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India's digital landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the latest Kantar Media Compass Report revealing that digital-only viewers have surged to 313 million, accounting for 26% of the population aged 15 and above as of Q3 2025. Notably, three-quarters of these viewers are based in rural areas, highlighting a shift in media consumption patterns. In contrast, linear television viewership has declined slightly from 705 million to 689 million during the same period. The report indicates a 30% increase in digital-only audiences since 2024, while the number of viewers engaging with both linear and connected TV has risen to 116 million, a 17% increase. Puneet Avasthi from Kantar emphasized the need for brands to adapt their strategies to effectively reach these evolving demographics, particularly as 43% of Indians now use online platforms for shopping discovery and research, underscoring the growing influence of digital media in shaping consumer preferences. 
Published: Dec 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia is exploring a limited preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico in response to new import tariffs set to impact over $2 billion in annual exports from India, particularly in the automotive sector. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasized that a PTA would be a quicker solution than a full free trade agreement (FTA), which could take considerable time to negotiate. The tariffs, affecting approximately 1,455 tariff lines from January 2026, are primarily aimed at China, suggesting that a PTA could help India secure necessary concessions without compromising its interests. Additionally, Agrawal noted progress in India-US trade negotiations, with a framework nearing finalization, while discussions with Canada regarding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are set to resume after a pause due to political tensions. India is also pursuing multiple FTAs with other partners, including Chile and the EU, as it navigates evolving global trade challenges.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, which aims to open the civil nuclear sector to private participation while maintaining sovereign control over strategic assets and nuclear materials. The legislation allows non-government entities to build and operate nuclear power plants under a licensing framework, marking a significant shift from the previous public-sector monopoly. It establishes a new liability regime, repealing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, and outlines the operator's liability for nuclear incidents, with exceptions for natural disasters and acts of conflict. The Bill also proposes the creation of the Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council and a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission to address disputes and compensation claims. Minister of State Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Bill aligns with India's commitment to safety and innovation in nuclear energy.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has faced backlash for its proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005, notably removing Gandhi's name from the title. Scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha, the bill has not yet been tabled, prompting criticism from opposition parties. Key changes include a revised fund-sharing model, with a 90:10 ratio for northeastern and Himalayan states, and a 60:40 ratio for others, shifting financial responsibility for expenditures beyond 125 days to the states. Additionally, the bill ties job guarantees to "economic capacity," allowing for work only within state-determined allocations and mandating a 60-day suspension of work during peak agricultural seasons. These alterations have raised concerns about the potential impact on rural employment and the rights of workers under the new framework.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia and Brazil have strengthened their maritime and defence ties with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Indian Navy, the Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The agreement, signed during Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi's visit to Brazil from December 9 to 12, focuses on the exchange of maintenance information for Scorpene-class submarines and other naval vessels. This collaboration aims to enhance life-cycle support, logistics, training, and defence research and development. Admiral Tripathi engaged in high-level discussions with Brazilian officials, including Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro and Navy Commander Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, to explore deeper defence industry engagement and operational cooperation. His visit included a tour of key naval facilities and attendance at a midshipmen passing-out parade, highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations in maritime security and defence.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian Army showcased a reconstructed Turkish Yiha Kamikaze drone, neutralised during Operation Sindoor in May, at an exhibition marking the Vijay Diwas celebrations on December 15, 2025. This display underscores India's counter-drone capabilities and highlights Turkey's role in supplying military hardware to Pakistan amid the conflict. The Yiha drone, shot down by Indian air defence units on May 10, was part of a larger offensive by Pakistan, which launched numerous such drones targeting Indian military and civilian sites from May 7 to 10. The drone, equipped with a 10 kg explosive payload, was detected at an altitude of 2,000 metres, launched from near Lahore International Airport. Operation Sindoor was initiated in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, leading to four days of military exchanges before a ceasefire was established. Vijay Diwas, observed on December 16, commemorates the sacrifices of Indian armed forces during the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs of December 12, nearly 85% of the normal area for rabi crops in India has been sown, reflecting a 4.5% year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Total acreage reached 536.76 lakh hectares, up from 512.76 lakh hectares last year, with wheat sowing leading the surge at 275.66 lakh hectares, a 6.5% rise. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research noted that post-monsoon moisture has aided sowing, despite some delays in Punjab and Haryana. The Centre's decision to raise the minimum support price for wheat has also contributed positively. While rice sowing increased by 16%, coverage for pulses remains low, with gram (chana) up nearly 4%. Areas for jowar and bajra have decreased, while mustard sowing has risen over 4%. Overall, farmers are on track to complete sowing within the recommended timeframe, with rice expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA shrimp farm in Tangutur, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, is experiencing a resurgence despite initial concerns over US tariffs on shrimp imports from India. Subba Naidu, who operates a 45-acre tiger prawn farm, noted that while Vannamei prawn farmers faced early fluctuations, many have since transitioned to tiger prawns, which are in high demand internationally. Current prices for tiger prawns are stable, ranging from ₹590 to ₹600 per kilogram. Fellow farmer D. Gopinadh highlighted that US buyers have largely absorbed the tariff costs, allowing Indian shrimp to remain competitive. The industry has diversified its markets, with significant exports to the UK, Russia, and China, compensating for a 15% drop in US sales. The Seafood Exporters Association of India reported an 11.6% increase in seafood export value, rising from $4.2 billion to $4.7 billion between April and October 2025, driven by strong demand in alternative markets.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Nuts & Dry Fruits Council (India) (NDFC) has projected a growth of 10-15% for the dry fruits industry in the upcoming fiscal year, mirroring trends from previous years, while urging government support to boost domestic production, which currently meets only 27% of the 14.3 lakh tonnes annual demand for key dry fruits like walnuts and almonds. With an 80% reliance on imports, the rising import bill is exacerbated by increasing demand and a weakening rupee. NDFC President Gunjan Vijay Jain emphasized the need for broader sourcing of raw materials to enhance competition and create jobs. The council is set to host its third MEWA India exhibition, focusing on global connections and consumer awareness, while advocating for a reduction in GST on dry fruits from 12% to 5% to stimulate consumption. Initiatives like the Cashew and Walnut Plantation Drives aim to support local farmers, with calls for government assistance in the early years of cultivation.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMatix Fertilisers and Chemicals, located near Panagarh, approximately 150 km from Kolkata, has achieved notable recognition at the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar. The company, founded by Nishant Kanodia, received two prestigious awards: 'Best Production Performance for a Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant' and 'Improvement in Overall Performance of a Company' for 2025. The awards were presented by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Fertilisers, to Manoj Mishra, Managing Director, and Giridhar Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of Matix. Kanodia expressed pride in the accolades, highlighting that winning the 'Best Production Performance' award for two consecutive years, just four years into operations, underscores Matix's rapid growth and success. The seminar, held in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of sustainable fertiliser management for empowering farmers and promoting a greener future.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's goods exports rose by 19.4% year-on-year in November, reaching $38.13 billion, following a contraction the previous month. This growth was bolstered by strong performances in engineering goods, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and chemicals, aided by a low base effect. The trade deficit also narrowed to $24.53 billion, down from $31.92 billion in November 2024, as imports fell by 1.88% to $62.66 billion, primarily due to decreased shipments of gold and petroleum. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted that November's figures marked the highest exports for the month in a decade, helping to offset October's decline. Notably, exports to the US increased by 22.61% despite recent tariffs, while exports to China surged by 90.12%. Experts highlight the importance of market diversification and policy support in sustaining this positive export trend.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 7 pm
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