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In a recent announcement, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the Employees' Enrolment Scheme (EES)-2025, providing a six-month compliance window for employers to voluntarily enroll eligible employees who were excluded from the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025. The Ministry of Labour & Employment emphasized that employers can regularize past non-compliance by depositing only the employer's share of contributions, along with applicable interest and a nominal penalty of ₹100. This initiative aims to enhance social security coverage across the nation. The EPFO is actively reaching out to defaulting employers via SMS and email, urging them to seize this one-time opportunity to rectify their compliance issues. The scheme reflects the government's commitment to ensuring "Social Security for All" in India. 
Published: Dec 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inDuring a recent visit to Muscat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman signed a trade pact aimed at bolstering economic ties while safeguarding India's domestic interests. The agreement, finalized on Thursday, notably excludes duty concessions on sensitive products, including agricultural items like dairy, tea, and coffee, as well as gold, silver, jewellery, and various labour-intensive goods. The Indian Commerce Ministry emphasized that these exclusions are designed to protect local farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). For products of export interest to Oman, India has implemented a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system, allowing limited duty concessions on items such as dates and petrochemicals, with an annual quota of 2,000 tonnes for duty-free dates. Additionally, Oman has permitted Indian firms to import marble blocks, which are otherwise banned in the Gulf nation.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production for the 2025/26 marketing year is projected to increase by 18% to 30.9 million metric tons, despite diverting 3.4 million tons for ethanol production, according to Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. This rise in output comes as the government seeks to protect sugarcane farmers from income losses due to surplus supplies, which could pressure global sugar prices already near five-year lows. To manage the surplus, New Delhi has approved exports of 1.5 million tons for the current season, following a previous ban due to drought conditions. Chopra noted that domestic demand is around 29 million tons annually, and with production set to exceed this, the industry anticipates a gradual decline in prices by mid-January. The government is also considering raising the floor price for sugar sales to support farmers and ensure timely payments. Sugar prices have already dropped nearly 4% since the marketing year began on October 1.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a recent interview, Sumesh Patel, President of SITA's Asia Pacific region, expressed optimism about India's aviation sector despite a challenging 2025. He noted that while air traffic growth has slowed, the underlying demand remains strong, primarily due to a shortage of aircraft to meet passenger needs. Patel highlighted that over 90% of global airlines and airports are investing in technology, with India leading in areas like biometric adoption through initiatives such as Digi Yatra. However, he acknowledged space constraints at Indian airports limit the deployment of self-service technologies like baggage drops. Despite these challenges, Patel affirmed that passenger engagement with existing technologies is on par with other Asia Pacific nations. SITA is committed to India, with its largest global office in Gurgaon, focusing on manufacturing kiosks and self-bag drop equipment to support both local and international markets.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Sensex closed at 84,481.81, down by 77.84 points, while crude oil prices fell by ₹12 to ₹5,069. Gold and silver also saw declines, with gold priced at ₹134,289, down ₹605, and silver at ₹205,765, down ₹1,670. In aviation news, IndiGo is facing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court following a significant operational collapse that resulted in the cancellation of over 4,600 flights, stranding more than 1.2 million passengers. The crisis stemmed from the airline's inadequate preparation for new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) safety norms, which increased mandatory pilot rest periods. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated proceedings against IndiGo under the Competition Act, 2002, to investigate potential abuse of market dominance, given the airline's 65% share in the Indian aviation sector.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCrop conditions across India are reported to be largely normal, bolstered by favourable weather and adequate soil moisture. As of November 30, the area under mustard cultivation reached approximately 77.06 lakh hectares, marking a 6% increase from the previous year, with significant growth in states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, according to Sanjeev Asthana, President of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). While some localized stress was noted due to uneven rainfall, overall crop health remains satisfactory. In addition, castor crop acreage has also risen by 6% to an estimated 9.09 lakh hectares. The government’s National Mission on Edible Oils aims to boost domestic oilseed production to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31, enhancing sustainability in the sector. Furthermore, SEA is advocating for standard packaging for edible oils to improve consumer clarity and regulatory compliance.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, marking its 17th trade pact aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. This agreement follows India's recent trade deals with countries including the UAE, Australia, and Japan, and is part of a broader strategy to diversify export markets and attract foreign investment. Under the CEPA, Oman will eliminate customs duties on various Indian products, including textiles and pharmaceuticals, while India will offer tariff concessions on Omani goods like dates and petrochemicals. The pact is expected to come into effect in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. In FY25, India's exports to Oman reached $4.1 billion, primarily in naphtha and petrol, while imports totaled $6.6 billion, dominated by crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Sensitive products, including dairy and gold, are excluded from concessions to protect domestic interests.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia and Oman signed a free trade agreement (CEPA) on Thursday, granting duty-free access to 98% of India's exports, including textiles, agricultural, and leather goods, while India will reduce tariffs on Omani products like dates and petrochemicals. The agreement, expected to take effect in the first quarter of 2024, comes as India faces high tariffs in the US, its largest export market. Signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman's Minister Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef in Muscat, the deal covers 99.38% of India's exports to Oman and includes significant tariff eliminations for labour-intensive sectors. Additionally, Oman will enhance mobility for Indian professionals, increasing the quota for intra-corporate transferees and extending stay durations. This pact marks India's second trade agreement with a Gulf Cooperation Council member, following a similar deal with the UAE, and reflects India's strategy to strengthen ties with key regional partners.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inMumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (MIAL) has solidified its position as the leading air traffic hub in Maharashtra, handling 4.39 crore passengers in 2022-23, with projections rising to 5.28 crore in 2023-24 and 5.51 crore in 2024-25. Overall, Maharashtra's airports recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic, from 5.61 crore in 2022-23 to 7.08 crore in 2024-25. Pune Airport emerged as the second-largest contributor, with passenger numbers climbing from 80.07 lakh to over 1.04 crore during the same period. While major airports like Nagpur and Aurangabad experienced steady growth, smaller regional airports showed inconsistent trends. The data reflects a growing demand for air travel in urban centres, alongside uneven usage of regional facilities. Additionally, air cargo operations are expanding, with AAICLAS managing services at several airports, including Pune and Aurangabad, which have established significant cargo handling capacities.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBusiness leaders in West Kochi have called for the urgent establishment of affordable water-based transport services to better serve local residents and businesses. During a meeting organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Loknath Behera, chairman of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity in Mattancherry, where new water services are expected to be operational by 2027, connecting Thoppumpady and Edakochi terminals. Behera highlighted Mattancherry's significance as a commercial hub, advocating for the revival of traditional grain trade and the alignment of transport facilities with the area's economic potential. Rajkumar Gupta, president of the Chamber, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for a reliable and affordable boat service that operates consistently, regardless of tidal conditions, and integrates seamlessly with other Water Metro jetties. The initiative aims to bolster the region's transport infrastructure as part of Kochi's broader development strategy.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 1 pm
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