eznews.inA delegation of US officials is set to visit India next week for discussions on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), marking the second such visit since the US imposed a 25% tariff and an additional penalty on Indian goods linked to the purchase of Russian crude oil. The talks aim to finalize the first tranche of the trade pact, which seeks to address tariff challenges faced by Indian exporters. India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has expressed optimism about reaching a framework deal this year, despite acknowledging that negotiations will take time. The BTA is part of a broader effort to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. Recent data indicates a decline in India's merchandise exports to the US, attributed to the tariffs, while imports have risen. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at USD 131.84 billion in 2024-25. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inUnion Minister for Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah, is set to chair a meeting at Banas Dairy in Gujarat on December 6 to review cooperative dairy development initiatives. During his visit, Shah will attend a public meeting in Sanadar, Banaskantha district, where he will inaugurate the Agthala Bio-CNG and Fertilizer Plant, aimed at enhancing farmers' income and promoting sustainable energy. He will also lay the foundation for a new 150 TPD Milk Powder and Baby Food Plant. Accompanying Shah will be members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation, who will tour Banas Dairy's advanced processing facilities, including Cheese and UHT Plants. The delegation will also assess livestock-centric initiatives at the Dama Semen Station and Embryo Transfer Lab, and visit the Sherpura Village Dairy Cooperative Society and the Banas Soil Testing Lab in Tharad. Ministers of State for Cooperation and senior officials will join the visit. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a significant disruption for air travel in India, IndiGo has cancelled over 350 flights on Thursday and Friday due to a pilot shortage, affecting major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. On Friday alone, the airline cancelled 102 flights in Bengaluru, comprising 52 arrivals and 50 departures, following 99 cancellations the previous day. The airline has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it will reduce flight operations starting December 8 to alleviate further disruptions, citing difficulties in planning duty rosters. IndiGo has requested exemptions from flight duty time regulations, promising that normal operations will resume by February 10. The pilot shortage has also led to operational challenges at other airports, with Pune experiencing diversions of six flights due to a grounded IndiGo aircraft occupying all parking bays. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inGE Aerospace has delivered the fifth F404-IN20 jet engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in New Delhi, marking a significant step in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A project. This delivery is part of a larger order placed in 2021, which includes a total of 113 engines to support the production of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft. HAL confirmed that the engines are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2032. In a related development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated the third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk1A and the second line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 at HAL's Nashik facility. Additionally, GE Aerospace announced a $14 million investment to enhance its Pune manufacturing capabilities, building on a previous $30 million investment aimed at upgrading processes and automation for advanced engine components. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inDighi Port in Maharashtra is poised to become a key hub for automobile exports following a partnership between Motherson and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ). Through their joint venture, Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Limited (SAMRX), the companies will establish a dedicated Roll-on and Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, enhancing logistics for major automotive manufacturers in the Mumbai-Pune region. The facility will feature advanced infrastructure for end-to-end Finished Vehicle logistics, including AI-driven yard optimisation and a single-window operation for various services such as storage and vessel loading. Additionally, it will provide the fastest evacuation route via NH-66 and support electric vehicle exports with an EV-ready logistics hub. Both companies aim to streamline operations, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen India's automotive supply chain, delivering long-term value to customers and communities. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs winter arrives early in India, heating equipment manufacturers are experiencing a significant surge in sales, with a year-on-year increase of up to 15%. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) anticipate a further growth of 20% in sales for December and January 2026, driven by heightened consumer demand for energy-efficient solutions. Amit Sahni, Head of Air Coolers & Water Heaters at Tata Voltas, noted that the geyser segment is expected to reach around 5.5 million units in FY26. The Indian electric water-heater market, valued at ₹2,587 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through 2033, with the overall category expected to exceed ₹17,724 crore. E-commerce is playing a crucial role, accounting for nearly 30% of sales, while the adoption of smart technology in heating solutions is on the rise, as highlighted by Panasonic's new IoT-enabled products. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant monetary policy shift, Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a unanimous decision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, lowering it from 5.50% to 5.25%. This move coincides with an upward revision of the FY26 real GDP growth projection to 7.30%, an increase of 50 basis points, while the CPI inflation forecast has been reduced by 60 basis points to 2%. Malhotra highlighted a notable moderation in inflation, attributing it to robust agricultural prospects and favorable financial conditions. He noted that while domestic factors support growth, external uncertainties and challenges in merchandise exports pose risks. The RBI projects Q3 and Q4 GDP growth at 7.0% and 6.5%, respectively, with CPI inflation expected to remain low, particularly due to falling food prices. The outlook reflects a balanced risk assessment for the economy. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn the latest financial updates, India's benchmark indices showed positive movement, with the SENSEX rising by 158.51 points to close at 85,265.32, while the NIFTY gained 47.75 points, reaching 26,033.75. Crude oil prices also saw an increase, climbing by 27.00 to settle at 5,383.00. However, precious metals faced declines, with gold dropping by 493.00 to 127,339.00 and silver falling significantly by 3,659.00 to 174,634.00. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its policy interest rate at 5.5% during its recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, citing tariff uncertainties. Despite a 100 basis point reduction since February, retail inflation remains low, recorded at 0.25% in October, while India's GDP grew by 8.2% in Q2 FY26, driven by strong performance in services and manufacturing. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for February 2025. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 7 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Thursday for a pivotal two-day visit, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade amid ongoing US sanctions. The leaders, who shared a handshake and a hug, discussed addressing the significant trade imbalance, with India’s exports to Russia at just $4.9 billion compared to imports of $63.8 billion in FY25. Russia aims to increase its imports from India, particularly in agriculture and technology, as both nations target $100 billion in trade by 2030. The agenda also includes potential defense agreements, including the sale of Su-57 fighter jets, and the establishment of a local currency trade mechanism to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for diversification in trade, while discussions on a timeline for an India-EAEU free trade agreement are anticipated at the formal summit on Friday. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday, cancelling over 350 flights due to a severe pilot shortage, affecting major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The cancellations led to travel chaos for thousands, with 95 flights grounded in Delhi, 118 in Mumbai, 70 in Hyderabad, and 99 in Bengaluru. In Pune, the situation worsened as other airlines experienced delays due to occupied parking bays. An emergency landing of an IndiGo flight in Mumbai following a bomb scare further compounded the airline's troubles. Passengers reported not only delays but also missing luggage, with complaints about poor communication from the airline. IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, acknowledged the challenges in restoring operations and called for staff unity to navigate the crisis, emphasizing the need to return to punctuality amid ongoing operational hurdles. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
