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Satellite imagery on Friday revealed significant cloud cover around Sri Lanka, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted the development of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal by Sunday. This system, linked to an upper-air cyclonic circulation in the east Equatorial Indian Ocean, is expected to move west-northwest towards the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts, although it may not make landfall during the week starting February 19. Light to moderate rainfall is anticipated across South India, with precipitation levels expected to be near or above normal. Meanwhile, a western disturbance is affecting northern India, with isolated rain and snow predicted for Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh and other northern states early next week. The IMD also noted that a subsequent western disturbance is expected to arrive mid-week, potentially altering weather patterns across the region. 
Published: Feb 13 2026, 12 pm ISTeznews.inThe India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2026 commenced on February 12 in Bengaluru, spotlighting the country's burgeoning specialty coffee sector. Organised by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) with backing from the Coffee Board of India and Nestlé India, the three-day event features over 120 exhibitors and anticipates more than 30,000 attendees. It emphasizes a farm-to-cup approach, offering workshops, tastings, and insights into coffee production and brewing, while also hosting the National Coffee Championships, where regional winners will compete internationally. As the seventh-largest coffee producer and fifth-largest exporter, India is witnessing a surge in domestic consumption, which rose to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, driven by a growing population and rising incomes. The festival underscores the industry's shift towards quality, traceability, and innovation, reflecting the evolving landscape of India's coffee ecosystem.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 12 pm ISTeznews.inIndia's auto sector has experienced a robust start to 2026, with passenger vehicle dispatches rising 13% year-on-year to 449,616 units in January, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This marks an increase from 399,386 units in January 2025. Two-wheeler sales surged by 26%, reaching 1,925,603 units compared to 1,526,218 units in the same month last year. Additionally, three-wheeler dispatches saw a significant 30% increase, totaling 75,725 units, up from 58,167 units in January 2025. Industry experts attribute this growth to a combination of factors, including the carryover of festival-season demand, improved dealer supply chains, and rising consumer confidence, indicating a positive outlook for the Indian automotive market.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 11 am ISTeznews.inIndia's palm oil imports surged by approximately 51% in January, reaching 766,384 metric tons compared to December, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA). This significant increase highlights a growing demand for palm oil in the country. In contrast, imports of soyoil saw a sharp decline of over 44%, totaling 278,888 tons, while sunflower oil imports also fell by 23.8%, amounting to 266,575 tons. The contrasting trends in oil imports reflect shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics within India's edible oil sector. The data, released on February 13, 2026, underscores the complexities of the global edible oil market and its impact on domestic consumption patterns.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 11 am ISTeznews.inGourmet Popcornica Pvt Ltd was awarded at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) Founder’s Day for its contributions to the popcorn maize ecosystem. The partnership, initiated in February 2021, aims to enhance India's popcorn maize value chain, boost farmer incomes, and position the country as a global leader in high-quality popcorn production. Over the past five years, ICAR-IIMR's expertise and Gourmet Popcornica's cultivation experience have led to the development of new high-yield, disease-resistant popcorn hybrids. Currently, the company collaborates with over 17,500 farmers across 36,000 acres in nine states, employing sustainable practices and structured contract farming. India's popcorn maize market has surged from 50,000 tonnes to over 130,000 tonnes in the last decade, with domestic production now meeting 65% of demand, significantly reducing import reliance and providing a sustainable income for farmers.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 8 am ISTeznews.inIndia's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has advanced a monumental ₹3.25 lakh crore deal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation, marking the country's largest defence purchase to date. This government-to-government agreement, which coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to India, will see most of the multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured locally. The DAC, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also approved additional proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including the procurement of Scalp combat cruise missiles to enhance the Rafale fleet's capabilities. Following the DAC's acceptance of the Indian Air Force's proposal, the project will enter contract negotiations, with a request for proposal (RFP) to be issued soon. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafales, and if the deal is finalized, it will become the second-largest operator of the aircraft after France. The DAC also approved the purchase of six P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft from the US and other initiatives to bolster naval capabilities.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 10 pm ISTeznews.inRetail inflation in India, as measured by the revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with a new base year of 2024, stood at 2.75% in January, according to the Statistics Ministry. This marks the first reading under the updated series, which aims to better reflect contemporary household spending patterns. Officials noted that this figure is not directly comparable to December's 1.33% inflation rate based on the 2012 series. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that the overhaul enhances the data foundation for policy decisions, aligning the CPI basket with recent expenditure trends. In January, food inflation was recorded at 2.13%, while housing inflation was at 2.05%. Price pressures varied across categories, with some items like garlic and onion experiencing low inflation, while others, including gold and coconut oil, saw significant increases. Nageswaran highlighted that the reweighting reflects structural changes in consumption as incomes rise, potentially stabilizing fiscal policies linked to the index.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 10 pm ISTeznews.inUnion Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan urged dairy industry leaders to comply with quality regulations during the inauguration of the 52nd Dairy Industry Conference, organized by the Indian Dairy Association (North Zone). He emphasized that non-compliance not only jeopardizes market access but also enables fraudulent practices that harm honest businesses. Paswan highlighted India's potential to become a global dairy powerhouse, capable of addressing international shortages through improved organization and strategic marketing. He called for collective efforts to elevate product quality to international standards, assuring government support in policy formulation and addressing GST issues. Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S P Singh Baghel, noted a significant increase in milk production, reaching 247.87 million tonnes for 2024-25. IDA president Sudhir Kumar Singh reassured attendees that the recent Interim Trade Agreement with the US poses no threat to India's dairy sector, ensuring the protection of local farmers.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 pm ISTeznews.inRetail inflation data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) for January 2026 reveals significant disparities in jewellery inflation, with silver jewellery soaring by approximately 160%, while gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery saw a more modest increase of around 47%. This marks silver's debut as an independent weight category in the inflation metrics. The overall retail inflation, based on the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series for 2024, was reported at 2.75%, slightly higher than the 2.55% calculated using the previous series. Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, stood at 3.4%, reflecting rising prices in metal and personal care items. Economists anticipate a gradual increase in inflation in the coming months, although it is expected to remain within the Reserve Bank of India's target range. Analysts suggest that the new inflation series is unlikely to significantly influence monetary policy decisions in the near term.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 pm ISTeznews.inAir India, owned by Tata Group, is projecting revenues between ₹75,000-80,000 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, as it prepares for a crucial board meeting on February 13, 2026, to discuss a budget of approximately ₹88,000 crore. The airline is expected to unveil a new strategy aimed at achieving profitability, potentially moving away from its previous "Road to Profitability" plan. Sources indicate that Tata Sons may bridge an anticipated revenue shortfall of ₹8,000-10,000 crore. The airline has faced significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions and airspace closures, notably from Pakistan and Iran, which have increased operational costs. To address these issues, the board will consider cost-cutting measures, including hiring freezes and vendor contract reviews, while also discussing emergency hiring in critical areas to support future capacity growth.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 pm IST
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