eznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata is contemplating an expansion of its direct shipping network to additional East and Southeast Asian nations, spurred by the success of its weekly China Calcutta Service (CCS). Launched in July 2024 in partnership with Pacific International Lines, the CCS has significantly reduced costs and transit times, leading to a steady increase in demand. Deputy Chairperson Samrat Rahi noted that the port is actively exploring direct services to other Far East and Southeast Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) has experienced remarkable growth, achieving its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 21,691 TEUs in November 2025, bolstered by direct vessels from China and the introduction of the Port-Link Express rail service connecting Kolkata and Haldia. Rahi emphasized that upcoming barge movements between the two dock systems could further enhance throughput. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's retail inflation is projected to rise in November to between 0.5% and 1%, following a historic low of 0.3% in October, according to upcoming data from the government. The increase is attributed to the waning base effect and rising prices of gold and silver, which are expected to influence the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that the low inflation in October was primarily due to a decline in the food and beverage sector. Despite this, core-CPI inflation remained stable at 4.5%. The Reserve Bank of India has also revised its inflation forecast for FY26 downwards, anticipating an average inflation rate of 2% for the year. Experts suggest that while inflation may have bottomed out, it is expected to rise in subsequent quarters, with potential supply issues in the food sector due to unseasonal rains and increased import duties on pulses.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's capital expenditure (capex) cycle is gaining momentum, primarily driven by traditional sectors, according to a report by ICICI Securities. Unlike the United States, where private investment is increasingly focused on IT equipment and software, India's capex growth is broad-based, positioning the country as a hedge against the anticipated AI-led investment boom in 2026. Key contributors to this growth include utilities, energy, metals, and industrials, with utilities alone accounting for approximately ₹1.98 trillion in capex. The report emphasizes that India's diverse investment landscape, which includes healthcare, telecom, and infrastructure, mitigates risks associated with sectoral concentration seen in the US. This ongoing capex uptrend is expected to enhance India's investment rate, supporting economic growth as companies expand capacity and the government invests in infrastructure development.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia's IndiGo airline announced a reduction in its capacity and passenger unit revenue forecast for the third quarter, following a directive from the civil aviation regulator to cut 10% of its domestic winter schedule. This decision comes in the wake of mass cancellations last week, where IndiGo scrapped over 2,000 flights due to pilot roster mismanagement, stranding tens of thousands of passengers. The airline now anticipates third-quarter capacity growth in the "high single to early double-digit percentage," a significant drop from its previous forecast of "high teens." Additionally, it expects a "mid-single digit percentage downward moderation" in passenger unit revenue, contrasting with earlier expectations of flat to slight growth. IndiGo indicated that the regulator's directive would also affect its fourth-quarter capacity outlook, with further guidance on the full-year 2026 impact to be provided later.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inSagar Hanuman Singh, Director-General of the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), emphasized the inseparable link between plant health and human health, advocating for a national soil health framework akin to those in Europe and the US. Speaking at the BioAgri 2025 conference, he highlighted the detrimental effects of chemical agriculture on soil and called for urgent policies and rejuvenation programs to ensure India's agricultural produce, particularly Telangana's chillies, remains residue-free for export. V Praveen Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Kaveri University, stressed the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the biological industry for agricultural transition. John Peter, President of the BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), noted the historical roots of biological agriculture in India and the need to reclaim this heritage. The conference, themed “Nurturing Nature, Nourishing the Future,” gathered over 200 delegates to discuss innovations and trends in sustainable agriculture.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (CCPC) has projected a decline in cotton production for the 2025-2026 season, estimating output at 292.15 lakh bales, down from 297.24 lakh bales last season. This estimate aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture's initial forecast. The CCPC also anticipates a reduction in imports, estimating them at 40 lakh bales compared to 41.4 lakh bales last year, contrasting with the Cotton Association of India's prediction of a record 50 lakh bales. Overall supply is expected to decrease to 377.65 lakh bales, with ending stocks projected at 40.65 lakh bales. Additionally, the CCPC has lowered export estimates to 15 lakh bales and slightly reduced mills' consumption to 213 lakh bales. The first meeting of the season was conducted via video conference, chaired by the Textile Commissioner, as noted by K Venkatachalam, chief advisor of the Tamilnadu Spinning Mills Association.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUS Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has praised India's offers in ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, describing them as the "best offers Washington has received." However, he noted some resistance from India regarding row crops, such as corn and soybeans, as well as meat and dairy products that conflict with India's cultural and religious values. Greer acknowledged this stance during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, emphasizing the importance of diversifying trade partners beyond China. A US delegation, including Deputy USTR Rick Switzer, is currently in New Delhi for discussions with Indian officials, focusing on reducing US tariffs on Indian imports, which currently stand at 50%. India seeks to lower these tariffs to levels below those imposed on competing nations like Vietnam and Indonesia to make a trade deal feasible. The proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, initially set for completion by fall 2025, has now been divided into two phases.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inContractors in India are increasingly hesitant to engage in or expedite road projects, primarily due to delays in government payments. Despite visible construction activity in major cities, including metro rail and utility repairs, actual road construction volumes have declined over the past year, with industry leaders reporting a 10-12% drop in activity. Factors contributing to this slowdown include stringent land acquisition requirements and distractions from election cycles, which have hampered decision-making and fund disbursement. While traditional road-building is experiencing a downturn, there is a notable shift towards smarter mobility projects, such as tunnel roads and high-speed rail corridors, aimed at enhancing connectivity. Executives believe that once payment issues are resolved and investments resume, demand will rebound. They emphasize that India’s infrastructure pipeline remains robust, transitioning from merely expanding road networks to developing more efficient, technology-driven transport systems.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is set to launch a pilot project linking subsidised fertiliser sales to land holdings, as announced by Fertiliser Minister J P Nadda in Parliament. This initiative aims to curb the diversion of fertiliser for non-agricultural use, with Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Mishra indicating that several precise interventions will be implemented by March. Despite previous discussions, the plan has yet to materialise, partly due to concerns over farmer reactions. Nadda noted that while farmers can purchase unlimited fertiliser, recent shortages led to a cap on monthly purchases. The government has also cancelled over 5,000 fertiliser firm licences in the past seven months. Additionally, the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) is advocating for a revision of fixed costs for gas-based urea manufacturers, which have remained unchanged for 25 years, and is calling for policy reforms to enhance sector viability and attract investments.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a strategic move to secure long-term access to essential crop nutrients, Iffco, India's largest fertilizer producer, has announced plans to establish joint ventures in fertilizer-supplying nations, including Sri Lanka and Senegal. This initiative follows a recent memorandum of understanding between India and Russia to develop a 2 million tonnes capacity urea plant. Iffco's Managing Director, KJ Patel, highlighted the growing challenges in sourcing quality raw materials like rock phosphate and gas, which are increasingly costly. The company aims to leverage Sri Lanka's high-quality rock phosphate for phosphoric acid production, while also expanding its existing joint venture in Jordan. In Senegal, Iffco is exploring options to enhance its stake in a local urea plant. With India's annual demand for DAP fertilizer at 10-11 million tonnes, the rising costs of imported phosphoric acid and rock phosphate underscore the urgency of these ventures.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 7 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact