eznews.in

Air India Express pilot arrested for assault at IGI Airport

Delhi Police have arrested Captain Virendra Sejwal, an off-duty pilot with Air India Express, following allegations of assaulting a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 1 on December 19. The arrest came after a thorough investigation, which included reviewing CCTV footage and taking witness statements. Police confirmed that Sejwal had cooperated with the inquiry prior to his arrest. He faces charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically for voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation. The incident has raised concerns about safety and conduct at one of India's busiest airports. Further details regarding the circumstances of the assault have yet to be disclosed as the investigation continues.

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 8 am

eznews.in

India's Rice Trade Dominance Fuels Water Crisis Concerns

India has recently surpassed China to become the world's largest rice producer, with exports nearly doubling over the past decade to exceed 20 million metric tonnes in the last fiscal year. However, many farmers in key rice-producing states like Haryana and Punjab are facing significant challenges due to unsustainable groundwater extraction, as they are forced to drill deeper borewells to access dwindling aquifers. Government subsidies that promote rice cultivation are discouraging a shift to less water-intensive crops, exacerbating the crisis in one of the world's most water-stressed countries. Despite recent attempts to incentivize farmers to switch to crops like millets, these measures have yet to yield substantial results. Experts warn that the current agricultural policies may lead to unsustainable farming practices, threatening both the livelihoods of small farmers and the long-term viability of India's water resources.

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 8 am

eznews.in

IndiGo raises pilot allowances by Rs 2,000 starting January 1

IndiGo has announced an increase in pilot allowances, effective January 1, with hikes ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 2,000 across various categories, including domestic layover, deadhead, night, and a newly introduced tail-swap allowance. This decision follows significant flight disruptions attributed to pilot rostering issues and the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, which require more pilots for night operations. The adjustments will see captains' domestic layover allowances rise from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, while first officers will see theirs increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. Additionally, night allowances have been raised to Rs 2,000 for captains and Rs 1,000 for first officers. The changes come after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated a 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter schedule due to operational challenges. The airline currently employs over 5,000 pilots.

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 7 am

eznews.in

Small drugmakers seek extension as GMP deadline approaches

Small and medium drug manufacturers in India face a critical deadline to comply with revised Schedule M standards for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a cutoff set for December 31, 2025. Industry representatives are lobbying the government for a 12-month extension, hoping for a decision by early next year, similar to a conditional extension granted last year. Despite these appeals, the Centre has yet to indicate any willingness to relax the deadline. Concerns have intensified following recent cough syrup-related fatalities, underscoring the importance of compliance. Daara Patel from the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association has called for government support for companies genuinely struggling with compliance due to equipment or financial issues. With approximately 8,500 units in the sector, estimates suggest that 40 to 60 percent may be affected, prompting some to consider returning their licenses, highlighting the potential impact on employment within the industry.

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 9 pm

eznews.in

India's Exports to Australia Rose 8% in FY25, Goyal Reports

India's exports to Australia surged by 8% to $8.58 billion in FY25, driven by tariff eliminations under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The ECTA, implemented on December 29, 2022, saw Australia remove import tariffs on 98.3% of tariff lines, significantly benefiting sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. From January 1, 2026, Australia will eliminate duties on the remaining 1.7% of items, primarily metal products, further enhancing trade opportunities. Goyal highlighted the agreement's role in fostering sustained export growth and deeper market access, particularly for Indian MSMEs and farmers. Notably, agri-exports, including fruits, vegetables, and coffee, saw substantial increases, while gems and jewellery exports rose by 16% in late 2025. As negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) progress, the ECTA is positioned as a cornerstone of India’s economic strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 9 pm

eznews.in

Chinese Raisin Imports Cause Price Drop; Maharashtra Growers Demand Action

Grape growers and raisin producers in Maharashtra are urging government intervention against the alleged influx of Chinese raisins into the domestic market, which they claim has caused wholesale prices to plummet by nearly ₹40 per kg in just a week. The Maharashtra Grape Growers Association has reported that Chinese raisins, which began their season last month, are being imported under the guise of Afghan produce, distorting market prices and misleading consumers. With cold storages in Sangli district holding around 20,000 tonnes of last season's raisins, the recent arrival of approximately five tonnes of Chinese raisins has triggered a price decline, with current rates falling between ₹250 and ₹410 per kg. The Raisin Merchants Association has raised concerns over the quality of these imports, calling for urgent checks to protect both consumers and the local industry, which is vital for the livelihoods of thousands in the region.