eznews.inGujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) has reported positive progress in discussions with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) regarding a concession agreement, with no concerns raised thus far. The company clarified that its recently signed ₹17,000-crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GMB is not binding and contingent upon securing an extension of its operating concession, which is set to expire on September 29, 2028. GPPL's proposed investment aims to enhance infrastructure at the port over 30 years, focusing on various marine and landside assets, including new jetties and land development. Managing Director Girish Aggarwal emphasized that while plans are evolving, it is premature to discuss specifics of the expansion. Additionally, GPPL is advancing its ₹700-crore liquid berth expansion, expected to be commissioned by late 2026, with significant expenditure planned for early that year. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is reviewing its national framework for planning and constructing highway bypasses, driven by rapid urban expansion along national highways that has intensified pressure on existing routes. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is reassessing criteria for bypass necessity, particularly in densely populated areas where widening existing corridors is impractical. The new policy aims to align bypass development with urban master plans, recognizing that such projects can spur urbanization and economic growth. MoRTH is also evaluating proposals for land acquisition from state governments, establishing buffer zones between highways and bypasses, and considering shared financial responsibilities for development. The review will incorporate feedback on traffic projections, safety, and economic impacts, while aligning with the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme. Currently, ring roads in major cities are serving as bypasses, with new expressways providing long-distance diversions. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet has approved the construction of Line 4 and Line 4A as part of Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, with a total cost of ₹9,858 crore. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this expansion will enhance Pune's metro network beyond 100 km, connecting key IT hubs, commercial areas, and educational institutions across the city. The project, which includes 28 elevated stations spanning 31.636 km, is expected to be completed within five years, funded by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and international agencies. Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has greenlit two railway projects in Gujarat and Mumbai, with a combined outlay of ₹2,781 crore, aimed at improving connectivity and operational efficiency in the region. These initiatives are set to significantly enhance mobility and support economic development across Maharashtra and Gujarat. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn September 2025, outward remittances by Indian retail investors for equity and debt investments reached $279 million, marking a six-month high and a significant increase from $135 million in the same month last year. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, total remittances for such investments surged by 57% to $1.1 billion in the first half of the fiscal year, compared to $700 million in the previous year. This trend is attributed to market volatility and a depreciating rupee, prompting investors to seek opportunities in global markets, particularly in AI and technology stocks. Platforms like Borderless reported a 100% year-on-year increase in trading volumes, while Vested Finance highlighted the benefits of investing in global bonds to offset currency depreciation. Investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios, with many expressing confidence in the long-term potential of international markets. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe European Union (EU) is preparing to send a trade delegation to New Delhi in the second week of December, aiming to finalize the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. Key issues, including the EU's carbon border tax and steel import quotas, are expected to be addressed during this visit. Both sides are eager to announce the FTA at the upcoming India-EU Summit, potentially scheduled for January 27, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders. A joint statement from recent consultations emphasized the goal of concluding negotiations by year-end and accelerating discussions on related agreements. While progress has been made in market access, contentious regulatory mechanisms remain unresolved, with India seeking assurances that EU regulations will not undermine the FTA's benefits. In 2024-25, India’s bilateral trade with the EU reached $136.53 billion, underscoring the importance of this partnership. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe South Central Railway (SCR) has announced an initiative to enhance parcel logistics by inviting interested parties to partner in providing logistics and fleet services. The SCR is developing an application-based parcel logistics service that will streamline the entire process, integrating first mile (pickup), mid mile (transportation by Railways), and last mile (delivery) services into a single digital platform. This innovative Rail Parcel App aims to simplify, expedite, and increase transparency in parcel movement for customers. Initially, the app will be piloted in the Hyderabad division, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, businesses, and logistics partners. SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava emphasized that this service could revolutionize parcel transportation by offering door-to-door delivery, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for logistics providers and the Railways. Interested agencies are encouraged to participate in this transformative project, which promises to enhance convenience and efficiency in parcel logistics. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have successfully developed India’s first Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), designed to enhance maritime safety and efficiency at ports. This software, which tracks vessel positions and issues meteorological hazard warnings, was created by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) in accordance with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' specifications. Funded by a ₹10 crore grant from the Shipping Ministry in 2020, the VTMS allows for full control over its source code and databases, fostering local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technology. Already implemented at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussions are underway to introduce the system at two additional ports on the Western Coast. This initiative marks a significant step towards indigenising technology in India's maritime sector. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's rice production during the kharif season for 2024-25 reached 122.8 million tonnes, contributing to a record total of 124.5 million tonnes for the kharif season that concluded in October, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year, according to the agriculture ministry. The ministry's first advance estimate for the kharif 2025-26 season predicts total foodgrain production at 173.3 million tonnes, up from 169.5 million tonnes in 2024-25. While rice and maize production are expected to rise, with maize estimated at 28.3 million tonnes, output for pulses, oilseeds, and cotton has declined. Pulses are projected at 7.4 million tonnes, down from 7.7 million tonnes, and oilseeds are estimated at 27.56 million tonnes, a decrease from 28.02 million tonnes. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that while excessive rainfall affected some areas, overall crop growth benefited from a good monsoon. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe sixth edition of the Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) for rubber and rubber products was inaugurated by Tripura's Minister of Industries and Commerce, Santana Chakma, in Agartala. Launched by the Rubber Board in 2021, the VTF aims to enhance exports by providing a digital platform for Indian manufacturers to showcase their products to both domestic and international buyers. This year's event emphasizes the concept of Bharat Sustainable Natural Rubber, reflecting India's commitment to eco-friendly production practices. The initiative not only facilitates networking between manufacturers, exporters, and potential investors but also strengthens the rubber industry's ecosystem by promoting sustainable practices across the value chain. Key figures at the launch included Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industries and Commerce, and M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, highlighting India's growing influence in the global rubber market. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's kharif foodgrain output has reached a record 173.33 million tonnes for the 2025-26 season, up from 169.4 million tonnes last year, largely due to favorable monsoon conditions. The first advance estimates indicate kharif rice production is projected at 124.5 million tonnes, an increase from 122.77 million tonnes in the previous year, while kharif maize output is expected to rise to 28.3 million tonnes from 24.8 million tonnes. Despite some adverse effects from excessive rainfall in certain areas, most regions benefited from the monsoon, leading to robust crop growth, according to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. However, production of pulses and oilseeds is anticipated to be slightly lower, with tur and urad outputs expected to decrease. Groundnut production is forecasted to rise, while soybean output is projected to decline. Overall, sugarcane and cotton production are also expected to see increases. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 4 pm
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