Trending Economy

Listen as Radio

Amar Pure Gold invests ₹250 crore in Himachal food park

Frozen food manufacturer Amar Pure Gold has announced a significant investment of ₹250 crore to develop an agro-food park in Himachal Pradesh, following a memorandum of commitment with the state government. The new facility, set to span 100 acres in Una district, aims to create 450 direct jobs and additional indirect employment opportunities in agricultural sourcing, logistics, and packaging. This initiative complements the company's ongoing project of a 25-acre integrated food park in Nalagarh. Specializing in frozen Indian sweets, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, Amar Pure Gold operates manufacturing units in Punjab and Haryana, with plans for expansion into Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The company also exports its products to markets in the United States, Canada, Australia, and more than ten other countries. Amar Pure Gold is part of the diversified Amar Group, which has interests in flour milling, steel, and retail, including over 45 Captain Sam's Pizza outlets. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 2 pm

India's December merchandise exports increase 1.87% to $38.5 billion

India's merchandise exports experienced a modest increase of 1.87% year-on-year, reaching USD 38.5 billion in December 2025, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. However, imports surged to USD 63.55 billion, up from USD 58.43 billion a year earlier, resulting in a significant trade deficit of USD 25 billion for the month. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, Agrawal noted that exports are on a positive trajectory, with projections for the fiscal year suggesting that goods and services exports could exceed USD 850 billion. For the April-December period, exports rose by 2.44% to USD 330.29 billion. The Indian government is actively working to diversify its export markets towards China, Russia, and the Middle East, supported by new trade agreements, particularly in light of previous tariff increases imposed by the U.S. and ongoing discussions for a bilateral trade deal. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 2 pm

Agri industry urges digital, climate-resilient farming before FY27 Budget

As India prepares for the FY27 Budget, agriculture industry leaders are urging the government to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, climate-resilient practices, and technology adoption to revitalize a sector that employs nearly half the workforce but contributes only 18% to the national output. Amit Vatsyayan from EY India emphasized the need to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, advocating for enhanced green infrastructure and public-private partnerships to reduce post-harvest losses. The dairy sector, represented by Heritage Foods' Brahmani Nara, called for support measures including subsidized quality feed and expanded veterinary education. Additionally, MapMyCrop's Swapnil Jadhav highlighted the transformative potential of digital tools like agri-drones and IoT sensors, urging the government to facilitate seamless credit linkages. Experts also pointed to the necessity of structural reforms to address challenges such as fragmented landholdings and inadequate investment in allied sectors, with the AGRISTACK initiative seen as vital for integrating farmer data and enhancing efficiency. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 1 pm

RM Drip to establish 12,000-tonne plant in Maharashtra

RM Drip and Sprinklers Systems has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, which is expected to boost its production capacity by approximately 50%. The board approved the project, which will be executed through its wholly owned subsidiary, Brahmanand Pipes Pvt Ltd, with an installed capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum. The new plant will focus on producing high-speed drip irrigation systems, HDPE pipes for government projects, drainage and sewerage pipelines, as well as telecom pipes and industrial solutions. Managing Director Nivrutti Pandurang Kedar described the expansion as a crucial step in the company's growth strategy, aimed at enhancing revenue, improving margins, and increasing operational efficiency. Founded in 2004, RM Drip specializes in micro-irrigation systems and has a distribution network across several Indian states, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 1 pm

Air India cancels US flights, delays Europe due to Iran

Air India has cancelled at least three flights to the United States and warned of potential delays for European services due to the closure of Iranian airspace. The affected flights include two from Delhi and one from Mumbai to New York and Newark. The airline announced that, in light of safety concerns stemming from the situation in Iran, flights typically overflying the region are now being rerouted over Iraq, which may extend flight durations. Air India stated that some flights could not be rerouted and would therefore be cancelled, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The closure of Iranian airspace, coupled with existing restrictions on Pakistan's airspace, has forced Air India and other airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, to seek longer alternative routes. Tensions between Iran and the US are rising, raising concerns about potential escalation in the region. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 11 am

Government calls on corporates to engage more with startups

The Indian government is urging corporations to enhance their collaboration with startups to foster entrepreneurship and bolster domestic manufacturing, according to Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Speaking ahead of the National Startups Day on January 16, Bhatia emphasized that integrating startups into supply chains could help companies lower manufacturing costs. The DPIIT has signed several memorandums of understanding with various firms to facilitate this engagement. Since the launch of the Startup India action plan in 2016, over 200,000 entities have been recognized as startups, qualifying for incentives like income tax benefits. The government is also focusing on promoting deep-tech startups through funding and linking research and development labs with the startup ecosystem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the upcoming event, highlighting the government's commitment to strengthening the startup landscape in India. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 10 am

India draws $51 billion FDI with startup, manufacturing boost

India's manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, bolstered by innovation-led production and enhanced collaboration between corporates and startups, according to Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). In the past six months, the country has attracted USD 51 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring global confidence in India's economic trajectory. Bhatia announced that National Startup Day will be held on January 16, featuring the launch of 75 Grand Challenges aimed at fostering innovation across various sectors, with over 3,000 participation requests already received. The event will also honor 20 National Startup Awards to celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative impact of Digital India, startup growth, and youth engagement on the nation's future, highlighting the rise of the 'Orange Economy' driven by young innovators in creative and technology sectors. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 10 am

Iran closes airspace, forcing airlines to reroute flights

Iran temporarily closed its airspace to most flights on Wednesday, prompting significant disruptions for airlines amid rising tensions with the United States. The closure, which began at 5:15 p.m. ET, allowed only international flights with official permission and was expected to last over two hours. By 7:15 p.m. ET, civilian air traffic was nearly non-existent, with only two Mahan Air flights reported. The U.S. has already banned its commercial flights from overflying Iran, and airlines like IndiGo and Air India announced potential delays and cancellations. Germany advised its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, while Lufthansa and ITA Airways suspended night flights to Tel Aviv. The heightened military risks, including potential missile launches, have led many carriers to reroute or cancel flights, reflecting concerns over safety in the region following recent anti-government protests in Iran. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2026, 9 am

DFS introduces salary account package for government employees

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has launched a comprehensive salary account package aimed at central government employees, designed to enhance their financial well-being and social security. Announced by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju, the package integrates banking, insurance, and card benefits into a single account structure, providing a one-stop financial solution. Key features include personal accident insurance up to Rs 1.50 crore, air accident insurance up to Rs 2 crore, a zero-balance salary account, and concessional loan rates for housing and education. Additionally, card benefits encompass airport lounge access and cashback offers. The DFS has urged public sector banks to promote the package widely, conduct awareness camps, and assist employees in migrating their existing salary accounts to this new offering with their consent. This initiative aims to ensure uniform benefits across all employee cadres, enhancing convenience and financial security. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 10 pm

Finance Ministry introduces ₹20 lakh Paripoorna Mediclaim for CGHS beneficiaries

The Indian finance ministry has introduced the Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima, a new health insurance scheme for beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), provided by state-run New India Assurance. This optional retail policy offers indemnity-based in-patient hospitalisation coverage within India, with sum insured options of Rs 10 lakh or Rs 20 lakh. Key features include room rent caps, cumulative bonuses for claim-free years, and pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage. Beneficiaries can choose co-payment options of 70:30 or 50:50, with discounts of 28% and 42%, respectively. The policy aims to enhance existing benefits and provide greater access to quality healthcare. Additionally, the Department of Financial Services has launched a Composite Salary Account Package for central government employees, integrating banking and insurance services into a single solution to improve financial security and convenience. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 10 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!