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Hyperlocal e-commerce platform magicpin has launched a metro ticket booking service in Delhi and Mumbai, providing users with significant discounts through the government-supported Open Network for Digital Commerce. This new offering joins similar services from competitors like Paytm, Amazon, PhonePe, and Rapido. Anshoo Sharma, CEO and co-founder of magicpin, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing daily consumer experiences, noting that over 10 million users already rely on the platform for shopping, dining, and food delivery. The introduction of metro ticketing is seen as a natural progression in their service portfolio, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity. First-time users will receive a complimentary ticket and cashback, while subsequent purchases will enjoy a 20% discount compared to standard metro ticket prices. The company plans to expand this service to additional cities in the future. 
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is enhancing cargo and passenger transport through the development of 14 national waterways in Maharashtra, with seven deemed feasible for improvement by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These include key routes such as the Godavari River and the Kalyan-Thane-Mumbai Waterway. In the fiscal year 2024-25, certain waterways in Maharashtra accounted for 45.35% of the nation's inland water transport cargo. Concurrently, the Maharashtra Logistics Policy-2024 aims to bolster coastal connectivity and port infrastructure, particularly in the Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. This policy outlines initiatives for integrated logistics hubs and improved coastal logistics to facilitate efficient cargo movement and stimulate regional economic growth. IWAI is actively supporting cargo operators to promote the use of these inland waterways, while state governments oversee economic activities along riverbanks.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn November 2025, India's engineering exports surged by 23.76% year-on-year, reaching $11.01 billion, a significant rebound following a sharp decline in October. The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) attributed this growth to increased shipments to the US and the European Union (EU), alongside a favourable base effect. Notably, exports to the US rose by 11.4% compared to November 2024, while those to the EU jumped by 39%. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC, highlighted the achievement as a reflection of the exporting community's resilience, despite a 17% decline in October. Cumulatively, engineering exports from April to November 2025 increased by 4.25% to $79.74 billion, with engineering goods now comprising 28.9% of total merchandise exports. The EEPC also noted that 30 out of 34 product panels experienced growth, although some sectors, including aluminium and aircraft, faced declines.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 3 pmeznews.inChandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), has outlined a four-pronged fiscal strategy for India's Union Budget 2026-27, emphasizing the need for disciplined fiscal management and institutional reforms to sustain the country's current economic momentum. The CII's recommendations include maintaining central debt at approximately 54.5% of GDP and a fiscal deficit of 4.2% to ensure macroeconomic stability. The strategy also calls for reviving the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework to enhance fiscal transparency and linking fiscal performance to transfers for states. To boost revenue, CII advocates for the use of digital tools to expand the tax base and a three-year privatisation pipeline for non-strategic Public Sector Enterprises. Lastly, it suggests improving the efficiency of the Public Distribution System and transitioning fertilizer subsidies to a Direct Benefit Transfer model to reduce misuse and support farmers.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's trade strategy must shift focus from negotiating new free trade agreements (FTAs) to maximizing the benefits of the 18 already signed, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). With total exports projected to rise only marginally from $825 billion in FY25 to $850 billion in FY26, the report highlights a challenging global trade landscape marked by weak demand and rising protectionism. Exports to the US have plummeted by 21% due to high tariffs, while the EU's upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism threatens to further impact Indian goods. Despite these challenges, exports to other markets have increased by 5.5%, suggesting a diversification of trade. GTRI emphasizes that India's export growth will hinge on improving product quality and efficiency, stating that success in 2026 will depend more on domestic execution than external opportunities.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inGujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched three significant policies aimed at enhancing the state's clean energy landscape and attracting substantial investments. The Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025 sets a target of 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, integrating solar, wind, and energy storage projects while promoting geothermal and tidal energy. Currently, Gujarat boasts a renewable capacity of 41.66 GW. The Pumped Storage Project Policy 2025 aims to establish 75 GWh of pumped storage capacity by 2035 to ensure grid stability amid fluctuating renewable generation. Additionally, the Green Hydrogen Policy seeks to position Gujarat as a leading hub for green hydrogen production, targeting investments exceeding ₹5 lakh crore and creating around six lakh jobs. The state plans to achieve a production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen, with demand expected to rise from 1.3 MTPA to 2 MTPA by 2030, driven by key industries.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNihar Info Global Limited has launched the Amazon Inter-State Xpress Delivery (IXD) Programme, aimed at streamlining operations with a unified weight-handling fee structure. This initiative will enhance inventory distribution through automated algorithms that align with regional sales demands. To comply with eligibility criteria, the company established Virtual Principal Places of Business (VPPOB) and secured GST registrations in five states: Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Divyesh Nihar Boda, Managing Director, announced these developments to the Bombay Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The company has significantly expanded its infrastructure, increasing from two warehouses to over 20 fulfilment centres for Amazon and Flipkart across the five states. These operations are now fully operational, enabling the company to efficiently dispatch inventory to various centres, thereby positioning products closer to customers.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is set to chair the Kimberley Process, a global initiative aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds, starting January 1, 2026. The Kimberley Process, which includes 60 members representing over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, seeks to ensure that diamond shipments are free from conflict financing. India, a major hub for diamond manufacturing, will focus on enhancing governance, compliance, and transparency during its tenure, as well as advancing digital certification and traceability. The country will assume the role of Vice Chair on December 25, 2025, before taking over the chairmanship. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that India's selection reflects global confidence in the Modi government's commitment to integrity in international trade. Established in 2003 under a UN resolution, the Kimberley Process has evolved into a key mechanism for curbing the trade in conflict diamonds, and India aims to strengthen its credibility and inclusivity during its leadership.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) industry is poised for a significant upturn, with projected growth of approximately 8% in FY26 and 10% in FY27, according to a report by Nomura. This anticipated growth follows a period of modest performance, driven by improving industry fundamentals, rising freight rates, and a high average truck age of around 10 years, which is expected to boost replacement demand, particularly in FY27-28. The report indicates that fleet operators are experiencing enhanced profitability due to better freight rates and GST-related efficiencies, leading to stronger cash flows and increased confidence in new vehicle purchases. While the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is nearly fully operational, its impact on overall truck demand is expected to be limited, as non-bulk cargo still heavily relies on road transport. Nomura remains optimistic about the sector's potential for a cyclical upturn, supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian retail sector, valued at around $1.1 trillion, is poised for significant growth as it heads into 2026, driven by a shift in consumer demand from major cities to Tier II and III locations. With a backdrop of strong domestic demand, digital integration, and substantial mall development, the industry is expected to benefit from policy reforms like GST adjustments and income tax relief, alongside a favorable monsoon season. Experts predict double-digit growth, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and competition in shaping the market. While challenges such as rising rentals, supply chain inefficiencies, and margin pressures persist, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing influence of the middle class are set to redefine retail dynamics. Industry leaders highlight the need for retailers to leverage technology and focus on personalization to thrive in this evolving landscape, marking a transition from volume-led to margin-driven growth.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pm
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