eznews.inIndia has seized three U.S.-sanctioned tanker ships linked to Iran—Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—amid heightened maritime surveillance aimed at curbing illicit oil trade. The vessels, which frequently altered their identities to evade law enforcement, were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after suspicious activity was detected in India's exclusive economic zone. This crackdown aligns with improved U.S.-India relations, marked by Washington's decision to reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, following New Delhi's commitment to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian Coast Guard has intensified its operations, deploying around 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for continuous monitoring. The seized tankers are believed to be involved in complex ownership structures and mid-sea transfers, complicating enforcement efforts against sanctioned oil and fuel, which are often sold at steep discounts. 
Published: Feb 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's major steelmakers, including Tata Steel, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, and JSW Steel, are ramping up scrap-based production and green initiatives in response to the government's new green steel taxonomy. This initiative includes the introduction of star ratings based on carbon emissions, with the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology overseeing the ratings. Tata Steel is expanding its recycling operations, with a new plant in Ludhiana set to begin production soon, while also exploring additional facilities in southern and western India. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel has achieved notable ratings for its products and plans to establish more scrap processing centres to enhance quality. Meanwhile, JSW Steel is integrating hydrogen into its processes to cut carbon intensity and is developing a scrap processing facility in Maharashtra. The government is also mandating public sector undertakings to utilize certified green steel, further driving demand for sustainable practices in the industry.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inElectricity consumption by data centres is set to more than double globally by 2030, soaring from 415 terawatt-hours in 2024 to 945 TWh, according to Rabobank's latest global greenhouse update. This surge is driven by the rapid expansion of data centres and the urgent need to address climate change, particularly in Asia, where AI infrastructure is growing. Rabobank suggests that integrating data centres with high-tech greenhouses could enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by repurposing waste heat. As climate volatility increases, the demand for protected cultivation rises, with greenhouses providing insulation against extreme weather and ensuring stable yields. China is leading this trend, with its protected cultivation area expanding to 1.3 million hectares in 2022. Governments worldwide are prioritising self-sufficiency in fresh vegetables, a trend expected to continue, while the next phase of greenhouse growth in Asia will likely be driven by technology and infrastructure development.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized India's commitment to establishing a global consensus on artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright protection for content creators during a discussion at the India-AI Impact Summit. He highlighted the need for techno-legal solutions to balance innovation with intellectual property rights, noting that foundational AI models often draw from publicly available knowledge. Vaishnaw announced the upcoming launch of the "Create in India Mission," aimed at fostering a skilled talent pipeline and enhancing the creative industry. He also addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and deep fakes, urging collaboration among stakeholders to ensure technology builds trust. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of cultural context for global OTT platforms, advocating for adherence to local laws and customs. The Minister's remarks reflect a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of AI in the creative sector.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over Mumbai International Airport's (MIAL) decision to suspend freighter flights for nine months starting August 2026, as part of a reconstruction project for the cargo apron. This suspension, which MIAL announced last December, is set to last until May 2027, prompting apprehension from both IATA and the Air Cargo Agents Association of India regarding its impact on cargo operations at India's second busiest airport. MIAL cited safety risks due to concurrent taxiway construction and mixed aircraft movements as reasons for the suspension, despite recent communications suggesting the apron remains operationally viable for another four years. While dedicated freighter flights will be halted, MIAL assured that cargo transported in passenger aircraft will continue without disruption, with Navi Mumbai airport expected to accommodate some of the freighter operations during this period.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inVivek Raj, the founder of Panama Hydro-X, is investing Rs 214 crore in AI-enabled hydroponic farming in Karnataka, aiming to cultivate high-value spices and medicinal plants. Following a devastating drought that wiped out his crops a decade ago, Raj has developed four patented artificial intelligence technologies, spending Rs 146 crore on research. These innovations include systems for early disease detection and optimized lighting for photosynthesis, with patents granted in the UK, Germany, and Australia. The company plans to utilize 16 acres of farmland in Moodbidri, with the first commercial harvest expected in June 2027. During trials, the AI technology yielded 1,200 bags of ginger per acre, significantly outperforming traditional methods. Raj, who has a personal net worth of USD 700 million, aims to demonstrate commercial success before licensing the technologies, while also expanding his workforce in Mangalore.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inFemale unemployment in India saw a slight increase in January, rising to 5% from 4.8% in December, according to the Statistics Ministry. This uptick, based on a survey of 373,000 individuals, reflects a short-term trend rather than a significant decline in female labor market conditions, as the unemployment rate remained within the range observed from April to December 2025. The rise was noted in both rural and urban areas, with rural unemployment increasing from 3.9% to 4.2% and urban unemployment from 6.7% to 7%. The female labor force participation rate stood at 35.1%, with rural participation at 39.7% and urban at 25.5%. Despite the overall stability in the Worker Population Ratio, rural WPR saw a slight decline to 56.2%. The report attributes these changes to seasonal factors and post-harvest slowdowns, particularly affecting rural employment.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inAequs, a contract manufacturing firm specializing in consumer durable goods and aerospace components, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a manufacturing facility for aircraft engines, landing gear, and systems. The company, along with its partners, plans to invest ₹1,900 crore over the next decade. This facility is part of a larger ₹4,000 crore Aerospace and Defence manufacturing cluster, which will span 250 acres at SIPCOT Shoolagiri in Krishnagiri district. The cluster aims to focus on aero-engine components, landing gear systems, and advanced aerospace technologies, with the potential to create 7,000 jobs. TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Industries, highlighted that this investment enhances the state's position in global aero-engine supply chains and promotes distributed growth, while also fostering opportunities for local youth and strengthening links with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inA delegation of Indian officials, led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, is set to visit the United States next week to finalise the legal text for an interim trade agreement, with a signing anticipated in March, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. The visit, scheduled to commence on February 23, follows a joint statement released earlier this month, which outlined the framework for the agreement. Agrawal noted that the next step involves translating the agreed contours of the deal into a formal legal document. Ongoing virtual discussions are also taking place as both nations work towards solidifying the terms of the agreement. The development marks a significant step in enhancing trade relations between India and the US.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's merchandise exports saw a slight increase of 0.61% in January, reaching USD 36.56 billion, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. In contrast, imports surged by 19.2% to USD 71.24 billion, up from USD 59.77 billion a year earlier, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 34.68 billion for the month. Agrawal noted that exports are on an upward trajectory in both goods and services, with projections indicating that total exports for the fiscal year could exceed USD 860 billion. For the April-January period, exports rose by 2.22%, totaling USD 366.63 billion. The data reflects ongoing trends in India's trade landscape as it navigates global economic challenges.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 4 pm
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