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Reliance Industries (RIL) appears to be halting new purchases of Russian crude and fuel oil amid increasing sanctions and compliance pressures, according to recent signals. While some Indian refiners, including Nayara Energy and state-controlled entities, are capitalizing on widened discounts for Russian Urals crude—now around $7 per barrel—RIL has ceased imports into its Special Economic Zone refinery since November 20. Kpler's data indicates that no new Russian cargoes are currently heading to RIL's Jamnagar facility, following the discharge of the Aqua Titan on December 17. Analysts suggest that while RIL's withdrawal may reduce India's overall Russian crude imports, other refiners may engage in opportunistic buying. However, RIL's significant capacity means that any shortfall from its absence could impact overall import levels, which are expected to stabilize around 1–1.2 million barrels per day in the near future. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has launched its first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel, marking a significant advancement in the country's commitment to clean and sustainable inland water transport. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the vessel's commercial operations at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, emphasizing that this development showcases India's growing technological capabilities and dedication to green energy. He noted that India now joins the ranks of nations like China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan in operating hydrogen-powered vessels, highlighting the nation's readiness for future technological challenges. Sonowal attributed this progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, which has prioritized the modernization of inland waterways to enhance connectivity and public convenience. The event was attended by several state ministers, underscoring the collaborative effort towards advancing India's transport infrastructure. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inToffee Coffee Roasters, a premium coffee brand co-founded by Rishab Nigam and Nandini Shrivastava, has successfully raised ₹5 crore in a Pre-series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with contributions from 66 bridge partners and others. The company plans to allocate around 60% of the funds for working capital to support its rapid growth, while 10-15% will enhance its backend roastery and another 10% will improve packaging quality. The remaining funds will focus on new product development. Currently producing over 5 tonnes of coffee monthly, Toffee aims to scale production to 50 tonnes, targeting annual revenues of ₹8-10 crore and reaching 8-10 lakh customers. The brand, which has gained recognition on Shark Tank India and is backed by OYO's Ritesh Agarwal, seeks to bridge the gap in India's coffee market by offering high-quality, artisanal coffee at accessible prices. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's Chief Economic Adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, expressed optimism that the long-awaited trade deal with the United States will be finalized by March, as most trade-related issues have been addressed. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Nageswaran acknowledged the deal's elusive nature, initially hoping for a resolution by November, but now believes it is crucial for both nations to conclude negotiations, particularly to alleviate the impact of the US's 50% tariffs on Indian goods. A US trade delegation is currently in India to expedite the process, which has faced delays. Nageswaran emphasized the geopolitical significance of the agreement, while also noting that India's economy remains robust, with exporters adapting to tariff challenges and the rural economy performing well. He highlighted that a weaker rupee has not adversely affected the economy, benefiting the export sector amid global uncertainties. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe aviation training sector is witnessing a surge in investment, driven by an anticipated increase in demand for pilots and cabin crew due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The Adani Group has entered this market by acquiring a majority stake in Flight Simulation Technique Centre for ₹820 crore, as the industry grapples with staffing shortages that have disrupted operations at major airlines like IndiGo. With Air India and IndiGo placing substantial aircraft orders, the need for pilots is projected to rise from 11,745 to 22,400 by 2030, while cabin crew requirements could nearly double. Simulator Training Centre (Flywings) is also capitalizing on this trend, planning to raise ₹57 crore through an IPO. Experts predict that the number of aircraft will increase significantly, highlighting the critical role of crew availability in the industry's growth over the next few years. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe latest NABARD Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS) reveals a significant revival in rural India, with 80% of households reporting increased consumption over the past year. The eighth round of the bi-monthly survey, conducted since September 2024, indicates a broad-based recovery in rural demand, rising incomes, and improved well-being. Notably, 42.2% of households experienced income growth, the highest since the survey began, while only 15.7% reported declines. Optimism is high, with 75.9% expecting further income increases next year. Investment activity has surged, with 29.3% of households increasing capital investments, driven by strong consumption and income gains. Access to formal credit has also improved, reaching 58.3%. Additionally, inflation perceptions have dropped to a year-low of 3.77%, enhancing real income and purchasing power. Overall, the survey underscores a positive trajectory for rural India, bolstered by government welfare support and public investment. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndiGo has faced significant operational disruptions, leading to the cancellation of 60 flights from Bengaluru Airport on Thursday, following a previous wave of 220 cancellations across major airports. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified scrutiny of the airline, summoning CEO Pieter Elbers for a detailed report on the situation. IndiGo Chairman Vikram Mehta attributed the chaos to a mix of internal and external factors, including technical glitches and new crew duty regulations. Despite similar challenges faced by other airlines, IndiGo's operations have been disproportionately affected, with a depletion of 378 pilots over the past nine months. The DGCA has deployed an oversight team at IndiGo's headquarters to monitor flight cancellations and crew management. The Federation of Indian Pilots has criticized IndiGo's staffing strategy, claiming it has led to the current crisis due to inadequate planning and a hiring freeze. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inDCM Shriram Limited, a prominent Indian conglomerate, has partnered with Bayer Crop Science Limited, a global leader in agricultural solutions, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing India's agricultural ecosystem. The agreement focuses on collaboration in areas such as agri-inputs, digital advisory, and sustainable farming practices. Both companies will explore synergies in crop solutions, seeds, and digital tools, while also assessing opportunities to support farmer organizations and promote sustainable agriculture initiatives, including soil health and carbon sequestration projects. DCM Shriram's Chairman, Ajay S Shriram, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to benefit farming communities. Bayer's CEO, Simon Wiebusch, highlighted the importance of resilience and value-chain integration in Indian agriculture, stating that their combined expertise will facilitate market access and create lasting positive change for farmers. The collaboration aims to improve productivity and promote climate-resilient farming practices across the country. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata is contemplating an expansion of its direct shipping network to additional East and Southeast Asian nations, spurred by the success of its weekly China Calcutta Service (CCS). Launched in July 2024 in partnership with Pacific International Lines, the CCS has significantly reduced costs and transit times, leading to a steady increase in demand. Deputy Chairperson Samrat Rahi noted that the port is actively exploring direct services to other Far East and Southeast Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) has experienced remarkable growth, achieving its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 21,691 TEUs in November 2025, bolstered by direct vessels from China and the introduction of the Port-Link Express rail service connecting Kolkata and Haldia. Rahi emphasized that upcoming barge movements between the two dock systems could further enhance throughput. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's retail inflation is projected to rise in November to between 0.5% and 1%, following a historic low of 0.3% in October, according to upcoming data from the government. The increase is attributed to the waning base effect and rising prices of gold and silver, which are expected to influence the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that the low inflation in October was primarily due to a decline in the food and beverage sector. Despite this, core-CPI inflation remained stable at 4.5%. The Reserve Bank of India has also revised its inflation forecast for FY26 downwards, anticipating an average inflation rate of 2% for the year. Experts suggest that while inflation may have bottomed out, it is expected to rise in subsequent quarters, with potential supply issues in the food sector due to unseasonal rains and increased import duties on pulses. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 am
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