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India's agricultural exports to the United States are poised for a substantial increase, with a report from SBI indicating that 75% of these exports will now be subject to zero tariffs. Currently, India enjoys a trade surplus of $1.3 billion in agricultural trade with the US, with exports valued at $1.36 billion set to benefit from this new tariff structure. Key commodities such as rice, spices, oilseeds, tea, and coffee are expected to see enhanced competitiveness and expanded market access, bolstering the incomes of Indian farmers and exporters. Notably, Indian rice holds a 24% share of US imports, while the fishery sector, previously impacted by tariffs, is also likely to gain from the reduced 18% duty. Overall, India's share in selected agricultural imports to the US stands at 3.5%, with total imports from India reaching $2.8 billion. 
Published: Feb 12 2026, 10 am ISTeznews.inIndia is set to release inflation figures based on a revamped consumer price index (CPI) on Thursday, reflecting significant changes in spending patterns since the last update over a decade ago. The new index, which reduces the weight of volatile items like food to 36.8% and introduces categories such as rural housing rentals and online shopping, aims to provide a more accurate picture of the economy. Analysts predict that January's inflation could rise to approximately 2.77%, up from 1.33% in December, potentially influencing the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) interest rate decisions. The overhaul comes amid scrutiny of the RBI's previous inflation forecasting model, which overestimated price pressures last year. The updated CPI is expected to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and could impact bond yields and foreign investment decisions, as the government also prepares to release GDP data reflecting these new consumer spending patterns.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 am ISTeznews.inIndia's trade surplus with the United States is projected to exceed $90 billion annually, bolstered by a significant rise in exports and increased import potential, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The report estimates that Indian exporters could boost their exports of the top 15 items to the US by approximately $97 billion, potentially pushing total exports beyond the $100 billion mark. The decline in tariffs presents a "golden opportunity" for Indian exporters to enhance their market share. With the surplus already at $40.9 billion in FY25 and $26 billion in FY26 (April-December), the anticipated export surge, alongside a structured rise in imports, is expected to widen the surplus further. The US currently accounts for about 20% of India's exports but only 7% of its imports, indicating significant growth potential. India aims to purchase $500 billion in US goods over the next five years, with tariff reductions expected to yield substantial savings in foreign exchange reserves.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 am ISTeznews.inIndia's gems and jewellery industry is poised for a revival following the announcement of the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, which aims to eliminate high customs duties that have hindered exports. Industry leaders, including Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), expressed relief at the deal, which addresses previous tariff hikes that severely impacted competitiveness. The agreement will reduce duties on key products, with loose diamonds, gold, and silver set to enter the US market duty-free. Exporters anticipate a significant recovery in trade volumes as costs decrease, with Sanket Patel of Lebron Diamond CGPSC praising the government's efforts. The pact is also expected to create jobs, with Alkesh Shah of Goldstar Jewellery highlighting its long-term benefits in enhancing business growth and employment opportunities. Overall, the agreement is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the sector and boosting India's export potential.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 9 am ISTeznews.inThe Supreme Court of India has instructed the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide a progress report and detail the procedural protocols followed in the investigation of the Air India Ahmedabad crash on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people. Chief Justice Surya Kant noted the Solicitor General's assurance that the investigation is nearing completion and requested the report within three weeks. The Court cautioned against speculation regarding the crash's cause, emphasizing the complexity of the issues involved. Petitioners from the Safety Matters Foundation have called for a court-monitored inquiry, raising concerns about the AAIB's composition, while the government maintains that the investigation adheres to international standards. The Court acknowledged the distress of victims' families but clarified that the proceedings should not devolve into a blame game, with the next hearing scheduled for three weeks.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 7 am ISTeznews.inIndia is set to experience a significant boost in agricultural and organic product exports to the United States, following an interim trade agreement that introduces an 18% tariff, providing a competitive advantage for Indian exporters, according to Abhishek Dev, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Speaking at BIOFACH 2026, the world's largest organic trade fair, Dev expressed optimism about the agreement's potential benefits, noting a 30% increase in organic exports to the U.S. last year despite previous challenges. He emphasized the importance of the trade fair for fostering international buyer relationships, with India showcasing its largest presence among non-European nations. Industry leaders, including Rohan Grover, CEO of Nature Bio Foods, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the agreement's protective measures for farmers and the fair competitive landscape it creates against other Southeast Asian countries. Overall, the developments signal a promising future for India's agricultural export sector.
Published: Feb 12 2026, 8 am ISTeznews.inThe Commissioner of Metro Railways Safety, Anant Madhukar Chowdhary, and his team began an inspection of the elevated stretch between Poonamallee Bypass Station and Vadapalani Metro Station on corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Rail on Wednesday. This inspection, which is set to continue on Thursday, covers a 14.64-kilometre segment that includes 11 stations: Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyapanthangal, Thelliayaragaram, Porur Bypass, Porur Junction, and Vadapalani. The assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the metro system, as highlighted in a release from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 9 pm ISTeznews.inIndia's space sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with private sector participation surging from just one registered startup in 2014 to over 400 by 2026. This growth has been bolstered by significant investments exceeding $500 million, as reported by the Department of Space. Key initiatives, including the ₹1,000-crore Space Venture Capital Fund announced in 2024 and the Technology Transfer of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are pivotal in enhancing the space startup ecosystem. Notably, two private companies, Skyrook Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, have successfully tested their launch vehicles in sub-orbital flights. Additionally, 25 payloads from private entities are either in flight or planned for the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), providing a platform for technology testing in real space conditions. State governments are also recognizing space as a 'sunrise sector,' implementing policies to foster growth through various incentive schemes.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pm ISTeznews.inThe Noida International Airport (NIA) project has entered its final regulatory clearance phase, with core infrastructure now established, following delays attributed to sourcing construction materials. NIA management confirmed that the focus has shifted from construction to obtaining necessary statutory approvals to commence operations. Chief Executive Christoph Schnellmann stated that the airport is collaborating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to finalize aerodrome licensing and security clearances. Once BCAS approval is secured, the DGCA will issue the aerodrome license, allowing the airport to coordinate operational timelines with airlines. IndiGo will be the launch carrier, with Akasa Air and Air India Express also set to operate. The airport aims to enhance connectivity through various transport options and future links, with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually, expanding to 70 million upon completion of all phases.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pm ISTeznews.inA significant portion of Indian cotton stakeholders remains optimistic about continued exports to Bangladesh, despite a new US-Bangladesh trade deal that may shift sourcing patterns. Vinay N Kotak, President of the Cotton Association of India, emphasized India's logistical advantage, noting that shipments from India take just eight days compared to 45 days from the US. He highlighted that Bangladesh's cotton needs are driven by its domestic consumption and exports to Europe, where 50% of its apparel goes. However, concerns persist, as Atul Ganatra, former CAI president, warned that the deal could lead to reduced demand for Indian cotton, especially as Bangladesh sources cheaper Brazilian cotton. The Cotton Corporation of India has recently adjusted domestic sale prices and set export floor prices, but overall exports are projected to decline from 18 lakh bales to around 10 lakh bales this year, potentially impacting domestic prices.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pm IST
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