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During a recent summit in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new economic cooperation programme aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from $68.7 billion in FY25. The leaders emphasized the need for a balanced trade approach, with a focus on increasing Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and textiles, to address a significant trade deficit. Putin assured a steady supply of crude oil to India despite Western sanctions on Russian oil companies. While no major defence deals were finalized, discussions included agreements on shipbuilding and civil nuclear energy. Modi also introduced new e-visa schemes for Russian tourists and highlighted the importance of diversifying trade and investment. Both leaders expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation in high-tech sectors, military technology, and the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPilots from the Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA) have called for a comprehensive investigation into IndiGo's pilot planning practices, criticizing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for granting a temporary waiver of flight duty norms. This relaxation, aimed at stabilizing IndiGo's operations, has raised concerns among pilots, who argue it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines flight duty time regulations and compromises passenger safety. Captain Sam Thomas, ALPA's president, highlighted that the DGCA had previously agreed not to grant exemptions motivated by commercial interests, questioning how IndiGo's operational disruptions arose shortly after the implementation of new regulations. The association has urged the DGCA to revoke all dispensations granted to IndiGo and take punitive action against the airline, asserting that the DGCA's decision rewards operational mismanagement and endangers public safety.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo's ongoing flight disruptions at Kempegowda International Airport have left many passengers scrambling for alternatives, as cancellations force them to reconsider their travel plans. With soaring airfares and limited availability of alternative flights, an increasing number of travellers are opting for trains and buses. For instance, Nandini Nachiyar, a tech professional from Chennai, quickly switched to a Vande Bharat train after her flight was cancelled, while Rahul G Das chose a long-haul bus due to high ticket prices. The situation has also led to a surge in last-minute hotel bookings near airports, with properties like Radisson Blu reporting a 25-30% increase in reservations. In response to the heightened demand, the Railway Ministry is adding coaches to popular routes and planning additional trains from Mumbai. The ripple effects of these cancellations are evident, impacting not just air travel but also the broader transport and hospitality sectors.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, India and Russia have signed multiple agreements, including a key pact between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Russia's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being. This agreement aims to bolster cooperation in food safety. Additionally, India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has partnered with Russia's Ministry of Health to advance collaboration in healthcare, medical education, and scientific research. In media developments, Russian broadcaster RT has officially launched its operations in India from a new studio in Noida, expanding its reach beyond cable and Direct-to-home services. Furthermore, India's public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, has established several Memoranda of Understanding with Russian media entities, including National Media Group and Gazprom-media Holding, to foster collaboration in broadcasting.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo's recent flight disruptions at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport have raised serious concerns about regulatory compliance and operational professionalism within India's aviation sector. The mass cancellations stem from the airline's failure to adhere to new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) that took effect on November 1, despite nearly two years of advance notice. Industry experts have criticized IndiGo for not aligning its winter schedule and crew-rostering with the updated regulations, suggesting that the airline used the situation as a tactic to pressure the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) into deferring the FDTL rules. The DGCA has acknowledged significant crew availability issues, while insiders claim IndiGo's lack of preparation reflects a broader issue of "corporate greed." In response to the crisis, the DGCA has formed a committee to investigate the disruptions and assign accountability.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines issued a public apology on December 5, 2025, following a full-day cancellation of all domestic flights from Delhi Airport due to a significant operational crisis. The airline acknowledged the widespread disruptions, which resulted in long queues and limited information for passengers, and confirmed that December 5 would see the highest number of cancellations as it undertakes a system reboot. IndiGo assured customers that refunds would be processed automatically and offered a full waiver on cancellations and rescheduling for bookings made between December 5-15. The airline has arranged thousands of hotel rooms and transport for stranded passengers and is providing food at airports. Additionally, it has expanded its contact centre capacity to reduce wait times. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) urged cooperation from pilots amid the disruptions, highlighting the strain on the aviation sector due to unpredictable weather and rising seasonal demand.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan announced in Parliament that the Ministry has completed stakeholder consultations on the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023. This legislation aims to regulate traditional broadcasters and emerging digital platforms, including OTT services and online content creators. The draft Bill was made public on November 10, 2023, with an extended comment period now set to close on October 15, 2024, to accommodate feedback from various stakeholders, including media associations. The proposed Bill seeks to replace the outdated Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and establish a unified regulatory framework for broadcasting services. Concerns had previously been raised by digital publishers and broadcasters regarding potential overreach of government regulatory powers and compliance burdens on smaller entities. Following significant pushback, the Ministry had paused the draft legislation last August for further consultations.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRussia's Uralchem JSC has signed a significant agreement with India's Indian Potash (IPL), Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF), and National Fertilisers (NFL) to establish a urea plant in Russia with a capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum, backed by an investment of approximately $1.2 billion. The deal was formalized in New Delhi, witnessed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Uralchem will hold a 50% stake in the joint venture, while IPL and RCF will each take 22.5%, and NFL will hold 5%. The plant is expected to commence operations by 2027-28, with India securing the first right to purchase at least 50% of the output. Uralchem's CEO emphasized India's strategic importance as a major agricultural player and consumer of fertilizers, as both nations aim to enhance cooperation in this sector amid rising domestic urea demand in India.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inExecution of key infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu is being hindered by delays in land acquisition, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Notably, the Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi New Line, sanctioned at ₹734 crore, has yet to commence due to the Tamil Nadu government's failure to acquire necessary land. Over the past three financial years, 28 surveys covering 2,493 km have been sanctioned in the state, but only 24% of the required 4,326 hectares has been acquired. Major projects, including a 71-km new line from Tindivanam to Tiruvannamalai, are similarly stalled. While budget allocations for railway projects in Tamil Nadu have surged from ₹879 crore annually between 2009-14 to ₹6,626 crore in 2025-26, the minister emphasized that progress relies on state government cooperation. Additionally, a survey for a new doubling line in the region has been sanctioned to enhance connectivity.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAn operational disruption in IndiGo's services has left numerous Sabarimala pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh stranded at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) due to a lack of return flights. Chaos erupted on Thursday as pilgrims from Hyderabad were forced to wait at the terminal for up to 12 hours. In response, IndiGo arranged special road transport for around 40 pilgrims on Friday, according to airport officials. CIAL noted that nearly 500 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu transit through the airport daily for Sabarimala. To assist these travelers, a dedicated facilitation centre has been established. During a review meeting, IndiGo indicated that its international operations from Kochi would stabilise by midnight. However, hundreds of other passengers faced significant delays and cancellations, particularly those heading to major cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Chennai. CIAL urged passengers to check flight information with their airlines as the situation continues to evolve.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 7 pm
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