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Cropin has unveiled the ‘Cropin Ecosystem’, an AI-driven platform aimed at enhancing resilience in the agri-food sector by helping retailers, commodity traders, and food processors manage agricultural and procurement risks. This innovative ecosystem offers a plug-and-play model to tackle challenges such as data interoperability, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. Key components include strategic guidance from BCG, digital integration by Wipro and Global HITSS, and advanced AI capabilities from Google Cloud, which together facilitate predictive intelligence and actionable insights. The ecosystem also incorporates satellite data for precise crop monitoring and climate intelligence from providers like Meteomatics and Google Weather. By integrating IoT sensors and drone imagery, Cropin aims to provide real-time field intelligence, ultimately transforming traditional supply chains into more efficient, sustainable systems. Founder Krishna Kumar emphasized the need for modern solutions in agriculture, stating that the ecosystem can revolutionize operations within six months. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 7 pmeznews.inHindalco Industries, Vedanta Aluminium, and Balco are among India's leading aluminium exporters, poised to benefit from a new free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. The FTA will eliminate duties on base metals, including aluminium, copper, and zinc, which currently face tariffs of up to 10%. This move is expected to diversify India's trade, enhance sectoral growth, and bolster investor confidence, according to Dr. Ravi Singh of Master Capital Services. However, the agreement does not exempt Indian exports from the EU's carbon duties, which could impose significant costs on high-emission aluminium production. As India produces 4.1 million tonnes of primary aluminium annually, with 56% exported, the FTA's impact will be gradual, with a final decision on steel export quotas anticipated by June 30. The FTA is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, amid ongoing negotiations regarding carbon compliance support.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 8 pmeznews.inState-owned Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) is poised to acquire ten Made-in-India Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), with a potential follow-on order for five more. The formal procurement is expected to be announced during Wings India 2026, Asia's largest civil aviation exhibition, starting January 28, 2026, in Hyderabad. The first four helicopters will be dedicated to offshore operations for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), following a ₹2,141 crore contract awarded to PHL for a decade-long crew change service. The acquisition, estimated at ₹1,000 crore, will be partly funded by Central government grants and sovereign-backed loans. The Dhruv NG, which recently completed its inaugural flight, is an indigenously developed helicopter, marking the first time it will be used for offshore operations, previously dominated by models from Agusta–Leonardo, Airbus/Eurocopter, and Bell. The helicopter is currently undergoing regulatory scrutiny for certification.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFarmers in India are optimistic about increased agricultural exports following the implementation of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. Key products such as table grapes, gherkins, coffee, and tea are expected to benefit from reduced tariffs, enhancing competitiveness against global producers. Vilas Shinde, Chairman of Sahyadri Farms, noted that an 8% duty reduction on grape exports could significantly boost shipments, which have already surpassed ₹3,000 crore. Gherkin exporters also anticipate gains, as current duties of 14.4% hinder competition with countries like Turkey. While the FTA is projected to elevate India's agricultural exports by $2.5-3.5 billion, experts emphasize the need for robust domestic policy support to realize these benefits. However, the tea industry faces challenges due to EU restrictions on certain chemicals, raising concerns about potential declines in exports. Overall, the FTA is seen as a transformative opportunity for Indian agriculture, contingent on effective policy alignment.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAgricultural experts are urging a reduction in paddy cultivation in Telangana to combat declining groundwater levels and worsening soil health. GV Ramanjaneyulu, CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, highlighted that modern paddy farming practices, particularly extensive puddling, have severely degraded soil quality, creating a hard pan that hinders rainwater absorption and groundwater recharge. Speaking at a workshop on the future of Telangana agriculture, he warned that without immediate corrective actions, the state's natural resources could reach a critical point by 2030. With paddy cultivation expanding by 42% and consuming 62% of available water, experts like Danda Raji Reddy advocate for crop diversification towards horticulture. Additionally, V Rukmini Rao emphasized the need to recognize women, who make up 60-70% of the agricultural workforce, as farmers to ensure they receive necessary support. The discussions align with the Telangana Rising 2047 Vision Document, aiming for a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026), organized by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), was inaugurated today by Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy, at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event, running until January 30, 2026, emphasizes India's commitment to advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with the Minister highlighting significant government initiatives such as the FAME-II scheme, which has facilitated the adoption of over 1.6 million EVs, and the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which has incentivized the sale of more than 2 million EVs. Kumaraswamy also announced plans for establishing a 50 GWh battery manufacturing capacity and a ₹7,280 crore scheme to promote indigenous production of critical components. The conference, themed "Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility," aims to unite global leaders and innovators in the automotive sector.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant move for India's aviation sector, Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has partnered with Adani Defence and Aerospace to develop a made-in-India regional transport aircraft (RTA) capable of seating around 90 passengers with a range of 500–900 km. The memorandum of understanding, signed in New Delhi, emphasizes local assembly and increased indigenisation, aiming to establish a final assembly line (FAL) for the RTA. This collaboration seeks to create a comprehensive ecosystem for regional aircraft manufacturing, including supply chains and pilot training, in line with India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Embraer’s CEO, Arjan Meijer, highlighted the partnership's focus on combining aerospace expertise with industrial capabilities, while Adani Defence's Jeet Adani noted the growing importance of regional aviation in enhancing connectivity to smaller cities. The initiative is also expected to strengthen strategic ties between India and Brazil.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union is set to significantly boost the country's seafood exports, particularly shrimp, frozen fish, and value-added products, benefiting coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala. The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) hailed the agreement as a vital relief for the sector, which has faced high tariffs from the US. The FTA will reduce export duties from 4.2 to 7.5 percent to zero, enhancing India's competitiveness in the EU market. In the current financial year, seafood exports to the EU surged by 28 percent in quantity and 37.8 percent in value, reaching $988.22 million. Industry leaders believe the FTA will facilitate market diversification and strengthen India's position in the $30 billion import market, particularly in Southern and North-Western Europe, while supporting the long-term goal of moving up the seafood value chain.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost to Chennai's maritime infrastructure, Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar inaugurated three key projects at Chennai Port on January 3, 2026, with a total investment of ₹54.27 crore. The projects include the Andaman & Nicobar Passenger Terminal, valued at ₹29.8 crore, an Indigenous Vessel Traffic Monitoring System costing ₹22.58 crore, and channel buoys and navigational aids at ₹0.39 crore. Additionally, Kumar laid the foundation stone for the renovation of Port Gate 2, which is budgeted at ₹1.5 crore. During his visit, he also reviewed the port's operational and financial performance, emphasizing ongoing infrastructure development and future growth plans. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime operations in the region, reflecting the government's commitment to improving port facilities.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 7 pmeznews.inKirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has hailed the newly-signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a crucial boost for India's jewellery sector, which has seen exports to the US plummet by 44%. He described the FTA as the "mother of all trade deals," aiming to double bilateral trade to ₹91,000 crore within three years. The agreement provides zero-duty access to the EU, the world's largest consumer market, which is expected to benefit export hubs in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Bhansali emphasized that the deal will enhance profit margins, improve competitive design and craftsmanship, and create jobs, while also allowing Indian jewellery retailers to expand their brands across Europe. This timely pact is seen as a vital opportunity for Indian exporters to recover from recent losses and leverage the country's design expertise.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 3 pm
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