eznews.inThe recent depreciation of the Indian rupee has sparked renewed discussions about its impact on the country's export competitiveness, according to a report by Systematix Research. While sectors like electronics, chemicals, machinery, and petroleum products initially appear to benefit from a weaker rupee, their reliance on imported inputs often negates these advantages, leading to a widening trade deficit. The report highlights that food and agro-based exports are the only sectors that consistently gain from currency depreciation, thanks to their low import intensity. Conversely, labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather suffer, as rising costs of imported materials and weak global demand diminish their profitability. The study warns that the potential benefits of rupee depreciation can be overshadowed by deteriorating global conditions, including rising protectionism and increased import costs, ultimately questioning the effectiveness of currency depreciation as a tool for improving India's trade balance. 
Published: Dec 15 2025, 11 ameznews.inCathay Cargo, the freighter division of Cathay Pacific Airways, has reported an 11% year-on-year growth in tonnage from India as of October, driven by mobile phone and automobile shipments. The airline's resilience is attributed to its extensive network, which includes over 100 passenger destinations and 40 freighter routes globally. Cathay Cargo's director, Dominic Perret, noted that the normalization of India-China relations could further enhance trade volumes, with resumed passenger and freighter flights between the two nations. Despite facing regulatory challenges, such as restrictions on operating freighters to multiple Indian airports in a single journey, the company is optimistic about future growth. Additionally, Cathay Cargo is investing in digital solutions, having recently implemented the IATA ONE Record platform for real-time customs updates, and is utilizing technology for staff training, with over 90% of shipments in India booked online.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant legislative move, the Indian government has circulated a bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, seeks to establish a new rural employment framework aligned with the national vision for a developed India by 2047. The bill promises a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for every rural household willing to engage in unskilled manual work. This initiative is designed to foster empowerment, growth, and resilience in rural areas. The bill is expected to be introduced during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which runs until December 19.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inDelhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the creation of a digital database for farmland and farmers aimed at improving land records and addressing discrepancies in crop-related schemes. This initiative, part of the Centre's Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, will provide farmers with a digital identity and geo-mapped records of their agricultural land. Financial assistance from the central government will be phased, contingent on achieving specific targets. Gupta emphasized that the new system would enhance transparency in crop insurance, compensation, and subsidies, while also eliminating issues like fake claims and incorrect land reporting. The project will replace manual crop inspections with a digital survey, ensuring accurate geo-referencing of fields. The Delhi government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre, with the Revenue Department overseeing the initiative and a special monitoring unit established to ensure timely progress.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to relocate its high-frequency radar from Dahisar to Gorai, a move that will free up hundreds of acres for affordable housing projects in Mumbai, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. This decision, reached after discussions with the Maharashtra government and other stakeholders, aims to alleviate urban development constraints affecting thousands of residents living in dilapidated conditions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the state’s commitment to cover relocation costs and provide alternative land. The initiative is expected to facilitate the construction of around 50,000 homes over the next five years, enhancing living standards and generating employment. Naidu emphasized that this decision balances housing needs with aviation safety, while Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this historic resolution possible. The relocation will also pave the way for redevelopment in Dahisar and Juhu, transforming the area into a burgeoning growth hub.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inAnkur Aggarwal, newly appointed Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited, emphasizes the need for "science-first farming" to drive sustainable income growth in Indian agriculture. He identifies key challenges such as unpredictable weather, shifting pest patterns, soil fatigue, and a widening knowledge gap among smallholders. Aggarwal aims to enhance the company's agility and innovation by investing in research and development, improving farmer outreach, and fostering a culture of innovation. He envisions a future where Indian agriculture is globally competitive and inclusive, driven by efficiency, sustainability, and technology. To support farmers, Crystal plans to shift from being a traditional input supplier to a long-term solution partner, focusing on smart input use, digital land records, and climate-resilient farming strategies. Aggarwal believes that with the right structural shifts, India can become an agricultural powerhouse, benefiting both farmers and the economy.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inDense smog and fog have severely reduced visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, prompting IndiGo Airlines to issue a travel advisory on Monday. The airline warned that the adverse weather conditions could disrupt flight schedules, urging passengers to stay informed about their flight status through official channels. Despite the challenges, IndiGo reported operating over 2,050 flights with minimal cancellations, maintaining operational stability for five consecutive days. The airline reassured customers of its commitment to processing refunds for cancelled flights, with an estimated compensation exceeding Rs 500 crore for those affected. IndiGo emphasized its focus on ensuring timely refunds and support for passengers during this period of disruption, as it continues to connect all 138 operational destinations across India.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inEtihad Airways reported a record 2.1 million passengers in November 2025, reflecting a 28% year-on-year increase and marking a peak in the airline's traffic for the year. The airline achieved a robust passenger load factor of 89% for the month, contributing to a total of 20.2 million passengers flown in the first 11 months of 2025, a 20% rise compared to the same period in 2024. Etihad's fleet expanded to 124 aircraft, up from 98 in November 2024, with the addition of four A321LRs, underscoring its ambitious growth strategy. In related news, CMA CGM launched the CMA CGM Antigone, a new dual-fuel methanol ship, enhancing its fleet's energy transition efforts. Additionally, an all-woman crew has begun operating continuous ship unloaders at APM Terminals Callao in Peru, marking a significant milestone for the country's maritime sector and improving grain handling efficiency.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn a remarkable two-year growth, GIFT City in Gujarat has emerged as a burgeoning hub for ship leasing, with 27 registered entities operating from its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) as of October. The number of vessels leased or purchased has surged to 30, including 16 ships bought and 14 leased, with bulk carriers making up 43% of these transactions. The total value of assets leased has reached $1.47 billion, highlighting a significant shift in maritime finance to Indian oversight. While GIFT IFSC is still developing compared to established centers like Singapore, it offers a unified regulatory framework that attracts global financiers. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles and the need for streamlined processes for Indian-flagged ships. Experts advocate for amendments to existing rules to enhance operational efficiency and support the growth of ancillary services within the sector.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 6 ameznews.inIndia's port sector demonstrated stable growth in FY2025, with cargo volumes increasing by approximately 3.3% year-on-year. The largest share of cargo was attributed to petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) at 28%, followed by coal at 24% and containers at 21.5%. Notably, container volumes surged by 11% to 351 million tonnes, driven by increased containerisation. In the first seven months of FY2026, cargo volumes rose by 4.1% compared to the previous year, with expectations of 3-5% growth for FY2026, bolstered by strong container and fertilizer performance. Significant policy reforms were enacted, including five landmark Bills aimed at modernising maritime operations. The upcoming Union Budget 2026-27 is anticipated to focus on enhancing the shipbuilding industry and port connectivity, with continued investments in the Sagarmala project and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, ensuring India's competitive edge in global trade.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 6 am
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