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The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has re-tendered its search for a concessionaire to operate the Kovilpatti airstrip for aircraft training, inviting interest from Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). This decision follows technical issues related to the minimum price and eligibility criteria, which arose from pre-bid feedback that could not be addressed on the e-tender platform. TIDCO will close the previous tender and issue a revised one. The Kovilpatti airstrip, located in Thoothukudi district, spans 63 hectares and was originally constructed by Lakshmi Mills for private use. The asphalt runway measures 1.2 km in length and 15 m in width, situated approximately 6 km from Kovilpatti town. Notably, in July 2023, the EKVI Aircraft Training Organisation became the first FTO approved in Tamil Nadu by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, marking a significant development in the region's aviation training landscape. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAgritech firm Ninjacart has reported a slight reduction in losses for FY2025, despite a decline in revenues, as it streamlined operations by exiting low-margin business segments. The Walmart-backed company announced an operating revenue of ₹1,634 crore, down from ₹2,007 crore in FY2024, while losses remained stable at ₹256 crore compared to ₹260 crore the previous year. This revenue dip reflects Ninjacart's strategic shift towards enhancing its margin mix and operational sustainability, resulting in improved gross and contribution margins. The company's core businesses, which cater to retailers and quick-commerce players, are experiencing robust growth, with over 100% year-on-year expansion in FY2026 and achieving operating profitability. CEO Kartheeswaran K.K. emphasized the importance of disciplined execution and conscious decision-making in positioning the company for sustainable growth, with a goal of achieving overall profitability by FY2027.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is set to introduce sea buckthorn, a nutrient-rich fruit from the cold deserts of Ladakh, into mainstream markets, following its successful procurement of local apples and apricots. Chairman Meenesh Shah highlighted the fruit's high Vitamin C content and its potential for commercial success, especially after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which enhances its market visibility alongside other regional products. Traditionally harvested by local farmers and women-led self-help groups, sea buckthorn has suffered from a lack of structured procurement, limiting price transparency. NDDB plans to implement organized buy-back arrangements to ensure fair pricing and volume for farmers, leveraging its existing Safal retail network. This initiative follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with the Sham Vegetable and Fruit Growers Cooperative Society, aimed at improving market access for Ladakh's diverse agricultural produce, including apricots and apples, which have already seen significant procurement increases.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTransport Corporation of India (TCI) has expanded its cold chain warehousing capabilities with a new 150,000 square foot facility in Gurugram, Haryana, aimed at supporting high-throughput sectors such as quick commerce, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. The facility, operated by TCI Cold Chain Solutions Ltd, features multi-temperature storage options, including frozen, chilled, and air-conditioned zones, and operates on a pay-as-you-use model. B Sumit Kumar, CEO of TCI Cold Chain Solutions, highlighted the strategic location near the National Capital Region (NCR) as a key advantage for enhancing last-mile distribution and supply chain efficiency. The Taj Nagar area has become a vital logistics hub due to its proximity to major cities and the increasing demand for quick commerce services. TCI Cold Chain Solutions is a joint venture, with TCI holding an 80% stake and Mitsui & Co Ltd owning the remaining 20%.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Textiles is poised to receive over 22% of the proposed ₹6,000 crore budget for the Cotton Productivity Mission, which has yet to gain Cabinet approval nearly 11 months after its announcement. Despite this allocation, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is expected to receive less than 10% of the funding, raising concerns about its ability to meet productivity targets. A former ICAR scientist suggested that the Ministry should act as a facilitator between ICAR and industry, emphasizing the need for farmers to be assured of competitive prices against imported cotton. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is set to receive the largest share, over ₹4,000 crore, while the mission aims to enhance cotton farming productivity and sustainability. However, India's cotton production has declined for the third consecutive year, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRating agency ICRA has significantly upgraded its wholesale volume growth outlook for the tractor industry to 15-17% for the financial year 2025-26, up from a previous estimate of 8-10%. This optimistic forecast follows a robust performance, including a remarkable 30% year-on-year growth in November 2025 and a cumulative 19% increase over the first eight months of FY26. Key factors driving this growth include a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tractors to 5%, enhancing affordability for farmers, and favourable agricultural conditions following a successful monsoon season. Additionally, the impending implementation of stricter TREM V emission norms in April 2026 is expected to spur pre-buying activity, further boosting sales. ICRA also noted that major tractor manufacturers maintain strong credit profiles, supported by low debt levels and healthy cash reserves, indicating a period of recovery and expansion for the sector.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's operational natural gas pipeline network has expanded to 25,429 km as part of a government initiative to establish a national gas grid aimed at enhancing energy security and providing cleaner fuel nationwide. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has introduced the "One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff" system, standardizing transportation charges across 90% of pipelines to ensure equitable pricing. As of December 1, 2025, approximately 10.35 crore beneficiaries have been reached under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, with the government approving an additional 25 lakh LPG connections for FY 2025-26 to facilitate access. The eligibility process has been streamlined, and targeted subsidies have increased LPG consumption from three refills per person in 2019-20 to an expected 4.85 refills in FY 2025-26. The Ministry has also enhanced petroleum marketing infrastructure, with over 90,000 retail outlets now offering digital payment options.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent decision to eliminate the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance has resulted in a significant increase in health coverage, with the average sum insured rising by 31% from ₹14.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh, according to a Policybazaar report. Following the GST exemption, demand for higher sum insured policies surged, with those in the ₹10-25 lakh range increasing by 47% and policies above ₹25 lakh soaring by 85%. Conversely, policies under ₹10 lakh saw a 24% decline. The trend continued into 2025, with younger buyers aged 18-35 making up 30% of purchases, while smaller towns experienced a notable rise in demand. Notably, Delhi and Bengaluru led in health insurance bookings. The report also highlighted common claim reasons, including heart conditions and cancer, alongside a growing preference for multi-year health insurance plans, reflecting a shift towards more comprehensive coverage.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThailand's rice prices have surged over 15% in the past four months, reaching $430 a tonne for 5% broken white rice, while Indian prices have dipped to $354, reflecting a 6% decline. This disparity is attributed to Thailand's premium of over $75 a tonne, driven by expectations of increased Chinese purchases amid ongoing negotiations for a government-to-government deal. Despite a 24% drop in Thai rice exports this year, trade analysts note that Thailand's easier access to Chinese quotas, coupled with quality preferences, keeps it competitive despite higher prices. Meanwhile, India's rice stocks remain robust, with the Food Corporation of India holding significant reserves, contributing to lower prices. China's urgency to replenish its rice stocks may lead to increased imports from Thailand, as it seeks to diversify its sources and manage domestic supply risks. The evolving dynamics highlight the complexities of global rice trade amid shifting market conditions.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's economic growth is projected to remain strong through 2026, bolstered by significant monetary and fiscal measures, according to a Standard Chartered report titled 'Outlook 2026: Ride the Recovery Wave.' The report highlights that policy interventions, including frontloaded interest rate cuts and liquidity injections by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), alongside income tax reductions and GST rate rationalisation, are expected to stimulate domestic demand. Despite challenges from US trade tariffs and a global economic slowdown, India's medium-term outlook remains positive, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation anticipated to fall below the RBI's 4% target due to lower food prices and GST adjustments. The RBI has also revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 upward to 7.3%, while inflation expectations have been lowered to 2.0%. However, risks such as high trade tariffs and potential delays in recovery persist.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 1 pm
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