eznews.inFishermen in India will soon require an "Access Pass" to operate within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as part of a new regulatory framework set to launch on February 20 in Veraval, Gujarat. This initiative aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and align operations with export standards, following the EEZ Rules, 2025, established in November 2025. The Access Pass will enable fishers, cooperatives, and producer organizations to legally access the EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast and covers approximately 24 lakh square kilometers. Currently, most fishing occurs within 40–50 nautical miles of shore, but the new system is designed to encourage deeper water fishing for high-value species like tuna. The framework includes structured entry norms and compliance measures to enhance traceability and certification, ultimately supporting India's seafood export growth, which reached ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024-25. Veraval, a key fisheries hub, will spearhead this initiative. 
Published: Feb 19 2026, 6 pmeznews.inUS Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has extended an invitation for New Delhi to formally join the US-led strategic alliance known as 'Pax Silica', aimed at enhancing supply chains for critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI). This development is part of ongoing efforts to finalize a trade deal and strengthen bilateral relations, which have faced challenges in recent times. India is expected to officially join the initiative on Friday, following its launch in December, where partner nations, including Australia, Japan, and the UK, signed a declaration outlining a vision for deep economic and technological cooperation. The Pax Silica initiative emphasizes the importance of a reliable supply chain for mutual economic security and recognizes AI as a transformative force for prosperity. The declaration highlights the potential for economic growth across the global AI supply chain, fostering new opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and technology.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndian cardamom exporters are optimistic about the 2026 export season, anticipating volumes to reach approximately 14,000 tonnes—nearly double the historical average—due to a significant 50% production drop in Guatemala, which has created a supply gap in the global market. Following successful spot bookings at the Gulfood Expo, Indian exporters have regained market share in Iran and the Middle East, particularly ahead of the Nowruz and Ramadan seasons. Despite challenges from the Red Sea shipping crisis, trade routes to West Asia remain largely unaffected, allowing shipments to continue with minimal disruption. The recent removal of additional duties on Indian spices by the US has further bolstered competitiveness. With prices stabilizing around Rs2450 per kg and a projected crop of 32,000 to 35,000 tonnes for 2025-26, the industry is poised for continued growth, especially with increasing domestic demand anticipated for Holi.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe ePlane Company, a manufacturer of Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced its intention to develop virtual models of its e200X electric air taxis using NVIDIA's Omniverse libraries. This initiative aims to create a 'Digital Twin' of the e200X series, allowing for the engineering and simulation of intricate aerodynamic interactions, sensor responses, and various flight scenarios. By leveraging this technology, the company can validate operations under extreme weather conditions, sensor failures, and collision scenarios, effectively training its algorithms through millions of virtual kilometers before actual flights. Founder and CTO Satya Chakravarthy emphasized that this collaboration with NVIDIA enables the company to rigorously test its aircraft in simulations, enhancing safety and performance. NVIDIA's support is also seen as a boost for India's start-up ecosystem, providing access to advanced computing and AI resources to help companies scale globally.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe APEC Climate Center (APCC) has issued an "El Niño" watch, indicating potential drought conditions in the coming seasons. The report forecasts above-normal temperatures globally, particularly in India, western Europe, Central Asia, Russia, Australia, and parts of the Americas. Conversely, below-normal precipitation is expected in India, Central America, and northern South America, which could adversely affect India's South-West monsoon, reminiscent of the 2023 season that saw drought in 25% of the country and led to restrictions on rice exports. Seasonal outlooks predict varied precipitation patterns, with above-normal rainfall anticipated in the tropical North Pacific and below-normal in the Maritime Continent and off-equatorial South Pacific. The report highlights a strong likelihood of above-normal temperatures across many regions, including Europe and Africa, while some areas in the North Atlantic may experience below-normal temperatures. The findings underscore the ongoing impacts of climate variability on global weather patterns.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 5 pmeznews.inTribal farmers in Koraput, Odisha, are making significant strides in horticultural exports, dispatching dry ginger, fresh ginger, and premium Kalajeera rice to various domestic markets, including Karnataka, Punjab, and Haryana. This initiative, launched during a district-level animal husbandry and fishery mela, saw the transportation of 100 quintals of dry ginger to Bengaluru, 240 quintals of fresh ginger to Punjab, and 60 quintals of Kalajeera rice to Haryana. Supported by Jaivik Sri Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd and the Odisha Department of Agriculture, the project aims to enhance farmers' incomes by 30-40% through improved market access. The initiative, backed by the Gates Foundation and implemented by Palladium, highlights the importance of institutional support and collective action in transforming rural livelihoods. Deputy Director of Horticulture, Sudam Chandra Biswal, emphasized the commitment to strengthening market linkages for tribal farmers, ensuring fair prices for their quality produce.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 5 pmeznews.inEmbraer, the Brazilian aerospace giant, and India's Mahindra Group have unveiled plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the C-390 Millennium aircraft in India, contingent upon Embraer's selection for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This initiative aims to address the Air Force's need to replace its aging fleet of An-32 and Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft, with Brazil expressing strong interest in the acquisition process as discussions between the two governments intensify. The C-390 Millennium boasts a payload capacity of 26 tons and can operate from unpaved runways, offering versatility for air-to-air refuelling. The proposed MRO facility is expected to enhance operational readiness and provide a comprehensive support ecosystem tailored to India's needs, ensuring high aircraft availability throughout its lifecycle, according to executives from both companies.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 4 pmeznews.inBrazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced plans to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India, in partnership with Mahindra Group, to support the C-390 Millennium aircraft following its selection for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This facility aims to enhance operational readiness by providing comprehensive services, including heavy maintenance, structural inspections, and training. The collaboration, which builds on a strategic partnership formed last October, aligns with India's 'Make in India' initiative, promoting local manufacturing. The C-390 Millennium, noted for its versatility and reliability, can perform various missions and is designed for operations from unpaved runways. Embraer also envisions India as a potential regional MRO hub for other C-390 operators, contributing to high-skill employment and integrating Indian firms into its global supply chain, reinforcing its commitment to India's self-reliance goals.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 3 pmeznews.inMontra Electric, the electric vehicle division of the Murugappa Group, is venturing into international markets, targeting exports of its electric three-wheelers (E3W) to Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. CEO Deependra Sharma highlighted the challenges of power availability in these regions, stating that the company is currently testing the waters with a few units. This export initiative coincides with a significant year for Montra, marked by the launch of a revamped electric passenger E3W and entry into the cargo segment, alongside the introduction of fast-charging options in major cities. The company recently surpassed 1,000 units in monthly production at its Chennai plant, showcasing its scalability. With a growing market share of approximately 3%, Montra aims for double-digit growth, driven by increasing adoption of E3Ws, particularly in semi-urban areas. The company’s dealership network has expanded to about 120 outlets nationwide, covering 60% of the E3W market.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's cruise market is poised for significant growth, but it hinges on the establishment of homeporting, according to Varun Chadha, CEO of TIRUN Travel Marketing. In an interview with _businessline_, Chadha emphasized that regular sailings from Indian ports like Mumbai and Chennai are essential to increase the current number of Indian cruisers from 400,000 to millions. He noted that enhancing destination appeal and improving port infrastructure are crucial for this expansion. The recent reduction of the tax collection at source (TCS) on overseas tour packages from 20% to 2% is expected to stimulate demand by easing booking processes. Post-pandemic, while interest in cruising has surged, supply constraints remain a challenge. Additionally, younger Indians, who represent a significant portion of the cruise demographic, are increasingly embracing cruise holidays, aided by fly-cruise partnerships that simplify travel logistics. Recent port calls, such as the Celebrity Millennium's visit to Mumbai, further highlight India's potential as a cruise destination.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 3 pm
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