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The Indian automobile sector is set for robust growth, with December sales expected to rise across all vehicle categories, according to a report by Nuvama Institutional Equities. The passenger vehicle (PV) market, encompassing family cars and SUVs, is projected to see a 21% increase in domestic sales, driven by positive customer sentiment, improved affordability from GST cuts, and new product offerings. Notably, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki are anticipated to lead this segment, with growth rates of 29% and 23%, respectively. The two-wheeler market is also thriving, with a forecasted 22% growth, led by TVS Motor, while commercial vehicles are expected to rise by 17%. Despite some challenges for rural buyers due to falling crop prices, the overall outlook remains optimistic, with exports anticipated to grow in double digits, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), aims to enhance rural employment and efficiency, according to a State Bank of India (SBI) report. The Act is projected to increase the number of households participating in the employment scheme from 5.8 crore to approximately 6.64 crore by addressing inefficiencies and aligning work with economic priorities. It is expected to raise the average workdays per household, which have already increased from 45.9 to 50.4 days in recent years, while also tackling a persistent 14% gap between work demanded and provided. The Act will implement measures such as biometric authentication and digital monitoring to improve transparency. Additionally, better wage alignment is anticipated to boost consumption and encourage Gram Panchayats to engage more actively in rural development. The VB-G RAM G Bill received parliamentary approval and was signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu on December 21, 2025. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inGomini, a blockchain-based platform based in Bihar, is pioneering a novel approach to cow ownership through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), allowing individuals worldwide to own indigenous Indian cows. Founder Arjun Sharma explained that NFT owners receive benefits, including two litres of authentic ghee monthly, simulating the experience of owning a cow. The initiative aims to preserve indigenous breeds, which have dwindled from 210 in 1950 to just 50 today, by establishing clusters that support natural farming. Gomini collaborates with NABARD to form farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and plans to expand its operations across India, targeting 50 clusters with 5,000 cows by 2026. The company also aims to produce cow dung-based products, such as agarbattis, tapping into a ₹12,000 crore spiritual market. Gomini's model emphasizes sustainability and community involvement, particularly through women's self-help groups, ensuring a holistic approach to agriculture and livestock management. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn 2025, Indian cardamom experienced a remarkable resurgence, driven by strong monsoons that enhanced productivity and maintained prices above ₹2,400 per kg. Average price realisation per acre surged past ₹300, with projections of reaching ₹400–500 soon. P. C. Punnoose, General Manager of KCPMC Ltd, attributed this success to uninterrupted rains since March, which created optimal growing conditions, alongside a lack of carry-over stock from the previous low-output season. Additionally, crop losses in Guatemala bolstered India's export position. Looking ahead, Punnoose expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating favourable monsoon conditions and good spring showers, which could further strengthen the sector. While Indian production is expected to range between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes, global demand remains robust, particularly from the Middle East and Europe. The recent removal of additional duties on Indian spices by the US is expected to enhance competitiveness and revive export demand. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndiGo has cancelled 80 flights across its network on Monday due to severe weather conditions, primarily affecting operations at Delhi airport, which reported low visibility. According to the airline's website, flights to and from major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Cochin, and Kolkata have also been impacted. The airline issued a travel advisory indicating that foggy conditions persist, with visibility not expected to improve significantly, leading to potential delays throughout the day. This cancellation follows a series of disruptions earlier in December, where thousands of flights were grounded due to new regulations on pilot duty hours. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the period from December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window, mandating airlines to comply with specific operational standards for low-visibility conditions. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for the latest flight information. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inKolkata's iconic tram network, the oldest in Asia, is facing potential extinction as the West Bengal government plans to shut down the 152-year-old system, retaining only a short heritage route. Once a vital mode of transport, the trams now struggle to navigate the city's congested streets, overshadowed by modern infrastructure developments. The decline has prompted a court battle led by the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA), which has campaigned since 2016 to preserve the trams, cherished by many as a nostalgic symbol of Kolkata's history. "I can’t imagine Kolkata without them," said resident Abha Maity, reflecting on the trams' significance. With only two routes and a fleet of about ten remaining, the future of the trams hangs in the balance as authorities prioritize metro expansion and road upgrades. The court's decision will determine whether these beloved vehicles continue to be part of Kolkata's urban landscape. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is projected to rebound sharply in November 2025, rising to 4.0% year-on-year, according to a report by Union Bank of India. This marks a significant recovery from October's 0.4% and is attributed to a resurgence in manufacturing activity and a consumption-led boost following the festive season, particularly after Diwali. The report anticipates that November's data will reflect a normalization of production levels, driven by increased manufacturing and festive demand, alongside GST cuts. High-frequency indicators suggest resilient economic activity, with e-way bill generation up 27.6% and petroleum consumption growing by 3.0%. However, GST revenue growth slowed to 0.7%. While the PMI Manufacturing index eased to 56.6, the Services PMI improved to 59.8. Notably, automobile production surged by 22.3%, marking its highest growth since February 2024. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSilver prices have experienced significant volatility, recently surpassing $80 an ounce, as the CME Group implemented higher margin requirements and reduced position limits in the futures market. In India, silver futures on the MCX reached ₹2.5 lakh per kg, while globally, the metal's valuation climbed to $4.65 trillion, overtaking Nvidia. Prices fluctuated dramatically, with silver trading at $79.55 an ounce after peaking at $82.615. Concerns over a potential repeat of the 1970 "Silver Thursday" crash have emerged, as traders face delivery issues amid a physical silver shortage exacerbated by Chinese export curbs. Analysts suggest that the current surge is driven by geopolitical tensions, a lack of confidence in the dollar, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. With major banks reportedly caught short, the market anticipates a tumultuous week ahead as demand continues to outstrip supply. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's agriculture sector is projected to achieve a record foodgrain output of over 357.73 million tonnes in 2025, despite challenges posed by US tariffs on farm exports. The implementation of GST reforms has provided significant input cost relief, with reductions in rates for various agricultural equipment and inputs. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi expressed optimism about the kharif and rabi sowing seasons, with kharif output estimated at a record 173.33 million tonnes. However, excessive rainfall in September has adversely affected crops in some regions. While agricultural growth is expected to slow to 4% for the fiscal year, protests by farmer unions continue, demanding legal minimum support prices and loan waivers. The government is also tightening regulations on fake agricultural inputs and is focused on enhancing farm incomes through various initiatives. As 2025 concludes, the sector faces ongoing challenges, including climate change and post-harvest losses, with stakeholders awaiting key legislative developments in 2026. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has unveiled Dharamrut, a natural botanical seaweed extract, at a cooperative and farmers conference in Bengaluru, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable agriculture. K. J. Patel, IFFCO's Managing Director, highlighted the product's formulation, enriched with amino and alginic acids, which aims to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance. He emphasized the integration of Dharamrut with existing nano fertilizers to optimize yields and reduce costs while promoting soil health. Dileep Sanghani, IFFCO's Chairman, underscored the cooperative's role in bolstering agricultural productivity through farmer-centric innovations. The conference, attended by around 2,000 farmers, focused on reinforcing cooperative values and adopting advanced agricultural technologies. Dharamrut is designed to improve nutrient absorption and crop resilience, aligning with IFFCO's commitment to fostering a sustainable and climate-smart agricultural ecosystem. 
Published: Dec 29 2025, 10 am
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