eznews.inThe Indian government is set to grant permanent approval for nano-fertilizers, moving away from the current three-year renewal system, as part of its initiative to enhance the ease of doing business. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized the need for thorough evaluation of test results by experts before finalizing this approval, acknowledging the initial resistance to the new technology. While IFFCO's nano-urea has already received a three-year extension, other companies face renewals in June 2026. Chaturvedi urged companies to avoid linking nano-fertilizers with subsidized products to prevent negative perceptions among farmers. He highlighted the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of nano-fertilizers, which have shown mixed results in various studies. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is conducting a ₹15 crore independent evaluation of nano-fertilizers, although concerns have been raised regarding potential biases due to funding from producing companies. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWater is gushing from the Poondi reservoir in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district as the Public Works Department opened the shutters in anticipation of the Northeast Monsoon. However, the Central Water Commission reports that storage in 166 major Indian reservoirs remains below 90% for the fifth consecutive week, with post-monsoon rainfall last week being 55% deficient. Current reservoir levels stand at 155.226 billion cubic metres, or 84.56% of total capacity, which is 7.5% higher than last year but 22.23% above the 10-year average. While overall post-monsoon rainfall from October 1 to December 10 is 20% surplus, significant deficiencies persist in eastern and northern regions. The India Meteorological Department forecasts no major weather events in the coming fortnight, suggesting further declines in reservoir levels, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and the eastern region, where storage has dropped below 80%.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI), a US-based leader in aircraft conversions, is set to enter the Indian market following approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion. Chennai's Afcom Holding Ltd will be AEI's inaugural customer in India, leasing the aircraft to enhance its cargo operations. The conversion process involves significant modifications, including the removal of passenger seats and the installation of a main deck cargo door and loading systems. AEI has secured approvals from various global aviation authorities, including the FAA and EASA, and anticipates further orders now that it is certified in India. The B737-800SF freighter can carry up to 23 tonnes and features advanced cargo handling capabilities. With the growing e-commerce market in India, AEI's offering is poised to meet increasing demand, as highlighted by Afcom's plans to expand its operations to new destinations, including Dubai.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has expanded investment options for private pension funds, allowing them to invest in the top 250 stocks by market capitalisation, as well as in gold and silver Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Effective immediately, the new guidelines permit investments in stocks from both the NIFTY 250 Index and the BSE 250 Index, with a stipulation that 90% of assets must be allocated to the top 200 NIFTY stocks. Additionally, pension funds can now participate in initial public offerings (IPOs), follow-on public offers (FPOs), and offers for sale (OFS), provided these securities are listed on the BSE or NSE. This shift towards riskier assets aims to enhance returns, albeit with increased market volatility. The PFRDA has also eliminated the requirement for sponsor ratings for real estate and infrastructure investment trusts, emphasizing the need for due diligence in investment processes.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inTur (arhar) prices are under pressure due to cheaper imports and weak demand as the new crop begins to arrive in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of 9.67 lakh tonnes at the minimum support price (MSP) of ₹8,000, although current prices range from ₹6,700 to ₹7,700 per quintal. The new crop's production is projected at 35.97 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 season, slightly down from last year's figures. Demand is expected to pick up around the Pongal festival in late December, but ongoing imports from Africa and Myanmar, coupled with domestic stocks, are likely to keep prices subdued. Excess rainfall has also affected crop quality in regions like Kalaburgi. With duty-free imports allowed until March 2026, the market remains cautious, impacting the overall pricing landscape for tur.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndiGo announced on Thursday that it will provide travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 to passengers affected by flight disruptions between December 3 and 5, which can be redeemed for future flights within a year. This initiative comes alongside compensation mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which stipulates payments of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for cancellations occurring within 24 hours of departure. The airline's move follows criticism and scrutiny from various sources, including a recent inquiry by the Delhi High Court regarding its compensation practices and the government's role in managing the situation. In a statement, IndiGo reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe and reliable travel experience, assuring customers that refunds for cancelled flights are being processed, with most already reflected in accounts.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inKerala's Agriculture Minister, P. Prasad, has called for urgent intervention from the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers to address a critical fertiliser supply shortage affecting farmers during the peak Rabi season. In a letter to Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Prasad highlighted the severe challenges faced by farmers due to insufficient fertiliser availability, which is essential for optimal crop productivity. The state was allocated 43,150 tonnes of Urea, 44,900 tonnes of MOP, and 13,450 tonnes of DAP, but has only received 18,164 tonnes of Urea, 23,803 tonnes of MOP, and 888 tonnes of DAP—amounting to just 43% of the required supply. This shortfall is significantly hindering agricultural activities, prompting the Minister to urge the Centre to expedite the full allocation and ensure timely distribution to alleviate the crisis.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia has launched its first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel, marking a significant advancement in the country's commitment to clean and sustainable inland water transport. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the vessel's commercial operations at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, emphasizing that this development showcases India's growing technological capabilities and dedication to green energy. He noted that India now joins the ranks of nations like China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan in operating hydrogen-powered vessels, highlighting the nation's readiness for future technological challenges. Sonowal attributed this progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, which has prioritized the modernization of inland waterways to enhance connectivity and public convenience. The event was attended by several state ministers, underscoring the collaborative effort towards advancing India's transport infrastructure.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inToffee Coffee Roasters, a premium coffee brand co-founded by Rishab Nigam and Nandini Shrivastava, has successfully raised ₹5 crore in a Pre-series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with contributions from 66 bridge partners and others. The company plans to allocate around 60% of the funds for working capital to support its rapid growth, while 10-15% will enhance its backend roastery and another 10% will improve packaging quality. The remaining funds will focus on new product development. Currently producing over 5 tonnes of coffee monthly, Toffee aims to scale production to 50 tonnes, targeting annual revenues of ₹8-10 crore and reaching 8-10 lakh customers. The brand, which has gained recognition on Shark Tank India and is backed by OYO's Ritesh Agarwal, seeks to bridge the gap in India's coffee market by offering high-quality, artisanal coffee at accessible prices.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's Chief Economic Adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, expressed optimism that the long-awaited trade deal with the United States will be finalized by March, as most trade-related issues have been addressed. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Nageswaran acknowledged the deal's elusive nature, initially hoping for a resolution by November, but now believes it is crucial for both nations to conclude negotiations, particularly to alleviate the impact of the US's 50% tariffs on Indian goods. A US trade delegation is currently in India to expedite the process, which has faced delays. Nageswaran emphasized the geopolitical significance of the agreement, while also noting that India's economy remains robust, with exporters adapting to tariff challenges and the rural economy performing well. He highlighted that a weaker rupee has not adversely affected the economy, benefiting the export sector amid global uncertainties.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 1 pm
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