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India's Aviation Boom Faces Turbulence Amid Duopoly Strain

India's aviation sector faces significant challenges following crises at its leading airlines, IndiGo and Air India, prompting government intervention. IndiGo, which dominates two-thirds of the market, experienced a severe operational failure in December due to pilot shortages and software issues, resulting in thousands of flight cancellations and stranding half a million passengers. Meanwhile, Air India, transitioning from state to Tata Group ownership, has struggled with safety audits and operational mishaps, including a tragic crash that killed 241 people. As both airlines control nearly 90% of domestic seats, experts warn of systemic fragility in a rapidly growing market. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is under scrutiny for its limited resources and oversight capabilities, raising concerns about the sector's future. With ambitious expansion plans underway, the industry must address these vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable growth and safety in India's burgeoning aviation landscape. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 9 am

US Tariffs Hit Maharashtra's Second-Tier Cities Economically

Maharashtra's second-tier cities, including Solapur, Kolhapur, and Sangli, are grappling with the adverse effects of US tariffs on Indian goods, which have severely disrupted local economies and key industries. In Solapur, the textile sector, particularly terry towel production, has been hit hard, with exports to the US halting entirely, threatening around 15,000 jobs. Kolhapur's foundry cluster has also felt the strain, with a significant drop in exports to the US, impacting small ancillary units. Similarly, Sangli's auto component and textile exports have plummeted, leaving many small businesses struggling to retain their workforce. Local industrialists are urging the government for swift action, while Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal announced the formation of a committee to assess the situation and explore alternative markets and solutions to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

MatchLog partners with Softlink Global for container optimization

Container reuse platform MatchLog announced on Tuesday a partnership with logistics provider Softlink Global to integrate its container optimisation capabilities with Softlink's Logi-Sys enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. This collaboration aims to enhance container reuse and asset optimisation for freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers, and shipping companies across over 100 countries where Logi-Sys is operational. By embedding container optimisation within Logi-Sys, users will benefit from unified control over freight forwarding, container visibility, and financial workflows, addressing persistent challenges such as container imbalance in the Asia-Pacific region. MatchLog's co-founder, Manish Singh, highlighted the initiative's potential to improve asset utilisation and sustainability in supply chains. Softlink Global's CEO, Amit Maheshwari, emphasized that this integration extends ERP capabilities into asset efficiency, providing customers with better cost control and planning without increasing operational complexity. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

India's oil security safe from US-Venezuela tensions: Report

A recent report by Bank of Baroda has assessed the geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, concluding that they pose minimal risk to India's oil security and trade. Despite Venezuela's significant crude oil reserves, its current global production accounts for only 1% of supply, translating to 960 million barrels per day. The report highlights that while Venezuela holds 19.4% of global reserves, supply constraints limit immediate implications for oil markets. India's trade with Venezuela remains modest, valued at $1.9 billion, with exports declining by 8.8% over five years. Crude oil constitutes the majority of imports from Venezuela, which are competitively priced compared to other sources. Overall, the report indicates that the ongoing tensions are unlikely to impact India's oil import bill, as global supplies are expected to remain abundant. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

Haryana to launch India's first hydrogen train

Haryana is poised to launch India's first hydrogen-powered train, with the Northern Railway project nearing completion between Jind and Sonipat. The state government confirmed that a stable 11 kV power supply has been established for the hydrogen plant in Jind, which boasts a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is currently in its final commissioning phase. Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi has directed officials from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam to conduct regular reviews of the power supply to ensure the project's success, emphasizing the need for robust alternative arrangements. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously announced that the Indian Railways is piloting this state-of-the-art initiative, adhering to specifications set by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation. The hydrogen for the train will be produced through electrolysis, marking a significant step towards green hydrogen generation in India. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 3 pm

Minister advocates year-round paddy-fish farming study in Pokkali

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Ram Nath Thakur has called for a comprehensive scientific study to explore the feasibility of year-round integrated paddy-fish farming in Kerala's Pokkali fields. This initiative aims to boost farmers' incomes while ensuring ecological and socio-economic sustainability. Thakur's remarks followed farmers' requests to allow continuous fish farming, which is currently restricted to seasonal periods. He stressed the importance of evaluating existing laws and environmental impacts before making policy changes. The Minister's visit, coordinated by the Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), included discussions on a proposed pilot project covering 50 acres to gather data for future interventions. Additionally, Thakur released new products from CMFRI, including an organic compost and a publication on pearl production technology, emphasizing the need for research to benefit rural farmers. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 3 pm

Sustainability Mafia secures Zerodha funding for climate tech growth

The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non-profit dedicated to climate education and ecosystem development, has secured ₹2 crore in corporate social responsibility funding from Zerodha. This financial boost aims to cultivate a skilled, climate-conscious workforce and assist climate-tech start-ups in scaling their solutions. The funds will facilitate the training of over 300 'Climate Ninjas', support more than 20 early-stage climate ventures, and host regional and national gatherings to unite stakeholders in the sustainability sector. Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath emphasized the importance of providing founders and learners with essential knowledge and support to achieve strong climate outcomes. SusMafia Director Ganesh highlighted the organization's commitment to fostering community collaboration towards sustainability. To date, the Foundation has trained over 400 climate professionals and allocated ₹1 crore in grants to emerging climate initiatives, reinforcing its mission to make sustainability the default choice. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 2 pm

Allcargo boosts CFS capacity near JN Port to 3.6 lakh TEUs

Allcargo Terminals Ltd, a subsidiary of multimodal logistics operator Allcargo Group, has significantly increased the capacity of its container freight station (CFS) near Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) in Navi Mumbai from 190,000 TEUs to 360,000 TEUs annually. This expansion is part of the company's strategic three-year plan aimed at enhancing India's EXIM trade infrastructure through scale, digitisation, and improved facilities. The upgraded CFS features a 25% increase in warehousing capacity and dedicated zones for special and over-dimensional cargo, enabling the handling of rising cargo volumes with greater efficiency. Allcargo's digital-first approach, including tools like the MyCFS app, ensures seamless operations and faster turnaround times. The expansion aligns with JNP's goal of becoming the first Indian port to handle 10 million TEUs by 2027, reinforcing Allcargo's leadership in the logistics sector while addressing growing customer demands. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 2 pm

Government to reassess air passenger rights charter

The Indian government is set to review its air passengers' rights charter following the recent mass flight cancellations by IndiGo, which left thousands stranded. Introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the charter outlines passenger entitlements for both domestic and international flights, covering issues such as delays, cancellations, and assistance for those with special needs. The review aims to enhance existing protections and adapt to operational realities, nearly a decade after the charter's initial implementation. Current provisions include compensation for cancellations ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, and up to ₹20,000 for denied boarding. The updated framework will focus on improving passenger welfare, accessibility, and service quality, rather than punitive measures. MoCA plans to consult with airlines, airports, and passenger groups to refine refund timelines and communication protocols during disruptions, ensuring that proactive measures become standard practice across the industry. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 2 pm

NHAI collaborates with DoT, TRAI for better NH mobile connectivity

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has called for urgent action from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to enhance mobile network connectivity along National Highways, particularly in remote and rural areas. In a recent assessment, NHAI identified 424 locations, spanning approximately 1,750 km, where mobile coverage is critically lacking, impacting highway operations, emergency responses, and the delivery of technology-enabled public services. The agency emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address these connectivity issues, highlighting public safety concerns. Additionally, NHAI has requested Trai to mandate telecom operators to send proactive SMS alerts about hazards, such as accident-prone areas and stray cattle movement, to improve road safety. This initiative underscores NHAI's commitment to ensuring that the National Highway network is both physically and digitally connected. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 1 pm

Cement sector to rise in Q3FY26 due to demand

Cement demand in the coverage universe is projected to rise by 11% year-on-year in Q3FY26, driven by robust infrastructure activity and sustained interest in affordable housing, according to a report by Axis Direct. The report highlights that rural markets are expected to outperform urban areas, bolstered by favorable monsoon conditions and steady wage growth. Continued government spending on infrastructure is anticipated to support overall cement volumes, contributing to a positive demand environment. While competitive pricing may challenge profit margins due to increased supply, cement manufacturers are likely to benefit from sustained volume growth. For the full financial year, cement demand is expected to grow between 7-8%, underpinned by ongoing government initiatives in infrastructure and housing. Additionally, a recent GST rate cut has improved affordability, further boosting non-trade demand. The outlook for the sector remains optimistic, with volume growth as the primary driver of revenue performance. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 12 pm

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