eznews.inCyclone Ditwah, which crossed the east coast of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2023, marked the first such event since Cyclone Burevi in late 2020. Ditwah, alongside Cyclone Senyar, emerged unexpectedly in the Bay of Bengal during late November, surprising meteorologists with their unusual origins and tracks. Senyar was particularly notable for being the first cyclone recorded in the Malacca Strait since 1891, exhibiting a slow movement and causing heavy rainfall in Indonesia and Malaysia, but minimal impact on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In contrast, Ditwah moved even slower, averaging 9.8 km/h, and brought significant rainfall to Sri Lanka, exacerbated by the island's topography. Its trajectory was unprecedented, being the first cyclone since 1967 to travel from south to north across Sri Lanka, highlighting the rarity of such weather patterns in the region. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inLow visibility due to dense fog at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has led to significant disruptions in aviation operations, with 126 flights affected on Tuesday, including 49 departures and 77 arrivals. Airport authorities reported that the fog has hindered both landing and take-off procedures. An update on the airport's official X account reassured passengers that while operations are gradually improving, some flights may still face delays, and on-ground staff are available to assist. Earlier, a fog advisory warned travelers of potential disruptions, urging them to contact airlines for timely updates. Compounding the situation, Delhi's air quality remains hazardous, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 378 recorded at 8 am, classified as "very poor." This marks a slight improvement from Monday's severe AQI of 427. Authorities are closely monitoring conditions and advising passengers to stay informed about flight operations amid the challenging weather and pollution levels.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inGlobal import demand for grains and oilseeds is projected to remain stable despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, according to analysts. While the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) anticipates a decline in global grain prices due to record production, research agency BMI predicts an average price increase in 2026, tempered by strong seasonal output. Morgan Stanley's projections reflect a "cautiously optimistic" outlook, noting that improved supply chains and ample harvests have led to more affordable food commodity prices. However, the report highlights potential challenges for food manufacturers and governments. In the oilseed market, prices are expected to rise due to tight supply and increased global consumption, despite uncertainties surrounding U.S.-China trade relations. Overall, the agricultural trade volume is expected to expand, benefiting exporters while presenting challenges for certain sectors.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmers’ Organisation has unveiled plans for the National Onion Bhavan, set to be built on a two-acre site in Jaigaon, Nashik district, with an initial investment of ₹5 crore. This initiative aims to empower farmers by centralizing decisions on onion production, storage, and pricing, which have historically been made without their input. Bharat Dighole, the organisation's president, emphasized that the Bhavan will transform onion farming into a sustainable income source, reducing reliance on middlemen through a direct sales chain connecting farmers to consumers. The facility will also focus on onion seed research, quality control, and comprehensive crop monitoring, ensuring transparency in trade transactions. Additionally, it will provide amenities for farmers and stakeholders, including accommodation, meeting spaces, and a modern onion testing laboratory, fostering a collaborative environment for the onion industry.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSEPC Ltd, a prominent Engineering, Procurement and Construction firm, has been awarded a ₹270 crore railway infrastructure project as part of the Ajmer–Chanderiya Doubling Project by North Western Railway. The project, executed by the VPRPL–SBEL joint venture, will see SEPC overseeing the formation and civil works between Mandpiya and Chanderiya. This initiative is part of Indian Railways' efforts to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity on vital routes. Venkataramani Jaiganesh, Managing Director of SEPC, emphasized that this project not only showcases the company's capabilities in large-scale railway infrastructure but also bolsters its presence in the railway EPC sector. He noted that the focus on railways is crucial for SEPC, and this order significantly enhances its transportation infrastructure portfolio. The announcement was made on December 16, 2025.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRussia is intensifying efforts to enhance imports from India and establish joint ventures, driven by a significant shift to local currency transactions following Western sanctions. Over 90% of bilateral trade is now settled in rupees, with Russian companies actively seeking to increase purchases from India, particularly in sectors like food, textiles, engineering, and IT. Following President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India, there is optimism about boosting Indian exports, which currently represent only 2% of India's total imports from Russia, primarily crude oil. Despite potential declines in oil imports due to US sanctions, both nations aim to achieve a $100 billion trade target by 2030. While larger Indian firms may hesitate due to Western market ties, small and medium enterprises are eager to explore opportunities. The Indian government is facilitating this growth by addressing trade barriers and encouraging exporters to tap into high-demand sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inWomen in India are emerging as a formidable consumer force, representing nearly half of the population yet contributing only 18% to the GDP, highlighting a significant opportunity for economic growth. A report by Bain and Co and Magic Bus India Foundation predicts that women's workforce participation will surge from 145 million to 255 million, reshaping consumption patterns across sectors. Meghna Varma, Director of Sales at Philip Morris India Trading, emphasizes the need for companies to rethink sales strategies, as women prefer relationship-driven engagement over straightforward transactions typical of male consumers. Successful brands will need to craft compelling narratives and understand regional cultural nuances to connect with female consumers effectively. The report also notes that women exhibit stronger brand loyalty, making loyalty programs essential, while the Direct-to-Consumer model aligns well with women's social preferences, positioning brands to foster lasting connections and loyalty.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBusiness growth in India experienced a slight slowdown in December, according to the latest HSBC PMI data, with the Composite Index falling to 58.9 from 59.7 in November. Despite this decline, the index remains well above the 50.0 threshold, indicating ongoing expansion in the private sector. December marked the softest growth in business output since February, attributed to a slower rise in new orders, although demand remained robust. The manufacturing sector also showed signs of deceleration, with the HSBC Flash India Manufacturing PMI dropping to 55.7 from 56.6, reflecting the smallest improvement in two years. Staffing levels remained stable, and inflation pressures were muted, suggesting controlled costs. Business confidence weakened for the third consecutive month, reaching its lowest point since July 2022. Nevertheless, companies maintain a positive outlook for continued growth into 2026, albeit with increasing caution.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe MGR Chennai Central-Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express has been extended to Narsapur, with services commencing on Monday, as announced by officials. Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, B Srinivasa Varma, inaugurated the extended route at Narasapur railway station in West Godavari district, emphasizing the significance of this development for regional rail connectivity. The train will make stops at Gudivada Junction and Bhimavaram Town before terminating at Narasapur, marking the first time the Vande Bharat Express operates on a branch line of Indian Railways. Varma noted that the new service provides a faster alternative to the Circar Express, cutting travel time to Chennai to around nine hours, and is expected to benefit passengers traveling for business and education. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to enhance railway infrastructure in the area, including additional express train stops and the construction of road underbridges and overbridges.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has approved unique IDs for four major logistics and warehousing projects, collectively involving an investment of approximately ₹1,100 crore. This decision, made during a high-level meeting, aims to bolster the state's logistics infrastructure and create significant employment opportunities. The projects, set to be developed by firms including OWM in Varanasi and RP & Sons in Moradabad, are part of the Uttar Pradesh Warehousing & Logistics Policy-2022, which provides financial incentives and tax exemptions to investors. UPSIDA has now approved a total of 45 projects across nearly 650 acres, with a combined investment of ₹11,610 crore, as part of the state's initiative to establish Uttar Pradesh as a prominent logistics hub. UPSIDA CEO Vijay Kiran Anand emphasized the importance of this approval in facilitating timely execution of investments and enhancing the investment-friendly environment in the state.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 6 am
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