eznews.inThe Delhi High Court on Monday declined to stay the trial against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, requesting a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding his plea challenging the framing of charges. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that the court could not rule on the stay application without reviewing the CBI's reply, which is due by January 14. The trial court had previously framed charges against Yadav, his family, and 11 others for offences including cheating and criminal conspiracy related to irregularities in the leasing of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm. The CBI alleges that the tender process was manipulated to benefit Sujata Hotels, with the trial court describing the case as potentially indicative of "crony capitalism." The maximum punishment under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ten years, while cheating carries a seven-year sentence. 
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inA coalition of senior industry leaders has launched the "Hundred Million Jobs" initiative, aiming to create 100 million jobs in India over the next decade amid ongoing employment challenges despite the country's rapid economic growth. Announced by prominent figures including Harish Mehta of Nasscom and A J Patel of TiE, the initiative addresses the need for 8-9 million jobs annually to accommodate India's expanding working-age population of 12 million. With traditional sectors struggling and automation reshaping job landscapes, the initiative emphasizes entrepreneurship, reskilling, and job-intensive enterprise development as key strategies. The mission, described as a "systems challenge," seeks to align skills and policies to foster resilient livelihoods across regions. Supported by a diverse group of leaders, including Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, the non-profit initiative will collaborate with government and civil society to enhance local economies and promote large-scale reskilling efforts.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has projected a fertiliser requirement of ₹37,952 crore for the Rabi 2025-26 season, marking an increase of ₹736 crore from the Kharif 2025 season, amid fluctuating global prices. To shield farmers from rising costs, the government has significantly boosted subsidies under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, particularly for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), which saw its subsidy rise to ₹29,805 per tonne from ₹21,911 last year. This initiative aims to ensure affordable fertiliser availability during the crucial sowing period for wheat, oilseeds, and pulses, while promoting balanced fertilisation to combat soil degradation caused by excessive nitrogen use. Since the NBS scheme's inception in 2010, foodgrain productivity has increased from 1,930 kg per hectare to 2,578 kg per hectare by 2024-25. Critics question the fiscal sustainability of the over ₹2.04 lakh crore spent on NBS subsidies, while supporters highlight improved yields and reduced import dependence as justifications for the expenditure.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's "Goldilocks" economic narrative, characterized by moderate growth and low inflation, is facing increasing challenges, according to a report by Systematic Research. While official growth figures suggest a robust economy, the report warns of fragile underlying momentum, leading to a policy gridlock for decision-makers. Recent fiscal measures, such as a hike in excise duty on cigarettes expected to generate ₹400 billion, and unexpected monetary actions by the Reserve Bank of India, including ₹2 trillion in open market operations, have raised eyebrows. Despite an 8% real GDP growth and near-zero inflation, these emergency-style interventions have not alleviated financial conditions, with rising interest rates and a weakening rupee. The report highlights concerns that aggressive fiscal expansion may crowd out private sector investment, as narrowing fiscal space and increasing borrowing pressures limit policy flexibility moving forward.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for India's manufacturing sector, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Apple Inc. exported iPhones worth $50 billion from India in 2025, a significant boost attributed to the government's 'Make in India' initiative. Vaishnaw highlighted that electronics production has surged sixfold over the past 11 years, with exports increasing eightfold under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He noted that during the same period, Samsung shipped devices valued at approximately $17 billion. The minister also revealed that 46 component manufacturing projects have been established, contributing to the creation of 2.5 million jobs in the sector, with some factories employing up to 40,000 workers. Looking ahead, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India aims to become a key player in the entire electronics ecosystem, encompassing design, manufacturing, and applications, marking the beginning of a robust industrial strategy.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's palm oil imports have plummeted to an eight-month low, dropping 20% month-on-month in December to 507,000 metric tonnes, primarily due to weaker winter demand and a shift towards rival oils like soyoil and sunflower oil. This decline is expected to increase inventories in major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, putting downward pressure on benchmark Malaysian palm oil futures while simultaneously supporting U.S. soyoil futures. In contrast, India's imports of soyoil surged by 37% to 508,000 tonnes, and sunflower oil imports more than doubled to a 17-month high of 350,000 tonnes, contributing to a 19% rise in total edible oil imports to 1.37 million tonnes. Analysts suggest that while palm oil imports may rebound in January due to its current price advantage, demand typically wanes during winter months as the oil solidifies in colder regions.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 1 pmeznews.inDefence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', in Goa on Monday. The 114.5-metre vessel, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, features over 60% indigenous content and can reach speeds exceeding 22 knots with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. It will play a vital role in enforcing marine pollution regulations, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Singh emphasized India's commitment to responsible maritime stewardship, stating that marine resources are a shared heritage. He also highlighted the government's focus on women's empowerment within the Coast Guard, noting the increasing roles of women in various operational capacities. The commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap' signifies a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, reinforcing the Coast Guard's mission to ensure safe and clean seas.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe agriculture sector is anticipated to stabilise by 2026, though conditions will remain inconsistent, according to ING's Commodities Outlook. The global soybean market is expected to face tighter supplies in the 2025-26 season, with demand reaching record levels despite a decline in production, particularly in the US, where output is forecast to drop by 2.8% to just under 116 million tonnes due to reduced plantings amid US-China trade tensions. Conversely, Brazil is set for another record harvest of at least 175 million tonnes, solidifying its role as the leading global supplier. Meanwhile, corn prices are under pressure from record production, but a tightening is expected in the 2026-27 marketing year. Global wheat production is projected to rise to nearly 829 million tonnes, while sugar prices have fallen significantly due to a large surplus. Cocoa prices have plummeted, and Arabica coffee has surged, although a decline is expected in 2026.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 12 pmeznews.inADM and Bayer have announced a three-year extension of their partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable soybean farming practices in Maharashtra, India. Originally launched in June 2022, the initiative has successfully reached 25,000 farmers and will now expand its reach to 100,000 farmers across 200,000 hectares, covering seven districts, including Nanded and Parbhani. The programme emphasizes five key areas of supply chain sustainability, including customized production management and post-harvest pest management. Bayer has conducted extensive training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and biodiversity, while ADM's agronomist team receives ongoing training to support farmers effectively. Both companies aim to foster economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods through this collaboration. Amrendra Mishra of ADM highlighted the partnership's long-term vision for food system sustainability, while Simon Wiebusch of Bayer emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving agricultural sustainability.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's reliance on imported urea has surged dramatically, with imports more than doubling to 7.17 million tonnes in the first eight months of the fiscal year, as domestic production fell by 3.7% to 19.75 million tonnes. The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) reported a 120.3% increase in urea imports compared to the previous year, highlighting the country's growing dependence on foreign supplies to meet agricultural demands. In November alone, imports rose by 68.4%, while overall urea sales increased by 2.3% to 25.40 million tonnes. The trend extends to di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), where imports now constitute 67% of total supply. However, domestic production of single super phosphate (SSP) has shown promise, with sales up 15% and production rising 9.5%. FAI officials emphasized the need for strategic supply chain management to balance import reliance with domestic production capabilities.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 12 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact