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Tea Board assigns NPC to study cadre restructuring

The Tea Board has commissioned the National Productivity Council (NPC) to conduct a cadre restructuring study aimed at assessing the current roles and responsibilities of its employees. This initiative involves distributing a questionnaire to staff members, which they are required to complete and return for analysis by the NPC. The Board emphasized that the questionnaire focuses solely on the duties necessary for employees to perform their jobs, rather than evaluating their performance. This move is part of the Board's efforts to gather comprehensive information about each employee's job functions, ensuring a clearer understanding of workforce requirements. The study is expected to inform future restructuring efforts within the organization. The announcement was made public on December 15, 2025. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 12 pm

Sugar production rises 28% to 7.8 million tons, says federation

India's sugar production has risen by 28.33% this season, reaching 7.79 million tonnes (mt) as of December 15, driven primarily by Maharashtra's early crushing and improved recovery rates. However, millers are concerned that this increase may lead to cane arrears, as the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar remains unchanged despite ongoing demand. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF) reported a drop in ex-mill sugar prices by nearly Rs 230 per quintal since the season began, now at Rs 3,770 per quintal. The federation has called for a raise in the sugar MSP to Rs 41 per kg and an increase in ethanol procurement prices, estimating that an additional 0.5 mt of sugar for ethanol could generate Rs 2,000 crore for the industry. While welcoming the government's decision to allow 1.5 mt of sugar exports, NFCSF emphasized that this measure alone will not resolve the liquidity crisis facing mills, which have cane payment obligations exceeding Rs 1.30 lakh crore. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 2 pm

Dense fog halts Delhi airport operations; 60+ flights canceled

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport faced significant disruptions on Monday, with over 60 flights cancelled and five diverted due to dense fog that severely reduced visibility. The airport operator, DIAL, confirmed that operations were still affected as of 10 am, with more than 250 flights delayed. IndiGo Airlines acknowledged the challenges posed by the weather, stating that low visibility conditions were beyond their control and that adjustments to flight schedules were necessary to ensure safety. The airline did not specify the exact number of its flights impacted but assured passengers that its teams were closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airport authorities. To mitigate inconvenience, IndiGo has been proactively informing customers about potential delays and cancellations. As the busiest airport in India, Delhi handles approximately 1,300 flight movements daily, making such disruptions particularly impactful. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 2 pm

Yara India unveils 2025-26 Women in Agronomy awards

Yara India has unveiled the recipients of its inaugural Women in Agronomy Scholar Award for 2025-26, aimed at empowering female PhD students in agronomy and soil science. Initially intended for five scholars, the program expanded due to the exceptional talent among applicants. The awardees include Ruchi Rajpoot, Meka Kalyani, Dharani S, Gobikashri N., and Barsha Mansingh, each receiving a $1,500 grant to support their educational and research endeavors. In addition to financial support, the scholars will benefit from a six-month mentorship program in 2026, providing insights into advanced research methods and industry trends from Yara’s R&D experts. Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, emphasized the initiative's role in fostering gender diversity and bridging research with practical applications in agriculture. The selection process involved a thorough review and interviews, highlighting the scholars' academic merit and commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in India. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 2 pm

Fog Alert: Check Flights for Northern India Airports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a heavy fog alert for airports across northern India, particularly affecting operations in Delhi, where visibility has been severely reduced. Passengers are urged to check their flight status with airlines and monitor updates via airport websites or mobile apps before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations are likely due to the adverse weather conditions. The Ministry reassured the public that safety is the top priority, with airport teams and air traffic controllers working diligently to minimize disruptions. IndiGo Airlines has also acknowledged the impact of low visibility on its operations, advising customers to stay informed about potential delays or cancellations. The airline emphasized that adjustments to flight schedules are being made in accordance with safety protocols, and passengers are encouraged to check official channels for the latest information. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 2 pm

India's November trade deficit reduces to $24.53 billion

India's merchandise trade deficit decreased to $24.53 billion in November, a significant drop from the previous month's record deficit of $41.68 billion, as reported by government data on December 15, 2025. This improvement was attributed to reduced imports of gold, oil, and coal, surpassing economists' expectations of a $32 billion deficit. In response to ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, the Indian government has implemented measures such as consumer tax cuts, an export promotion package, and labor reforms to mitigate the effects of high U.S. tariffs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, following a visit from a U.S. trade delegation, as India seeks concessions on key exports. Meanwhile, the U.S. is urging India to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods, particularly in the agricultural sector. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 1 pm

India's WPI Declines to 0.32% in November

India's wholesale prices experienced a year-on-year decline of 0.32% in November, a slight improvement from the 1.21% drop recorded in October, according to government data released on Monday. This decline was less severe than the 0.6% decrease anticipated by economists surveyed by Reuters. Notably, wholesale food prices fell by 2.6% in November, a significant slowdown compared to the 5.04% decline seen in the previous month. Vegetable prices saw a notable decrease of 20.23%, following a sharper 34.97% drop in October. Meanwhile, prices for manufactured goods rose by 1.33%, a slight decrease from the 1.54% increase in October, while fuel and power prices fell by 2.27%, compared to a 2.55% decline the month prior. This data reflects ongoing fluctuations in India's economic landscape. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 12 pm

Rupee drop aids exports slightly, harms labor-intensive sectors: Report

The recent depreciation of the Indian rupee has sparked renewed discussions about its impact on the country's export competitiveness, according to a report by Systematix Research. While sectors like electronics, chemicals, machinery, and petroleum products initially appear to benefit from a weaker rupee, their reliance on imported inputs often negates these advantages, leading to a widening trade deficit. The report highlights that food and agro-based exports are the only sectors that consistently gain from currency depreciation, thanks to their low import intensity. Conversely, labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather suffer, as rising costs of imported materials and weak global demand diminish their profitability. The study warns that the potential benefits of rupee depreciation can be overshadowed by deteriorating global conditions, including rising protectionism and increased import costs, ultimately questioning the effectiveness of currency depreciation as a tool for improving India's trade balance. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 11 am

Cathay Cargo prepared for rising India-China trade

Cathay Cargo, the freighter division of Cathay Pacific Airways, has reported an 11% year-on-year growth in tonnage from India as of October, driven by mobile phone and automobile shipments. The airline's resilience is attributed to its extensive network, which includes over 100 passenger destinations and 40 freighter routes globally. Cathay Cargo's director, Dominic Perret, noted that the normalization of India-China relations could further enhance trade volumes, with resumed passenger and freighter flights between the two nations. Despite facing regulatory challenges, such as restrictions on operating freighters to multiple Indian airports in a single journey, the company is optimistic about future growth. Additionally, Cathay Cargo is investing in digital solutions, having recently implemented the IATA ONE Record platform for real-time customs updates, and is utilizing technology for staff training, with over 90% of shipments in India booked online. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 10 am

Govt plans to repeal MGNREGA, introduce new rural employment law

In a significant legislative move, the Indian government has circulated a bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, seeks to establish a new rural employment framework aligned with the national vision for a developed India by 2047. The bill promises a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for every rural household willing to engage in unskilled manual work. This initiative is designed to foster empowerment, growth, and resilience in rural areas. The bill is expected to be introduced during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which runs until December 19. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 10 am

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