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Committee lauds DRDO for ₹2.64 lakh crore savings, innovations

In a recent report, India's Standing Committee on Defence praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its advancements in next-generation defence technologies, particularly in hypersonic missiles and air defence systems. The committee highlighted that DRDO's indigenous research has resulted in significant savings of ₹2,64,156 crore over the past five years. The report commended DRDO for developing multiple air defence systems, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM), while also working on a long-range SAM under Project Kusha. Additionally, DRDO has deployed an integrated air defence system to safeguard the Delhi National Capital Region against aerial threats. The Defence Ministry is currently advancing these projects amid regional security concerns, particularly following Pakistan's recent military actions. The report underscores the importance of continued support for DRDO to enhance India's defence capabilities. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 9 am

CCL Products expands into food and beverage FMCG market

CCL Products (India) Ltd, the nation's largest coffee exporter, is embarking on a significant transformation to become a diversified food and beverage FMCG company. Currently selling coffee under brands like Continental and Malgudi through a network of 150,000 outlets, CCL is expanding its portfolio to include South Indian snacks and iced tea. The Malgudi brand, initially focused on filter coffee, has recently introduced traditional snacks such as chegodis and muruku, with plans for nationwide distribution. CEO Praveen Jaipuriar emphasized the need for diversification to enhance profitability as the company aims to increase its outlet presence from 150,000 to 300,000. CCL's coffee vending business has also grown significantly, generating ₹30-40 crore. In the first half of the fiscal year, CCL reported a 19% increase in net profits to ₹173 crore, with revenues rising 44.5% to ₹2,186 crore, highlighting the potential for growth in its non-coffee segments. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 9 am

ICAI amends Code of Ethics, permits CA firm advertising

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has revised its advertisement guidelines to bolster the competitiveness of domestic audit and consulting firms against global counterparts. ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda announced that these changes will enhance visibility and accessibility for emerging and mid-sized practices, allowing them to promote their services more effectively. The updated guidelines permit the use of digital "push technology" for non-exclusive services, enabling firms to maintain their own websites. Additionally, ICAI has aligned its ethical standards with the 2024 International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Code, imposing stricter rules on auditor independence and non-assurance services for audit clients. The new provisions also expand compliance requirements for listed entities, enhancing transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025, will facilitate international partnerships, providing a framework for Indian firms to collaborate globally. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 9 am

US intensifies crackdown on Venezuela's oil shipments, more seizures ahead

The U.S. is ramping up efforts to intercept vessels transporting Venezuelan oil following the recent seizure of the tanker Skipper, which British maritime risk management group Vanguard reported was taken on December 10. This marks the first U.S. interdiction of Venezuelan oil since sanctions were imposed in 2019, coinciding with a military buildup in the Caribbean aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has compiled a target list of additional sanctioned tankers, with plans for further seizures expected in the coming weeks. The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned six supertankers and four Venezuelans linked to the oil trade. The seizure has prompted some shippers to halt shipments of nearly 6 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, as concerns grow over the safety of navigating these waters. While Venezuela condemned the seizure as "theft," legal experts assert it does not constitute piracy under international law. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 9 am

Govt urges agriculture sector to boost capacity with incentives

The Indian government is encouraging the agriculture ancillary sector to leverage available incentives to enhance the food processing supply chain, as articulated by Avinash Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. He emphasized the need for increased processing, value addition, and food safety standards to ensure farmers receive their due prosperity while consumers benefit from improved choice and quality. The Ministry offers substantial support through initiatives like the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, which includes capital subsidies and financial aid for establishing cold-chain facilities and food-testing labs. Special incentives are also available for women-led self-help groups to initiate food-processing ventures. The recent FICCI Annapoorna Inter Food Exhibition in Mumbai attracted participants from 17-18 countries, highlighting a shift in consumer trends driven by Gen Z, which is expected to boost the domestic kitchen appliances market significantly by 2035. The event aimed to reconnect the value chain and foster innovation and collaboration. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 7 am

Goyal urges US to finalize trade deal if satisfied

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called on the United States to finalize the long-awaited free trade agreement if it is satisfied with India's latest offer, which US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described as the "best ever" from New Delhi. Goyal, while welcoming Greer's comments, did not provide a timeline for the agreement's signing, emphasizing that negotiations should not be rushed. Five rounds of discussions have already taken place, with US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visiting India to strengthen ties rather than negotiate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with President Donald Trump, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation amid ongoing trade talks. The US has imposed significant tariffs on Indian goods, which has strained exports, and both nations are keen to resolve these issues. However, India remains firm on protecting its agricultural interests, resisting concessions on sensitive sectors. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 10 pm

IndiGo CEO shares cancellation data with DGCA, summoned again

IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has been summoned for a second day by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) amid an investigation into significant flight cancellations affecting the airline. Following a meeting on Thursday, IndiGo submitted a revised winter schedule to the regulator, which is currently under review. The airline has reported a return to stability, operating over 1,900 flights daily and restoring full connectivity across all 138 domestic and international destinations since December 8. To compensate affected passengers, IndiGo is issuing ₹10,000 travel vouchers alongside statutory refunds starting at ₹5,000. The airline's operational data indicates a gradual improvement, with flight operations increasing from 1,700 on December 8 to over 1,900 by December 10. However, IndiGo has also adjusted its capacity and revenue forecasts for the third quarter of FY 2026 following a mandated 10% reduction in schedules. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 8 pm

IndiGo cuts Q3 FY2026 capacity and revenue forecasts

IndiGo has revised its capacity and revenue forecasts for the third quarter of financial year 2026, now anticipating mid-single-digit growth rather than the previously expected high-teens increase. This adjustment follows significant flight disruptions, including the cancellation of around 4,500 flights due to crew shortages and technical issues, compounded by a mandated 10% reduction in schedules by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The airline's financial performance has been under pressure, exacerbated by rupee depreciation and a slowdown in bookings. Brokerages have responded by cutting earnings forecasts, with HSBC noting strong headwinds from mass cancellations and reputational damage. Despite these challenges, analysts believe IndiGo's market position remains strong, and the airline is focused on operational improvements, currently operating over 1,900 flights across 138 destinations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is reviewing IndiGo's revised winter schedule, which may further impact growth projections. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 9 pm

NITI urges corporate bond market growth to lessen bank reliance

NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank, has emphasized the urgent need to develop the country's corporate bond market to support long-term financing essential for achieving a $30 trillion economy. In a recent report, CEO B V R Subrahmanyam highlighted the stark contrast between India's thriving equity markets and its underdeveloped bond market, which is only one-seventh the size of its equity counterpart. Currently valued at approximately $650 billion, India's corporate bond market pales in comparison to the UK's $4 trillion market. The report identifies systemic issues, including regulatory overlaps, limited investor access, and a lack of diverse instruments, which hinder market growth. With retail participation minimal and 98% of issuances through private placements, the report proposes a six-year roadmap to enhance regulatory coordination, infrastructure, and issuer diversity, advocating for technology-driven platforms to facilitate this transformation. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 9 pm

Mexico to impose up to 50% tariffs on India, China

Mexico has announced new import tariffs on over 1,400 products from India and several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, and Indonesia, with rates primarily set at 35% and some reaching 50%. These tariffs, approved by the Mexican Senate, will take effect in 2026 and are expected to significantly impact India's exports, particularly in the automobile sector, which accounts for approximately $1.95 billion of the $5.8 billion in total exports to Mexico in FY 25. Experts warn that this move could hinder India's efforts to diversify its export markets beyond traditional partners like the US and EU. While countries with free trade agreements, such as Japan and the EU, will be exempt, analysts suggest that Mexico's decision may be an attempt to align more closely with US trade interests amid ongoing reviews of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. India is likely to address these tariffs through diplomatic channels to mitigate their impact. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 9 pm

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