eznews.inIndia's data centre capacity is increasingly reliant on renewable energy, with approximately 30-35% sourced through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Major players like Sify Infinit Spaces and TechnoDigital are leading the way, with 38% and 85% of their capacity, respectively, derived from renewables. As the sector anticipates an annual capacity addition of 0.5 GW, experts believe that energy needs can be met through a mix of green and grid power, despite potential long-term challenges. The concentration of data centres in major metros like Mumbai and Bengaluru poses competition for power with local populations, with some centres already consuming 15% of grid capacity, projected to rise to 30-35% by 2030. Solutions may involve relocating data centres to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, although challenges such as fibre connectivity and skilled workforce availability remain. 
Published: Feb 17 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn the Agriculture Interim Budget for 2026-27, Tamil Nadu's Agriculture Minister MRK Paneerselvam announced that 12.84 lakh farmers have benefited from the five-year Millet Mission, which aims to enhance millet production and consumption. The upcoming 'Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy' will support farmers in cultivating high-value trees by easing regulations on felling and transportation. The government has invested Rs. 178 crore in the Millet Mission, with millets now grown on 20 lakh acres. To address agricultural labor shortages, 77,499 machines have been provided, alongside 1,320 Custom Hiring Centres, with a total subsidy of Rs. 783 crore. Additionally, 4,150 solar-powered pumps and 5,954 electric motor pumps have been installed to ensure reliable irrigation. The e-National Agriculture Market (eNAM) has facilitated transactions of 30 lakh metric tonnes of produce, benefiting 18 lakh farmers. Efforts to secure Geographical Indication tags for unique products have also progressed, with nine products successfully registered.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIndia could save up to ₹20,000 crore by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in cargo handling at its ports, according to Gourav Vallabh, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit, Vallabh emphasized the need for India to adopt new technologies to enhance port efficiency, noting that the country’s logistics costs, currently at 7.97% of GDP, must be reduced to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted that while 95% of India's trade is maritime, the country's ports lag in handling capacity compared to global leaders. Vallabh called for accelerated policy initiatives and outlined various AI applications to improve port operations. Other industry leaders, including Subrat Tripathy and Susanta Kumar Purohit, echoed the sentiment, discussing the potential of AI in enhancing interactions and governance within the maritime sector. Legal considerations regarding AI deployment were also addressed.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's spice industry will convene in Kochi for the 9th International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) from February 23 to 26, hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF). The conference arrives amid challenges such as tariff uncertainties, stricter residue regulations, and shifts in global supply chains. As the world's largest spice producer and exporter, India is adapting its trade strategies to navigate these complexities, with AISEF Chairman Emmanuel Nambusseril highlighting the need for market diversification and enhanced regulatory preparedness. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Amitabh Kant and Martin Sonntag, focusing on innovation and collaboration in the agro-industry. With spice exports exceeding $4 billion annually, exporters are increasingly facing hurdles from revised tariffs and stringent sanitary requirements, prompting a shift towards engagement with new markets and investment in processing technologies to ensure compliance and sustainability.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's push to bolster local solar module production, spurred by pandemic disruptions and strained ties with China, has led to a dramatic 13-fold increase in capacity since 2020, now nearly tripling domestic demand, according to BloombergNEF. However, this surge has prompted government warnings for banks to exercise caution, as capacity utilization at module-assembly plants has plummeted to around 40%. While India previously imported 80% of its solar modules, recent tariffs and local manufacturing mandates have shifted the landscape. Despite a record installation of 38 gigawatts of solar power in 2025, domestic demand lags behind the burgeoning manufacturing capacity of 154 gigawatts. Industry experts warn of an impending glut, with many mid-sized companies at risk as technology evolves and less advanced firms struggle to keep pace. To navigate this, some suggest exploring overseas markets, particularly in Africa, to leverage Indian-made modules.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 2 pmeznews.inWest Bengal is poised for a record potato production of 140-150 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 season, marking the highest output in five years, driven by favourable weather conditions and a slight increase in cultivation area. Last year's production was approximately 115 lakh tonnes, also a bumper yield. Patit Paban De from the West Bengal Cold Storage Association noted that harvesting has commenced, with expectations of over a 20% year-on-year increase. The state, which has 580 cold storages with a capacity of 70-80 lakh tonnes, may face storage challenges due to the anticipated surplus, as average monthly consumption is around 6 lakh tonnes. To mitigate distress sales among marginalised farmers, the government has mandated that 30% of cold storage space be reserved for them. The harvesting season will continue until March, with the government facilitating inter-state trade to manage the excess production.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia is projected to experience approximately three more years of job volatility before reaching a significant upswing in its job market, according to Sehraj Singh, Managing Director of Prosus India. Speaking to *businessline*, Singh shared insights from the white paper “AI for All: Catalysing Jobs, Growth, and Opportunity,” launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The report, based on extensive consultations, highlights job prospects in key sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. Singh outlined a six-year job cycle, predicting an initial phase of job losses followed by a period of adjustment, ultimately leading to a surge in job creation. He emphasized that while automation may displace some roles, it will also necessitate upskilling and create new opportunities, particularly in AI supervision and logistics, thereby reframing AI as a driver of productivity and employment rather than a threat.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns regarding Mumbai airport's plan to temporarily suspend cargo aircraft operations from August 2026 to May 31, 2027, to facilitate infrastructure upgrades. IATA, which reached out to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) in January for clarification, has yet to receive a response. The airport operator cited operational safety and capacity constraints as reasons for the suspension, including the risks associated with mixed passenger and freighter movements during concurrent taxiway construction. MIAL's planned upgrades include significant enhancements to airside and landside infrastructure, aimed at supporting future operational growth. Despite the impending suspension, MIAL assured that Apron G remains operationally viable for the next four years, contingent on regular maintenance and inspections. IATA emphasized the need for effective communication from MIAL with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on cargo operations.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inSaffron production in Jammu and Kashmir remains vulnerable to climate change, with adverse weather events significantly impacting yields despite government efforts to revive the industry. Assembly data reveals that while the National Mission on Saffron has improved productivity in rejuvenated fields, extreme weather conditions—such as floods and droughts—have led to substantial output declines in recent years, particularly during critical flowering periods. Historical data shows saffron yields plummeted to as low as 1.3 to 1.8 kilograms per hectare in the early 2000s, but revival measures have since raised yields to over 5 kilograms per hectare in some seasons. However, fluctuations in output have persisted, with recent figures indicating production dropped to just 10-15% of normal levels last season, according to local farmers. Experts emphasize the crop's sensitivity to climate, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by saffron cultivators in the region.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch "Bharat-VISTAAR," an AI-based digital platform aimed at supporting farmers across India, during an event in Jaipur. Announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the platform will provide crucial information on weather, market rates, pests, soil health, crop advice, and government schemes via phone calls, chatbots, and a dedicated app. Initially available in Hindi and English, it will expand to include Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada within three months, with plans to support a total of 11 languages. Bharat-VISTAAR will integrate resources from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to offer tailored agricultural advice, enhancing decision-making for farmers. The initiative is part of a broader "AI for Agriculture Roadmap," reflecting a significant shift towards data-driven farming practices, which experts believe could substantially boost agricultural yields in India.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 9 pm
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