eznews.inIndia has announced a significant easing of restrictions on business visas for Chinese professionals, a move aimed at revitalizing economic ties with China following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to Beijing in seven years. Officials revealed that the visa approval process has been streamlined to under a month, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that previously hampered the entry of skilled technicians and cost the Indian electronics sector an estimated $15 billion in lost output. This decision comes in the wake of heightened U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, prompting India to reassess its diplomatic and economic strategies. The easing of visa restrictions is part of a broader initiative to attract foreign investment and enhance production capabilities across various sectors. Industry leaders have welcomed the government's decision, viewing it as a collaborative effort to improve the business environment amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's retail inflation is projected to rise from October's record low of 0.3% to between 0.5% and 1% in November 2025, driven by diminishing base effects and increasing gold and silver prices. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation remains steady at 4.5%, despite a decline in food and beverage prices. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its inflation forecast for FY26 down to 2%, attributing this to falling food prices, while other agencies predict Q3 inflation to average around 0.9%, increasing to 3.1% in Q4 FY26. Factors such as unseasonal rains and higher import duties on pulses may exert upward pressure on food prices, prompting authorities to enhance inter-state supply to mitigate inflation. Looking ahead, inflation is expected to rebound to approximately 4% in FY27. Meanwhile, India's GDP growth reached a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2, surpassing expectations. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) following significant operational disruptions at IndiGo, which led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and stranded passengers across airports. On Friday alone, IndiGo cancelled 54 flights from Bengaluru Airport, adding to over 200 cancellations from Delhi and Bengaluru the previous day. FOIs, who play a crucial role in ensuring aviation safety through inspections and audits, were suspended as part of the DGCA's intensified scrutiny of the airline. IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras are set to appear before an investigation panel to address the crisis. The panel, which includes senior DGCA officials, aims to identify the root causes of the disruptions, focusing on manpower planning and compliance with new pilot duty and rest regulations that took effect on November 1. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inCCL Products (India) Ltd, the nation's largest coffee exporter, is embarking on a significant transformation to become a diversified food and beverage FMCG company. Currently selling coffee under brands like Continental and Malgudi through a network of 150,000 outlets, CCL is expanding its portfolio to include South Indian snacks and iced tea. The Malgudi brand, initially focused on filter coffee, has recently introduced traditional snacks such as chegodis and muruku, with plans for nationwide distribution. CEO Praveen Jaipuriar emphasized the need for diversification to enhance profitability as the company aims to increase its outlet presence from 150,000 to 300,000. CCL's coffee vending business has also grown significantly, generating ₹30-40 crore. In the first half of the fiscal year, CCL reported a 19% increase in net profits to ₹173 crore, with revenues rising 44.5% to ₹2,186 crore, highlighting the potential for growth in its non-coffee segments. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has revised its advertisement guidelines to bolster the competitiveness of domestic audit and consulting firms against global counterparts. ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda announced that these changes will enhance visibility and accessibility for emerging and mid-sized practices, allowing them to promote their services more effectively. The updated guidelines permit the use of digital "push technology" for non-exclusive services, enabling firms to maintain their own websites. Additionally, ICAI has aligned its ethical standards with the 2024 International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Code, imposing stricter rules on auditor independence and non-assurance services for audit clients. The new provisions also expand compliance requirements for listed entities, enhancing transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025, will facilitate international partnerships, providing a framework for Indian firms to collaborate globally. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe U.S. is ramping up efforts to intercept vessels transporting Venezuelan oil following the recent seizure of the tanker Skipper, which British maritime risk management group Vanguard reported was taken on December 10. This marks the first U.S. interdiction of Venezuelan oil since sanctions were imposed in 2019, coinciding with a military buildup in the Caribbean aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has compiled a target list of additional sanctioned tankers, with plans for further seizures expected in the coming weeks. The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned six supertankers and four Venezuelans linked to the oil trade. The seizure has prompted some shippers to halt shipments of nearly 6 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, as concerns grow over the safety of navigating these waters. While Venezuela condemned the seizure as "theft," legal experts assert it does not constitute piracy under international law. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a recent report, India's Standing Committee on Defence praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its advancements in next-generation defence technologies, particularly in hypersonic missiles and air defence systems. The committee highlighted that DRDO's indigenous research has resulted in significant savings of ₹2,64,156 crore over the past five years. The report commended DRDO for developing multiple air defence systems, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM), while also working on a long-range SAM under Project Kusha. Additionally, DRDO has deployed an integrated air defence system to safeguard the Delhi National Capital Region against aerial threats. The Defence Ministry is currently advancing these projects amid regional security concerns, particularly following Pakistan's recent military actions. The report underscores the importance of continued support for DRDO to enhance India's defence capabilities. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government is encouraging the agriculture ancillary sector to leverage available incentives to enhance the food processing supply chain, as articulated by Avinash Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. He emphasized the need for increased processing, value addition, and food safety standards to ensure farmers receive their due prosperity while consumers benefit from improved choice and quality. The Ministry offers substantial support through initiatives like the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, which includes capital subsidies and financial aid for establishing cold-chain facilities and food-testing labs. Special incentives are also available for women-led self-help groups to initiate food-processing ventures. The recent FICCI Annapoorna Inter Food Exhibition in Mumbai attracted participants from 17-18 countries, highlighting a shift in consumer trends driven by Gen Z, which is expected to boost the domestic kitchen appliances market significantly by 2035. The event aimed to reconnect the value chain and foster innovation and collaboration. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inCommerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called on the United States to finalize the long-awaited free trade agreement if it is satisfied with India's latest offer, which US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described as the "best ever" from New Delhi. Goyal, while welcoming Greer's comments, did not provide a timeline for the agreement's signing, emphasizing that negotiations should not be rushed. Five rounds of discussions have already taken place, with US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visiting India to strengthen ties rather than negotiate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with President Donald Trump, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation amid ongoing trade talks. The US has imposed significant tariffs on Indian goods, which has strained exports, and both nations are keen to resolve these issues. However, India remains firm on protecting its agricultural interests, resisting concessions on sensitive sectors. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has been summoned for a second day by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) amid an investigation into significant flight cancellations affecting the airline. Following a meeting on Thursday, IndiGo submitted a revised winter schedule to the regulator, which is currently under review. The airline has reported a return to stability, operating over 1,900 flights daily and restoring full connectivity across all 138 domestic and international destinations since December 8. To compensate affected passengers, IndiGo is issuing ₹10,000 travel vouchers alongside statutory refunds starting at ₹5,000. The airline's operational data indicates a gradual improvement, with flight operations increasing from 1,700 on December 8 to over 1,900 by December 10. However, IndiGo has also adjusted its capacity and revenue forecasts for the third quarter of FY 2026 following a mandated 10% reduction in schedules. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pm
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