eznews.inDuring a recent visit to New Delhi, Afghanistan's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, emphasized the importance of the India-developed Chabahar port, which connects Afghanistan and India via Iran, bypassing Pakistan. Azizi expressed concerns over U.S. sanctions affecting the port's investments and highlighted the need for negotiations with Washington to alleviate these restrictions. He also announced plans for tariff cuts on goods traded through Chabahar and urged private sector investment to enhance competitiveness. In response, India is set to activate air freight corridors between Kabul and New Delhi, and Kabul and Amritsar, while re-establishing a joint working group to address trade issues. Azizi invited Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, including mining and agriculture, as both nations aim to strengthen their trade ties, currently valued at around $1 billion, amidst ongoing challenges from Pakistan's transit route blockages. 
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA coalition of ten central trade unions and various independent industrial federations has declared a nationwide protest on November 26, 2025, in response to the Indian government's implementation of four new labour codes, which they describe as "anti-worker" and "pro-employer." The Joint Platform is demanding a complete rollback of these codes, which include the Code on Wages and the Industrial Relations Code. This protest coincides with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh's mixed response to the codes, as they welcomed some aspects while opposing certain provisions. The unions are urging workers to participate in mobilisations, including wearing black badges and holding meetings, to challenge what they perceive as government overreach. Despite previous protests and a general strike in 2020, the government has proceeded with the codes, citing extensive consultations. Union leaders have vowed to continue their resistance until the codes are rescinded.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent notification of new labour codes, which consolidate 29 existing laws, has shifted focus to State governments, as these codes will only take effect once individual States establish their specific rules. Labour is listed on the Concurrent List, allowing States to tailor implementations to local conditions. While some States, like Tamil Nadu, have begun drafting rules, others, including West Bengal, have yet to comply, with officials expressing concerns over the codes being anti-labour. Maharashtra's Chief Minister hailed the reforms as a historic step for worker rights, while Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister emphasized the need for robust labour frameworks to support a modern economy. Experts note that States retain the power to regulate local establishments and can set minimum wages and working hours above the central standards, allowing for some flexibility within the overarching framework of the new codes.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has announced the nationwide implementation of four new Labour Codes, which replace 29 central laws, marking what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a "historic step" towards ensuring worker dignity. The codes, which include the Code of Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, aim to empower workers and simplify compliance for businesses. They also address the gig economy by defining gig work and mandating contributions from platform companies. However, experts warn of significant challenges in extending benefits to workers, citing low registration rates among gig workers and issues with existing welfare schemes. Additionally, some states, like West Bengal, have expressed opposition to the central laws, while trade unions have condemned the reforms as detrimental to worker protections. The government claims that 40 crore workers will benefit from the new social security framework.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has extended the proposed Cotton Productivity Mission's tenure from five to ten years, following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Office. The mission, announced in the 2025-26 Budget, aims to enhance cotton farming productivity and sustainability, with an initial budget of approximately Rs 5,000 crore. However, the Ministry of Textiles is facing challenges as its proposals for modernising ginning factories have been rejected by the Department of Expenditure and Niti Aayog. The Department has also advised that the mission be restructured as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, sharing costs with states, and has raised concerns about overlaps with other agricultural initiatives. As cotton production has declined, with estimates for 2025-26 at 30.5 million bales, experts suggest that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research should expedite the proposal to the PMO to resolve ongoing bottlenecks.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo has announced an $820 million investment aimed at expanding its fleet ownership and diversifying aircraft financing. The funds will be allocated to its subsidiary, InterGlobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private Ltd., through a mix of equity shares and convertible preference shares. This strategic move is designed to enhance capital efficiency, mitigate supply chain risks, and achieve long-term cost savings, with a goal of increasing the proportion of owned and finance-leased aircraft to 30-40% by 2030. Currently, IndiGo operates over 417 aircraft, including models from Airbus, Boeing, and ATR, and has more than 900 planes on order, with deliveries scheduled until 2035. The airline's robust balance sheet, featuring ₹38,500 crore in free cash, positions it well to navigate market challenges and make informed decisions regarding fleet ownership.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn October, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) reported a significant ridership of 93.27 lakh passengers, reflecting a steady increase in demand for its services. In response, CMRL has initiated a tender to procure 168 new cars for 28 six-car trainsets, expanding from the current four-car configuration. This procurement is expected to take over two years. Notably, ridership figures surpassed 1 crore in both July and September, prompting calls for larger train capacities during peak hours. Currently, CMRL operates 52 trainsets under its Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension projects. Additionally, a contract for 32 driverless three-car trains has been awarded to Alstom Transport India, with the first delivery anticipated by February 2027. Looking ahead, the Phase II expansion aims to extend the metro network by 118.9 km with 128 stations, at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore, and is projected for completion by the end of 2028.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has unveiled the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025, a key initiative aimed at achieving a target of ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports by 2030. Alongside this framework, the government introduced several other initiatives, including standard operating procedures for mariculture and guidelines for developing fishing harbours and aquaculture management. Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the need for innovation and global partnerships to enhance export competitiveness, urging stakeholders to improve packaging and certification standards. The fisheries sector has seen significant growth, with production doubling to 195 lakh tonnes over the past decade, supported by ₹38,572 crore in investments. The new traceability framework aims to create a digital system for tracking seafood from production to consumption, integrating technologies like blockchain and IoT, while ensuring inclusivity for small-scale fishers.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFarmers in North Karnataka are intensifying protests demanding the procurement of maize at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,400 per quintal, as current prices have plummeted to around ₹1,814 per quintal. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramiah announced that the state government will support maize growers by engaging with major distilleries and the poultry industry to boost purchases for ethanol production and meet demand. He emphasized the need to restrict maize imports, citing sufficient domestic production, and criticized distilleries for stockpiling maize during low-price periods, which has led to reduced procurement. Despite guidelines from the Union Ministry of Food for procurement under the MSP scheme, agencies like Nafed and NCCF have yet to initiate the process, exacerbating the crisis. The government plans to urge the central authorities to curb imports and expedite the procurement of 8 lakh tonnes of maize to stabilize market prices.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSwiggy has significantly expanded its 'Food on Train' service to 122 railway stations across India, responding to strong customer demand. The company has also increased the pre-order window for meals from 24 hours to 96 hours, allowing travellers greater flexibility in planning their meals. New stations added to the service include Anantpur, Madurai, Alwar, Kozhikode, Khurda Road, Yesvantpur, and Gonda. This expansion aims to enhance the travel experience, particularly during the festive season, enabling passengers to enjoy local culinary delights while on the move. Deepak Maloo, Swiggy's Vice President for food strategy, highlighted the initiative's goal of making it easier for travellers to access their favourite meals. The announcement reflects Swiggy's commitment to improving customer convenience and satisfaction in the food delivery sector.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 5 pm
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