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In a significant monetary policy shift, Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a unanimous decision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, lowering it from 5.50% to 5.25%. This move coincides with an upward revision of the FY26 real GDP growth projection to 7.30%, an increase of 50 basis points, while the CPI inflation forecast has been reduced by 60 basis points to 2%. Malhotra highlighted a notable moderation in inflation, attributing it to robust agricultural prospects and favorable financial conditions. He noted that while domestic factors support growth, external uncertainties and challenges in merchandise exports pose risks. The RBI projects Q3 and Q4 GDP growth at 7.0% and 6.5%, respectively, with CPI inflation expected to remain low, particularly due to falling food prices. The outlook reflects a balanced risk assessment for the economy. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inDighi Port in Maharashtra is poised to become a key hub for automobile exports following a partnership between Motherson and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ). Through their joint venture, Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Limited (SAMRX), the companies will establish a dedicated Roll-on and Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, enhancing logistics for major automotive manufacturers in the Mumbai-Pune region. The facility will feature advanced infrastructure for end-to-end Finished Vehicle logistics, including AI-driven yard optimisation and a single-window operation for various services such as storage and vessel loading. Additionally, it will provide the fastest evacuation route via NH-66 and support electric vehicle exports with an EV-ready logistics hub. Both companies aim to streamline operations, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen India's automotive supply chain, delivering long-term value to customers and communities. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs winter arrives early in India, heating equipment manufacturers are experiencing a significant surge in sales, with a year-on-year increase of up to 15%. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) anticipate a further growth of 20% in sales for December and January 2026, driven by heightened consumer demand for energy-efficient solutions. Amit Sahni, Head of Air Coolers & Water Heaters at Tata Voltas, noted that the geyser segment is expected to reach around 5.5 million units in FY26. The Indian electric water-heater market, valued at ₹2,587 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through 2033, with the overall category expected to exceed ₹17,724 crore. E-commerce is playing a crucial role, accounting for nearly 30% of sales, while the adoption of smart technology in heating solutions is on the rise, as highlighted by Panasonic's new IoT-enabled products. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn the latest financial updates, India's benchmark indices showed positive movement, with the SENSEX rising by 158.51 points to close at 85,265.32, while the NIFTY gained 47.75 points, reaching 26,033.75. Crude oil prices also saw an increase, climbing by 27.00 to settle at 5,383.00. However, precious metals faced declines, with gold dropping by 493.00 to 127,339.00 and silver falling significantly by 3,659.00 to 174,634.00. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its policy interest rate at 5.5% during its recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, citing tariff uncertainties. Despite a 100 basis point reduction since February, retail inflation remains low, recorded at 0.25% in October, while India's GDP grew by 8.2% in Q2 FY26, driven by strong performance in services and manufacturing. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for February 2025. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 7 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Thursday for a pivotal two-day visit, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade amid ongoing US sanctions. The leaders, who shared a handshake and a hug, discussed addressing the significant trade imbalance, with India’s exports to Russia at just $4.9 billion compared to imports of $63.8 billion in FY25. Russia aims to increase its imports from India, particularly in agriculture and technology, as both nations target $100 billion in trade by 2030. The agenda also includes potential defense agreements, including the sale of Su-57 fighter jets, and the establishment of a local currency trade mechanism to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for diversification in trade, while discussions on a timeline for an India-EAEU free trade agreement are anticipated at the formal summit on Friday. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday, cancelling over 350 flights due to a severe pilot shortage, affecting major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The cancellations led to travel chaos for thousands, with 95 flights grounded in Delhi, 118 in Mumbai, 70 in Hyderabad, and 99 in Bengaluru. In Pune, the situation worsened as other airlines experienced delays due to occupied parking bays. An emergency landing of an IndiGo flight in Mumbai following a bomb scare further compounded the airline's troubles. Passengers reported not only delays but also missing luggage, with complaints about poor communication from the airline. IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, acknowledged the challenges in restoring operations and called for staff unity to navigate the crisis, emphasizing the need to return to punctuality amid ongoing operational hurdles. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's organic food exports have faced a downturn, with 3.68 lakh tonnes valued at $665.97 million in FY25, a rise from 2.61 lakh tonnes worth $494.80 million in FY24, but still lower than previous fiscal years. Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh, attributed this decline to sluggish global demand, trade uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory changes affecting certification processes. The United States and the European Union remain key markets, but challenges such as a reduction in accredited certification bodies for EU exports have increased costs and limited market access. Singh emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the food processing sector through various initiatives aimed at improving returns for farmers and boosting organic exports. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is actively implementing the National Programme for Organic Production to support these efforts. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inStorage levels in 166 major Indian reservoirs remain below 90% capacity, currently at 86.41%, despite a 47% surplus in rainfall in the southern region since November 27. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the current storage is 7% higher than last year and 22% above the 10-year average. However, the rest of the country experienced deficient rainfall, with an overall shortfall of 21% last week. Only the western region reported storage above 90%, with reservoirs filled to 94%. The southern region's reservoirs are at 84%, with Tamil Nadu at 93%. Central and northern regions show varied levels, with Madhya Pradesh at 90% and Rajasthan at 97%. The eastern region's reservoirs are at 79%, with Assam notably low at below 45%. Experts suggest that the remnants of cyclone Ditwah and the onset of La Niña may bring additional rainfall, potentially stabilizing storage levels. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe US Department of State (DoS) announced on Wednesday that, starting December 15, all H-1B visa applicants and their dependants will be required to make their social media profiles public as part of enhanced national security vetting. This policy, which also applies to F, M, and J visa seekers, aims to identify applicants who may pose a threat to national security or public safety. The DoS emphasized that visa adjudication is a national security decision, and applicants must demonstrate their eligibility and intent to comply with visa terms. Experts warn that this shift towards more granular, technology-driven screening could slow down processing times and increase the risk of arbitrary denials, particularly for those with past online activity. Critics argue that the policy compromises personal privacy and safety, exposing applicants to potential scrutiny from various actors, including hostile governments. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant initiative to provide fresh milk to Indian Army personnel stationed in remote areas, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is establishing a solar-powered milk processing plant in Kargil, capable of processing 10,000 litres daily. This facility, one of the highest-altitude renewable-energy dairy plants in India, aims to meet part of the Army's daily requirement of 20,000 litres. NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah highlighted the project's collaboration with the Ladakh UT Dairy Cooperative Federation and the Central government's approval for a ₹12.6 crore grant towards the ₹25 crore unit. The new plant will complement an existing 5,000-litre facility in Leh, which has been operational since February 2024. NDDB's innovative approach includes specially designed vans for milk collection from remote villages, enhancing supply efficiency and supporting local farmers. This initiative reflects NDDB's commitment to improving dairy infrastructure in challenging terrains while ensuring the Army receives fresh milk. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 6 pm
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