eznews.inUnion Minister Jayant Chaudhary chaired the concluding session of the week-long Kaushal Manthan on Thursday, focusing on vital reforms for India's skilling ecosystem. The discussions centered on implementing outcome-based grading mechanisms for Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to enhance quality and the strengthening of Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). Chaudhary, who holds dual roles in Skill Development and Education, emphasized aligning reforms with national priorities and establishing Skill Resolutions for 2026 to guide future policy actions. Key proposals included improving training quality through better monitoring, simplifying institutional processes, and ensuring continuous curriculum updates to meet technological advancements and industry needs. The session also highlighted the importance of creating clear pathways for skill development, catering to various demographics, including school dropouts and working professionals, supported by flexible credit frameworks. The overarching goal is to build a resilient and adaptable skilling ecosystem in India. 
Published: Jan 01 2026, 11 pmeznews.inThe Corporate Affairs Ministry has announced a significant easing of compliance requirements for company directors, replacing the annual KYC filing with a simplified process every three years under the Companies Act, 2013. This amendment, notified on December 31, 2025, will take effect on March 31, 2026, following a review of Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment & Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. The new framework introduces a revised KYC form that allows directors to update their mobile numbers, email addresses, and residential addresses, as well as reactivate their Document Identification Number (DIN). While verification through a digital signature and professional certification will be required only for certain updates, all directors who have completed their KYC to date will have their next filing due by June 30, 2028. Those yet to submit their KYC can still reactivate their DINs until the new rules come into effect.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inUnion Fertilizers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated a new integrated e-bill system on Thursday, aimed at streamlining the processing of fertilizer subsidies worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore. This digital platform replaces traditional manual workflows, eliminating the need for physical bill movement and enhancing transparency and efficiency in governance. Fertilizers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra hailed the launch as a significant milestone in modernising financial operations within the department. The initiative, a collaboration between the Integrated Financial Management System and the Public Financial Management System, creates a centralised digital audit trail for financial transactions, facilitating real-time monitoring and audits. The system allows fertilizer companies to submit claims online and track payment statuses, ensuring timely subsidy releases and compliance with financial regulations. With built-in controls to validate payments and reduce fraud risk, the e-bill platform is set to transform the subsidy payment process significantly.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 10 pmeznews.inTextile mills in India are expressing concern over the lack of communication from the government regarding the extension of duty-free cotton imports, which expired on December 31, 2025. This waiver, initially introduced in August, was aimed at alleviating supply pressures on mills facing high US tariffs. K Venkatachalam from the Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association highlighted that cotton arrivals are significantly lower than last year, with production expected to fall below 300 lakh bales. Durai Palanisamy of the Southern India Mills Association noted that the end of the duty-free regime could hinder competitiveness, particularly with an impending free trade agreement. Traders anticipate that the discontinuation of the exemption will bolster domestic prices, which are currently below minimum support levels. While the Cabinet is reportedly inclined to extend the waiver, final approval from the Agriculture Ministry is still pending, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's rice procurement has seen a 7% increase in the first three months of the kharif marketing season, reaching 333.72 lakh tonnes, with 72% of the government's target of 463.49 lakh tonnes already met. Notably, while purchases in key states like Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have declined, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have reported significant increases, with Tamil Nadu's procurement soaring by 179% due to bumper production and upcoming assembly elections. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also experienced substantial rises of 109.3% and 27.3%, respectively. Conversely, Punjab's contributions fell by 9.7%, and Chhattisgarh and Odisha reported declines of 16.2% and 12.2%. Farmers in Odisha have protested against procurement issues, citing a new cap on purchases that limits the amount they can sell. The Agriculture Ministry anticipates a record rice production of 124.50 million tonnes for the 2025-26 season.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, developed at the Integral Coach Factory and constructed by BEML Ltd in Bengaluru, is set to launch between Guwahati, Assam, and Howrah, West Bengal, as a New Year gift from Indian Railways, announced Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The initial ten rakes, each comprising 16 coaches, are scheduled for completion by March 2026, with the first two already ready. Following this, the Integral Coach Factory will produce an additional 50 sleeper trains. The Minister confirmed that all trials, testing, and certification processes have been successfully completed, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to inaugurate the service. The train will serve several districts across Assam and West Bengal, featuring 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches, and one first-class AC coach, accommodating approximately 823 passengers. Designed for semi-high-speed travel, the train boasts modern amenities and safety features, marking a significant advancement for Indian Railways.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated a global consensus that El Niño is likely to develop between July and September 2026, although it remains too early for definitive predictions. During a media briefing, IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted a 68% chance that La Niña will persist for one to two months before transitioning to ENSO-neutral conditions by March 2026. He emphasized that the emergence of El Niño, which typically leads to deficient monsoon rainfall in India, could occur during the monsoon season. Additionally, the IMD reported that 2025 was the eighth warmest year in India since 1901, with a mean temperature of 25.37°C. Below-normal rainfall is expected in key wheat-growing regions, including Punjab and Haryana, potentially increasing irrigation costs for farmers. January is also forecasted to experience more cold-wave days than usual, benefiting certain crops.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn a move aimed at enhancing convenience for highway users, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced on Thursday that it will discontinue the post-activation know your vehicle (KYV) process for issuing FASTags, effective February 1, 2026. This decision addresses the delays and inconveniences faced by users after FASTag activation, as existing valid vehicle documents will no longer necessitate routine KYV checks. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways clarified that KYV will only be required in specific cases of complaints regarding incorrect issuance or misuse. To bolster compliance, NHAI has introduced stricter pre-activation validation norms for issuer banks, mandating that vehicle details be verified against the VAHAN database before activation. In instances where details are unavailable, banks must validate using the Registration Certificate, ensuring thorough checks are conducted upfront to eliminate the need for follow-ups post-activation.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's aviation sector is poised for significant growth in 2026, with Boeing ramping up production of its 737 Max aircraft. In 2025, Indian airlines added a net total of 35 planes, following the induction of 79 aircraft but the return of 44 upon lease expiration, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. IndiGo led the additions with 22 new aircraft, while Air India Express and Akasa Air followed with 8 and 5, respectively. This marks a slowdown compared to 2024, when IndiGo alone added 59 planes. Akasa Air anticipates receiving 1-2 new aircraft monthly, aiming for a fleet of 45 Boeing 737 Max by year-end. Air India is set to enhance its fleet with six new wide-body planes, including Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. IndiGo is also preparing for growth, focusing on innovation and expanding its domestic and international networks.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has announced a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) mechanism for pan masala, cigarettes, and tobacco products, set to take effect on February 1, 2026. Under this framework, the GST rate for these products will rise from 28% to 40%, while the compensation cess will be eliminated. This change is expected to increase the revenue share for states, as the combination of excise duty and the new GST rate will enhance the resources flowing to them. Article 270 of the Constitution allows Parliament to impose specific purpose cess, which cannot be shared with states, leading to the introduction of the compensation cess to address revenue shortfalls post-GST implementation. Despite the changes, the overall tax incidence on pan masala remains at 88%. The new mechanism aims to bolster public health and national security financing while reducing chronic tax evasion in high-risk sectors.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 7 pm
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