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In a significant development for Indian Railways, a military special train carrying military vehicles and heavy equipment crossed the Chenab Bridge on Tuesday, marking a crucial logistical operation from the Jammu Region to Anantnag. The year 2025 saw Indian Railways undertake ambitious projects, including the world’s highest rail bridge and the commissioning of the Birabi-Sairang line, enhancing connectivity to remote areas. The Ministry of Railways launched 42 projects valued over Rs 25,000 crore, while expanding Vande Bharat services with 15 new trains, bringing the total to 164. Safety improvements were notable, with train accidents dropping to 11, and 1,161 new road-over and under-bridges constructed. Additionally, 1,337 stations are undergoing modernization, and freight operations were bolstered by two new Dedicated Freight Corridors. The introduction of the RailOne App and Aadhaar-authenticated ticketing reforms further enhanced passenger services, reflecting a comprehensive push towards modernizing India's rail infrastructure. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia is poised to conclude 2025 as a landmark year for its economy, with robust growth, low inflation, and improved labor market conditions, according to the government's year-end economic review. The real GDP surged by 8.2% in the second quarter of FY 2025-26, marking a six-quarter high, driven by strong domestic demand despite global trade challenges. This follows growth rates of 7.8% and 7.4% in the previous quarters. Inflation remained low, with the Consumer Price Index dropping from 4.26% in January to 0.71% in November, allowing the Reserve Bank of India to maintain a supportive monetary stance. The unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in November, the lowest since April, while merchandise exports rose to $38.13 billion. With a GDP exceeding $4.18 trillion, India is now the world's fourth-largest economy, and projections indicate continued growth, bolstered by structural reforms and inclusive policies. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inWeather models indicate a significant wet spell is expected for coastal Tamil Nadu and southern regions, as well as parts of Kerala, as the year draws to a close and into the New Year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and global weather agencies, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), predict isolated to scattered showers from Puducherry southwards and across most of Kerala, excluding the northern areas. This weather pattern is likely triggered by an easterly wave associated with a cyclonic circulation moving towards Sri Lanka. The north-east monsoon season has already benefited regions like Telangana and Rayalaseema, while Tamil Nadu recorded normal rainfall. The IMD forecasts that the upcoming rainfall will extend to various areas in both states, including key coastal towns and hilly regions, with the wet conditions expected to persist until January 5, 2026, before transitioning to a more typical weather pattern. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inUnion Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the first flight of the Dhruv NG, a next-generation civil helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aimed at fulfilling the needs of the civil aviation sector. During the event at HAL, Naidu explored the helicopter's advanced systems alongside the pilot. Weighing 5.5 tonnes, the Dhruv NG is a light twin-engine helicopter designed for the diverse challenges of Indian terrain and upgraded for the global market. It boasts enhanced safety features, including crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks, and is equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines for improved power. The helicopter's modern glass cockpit and advanced avionics ensure superior situational awareness. With a maximum speed of 285 km/h and a range of 630 km, the Dhruv NG is versatile, catering to VIP transport, medical emergencies, and disaster relief, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to imported models. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has shown a significant decline since November 2024, remaining within the Reserve Bank's comfort zone of 2-4% until June 2025, before dropping below 2%. This trend has been attributed to reduced food prices and a government decision to lower Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on approximately 400 items. The wholesale price index (WPI) also indicated easing inflationary pressures, entering deflation by June 2025. As the Reserve Bank prepares to revise its inflation targeting framework in 2026, a new CPI series is set to be released in February, aimed at enhancing data accuracy and reliability. Economists predict that inflation will stabilize around 4-4.5% in 2026, influenced by agricultural production and commodity prices, while the Reserve Bank has already cut the benchmark lending rate by 125 basis points since February 2025. The central bank's next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for February 2026. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 ameznews.inDense fog at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi caused significant disruptions on Tuesday, leading to the cancellation of at least 118 flights, the diversion of 16 others, and delays affecting 130 services. The airport, which typically manages around 1,300 flights daily, saw 60 arrivals and 58 departures cancelled, with average delays for departing flights reaching approximately 28 minutes, according to flight tracking data. Despite the challenging conditions, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) stated that operations continued, although flights not compliant with CAT III standards—allowing for low visibility operations—were particularly impacted. In response to the situation, the civil aviation ministry emphasized the importance of airlines adhering to passenger facilitation norms, which include timely flight updates, meal provisions for delayed passengers, and efficient grievance handling. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 ameznews.inDelhi Police have arrested Captain Virendra Sejwal, an off-duty pilot with Air India Express, following allegations of assaulting a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 1 on December 19. The arrest came after a thorough investigation, which included reviewing CCTV footage and taking witness statements. Police confirmed that Sejwal had cooperated with the inquiry prior to his arrest. He faces charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically for voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation. The incident has raised concerns about safety and conduct at one of India's busiest airports. Further details regarding the circumstances of the assault have yet to be disclosed as the investigation continues. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia has recently surpassed China to become the world's largest rice producer, with exports nearly doubling over the past decade to exceed 20 million metric tonnes in the last fiscal year. However, many farmers in key rice-producing states like Haryana and Punjab are facing significant challenges due to unsustainable groundwater extraction, as they are forced to drill deeper borewells to access dwindling aquifers. Government subsidies that promote rice cultivation are discouraging a shift to less water-intensive crops, exacerbating the crisis in one of the world's most water-stressed countries. Despite recent attempts to incentivize farmers to switch to crops like millets, these measures have yet to yield substantial results. Experts warn that the current agricultural policies may lead to unsustainable farming practices, threatening both the livelihoods of small farmers and the long-term viability of India's water resources. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndiGo has announced an increase in pilot allowances, effective January 1, with hikes ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 2,000 across various categories, including domestic layover, deadhead, night, and a newly introduced tail-swap allowance. This decision follows significant flight disruptions attributed to pilot rostering issues and the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, which require more pilots for night operations. The adjustments will see captains' domestic layover allowances rise from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, while first officers will see theirs increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. Additionally, night allowances have been raised to Rs 2,000 for captains and Rs 1,000 for first officers. The changes come after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated a 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter schedule due to operational challenges. The airline currently employs over 5,000 pilots. 
Published: Dec 30 2025, 7 ameznews.inSmall and medium drug manufacturers in India face a critical deadline to comply with revised Schedule M standards for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a cutoff set for December 31, 2025. Industry representatives are lobbying the government for a 12-month extension, hoping for a decision by early next year, similar to a conditional extension granted last year. Despite these appeals, the Centre has yet to indicate any willingness to relax the deadline. Concerns have intensified following recent cough syrup-related fatalities, underscoring the importance of compliance. Daara Patel from the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association has called for government support for companies genuinely struggling with compliance due to equipment or financial issues. With approximately 8,500 units in the sector, estimates suggest that 40 to 60 percent may be affected, prompting some to consider returning their licenses, highlighting the potential impact on employment within the industry. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 9 pm
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