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Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD) has announced plans to develop the world's first 3,100 HP hydrogen-fuelled locomotive, a significant milestone in the transition from diesel to hydrogen propulsion. The Lucknow-based company's subsidiary, Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd (ARCPL), has secured a ₹47 crore order from NTPC to complete the project within 18 months, positioning India as a leader in heavy-duty green locomotive technology. The initiative involves retrofitting a Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive for operations at NTPC SIPAT, with the company emphasizing that the propulsion system is a commercially viable solution, not merely a prototype. Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, expressed pride in pioneering this project, while Nitin Jain highlighted the importance of indigenous engineering and collaboration across sectors in advancing sustainable rail transport. This development marks a significant step towards demonstrating hydrogen's potential in heavy-duty rail operations. 
Published: Jan 17 2026, 8 ameznews.inRavneet Kaur, chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has urged companies leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth to conduct compliance audits to prevent anti-competitive practices. Speaking at a CII event, Kaur highlighted the potential risks associated with AI, including algorithmic collusion and price discrimination, which could inadvertently breach fair market conduct rules. She emphasized the role of company boards and management in assessing these risks as a crucial first step. While the CCI has identified seven distinct risks linked to AI, Kaur noted that no specific regulatory prescriptions have been established yet. She reiterated the CCI's commitment to balancing strong deterrence against anti-competitive behavior with fostering an innovation-driven market. Kaur also stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue to enhance regulatory clarity and compliance, as the CCI refines its analytical tools and enforcement strategies.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inKalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) has announced the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in Vindhyachal Expressway Private Limited (VEPL) to Actis for ₹775 crore. The definitive agreement was executed on October 9, 2024, marking a significant strategic divestment for KPIL, which has previously sold four transmission assets. VEPL, established to manage a four-laning road project connecting Rewa and Hanumana along National Highway 7, operates under a concession agreement with the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) that began in January 2012, with toll collections commencing in February 2015. Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO of KPIL, emphasized that this transaction aligns with the company's strategy to optimize value by divesting non-core assets while focusing on its core EPC business. Equirus Capital acted as the transaction advisor, with Khaitan & Co and Anangram Partners serving as legal advisors for KPIL and Actis, respectively.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inAgricultural economics typically focuses on land, seeds, and water, but the health of farmers is a crucial yet overlooked factor, according to an agricultural economist with experience in India. Labour-intensive crops like sugarcane and cotton yield high returns but impose significant physical and mental strain on farmers. For instance, cultivating sugarcane on one acre requires about 80 labour days annually, costing around ₹70,000, but when factoring in health depreciation, the true cost rises by approximately ₹16,000. This hidden burden can increase cultivation costs by 15-20%, despite unchanged gross income. Recognising health as an economic input could reshape Minimum Support Price (MSP) calculations, potentially raising prices by 15-25% for crops like sugarcane and cotton. This approach not only addresses economic sustainability but also highlights the urgent need to consider farmers' health in policy-making, which could mitigate agrarian distress and improve overall agricultural practices.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inAir India Express has launched its first international commercial flight using the newly inducted VT-RNT Boeing 737-8 MAX, departing from New Delhi to Muscat. Crew members praised the aircraft's advanced features, including enhanced passenger comfort, fast-charging power outlets at each seat, and larger overhead bins for cabin baggage. The aircraft, which is part of Air India Express's fleet modernization program, was configured by Boeing to meet the airline's specifications, offering ergonomically designed seats and a quieter cabin environment. This marks the 51st Boeing 737-8 in the airline's fleet, which has expanded significantly since its transition to the Tata group. Air India Express operates over 500 daily flights to 45 domestic and 16 international destinations, promoting its new brand campaign, 'Xplore More, Xpress More', while celebrating India's cultural diversity through unique aircraft tail designs.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn 2026, agriculture is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by advanced data analytics and modern soil sensors that provide real-time insights into moisture, nutrients, and temperature. This evolution comes in response to climate volatility, water scarcity, and rising costs, marking a departure from earlier agri-tech efforts that often left farmers with unintegrated data and delayed insights. Now, soil data serves as the foundation for timely decision-making, enabling precise irrigation and fertilization based on actual crop needs. The integration of satellite imagery and live market signals enhances this intelligence, allowing farmers to optimize operations while maintaining control over their data. As sustainability metrics become quantifiable, farmers can demonstrate improvements in practices and soil health, crucial for compliance and market advantages. However, small and mid-sized farmers still grapple with ROI and data ownership concerns, necessitating tools that communicate clear outcomes and build trust in this evolving landscape.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia's textile and apparel exports have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining stability at USD 37.54 billion for the calendar year 2025, despite global trade challenges and a 50% tariff from the US, its largest market. December 2025 saw a 0.4% year-on-year growth, marking the second consecutive month of increases, driven by strong performances in handicrafts (7.2%), ready-made garments (2.89%), and MMF yarn and fabrics (3.99%). The sector's adaptability and diversified market presence were highlighted by export growth across 118 countries, including significant gains in emerging markets like Sudan (182.9%) and Argentina (77.8%). This broad-based improvement underscores India's competitive advantage in value-added manufacturing and traditional crafts. The Textile Ministry emphasized that the sector's structural strength and ongoing market diversification position India as a reliable global sourcing hub, poised for further growth and integration into global value chains.
Published: Jan 17 2026, 8 ameznews.inThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is set to commence the sale of cotton bales procured during the 2025-26 crop season starting January 19, as announced on its website. So far, CCI has acquired approximately 80 lakh bales, with procurement ongoing in states like Telangana and Maharashtra. Recent weeks have seen cotton prices rise above minimum support levels, influenced by increased cottonseed prices and the government's decision to end import duty exemptions on December 31. Cottonseed prices have surged by ₹700 per quintal, while raw cotton prices have also increased significantly. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised its production estimates upward by 2.5%, anticipating a total of 317 lakh bales for the season, alongside a projected year-end surplus of 122.59 lakh bales, bolstered by record imports expected to reach 50 lakh bales.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIndia has announced the approval for the export of 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour and related products, following an improvement in domestic supplies, according to government sources. This decision marks a significant shift from the export ban imposed in May 2022, which was enacted in response to a severe heatwave that drastically reduced wheat production and led to soaring domestic prices. As the world's second-largest wheat producer, India's move to resume exports reflects a stabilization in its agricultural output, potentially easing global supply concerns. The announcement, made on January 16, 2026, signals a renewed confidence in the country's wheat market and its ability to meet both domestic and international demand.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 pmeznews.inPrivate capital is increasingly investing in India's processed foods sector, with 360 ONE Asset committing approximately $70 million to Iscon Balaji Foods Ltd (IBF), the nation's largest processor and exporter of value-added potato products. Founded in 2013, IBF operates a fully integrated, export-oriented platform that includes seed development, partnerships with over 10,000 farmers, and large-scale processing. This investment aims to expand IBF's network to over 25,000 farmers in three years and support significant capacity growth, enhanced supply chains, and new product lines. Neel Kotak, IBF's Managing Director, emphasized the importance of this partnership in scaling the company into a leading global food processor. Over the past decade, IBF has become one of the world's top ten frozen potato processors, serving major clients across India and various international markets. Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 10 pm
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