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India's agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation through the nationwide implementation of the Digital Agriculture Mission, with AgriStack at its core. This national Digital Public Infrastructure aims to provide seamless access to entitlements and services for all farmers, regardless of their land size or documentation. AgriStack comprises three key registries: a Farmer Registry for authenticated identities, Geo-Referenced Village Maps for accurate land mapping, and a Crop Sown Registry for detailed crop records. This system enhances governance by replacing fragmented processes with real-time verification, ensuring that benefits like Direct Benefit Transfers and insurance claims reach the right recipients efficiently. Notably, during the 2025 Maharashtra floods, AgriStack facilitated rapid relief disbursement to over 61 lakh farmers. The initiative also combats fraud in procurement and fertilizer distribution, while integrating non-land owning farmers into the system, ultimately aiming for a cohesive, data-driven agricultural ecosystem that supports all cultivators. 
Published: Jan 25 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant market update, India's benchmark indices faced declines, with the SENSEX dropping by 769.67 points to close at 81,537.70, while the NIFTY fell by 241.25 points to settle at 25,048.65. In contrast, crude oil prices rose by 182.00 to reach 5,622.00, while gold prices decreased by 386.00 to 155,955.00. Silver, however, saw a notable increase of 7,611.00, bringing its price to 334,900.00. Meanwhile, the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) has called on the government to eliminate duties on seafood exports to the European Union and remove non-trade barriers to enhance market access. SEAI President G. Pawan Kumar emphasized that such measures would support market diversification and bolster India's seafood exports, which have already surged by 28% in quantity and 37.8% in value over the past year, following the EU's approval of 102 new fishery units.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 9 ameznews.inAs India gears up for Union Budget 2026, the agricultural sector, which contributes 17.8% to the national GDP and employs over 46% of the workforce, faces critical challenges that necessitate comprehensive reform. Despite decades of policy efforts, issues like low productivity, inefficient water use, and fragmented landholdings persist. Incremental measures have proven insufficient, prompting calls for a shift from consumption-based subsidies to performance-driven incentives that enhance productivity and sustainability. Key reforms should include digitised land records to clarify ownership, technology-enabled supply chains to reduce post-harvest losses, and an integrated approach to water, soil, and climate management. Furthermore, establishing stable, long-term policies is essential for fostering global competitiveness. The success of Budget 2026 hinges on a unified reform strategy that addresses these interconnected issues, aiming for a transformative reset in Indian agriculture to secure farmer livelihoods and bolster food security.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant development for Kerala's transportation infrastructure, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for a high-speed rail network that will drastically reduce travel time from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur to just 3.15 hours. The project, which is set to replace the previously proposed Silverline initiative, is estimated to cost between ₹86,000 crore and ₹1 lakh crore and is expected to be completed within five years. E Sreedharan, known as 'Metroman' and former head of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, revealed that 70% of the rail line will be elevated, 20% underground, and only 10% at ground level, minimizing land acquisition needs. The trains will feature eight coaches, accommodating 560 passengers, and will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, stopping at 22 stations. While the initial route will terminate at Kannur, future extensions to Kasaragod or Mangaluru may be considered.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 ameznews.inA severe winter storm is set to impact the eastern United States, with forecasters predicting heavy ice accumulation and record cold temperatures that could paralyse the region. Nearly 4,000 flights were cancelled on Saturday as the storm, described as "historic" by President Donald Trump, prompted federal emergency disaster declarations across multiple states, including South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. The National Weather Service warned of widespread ice and "crippling to locally catastrophic impacts," with dangerously low wind chills expected to extend into the Great Plains by Monday. Major airlines, including Delta, are adjusting schedules and relocating staff to manage the storm's effects, while utility companies are on high alert to prevent blackouts. As of Saturday evening, over 8,800 flights for Sunday have also been cancelled, highlighting the storm's extensive disruption.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 ameznews.inKaran Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), inaugurated the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on January 24, 2026, marking a significant investment of ₹16,000 crore. This expansion will extend the container berth from 800 to 2,000 metres and increase the breakwater to approximately 3,900 metres, with completion expected by 2028. The port's capacity is projected to rise from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, part of a larger ₹30,000 crore investment in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the port's potential to become a key international transshipment hub for Africa and the Middle East, enhancing Kerala's maritime competitiveness. Notably, Vizhinjam has already established itself as the fastest Indian port to handle one million TEUs, achieving this milestone within just 15 months of operations.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 10 pmeznews.inKaran Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), announced a significant investment of ₹30,000 crore for the development of the Vizhinjam port in Kerala, during the inauguration of its second phase. This investment, which includes an additional ₹16,000 crore for phase two, aims to boost the port's capacity from 1.2 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. Adani emphasized that this commitment marks the largest investment by any business in Kerala, positioning Vizhinjam as the largest transshipment port in the Indian subcontinent and a technologically advanced maritime hub. He credited the late Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for their pivotal roles in the project's success, highlighting Vijayan's unwavering support as crucial for transforming the port into a significant national and global maritime asset.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 9 pmeznews.inUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested a possible rollback of the 25% tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil, citing a significant decline in India's imports from Russia. While he indicated a potential path to lifting these tariffs, he did not specify if a complete halt to Russian oil purchases was necessary, a condition India has been reluctant to accept. The removal of these tariffs is crucial for Indian exporters, particularly in labor-intensive sectors burdened by a cumulative 50% tariff since late 2025, and could pave the way for a long-awaited India-US bilateral trade agreement. Despite Bessent's claims of a collapse in Russian oil purchases, data shows that India continues to import Russian crude, albeit at reduced levels. Indian officials have emphasized that ongoing tariffs hinder trade negotiations, as a reduction in US reciprocal tariffs would still leave Indian exports at a competitive disadvantage compared to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is set to make a significant impact at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, where it is the Partner Country, showcasing its growing role in global agri-food trade. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is leading this initiative with the BHARATI Pavilion, aimed at promoting export-ready agri-food and agri-tech start-ups. Spanning 1,434 square metres, the Indian Pavilion will feature 161 exhibitors from 25 states, highlighting a diverse array of products including processed foods, grains, and organic produce. Key national institutions, such as NAFED and the Spices Board, will also participate, emphasizing India's commitment to food security and resilient supply chains. Additionally, a Culinary Area will host live demonstrations of Indian cuisine by a renowned chef. Gulfood 2026 will take place from January 26-30, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India-US trade relations, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the possibility of lifting a 25% tariff on Indian imports, contingent on a notable decrease in India's purchases of Russian oil. This announcement follows a sharp decline in Indian imports of Russian crude, which fell to their lowest levels in two years as of December, allowing OPEC to capture an 11-month high share of India's oil imports. Bessent's comments, made during an interview at the World Economic Forum, come amid escalating trade tensions, particularly after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last August, citing concerns over India's Russian oil purchases. Bessent acknowledged the reduction in imports as a success but noted that the tariffs remain in place for now, with potential for future negotiations depending on India's compliance.
Published: Jan 24 2026, 4 pm
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