eznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter, a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role aircraft designed to meet the challenging demands of Indian terrain. The flight, which took place in Bengaluru, was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who hailed it as a significant milestone for Indian aviation and a testament to the "Make in India" initiative. HAL's Chairman D K Sunil emphasized that the Dhruv NG is pivotal for the company's expansion into the civil aviation sector, building on the success of the Dhruv Mk 1, which has logged over 24,000 flight hours. The helicopter features advanced safety and reliability systems, including crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks. Additionally, HAL received certification for the indigenous production of the Shakti Civil Engine, marking a first for the Indian aerospace industry. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndiGo is under scrutiny following significant operational disruptions earlier this month, prompting the Centre to review a confidential report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The report investigates the causes behind extensive flight cancellations and aims to formulate strategies to prevent future incidents. IndiGo has been asked to provide its recruitment plans for pilots and cabin crew, alongside details on training pipelines and measures to address crew management and regulatory compliance. The airline has appointed international aviation expert John Illson for an independent assessment of the disruptions, which IndiGo attributes to a mix of technical issues, schedule changes, adverse weather, and updated flight duty regulations. In response to the situation, the DGCA has mandated a 10% reduction in IndiGo's flight schedule and requested a revised operational plan. To boost pilot morale, IndiGo will increase cockpit crew allowances starting January 1, 2026.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant move towards modernising its armed forces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed capital contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore in FY26. Recently, contracts totalling ₹4,666 crore were finalised for the procurement of close quarter battle (CQB) carbines and heavyweight torpedoes. The CQB carbines, valued at ₹2,770 crore, will be supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, replacing outdated British models. Bharat Forge plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Pune, while Adani Defence will produce its share at its Gwalior facility. Deliveries are expected to start in September 2026. Additionally, a ₹1,896 crore contract with Italy's WASS Submarine Systems will enhance the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines with 48 advanced torpedoes, set for delivery between April 2028 and early 2030. The MoD emphasised that these initiatives align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and economic growth.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn 2025, onion farmers in India faced severe financial distress, selling their produce at prices significantly below production costs, according to the Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation. While the cost of production ranged from ₹22 to ₹25 per kg, market prices fluctuated between ₹8 and ₹18 per kg throughout the year, leading to mounting losses and increased debt among growers. Despite the Centre's procurement of three lakh tonnes of onions to create a buffer stock, farmers allege that purchases were made through intermediaries, benefiting a select few and resulting in financial irregularities. Bharat Dighole, president of the organisation, criticized the buffer stock operation as a policy failure that economically suffocated farmers. The association has called for a high-level judicial inquiry into the procurement process and threatened statewide protests if their demands for accountability are not met.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to strongly oppose the proposed inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in March 2026. While 128 countries have endorsed the agreement, India argues that investment is a non-trade issue that falls outside the WTO's mandate, potentially undermining the regulatory space needed by developing nations for foreign direct investment (FDI). At a recent WTO General Council meeting, India reiterated its stance against the IFD, which has been submitted for adoption 11 times without consensus. South Africa has shifted its position to support the agreement, while Turkey expressed a willingness to engage in further dialogue. Experts warn that if the IFD is incorporated, it could set a precedent for other non-trade issues, sidelining critical development concerns such as agricultural support for developing countries.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArtificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to contribute up to $1.7 trillion to India's economy by 2035, emerging as a key growth driver, according to government estimates. This forecast coincides with increased public investment and policy support, exemplified by the IndiaAI Mission, which has earmarked over ₹10,300 crore for enhancing computing infrastructure, fostering startups, and expanding skilling initiatives. AI's economic impact is expected to span various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education, enhancing productivity through automation and data-driven decision-making. The technology sector, currently employing over six million people, is anticipated to see its AI talent pool double to over 12.5 lakh professionals by 2027. The government has also initiated reskilling programs, with over 18.5 lakh candidates enrolled in the FutureSkills PRIME platform. Additionally, efforts to build affordable AI infrastructure and promote inclusivity through multilingual tools aim to ensure that AI benefits reach a broader demographic, including India's 490 million informal workers.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a strategic move to enhance profitability and sustainability in India's natural rubber sector, the Rubber Board has introduced several technology-driven initiatives aimed at reducing production costs and increasing productivity. Executive Director M Vasanthageshan highlighted the advanced development of drone-based spraying techniques to combat major diseases, which could alleviate labor shortages and operational expenses for growers. Additionally, the Board is exploring the use of Nano Copper Oxychloride blended oil for plant protection, pending successful field trials. To capitalize on the European Union's demand for sustainable materials, the Rubber Board has launched Bharat Sustainable Natural Rubber, an online platform ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. Furthermore, the Rubber Product Incubation Centre has created RubFab, a natural rubber latex compound designed to replace conventional plastic rain guards. With domestic rubber imports exceeding ₹9,000 crore, ongoing clonal trials aim to introduce high-yielding, climate-resilient rubber clones within two years, while a new digital platform, INR Konnect, seeks to connect growers with untapped plantations.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has inaugurated an extended Export Cargo Warehouse, significantly boosting its annual export cargo handling capacity from 75,000 tonnes to 125,000 tonnes. The upgraded facility, inaugurated by Managing Director S. Suhas, features advanced security measures, including two additional X-ray machines, Explosive Trace Detection machines, and dedicated rooms for dangerous goods, cold storage, radioactive cargo, and valuables. This expansion aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety, benefiting exporters by improving turnaround times and strengthening cold-chain support for perishable and specialized cargo. The inauguration was attended by key officials, including E. Vikas, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, and other senior CIAL executives. Suhas emphasized that the project reflects CIAL's commitment to upgrading infrastructure to meet evolving trade and logistics demands, positioning the airport to handle a diverse range of export cargo, including pharmaceuticals and high-value consignments.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inTechugo, a mobile app development firm founded in 2015, is set to enhance its climate-resilient agriculture services and data-driven farmer engagement platforms, according to COO Ankit Singh. The company, which has developed over 1,800 applications, specializes in digital transformation for the agriculture sector, collaborating with agtech firms and government initiatives. Its innovative solutions, including offline mobile apps and AI-based decision support systems, cater to rural regions in India, serving over 10 million farmers. Notable projects include the Dhan App for Dhanuka Agritech, which connects farmers and automates business processes even in low connectivity areas. Techugo's scalable, multilingual platforms are designed for ease of use, ensuring data integrity and security. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable agriculture, the company reports an annual recurring revenue of ₹37 crore and a growth rate of 15-18%.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSolar power tariffs are declining globally as technology improves and adoption rises, with India's solar industry emerging as a key supplier to the United States. A report by PL Capital reveals that the US, having restricted imports from China-linked supply chains, accounted for 97% of India's solar module exports between 2023 and 2025. India's exports surged nearly ninefold in 2023 and doubled in 2024, positioning the country as a viable alternative in the global solar market. Indian solar modules are 19% to 21% cheaper than US-made counterparts, although competition from Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam remains strong. Despite a successful year for the US solar sector, challenges loom for Indian exporters, including a US investigation into alleged dumping and a planned 50% tariff on imports by August 2025. To meet rising demand, India is ramping up its renewable energy production, with expectations of reaching 430 GW of installations by 2030.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 4 pm
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