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Currency in circulation (CiC) in India has surged to a record ₹40 lakh crore as of January 2026, reflecting an 11.1% year-on-year growth, driven by increased ATM withdrawals, particularly in Karnataka due to GST notices to small merchants, and a growing preference for cash in rural areas. Despite this rise, the cash-to-GDP ratio has declined to 11% from 14.4% in FY21, indicating a shift towards digital transactions, with UPI transactions reaching ₹28 lakh crore in January 2026. Economists from SBI noted that while cash demand correlates positively with GDP, it is not keeping pace with UPI growth, suggesting a greater reliance on digital payments. Additionally, rising precious metal prices have prompted households to recycle gold and silver, further contributing to CiC. The Reserve Bank of India has also directed banks to increase the availability of ₹100 and ₹200 notes in ATMs to enhance public convenience. 
Published: Feb 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inWholesale price inflation in India rose to 1.81 per cent in January, marking the third consecutive month of increases, driven by higher prices in food, non-food articles, and manufactured goods, according to government data released on Monday. This uptick contrasts with a deflation of 0.43 per cent in December. Notably, inflation in food articles reached 1.55 per cent, while vegetable prices surged by 6.78 per cent. Manufactured product inflation also increased to 2.86 per cent, and non-food articles saw a significant rise to 7.58 per cent. However, the fuel and power sectors continued to experience deflation at 4.01 per cent. Retail inflation also edged up to 2.75 per cent in January. The Reserve Bank of India has cut policy interest rates by 1.25 percentage points this fiscal year, maintaining the key rate at 5.25 per cent as it monitors inflation trends.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIn a significant shift for global energy trends, 2025 marked the first decline in coal-based electricity generation in both China and India in half a century, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). While coal-fired generation remained largely stable worldwide, regional dynamics diverged sharply. In India, a surge in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, outpaced slower electricity demand growth, leading to a notable 20% increase in renewable generation. Conversely, China's coal output fell by approximately 1% due to a robust rise in renewables and nuclear power, despite a recovery in electricity demand during the latter half of the year. The IEA anticipates that China's coal decline will continue through 2030, while India's drop is expected to be temporary, with coal output projected to rise again. Overall, the shift reflects a growing reliance on low-emission energy sources amid changing consumption patterns.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inIn a recent Budget announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed that the Indian government will introduce viability gap funding to bolster seaplane operations. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) anticipates certification for its in-development seaplane within two years, targeting both domestic markets and exports to countries like Malaysia, Mauritius, and Seychelles. HAL, which has been manufacturing the Dornier-228 for the armed forces since 1983, received civil variant approval for the Hindustan 228 in 2022 and is now advancing an amphibian variant. The project aims to meet airworthiness regulations and enhance HAL's civil aviation portfolio, which currently accounts for just 5% of its revenue, with a goal to increase this to 25% over the next decade. Despite producing two Hindustan 228s for civilian use, operational challenges, including a lack of simulators and pilot training, have hindered broader adoption.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 7 pmeznews.inDr. Jai Singh Rana, Country Director for Bioversity in Asia, has announced that the Rome-based Alliance Bioversity and CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) are spearheading efforts to cultivate and conserve 20-25 native Indian crop varieties across over 300,000 hectares in 15 states. This initiative aims to preserve genetic resources while addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and malnutrition. The alliance, active in over 100 countries for over 40 years, collaborates with the Indian government and organizations like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). In Tamil Nadu, the alliance has partnered with the Green Cause Foundation to promote native rice varieties, establishing three seed banks and planning to expand to other crops. The alliance also supports similar projects in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, contributing nearly ₹10 crore annually in India, and aligns its work with global sustainability and biodiversity goals.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's tea industry is grappling with significant financial challenges, including rising input costs, stagnant prices, and labour shortages, exacerbated by climate-related risks. Industry leaders, such as Uttam Chakraborty, Chairman of the North Bengal branch of the Tea Association of India, warn that many estates are selling tea below production costs, leading to increased debt and financial strain. With wages constituting nearly 60% of production costs, the sector is particularly vulnerable to wage hikes and inflation. Shailja Mehta, the association's President, emphasized the need for a minimum sustainable price mechanism to ensure viable returns for producers. Labour absenteeism has surged, with some estates facing 25-50% shortages during peak seasons, while climate variability is impacting yields. Planters are calling for policy support, including faster subsidy releases and lower power tariffs, to bolster the industry, which supports around 32 lakh people in West Bengal.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 6 pmeznews.inUnion Home and Co-operation Minister Amit Shah defended India's recent free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States, asserting that they fully safeguard the interests of Indian farmers and the dairy sector. Speaking in Gandhinagar, Shah criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly misleading farmers about the potential negative impacts of these trade deals. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured the protection of the dairy industry, countering claims that the US trade agreement would harm it. Shah framed the FTAs as opportunities for Indian exports, highlighting that they would enhance global access for Indian agricultural and fisheries products. "These deals open doors for our agricultural produce and fish to reach global markets," he stated, urging farmers to remain confident in the government's commitment to their welfare.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 2 pmeznews.inUnion Home and Co-operation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Sunday, describing it as a "leak-proof" reform aimed at digitising the country's food subsidy programme. Shah emphasized that the new system would eliminate corruption and enhance transparency in ration distribution, moving away from direct benefit transfers. The pilot project, covering Ahmedabad, Surat, Anand, and Valsad, allows beneficiaries to receive digital tokens in RBI-linked wallets, which can be redeemed at fair price shops using QR codes or Aadhaar-based OTPs. Additionally, Gujarat launched an "Annapurti Grain ATM," enabling 24/7 access to essential food items. Shah noted that the CBDC model could be expanded nationwide within three to four years, positioning India as a leader in using digital currency for social welfare.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), supported by OpenAI, reveals that over half of surveyed firms are actively promoting AI adoption through training and awareness initiatives, with an additional 38% planning to implement similar measures. Conducted between November 2025 and January 2026, the report highlights a moderate slowdown in entry-level hiring, while demand for candidates with hybrid skills—combining domain expertise with AI or data capabilities—has surged, with 63% of firms noting this trend. Despite concerns about job displacement, roles like software developers are witnessing increased demand, suggesting AI enhances productivity rather than replacing jobs. The report also indicates that productivity gains significantly outweigh declines across affected business divisions, although training coverage remains limited due to challenges such as high costs and a lack of qualified trainers. The findings underscore the evolving landscape of the IT sector in India as it adapts to AI integration.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 11 ameznews.inA price protection scheme launched by NABARD and the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has begun to assist farmers, particularly those cultivating turmeric, in managing price volatility through options trading. The initiative, which subsidises premiums for put options for farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) across seven states, has already covered 80 FPOs and 1.34 lakh farmers, leading to a significant turnover increase for some, such as the Rashtronnati Farmer Producer Company in Maharashtra, which reported ₹1 crore in revenue in just nine months. The scheme has contributed to a rise in turmeric prices, currently around ₹14,355.05 per quintal, due to tight supplies and strong demand. FPOs are now actively engaging in market strategies, tracking price movements closely, and benefiting from guaranteed floor prices, although challenges remain in terms of awareness and costs. Overall, the scheme aims to empower farmers and stabilise their incomes in a volatile market.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 8 am
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