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The Finance Ministry has called on citizens to submit their suggestions for the upcoming FY 2026-27 budget, which is expected to be presented on February 1, 2026. In a post on mygov.in, the Ministry emphasized the importance of public input in shaping a budget that reflects the aspirations and needs of diverse groups, including students, professionals, homemakers, and retirees. Citizens can submit their ideas until January 16, 2026, by logging into the website. The initiative aligns with the principle of _Jan Bhagidari_, aiming to foster inclusive growth and support India's ambition to become a global economic powerhouse. The Ministry noted that many citizen suggestions from previous years have been successfully integrated into the Annual Budget, encouraging public participation in governance and national development. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 2 pmeznews.inVice President C P Radhakrishnan emphasized the necessity for India to pursue additional free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance its competitiveness in the global textile and apparel markets, particularly against rivals like Bangladesh. Speaking at the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC) awards, he noted the increasing competition from countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, stating that FTAs are crucial for leveling the playing field. Radhakrishnan set an ambitious target for India's textile market, aiming for a size of $350 billion by 2030, with $100 billion in exports. He encouraged the industry to explore new markets and adopt sustainable practices. Despite geopolitical challenges, he expressed confidence that India's textile exports, which reached $37.75 billion in the last financial year, could double in the next three years. AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri reported a 10% growth in apparel exports for 2024-25, highlighting resilience amid global uncertainties.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn 2025, India's oil and gas sector experienced significant transformations, driven by shifting import patterns, policy reforms, and a surge in energy demand, solidifying its role in the global energy landscape. Despite predictions of a peak in oil demand due to a transition to renewables, India emerged as a key player in global consumption, with forecasts indicating its energy appetite would surpass that of China and Southeast Asia combined. Russian crude remained a crucial source for India, accounting for over a third of imports, even amid U.S. pressure and sanctions on major Russian exporters. The year also saw a diversification of crude supplies, with increased imports from the U.S. and a focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Price stability characterized the oil market, with Brent crude trading in a narrow range, providing a reprieve for major importers like India. As 2025 concluded, the sector faced a complex outlook influenced by geopolitical risks and evolving demand dynamics.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn September, Alphabet, Google's parent company, issued a strong advisory to its employees, particularly those on H-1B visas, urging them to refrain from international travel due to significant delays in visa processing at U.S. embassies. An internal email from BAL Immigration Law highlighted that some embassies are experiencing appointment delays of up to 12 months, which could result in employees facing extended stays outside the U.S. if they leave the country. This advisory comes amid heightened scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for the tech sector's recruitment of skilled workers, particularly from India and China. The Trump administration has recently implemented stricter vetting processes for H-1B applicants, including social media account screenings, and introduced a $100,000 fee for new applications, further complicating the situation for visa holders. Google has not yet commented on the matter.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe debate over the healthiest plant oil continues, with palm oil often criticized for its saturated fat content. However, as health consciousness rises in India, with 53% of consumers actively seeking to improve their wellness, the role of edible oils in nutrition is under scrutiny. Traditional Indian cooking relies heavily on oils, with preferences varying regionally; for instance, sesame and mustard oils are favored in the north, while palm and coconut oils are popular in the south. While palm oil boasts a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and is free from GMOs and trans fats, its health implications remain contested. Experts emphasize the importance of moderation, noting that reducing oil intake by just 10% can significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk. Ultimately, mindful consumption and cooking methods are crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and promoting overall health in India.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 9 ameznews.inAs winter approaches, North India faces its annual air quality crisis, exacerbated by the burning of nearly 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw in surrounding states, significantly contributing to hazardous pollution levels in Delhi. This practice releases substantial greenhouse gases and particulate matter, often exceeding WHO safety limits by up to eight times. However, experts suggest that this agricultural residue could be transformed into a valuable resource through innovative technologies, such as biogas production, which could generate renewable energy worth ₹270 crore annually. A proposed policy mandating blending of biofuels aims to attract ₹37,500 crore in investments and establish 750 Compressed Bio-Gas projects by 2028-29. Additionally, urban plantations are being promoted as natural air filters, with over 2.5 million saplings planted in Delhi this year. A comprehensive circular economy framework is essential to address the root causes of pollution while empowering farmers and enhancing rural infrastructure.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn the 2024-25 agricultural season, India achieved record crop yields, producing approximately 150.18 million tonnes of rice and 117.94 million tonnes of wheat, culminating in a total output of 357.73 million tonnes. Despite this abundance, millions of Indians face micronutrient deficiencies, presenting a significant opportunity for millers to enhance staple foods through fortification. With around 100 million tonnes of rice consumed domestically, including 40-50 million tonnes distributed via social safety schemes, the potential for fortified rice in the retail market is substantial. The packaged rice market alone is valued at $14 billion, while the wheat flour market stands at about $82 billion. By converting just 10-15% of the retail market to fortified products, millers could tap into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity. To realize this potential, investments in quality systems, commercial capabilities, and strategic partnerships are essential, positioning millers as key players in improving public health and nutrition in India.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inUS Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has raised concerns over the European Union's (EU) regulatory practices and ongoing trade negotiations with India, indicating that contentious discussions are likely to extend into the new year. In a recent meeting with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Greer criticized regulations that he claims discriminate against American tech firms, including major players like Google and Amazon. He warned of potential retaliatory measures against the EU, particularly regarding new taxes targeting US companies. Meanwhile, negotiations with India, which began earlier this year, have yet to yield an agreement, despite recent discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Greer noted that while the US has successfully concluded trade deals with other nations, progress with India remains slow, highlighting the challenges in resetting trade relations following the imposition of significant tariffs on Indian goods.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inA high-level delegation from the South India Tea Promotion Group is currently in Ahmedabad to enhance the market presence of South Indian teas in Gujarat, a region predominantly known for its North Indian tea consumption. Convenor Dipak Shah announced that the group will engage with over 300 members of the Gujarat Tea Traders Association, aiming to increase the procurement of South Indian teas, which currently represents a minimal share of the market. Shah emphasized that this meeting could significantly alter buying patterns and strengthen trade ties between the regions. The delegation, led by Girish Nair and comprising representatives from various tea trade associations, will also host a tea tasting session and additional interactive meetings. Following their successful engagements in Hyderabad and Mumbai, the group plans to extend its promotional efforts to Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and other regions in the near future.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndiGo has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential flight disruptions to Ranchi, Jammu, and Hindon airports due to dense fog causing low visibility. The airline is closely monitoring weather conditions and encourages travelers to stay updated on flight information. In a statement, IndiGo assured passengers of their commitment to safety and smooth travel, while also expressing hope for clearer skies soon. Meanwhile, Jaisalmer Airport has also experienced operational disruptions due to fog, prompting airlines to adhere to passenger facilitation norms. In the national capital, Indira Gandhi International Airport reported that low-visibility procedures were in effect, although all flight operations were functioning normally. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates. Additionally, Delhi's air quality worsened, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384 recorded, indicating 'very poor' conditions and contributing to significant visibility issues across the city.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 9 am
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