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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to implement a new Air Traffic Services Message Handling System (AMHS) by March 2026, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reliability of aeronautical message transmission, including flight plans and weather reports. This initiative follows a significant glitch in the existing Automatic Message Switching System last month, which caused delays for nearly 400 flights over two days. In response, AAI has been mandated to conduct a thorough audit of its communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment. The new AMHS, developed by Austrian firm Frequentis, will connect over 80 airports across India and is based on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. This modern system promises faster, more flexible communication, supports message attachments, and reduces reliance on voice coordination, aligning India with 28 other Asia-Pacific nations that have already adopted AMHS. 
Published: Dec 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inDuring a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the initiation of formal negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) by early 2026. This new approach marks a departure from previous talks, which were suspended in September 2023 amid allegations involving Indian officials and the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The renewed interest in trade follows Carney's election in March 2025, with both leaders aiming to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The CEPA is expected to encompass a broader range of sectors, including critical minerals, clean energy, aerospace, and defense. India's exports to Canada rose by 9.8% in 2024-25, while imports saw a slight decline. Carney is anticipated to visit India in early 2026 for further discussions on the CEPA.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted "normal to below-normal" temperatures across key agricultural regions, including Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, during the winter months of December to February, which is expected to benefit rabi crop growth. IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that while some areas, particularly the western Himalayas and northeastern states, may see above-normal maximum temperatures, specifics for February—crucial for crop yields in Punjab and Haryana—were not detailed. The IMD anticipates an increase in cold wave conditions, with 4-5 additional days expected in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The first cold wave of the season occurred from November 8-18, with another predicted from December 3-5. Additionally, weak La Niña conditions are expected to persist into January, while December rainfall in southern peninsular regions is projected to be normal, ranging from 69-131% of the Long Period Average.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFarmers in India have made significant progress in sowing rabi crops, with the area planted reaching 62% of the normal target, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The total area under all agricultural crops has increased by 9.9% to 393.07 lakh hectares as of November 28, compared to 357.73 lakh hectares last year. Notably, the sowing area for paddy has risen by 7.7% to 9.10 lakh hectares, while wheat sowing has also surged to 187.37 lakh hectares, up from 160.26 lakh hectares. Mustard, a key oilseed, has been planted on 97% of its normal area. The government aims for a foodgrain output of 171.14 million tonnes this season. Meanwhile, water storage in major reservoirs has slightly decreased to 87.83% of capacity, with regional variations noted across northern and central India. Farmers are advised to select suitable crop varieties and manage irrigation effectively to optimize yields.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a recent note, ICRA highlighted that power utilities typically consume coal with a gross calorific value of 3,500-3,800 kcal/kg at pre-GST prices of ₹800-900 per tonne. The recent revision of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to an average price reduction of ₹260 per tonne for coal supplied to the power sector, which is expected to lower generation costs by 17 to 18 paise per kilowatt hour. Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy noted that the changes have rationalised the tax burden across coal grades, correcting an inverted duty structure that previously disadvantaged low-grade coal. The removal of the ₹400 per tonne GST Compensation Cess is anticipated to enhance the competitiveness of domestic coal against imports, supporting the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With around 70% of India's power generation from coal, these reforms are expected to reduce costs for distribution companies by approximately 12 paise per unit.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production has surged by 50% in the first two months of the current season, reaching 41.35 lakh tonnes, largely driven by a nearly fourfold increase in output from Maharashtra. Data from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) revealed that 486 lakh tonnes of sugarcane were crushed by November 30, compared to 334 lakh tonnes last year, with an average sugar recovery rate rising to 8.51% from 8.27%. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka accounted for over 94% of the production, with Maharashtra alone expected to produce 110 lakh tonnes this season. Despite this growth, the NFCSF has urged the government to permit an additional 10 lakh tonnes for export to alleviate domestic market pressures and improve sugar prices. The sector also faces uncertainty over the long-awaited revision of the Minimum Selling Price, which NFCSF officials argue needs to be increased to ₹41 per kg to ensure fair revenue for farmers.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inForeign direct investment (FDI) in India surged by 18% to USD 35.18 billion during the first half of the fiscal year 2024, with inflows from the United States more than doubling to USD 6.62 billion, according to government data released on Monday. Total FDI, encompassing equity inflows, reinvested earnings, and other capital, reached approximately USD 50 billion, up from USD 42.3 billion in the same period last year. Singapore emerged as the largest source of FDI, contributing USD 11.94 billion, followed by the US and Mauritius. Sector-wise, computer software and hardware attracted the most investment at USD 9 billion. Maharashtra led the states in FDI inflows with USD 10.57 billion. The Indian government has implemented investor-friendly policies and reforms to liberalise FDI norms, allowing 100% overseas investment in various sectors, including coal mining and insurance.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday, revealing that the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) holds less than 5% of its investment exposure in the Adani Group, amounting to over ₹38,600 crore, or 4.1% of its total equity investments valued at ₹9.39 lakh crore as of September 30. Sitharaman clarified that the Finance Ministry does not direct LIC's investment decisions, which are made independently following strict due diligence and compliance with established regulations. She emphasized that LIC's investments are governed by the Insurance Act, 1938, and overseen by various regulatory bodies, including the IRDAI and RBI. Despite a report suggesting government orchestration of LIC's investments in Adani amid scrutiny, Sitharaman maintained that all decisions adhere to standard operating procedures. Notably, LIC's largest equity investments are in Reliance Industries, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's current account deficit (CAD) widened significantly to $12.3 billion in the second quarter of FY26, up from $2.4 billion in the previous quarter, driven by factors including net outflows from foreign portfolio investments and reduced inflows from external commercial borrowings and NRI deposits. However, this figure is an improvement from the $20.8 billion CAD recorded in the same quarter last year. As a percentage of GDP, the CAD rose to 1.3%, compared to 0.2% in Q1FY26, but was lower than 2.2% in Q2FY25. Merchandise trade deficit also decreased to $87.4 billion from $88.5 billion a year ago, while net services receipts increased to $50.9 billion. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that while the CAD is expected to rise due to increased gold imports, it is projected to stabilize at around 1.1-1.2% of GDP for FY26.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTata Motors has solidified its position as the leading player in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, capturing a 41 per cent market share, an increase from 40 per cent in October. However, overall registrations of electric motor cars fell by 23 per cent month-on-month in November, totaling 14,327 units, down from 18,559 in October. Competitors JSW MG and Mahindra Electric experienced slight declines in their market shares, while Vietnam's Vinfast made notable gains, with registrations more than doubling to 287 units. Analysts attribute the October surge in EV sales to festive demand, but November's slowdown is linked to ongoing discounts on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a shortage of rare-earth magnets impacting EV production. The widening price gap between entry-level EVs and ICE vehicles, now at 40 per cent, has further favoured ICE sales, according to Anuj Sethi of Crisil Ratings.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 6 pm
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