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Cyclone Ditwah was situated approximately 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting its center was about 80 km from the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as of Sunday morning. Despite its proximity to land, the cyclone has retained its status, although its lateral movement has slowed since departing Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The cyclone is expected to continue moving northward parallel to the coasts until Monday, with the distance to the storm center decreasing to 30 km. Heavy rainfall has been recorded across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, particularly in the southern Delta region. The IMD forecasts isolated thunderstorms and rainfall across Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh for the coming days. Wind speeds along the southern Tamil Nadu coast are expected to decrease from gale-force to squally conditions by Monday morning. 
Published: Nov 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the 'Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025' on Monday, aimed at enhancing funding for national security and public health. This new cess is expected to replace the soon-to-be-terminated compensation cess under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tobacco products. The bill, one of two slated for introduction during the Winter Session, seeks to impose a levy on the manufacturing processes of specified goods, potentially maintaining the effective GST rate on tobacco. The move comes in response to increased funding needs following Operation Sindoor and recommendations from a Parliamentary Panel for a Future Warfare Fund. Additionally, the government is pushing for more health funding, with initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme providing significant health coverage to economically vulnerable families. A second bill will amend the Central Excise Act, 1944, modernizing the law without expanding the tax base.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 8 pmeznews.inGujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. anticipates a year-end performance for container volumes between -2% and 0%, as it grapples with a decline in market share due to US tariff disruptions. The port's Managing Director, Girish Aggarwal, reported a 5% drop in container volumes during the first half of the financial year, with a notable 9% decline in the latest quarter attributed to reduced US-linked cargo. Despite these challenges, the port is experiencing growth in liquids, RoRo, and fertiliser segments, which are becoming key drivers for future expansion. While the Gujarat region saw a 6% growth in the July-September quarter, Pipavav's performance lagged due to its exposure to tariff-affected services. Aggarwal expressed optimism for a slight recovery in container volumes in the upcoming quarters, bolstered by improving sentiment regarding US tariff negotiations.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which devastated central Sri Lanka and resulted in nearly 200 fatalities, over 700 Indian passengers stranded in Colombo have begun their return home as flight operations normalize. On Sunday, two Indian Air Force aircraft transported 320 passengers to Hindon and Thiruvananthapuram, while Air India facilitated the return of another 398 to Delhi and Mumbai. Although IndiGo's flights resumed as scheduled, Sri Lankan Airlines expects to restore full operations by midnight. The Indian High Commission has established an emergency help desk at the airport to assist affected travelers. Despite the cyclone's impact, which may temporarily hinder tourism growth, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is extending visas for affected tourists and ensuring that most tourist destinations remain operational. Hotels are also accommodating guests by waiving cancellation fees and extending stays as needed.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe recent arrest of members from the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Jaipur, alongside two others, in a cash-for-orders scandal has raised serious concerns about corruption within the tribunal, which adjudicates numerous high-stakes tax disputes annually. This incident echoes a troubling history of corruption in the ITAT, including a 2006 case where a Kolkata member was arrested for accepting bribes, and a 2012 nationwide investigation into collusion among tribunal members. The latest arrests suggest that entrenched networks continue to influence quasi-judicial decisions, with allegations of "bench-fixing" practices. Critics argue that the ITAT's administrative oversight is inadequate, allowing certain members to dominate key cases. Additionally, efforts to implement a "faceless" system to enhance transparency have stalled, despite successful reforms in other tax-related areas. The Supreme Court's recent ruling has further diminished oversight, raising questions about the tribunal's integrity and operational independence.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndian airlines have successfully completed a crucial software upgrade for their Airbus A320 family fleet ahead of the November 30 deadline, ensuring the restoration of normal flight operations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed full compliance, with Union Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha noting that Indian carriers were among the fastest globally to finish the upgrade without disrupting flight schedules. Despite some initial delays, operations returned to normal by early Sunday. IndiGo upgraded all 200 of its aircraft, while Air India completed work on 100 of its 113 planes, and Air India Express upgraded 23 of its 25 aircraft. The upgrades were mandated following an emergency airworthiness directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and were closely monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which conducted spot checks to verify compliance across the fleet.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCyclone Ditwah, currently situated over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to bring significant rainfall to several districts in Andhra Pradesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, which has moved northward and is positioned near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, is anticipated to enhance rainfall activity, particularly in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam, where light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and squally winds of up to 55 km/h are forecasted. South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas facing extremely heavy downpours. In preparation, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anita has urged officials to remain vigilant, ensuring timely warnings and readiness for potential evacuations. District Collectors reported that precautionary measures and rehabilitation centres are in place to address any emergencies arising from the cyclone's impact.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4-5, focusing on addressing India's significant trade deficit with Russia, which reached approximately $59 billion in FY25. During his two-day visit, Putin will lead a high-level delegation to explore new export opportunities for Indian businesses, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and food supplies. The discussions will also include the proposed India-EAEU free trade agreement, which involves Russia and several other countries. Amidst US tariffs impacting trade, including a 50% penalty on Russian oil purchases, both nations aim to enhance their economic ties, with India seeking to boost its exports to Russia. Additionally, Putin is expected to discuss the sale of S-400 air defense systems and explore trading in local currencies to circumvent Western sanctions. The visit underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral relations amid geopolitical tensions.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFertilizer sales in India saw a 6% increase in the first three weeks of November, with Urea leading the rise at 12%, followed by di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) at 7%. However, sales of Muriate of Potash (MOP) remained stagnant, and complex fertilizers experienced a 5% decline. Despite a doubling of sales in the first week, subsequent weeks saw a 12% drop, attributed to farmers' complaints about availability. From November 1-21, total sales reached 47.17 lakh tonnes, up from 44.52 lakh tonnes last year. The fertilizer ministry assured that supplies of Urea, MOP, and DAP are adequate, with DAP availability at 28.62 lakh tonnes, surpassing the monthly requirement. Meanwhile, wheat sowing for the Rabi season is on the rise, with prices stable at ₹2541 per quintal, reflecting a 10% decrease from last year. Farmers continue to rely on DAP for wheat cultivation, despite recommendations for alternative fertilizers.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study by CUTS International has called for the rationalisation of import duties on aluminium, arguing that reducing barriers could significantly benefit India's manufacturing sector. Despite projections indicating a rise in domestic aluminium demand from 5.3 million tonnes to 8.3 million tonnes by 2030, escalating input costs threaten the country's manufacturing ambitions. The current duty structure is seen as a hindrance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to India's manufacturing ecosystem and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The study highlights that high domestic aluminium prices disadvantage Indian manufacturers, particularly in fast-growing sectors like construction, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. By lowering input costs, the study suggests that India's 3,500 aluminium MSMEs could enhance their competitiveness, create jobs, and capture higher-value export markets, thereby driving economic growth across various industrial regions.
Published: Nov 30 2025, 4 pm
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