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Sakthi Aircraft to manufacture trainer planes in Tiruppur

Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL), based in Coimbatore, is establishing India's first private-sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, with production set to commence in January 2026 and deliveries anticipated by February or March. The Sakthi Group is investing ₹750 crore in this project, which aims to reduce India's reliance on imported training aircraft, currently a necessity for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs). The facility will produce the DA40 NG trainer aircraft, supported by technology transfer from Austria's Diamond Aircraft, the world's third-largest general aviation manufacturer. With India's aviation market projected to grow significantly, SAIPL plans to deliver 40 aircraft in 2026 and achieve an annual capacity of 100 by 2027. The company is also collaborating with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi to establish maintenance and testing facilities, positioning itself as a key player in enhancing India's aviation training ecosystem. sources

Published:
Dec 14 2025, 11 am

Copper industry calls for 3% safeguard duty on imports

The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) has raised alarms over the detrimental impact of cheap copper imports under various free trade agreements (FTAs) on the domestic manufacturing sector, urging the government to impose a safeguard duty and quantitative restrictions. The IPCPA highlighted that a surge in zero-duty imports is undermining India's smelting and downstream manufacturing capabilities, despite significant investments aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. Concerns were particularly directed at the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is set to reduce customs duties on copper wire rods to zero by FY27. The IPCPA also criticized an inflated Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) that has led to a 340% increase in imports from the UAE. With the global copper smelting industry facing severe economic challenges, the IPCPA is calling for urgent government intervention to protect domestic producers from the adverse effects of FTAs. sources

Published:
Dec 14 2025, 11 am

"Silver Prices Could Rise as China Limits Exports"

The global silver market, already under strain, faces additional pressure as China implements new export restrictions set to take effect in January 2026. The policy mandates that only large, state-approved firms producing a minimum of 80 tonnes annually can obtain export licenses, effectively sidelining smaller exporters. This move aims to safeguard national resources and could bolster global silver prices, as China, the world's second-largest silver miner, supplies 60-70% of the market. Concurrently, India has seen a surge in silver imports, bringing in over 2,600 tonnes from September to October, with the UK and Hong Kong emerging as major suppliers. JP Morgan has also significantly increased its physical silver holdings, closing short positions and accumulating 750 million ounces. With a projected annual supply shortfall of over 5,000 tonnes, the tightening market could further elevate prices, which have already risen sharply this year amid high demand and geopolitical tensions. sources

Published:
Dec 14 2025, 9 am

Agriculture: India's Key to National Security

India's food security is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of national security, impacting economic stability, public health, and social harmony. Despite being a leading food producer, the country grapples with significant malnutrition, affecting 16.3% of its population, particularly children. This malnutrition undermines productivity and healthcare, threatening long-term growth. With over 70% of Indians reliant on agriculture, effective food security policies are vital for stabilizing markets and boosting farmers' incomes, which in turn enhances rural consumption and economic predictability. The National Food Security Act of 2013 and various initiatives aim to bolster production and ensure access to affordable food. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, climate change, and post-harvest losses persist. To address these issues, India must invest in resilient agricultural practices, modern storage solutions, and efficient supply chains, as food security is integral to the nation's overall stability and security. sources

Published:
Dec 14 2025, 9 am

2 lakh taxpayers claimed ₹5,500 crore in suspicious deductions

The Income Tax Department has identified over 140,000 taxpayers with suspicious claims totaling ₹4,100 crore, prompting them to amend their Income Tax Returns. Data analytics revealed more than 200,000 taxpayers had made dubious deductions under Section 80GGC, amounting to nearly ₹5,500 crore linked to questionable Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) and fraudulent charitable organizations. So far, 54,000 taxpayers have corrected their filings, withdrawing ineligible claims worth approximately ₹1,400 crore. Investigations have uncovered a syndicate promoting guaranteed refunds through non-genuine donations, with enforcement actions revealing misuse of CSR-linked trusts for cash-back schemes. The Election Commission of India has begun delisting 808 non-compliant RUPPs, while the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has compiled a report detailing these findings to enhance coordinated enforcement efforts. The crackdown aims to uphold corporate governance and political funding regulations amid rising concerns over tax evasion. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 7 pm

IT Department Alerts Taxpayers on False Deductions Using Data

The Income Tax Department has launched the NUDGE (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) campaign to combat fraudulent donation claims made to political parties and trusts. This initiative aims to encourage taxpayers to amend their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) if they have claimed bogus deductions, particularly through donations to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs). The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced that advisories will be sent via SMS and email to affected taxpayers from December 12, 2025, with a deadline for revised returns for Assessment Year 2025-26 set for December 31, 2025. The CBDT has identified a network of intermediaries filing returns with false claims and has gathered evidence of misuse of RUPPs for illicit financial activities. Taxpayers are urged to ensure their contact details are accurate to receive important communications regarding their filings. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 5 pm

India's December oil imports from Russia to mirror November trends

India's imports of Russian crude oil are set to rise further in December, following a significant increase in November, driven by discounts on Urals crude and assurances from President Vladimir Putin regarding uninterrupted supplies. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that India imported crude worth approximately $3 billion last month, with imports reaching around 1.83 million barrels per day, a 13% month-on-month increase. State-owned refineries notably boosted their Russian crude volumes by 22%, capitalizing on the heavy discounts, which averaged $6.66 per barrel below Brent. Despite the challenges posed by US and EU sanctions, Russian suppliers are adapting by utilizing shadow tankers, with sanctioned vessels carrying the majority of exports. Meanwhile, Indian refiners continue to export petroleum products processed from Russian crude, although at a slower pace, highlighting the complex dynamics of global oil trade amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 4 pm

Tax Department warns of increasing fake email and SMS scams

The Income Tax Department of India has launched a public advisory aimed at enhancing cyber hygiene and safeguarding citizens, particularly senior citizens, from digital fraud. The advisory warns taxpayers about fraudulent emails, SMS messages, and websites impersonating the Department to steal personal and financial information. Taxpayers are urged to verify the authenticity of communications claiming to be from tax authorities and to access tax-related services only through the official portal, https://www.incometax.gov.in. The Department cautions against fake sender IDs and misleading links, emphasizing that it never requests sensitive information like OTPs or passwords via email or phone. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and share the advisory widely to protect their loved ones. The campaign underscores the message, "Think Twice, Act Wise," highlighting that awareness and vigilance are crucial in combating online tax scams. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 3 pm

IndiGo flight experiences tail strike during Ranchi landing

An IndiGo flight experienced a tail strike while landing at Ranchi airport on Friday evening, causing a sudden jolt for the approximately 70 passengers on board. Fortunately, all passengers were reported safe and unharmed, according to Ranchi airport Director Vinod Kumar. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM as the flight was arriving from Bhubaneswar. Following the tail strike, the aircraft was grounded due to technical issues, leading to the cancellation of its next scheduled departure back to Bhubaneswar. Some passengers opted to cancel their journeys, while others rescheduled their travel plans. A few were provided alternative transportation to their destination by road. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in aviation, though no injuries were reported. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 2 pm

Cement margins to increase 250 bps by FY26: Crisil

Crisil forecasts a significant increase in profitability for cement manufacturers this fiscal year, projecting a growth of 250-300 basis points driven by a 6.5-7.5% year-on-year rise in cement volume, up from 5% last year. The first half of the fiscal saw a moderate 5% growth, with expectations of an 8-9% increase in the second half due to pent-up demand and improved liquidity. Average pan-India cement prices are expected to remain stable at ₹354-359 per 50 kg bag, despite a reduction in the GST rate from 28% to 18%, which may exert downward pressure on retail prices. However, premiumisation and strong demand are anticipated to enhance realisations. Crisil's analysis of 14 major manufacturers indicates a modest 3% price increase in the first half, with a projected overall improvement of 2.5-3.5% for the year. Operating margins are expected to expand to 18-20%, despite potential risks from rising energy costs. sources

Published:
Dec 13 2025, 12 pm

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