thanks to proactive measures taken months in advance. The airline configured its crew rostering software two to three months prior to the deadline and rolled out changes a fortnight ahead. With a sufficient number of pilots—650 inducted between April 2022 and September 2023, many from the defunct Go First—and a reduction in flight operations, Air India managed to navigate the transition smoothly, unlike its competitor IndiGo, which faced operational challenges. Currently, Air India operates 4,700 weekly flights, down from 5,600 last year, with a fleet of 187 aircraft serving 82 destinations. An Air India official emphasized the airline's commitment to training and maintenance, stating, "We had done our homework to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules regime."
Published: Dec 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inDaimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has unveiled the BB1924, an upgraded heavy-duty bus tailored for India's burgeoning intercity passenger transport market. With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19,500 kg, the BB1924 aims to meet the demands of intercity bus operators seeking increased payload capacity, reduced operating costs, and improved passenger comfort. As the Indian bus market, valued at $51 billion, is projected to grow at a 6% CAGR through 2030, this new chassis positions BharatBenz to enhance its presence in the premium segment. DICV's Head of Bus Business, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, noted that field trials have shown a significant reduction in total ownership costs. The BB1924 can now accommodate an additional tonne of parcel luggage, boosting revenue potential. Available through BharatBenz's 398 authorized touchpoints, the bus will also benefit from competitive financing options in partnership with major banks. The vehicle's price has not been disclosed.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines is facing significant backlash from passengers due to a massive backlog of luggage following extensive flight cancellations last week, which affected over 2,000 flights. The disruptions, attributed to inadequate planning for new pilot rest regulations, have left thousands of bags stranded at airports, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Many passengers have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some highlighting the loss of valuable items such as passports and medications. The Indian government has intervened, demanding that IndiGo trace and deliver all misplaced baggage within 48 hours. As of Saturday, the airline reported the delivery of 3,000 bags, but many travelers, like Vikash Bajpai, remain without their belongings after enduring lengthy delays and multiple connections. An IndiGo executive stated that the airline is working tirelessly to resolve the situation and reunite passengers with their luggage.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe new income tax returns (ITR) form, aligned with the Income Tax Act, 2025, is set to be announced before the 2027-28 fiscal year, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is currently engaged in extensive consultations with tax experts and institutional bodies to simplify the ITR forms. The Income Tax Act, 2025, which will replace the 1961 Act, is designed to streamline tax laws and enhance clarity. The Directorate of Systems is collaborating with the tax policy division to ensure the new forms are user-friendly. Chaudhary noted that the ITR forms for the 2026-27 tax year will reflect amendments made during the 2026 Budget and will be notified before the start of the 2027-28 fiscal year. Meanwhile, ITR forms for the current fiscal year will continue to be based on the existing 1961 Act.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inKerala's farming community is grappling with a critical shortage of urea and potash, essential fertilizers needed for the final nutrient application during the Northeast monsoon. Farmers warn that this scarcity could significantly reduce crop yields across the state's 25.23 lakh hectares of cultivated land, which includes paddy, coconut, and cardamom. James George, president of the Pineapple Farmers Association, highlighted the urgent need for 22,500 tonnes of urea and 15,000 tonnes of potash for the 30,000 hectares of pineapple cultivation. In a plea to the Union Agriculture Minister, the association called for immediate intervention to ensure timely fertilizer supply, warning of potential production declines and financial losses. Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad echoed these concerns, urging the Centre to provide urea at reduced prices, as farmers increasingly rely on costlier composite fertilizers due to the ongoing shortages. Experts warn that the situation could lead to inefficiencies and ecological damage, exacerbated by a lack of awareness and logistical challenges.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2025, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu addressed the recent crisis involving IndiGo's mass flight cancellations, announcing that the government has launched an inquiry into the matter. Naidu attributed the disruptions to mismanagement of the airline's crew and duty roster, dismissing suggestions that a technical fault in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) was to blame. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against IndiGo to serve as a warning to other airlines. The minister also discussed the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guidelines, which were introduced following a high court order, and noted that consultations with IndiGo had occurred prior to the crisis. Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to safety and compliance, stating that any violations would be met with severe consequences to uphold industry standards.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines is grappling with significant operational disruptions, prompting the establishment of a Crisis Management Group (CMG) on December 4 to address the situation. The CMG is focused on restoring full operational integrity, ensuring timely communication, expediting refunds, rescheduling flights, and facilitating the return of passenger baggage. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Show Cause Notice to IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, following widespread flight cancellations and delays that have frustrated passengers. The DGCA granted a one-time 24-hour extension for IndiGo's management to respond to the notice, emphasizing that no further extensions will be permitted. The regulator has highlighted "significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management" as contributing factors to the disruptions, and it continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
Published: Dec 08 2025, 3 pm
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