eznews.inThe Indian government has released draft rules for four key labour codes—Code of Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020)—inviting public feedback over the next 45 days. These comprehensive rules, which aim to streamline 29 existing labour laws, were published in the Gazette on Tuesday, with the Code on Social Security being the most extensive at 270 pages. Labour and Employment Secretary Vandana Gurnani indicated that the finalisation process would take approximately 90 days, although states may require additional time to implement the codes. The reforms are designed to modernise labour regulations, enhance worker welfare, and promote gender equality in the workplace. Key provisions include statutory minimum wages, fixed-term employment benefits, expanded social security for gig workers, and improved occupational safety standards, all contributing to a more resilient workforce in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe European Union's carbon tax on certain metals, effective from Thursday, is poised to impact India's steel exports significantly, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The tax targets goods with high carbon emissions during production, with steel emissions highest from the Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF–BOF) routes, and lowest from scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) methods. Indian exporters may need to reduce prices by 15-22% to accommodate the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) tax, which will shift costs to them despite being paid by EU importers. Starting January 2026, every shipment of Indian steel and aluminium will incur a carbon cost, with stringent compliance requirements for emissions data verification. GTRI warns that smaller exporters may struggle to meet these demands, while low-emission producers could gain a competitive edge. India's steel and aluminium exports to the EU have already declined by 24.4% from $7.71 billion in FY24 to $5.82 billion in FY25. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inDense fog and low visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi led to significant disruptions on Wednesday, with at least 148 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed. The cancellations included 78 arrivals and 70 departures, while two flights were diverted. The airport's operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), reported that visibility was improving but warned that some flights might still be affected. In response to the situation, DIAL is coordinating with stakeholders to assist passengers across terminals. The civil aviation ministry also noted that fog conditions in Northern India could impact operations at other airports, urging airlines to comply with passenger service norms, including timely updates and support during delays, rebooking, or refunds. IGIA typically manages around 1,300 flight movements daily. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inAt least 109 workers were injured in a collision between two monorail trains inside a tunnel at a hydropower project under construction in Pipalkoti, Uttarakhand, late Tuesday. According to district officials, most injuries were minor, although four workers sustained fractures. The incident occurred when the brakes of one of the trains failed while transporting workers and construction materials. Gaurav Kumar, the area's top administrative officer, confirmed that the tracks have been cleared and work on the project, managed by Tehri Hydro Development Corp (THDC) and partially owned by NTPC Ltd, will resume on Wednesday. Hydropower is a significant contributor to India's energy landscape, accounting for approximately 51 gigawatts of the country's total installed capacity of around 505 gigawatts, with Uttarakhand hosting over ten operational hydropower plants and several more in development. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inAir India Express has celebrated the induction of its 51st Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking a significant milestone as the airline's first fully customised line-fit delivery from Boeing's Seattle facility. The aircraft, which will enter service in January, features a cabin designed for enhanced comfort, including ergonomically designed seats, generous legroom, and fast-charging power outlets. This addition strengthens Air India Express's position as India's largest Boeing operator, with a fleet exceeding 100 aircraft. The airline is also retrofitting existing Boeing 737-8s to standardise seating across its fleet. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, highlighted the airline's rapid expansion, with plans to connect 60 destinations, including 12 new ones in 2025. The airline's new brand campaign, 'Xplore More, Xpress More', reflects its commitment to enhancing travel experiences while celebrating India's cultural diversity through unique aircraft tail designs. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inAir China has finalized a significant agreement with Airbus to acquire 60 A320neo aircraft, a deal valued at approximately $9.5 billion at list prices. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights the growing activity in China's aviation market, which is the second-largest globally, following similar intentions from carriers like Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines to purchase Airbus jets. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in batches from 2028 to 2032, as disclosed in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This purchase is part of a broader framework agreement established in 2022 between China Aviation Supplies Holding Company and Airbus, which included a total of 132 A320-family aircraft and eight A350 widebodies, valued at around $17 billion. Ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington have hindered Boeing's ability to secure new orders in China, thereby benefiting Airbus in the competitive landscape. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has called on the Department of Telecommunications to intervene regarding alleged denials of Right of Way (RoW) permissions and exorbitant charges imposed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) for telecom infrastructure deployment. COAI claims that major telecom service providers, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, have faced obstacles in obtaining necessary approvals for 4G and 5G connectivity at the airport. NMIAL, however, refuted these allegations, asserting that it has not denied RoW permissions and has already installed In-Building Solutions (IBS) infrastructure in collaboration with some operators. The airport operator emphasized its commitment to providing high-speed connectivity and stated that the charges levied are in line with industry standards. COAI criticized the fees as disproportionately high and called for regulatory action against NMIAL for allegedly creating a monopolistic environment that contravenes telecom regulations. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inIndia Post has announced the discontinuation of certain international letter mail services, including the registered small packet service, effective January 1, 2026. This decision aims to address issues such as limited tracking, longer delivery times, and increasing customs requirements faced by exporters, MSMEs, and individuals. The Postal Department emphasized that this rationalization is a positive step towards enhancing service quality, urging customers to utilize alternatives like the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) and other international parcel services, which offer better tracking, faster delivery, and improved customs compliance. The changes align with global e-commerce standards and Universal Postal Union (UPU) guidelines. While registration will continue for documents sent by air, the Department of Posts is committed to guiding customers towards these more efficient and reliable options, ensuring a smoother transition and improved customer experience in international shipping. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), operated by the Adani Group, has reported a strong start to its commercial flight operations, welcoming over 26,000 passengers in its first five days. The airport recorded a total of 26,021 passengers, with 12,431 arrivals and 13,590 departures, indicating a robust demand for air travel. The weekend saw particularly high traffic, with more than 5,500 travelers each on Saturday and Sunday. During this initial period, NMIA facilitated 162 scheduled air traffic movements, evenly split between arrivals and departures. The airport's successful launch reflects consistent booking activity and a positive response from travelers since its opening. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced the approval of organic sugar exports, allowing up to 50,000 tonnes per fiscal year, as outlined in a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This initiative is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Organic sugar, which is produced from sugarcane cultivated without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, meets strict organic farming and processing standards. The decision aims to enhance the country's agricultural exports while promoting sustainable farming practices. The notification emphasizes that all exports will be subject to the specified provisions of APEDA, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. This move is expected to bolster India's position in the global organic market. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 3 am
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