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Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered the MS Heinz, the inaugural vessel of the HS EcoFreighter series, to Germany's HS Schiffahrts UG (haftungsbeschränkt) & Co. KG. This delivery signifies a significant advancement in CSL's international shipbuilding footprint, showcasing its ability to construct sophisticated and versatile merchant vessels. The virtual signing ceremony involved S. Harikrishnan, CSL's Director of Operations, and Heinz Josef Schepers from HS Schiffahrts. Designed by Groot Ship Design in the Netherlands, the 7,000 DWT ice-class vessel is engineered to transport a variety of cargo, including project and heavy cargo, steel coils, and dangerous goods. Its innovative design features a raked stem and "Groot Cross-Bow" for improved speed and fuel efficiency, alongside a flexible cargo hold with movable panels. The vessel is powered by a medium-speed diesel engine, ensuring robust performance for global trading. 
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.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 pmeznews.inThe Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, scheduled for March 19-22 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, is set to be a landmark event in the power sector, attracting over 25,000 attendees, 1,000 delegates, and 300 speakers from India and around the world. Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted India's significant investment potential of $500 billion (₹45 lakh crore) in electricity generation, transmission, and storage over the next seven years. The summit, themed "Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally," aims to showcase India's leadership in the global energy transition while addressing key challenges and opportunities. Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal emphasized the need for new technologies and announced the forthcoming Electricity Amendment Bill 2026. The event will serve as a platform for global policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to engage in discussions on sustainable energy systems and foster strategic partnerships.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that India's unemployment rate stands at 2%, the lowest among G20 nations, citing the World Economic Forum's 'The Future of Jobs Report 2025'. Speaking at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event in New Delhi, he emphasized the government's role in job creation across various sectors, facilitated by initiatives like the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, which boasts 52 lakh registered employers and 5.79 crore job seekers. The NCS now offers a comprehensive suite of employment services, with over 44 lakh active vacancies. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the government's commitment to youth employment through a ₹2 lakh crore package, including the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aimed at creating 3.5 crore jobs. He also noted the importance of schemes like MUDRA and PM SVANidhi in fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's economic performance has surpassed expectations, particularly in the third quarter, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Spokesperson Julie Kozack emphasized the country's pivotal role as a growth engine for the global economy during a media briefing. She noted that India's growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 was initially estimated at 6.6%, driven by strong domestic consumption. However, the recent data suggests even stronger growth, prompting the IMF to consider an upward revision of its forecasts. Kozack confirmed that a revised growth number for India will be announced in the upcoming January update. She reiterated the IMF's positive assessment of India's economic fundamentals, highlighting its resilience amid global economic challenges. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India continues to play a crucial role in supporting global expansion, with robust growth expected to persist.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, known as Milma, has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to launch a food-testing laboratory in Kochi, set to be inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurian. The NDDB CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food) Laboratory will adhere to high-quality standards and initially focus on testing dairy products for Kerala and neighboring states. C.N. Valsalan Pillai, Chairman of ERCMPU, highlighted that the facility is equipped for comprehensive quality and safety testing. Plans are in place to expand services to include testing for various food and agricultural products, such as spices and ready-to-eat foods. The laboratory, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), will also assist state authorities in addressing food safety risks, according to Rajesh Nair, Managing Director of NDDB CALF.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inA study by the Prayas Energy Group has highlighted the importance of accurately identifying coal grades in India, a crucial factor influencing electricity generation costs and consumer tariffs. With coal expected to remain a key energy source for at least another decade, the report underscores persistent discrepancies in coal quality between purchase and usage points, which significantly affect pricing. For instance, some thermal power plants have reported slippages exceeding 1,200 kcal per kg, leading to substantial cost increases for consumers. The report, authored by Maria Chirayil, Ashok Sreenivas, and Rohit Patwardhan, calls for improved coal quality sampling methods and suggests that coal quantity should be determined based on the gross calorific value "As Purchased" rather than "As Received." Implementing these changes could potentially lower energy charges by 13%, benefiting consumers and enhancing accountability in the coal supply chain.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has predicted a stray rain event for northern and adjoining interior Tamil Nadu and South Interior Karnataka from January 22 to 28. This forecast comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of north-east monsoon rains across South Peninsular India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka. Additionally, a significant western disturbance is expected to bring heavy snow and rain to the hills of North-West India, with scattered rainfall anticipated in the adjoining plains, including New Delhi, around the same time. The IMD's models suggest heavy precipitation for Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while lighter rains may affect Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh. The weather patterns are expected to evolve as the systems approach, with isolated rainfall also likely over the Nicobar Islands.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia's major reservoirs have seen a significant drop in storage levels, falling below 75% this week, with four regions reporting levels under 80%. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that current storage stands at 134.915 billion cubic metres (BCM), or 73.5% of the total capacity of 183.565 BCM, which is still 7 percentage points higher than last year and 24 percentage points above the 10-year average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that 89% of the country's districts have experienced deficient rainfall this year, with precipitation at 73% below normal. The western region boasts the highest storage at 84%, while the northern and southern regions lag behind, with levels below 70%. The southern region's reservoirs are notably lower than last year, and with the North-East monsoon expected to cease soon, further declines in storage are anticipated.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 9 ameznews.inVaraha, a developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, has secured a significant off-take agreement with Microsoft to produce biochar in India, aimed at enhancing soil quality and sequestering carbon. The initiative will see the establishment of 18 gasification reactors in Maharashtra, utilizing cotton stalks sourced from smallholder farmers, which are typically considered waste. Over the project's 15-year lifespan, it is expected to remove over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. This project not only provides an alternative to the common practice of burning crop residues, which contributes to air pollution, but also promotes regenerative agricultural practices, improving soil health and farmer livelihoods. Varaha's efforts align with Microsoft's commitment to sustainable carbon removal, highlighting the potential for high-quality projects in the region. The initiative is poised to deliver economic benefits while addressing environmental challenges, as emphasized by both Varaha's CEO and Microsoft's CDR programme director.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 10 pm
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