eznews.inAir India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd. (AISATS) has officially launched full-scale ground handling operations at Cochin International Airport, marking its second station in Kerala and the eighth across India. The company has deployed an initial team of 150 trained professionals to enhance operations at this key aviation hub, which serves over 28 airlines and handled nearly 60,000 tonnes of cargo while welcoming more than 10 million passengers in FY24. AISATS aims to provide future-ready technology and globally benchmarked safety systems, starting with support for Batik Air and Thai Lion Air, as well as other international and domestic carriers. This expansion comes amid significant growth in India's aviation sector, with Kerala increasingly vital in the Gulf–India–Southeast Asia air corridor. AISATS is also investing in advanced cargo infrastructure, including the AISATS BLR Logistics Park in Bengaluru and a new Multi-Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport. 
Published: Dec 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India for a two-day visit on Thursday, accompanied by senior ministers and business leaders, with a focus on addressing the significant trade deficit between the two nations. In the fiscal year 2025, India imported $63.84 billion worth of goods from Russia while exporting only $4.88 billion, resulting in a deficit of approximately $59 billion. During his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Putin is expected to establish a timeline for a proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Amidst US sanctions affecting oil imports, Russia aims to enhance its procurement of Indian goods, including pharmaceuticals and technical textiles, while also discussing local currency trade and increased mobility for professionals. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia's commitment to boosting imports from India to strengthen bilateral ties.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines is facing significant operational challenges, with a severe pilot shortage leading to widespread delays and last-minute cancellations across its network. This shortage has been exacerbated by new flight duty time regulations and the introduction of additional flights in the winter schedule starting November 1. Compounding the issue, technical glitches in check-in systems at select airports have further disrupted flight schedules. On Tuesday, 65% of IndiGo's flights were delayed, marking the highest rate among major airlines. In response, IndiGo acknowledged the unavoidable delays and cancellations, attributing them to a combination of technology issues, airport congestion, and operational needs. The airline has committed to normalising operations swiftly and is providing affected customers with alternative flight options or refunds where applicable.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGold prices reached a record high of $4,381.58 an ounce on October 17, yet central bank purchases of the metal have been lower than in previous years, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). In October, central banks bought 53 tonnes of gold, a 36% increase from September, but year-to-date purchases totalled 254 tonnes, reflecting a slower pace compared to the last three years. The National Bank of Poland emerged as a significant buyer, purchasing 16 tonnes in October and increasing its gold reserves to 531 tonnes, making it the largest official-sector buyer this year. Other notable purchases included the Central Bank of Brazil, which added 16 tonnes, and various smaller acquisitions from banks in Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Turkey. Conversely, the Central Bank of Russia sold three tonnes to capitalize on high prices, reducing its reserves to 2,327 tonnes. Emerging-market central banks continue to dominate gold buying, indicating a strategic approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has announced that, effective February 1, all pan masala packs, regardless of size, will be required to display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) on their labels. This change follows the introduction of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Second (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which eliminates the previous exemption for small packs of 10 grams or less. The Ministry stated that this amendment aims to enhance consumer protection by providing clear pricing information, thereby preventing misleading pricing practices and enabling informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, the mandatory RSP declaration will facilitate the effective implementation of the RSP-based Goods and Services Tax (GST) on pan masala, ensuring proper tax assessment and revenue collection across all pack sizes. The move is seen as a significant step towards greater transparency in the market.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVizhinjam International Seaport has set a record as the fastest port in India to handle over 1 million TEUs, achieving this milestone within just 10 months of its launch and concluding its inaugural year with a total of 1.32 million TEUs. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. in collaboration with the Kerala Government, the port has welcomed 615 vessels, including 41 ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) over 399 metres long, the highest for any Indian port. Notably, MSC Verona, with a 17.1-metre draft, became the deepest-draft vessel handled in South Asia. Vizhinjam is also pioneering automation in India’s maritime sector, being the first semi-automated container port and employing women as automated crane operators. Positioned near key East-West shipping lanes, the port is poised to enhance India’s role in global logistics, fostering economic growth and supply-chain efficiency.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAequs, an Indian aerospace supplier for major companies like Airbus and Boeing, is poised to expand into higher-value aircraft parts production as Western planemakers increase sourcing from India due to ongoing supply chain challenges. The company, which generates 90% of its revenue from aerospace, recently launched a $102.4 million IPO that was fully subscribed within hours, aiming for a valuation of up to $923.5 million. CEO Aravind Melligeri highlighted plans for vertical integration to enhance production capabilities, allowing for more in-house processing. While Aequs seeks to grow its aerospace segment, it also aims to boost its consumer products division, which currently accounts for just 10% of revenue, tapping into the global shift away from reliance on China. The company reported a 17% revenue increase to ₹537 crore in the first half of the fiscal year, with losses narrowing significantly.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBengaluru-based electric tractor technology firm Moonrider has secured $6 million in its Series A funding round, led by pi Ventures, with participation from Singularity AMC and existing investors Advantedge Founders and Micelio Fund. The company claims its electric tractors can reduce land preparation and farming costs by up to 80%, achieving price parity with diesel tractors through deep vertical integration of drivetrain, battery systems, and electronics. Founder and CEO Anoop Srikantaswamy emphasized that the investment will accelerate the transition from pilot projects to full commercial deployment, ultimately benefiting millions of farmers. Industry experts highlighted Moonrider's innovative approach to farm economics, with electric tractors offering lower operating costs and competitive upfront pricing. Investors expressed confidence in Moonrider's potential to lead the shift towards sustainable agriculture, positioning the company as a key player in the electrification of commercial vehicles in developing markets.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has allocated ₹109 crore for the development of three airports in Tamil Nadu under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). Vellore will receive ₹59 crore, Neyveli ₹26 crore, and Salem ₹24 crore. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that while Salem is already operational, development at Neyveli and Vellore is complete, with licensing currently underway. The UDAN scheme aims to enhance airport infrastructure and air connectivity, particularly in remote areas. Tamil Nadu has been awarded 68 UDAN routes, with 26 operational and 12 pending commencement, although delays have been attributed to various factors. Notably, Hosur has been removed from the scheme due to a distance restriction, but the Tamil Nadu government is moving forward with plans for a new greenfield airport there. Nationwide, UDAN has operationalized 651 routes connecting 93 underserved airports, with plans to expand to 120 new destinations in the coming decade.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAirbus SE has revised its aircraft delivery target for 2025, reducing it by 3.7% to 790 jets, down from an earlier goal of 820, due to quality issues with its A320 model. The company disclosed that 628 jets have fuselage panels that do not meet specifications, with 168 already in service. Airbus is currently inspecting all affected aircraft, although it anticipates that many panels will conform to standards. This announcement follows a significant recall related to potential flight control corruption in the A320, which affected around 6,000 aircraft. The dual setbacks have unsettled investors, leading to Airbus's worst trading day since April. Additionally, the manufacturer is grappling with supply chain shortages impacting engine and cabin deliveries, while maintenance issues with A320neo engines have temporarily grounded hundreds of planes. Industry experts warn that competitive pressures may be compromising quality standards.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 12 pm
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