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Two flights from Srinagar airport were cancelled on Monday by IndiGo and SpiceJet due to dense fog affecting visibility in the region, as reported by the airport on X. IndiGo had previously issued a travel advisory on Sunday, warning that flight operations could be disrupted, with potential delays and cancellations depending on evolving conditions. Passengers were urged to check their flight status on the airlines' websites or apps and to visit goindigo.in/plan-b.html for rescheduling or refunds in case of cancellations. SpiceJet also cautioned that all flights could be impacted by the adverse weather. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) noted that fog in northern India might lead to further delays at various airports and advised travelers to allow extra time for airport procedures. AAI has deployed assistance teams at affected airports to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations during these challenging conditions. 
Published: Dec 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will oversee an investigation into an in-flight engine shutdown involving Air India's Boeing 777-300ER on December 22, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after take-off on flight AI 887 from Delhi to Mumbai, when a low oil pressure warning was detected on the right engine, prompting the crew to execute an air turnback. Following standard procedures, the crew shut down the affected engine and safely landed back in Delhi. Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked without incident and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. The airline is currently conducting inspections and rectifications on the aircraft, while its ground team is assisting affected passengers and arranging alternative travel plans. The investigation will be conducted by Air India's Permanent Investigation Board under the DGCA's supervision.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia and New Zealand have successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Announced on March 17, 2025, by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the FTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India, potentially increasing exports from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion annually over the next two decades. The agreement underscores the strong ties between the two nations, with Luxon highlighting India's rapid economic growth and access to its 1.4 billion consumers. In the fiscal year 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately $1.3 billion, with India exporting a diverse range of goods, including fuels and textiles, while New Zealand's exports were primarily raw materials and agricultural products. Services trade also plays a crucial role, with significant contributions from both countries in sectors like IT, education, and tourism.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has firmly maintained its stance on dairy imports, refusing to grant any duty concessions to New Zealand under their recently concluded bilateral free trade agreement, an official confirmed on Monday. The dairy sector remains a "red line" for India, which has consistently resisted opening its markets to large-scale dairy imports in previous trade negotiations. This issue is particularly sensitive due to the presence of millions of small dairy farmers in India who rely on market protection. New Zealand, a major player in the global dairy export market, has seen minimal trade with India, with exports totaling just $1.07 million in FY2025, primarily consisting of milk, cream, and cheese. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities and political sensitivities surrounding agricultural trade between the two nations.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAn Air India Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying approximately 335 passengers, made an emergency return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a right engine issue on Monday morning. The flight, AI887, was airborne for nearly an hour before the crew decided to return as a precautionary measure, following standard operating procedures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the flight crew detected low engine oil pressure during flap retraction, which subsequently dropped to zero. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and confirmed that the plane is undergoing necessary inspections, with alternative arrangements made for passengers to continue their journey to Mumbai. The aircraft had taken off around 6:30 am and was tracked on Flightradar24.com.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's green hydrogen ambitions are ambitious, with pledged capacity nearing 12 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) across 158 projects. However, concerns linger regarding the actualisation of this capacity and the establishment of reliable long-term buyers. As of August 2025, only 0.3 mtpa is operational, while 9,770 tonnes are under construction, highlighting the industry's nascent stage. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) notes that despite strong investor interest—nearly 2.4 times the government's target—challenges such as high production costs and demand uncertainty persist. A significant issue is the lack of secured buyers, with only 6% of planned global capacity having an offtaker, which complicates financing and investment decisions. While India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 mtpa by 2030, the absence of purchase obligations for existing users raises further concerns about demand sustainability and project viability.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAjay Seth, former Union Finance Secretary and Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), emphasized the need for analytical clarity and institutional discipline to realize the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India by 2047. Speaking at the Indian Economic Association's annual conference, he highlighted the challenge of sustaining high growth rates amid global economic uncertainties, noting that while India has the potential to grow at 7% for the next two decades, achieving 8% will require significant effort. Seth pointed out that India, currently the world's fifth-largest economy at $4 trillion, must address critical issues such as the 'Missing Middle' in manufacturing, human resource development, and the 'Middle-Income Trap.' He advocated for a shift towards indigenous innovation and a careful approach to technology, urging that economic policy should enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. His proposed 'Nine-Point Policy Framework' aims for inclusive development and improved outcomes across the nation.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 11 ameznews.inUttar Pradesh has seen a significant surge in Goods and Services Tax (GST) registrations, adding over 35,000 new assesses in November, the first month of a streamlined three-day registration process. This increase positions UP at the forefront among Indian states, with total GST assesses nearing 21 lakh, contributing to a national total of over 1.58 crore. The State Tax Department's proactive outreach, including 20,000 structured interactions with trade associations, has been pivotal in identifying unregistered enterprises. A senior CBIC official emphasized the importance of supporting new assesses to ensure compliance. The GST Council's recent recommendation for an optional simplified registration scheme, effective from November 1, 2025, aims to facilitate low-risk applicants. Additionally, UP's tax department is leveraging advanced analytics and AI to enhance compliance and identify potential registrants, focusing on high-growth sectors and integrating digital insights for more effective governance.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 10 ameznews.inMumbai-based agtech startup Bharat Intelligence aims to revolutionize horticulture by connecting farmers with skilled agricultural workers, akin to the model of Urban Company. Founded by Azhaan Merchant and Gourav Sanghai, the company has begun supplying skilled labor to grape farmers in Nashik and plans to extend its services to banana farmers in Solapur starting January. Utilizing an AI-powered platform accessible via WhatsApp, Bharat Intelligence addresses labor shortages by providing timely access to skilled workers, who now earn an average of ₹800 per day, up from ₹600. The startup has enrolled around 1,000 laborers, with plans to expand to 10,000 within a year. Collaborating with Tata Strive for training, the company aims to enhance worker skills and productivity. Future plans include targeting other crops like onions and mangoes, while also improving the quality of produce for better market returns.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndia and New Zealand aim to double their bilateral trade within five years, as outlined by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The strategy includes reducing import duties on select products and enhancing collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, fintech, and education. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava emphasized the need for more direct flights, simplified visa regulations, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications, particularly in IT and healthcare, to boost trade in services. Negotiations for a comprehensive free-trade agreement, which began in 2010 and were revived this year, are expected to focus on tariff reductions and improved access to services. Currently, bilateral trade stands at approximately $1.3 billion, with India's exports primarily in fuels and textiles, while New Zealand exports mainly raw materials and agricultural products. The agreement is seen as beneficial for both nations, aligning with India's Indo-Pacific strategy and providing New Zealand access to a rapidly growing market.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 9 am
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