eznews.inAt the 108th Annual Conference of the Indian Economic Association in Chennai, former Reserve Bank of India Governor C. Rangarajan emphasized the need for India to tackle diplomatic challenges, particularly the impact of the United States' 50% tariffs, to reduce economic vulnerability. He warned that heavy reliance on US exports could jeopardize India's economic stability and urged for enhanced diplomatic efforts. Rangarajan attributed the recent decline of the Indian rupee to capital outflows linked to strained India-US relations, which have shaken investor confidence. He noted that while India averaged 6.1% GDP growth from 2012 to 2023, an additional 1.3% growth is necessary to meet development targets by 2047. He called for increased private sector investment and highlighted the critical role of technology adoption, particularly artificial intelligence, in driving productivity and competitiveness across all sectors. 
Published: Dec 27 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe United States is poised to see a significant increase in ethanol exports to India in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of growth, with volumes expected to reach record levels. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), exports from January to September 2025 totaled approximately 3,539 thousand barrels, slightly below the same period in 2020 but already surpassing the total for both 2022 and 2023. Analysts predict that total exports for 2025 will exceed those of previous years, driven by India's ambitious ethanol blending targets under its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. Despite restrictions on using imported ethanol for blending, India has turned to US imports to meet industrial demand, allowing domestic supplies to be allocated for transportation. With ethanol blending in India rising from 2% in 2017 to a target of 20% by late 2025, the US is set to play a crucial role in meeting this demand.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial flight operations on December 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in easing congestion at Mumbai's older terminal, which has been in service for over 80 years. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October, the airport saw a substantial increase in passenger bookings on its first day, with arrival loads rising to 85% and departures to 98%. Approximately 5,000 passengers were handled across 48 flights operated by five airlines, including IndiGo and Air India Express, connecting nine domestic destinations. The airport is currently operating for 12 hours daily, with plans to expand to 24-hour operations by February 2026. This new facility, developed by the Adani Group, positions Mumbai alongside major global aviation hubs and is part of a broader infrastructure initiative to enhance the region's air travel capacity.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has successfully addressed over 62,700 grievances and facilitated refunds totaling ₹45 crore from April 25 to December 26, 2025, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs. The e-commerce sector alone accounted for nearly 39,965 complaints, resulting in refunds of ₹32 crore, while the travel and tourism sector saw 4,050 grievances leading to ₹3.5 crore in refunds. The NCH, a key initiative of the Indian government, aims to provide effective and timely pre-litigation redressal of consumer issues, thereby alleviating pressure on Consumer Commissions. With over 1,027 convergence partners now involved, the helpline allows consumers to register complaints in 17 languages via various platforms, including a toll-free number, WhatsApp, and online portals. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing consumer rights and ensuring accessible grievance resolution across the country.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inOpen-end spinning mills in Tamil Nadu, numbering over 600, have reduced production by 50% to enhance profitability amid challenging market conditions. G Arulmozhi, president of the Open-End Spinning Mills Association (OSMA), highlighted that rising prices of cotton waste, a key raw material, have compounded losses, despite a decline in cotton and yarn prices. Daily production of cotton grey and colored yarn stands at approximately 25 lakh kg and 15 lakh kg, respectively. Cotton prices have dropped from ₹60,000 to ₹53,500 per candy, yet the cost of comber noil has increased from ₹100 to ₹113 per kg. OSMA is urging the state government to lower electricity tariffs and the central government to restrict cotton waste exports to stabilize the sector. Arulmozhi emphasized that utilizing domestic cotton waste for value-added products could significantly boost foreign exchange earnings, rather than exporting raw materials at lower prices.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association (TASMA) has called on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to extend the duty-free import of cotton beyond December 31, 2025, amid concerns of a potential cotton shortage due to declining production. TASMA President A P Appukutty highlighted that the government's recent extension of duty-free imports until the end of 2025 has allowed mills to source cotton at 11% lower prices, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market. This move is particularly significant given the 50% tariffs imposed by the US on all imports, which has strained the industry. The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption has projected a lower production estimate of 292.15 lakh bales for the upcoming season, marking the lowest domestic availability in recent years. Appukutty emphasized that further extending duty-free imports would be crucial for mills facing low cotton arrivals.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's dairy sector is facing a period of tighter supply and margin recalibration following a tumultuous three years marked by disruptions and recovery, as highlighted in a recent expert session by Systematix Institutional Equities. The post-COVID landscape of 2022-23 saw a significant drop in milk prices, adversely affecting farmers and leading to reduced cattle induction and milk output. However, from mid-2023, initiatives by cooperatives and private players, including sustainable fodder programs, revitalized supply, resulting in a nearly 25% increase in production during the October 2024-March 2025 flush season. Despite this temporary surplus, early rains and geopolitical tensions in 2025 disrupted supply, while festive demand further strained inventories. Consequently, procurement costs have risen, with some regional price hikes reported. Companies are now considering selective price increases and shifting focus to value-added products, as consumer preferences evolve towards milk-based alternatives and distribution channels adapt to e-commerce trends.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSevere winter storm warnings have led to significant disruptions in U.S. air travel, with over 1,100 flights canceled and nearly 3,800 delayed as of midday Friday, according to FlightAware. The National Weather Service has cautioned that hazardous travel conditions will affect areas from the Great Lakes to the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England through Saturday morning. Major airports, including New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia, as well as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, have alerted travelers to potential delays and cancellations. JetBlue Airways has reported the highest number of cancellations at 225, followed by Delta Air Lines with 186, Republic Airways with 155, American Airlines with 96, and United Airlines with 82. In response to the disruptions, American Airlines has issued a travel alert, allowing affected passengers to rebook without incurring change fees.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin has launched a third tender for its Outer Harbour Development Project, now adopting the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) to attract private investment. The project's estimated cost has surged to ₹9,859 crore, up from ₹7,056 crore, as it shifts from a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model. Under HAM, the government will cover 40% of the costs during construction, with private developers financing the remaining 60%, aiming to balance risk and enhance project viability. The project includes the construction of two deep-draft terminals, breakwaters, and offshore reclamation areas to boost cargo handling and accommodate larger vessels. Previous attempts to secure bidders were unsuccessful, with the latest tender issued after a lack of interest in earlier rounds. The initiative is expected to strengthen India's maritime capabilities and global trade connectivity.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inOn December 23, India celebrated Kisan Diwas, honoring farmers on the 25th anniversary of the event, which commemorates the birth of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a staunch advocate for agricultural rights. This year’s observance highlighted the vital role of smallholder farmers, who have propelled India to become the world's second-largest food producer despite challenges like fragmented landholdings and climate change. Farmers are increasingly adopting Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs) such as crop rotation and rainwater harvesting, which enhance resilience and improve yields. Research indicates that these methods not only boost incomes but also promote healthier ecosystems. As India prepares for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, the #AFarmerCan campaign emphasizes the need for global recognition of farmers as climate heroes. The campaign advocates for policies that support farmers through financial incentives, risk protection, and improved market access, underscoring the essential link between resilient agriculture and national well-being.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 10 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact