eznews.inShripad Yesso Naik, India's Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, emphasized the vital role of bioenergy in the country's clean energy transition during a recent address. He noted that bioenergy not only aids in electricity generation but also addresses national priorities like energy security, rural livelihoods, and pollution reduction. With India's renewable energy sector gaining momentum, Naik highlighted the need for industrial decarbonisation, particularly in the MSME sector, which heavily relies on fossil fuels for steam and heat. He advocated for biomass-based solutions, leveraging the country's agricultural and municipal waste to create value and reduce emissions. The government’s initiatives, including the National Bioenergy Programme and SATAT, aim to support this transition. MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi echoed the importance of strengthening biomass supply chains and fostering international collaboration, particularly with Germany, to enhance technology adoption and operational reliability for MSMEs. 
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inKochi's innovative Water Metro has garnered an 'Honorable Mention' at the Sustainable Transport Awards (STA) 2026, despite missing the top accolade, which went to Salvador, Brazil, for its electric Bus Rapid Transit expansion. Santiago, Chile, was also recognized for its extensive electric bus fleet. The Water Metro, which serves Kochi's ten inhabited islands with 78 electric-hybrid boats, has significantly reduced commute times and costs while cutting CO₂ emissions by an estimated 184 grams per passenger-kilometre. Since its launch in 2023, it has transported around 6 million passengers, averaging 6,000 daily riders. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera emphasized that this recognition will drive further innovation, including a shift towards hydrogen-powered boats. The Water Metro model is attracting global interest, with inquiries from countries like Fiji, and has received over ten national and international awards. The STA 2026 ceremony will take place on February 11, 2026.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has acknowledged that the draft Seeds Bill lacks provisions for compensating farmers for losses incurred due to substandard seeds, leaving them to seek redress through consumer forums. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing media in Delhi, emphasized that price controls on seeds would only be applied in exceptional cases, allowing companies to set their own prices. He also highlighted a new traceability system that will enable farmers to identify the source of their seeds via QR codes, aiming to prevent the entry of inferior products into the market. While the bill proposes stricter penalties for companies selling substandard seeds, including fines up to Rs 30 lakh and potential imprisonment for serious offenses, Chouhan reassured that traditional seed-sharing practices among farmers would remain unaffected. The government plans to maintain a regulatory framework for seed imports, ensuring they meet local agricultural conditions before approval.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn a landmark ruling, India's Supreme Court has declared that capital gains from Tiger Global's $1.6 billion stake sale are taxable in India, overturning a previous Delhi High Court decision. The court sided with the Income Tax Department, stating that the transactions were part of an impermissible tax-avoidance arrangement, thus disqualifying them from benefits under the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The Central Board of Direct Taxes reassured investors that this ruling would not lead to the reopening of old cases, alleviating concerns about increased scrutiny on past deals involving tax-friendly jurisdictions like Mauritius and Singapore. Legal experts suggest that the verdict may prompt foreign investors to rethink their strategies and could result in heightened scrutiny of similar transactions, potentially leading to more litigation and a shift towards more transparent investment structures.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 3 pmeznews.inDeloitte India has outlined key recommendations for the FY27 Budget, emphasizing the need to bolster micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through export credit and concessional financing. MSMEs, which contribute 30.1% to India's GDP and account for 46% of exports, are vital for job creation and economic growth. Deloitte advocates for easing financial and compliance burdens to enhance their competitiveness amid global trade uncertainties, exacerbated by rising protectionism. The firm suggests targeted export incentives for sensitive sectors like ready-made garments and a comprehensive training program to improve MSME efficiency. Additionally, it calls for a dedicated fund to secure critical minerals and promote international collaborations for resource acquisition and renewable energy investments. These measures aim to strengthen India's manufacturing capabilities and safeguard employment against potential disruptions in global trade.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's start-up ecosystem has achieved a significant milestone, marking ten years since the launch of the Startup India initiative, with over 50 new start-ups being recognised daily. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, celebrated this achievement on social media, highlighting that the initiative has led to the recognition of over 200,000 start-ups, generating more than 2.1 million jobs. Goyal noted that India is now the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally, bolstered by ₹15 lakh crore in funding, thanks to strategic reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles and supporting entrepreneurs. The initiative, which began in 2016, has expanded beyond major cities, with 48% of start-ups emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III locations. Looking ahead, Goyal expressed optimism about enhanced global trade partnerships, which he believes will provide further opportunities for Indian start-ups to grow and succeed on the world stage.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) announced on Friday that export incentive schemes, including duty drawback, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL, will now apply to postal shipments, effective January 15, 2026. This move is expected to boost the competitiveness of MSME exporters, particularly from smaller towns and remote areas, and enhance postal exports. EY India Tax Partner Saurabh Agarwal noted that this reform removes compliance barriers for MSMEs, positioning post offices as gateways for global commerce and supporting India's inclusive growth. The finance ministry aims to create a level playing field for postal exporters and foster a conducive environment for cross-border e-commerce. To implement these benefits, the CBIC has amended the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022, allowing exporters to claim incentives for goods shipped via postal routes. Additionally, measures to strengthen cross-border trade through postal and courier modes have been undertaken.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 1 pmeznews.inKashmir's renowned cricket bat industry is in crisis due to a dramatic decline in willow production, the essential raw material for bat-making. The region, which is the sole source of suitable willow in India, hosts around 400 to 450 manufacturing units, primarily in Anantnag district, generating ₹700 crore and producing approximately 1.5 million bats annually. However, industry representatives report a staggering 75% drop in willow production over recent decades, as farmers increasingly abandon willow for faster-maturing poplar trees, which yield quicker financial returns. This shift has left manufacturers struggling to source quality wood, leading to increased costs and layoffs, particularly affecting smaller workshops. Despite the international acclaim of Kashmir bats, used by at least 37 professional cricketers, the industry's future hangs in the balance. Experts urge government intervention to incentivize willow cultivation, warning that without action, this traditional industry may soon disappear.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 1 pmeznews.inOn National Startup Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative impact of government reforms on India's startup ecosystem, enabling ventures into sectors like space and defence, thereby contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. In a social media post, Modi celebrated the occasion as a decade since the launch of the 'Startup India' initiative, highlighting startups as vital engines of change that address global challenges while generating employment. He expressed pride in the entrepreneurial spirit of youth who dare to innovate and take risks. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal added that India's expanding trade partnerships would further enhance opportunities for startups to grow internationally. Currently, over 200,000 startups are recognized by the Department for Promotion of Investment and Internal Trade (DPIIT), collectively supporting more than 2.1 million jobs, and benefiting from various policy incentives, including tax breaks and streamlined compliance processes.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 1 pmeznews.inDanish shipping giant Maersk is set to revert its MECL services, which connect India and the Middle East to the US East Coast, back to the trans-Suez route after nearly two years of rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope due to security concerns in the Red Sea. The decision follows improved stability in the region, with the Cornelia Maersk departing Salalah, Oman, on January 26, marking the transition to the Westbound Trans-Suez route. The Maersk Detroit will also return to this route for Eastbound services starting February 3. This shift is expected to enhance transit times by a week, benefiting trade efficiency. While the safety of crew and cargo remains a top priority, Maersk has contingency plans ready should security conditions worsen, potentially necessitating a return to the Cape route. The move reflects a cautious optimism about the security landscape in the Red Sea and Suez corridor.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 12 pm
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