eznews.inGodrej Enterprises Group's Security Solutions division has secured a significant contract with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to implement advanced security measures, including Next Gen gates and a perimeter security system. The project will feature cutting-edge Under Vehicle Scanning Systems (UVSS) combined with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and high-performance tyre killers, enhancing vehicle screening and access control at the airport. Installations will take place at the entry and exit gates of Terminals 1 and 2, marking CIAL's first large-scale vehicular access system and reinforcing compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines. This automated system will ensure thorough undercarriage scans for all vehicles entering designated airport zones, improving threat detection and perimeter security. Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of Security Solutions, highlighted the growing investment in aviation security infrastructure across India, with Godrej's recent contracts spanning multiple major airports. 
Published: Feb 17 2026, 6 pmeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress for opposing imports under the US trade deal, asserting that the imports of pulses, cotton, and apples are essential to address domestic shortages. Speaking in Jaipur during the launch of a new farmers' helpline, Chouhan defended the government's decision to allow imports, emphasizing that Indian farmers would not be adversely affected as staple crops like wheat and rice would not be imported. He highlighted that India currently imports 5.5 lakh tonnes of apples annually, primarily from Turkey and Iran, questioning the objection to sourcing from the US instead. Chouhan also noted that no concessions were made on soybean and maize, and assured that dairy products would remain protected from imports to safeguard local farmers. He further challenged Congress on past decisions regarding sugar and wheat exports, alleging mismanagement during their tenure.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe US and Iran are engaged in their second round of indirect talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme in Geneva, coinciding with heightened military tensions in the region. As negotiations commenced, Iranian media reported the launch of live missiles towards the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world's oil transits. US President Donald Trump has threatened military action to compel Iran to limit its nuclear ambitions, while Iran has warned of retaliatory measures. The talks, led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aim to address nuclear issues without delving into Iran's domestic policies, including its recent crackdown on protests that reportedly resulted in over 7,000 deaths. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to negotiate, contingent on the easing of US sanctions. Meanwhile, the US has bolstered its military presence in the region, raising concerns of potential conflict amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 5 pmeznews.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 pm
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