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Indian Railways launches 89 special trains amid travel surge

Indian Railways has announced the introduction of 89 special train services over the next three days to accommodate a surge in passenger numbers during the winter travel season, exacerbated by recent flight cancellations. These additional services, comprising over 100 trips, will span multiple railway zones, ensuring enhanced connectivity for travelers. Central Railway will operate 14 special trains, including routes from Pune to Bengaluru and Hazrat Nizamuddin. South Eastern Railway is also adding services, such as the Santragachi-Yelahanka route, to manage increased demand. Other zones, including Eastern, Western, and North Central Railways, will run various special trains to key destinations, with schedules designed to alleviate congestion. Notably, trains will operate from major cities like Howrah, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur, with services running from December 6 to 12. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel during this peak period. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

Indigo cancels 115 flights at Hyderabad airport today

Passengers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad faced ongoing disruptions on Sunday, December 6, 2025, as Indigo Airlines announced the cancellation of 61 departures and 54 arrivals by 8 am, with further cancellations anticipated throughout the day. The situation has left many travelers stranded, prompting the GMR Hyderabad International Airport to collaborate with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) to provide alternative transportation. Special bus services to cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Kakinada were initiated on Friday and are expected to continue as the airport seeks to alleviate the impact of the flight cancellations. The ongoing disruptions have raised concerns among air commuters, highlighting the challenges faced in air travel during this period. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

Green ammonia boosts farm income and energy independence

India is poised to enhance its clean energy landscape through the production of green ammonia, derived from green hydrogen generated via renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This innovative approach aims to transform the country's fertiliser ecosystem, ensuring farmers benefit from stable pricing and reduced reliance on imported natural gas, which is subject to volatile international market fluctuations. By establishing green ammonia plants, India can significantly cut carbon emissions associated with traditional ammonia production, aligning with its climate goals. Furthermore, the strategic development of port-based green ammonia ecosystems will bolster the nation’s export capabilities, tapping into the growing global demand for low-carbon fuels. This initiative not only promises to stabilize agricultural inputs and enhance rural incomes but also fosters job creation across various sectors, driving inclusive industrial growth and reinforcing India's commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency in its agricultural and energy sectors. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

TN to sign investment MoUs with shipbuilding firms in Madurai

Tamil Nadu is poised to enhance its reputation as a shipbuilding and repair hub with the signing of investment memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during the Madurai edition of the TN Rising Conclave on Sunday. Key investments include a significant commitment from the Chowgule Group, which plans to invest approximately ₹7,500 crore in a shipbuilding facility in South Tamil Nadu, alongside a ₹1,000 crore investment for a ship repair facility in Cuddalore. These initiatives aim to bolster the prospects of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. The conclave will also highlight Tamil Nadu's efforts to formalise a Maritime and Shipbuilding Policy, aimed at attracting global companies to its extensive coastline. In addition to shipping, the event will feature investments in aerospace, defence, and IT sectors, showcasing Madurai's evolving business landscape, which is increasingly attracting IT firms and fostering agritech entrepreneurship. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 6 am

First batch of 40,000 Negev LMGs to Army next year

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has confirmed that the first batch of 40,000 Negev 7.62X51 mm light machine guns (LMGs) for the Indian Army will begin delivery early next year. This follows the completion of mandatory trials and government approvals for a contract cleared by India's Defence Acquisition Council in August 2023. The LMGs will be co-produced at an Adani facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, under a joint venture with PLR Systems. IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz noted that the order, set to be fulfilled over five years, could be expedited if necessary. Additionally, PLR Systems and Bharat Forge secured a ₹2,770 crore contract for 4.25 lakh Close Quarters Battle carbines, with production split between the two companies. IWI is also exploring the introduction of its advanced Arbel technology in India, aimed at enhancing precision targeting for soldiers. Schwartz emphasized IWI's commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative amid rising demand for local production. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 8 pm

Maharashtra sets record for quickest solar pump installation

Maharashtra has set a new Guinness World Record by installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days, a feat that positions the state as India's fastest solar pump deployer and second globally, behind China. The initiative, spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), aims to enhance clean energy adoption and sustainable irrigation under the PM-KUSUM and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana schemes. Focused on drought-prone areas, the project utilized a robust system of vendor accountability and real-time digital tracking to ensure efficient installation. Each pump's capacity was tailored to farmers' land sizes, with hands-on support provided for operation and maintenance. With over 747,000 solar pumps installed and a target of 1.045 million, Maharashtra is leading India's agricultural renewable energy transition. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the initiative's role in improving irrigation security and farmer incomes while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 8 pm

US team to visit India on Dec 10 for trade talks

The US trade negotiating team, led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, is set to visit India for three days starting December 10 to discuss the stalled first phase of a bilateral trade deal. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to New Delhi, where both nations pledged to enhance trade and investment. India aims to focus the talks on rolling back the 50% additional tariffs imposed on its goods, which have strained exports, particularly in labor-intensive sectors. While India has proposed increased market access for US goods in exchange for tariff reductions, key sensitivities remain, particularly regarding US demands for access to dairy products and genetically modified (GM) crops. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted that some issues are non-negotiable for India, and the outcome of the upcoming discussions will hinge on political decisions from both sides. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 7 pm

Centre caps airfares, orders IndiGo to process refunds

The Indian government has imposed a cap on domestic airfares following a surge in prices amid widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, which grounded approximately 850 flights on Saturday. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has mandated that IndiGo complete all pending passenger refunds by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and has set maximum fare limits based on flight distance, ranging from ₹7,500 for routes up to 500 km to ₹18,000 for those over 1,500 km. These limits exclude certain fees and do not apply to Business Class or RCS UDAN flights. Airlines are also prohibited from charging rescheduling fees for affected passengers. IndiGo has been instructed to establish dedicated support cells to assist with refunds and ensure the timely delivery of delayed baggage. Other airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet, are increasing capacity to accommodate stranded travelers. Passengers continue to experience difficulties at airports, particularly in Hyderabad, where IndiGo cancellations were significant. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 7 pm

VPA achieves 60 million tonnes cargo in 249 days FY26

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has set a new record by handling 60 million tonnes of cargo within the first 249 days of the financial year 2025-26, surpassing its previous benchmarks of 60 MMT in 273 days in FY 2024-25 and 275 days in FY 2023-24. Chairperson M Angamuthu attributed this achievement to the dedication of the workforce, effective cargo evacuation strategies, and stakeholder trust. He emphasized the VPA's commitment to enhancing service quality through infrastructure development, digitalisation, and green initiatives. Despite challenges in global trade and logistics, the VPA's strong performance is driven by strategic initiatives focusing on alternative cargoes and improved coordination with trade partners. The authority aims to meet its annual target of 90 MMT for the current financial year, reinforcing its role in promoting economic growth and trade facilitation in the region. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 6 pm

India, US trade talks begin December 10, sources say

India and the United States are set to begin three days of discussions on December 10 regarding the initial phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement, with talks concluding on December 12. This meeting, led by USTR Deputy Rick Switzer, marks the US officials' second visit since the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods linked to Russian crude oil purchases. The Indian delegation is headed by Joint Secretary Darpan Jain, while Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch represents the US. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal expressed optimism about finalizing a framework trade deal this year to address tariff issues affecting Indian exporters. The negotiations aim to double bilateral trade to ₹500 billion by 2030, with the US remaining India's largest trading partner. However, Indian merchandise exports to the US have recently declined, highlighting the urgency of the agreement amid ongoing tariff challenges. sources

Published:
Dec 06 2025, 5 pm

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