Trending Economy

Listen as Radio

New ITR forms to be announced before FY28: Government

The new income tax returns (ITR) form, aligned with the Income Tax Act, 2025, is set to be announced before the 2027-28 fiscal year, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is currently engaged in extensive consultations with tax experts and institutional bodies to simplify the ITR forms. The Income Tax Act, 2025, which will replace the 1961 Act, is designed to streamline tax laws and enhance clarity. The Directorate of Systems is collaborating with the tax policy division to ensure the new forms are user-friendly. Chaudhary noted that the ITR forms for the 2026-27 tax year will reflect amendments made during the 2026 Budget and will be notified before the start of the 2027-28 fiscal year. Meanwhile, ITR forms for the current fiscal year will continue to be based on the existing 1961 Act. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 4 pm

BharatBenz launches 19.5-tonne bus for intercity mobility

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has unveiled the BB1924, an upgraded heavy-duty bus tailored for India's burgeoning intercity passenger transport market. With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19,500 kg, the BB1924 aims to meet the demands of intercity bus operators seeking increased payload capacity, reduced operating costs, and improved passenger comfort. As the Indian bus market, valued at $51 billion, is projected to grow at a 6% CAGR through 2030, this new chassis positions BharatBenz to enhance its presence in the premium segment. DICV's Head of Bus Business, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, noted that field trials have shown a significant reduction in total ownership costs. The BB1924 can now accommodate an additional tonne of parcel luggage, boosting revenue potential. Available through BharatBenz's 398 authorized touchpoints, the bus will also benefit from competitive financing options in partnership with major banks. The vehicle's price has not been disclosed. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 5 pm

IndiGo Faces Passenger Anger Over Lost Luggage Chaos

IndiGo Airlines is facing significant backlash from passengers due to a massive backlog of luggage following extensive flight cancellations last week, which affected over 2,000 flights. The disruptions, attributed to inadequate planning for new pilot rest regulations, have left thousands of bags stranded at airports, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Many passengers have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some highlighting the loss of valuable items such as passports and medications. The Indian government has intervened, demanding that IndiGo trace and deliver all misplaced baggage within 48 hours. As of Saturday, the airline reported the delivery of 3,000 bags, but many travelers, like Vikash Bajpai, remain without their belongings after enduring lengthy delays and multiple connections. An IndiGo executive stated that the airline is working tirelessly to resolve the situation and reunite passengers with their luggage. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 4 pm

Kerala farmers demand timely urea and potash supply

Kerala's farming community is grappling with a critical shortage of urea and potash, essential fertilizers needed for the final nutrient application during the Northeast monsoon. Farmers warn that this scarcity could significantly reduce crop yields across the state's 25.23 lakh hectares of cultivated land, which includes paddy, coconut, and cardamom. James George, president of the Pineapple Farmers Association, highlighted the urgent need for 22,500 tonnes of urea and 15,000 tonnes of potash for the 30,000 hectares of pineapple cultivation. In a plea to the Union Agriculture Minister, the association called for immediate intervention to ensure timely fertilizer supply, warning of potential production declines and financial losses. Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad echoed these concerns, urging the Centre to provide urea at reduced prices, as farmers increasingly rely on costlier composite fertilizers due to the ongoing shortages. Experts warn that the situation could lead to inefficiencies and ecological damage, exacerbated by a lack of awareness and logistical challenges. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 4 pm

Aviation Minister Naidu: Strict Action Against Indigo Inquiry

In a session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2025, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu addressed the recent crisis involving IndiGo's mass flight cancellations, announcing that the government has launched an inquiry into the matter. Naidu attributed the disruptions to mismanagement of the airline's crew and duty roster, dismissing suggestions that a technical fault in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) was to blame. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against IndiGo to serve as a warning to other airlines. The minister also discussed the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guidelines, which were introduced following a high court order, and noted that consultations with IndiGo had occurred prior to the crisis. Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to safety and compliance, stating that any violations would be met with severe consequences to uphold industry standards. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

IndiGo forms crisis team to restore operations and refunds

IndiGo Airlines is grappling with significant operational disruptions, prompting the establishment of a Crisis Management Group (CMG) on December 4 to address the situation. The CMG is focused on restoring full operational integrity, ensuring timely communication, expediting refunds, rescheduling flights, and facilitating the return of passenger baggage. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Show Cause Notice to IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, following widespread flight cancellations and delays that have frustrated passengers. The DGCA granted a one-time 24-hour extension for IndiGo's management to respond to the notice, emphasizing that no further extensions will be permitted. The regulator has highlighted "significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management" as contributing factors to the disruptions, and it continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

Tata, Lockheed Martin partner for C-130J MRO facility

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have announced the establishment of a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in New Delhi to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This initiative, unveiled during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by senior officials and industry leaders, aims to enhance India's defense capabilities and create opportunities for regional and global C-130 support. The facility, expected to be completed by late 2026, will provide comprehensive services, including heavy maintenance and avionics upgrades, while also fostering skill development for Indian engineers. Lockheed Martin's COO, Frank St. John, emphasized the collaboration's significance in improving IAF readiness, while TASL's CEO, Sukaran Singh, highlighted India's growing confidence in its defense ecosystem. The MRO facility will also support legacy C-130 models and is part of a broader U.S.-India industrial partnership, marking a significant milestone in defense cooperation. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 3 pm

Demolition of illegal settlements at Kandla port, Gujarat

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has successfully executed a demolition operation targeting illegal settlements on 62 acres of land at Kandla port, resulting in the removal of approximately 500 shanties. The operation commenced at 6:30 am and focused on areas near liquid jetty 7, with DPA officials stating that multiple warnings had been issued to the encroachers prior to the demolition, including formal notices on November 25. This latest action follows a previous clearance of encroachments from 200 acres of port land last year, underscoring the DPA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of port operations and land use. The authority aims to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent further illegal occupation of valuable port territory. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 1 pm

Delhi HC to hear plea for IndiGo passenger support Dec 10

Passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai faced significant disruptions as over 250 IndiGo flights were cancelled on Monday, marking the seventh consecutive day of operational chaos for the airline. The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for December 10 regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks government intervention to support and refund affected passengers. The petitioner's counsel highlighted the dire situation at airports, describing it as "inhumane," and criticized the lack of a proper refund system. Despite the court acknowledging previous government directives on the matter, the bench agreed to expedite the hearing. The cancellations, which included 134 flights from Delhi and 117 from Bengaluru, have been attributed to regulatory changes affecting pilots' duty regulations, prompting backlash from both passengers and authorities. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 12 pm

US Attorney Highlights Delays in Air India AI171 Compensation

The wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, remains a focal point of ongoing investigations. Lead US attorney Mike Andrews, representing over 130 victim families, has raised concerns about delayed compensation and the psychological trauma faced by those affected. He highlighted the struggles of families adjusting to life without their primary breadwinners, with some children forced to leave school due to financial strain. Investigators are examining technical evidence, including reported electrical issues before the crash, which killed 260 people. Andrews cautioned families against signing liability waivers from Boeing and others until the investigation concludes, emphasizing that no compensation can replace lost lives. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report indicated both engines failed during the initial climb, marking this incident as one of India's deadliest aviation disasters. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 12 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!