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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported a 55% likelihood of a weak La Niña developing over the next three months, which is expected to influence global rainfall and temperature patterns through early 2026. While this phenomenon may slightly cool global temperatures, most regions are anticipated to remain warmer than usual. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) in Australia confirms that La Niña is firmly established in the tropical Pacific, with sea surface temperatures remaining unusually warm, potentially intensifying storms and rainfall. The WMO emphasizes the importance of seasonal forecasts for climate-sensitive sectors, aiding in economic planning and humanitarian efforts. As the negative Indian Ocean Dipole weakens, the outlook suggests a cooler winter for northern India, with increased chances of severe weather systems in the Bay of Bengal, despite overall warmer conditions persisting in many areas. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking initiative, Puducherry Union Territory has successfully launched its first seaweed farming project, overseen by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The inaugural harvest at Pannithitu yielded an impressive 3.5 times growth, showcasing the potential of seaweed farming as a lucrative opportunity for local fisher communities, particularly fisherwomen. This one-year project, titled ‘Farming of commercially important marine finfishes in sea cages integrated with seaweeds at Puducherry,’ is funded by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare and began on April 16, 2025. The project employs an HDPE-based tube-net method, suitable for rough sea conditions, with 16 rafts deployed across three locations. Six fisherwomen from the Pannithitu Fishermen Cooperative Society, trained in cage-fish culture and seaweed farming, achieved a total harvest of 1,920 kg, generating revenue of ₹38,400. The harvest was attended by local dignitaries, highlighting the project's significance. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAn IndiGo flight traveling from Madinah, Saudi Arabia, to Hyderabad was diverted to Ahmedabad on Thursday due to a bomb threat, according to police officials. The aircraft landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 12:30 PM, where all passengers and crew were deboarded for a comprehensive search. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Atul Bansal reported that the diversion was prompted by an email claiming a bomb was on board, leading the pilot to opt for the nearest airport as a precaution. Local police, alongside the Central Industrial Security Force and the National Disaster Response Force, responded swiftly to the situation. Fortunately, no suspicious items were discovered during the initial search of the aircraft. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation security and the measures taken to ensure passenger safety. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's diesel consumption surged to a provisional six-month high of 8.55 million tonnes in November 2025, marking the second highest usage on record, driven by GST rate cuts, pent-up demand, and seasonal factors such as the festival and marriage season. This represents a 12.20% month-on-month increase and a 4.70% year-on-year rise, with diesel accounting for over 40% of the country's refined petroleum consumption. The uptick in demand is also attributed to the onset of the Rabi season, as farmers prepare to sow crops like wheat and mustard. Meanwhile, petrol consumption fell to 3.50 million tonnes, down 4.40% month-on-month, although it rose 2.2% year-on-year, reflecting an expanding base of personal vehicles. Additionally, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) consumption increased by 1.3% month-on-month, driven by a rise in air travel. The International Energy Agency projects significant growth in India's oil demand, particularly for petrol and jet fuel, through 2030. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndiGo Airlines is facing a significant operational crisis due to a miscalculation of pilot requirements in light of new duty time regulations introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Pilot associations have raised concerns over the airline's management and regulatory oversight as flight delays and cancellations continue across major cities, including Bengaluru and Delhi, for a third consecutive day. Despite being aware of the revised duty time norms since January 2024, IndiGo reportedly failed to adjust crew rosters in a timely manner, leading to a shortage of available pilots. The Federation of Indian Pilots criticized IndiGo's lean manpower strategy, which included freezing pilot hiring and salaries, particularly as the busy winter season approached. The airline's decision to expand its winter schedule without adequate pilot recruitment has further exacerbated the situation, prompting questions about its operational responsibility. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Thursday that the existing toll collection system will be replaced by an electronic system within a year, enhancing the experience for highway users. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari stated that the new electronic toll collection system, which has already been implemented in 10 locations, will eliminate the need for physical toll booths, allowing for uninterrupted travel. He highlighted that approximately 4,500 highway projects, valued at ₹10 lakh crore, are currently underway across India. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program, which utilizes FASTag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device that enables automatic toll payments from linked accounts without the need to stop at toll plazas. This initiative aims to streamline toll collection across the nation's highways. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has raised concerns over IndiGo Airlines' decision to implement a hiring freeze despite having a two-year preparatory period for new flight duty and rest period regulations. In a letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), FIP urged the regulator to reconsider IndiGo's seasonal flight schedules, citing inadequate staffing that has led to significant flight cancellations and delays, particularly during the busy winter season. On December 3, only 19.7% of IndiGo flights were on time, with over 150 cancellations attributed to crew shortages. FIP criticized IndiGo's management for failing to adequately prepare for the new regulations, which include increased rest periods and reduced night landings, and highlighted that other airlines have managed to comply without disruption. The pilots' body called for the DGCA to ensure airlines demonstrate sufficient pilot availability before approving flight schedules. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndiGo Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday, with at least 175 flights cancelled across India, exacerbating travel chaos at major airports. The cancellations stemmed from new government regulations aimed at enhancing crew safety, which complicated the airline's roster planning. Over the past three days, thousands of passengers have been left stranded, with Bengaluru airport reporting 73 cancellations, Delhi 30, and Hyderabad 68. The airline, which commands over 60% of the domestic market, attributed the issues to stricter flight duty time limits introduced by the aviation regulator to combat pilot fatigue. The Federation of Indian Pilots noted that IndiGo struggled to adjust its schedules in time for the new rules, which take effect on November 1. This crisis marks a significant setback for IndiGo, known for its punctuality, as it attempts to recalibrate its operations in the wake of these challenges. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inFitch Ratings has upgraded India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 7.4%, up from 6.9%, citing increased consumer spending and positive sentiment following recent GST reforms. The agency noted that GDP growth accelerated to 8.2% in the July-September quarter, compared to 7.8% in the previous quarter. Fitch highlighted that private consumer spending, bolstered by strong real income and the reduction of GST on over 375 items, is the primary growth driver. With consumer price inflation dropping to a record low of 0.3% in October, Fitch anticipates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may implement one more policy rate cut in December, bringing it to 5.25%. However, growth is expected to slow to 6.4% in FY'27, with private investment anticipated to rise in the latter half of the next fiscal year as financial conditions improve. The RBI's monetary policy committee is set to review its policy on Friday. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inFarmers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh are facing severe financial distress as mandi prices for tomatoes plummet to ₹5-15 per kg, significantly below the normal ₹25-30 per kg, according to a report by Transworld Furtichem. The assessment highlights the devastating impact of the 2025 monsoon season, which brought erratic rainfall, leading to crop losses and nutrient leaching across major agricultural states. Production in Maharashtra's grape belts has dropped by 50%, with losses exceeding ₹3,500 crore, while banana prices have also fallen sharply due to Cyclone Montha. The prolonged rains have delayed land preparation for the rabi season, raising concerns over food security and inflation. In response, Transworld Furtichem has initiated targeted support interventions, including nutrient recovery kits and agronomic guidance, to help farmers recover and prepare for future planting. 
Published: Dec 04 2025, 11 am
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