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FedEx reaffirms commitment to India, says executive

FedEx has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, driven by enhanced supply chain resilience and manufacturing capabilities, according to Kami Viswanathan, the company's president for the Middle East, India subcontinent, and Africa. The global express transport leader operates 36 freighter flights weekly to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and is establishing a new facility at Navi Mumbai airport to bolster its parcel and mail services. Viswanathan emphasized ongoing investments to strengthen FedEx's network, enabling businesses to integrate into global value chains with reliability and speed. Recent initiatives include a 60,000 square metre hub at Bengaluru's AISATS Logistics Park and a new freighter service linking Bengaluru with Guangzhou. She noted that India's logistics sector is evolving, supported by initiatives like PM GatiShakti, which enhance supply chain efficiency amid global uncertainties, while growth in air cargo reflects India's emerging role as a key manufacturing and export hub. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

India, US work to reduce H-1B visa interview issues: MEA

India is working closely with the United States to address significant disruptions faced by its nationals due to the cancellation and rescheduling of H-1B visa interviews. Since December 15, the US government has implemented online social media reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to combat program abuse, resulting in thousands of postponed interviews. This has led to extended family separations and negatively impacted the education of children enrolled in American schools, as many applicants are stranded in India without valid visas to return to their jobs. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the hardships faced by families and highlighted the financial strain caused by cancelled travel and temporary housing costs. While the Indian government has raised these issues with US officials, experts note that each country retains the right to establish its own immigration policies, limiting India's ability to influence the situation. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 8 pm

Agsure Innovations digitizes coffee quality assessment

A New Delhi-based start-up, Agsure Innovations Pvt Ltd, is revolutionizing coffee grading in India with a digital device that employs image processing and artificial intelligence. Showcased at the Central Coffee Research Institute's centenary celebrations, the portable machine vision-based analyzer allows users to assess coffee quality by simply spreading beans on a tray and capturing a high-resolution image. Proprietary algorithms then quickly identify defects and grade the beans, significantly reducing the time and human error associated with traditional manual sorting. Priced at Rs 1 lakh plus taxes, with an annual subscription for software updates, the device has attracted interest from large corporate buyers and international clients in Turkey, Dubai, and Indonesia. Founded by BITS Pilani graduates, Agsure is also developing similar devices for rice and plans to expand into spice grading, leveraging the same hardware with tailored software solutions. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 8 pm

DGCA panel submits confidential report on IndiGo disruption

A committee established by India's civil aviation safety regulator has submitted a confidential report investigating the recent operational disruptions at IndiGo Airways, which resulted in significant flight cancellations. The four-member panel, led by Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, was tasked with analyzing various factors contributing to the crisis, including planning, crew management, and regulatory oversight. Initially given a 15-day deadline, the committee requested an extension due to the extensive data provided by the airline, which required thorough examination. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted this request, allowing the report to be finalized by December 26, 2025. The findings include recommendations aimed at preventing future incidents, highlighting the importance of addressing operational challenges within the airline industry. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 8 pm

Maharashtra's onion crop damaged by unseasonal rains; ₹809 crore aid

Onion farmers in Nashik, Maharashtra, have raised concerns that not all those affected by recent adverse weather conditions have received government assistance. Between February and October 2025, unseasonal rains and floods devastated onion crops across 2.99 lakh hectares in the state, prompting the Maharashtra government to allocate ₹809.19 crore in relief. The central government has also earmarked ₹4,176.80 crore for the 2025-2026 financial year under the State Disaster Response Fund, with the first two installments of ₹1,566.40 crore already released. Despite these measures, farmers claim that many have yet to receive the promised aid. In response, State Agriculture Minister Dattatraya Bharne assured that assistance has been provided to all eligible farmers and that any pending payments will be addressed promptly. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in delivering timely support to those in need. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

Virgin Atlantic to increase London-Bengaluru flights next year

Virgin Atlantic has significantly expanded its services to India, increasing capacity by 250% since 2019, now offering over 500,000 seats annually between the UK and India. In response to strong passenger demand, the airline will boost its flights from London Heathrow to Bengaluru from seven to 11 per week during the first quarter of 2026. This enhancement follows the launch of daily services to Bengaluru in March 2024 and complements existing double daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. With India now its third-largest market globally, Virgin Atlantic aims to provide nearly one million seats in the region and is exploring partnerships to connect India with Europe and North America. The airline's codeshare agreement with IndiGo has expanded to cover 34 Indian cities, reflecting robust demand. Virgin Atlantic recently celebrated 25 years of operations in India, highlighting its commitment to the growing market. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

IFFCO expands nano-fertiliser production with Bengaluru facility

IFFCO has inaugurated its fourth nano-fertiliser production plant in Bengaluru, which is set to produce approximately 200,000 bottles daily. The new facility boosts IFFCO's total production capacity to 950,000 bottles per day, complementing its existing units in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. This plant is expected to enhance the availability of nano-fertilisers across South India, thereby strengthening the agricultural supply chain and supporting farmers with innovative inputs. Kiritkumar J Patel, IFFCO's managing director, emphasized that this initiative embodies the spirit of Swadeshi innovation and aligns with India's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance and reducing import dependency. He highlighted the plant's role in fostering cooperative growth and prosperity for farmers, reinforcing IFFCO's commitment to the cooperative movement and its philosophy of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi," which translates to prosperity through cooperation. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 7 pm

SMPK-Cochin Shipyard JV reports ₹5.94 crore profit

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd have reaffirmed their collaboration to enhance India's ship repair ecosystem, sharing a profit of ₹5.94 crore from their joint venture. During a visit to Cochin Shipyard's repair facility, SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman received the cheque from CSL chairman and managing director Madhu Nair. This profit stems from the Cochin-Kolkata Ship Repair Unit (CKSRU), highlighting the commercial viability of indigenous ship repair capabilities. Raman emphasized that this partnership not only showcases the strategic potential of local facilities but also aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative. He expressed SMPK's commitment to further expanding ship repair operations in Kolkata, indicating a positive outlook for the sector's growth. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 7 pm

Precious metals shine in 2025, bullish trend expected in 2026

In 2025, the precious metals market experienced unprecedented growth, with gold prices soaring over 70%, silver reaching $72 an ounce, platinum climbing 160%, and palladium hitting a three-year high. The surge was largely attributed to a weakening US dollar, which fell 12% in the first half of the year amid global trade tensions, particularly with China. Silver, in short supply since 2020, began to reappear in the market, although investments in silver mining remained low. Meanwhile, platinum's rise was influenced by labor unrest in South Africa, which produces 70% of the world's supply. Despite high prices, demand for gold and silver jewelry in India remained robust, with consumers opting for lighter pieces. Analysts predict a bullish outlook for 2026, driven by potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts and ongoing global economic uncertainties, while silver is increasingly seen as an accessible investment for middle-class households. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

Ninjacart reduces FY25 losses, targets profitability next year

Agritech firm Ninjacart has reported a slight reduction in losses for FY2025, despite a decline in revenues, as it streamlined operations by exiting low-margin business segments. The Walmart-backed company announced an operating revenue of ₹1,634 crore, down from ₹2,007 crore in FY2024, while losses remained stable at ₹256 crore compared to ₹260 crore the previous year. This revenue dip reflects Ninjacart's strategic shift towards enhancing its margin mix and operational sustainability, resulting in improved gross and contribution margins. The company's core businesses, which cater to retailers and quick-commerce players, are experiencing robust growth, with over 100% year-on-year expansion in FY2026 and achieving operating profitability. CEO Kartheeswaran K.K. emphasized the importance of disciplined execution and conscious decision-making in positioning the company for sustainable growth, with a goal of achieving overall profitability by FY2027. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 4 pm

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