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In a pivotal move, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the CoalSETU policy on December 12, allowing entities to procure coal for industrial use, exports, and washing, but prohibiting domestic resale. This initiative addresses the long-standing demand for long-term coal linkages without end-use restrictions, particularly benefiting non-regulated sectors (NRS) like cement, steel, and sponge iron, which are vital to infrastructure. The Ministry has established regulations for the CoalSETU window, enabling domestic buyers to participate in auctions for up to 15 years without specific end-use requirements, although traders are excluded. Auctions will be conducted by Coal India (CIL) or Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), ensuring transparency and competition. Coal linkage holders can export up to 50% of their allocated quantity and utilize the coal flexibly among group companies, while adhering to existing agreements for specified end users. 
Published: Dec 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inKNR Constructions has announced a significant divestment, executing share purchase agreements with Indus Infra Trust for the sale of its entire stake, including sub-debt, in four highway special purpose vehicles (SPVs). The transaction, signed on December 24, 2025, involves an investment of ₹566.83 crore by KNR in equity and sub-debt, with the company expected to receive a total consideration of ₹1,543.19 crore. The SPVs involved in the deal are KNR Palani Infra Private Limited, KNR Ramagiri Infra Private Limited, KNR Guruvayur Infra Private Limited, and KNR Ramanattukara Infra Private Limited. Completion of the divestment is contingent upon approvals from various authorities and lenders, in line with the Concession Agreement, and is anticipated to be finalized by September 30, 2026.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Railway Ministry has announced a fare hike effective December 26, 2025, increasing train ticket prices by 1 paise per km for ordinary class journeys exceeding 215 km and 2 paise per km for non-AC classes of mail/express trains and all AC classes. This marks the second fare revision this year, following a previous increase in July. The ministry emphasized that the graded fare rationalisation aims to protect short-distance commuters, ensuring no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km. For longer distances, fare increases will be applied in increments based on distance. The revised structure maintains affordability for passengers while ensuring the financial sustainability of railway operations. Existing fares for major train services will be updated accordingly, and tickets booked before the effective date will not incur additional charges. The ministry reiterated its commitment to providing safe and reliable travel for millions of passengers daily.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's engineering exports surpassed $11 billion in November 2025, marking a 23.76% year-on-year increase, despite challenges posed by US tariffs. This rebound follows a significant decline in October, driven by increased shipments to key markets, particularly the EU and the US, alongside a low-base effect, according to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, highlighted the resilience of exporters, noting that November's figures reflect a recovery from a 17% drop in October. Notably, exports to the US rose by 11.4%, while those to the EU surged by 39%. The recent trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand are expected to further boost engineering exports. However, Chadha urged caution due to rising global trade volatility. Overall, engineering exports accounted for 28.9% of total merchandise exports in November, up from 27.3% in the April-November period.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNeem trees in Telangana are facing a significant threat, with over 60% infected by the fungus _Phomopsis azadirachtae_, known as "Dieback disease." This condition, which drains chlorophyll from the leaves and begins at the twigs, is spreading rapidly, aided by birds that carry the spores. While the disease does not affect humans or other plants, young neem trees are particularly vulnerable. Experts attribute the outbreak to heavy monsoon rains, which create ideal conditions for the fungus. B. Sadasivaiah, a botany lecturer, noted that while most mature trees can recover within months, young trees may not survive severe infections. He advises against chemical treatments, recommending instead the pruning of infected branches and the use of henna as a natural remedy. The outbreak is expected to last nearly a decade, following a historical pattern observed in other regions.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTourism in Gulmarg, a prominent ski resort in north Kashmir, is experiencing a resurgence following recent snowfall, attracting visitors eager for winter sports and holidays. This revival comes after a significant decline in tourist numbers due to a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities and led to widespread cancellations and heightened security measures across the region. Hotels in Gulmarg are reporting occupancy rates of 50 to 55 percent, with increased bookings and inquiries as tourists regain confidence. Visitors, like Delhi resident Rahul Sharma, noted the allure of fresh snow and improved arrangements as key factors in their decision to travel. The tourism department is actively working to sustain this momentum, organizing events to draw more visitors, while stakeholders remain hopeful that the winter season will help recover losses from earlier in the year.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Navi Mumbai airport officially opened on Christmas Day, marking a significant advancement in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's airport infrastructure. The first flight, an IndiGo Airbus A320 from Bengaluru, landed at 7:32 am, followed by a departure to Hyderabad. Built at a cost of over ₹19,650 crore, the airport aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Mumbai airport and enhance connectivity for regions including Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. On its inaugural day, the airport managed 48 flights and served around 4,000 passengers, with expectations to handle millions of domestic travelers by FY26 and commence international flights in March. Despite a celebratory atmosphere, some operational challenges emerged, including baggage delays and mobile network issues. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani hailed the opening as a proud moment for Mumbai and India, while local villagers were honored with joyrides to commemorate the occasion.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has approved a proposal to lease 11 airports, including major hubs like Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, and Tiruchirappalli, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model as part of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP-II). This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and attract investment, with final details expected to be revealed in the upcoming Union Budget. The proposal has been forwarded to the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) for thorough evaluation. A strategic pairing of larger airports with smaller ones is being considered to optimize bidding opportunities for prospective lessees. Currently, 14 airports in India operate under PPP arrangements, with the model first introduced in 2006. The government emphasizes that the PPP framework is crucial for mobilizing resources across key infrastructure sectors, with regulatory measures being refined to support its implementation.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inChennai's public transport system has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the introduction of electric buses as part of the Chennai City Partnership Program, launched in 2022 with support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. This initiative has revitalized the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which now serves 3.5 million passengers daily and has been awarded India's top urban transport accolade. The city's strategic plan aims to double its bus fleet to 7,500 by 2032, with two-thirds being electric, while also enhancing customer satisfaction through annual surveys. The implementation of Gross Cost Contracts has attracted significant private investment, enabling the procurement of 1,025 electric buses and achieving cost savings of $620 million over 12 years. Ashok Leyland's subsidiaries are set to supply and operate additional electric buses, reinforcing Chennai's commitment to sustainable urban mobility and setting a benchmark for public transport reform in India.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe latest Public Enterprises Survey for FY25 reveals a decline in regular employees within Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) over the past five years, despite a slight overall increase in employment due to a rise in casual and contract workers. As of March 31, 2025, CPSEs employed over 15.42 lakh individuals, marking a modest growth of 1.61% from the previous year, primarily driven by an increase of over 54,000 non-regular workers. The report indicates that the petroleum sector has the highest proportion of casual and contract workers at 82%, while the power transmission sector boasts the most regular employees at 91%. Additionally, the share of women in CPSEs has decreased to nearly 10%, with a notable presence in managerial roles. The trend towards non-regular employment appears aimed at reducing wage bills and statutory payments, although officials declined to comment on the issue.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 5 pm
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