eznews.in
Indian equity markets are experiencing notable volatility as investors prepare for the Union Budget 2026, with a keen focus on sectors poised to benefit from ongoing government spending. Defence and infrastructure stocks are at the forefront of this optimism, driven by expectations of increased public capital expenditure and strategic allocations. A pre-Budget survey by smallcase Managers indicates that defence is the top sectoral bet, with many anticipating higher funding for indigenisation and modernisation efforts. Infrastructure also garners confidence due to the government's commitment to long-term projects. While short-term market fluctuations are expected around the Budget announcement, analysts believe these will be temporary, with a return to fundamentals like earnings growth and macro stability. Smallcase managers project the Nifty 50 to surpass 25,000 in FY26-27, reflecting a positive outlook for Indian equities amid a supportive inflation forecast of 4-5% for FY27. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe European Union is poised to finalize a significant comprehensive deal with India during the upcoming visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Speaking in the European Parliament, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the advancement of a new Security and Defence Partnership, enhancing cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense, with plans to sign it at the EU-India Summit in New Delhi. The leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit, where a new strategic agenda is expected to be adopted. Von der Leyen highlighted the nearing completion of a Free Trade Agreement, described as "the mother of all deals," which could create a market of 2 billion people and account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. The visit, from January 25 to 27, aims to strengthen economic ties and deepen collaboration between the EU and India, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership established in 2004.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 1 pmeznews.inAir India Ltd. is poised to announce a record annual loss of at least ₹15,000 crore ($1.6 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, following a series of setbacks, including a tragic crash and airspace shutdowns. The airline, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, had been making strides towards profitability before the June Dreamliner disaster, which claimed over 240 lives. The closure of Pakistan's airspace for Indian airlines further exacerbated financial woes, forcing longer, costlier flight routes. Despite a new five-year plan aimed at recovery, the board rejected it, demanding a more aggressive strategy. Over the past three years, Air India has incurred losses totaling ₹32,210 crore, prompting Tata Group to seek a new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake, has also felt the impact of Air India's struggles, even as it aids in restructuring efforts.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 1 pmeznews.inAt the National Conclave on SHG-led Natural Farming in Bengaluru, experts emphasized the urgent need for India to transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to regenerative practices. Mihir Shah, Chairperson of the National Coalition for Natural Farming, highlighted that current policies limit farmers' choices, as subsidies and extension services predominantly support chemical farming. He advocated for integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to enhance farmers' options and suggested reallocating a fraction of the ₹2.5 lakh crore spent on chemical fertiliser subsidies towards bio-inputs and natural farming infrastructure. Parashram Patil, Advisor for Viksit Maharashtra 2047, announced plans for a dedicated Natural Farming Policy in Maharashtra, aiming to convert 12 lakh hectares of land. Other panelists, including Ashok Dalwai and R Rengalakshmi, stressed the importance of an ecosystem-based approach to agriculture and the empowerment of women in farming, while A V Bhavani Shankar from NABARD discussed the need for innovative financing models to support this shift.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has made remarkable strides in expanding its power generation capacity, with a nearly 36% increase over the past five years, primarily fueled by a surge in renewable energy, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report. The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment, witnessing the highest annual addition of renewable capacity, predominantly from solar installations, bolstered by robust policy support and private sector engagement. Data from the Central Electricity Authority indicates a steady rise in renewable capacity additions, peaking at 48.6 GW in 2025, despite a slight dip in 2023. In contrast, fossil fuel capacity additions remained modest, reflecting a shift in India's energy mix. The report also emphasizes ongoing initiatives to enhance nuclear energy, including the SHANTI Bill, aiming to elevate nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Overall, the RBI report underscores a transformative phase in India's power sector, positioning it for a sustainable energy future.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government think tank NITI Aayog has proposed the establishment of a national project management agency (NPMA) to facilitate the transition of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) towards green energy, aligning with India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The NPMA would serve as an independent advisory body, working closely with MSME clusters to implement green initiatives through a transparent selection process. The report highlights the need for MSMEs, which comprise 69 million units and contribute significantly to India's economy, to overcome challenges such as limited access to finance and awareness of green policies. Additionally, NITI Aayog's reports on the cement and aluminium sectors advocate for strategies like increasing the use of refuse-derived fuel and carbon capture technologies to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving these targets is essential for India's broader climate commitments made at COP26.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inShadowfax Technologies Ltd's initial public offering (IPO) has garnered a 60% subscription by the second day of bidding, with 5,33,05,920 shares bid against 8,90,88,807 shares available. The IPO, which runs until January 22, has attracted significant interest from retail investors, who subscribed 1.64 times, while qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and non-institutional investors subscribed 38% and 33%, respectively. The company aims to raise ₹1,907 crore, with a price band set between ₹118-124 per share, valuing it at over ₹7,100 crore at the upper limit. The offering includes a fresh issue of ₹1,000 crore and an offer for sale of ₹907.27 crore from existing shareholders, including Flipkart and other notable investors. Proceeds will be used to enhance network infrastructure, fund lease payments, and support marketing initiatives. Shadowfax is a leading logistics provider for e-commerce in India, serving a diverse range of clients.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian government's ₹1,500-crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme is gaining traction, with over 70 recycling companies registered and more than 10 firms recognized under its eligibility criteria, according to Anupam Agnihotri, Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC). Speaking at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) 2026, Agnihotri highlighted that the initiative, part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to establish a recycling capacity of 2.7 lakh metric tonnes and offers investment-linked incentives based on scale and technology. He emphasized the importance of recycling in ensuring India's long-term access to critical minerals, which are largely imported. The scheme provides substantial incentives, with large recyclers eligible for up to $50 crore and smaller firms up to ₹25 crore, focusing on high-quality recovery from scrap rather than merely increasing volume.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a landmark achievement for Indian civil aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a record 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, the highest number ever recorded in a single year. This figure represents a significant increase of over 2.5 times compared to eight years ago, with previous annual totals of 640 in 2018, 744 in 2019, and 1,622 in 2023. The civil aviation ministry highlighted its ongoing efforts to monitor fare levels through real-time data, particularly during the IndiGo operational crisis in December, when regulatory measures were implemented to prevent opportunistic pricing. An official directive mandated airlines to adhere to fare caps, aimed at protecting vulnerable passengers, including senior citizens and students, from financial strain during travel disruptions. The ministry's proactive approach underscores its commitment to maintaining pricing discipline in the aviation sector.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 9 ameznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis showcased the state's pioneering solar energy initiatives at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. He highlighted that Maharashtra is supplying 16,000 MW of power to farmers through Asia's largest solar network, a model now set to be studied by the International Solar Alliance. Fadnavis noted that 60% of the solar pumps installed in India are in Maharashtra, underscoring the state's leadership in the Prime Minister's Kusum scheme. He announced the completion of a major solar project aimed at providing a steady electricity supply to farmers by the end of the year. Fadnavis attributed this transformation to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the shift towards renewable energy in agriculture and the state's commitment to achieving 52% of its electricity from non-conventional sources by 2030.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 5 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact