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IndiGo cancels 220+ flights at Mumbai, Delhi airports

IndiGo Airlines faced significant operational disruptions over the weekend, cancelling over 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports, marking the sixth consecutive day of turmoil. The cancellations, which affected hundreds of flights and inconvenienced thousands of passengers, prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue notices to IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Porqueras, demanding explanations for the extensive flight disruptions. The DGCA cited inadequate arrangements for the implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) scheme as a primary cause. Following a serious meeting with civil aviation officials, IndiGo was instructed to restore normal operations and ensure prompt ticket refunds. In response to the ongoing crisis, the government has initiated measures, including capping airfares and establishing a four-member inquiry panel to investigate the situation and recommend corrective actions within 15 days. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 1 pm

IRCTC launches helpdesk for air passengers at Ahmedabad airport

Stranded passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad are facing significant disruptions due to the cancellation of 21 IndiGo flights by midday Sunday, with the number expected to rise throughout the day. This follows a troubling Saturday, during which 72 flights were cancelled, including 34 arrivals and 38 departures. In response to the crisis, an IRCTC helpdesk kiosk has been established outside the domestic terminal to assist affected travelers in opting for train travel. Indian Railways is running 89 special train services over the next three days to accommodate the surge in demand. Among these, the Mumbai Central-Bhiwani Superfast Special and Mumbai Central-Shakur Basti Superfast Special trains will operate on specific schedules, providing vital connections for passengers. The situation continues to evolve as authorities work to manage the fallout from the ongoing flight cancellations. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 1 pm

Hazoor Multi Projects secures ₹277-crore NHAI contracts in India

Hazoor Multi Projects Ltd (HMPL), an infrastructure and energy company, has announced the acquisition of two work orders from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) valued at approximately ₹277 crore. The projects, secured through an e-tender process, involve the collection of user fees at highway fee plazas in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, along with the maintenance of adjacent blocks. The total worth of the awarded contracts amounts to ₹277.40 crore. HMPL specializes in renewable energy and road construction, operating on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis. This development highlights the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure in India. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 1 pm

No plans to increase coal power capacity past 2035

In a recent update, India's benchmark indices showed positive movement, with the SENSEX rising by 447.05 points to close at 85,712.37, while the NIFTY gained 152.70 points, reaching 26,186.45. Commodity prices also saw increases, with crude oil up by 43.00 to 5,426.00, gold rising by 357.00 to 130,435.00, and silver surging by 4,962.00 to 183,100.00. Meanwhile, in a statement made on December 7, 2025, Pankaj Agarwal, secretary of India's power ministry, announced that the country aims to achieve a coal power generation capacity of 307 gigawatts by 2035, with no immediate plans to expand beyond that target. This development reflects India's ongoing energy strategy as it balances growth with sustainability concerns. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 1 pm

HD Hyundai plans $2 billion shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

In a significant development for India's shipbuilding industry, South Korea's HD Hyundai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, joining local giants Cochin Shipyard and Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders. The initiative, dubbed the "SMITH Project" (Shipbuilding Make in India Together with Hyundai), involves a combined investment of ₹30,000 crore (approximately $2 billion) and is projected to create 55,000 jobs. HD Hyundai's Vice President, Hannae Choi, emphasized the company's commitment to India during the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave, highlighting the nation's potential and the strategic advantages of Thoothukudi for shipbuilding. The Tamil Nadu government is also set to unveil a Maritime Manufacturing Policy to further bolster the sector, which is expected to have a significant employment multiplier effect, supporting various ancillary industries and driving technological innovation. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 12 pm

Govt denies halting clean energy funding amid reports

India's clean energy ministry has projected a significant increase in solar capacity, with module output expected to rise by a third to 200 gigawatts (GW) and cell production potentially quadrupling to 100 GW in the coming years. This announcement follows concerns raised by solar manufacturers after a report suggested the ministry had advised lenders to slow financing for new solar module plants due to oversupply. However, the ministry clarified that it had not issued any such advisory, emphasizing the need for a "calibrated and well-informed approach" to financing while ensuring that the clean energy sector remains supported. Industry leaders warned that overly cautious financing could hinder solar cell manufacturing and disrupt ongoing projects, particularly as Indian firms face challenges in exports to the US due to tariffs and scrutiny over components. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering solar manufacturing through supportive policies and infrastructure development. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 12 pm

BL Commodities Highlights - December 7, 2025

In a notable market update, India's SENSEX rose by 447.05 points to close at 85,712.37, while the NIFTY gained 152.70 points, reaching 26,186.45. Commodity prices also saw increases, with crude oil rising by 43.00 to 5,426.00, gold up by 357.00 to 130,435.00, and silver surging by 4,962.00 to 183,100.00. The World Gold Council reported that central banks globally continued to purchase gold in October, despite its record high price of $4,381.58 per ounce, although a potential economic slowdown in India could negatively impact gold prices. Meanwhile, the European Union plans to impose restrictions on rice imports from India and other Asian nations to protect local producers. Additionally, Indian sugar mills have secured contracts for over 100,000 tonnes of sugar exports, and southern states are compensating for rice procurement shortfalls in the north. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

Biofortified Grains: India's Defense Against Air Pollution

As air pollution worsens across India, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are grappling with deteriorating air quality that impacts health despite efforts to maintain a clean lifestyle. Research indicates that pollutants such as PM2.5 and heavy metals not only irritate the lungs but also deplete essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for bodily functions and immune response. Traditional staples like roti and rice have seen a significant decline in nutritional value over the decades, prompting a need for biofortification—enhancing crops to naturally increase their nutrient content without synthetic additives. This innovative approach aims to provide nutrient-rich foods that can help combat the adverse effects of pollution. By focusing on improving the nutritional quality of everyday foods, India can bolster its internal defenses against pollution, making biofortified grains a vital strategy for public health in an increasingly polluted environment. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

24 lakh households adopt rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar

India is experiencing a significant transformation in its energy landscape, driven by a robust push towards solar power. The recently approved PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore homes, with 23.9 lakh households already generating 7 GW of clean energy as of December 2025. The National Solar Mission has facilitated the development of large solar parks and hybrid projects, contributing to a total solar capacity of 129 GW and a non-fossil capacity exceeding 259 GW. This surge in solar installations has doubled India's electricity capacity over the past decade, positioning the country as the third-largest globally in solar capacity. The government’s Panchamrit framework, established at COP26, sets ambitious targets for 2030, including 500 GW of non-fossil electricity. Additionally, initiatives like the PM-KUSUM scheme are empowering farmers with solar technology, while the Production-Linked Incentive scheme bolsters domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and reducing imports. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

Burnt stubble: A power source for rural cold chains

In Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal hills, stubble burning continues to plague North India, contributing to severe air pollution and significant post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables. Each winter, farmers burn agricultural residue, particularly rice straw, as a quick disposal method, despite the potential for this biomass to power decentralized cold storage systems. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy estimates that India's surplus agricultural residue could generate over 42,000 MW of power, offering a sustainable solution to both pollution and food waste. Government initiatives, including subsidies for machinery and biomass co-firing policies, aim to mitigate this issue, yet adoption remains low due to high costs and limited awareness. Biomass-powered cold storage presents a viable alternative, reducing reliance on grid electricity and cutting emissions. By transforming stubble into energy, India can enhance its rural cold chain, improve farmers' incomes, and combat environmental degradation. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

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