eznews.inIndiGo Airlines has faced significant operational challenges, cancelling over 60 flights at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday, despite CEO Pieter Elbers' recent assurances that the airline's operations were stabilising. The cancellations included 35 arrivals and 26 departures, following a government directive that reduced IndiGo's winter flight schedule by 10%, equating to approximately 220 flights. This comes after the airline had already cancelled 460 flights across six major cities earlier in the week. The Civil Aviation Ministry has mandated compensation for affected passengers, yet IndiGo has not clarified its policy on this matter. The situation has led to increased airfares on other domestic carriers and widespread disruption at airports. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to Elbers and COO Isidro Proqueras, while the government continues to monitor the airline's compliance with operational standards. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 1 pmeznews.inWillie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has commented on India's new flight duty regulations for pilots, describing them as significantly more restrictive than those in other regions. His remarks follow a week of operational disruptions at IndiGo, India's largest airline, which led to hundreds of flight cancellations and affected thousands of passengers. Walsh attributed these issues to inadequate planning in implementing the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, effective from November 1. While acknowledging the need for safety measures, particularly concerning pilot fatigue during night operations, he expressed disappointment over the consumer impact. In response to the disruptions, India's civil aviation ministry announced a 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter flight schedule to stabilize operations. Walsh emphasized that the changes, while challenging, are necessary for the industry's long-term safety and security.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 by 70 basis points to 7.2%, following two consecutive quarters of stronger-than-expected growth. The ADB attributes this increase to robust domestic consumption, bolstered by recent tax cuts, and a notable 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of FY 2025-26. While this projection is slightly below the Reserve Bank of India's estimate of 7.3%, it surpasses the government's earlier forecast of 6.3% to 6.8%. The ADB highlights strong performance in the manufacturing and services sectors, alongside resilient exports, although it anticipates a moderation in growth during the second half of the fiscal year due to easing government capital spending and potential impacts from elevated US tariffs. The agency maintains a growth rate of 6.5% for FY 2026-27, noting balanced risks, including trade tensions and weather-related shocks.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised its growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific, projecting a 5.1% growth in 2025, up from 4.8% previously, driven by strong demand for high-tech products and India's robust economic performance. The 2026 growth estimate has also been raised to 4.6%. The region, which includes 46 economies from China to Samoa but excludes Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, is expected to see South Asia grow by 6.5% this year, with India achieving an impressive 8.2% in its fiscal second quarter. However, risks remain, including potential trade policy uncertainties and climate-related disruptions, as evidenced by severe flooding in Southeast Asia and renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. China's growth outlook for 2025 has been slightly adjusted to 4.8%, hindered by ongoing challenges in its property market. Inflation is anticipated to ease to 1.6% in 2025 before rising to 2.1% in 2026.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 12 pmeznews.inKamarajar Port Ltd (KPL), the 12th Major Port in India located in North Chennai, is set to upgrade its General Cargo Berth-1 (GCB-1) through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, aiming to enhance its capacity for handling clean, non-polluting cargo. The project, with a capital cost of ₹221 crore, will enable GCB-1 to manage 3 million tonnes annually. KPL has issued a tender for private companies to participate in the upgrade, which includes the installation of necessary cargo handling equipment and the development of a backup storage area. The concessionaire will operate the berth for 30 years, including a two-year construction period, and will be responsible for setting service tariffs. Currently, KPL has a cargo handling capacity of 58 million tonnes and is positioned to attract clean cargo volumes from Chennai port, bolstered by its superior connectivity.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) has been summoned by the Parliamentary Standing Committee to address critical issues regarding Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), pilot fatigue, and safety risks in the aviation sector. The association aims to highlight the gaps in the enforcement of revised FDTL norms and ongoing duty-time compliance violations among airlines. ALPA India has expressed concerns that inadequate fatigue management poses a significant threat to flight safety. Additionally, the association will discuss a recent rise in GPS spoofing incidents at major airports. Captain Anil Rao, General Secretary of ALPA India, criticized a temporary exemption granted to IndiGo from certain FDTL rules, arguing it compromises safety. Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu confirmed GPS spoofing incidents affecting flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and emphasized the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the aviation sector.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 11 ameznews.inWillie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has expressed optimism about India's aviation market, highlighting its potential for growth despite historical challenges. Speaking at a media roundtable in Geneva, Walsh noted that the domestic market has expanded by 32% since 2020, with Indian carriers ordering over 1,500 new planes and new airports being developed. He acknowledged the temporary issues faced by airlines, such as IndiGo's flight disruptions, but emphasized that these do not overshadow the market's long-term prospects. Walsh pointed out that the duopolistic nature of the market, dominated by IndiGo and the Air India Group, could change with increased airport capacity, allowing for new entrants. He also praised the privatization of Air India, viewing it as a positive step towards a more competitive environment. Overall, Walsh described India as one of the most exciting global aviation markets.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 11 ameznews.inNITI Aayog member Prof. Ramesh Chand urged Indian farmers to diversify their crop choices beyond those covered by the government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme to foster self-reliance and align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Speaking at an agriculture conclave hosted by Rural Voice, Chand highlighted that while MSP-linked crops have seen a modest growth of 1.8% over the past decade, non-MSP crops have surged by approximately 4%. He emphasized the need for farmers to take initiative in their farming practices to address the growing domestic demand, which is currently at just 2%. Chand pointed out the emergence of a wealthier consumer class and the importance of developing a comprehensive value chain to enhance farmers' incomes. He advocated for a food-system approach in global agricultural planning and called for empowering farmers through innovation, technology, and inclusive policy-making to achieve true self-reliance in agriculture.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has mandated IndiGo to reduce its flight schedule by 10% to stabilize operations and minimize cancellations, according to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Despite this reduction, IndiGo will maintain coverage to all destinations. Following recent operational disruptions, Naidu met with IndiGo Chief Executive Pieter Elbers, who confirmed that all refunds for affected flights up to December 6 have been processed. The Minister emphasized the need for expedited refunds and compliance with directives on fare capping and passenger convenience. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously instructed IndiGo to cut its schedule by 5% on high-demand routes. While IndiGo has been granted an increase in its Winter Schedule for 2025, it has struggled to operate efficiently, with only 339 aircraft in use in October. Naidu reported that IndiGo's operations are stabilizing, with flights recovering from a low of 706 to over 1,800.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Karnataka government has designated 1,777 acres across 13 villages in Devanahalli taluk as a Permanent Special Agricultural Zone, resolving a protracted dispute over land initially intended for an Aerospace Park. Officials emphasized that farmers retain the right to sell their land, countering recent rumors suggesting otherwise. Dr. S. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary of the Department of Industries, reassured farmers that the decision aims to protect agricultural land while enhancing infrastructure and market access to stimulate farm-based economic activities. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired a meeting where it was decided to denotify the land, which is already classified as part of the Green Zone, ensuring agriculture can thrive alongside industrial growth. The government plans to establish a committee to evaluate the benefits of similar agricultural zones in other states and countries, reinforcing its commitment to supporting farmers and preventing exploitation by real estate developers.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 9 pm
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