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The Ministry of Railways has announced a fare rationalisation set to take effect on December 26, aimed at addressing rising operational costs while limiting the financial burden on passengers. Notably, there will be no fare increases for suburban services or Monthly Season Ticket holders, benefiting daily commuters. Ordinary-class fares for journeys up to 215 kilometres will remain unchanged, while those exceeding this distance will see a modest increase of one paise per kilometre. Mail and Express non-AC fares will rise by two paise per kilometre, with the same increase applied to AC classes. The Ministry emphasised that the fare adjustments would have a minimal impact, with a 500-kilometre non-AC journey costing only ₹10 more. This rationalisation is projected to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue, supporting enhanced safety measures and operational efficiency as Indian Railways continues to evolve as a major cargo railway system. 
Published: Dec 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs the US grapples with a retail crisis, closing nearly 1,200 mall stores since 2020, India is witnessing a retail boom, according to real estate consultancy Anarock. While 40% of vacant US malls face rezoning, India's market is thriving, driven by robust consumer demand and heightened institutional investor confidence. Anarock's CEO, Anuj Kejriwal, forecasts over $3.5 billion in capital inflows into Indian malls over the next three years, with more than 88 foreign brands entering the market. The country's limited organized retail competition and a young consumer base are attracting global investors, as India's per capita retail stock remains among the lowest worldwide. With Grade-A malls achieving near-full occupancy and a resilient retail mix, India's consumption economy is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2030, contrasting sharply with the struggles of Western retail environments.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Securities Market Code Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the winter session, aims to consolidate existing securities laws and could significantly impact market disclosures and the workload of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). The proposed legislation mandates that listed companies notify stock exchanges upon receiving regulatory notices, potentially leading to dual disclosures that may affect stock movements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's bill also introduces an Ombudsman system for investor grievances, which could further burden SAT, already facing a backlog of cases. The bill stipulates a clear grievance escalation process and limits SEBI's enforcement powers, imposing an eight-year cap on investigations, while also requiring them to be completed within 180 days. Additionally, it mandates SEBI to establish a Reserve Fund, allocating 25% of its annual surplus for operational expenses. The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee, with a report expected at the Budget session's start.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift within India's IT sector, experts predict a future workforce model characterized by lean, fluid structures that minimize idle capacity. Data from CIEL HR reveals that major IT firms halved their bench strength in 2025, reducing it to 10-12% of total headcount from 18-20% in 2024, as companies adapt to changing client contracts and tighter utilization metrics. Mid-cap firms are even leaner, driven by project-linked hiring and flexible staffing. Clients increasingly prefer outcome-based pricing and shorter project cycles, prompting firms to align workforce planning with real-time demand. The rise of AI is further compressing bench strength, as it allows for faster project delivery with fewer personnel, undermining the economic rationale for maintaining large idle workforces. As a result, employees are now expected to reskill rapidly and demonstrate immediate billability, marking a structural reset in the IT talent model.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inRaghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has expressed confidence in India's ability to diversify its export markets beyond the US and Mexico, despite recent tariff increases from both countries. Speaking to _businessline_, Singhania emphasized that while it may take time, India can develop alternative markets, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He noted that JK Tyre is already investing significantly in product development for Europe and expanding its presence in Latin and South America. Currently, exports account for 14-15% of the company's turnover, with a goal to increase this to 20% in the coming years. To support this expansion, JK Tyre recently announced a ₹5,000 crore investment over the next five to six years to enhance production capacity, including dedicated lines for export markets.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's automobile industry is poised for a robust 2026, with projected sales growth of 6-8%, following a record-breaking 2025. This optimistic outlook is bolstered by supportive policies, including GST rationalisation and income tax relief, which enhance affordability and consumer demand across various vehicle segments. The rebound in passenger vehicle sales, particularly in SUVs and electric vehicles, reflects a gradual shift in consumer preferences. However, the industry faces challenges, including rising compliance costs due to upcoming CAFE norms and mandatory safety regulations, which may pressure margins and pricing. Supply chain constraints and global uncertainties also pose risks. Despite these hurdles, industry leaders express confidence in sustained growth, driven by a dual-track strategy focusing on electrification and conventional powertrains. As the sector prepares for tighter regulations, the emphasis on innovation and investment in infrastructure will be crucial for maintaining momentum into 2026.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Railway Ministry has announced a fare increase for train tickets, effective December 26, 2025, raising prices by 1 paise per kilometer for ordinary class travel beyond 215 km and by 2 paise per kilometer for non-AC classes of mail and express trains, as well as AC classes across all trains. This adjustment is expected to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue for the Railways by March 31, 2026. Notably, there will be no changes to the monthly season ticket prices for suburban trains or for journeys up to 215 km in ordinary class. The Ministry highlighted that a previous fare hike in July 2025 has already yielded ₹700 crore in revenue to date.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has reported significant growth in the compressed biogas (CBG) sector, with 94 CBG plants selling over 31,400 tonnes during the fiscal year 2024-25, indicating robust market uptake. The sector is projected to attract investments exceeding ₹5,000 crore by 2026-27, driven by heightened interest from investors and stakeholders. Currently, more than 100 CBG plants are operational, and the IBA anticipates further commissioning of facilities alongside improved supply chains and supportive policy frameworks. A proposed reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the CBG sector is expected to enhance project viability, potentially increasing new investments by 4-5% in the short to medium term. The CBG industry is forecasted to grow to approximately $3-4 billion by 2026 and reach around $5 billion by 2030, underscoring its potential as a cleaner energy source and economic driver.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable achievement, India reached a significant climate milestone in 2025, with 50% of its installed power generation capacity derived from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its 2030 Paris Agreement target. The country, often seen as a fossil fuel champion, now boasts a total installed capacity of approximately 510 gigawatts, with 262 gigawatts from non-fossil sources, including 254 gigawatts from renewables. The government added around 50 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2025, fueled by investments nearing ₹2 lakh crore. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted record growth, particularly in solar energy, and expressed optimism for continued momentum in 2026. However, challenges such as land acquisition and grid integration persist, necessitating further investment and structural reforms. Industry leaders emphasized the need for enhanced transmission networks and domestic manufacturing to sustain growth and improve energy security in India's evolving clean energy landscape.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndiGo has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential flight disruptions due to early-morning fog expected across Delhi and northern India on Sunday. The airline cautioned that reduced visibility could lead to delays or schedule changes, and its operations teams will monitor weather conditions closely throughout the night to minimize inconvenience. IndiGo emphasized that safety is its top priority and encouraged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. Passengers affected by cancellations can rebook or request refunds via the airline's website. The advisory comes after 66 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday due to low visibility, while Delhi Airport confirmed that all flight operations were functioning normally despite ongoing low-visibility procedures. Additionally, four flights were cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to adverse weather conditions.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 10 am
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