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The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel has called on the Indian government to implement a Focus Market Scheme for apparel exports to the US, proposing freely transferable duty credit scrips worth 20% of the FOB value. This appeal follows the US's imposition of additional tariffs on Indian goods, which has hindered competitiveness against rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Speaking at the 74th India International Garment Fair in Delhi, Sakthivel also urged the removal of the ₹50 lakh annual cap per exporter under the interest equalisation scheme and an increase in the interest subvention rate to 5%. Despite global challenges, the Indian apparel sector has shown resilience, with exports reaching $12 billion from April to December 2025-26, a 2.4% increase year-on-year. Sakthivel expressed optimism about the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which could enhance India's market position and help achieve the $40 billion apparel export target by 2030. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 11 ameznews.inFresh snowfall blanketed the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, January 24, 2026, leading to significant disruptions in flight operations at Srinagar airport. After a day of suspension due to heavy snow accumulation on the runway, the Airports Authority of India, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), successfully cleared the apron and taxiways, allowing flights to resume. Officials confirmed that operations were back to normal following a joint inspection, with the first flight landing shortly after. However, an Indigo flight was cancelled due to adverse weather, and several others faced delays or cancellations linked to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued in Delhi. Despite these setbacks, authorities expressed optimism for smooth operations moving forward as weather conditions improved.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's agricultural economy, characterized by extensive data and reform efforts, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at enhancing resilience. Over the past decade, the focus has shifted towards integrating digital advisory platforms, improving farmers' access to timely and relevant information. Institutional agricultural credit has surged, with 70% of farm households now relying on formal financing, while crop insurance coverage has expanded significantly. However, challenges remain, particularly for smallholders and women farmers, who often lack access to essential digital tools due to barriers like low literacy and limited connectivity. To address these issues, states are blending digital advisory services with traditional outreach, ensuring that guidance is localized and actionable. The emphasis on women farmers is crucial, as their engagement with tailored digital extension has proven to enhance agricultural practices. Ultimately, effective knowledge dissemination is becoming vital economic infrastructure, essential for building a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector in India.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 10 ameznews.inDespite India's advancements in manufacturing and technology, agriculture remains a vital component of its economy, contributing approximately 17.8% to GDP and employing nearly half of the workforce. As the Union Budget for 2026-27 approaches, experts advocate for a shift from incremental support to structural transformation, emphasizing the need for production clusters through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to enhance market access and efficiency. Additionally, nurturing agri-entrepreneurs, particularly among rural women and youth, is seen as crucial for economic viability. Water access is highlighted as essential for agricultural resilience, necessitating investments in irrigation and water management. Promoting natural farming practices and strengthening crop insurance are also vital in adapting to climate change. Furthermore, enhancing credit access and post-harvest infrastructure is critical to reducing losses and stabilizing farmer incomes, ultimately contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia's agriculture sector, employing nearly 46% of the workforce, remains crucial to the rural economy, yet its contribution to GDP is below 20%, highlighting significant structural inefficiencies. As Budget 2026 approaches, there is a pressing need for strategic reforms to transform agriculture into a resilient, diversified growth engine. Key expectations include a focus on climate adaptation through investments in climate-resilient practices and the launch of a "Climate Smart Districts Programme." Additionally, promoting crop diversification towards high-value crops and enhancing allied sectors like livestock and fisheries could stabilize farmer incomes. The budget may also prioritize market reforms to empower farmers and encourage technology adoption through digital tools and shared tech centers. Ultimately, a holistic approach that integrates skill development and rural employment is essential for sustainable agricultural growth, ensuring food security and rural prosperity in the future.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia's National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to enhance domestic edible oil production and reduce import reliance, with Telangana emerging as a leader in this initiative. Since the program's launch in FY 2021-22, over 100,000 hectares have been cultivated with oil palm, supported by significant investments from both public and private sectors. The state has established two processing mills and achieved the highest Oil Extraction Ratio in the country. However, while initial expansion was promising, growth has slowed due to various challenges, including the need for sustained farmer confidence and operational coordination among agencies. Success stories from farmers like A. Ramchandra Reddy and P. Ananth Rao highlight the crop's economic potential, with yields surpassing those in established regions. As Telangana navigates this critical phase, timely adjustments and policy stability will be essential for consolidating its leadership and serving as a model for national agricultural reforms.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 9 ameznews.inEuropean Council President Antonio Costa and EU President Ursula von der Leyen will visit India from January 25 to 27 to attend Republic Day celebrations as chief guests and engage in summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) amid ongoing negotiations, although challenges remain in areas such as sustainability and standards. EU officials indicated that while both sides are nearing a deal, political closure is the immediate goal, with formal signing by individual EU states expected later. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework is anticipated, facilitating the movement of students and skilled workers. The summit will also address a new security and defense partnership, enhancing cooperation on various security challenges. Discussions will include the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, reflecting the strategic importance of India in the EU's global network.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inWheat acreage in India has reached a record high of 334.17 lakh hectares (lh) for the 2025-26 season, up 2% from last year, despite a marginal decline in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar. This increase is largely attributed to significant rises in Madhya Pradesh, which saw an 11% increase to 85.73 lh, and Rajasthan, which rose by 12% to 35.49 lh. However, overall production will hinge on yields in these states and Gujarat, particularly during the critical grain-filling period in February. The Food Ministry has relaxed procurement norms in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to support farmers amid adverse weather conditions, allowing for certain quality compromises. The government aims for a wheat production target of 119 million tonnes for 2025-26, following a record output of 117.54 million tonnes in the previous year.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Karnataka High Court has lifted a ban on bike taxis, allowing services to resume across the state and providing relief to thousands of riders and drivers reliant on this mode of transport. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, overturned a previous ruling from April 2022 that halted operations. The court mandated that bike taxi operators apply to register their vehicles as transport taxis, clarifying that the state government cannot deny applications solely based on the vehicle type. While bike taxis have gained popularity in urban areas, they have faced regulatory challenges, similar to those seen in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Rapido, welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance for urban mobility and job creation. However, traditional auto-rickshaw and taxi unions expressed disappointment, indicating potential legal challenges and further actions in response to the ruling.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is set to establish a hydrogen internal combustion engine development facility within the next year, according to ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 'Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026)', scheduled for January 27-30, 2026, Dr. Mathai highlighted the urgent need for enhanced vehicle safety amid rising road accidents. ARAI is also fostering innovation by supporting government-backed startups and has registered 18 patents in recent years. The institute is engaged in research on traffic data collection using Intelligent Vehicle Technology and is addressing air pollution issues. Additionally, ARAI plans to launch a photometric laboratory for testing automotive parts and is utilizing advanced sensors to measure road conditions across 50,000 km of Indian roads, aiding in vehicle design and performance assessments.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pm
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