eznews.inThe Tamil Nadu government has initiated preliminary efforts to transform Chettinad Airport into a significant aviation hub, issuing a tender for private investment in infrastructure development. Located in Karaikudi Taluk, Sivaganga district, the airport, also known as Karaikudi Kanadukathan Airport, is being considered for use by Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) and for drone testing. Following the approval of the state’s first FTO at Salem Airport in 2023, Chettinad Airport is set to become the third facility designated for such training, alongside the Kovilpatti airstrip. Although the surrounding land is currently barren, the airport's two runways remain operational. Historically, the airstrip served as a British airbase during World War II and was home to one of India’s first flying clubs in the 1930s, as well as a hub for Jupiter Airlines in 1953, founded by Alagappa Chettiar. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reassured the public that eggs sold in the country are safe for consumption, dismissing recent claims linking egg consumption to cancer as "misleading" and lacking scientific support. In response to social media allegations regarding egg safety, FSSAI officials clarified that the Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) for nitrofuran metabolites is set at 1.0 µg/kg solely for regulatory enforcement and does not indicate permissible use. They emphasized that the use of nitrofurans is strictly prohibited in poultry and egg production. Furthermore, FSSAI highlighted that there is no established link between trace dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer, with no health authority associating normal egg consumption with increased cancer risk. The Authority urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories to avoid unnecessary public alarm.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGujarat has witnessed a remarkable five-fold increase in the use of sex-sorted semen for cattle, following a significant price reduction by the state government from Rs 300 to Rs 50 per dose last year. This technology, which allows farmers to accurately determine the sex of calves, has become pivotal in enhancing milk production and mitigating the issue of stray cattle. After modest initial uptake, with 25,746 doses administered in 2022-23, demand surged in 2024, with 130,925 doses given in just one year. The trend has continued, with over 100,000 doses already administered this year, yielding a 94% female calf birth rate. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been instrumental in developing this technology, launching the indigenous GauSort machine to further reduce costs and improve accessibility for farmers. This initiative is expected to significantly boost productivity in Gujarat's dairy sector, which relies heavily on female calves for economic viability.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn India, discounts on domestic gold prices surged from $11 per ounce at the beginning of November to $30 by December 12, reflecting a notable decline in jewellery demand, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). This downturn was further evidenced by a 73% month-on-month drop in gold imports in November, totaling $4 billion, marking a 59% year-on-year decrease. Meanwhile, China's gold imports also fell, with October figures dropping to 36 tonnes from 57 tonnes in September. Despite the weakened jewellery sector in both countries, investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) persisted, albeit at a slower pace in India, where net inflows reached ₹3,740 crore ($421 million) in November. In China, gold ETFs attracted 16 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) during the same period. The contrasting trends in investment and jewellery demand highlight the complexities of the gold market in these key economies.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVice President C P Radhakrishnan emphasized the necessity for India to pursue additional free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance its competitiveness in the global textile and apparel markets, particularly against rivals like Bangladesh. Speaking at the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC) awards, he noted the increasing competition from countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, stating that FTAs are crucial for leveling the playing field. Radhakrishnan set an ambitious target for India's textile market, aiming for a size of $350 billion by 2030, with $100 billion in exports. He encouraged the industry to explore new markets and adopt sustainable practices. Despite geopolitical challenges, he expressed confidence that India's textile exports, which reached $37.75 billion in the last financial year, could double in the next three years. AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri reported a 10% growth in apparel exports for 2024-25, highlighting resilience amid global uncertainties.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Finance Ministry has called on citizens to submit their suggestions for the upcoming FY 2026-27 budget, which is expected to be presented on February 1, 2026. In a post on mygov.in, the Ministry emphasized the importance of public input in shaping a budget that reflects the aspirations and needs of diverse groups, including students, professionals, homemakers, and retirees. Citizens can submit their ideas until January 16, 2026, by logging into the website. The initiative aligns with the principle of _Jan Bhagidari_, aiming to foster inclusive growth and support India's ambition to become a global economic powerhouse. The Ministry noted that many citizen suggestions from previous years have been successfully integrated into the Annual Budget, encouraging public participation in governance and national development.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn 2025, India's oil and gas sector experienced significant transformations, driven by shifting import patterns, policy reforms, and a surge in energy demand, solidifying its role in the global energy landscape. Despite predictions of a peak in oil demand due to a transition to renewables, India emerged as a key player in global consumption, with forecasts indicating its energy appetite would surpass that of China and Southeast Asia combined. Russian crude remained a crucial source for India, accounting for over a third of imports, even amid U.S. pressure and sanctions on major Russian exporters. The year also saw a diversification of crude supplies, with increased imports from the U.S. and a focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Price stability characterized the oil market, with Brent crude trading in a narrow range, providing a reprieve for major importers like India. As 2025 concluded, the sector faced a complex outlook influenced by geopolitical risks and evolving demand dynamics.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn September, Alphabet, Google's parent company, issued a strong advisory to its employees, particularly those on H-1B visas, urging them to refrain from international travel due to significant delays in visa processing at U.S. embassies. An internal email from BAL Immigration Law highlighted that some embassies are experiencing appointment delays of up to 12 months, which could result in employees facing extended stays outside the U.S. if they leave the country. This advisory comes amid heightened scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for the tech sector's recruitment of skilled workers, particularly from India and China. The Trump administration has recently implemented stricter vetting processes for H-1B applicants, including social media account screenings, and introduced a $100,000 fee for new applications, further complicating the situation for visa holders. Google has not yet commented on the matter.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe debate over the healthiest plant oil continues, with palm oil often criticized for its saturated fat content. However, as health consciousness rises in India, with 53% of consumers actively seeking to improve their wellness, the role of edible oils in nutrition is under scrutiny. Traditional Indian cooking relies heavily on oils, with preferences varying regionally; for instance, sesame and mustard oils are favored in the north, while palm and coconut oils are popular in the south. While palm oil boasts a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and is free from GMOs and trans fats, its health implications remain contested. Experts emphasize the importance of moderation, noting that reducing oil intake by just 10% can significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk. Ultimately, mindful consumption and cooking methods are crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and promoting overall health in India.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 9 ameznews.inAs winter approaches, North India faces its annual air quality crisis, exacerbated by the burning of nearly 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw in surrounding states, significantly contributing to hazardous pollution levels in Delhi. This practice releases substantial greenhouse gases and particulate matter, often exceeding WHO safety limits by up to eight times. However, experts suggest that this agricultural residue could be transformed into a valuable resource through innovative technologies, such as biogas production, which could generate renewable energy worth ₹270 crore annually. A proposed policy mandating blending of biofuels aims to attract ₹37,500 crore in investments and establish 750 Compressed Bio-Gas projects by 2028-29. Additionally, urban plantations are being promoted as natural air filters, with over 2.5 million saplings planted in Delhi this year. A comprehensive circular economy framework is essential to address the root causes of pollution while empowering farmers and enhancing rural infrastructure.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 10 am
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