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Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), part of Vedanta Power, has established a significant circular biofuel ecosystem at its 1,980 MW thermal power plant in Punjab's Mansa, leading to a dramatic reduction in stubble burning. According to district administration data, incidents of stubble burning plummeted from 2,253 in 2023 to just 306 in 2025, marking an 87% decrease. This initiative has enabled 104 out of 244 villages to report zero farm fires in 2025. TSPL's innovative approach includes supporting farmers in selling paddy straw, which is then converted into high-density bio-pellets at a new manufacturing facility. As of November 2025, TSPL has co-fired over 250,000 tonnes of biomass, contributing to improved air quality and reduced seasonal smog in the region. CEO Rajinder Singh Ahuja emphasized the importance of this model in achieving India's net-zero goals while providing economic incentives for local farmers. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian stock market saw positive movement on December 5, 2025, with the SENSEX rising by 447.05 points to close at 85,712.37, while the NIFTY gained 152.70 points, reaching 26,186.45. In commodities, gold prices increased by 1,005.00 to settle at 128,305.00, and silver surged by 3,489.00 to 178,200.00. However, crude oil prices fell by 17.00, standing at 5,366.00. Meanwhile, the aviation sector is facing significant challenges, particularly with IndiGo experiencing widespread flight disruptions due to operational constraints, unpredictable weather, and heightened seasonal demand. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has called for cooperation among pilots to ensure smooth operations during the busy holiday and fog season, emphasizing the need for effective coordination to manage the anticipated rise in passenger volumes and weather-related complications. The DGCA remains committed to safety and adherence to Flight Duty Time Limitations amid concerns over crew shortages.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVrutti, part of the Catalyst Platform, has introduced FPO Shakti, a blended stage-based financing initiative designed to help Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) secure timely capital. Backed by HSBC India and managed by Friends of Women’s World Banking (FWWB) India, the program aims to bridge the credit gap that hinders the growth of many of India's over 44,000 registered FPOs, with fewer than one-third able to access formal credit. The initiative will initially support 15 early-growth FPOs, with plans to expand to over 100. FPO Shakti employs a blended finance model that integrates revolving funds, guarantees, and tailored technical assistance to enhance governance and market readiness. Aloka Majumdar from HSBC emphasized the importance of structured interventions to improve FPOs' socio-economic impact, while Raghini Badhrinarayanan of Vrutti highlighted the shift towards long-term institutional strengthening, enabling FPOs to operate as enterprises while maintaining community ties.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inKarnataka Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy inaugurated the Electric Tractor Mela at the College of Horticulture in Bengaluru on Friday, an event aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices. Organised by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in collaboration with Villgro and Moonrider, the mela attracted over 200 farmers from 100 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the state. During the event, NRDC unveiled a report titled ‘Powering Agriculture: Unlocking the Potential of Electric Tractors in India,’ which advocates for electric tractors as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, highlighting up to 80% lower operating costs and significant health benefits. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of electric tractors in reducing diesel dependency and carbon emissions, particularly for small and marginal farmers. The event underscored the need for a supportive ecosystem to facilitate the adoption of these technologies, ensuring they are accessible and practical for the farming community.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inFour couples hoping to celebrate their marriage anniversaries in scenic Kochi found themselves stranded for 12 hours at Pune airport, where their romantic plans devolved into a lesson in marriage counselling amid fluorescent lights and frayed tempers. Husbands attempted to deflect their wives' frustrations onto IndiGo staff, who were equally bewildered by the chaos. Meanwhile, marathon runners turned the terminal into a training ground, sprinting from gate to gate. As IndiGo flights faced ongoing delays and cancellations, passengers expressed their anger, with one MP calling it "the worst experience" and vowing never to fly with the airline again. Tech influencer Arun Prabhudesai lamented the potential cancellation of a major event due to the airline's incompetence. By day's end, the airport was a scene of exhaustion and frustration, with hundreds sleeping on floors and chairs, while Lonavala unexpectedly became a popular alternative destination.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn response to ongoing disruptions affecting IndiGo flights, Northern Railways has announced the addition of a third AC coach to the Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani Express for the next seven days, starting tonight. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that this measure aims to assist stranded passengers and enhance their travel comfort. The additional coach, which accommodates 72 seats, is available for booking by those affected by the flight cancellations. Reports indicate that 11 IndiGo flights have been cancelled from Jammu airport, leading to significant chaos and uncertainty among passengers, who have expressed their frustration through protests over the airline's lack of communication. This initiative by Indian Railways seeks to alleviate some of the travel challenges faced by those impacted by the operational disruptions.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel announced in Parliament that the Centre is reviewing a report from the Chief Advisor (Cost) in the Ministry of Finance regarding the potential reinstatement of a minimum fixed cost of ₹2,300 per tonne for certain public sector undertakings (PSUs) and cooperative urea units. This inquiry follows a recommendation from the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), which suggested that costing issues be referred for further scrutiny. Patel, responding to BJP MP Parshottambhai Rupala's inquiry about the timeline for addressing this matter under the Modified New Pricing Scheme-III (NPS-III), confirmed that the Department of Fertilisers has sought the Department of Expenditure's input. The Chief Advisor's report has been received and is currently under examination, with the proposed cost adjustment aimed to be applied retroactively from April 2, 2014.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad received a bomb threat concerning Emirates flight EK526, which had just arrived from Dubai on Friday morning. The threat was communicated via email to the airport's customer support at 7:30 AM, prompting immediate safety protocols after the flight landed safely at 8:30 AM. These protocols included isolating the aircraft, screening passengers and baggage, and deploying sniffer dogs, with fire engines on standby. Flight EK526, a Boeing 777-300ER, had departed Dubai at 3:51 AM. This incident follows a similar threat received the previous day, which targeted two Indigo flights, resulting in the diversion of one to Ahmedabad Airport. Authorities are investigating the threats as part of their ongoing commitment to passenger safety.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Kochi's latest tea auctions, dust prices surged due to heightened seasonal demand linked to the Sabarimala pilgrimage, with a notable 97% clearance rate for dust teas, driven by strong bidding. The average price rose by ₹2 to ₹163 per kg, while good liquoring teas remained firm, and medium teas also saw price increases. Blenders accounted for 65% of the total CTC quantity sold from an offered 578,991 kg. In contrast, orthodox leaf prices fell by ₹3 to ₹174 per kg, attributed to quality issues and limited export interest, particularly from Middle Eastern buyers. The overall market for whole leaf and brokens declined by ₹5 to ₹10. Additionally, tea arrivals have decreased due to adverse weather conditions, including low sunshine and extended rains, impacting crop production across South Indian tea-growing regions.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco) has expressed its approval of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) recent decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. In a statement released on Friday, Naredco highlighted that this reduction is a crucial step in revitalizing the economy and the real estate sector, enhancing liquidity and fostering new investments across various industries. The council emphasized that lower interest rates will make home loans more affordable, thereby supporting homebuyers and bolstering demand in the housing market. This positive shift is expected to benefit allied industries as well, potentially leading to increased employment opportunities. Furthermore, Naredco noted that the repo rate cut could stimulate interest among developers and buyers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, further expanding the market's reach.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 3 pm
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