eznews.inThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a new framework for the packaged drinking and mineral water sector, effective January 1, 2026, following the removal of the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. This change aims to streamline compliance for water companies, which will now only need an FSSAI license. Under the new regulations, companies must conduct monthly microbiological testing of their products, with additional testing required every three months for other parameters. The FSSAI's decision to reclassify packaged water as a "high-risk" category necessitates third-party audits to ensure safety and quality. This amendment, gazetted on October 12, 2024, is part of a broader effort to enhance food safety standards in the Indian market, eliminating the need for dual certification from different regulatory bodies. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a bid to address rising operational costs, the Indian Ministry of Railways has announced a fare increase for ordinary class passengers, effective December 26, 2025. The new policy will see fares rise by one paise per kilometer for journeys exceeding 215 kilometers on non-AC mail and express trains, as well as all AC classes. However, there will be no fare hikes for suburban services or monthly season ticket holders, ensuring that daily commuters are not burdened. The fare adjustment comes as the Railways faces escalating operational costs, projected to reach ₹2,63,000 crore in 2024-25, driven by increased manpower and pension expenses. Despite these challenges, the Railways has expanded its network significantly and aims to enhance safety and efficiency, solidifying its position as the world's second-largest cargo-carrying railway.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs the US grapples with a retail crisis, closing nearly 1,200 mall stores since 2020, India is witnessing a retail boom, according to real estate consultancy Anarock. While 40% of vacant US malls face rezoning, India's market is thriving, driven by robust consumer demand and heightened institutional investor confidence. Anarock's CEO, Anuj Kejriwal, forecasts over $3.5 billion in capital inflows into Indian malls over the next three years, with more than 88 foreign brands entering the market. The country's limited organized retail competition and a young consumer base are attracting global investors, as India's per capita retail stock remains among the lowest worldwide. With Grade-A malls achieving near-full occupancy and a resilient retail mix, India's consumption economy is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2030, contrasting sharply with the struggles of Western retail environments.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Securities Market Code Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the winter session, aims to consolidate existing securities laws and could significantly impact market disclosures and the workload of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). The proposed legislation mandates that listed companies notify stock exchanges upon receiving regulatory notices, potentially leading to dual disclosures that may affect stock movements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's bill also introduces an Ombudsman system for investor grievances, which could further burden SAT, already facing a backlog of cases. The bill stipulates a clear grievance escalation process and limits SEBI's enforcement powers, imposing an eight-year cap on investigations, while also requiring them to be completed within 180 days. Additionally, it mandates SEBI to establish a Reserve Fund, allocating 25% of its annual surplus for operational expenses. The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee, with a report expected at the Budget session's start.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Railways has announced a fare rationalisation set to take effect on December 26, aimed at addressing rising operational costs while limiting the financial burden on passengers. Notably, there will be no fare increases for suburban services or Monthly Season Ticket holders, benefiting daily commuters. Ordinary-class fares for journeys up to 215 kilometres will remain unchanged, while those exceeding this distance will see a modest increase of one paise per kilometre. Mail and Express non-AC fares will rise by two paise per kilometre, with the same increase applied to AC classes. The Ministry emphasised that the fare adjustments would have a minimal impact, with a 500-kilometre non-AC journey costing only ₹10 more. This rationalisation is projected to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue, supporting enhanced safety measures and operational efficiency as Indian Railways continues to evolve as a major cargo railway system.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift within India's IT sector, experts predict a future workforce model characterized by lean, fluid structures that minimize idle capacity. Data from CIEL HR reveals that major IT firms halved their bench strength in 2025, reducing it to 10-12% of total headcount from 18-20% in 2024, as companies adapt to changing client contracts and tighter utilization metrics. Mid-cap firms are even leaner, driven by project-linked hiring and flexible staffing. Clients increasingly prefer outcome-based pricing and shorter project cycles, prompting firms to align workforce planning with real-time demand. The rise of AI is further compressing bench strength, as it allows for faster project delivery with fewer personnel, undermining the economic rationale for maintaining large idle workforces. As a result, employees are now expected to reskill rapidly and demonstrate immediate billability, marking a structural reset in the IT talent model.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 3 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.inThe 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 pm
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