Trending Economy

Listen as Radio

Cabinet greenlights 13 new Delhi Metro stations in Phase-IV A

The Union Cabinet has approved the Delhi Metro Rail Project Phase-IV A, a major expansion of the capital's mass transit system, which will see the construction of 13 new stations—10 underground and 3 elevated—over three years. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the ₹12,015 crore project will add 16 kilometres to the network, bringing the total length to over 400 kilometres and enhancing urban mobility in the National Capital Region. The expansion will cover three key corridors: Ramakrishna Ashram Marg-Indraprastha (9.9 km), Aerocity-Airport Terminal-1 (2.3 km), and Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km). This initiative aims to improve connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transport. Additionally, the Delhi Metro recently celebrated 23 years of operation and received the ICI Awards 2025 for its Maujpur-Majlis Park corridor, which will become India's first circular ring metro line upon completion. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 4 pm

Purandar Airport to increase Pune's GDP by 2%: Fadnavis

The Maharashtra government has pledged maximum compensation for farmers affected by the Purandar airport project, which is expected to boost Pune's GDP by at least 2% and enhance industrial growth. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the project will not only serve passenger flights but also function as a cargo airport, benefiting local trade, particularly for perishable goods. To support affected farmers, the government will provide Transferable Development Rights (TDR), alternative land, and priority employment for their children. Additionally, skill development centres will be established to equip local youth with industry-relevant training. Fadnavis emphasized that the project will prioritize proper rehabilitation and may offer compensation exceeding current land rates, determined through negotiations rather than standard assessments. This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring fair treatment for those impacted by the airport's development. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 6 pm

Two-wheeler exports surge 24% from April to November 2025

India's two-wheeler exports surged by 24% year-on-year during April-November 2025, driven by robust demand from markets in Latin America and Africa. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the country exported 4,243,330 units, up from 3,393,441 units in the same period last year. Motorcycles dominated the exports, accounting for 87%, while scooters made up nearly 13%. Motorcycle exports rose by 27%, with scooters seeing an 8% increase. Bajaj Auto maintained its leadership with a 35% market share, although this was a slight decline from 38% the previous year. TVS Motor improved its share to 27%, while Hero MotoCorp reported strong sales, particularly for models like the Hunk series, and expanded its presence in Latin America and Europe. Overall, the export momentum reflects a positive trend for Indian manufacturers, bolstered by strong performances from Hero, Bajaj, and TVS, according to Axis Securities. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 6 pm

IBBI requires beneficial ownership disclosure in resolution plans

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has introduced a new regulation mandating the disclosure of beneficial ownership in resolution plans, aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing opaque bids. Effective from December 23, the regulation requires resolution applicants to provide detailed statements about the natural persons who ultimately own or control them, including their shareholding structure and jurisdiction of any intermediate entities. Additionally, applicants must submit an affidavit confirming their eligibility under Section 32A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which addresses liability for prior offences. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling last year that called for reforms after the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium's failure to implement a resolution plan for Jet Airways. Legal experts believe these amendments will improve scrutiny of applicants, ensuring that only legitimate entities participate in the resolution process, thereby safeguarding creditors' interests and reducing potential disputes. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 6 pm

Indian refiners navigate economics amid geopolitical trade tensions by 2025

In 2025, India's oil and gas sector demonstrated resilience amid geopolitical challenges, including escalating conflicts in West Asia and sanctions imposed by the US and EU on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Despite these pressures, Indian refiners successfully navigated the shifting landscape by diversifying their energy sources, enhancing trade ties with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, and increasing purchases from the US and African suppliers. A government official noted that while geopolitical tensions recalibrated energy flows, refiners ensured the availability of fuel at reasonable prices for consumers. Analysts highlighted that sanctions have made Russian oil cheaper, allowing India to import significant volumes, although reliance on Russian crude is expected to decline. The shift towards a broader supplier base, including countries like Argentina and Brazil, aims to bolster energy security and maintain price competitiveness, as India aspires to expand its refining capacity to 400 million tonnes per annum. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 6 pm

India can boost New Zealand exports post-FTA: GTRI

India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand is projected to reach $1.3 billion in FY25, with experts highlighting the need for targeted export promotion, regulatory cooperation, and logistics support to maximize the benefits of the newly announced free trade agreement (FTA). According to the Global Trade and Research Initiative, India has significant potential to boost exports in sectors such as processed foods, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electronics, where it is currently under-represented. In FY2025, New Zealand imported only $711 million from India, a mere fraction of its total imports, compared to over $10 billion from China. Ajay Srivastava, a trade expert, emphasized that diversifying imports could enhance supply-chain resilience for New Zealand. The FTA, which offers zero-duty access to Indian goods, is set for legal vetting before being presented to the New Zealand Parliament for approval, with expectations of substantial trade growth post-implementation. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 5 pm

FEED report highlights gaps in cooperatives, digital access for farmers

A report titled "State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025," released by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) on Kisan Diwas, highlights the precarious position of marginal farmers, who constitute 60-70% of India's agricultural households. Despite their significant numbers, these farmers face vulnerabilities due to limited participation in cooperatives—less than 25% are active members—leading to reliance on informal markets and exposure to climate and market shocks. The report advocates for modernising governance and enhancing cooperative structures to foster inclusivity. It notes that primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) are evolving into rural service hubs, improving income and crop yields for linked farmers. However, digital adoption remains low, particularly in Bihar and Tripura, with many cooperatives lacking digital tools. Gender disparities persist, as women hold only a fraction of leadership roles within cooperatives, despite their substantial membership. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 5 pm

Cabinet greenlights ₹12,000 crore Delhi Metro Phase V(A) expansion

The Union Cabinet has approved a new phase of metro connectivity in Delhi, with an investment exceeding ₹12,000 crore aimed at enhancing public transport access in the capital. This initiative will introduce three new corridors, adding over 16 kilometers to the existing network, which will now surpass 400 kilometers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the project will benefit around 60,000 office-goers and 200,000 daily visitors, significantly reducing congestion, fossil fuel consumption, and pollution. The corridors include R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, Aerocity to IGD Airport T-1, and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj, with funding shared between the Central and Delhi governments and a portion financed through loans. Meanwhile, construction of the ongoing Phase IV, covering 111 kilometers, is progressing, with completion expected by December 2026. Currently, the Delhi Metro serves an average of 6.5 million passengers daily, making it one of the largest metro systems globally. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 5 pm

Air India restarts Delhi-Rome; IndiGo launches Delhi-London flights

Air India and IndiGo have unveiled plans to enhance their international networks with new flights to Rome and London, respectively. Air India, under the Tata Group, will resume its non-stop service from Delhi to Rome on March 25, 2026, operating four times a week after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This service aims to improve connectivity between the two capitals and facilitate travel to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, IndiGo will launch direct flights from Delhi to London Heathrow starting February 2, 2026, with five weekly flights using Boeing 787 aircraft. This addition will increase IndiGo's total weekly flights to London to 12, complementing its existing Mumbai-London service. Both airlines are responding to rising travel demand, with IndiGo also announcing new routes to Athens and other international destinations over the past year. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 5 pm

Include fisherfolk in EEZ policymaking bodies, plea urges

Fisher-folk have called on the Indian government to include their representatives in policymaking bodies to leverage their practical expertise, essential for achieving responsible fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite nearly eight decades of discussions on fisheries welfare, the Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala highlighted that the government has yet to assess the capabilities of deep-sea vessels adequately. Federation leaders Paul Rajan Mampilly and Joseph Xavier Kalappurackal emphasized that fishermen should manage deep-sea fishing, as current policies do not align with the realities faced by those reliant on fishing for their livelihoods. They criticized the lack of scientific basis in sustainable fishing programs and noted that policymakers often overlook the complexities of fish availability and operational costs in deeper waters. The federation underscored the importance of engaging the younger traditional fishing community, which will be vital for the sector's future. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 4 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!