eznews.inVedanta Aluminium has announced the expansion of its Lanjigarh Refinery, increasing its capacity to 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which now positions it as the world's second-largest alumina refinery outside China. This development enhances India's total alumina refining capacity to nearly 13 MTPA, making the country the third-largest producer globally. The Lanjigarh facility alone accounts for 38% of India's alumina output, solidifying its status as the largest single-location alumina refinery in the nation. In November, the refinery achieved a record monthly production of 254,000 tonnes, reflecting an 8% month-on-month increase and a remarkable 68% year-on-year growth. Vedanta's CEO, Rajiv Kumar, emphasized the expansion as a significant milestone in building a competitive aluminium ecosystem, while Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, highlighted the precision and collaboration involved in the project, which began its expansion journey in 2020. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reported to Parliament that no renewable energy projects have yet been connected under the Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (GEC Ph-II) scheme, which aims to integrate approximately 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy across several states, including Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Despite the approval of 91 packages, with 73 tendered and 67 awarded, progress remains stagnant. Minister of State Shripad Naik confirmed this in a Rajya Sabha response. The GEC, initiated in 2015, seeks to enhance transmission infrastructure to match India's growing renewable capacity. While Phase I has successfully commissioned 27.45 GW, including 7.45 GW under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), challenges persist in the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) projects, prompting extensions for several states until December 2025. Timely execution of Phase II is deemed critical for the effective utilization of renewable energy resources.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGrain commerce platform Arya.ag has reported a robust 25% increase in net revenues for the first half of the fiscal year, reaching ₹299.45 crore, up from ₹238.34 crore last year, driven by heightened demand for its storage and post-harvest management solutions. Profits before tax surged 39% to ₹32 crore, reflecting strong operational momentum. The company's storage business saw inward volumes rise over 40% year-on-year, while its fintech sector emerged as a significant growth driver, with disbursements climbing 50% to ₹1,301 crore. Arya.ag facilitated a gross trade volume of ₹330 crore as of September 25, contributing to seamless market linkages for agricultural producers. Co-Founder Anand Chandra emphasized the strength of their integrated platform model, which combines physical infrastructure with digital innovation, positioning the company to achieve its target of 30-40% growth for the full fiscal year amid increasing demand for organized agricultural solutions in India.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has emphasized India's significance as a strategic partner, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great friend." In remarks shared on social media by the US Embassy in India, Trump highlighted India's rich civilization and its crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region. This statement comes amid stalled negotiations over a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with discussions hampered by US demands for greater market access to sensitive agricultural and dairy products. Last week, Trump and Modi held a phone conversation while a US trade team was in Delhi, although their statements did not address the trade deal directly. Modi later described the call as warm and productive, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to collaborate on global peace and stability. Meanwhile, India seeks progress in BTA talks, as US tariffs on over half of its exports have begun to impact trade significantly.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's shrimp industry is experiencing a significant recovery, with its market share in the US rising to 40% from a low of 32% in March 2023, according to a report by InCred Equities. This resurgence is attributed to the unwinding of competitive distortions in global supply, particularly the erosion of Ecuador's previous cost advantages due to the rollback of unsustainable subsidies. As Ecuador's pricing discipline improves, Indian producers benefit from enhanced competitiveness, supported by scale and integration across the value chain. Additionally, proposed trade agreements with the EU and UK are expected to expand market access for Indian exporters, particularly in premium segments. Despite challenges in the past year, including a tough margin environment for feed producers, stabilizing raw material prices are restoring profitability. Overall, India's shrimp export share is projected to remain above 40%, solidifying its position as a key global supplier.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inCyclone Ditwah, which crossed the east coast of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2023, marked the first such event since Cyclone Burevi in late 2020. Ditwah, alongside Cyclone Senyar, emerged unexpectedly in the Bay of Bengal during late November, surprising meteorologists with their unusual origins and tracks. Senyar was particularly notable for being the first cyclone recorded in the Malacca Strait since 1891, exhibiting a slow movement and causing heavy rainfall in Indonesia and Malaysia, but minimal impact on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In contrast, Ditwah moved even slower, averaging 9.8 km/h, and brought significant rainfall to Sri Lanka, exacerbated by the island's topography. Its trajectory was unprecedented, being the first cyclone since 1967 to travel from south to north across Sri Lanka, highlighting the rarity of such weather patterns in the region.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inLow visibility due to dense fog at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has led to significant disruptions in aviation operations, with 126 flights affected on Tuesday, including 49 departures and 77 arrivals. Airport authorities reported that the fog has hindered both landing and take-off procedures. An update on the airport's official X account reassured passengers that while operations are gradually improving, some flights may still face delays, and on-ground staff are available to assist. Earlier, a fog advisory warned travelers of potential disruptions, urging them to contact airlines for timely updates. Compounding the situation, Delhi's air quality remains hazardous, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 378 recorded at 8 am, classified as "very poor." This marks a slight improvement from Monday's severe AQI of 427. Authorities are closely monitoring conditions and advising passengers to stay informed about flight operations amid the challenging weather and pollution levels.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inGlobal import demand for grains and oilseeds is projected to remain stable despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, according to analysts. While the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) anticipates a decline in global grain prices due to record production, research agency BMI predicts an average price increase in 2026, tempered by strong seasonal output. Morgan Stanley's projections reflect a "cautiously optimistic" outlook, noting that improved supply chains and ample harvests have led to more affordable food commodity prices. However, the report highlights potential challenges for food manufacturers and governments. In the oilseed market, prices are expected to rise due to tight supply and increased global consumption, despite uncertainties surrounding U.S.-China trade relations. Overall, the agricultural trade volume is expected to expand, benefiting exporters while presenting challenges for certain sectors.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation has unveiled plans for the National Onion Bhavan, set to be built on a two-acre site in Jaigaon, Nashik district, with an initial investment of ₹5 crore. This initiative aims to empower farmers by centralizing decisions on onion production, storage, and pricing, which have historically been made without their input. Bharat Dighole, the organisation's president, emphasized that the Bhavan will transform onion farming into a sustainable income source, reducing reliance on middlemen through a direct sales chain connecting farmers to consumers. The facility will also focus on onion seed research, quality control, and comprehensive crop monitoring, ensuring transparency in trade transactions. Additionally, it will provide amenities for farmers and stakeholders, including accommodation, meeting spaces, and a modern onion testing laboratory, fostering a collaborative environment for the onion industry.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSEPC Ltd, a prominent Engineering, Procurement and Construction firm, has been awarded a ₹270 crore railway infrastructure project as part of the Ajmer–Chanderiya Doubling Project by North Western Railway. The project, executed by the VPRPL–SBEL joint venture, will see SEPC overseeing the formation and civil works between Mandpiya and Chanderiya. This initiative is part of Indian Railways' efforts to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity on vital routes. Venkataramani Jaiganesh, Managing Director of SEPC, emphasized that this project not only showcases the company's capabilities in large-scale railway infrastructure but also bolsters its presence in the railway EPC sector. He noted that the focus on railways is crucial for SEPC, and this order significantly enhances its transportation infrastructure portfolio. The announcement was made on December 16, 2025.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 1 pm
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