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In a significant move to bolster the diamond industry, the Indian government announced on December 9, 2025, that imports under the Diamond Imprest Authorisation (DIA) scheme will be exempt from the integrated tax and compensation cess. This notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) follows the introduction of the DIA scheme in January, which permits duty-free imports of cut and polished diamonds up to a specified limit, aimed at enhancing exports and value addition in the sector. The exemption is expected to further stimulate growth in the diamond trade, providing a boost to the economy. Meanwhile, the stock market saw declines, with the SENSEX closing at 84,666.28, down 436.41 points, and the NIFTY at 25,839.65, down 120.90 points. Crude oil prices fell by 13.00 to 5,321.00, while gold decreased by 12.00 to 129,950.00, although silver rose by 1,543.00 to 183,285.00. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe year 2025 is poised to be one of the hottest on record, potentially matching 2023 as the second warmest year, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). November 2025 was marked as the third-warmest November globally, with temperatures 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, exacerbating extreme weather events, including devastating tropical cyclones in South-East Asia. The average global temperature anomaly for January-November 2025 was 0.60°C above the 1991-2020 average, indicating a concerning trend as the three-year average for 2023-2025 is expected to exceed 1.5°C for the first time. Notably, Europe experienced its fifth-warmest November, with significant temperature increases across Eastern Europe and the Arctic regions. The report underscores the urgent need for rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate future temperature rises, as the planet continues to face unprecedented heat and climate extremes.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSvitzer, the Denmark-based global towage provider, has entered into a shipbuilding agreement with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) to construct four 26-metre electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, aimed at enhancing its global fleet. The deal, which includes an option for four additional vessels, will see the tugs built to Svitzer's specifications at CSL's Kochi facilities, supporting the company's fleet renewal and operational advancements. The TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, recognized as the world's most advanced and efficient tug design, will feature battery-electric propulsion, enabling zero direct emissions during harbour operations when charged with green energy. This initiative not only underscores Svitzer's commitment to sustainable towage solutions but also highlights CSL's shipbuilding expertise and local innovation. Construction of the first four tugs is set to commence in the coming months, with deliveries anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) has reiterated its long-standing demand for a six-hour duty shift for Indian Railways' loco pilots, a request that dates back to 1948. Amid ongoing protests over unfilled vacancies, the union highlighted parallels between their struggles and the recent IndiGo crisis, emphasizing the critical need for reforms in crew management to combat fatigue. AILRSA's representation calls for scientifically designed working conditions, including limits on night duties and adequate rest periods, to enhance passenger safety. Secretary General KC James noted that despite a 1973 agreement capping shifts at 10 hours, the six-hour goal remains unfulfilled. The union advocates for the adoption of a modern Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which the Centre has begun implementing, to ensure loco pilots work under safer, scientifically informed conditions, including a maximum of two consecutive night shifts and predictable rest periods.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia has effectively insulated its fertiliser supply chain from China's export restrictions by diversifying import sources and securing long-term contracts, according to S Sankarasubramanian, Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI). Speaking at the FAI Annual Seminar in New Delhi, he highlighted that the country is well-prepared for the upcoming agricultural season, with sufficient stocks of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), NPK complexes, and urea. India has increased its imports significantly this year, bringing in 8-9 million tonnes of urea and 7 million tonnes of DAP, while domestic production has risen to 51 million tonnes. Sankarasubramanian noted that the government’s timely interventions and expansion of domestic urea capacity are paving the way for greater self-sufficiency. He also emphasized the importance of sustainability and innovation in the sector, with initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and promoting advanced fertiliser technologies.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines has announced a return to stable operations following a significant disruption that affected numerous flights. In a video message on Tuesday, CEO Peter Elbers expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers, stating that the airline has prioritized getting stranded customers to their destinations and processing refunds. He confirmed that lakhs of customers have received full refunds, with the process ongoing. However, Elbers did not address potential compensation for those whose flights were cancelled or delayed at the last minute, despite legal requirements for such compensation under the Civil Aviation Ministry's passenger charter. IndiGo's operations have improved significantly, with flight numbers increasing from 700 on December 5 to over 1,800 by December 9, and the airline is now serving all 138 destinations in its network. Elbers assured customers that efforts to deliver remaining luggage and address their needs are continuing.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's expansion of commercial coal mining is driving a significant increase in coal supply jobs, with an anticipated growth of 74,000 positions in 2024, a trend expected to persist into 2025. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the majority of global coal jobs are concentrated in the Asia Pacific, with India and China accounting for approximately 75% of this workforce. Despite a 20% decline in advanced economies, global coal employment has risen by 8% since 2019, bolstered by new projects and the reopening of mines. Since 2020, India has auctioned 133 coal blocks, primarily to the private sector, which are projected to generate substantial revenue and employment. The Ministry of Coal aims for a domestic production target of 1.5 billion tonnes by FY30, although challenges remain for workers, particularly in informal sectors, as they face difficulties in retraining and finding comparable jobs.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has warned that proposed US tariffs on rice imports from India are likely to increase costs for American consumers, given the staple's significance in the US market. While the US remains a key destination for Indian rice, the Federation emphasized that India's exports are well-diversified globally, with ongoing efforts to forge new trade partnerships. Experts suggest that recent tariff threats from US President Donald Trump are more politically motivated than indicative of a substantial policy change, particularly as they coincide with a new US farm relief package. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) noted that even if tariffs rise, demand for Indian rice, especially Basmati, remains strong due to its unique qualities, making it irreplaceable in dishes like biryani. Despite existing tariffs, Indian exporters have managed to maintain stable returns, passing most cost increases onto consumers.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has mandated IndiGo to cut its flight schedule by 5% across various sectors, particularly on high-demand routes, following significant operational disruptions. The airline is required to submit a revised schedule by 5 p.m. on December 10, 2025. The DGCA's decision comes after a review of IndiGo's 'Winter Schedule 2025', which approved 15,014 weekly departures but saw only 59,438 flights operated in November, alongside 951 cancellations. Despite an increase in aircraft allocation, IndiGo struggled to manage its enhanced schedule effectively. The airline has expressed regret over the disruptions, attributing them to a combination of factors, including technical issues and adverse weather, while requesting additional time for a thorough root cause analysis. The DGCA has issued a 'Show Cause Notice' to IndiGo's CEO and COO, with a panel set to investigate the crisis further.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndiGo announced a significant operational recovery on Monday, revealing plans to operate over 1,800 flights, a notable increase from around 1,650 the previous day, following a period of widespread disruptions. The airline confirmed it has restored connectivity across its network and improved its on-time performance to 90%, up from nearly 75%. All cancellations for Monday were communicated in advance to facilitate smoother travel for passengers. As part of its recovery efforts, IndiGo has processed refunds totaling Rs 827 crores for cancellations up to December 15 and arranged over 9,500 hotel rooms and nearly 10,000 transport services for stranded travelers. The airline is currently assisting over 200,000 customers daily and has reunited more than 4,500 delayed bags with their owners. IndiGo reassured passengers of its compliance with safety regulations and thanked them for their patience during this challenging period.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 12 pm
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