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The Indian government is set to grant permanent approval for nano-fertilizers, moving away from the current three-year renewal system, as part of its initiative to enhance the ease of doing business. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized the need for thorough evaluation of test results by experts before finalizing this approval, acknowledging the initial resistance to the new technology. While IFFCO's nano-urea has already received a three-year extension, other companies face renewals in June 2026. Chaturvedi urged companies to avoid linking nano-fertilizers with subsidized products to prevent negative perceptions among farmers. He highlighted the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of nano-fertilizers, which have shown mixed results in various studies. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is conducting a ₹15 crore independent evaluation of nano-fertilizers, although concerns have been raised regarding potential biases due to funding from producing companies. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has been summoned for a second day by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) amid an investigation into significant flight cancellations affecting the airline. Following a meeting on Thursday, IndiGo submitted a revised winter schedule to the regulator, which is currently under review. The airline has reported a return to stability, operating over 1,900 flights daily and restoring full connectivity across all 138 domestic and international destinations since December 8. To compensate affected passengers, IndiGo is issuing ₹10,000 travel vouchers alongside statutory refunds starting at ₹5,000. The airline's operational data indicates a gradual improvement, with flight operations increasing from 1,700 on December 8 to over 1,900 by December 10. However, IndiGo has also adjusted its capacity and revenue forecasts for the third quarter of FY 2026 following a mandated 10% reduction in schedules. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo has revised its capacity and revenue forecasts for the third quarter of financial year 2026, now anticipating mid-single-digit growth rather than the previously expected high-teens increase. This adjustment follows significant flight disruptions, including the cancellation of around 4,500 flights due to crew shortages and technical issues, compounded by a mandated 10% reduction in schedules by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The airline's financial performance has been under pressure, exacerbated by rupee depreciation and a slowdown in bookings. Brokerages have responded by cutting earnings forecasts, with HSBC noting strong headwinds from mass cancellations and reputational damage. Despite these challenges, analysts believe IndiGo's market position remains strong, and the airline is focused on operational improvements, currently operating over 1,900 flights across 138 destinations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is reviewing IndiGo's revised winter schedule, which may further impact growth projections. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank, has emphasized the urgent need to develop the country's corporate bond market to support long-term financing essential for achieving a $30 trillion economy. In a recent report, CEO B V R Subrahmanyam highlighted the stark contrast between India's thriving equity markets and its underdeveloped bond market, which is only one-seventh the size of its equity counterpart. Currently valued at approximately $650 billion, India's corporate bond market pales in comparison to the UK's $4 trillion market. The report identifies systemic issues, including regulatory overlaps, limited investor access, and a lack of diverse instruments, which hinder market growth. With retail participation minimal and 98% of issuances through private placements, the report proposes a six-year roadmap to enhance regulatory coordination, infrastructure, and issuer diversity, advocating for technology-driven platforms to facilitate this transformation. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMexico has announced new import tariffs on over 1,400 products from India and several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, and Indonesia, with rates primarily set at 35% and some reaching 50%. These tariffs, approved by the Mexican Senate, will take effect in 2026 and are expected to significantly impact India's exports, particularly in the automobile sector, which accounts for approximately $1.95 billion of the $5.8 billion in total exports to Mexico in FY 25. Experts warn that this move could hinder India's efforts to diversify its export markets beyond traditional partners like the US and EU. While countries with free trade agreements, such as Japan and the EU, will be exempt, analysts suggest that Mexico's decision may be an attempt to align more closely with US trade interests amid ongoing reviews of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. India is likely to address these tariffs through diplomatic channels to mitigate their impact. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inWater is gushing from the Poondi reservoir in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district as the Public Works Department opened the shutters in anticipation of the Northeast Monsoon. However, the Central Water Commission reports that storage in 166 major Indian reservoirs remains below 90% for the fifth consecutive week, with post-monsoon rainfall last week being 55% deficient. Current reservoir levels stand at 155.226 billion cubic metres, or 84.56% of total capacity, which is 7.5% higher than last year but 22.23% above the 10-year average. While overall post-monsoon rainfall from October 1 to December 10 is 20% surplus, significant deficiencies persist in eastern and northern regions. The India Meteorological Department forecasts no major weather events in the coming fortnight, suggesting further declines in reservoir levels, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and the eastern region, where storage has dropped below 80%. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI), a US-based leader in aircraft conversions, is set to enter the Indian market following approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion. Chennai's Afcom Holding Ltd will be AEI's inaugural customer in India, leasing the aircraft to enhance its cargo operations. The conversion process involves significant modifications, including the removal of passenger seats and the installation of a main deck cargo door and loading systems. AEI has secured approvals from various global aviation authorities, including the FAA and EASA, and anticipates further orders now that it is certified in India. The B737-800SF freighter can carry up to 23 tonnes and features advanced cargo handling capabilities. With the growing e-commerce market in India, AEI's offering is poised to meet increasing demand, as highlighted by Afcom's plans to expand its operations to new destinations, including Dubai. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has expanded investment options for private pension funds, allowing them to invest in the top 250 stocks by market capitalisation, as well as in gold and silver Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Effective immediately, the new guidelines permit investments in stocks from both the NIFTY 250 Index and the BSE 250 Index, with a stipulation that 90% of assets must be allocated to the top 200 NIFTY stocks. Additionally, pension funds can now participate in initial public offerings (IPOs), follow-on public offers (FPOs), and offers for sale (OFS), provided these securities are listed on the BSE or NSE. This shift towards riskier assets aims to enhance returns, albeit with increased market volatility. The PFRDA has also eliminated the requirement for sponsor ratings for real estate and infrastructure investment trusts, emphasizing the need for due diligence in investment processes. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTur (arhar) prices are under pressure due to cheaper imports and weak demand as the new crop begins to arrive in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of 9.67 lakh tonnes at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹8,000, although current prices range from ₹6,700 to ₹7,700 per quintal. The new crop's production is projected at 35.97 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 season, slightly down from last year's figures. Demand is expected to pick up around the Pongal festival in late December, but ongoing imports from Africa and Myanmar, coupled with domestic stocks, are likely to keep prices subdued. Excess rainfall has also affected crop quality in regions like Kalaburgi. With duty-free imports allowed until March 2026, the market remains cautious, impacting the overall pricing landscape for tur. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndiGo announced on Thursday that it will provide travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 to passengers affected by flight disruptions between December 3 and 5, which can be redeemed for future flights within a year. This initiative comes alongside compensation mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which stipulates payments of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for cancellations occurring within 24 hours of departure. The airline's move follows criticism and scrutiny from various sources, including a recent inquiry by the Delhi High Court regarding its compensation practices and the government's role in managing the situation. In a statement, IndiGo reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe and reliable travel experience, assuring customers that refunds for cancelled flights are being processed, with most already reflected in accounts. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 3 pm
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