eznews.inNavi Mumbai airport authorities are set to meet with telecom representatives in mid-January to address ongoing disputes over Right of Way (RoW) permissions and associated charges, which have hindered the deployment of essential 4G and 5G connectivity. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is at odds with the Adani group and other airport authorities, who have restricted access for telecom operators. Experts, including Mahesh Uppal from Comm First, emphasize the need for a swift resolution, noting that delays negatively impact customer experience. Despite previous attempts by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to mediate, conflicts have persisted for two decades due to jurisdictional limitations. Analysts argue that telecom is now a vital service, and any lack of connectivity affects both airlines and passengers, urging for a collaborative approach to resolve these issues without government intervention. 
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmeznews.inSpeculation is mounting over a potential leadership change at Air India as concerns grow regarding the effectiveness of the Tata Group's revival efforts. Nearly three years post-acquisition, the airline continues to face operational disruptions, inconsistent service quality, and sluggish reforms, prompting an internal review of CEO Campbell Wilson's performance. While Wilson's tenure has seen significant initiatives, such as the Vihaan.AI transformation programme and a substantial aircraft order, execution has faltered, with ongoing issues like crew shortages and integration challenges undermining progress. Critics argue that Wilson's ties to Singapore Airlines have hindered alignment with Tata's objectives. Despite some improvements in customer experience and network expansion, Air India remains burdened by high capital expenditures and cultural shifts from its public-sector legacy. The focus now shifts from strategic vision to operational delivery, as the future of Air India's revival hinges on effective leadership and consistent service.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 10 pmeznews.inFormer U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that India's reduced oil purchases from Russia are due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's desire to maintain a positive relationship with the U.S. However, Trump warned that Washington could impose higher tariffs on India if these purchases do not cease. This threat complicates ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between the two nations, which has already missed its fall deadline. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has advocated for tariffs as high as 500% on countries like India that continue to buy Russian oil. Current tariffs of 50% on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for Russian oil purchases, have already impacted labor-intensive sectors. Experts warn that additional tariffs could devastate trade prospects and lead to a permanent loss of market presence for Indian exporters, who rely on the U.S. as a key trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in FY25.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 10 pmeznews.inLatest figures from the Agriculture Ministry indicate that wheat acreage in India has risen to a record 334.17 lakh hectares (lh) as of January 2, marking a 2% increase from 328.04 lh last year. This surge is attributed to farmers opting for wheat amid declining prices for other crops. If favorable weather persists, India could see another record harvest, potentially lifting a four-year export ban. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) has noted that current conditions are beneficial for wheat growth but has advised farmers to monitor for stripe rust disease. The government has set a foodgrain production target of 171.14 million tonnes for the rabi season, including 119 million tonnes of wheat. Overall, total crop acreage stands at 634.14 lh, slightly below the five-year average of 637.81 lh, with notable increases in pulses and oilseeds, while jowar acreage has declined.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 8 pmeznews.inDr. Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, has highlighted the Indian government's ₹11 lakh-crore infrastructure investment as a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and economic efficiency, particularly through the expansion of highways and railways. He emphasized that the effectiveness of this funding hinges on proper utilization and implementation, noting that infrastructure spending typically yields a higher economic multiplier effect compared to consumption. Looking ahead, Sharma suggested that if the investments made in 2025 yield positive outcomes in growth and job creation, the government may increase its infrastructure outlay in 2026, despite current fiscal constraints. He also pointed to the potential for greater private sector involvement in railways and the importance of monetization strategies. Additionally, Sharma expressed optimism about India's commitment to green energy, anticipating increased funding and focus on renewable projects as part of the country's sustainability goals.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inSmartGreen Aquaculture (SGA) has launched India's first inland trout farming facility in Kandukur Mandal, Telangana, marking a significant advancement in cold-water aquaculture for warmer regions. Inaugurated by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the $6 million facility boasts a production capacity of 1,200 tonnes per year, utilizing sustainable Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. This innovative approach allows for year-round trout production in a controlled environment, featuring hatchery units, an indoor grow-out system, and on-site processing. SGA aims to reduce reliance on imports by delivering fresh, premium rainbow trout directly to consumers through an integrated e-commerce platform. Founder Aditya Rithvik Narra emphasized the facility's role in enhancing traceability and maintaining strict biosecurity and environmental controls. The facility is set to cater to the domestic premium seafood market, targeting retail, hospitality, and institutional buyers.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmeznews.inFLY91, a regional airline based in Goa, has announced the leasing of two ATR-72 aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, set to join its fleet later this month. This addition will expand FLY91's fleet to six aircraft, enabling the airline to enhance its existing routes and introduce new destinations, including Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Nanded, and Hubballi. Manoj Chacko, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FLY91, emphasized that this move underscores the airline's commitment to sustainable growth and operational resilience. He highlighted the ATR 72-600's suitability for short-haul regional routes, citing its efficiency, reliability, and performance as key factors in the airline's operational strategy. The announcement marks a significant step in FLY91's expansion plans as it aims to strengthen its presence in the regional aviation market.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmeznews.inNatural Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd has launched an innovative AI-based initiative to boost sugarcane productivity in Ranjangaon, Dharashiv district, marking a significant advancement in agricultural practices. The project, which involves 753 farmers—the largest participation for such an initiative in Maharashtra—was developed in collaboration with KVK Baramati, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, and the West Indian Sugar Mills Association. The factory, with a crushing capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day, has established an independent Sugarcane Development Department to provide ongoing training and practical support to farmers. This includes the installation of 20 weather stations and 500 sensors to offer real-time data on water management and nutrient use. Farmers adhering to expert recommendations will be rewarded with prizes for achieving record production. The project was inaugurated recently, with a meeting held to guide participating farmers, according to BB Thombre, Chairman and Managing Director of the company.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Pune Public Policy Festival (PPPF) is set to return for its third edition on January 9 and 10, 2026, at the Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics (GIPE). This year's theme, "Decoding Technology and Society," highlights India's shifting policy priorities in a technology-centric landscape. The two-day event will facilitate discussions on critical topics such as artificial intelligence governance, financial innovation, and mental health in the AI era, aiming to foster evidence-based dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. Notable speakers include General Anil Chauhan, M.J. Akbar, and Vijay Gokhale, among others. Supported by various donors, including the Parimal and Pramod Chaudhari Foundation and Forbes Marshal, the festival aims to unite policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to devise solutions for a rapidly evolving nation. Tickets are available on the festival's official website.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has announced a new machine-based levy for pan masala manufacturers, deemed the most equitable and transparent method for taxing fast, continuous production. Effective February 1, the GST rate will rise to 40%, with a cess of 48% replacing the current compensation cess. Manufacturers must register and pay cess monthly based on the maximum capacity of their machines, regardless of actual output. Notably, if a new machine is added mid-month, the full cess for that machine must be paid within five days. However, companies starting mid-month will pay on a pro-rata basis. An abatement provision allows for cess adjustments if a machine is inoperative for over 15 consecutive days. This shift aims to enhance tax reliability, moving away from traditional output-based taxation methods.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 6 pm
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