eznews.inThe Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched an initiative named BHARATI, aimed at supporting agri-food and agri-tech startups to foster innovation and enhance export opportunities for young entrepreneurs. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev announced that the top 10 startups will have the chance to showcase their products on international platforms during the Indusfood 2026 event in Greater Noida, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). Despite global trade uncertainties, India's agricultural exports are on track for record growth, with a 7% increase to $18.6 billion from April to November 2025-26, and expectations to surpass $30 billion this fiscal year. TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla highlighted the participation of over 2,200 exhibitors and 15,000 buyers from more than 120 countries at the three-day food and beverages show, emphasizing the integration of the entire food value chain. 
Published: Jan 08 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia dominates the global castor oil market, fulfilling over 90% of worldwide demand, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). The SEA will host the 24th SEA-Global Castor Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on February 27-28, 2026, bringing together around 400 delegates, including policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. The conference aims to address challenges within the castor industry, focusing on yield enhancement and short cycle varieties, while facilitating discussions among manufacturers, importers, exporters, and farmers. With India's castor oil exports valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) annually, the event will serve as a platform for fostering collaborations and exploring new business opportunities. SEA Executive Director BV Mehta emphasized the importance of the conference for building relationships and finding solutions to the industry's pressing issues, as the global castor derivatives market, valued at over $6 billion, remains heavily reliant on Indian production.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 4 pmeznews.inScoot, the budget airline under Singapore Airlines, has unveiled its 'January Thematic Sale,' running from January 7 to 12, 2026, featuring enticing one-way economy class fares from India to Singapore starting at ₹5,900. The promotional fares, available for travel between January 28 and October 24, 2026, include connections to popular Asia-Pacific destinations such as Bangkok, Bali, and Sydney. The sale offers exceptional value for travellers from cities like Amritsar, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Notable fares include Chennai to Singapore at ₹5,900, Tiruchirappalli to Chiang Rai at ₹11,900, and Thiruvananthapuram to Melbourne at ₹14,900. Other highlighted routes include Visakhapatnam to Bali for ₹9,000, Amritsar to Hong Kong for ₹12,000, and Coimbatore to Bangkok for ₹8,900, according to the airline's announcement.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAir India, now owned by Tata Group, has received its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant milestone since the airline's privatisation nearly four years ago. This Dreamliner, custom-made for Air India, was officially transferred at Boeing's Everett factory in Seattle on January 7, following inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft, featuring a three-class configuration of economy, premium economy, and business class, is expected to arrive in India shortly. It is the first line fit Dreamliner acquired by Air India since Tata's takeover in January 2022, with the last such delivery occurring in October 2017 under government ownership. This delivery is part of a larger order of 220 Boeing jets, with Air India already having received 51 narrow-body Boeing 737-8s through its subsidiary, Air India Express. The airline aims to enhance its fleet further, with plans to induct 26 additional aircraft by the end of 2026.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe auto component sector is poised for growth, driven by a robust order pipeline and a resurgence in demand for passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers following a recent GST cut, according to a report by Centrum. This uptick in vehicle sales is expected to alleviate cost pressures and bolster consumer demand, particularly benefiting the bearings sector, which is crucial for vehicle efficiency and durability. The report highlights that sustained export momentum will further enhance revenue growth and capacity utilization, even as domestic demand stabilizes. Companies are also diversifying into non-auto sectors such as railways and wind energy, which may reduce reliance on cyclical auto demand and improve earnings stability. Overall, the combination of demand recovery, strong exports, localization efforts, and diversification strategies positions the auto component and bearing sector for a promising outlook in the near future.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Federation of Retailer Association of India (FRAI) has raised alarms over a significant tax hike on legal tobacco products, following the Finance Ministry's recent notification imposing an excise duty of ₹2,050-8,500 per 1,000 sticks, effective February 1, 2026. The association, representing around 8 million micro, small, and medium retailers, argues that such steep increases threaten the livelihoods of small retailers and could drive consumers towards illegal markets. FRAI Joint Secretary Gulab Chand Khoda emphasized that the price surge would diminish demand at local shops, exacerbating the challenges faced by shopkeepers caught between declining sales and competition from unregulated suppliers. The FRAI has called for a reconsideration of the tax structure, advocating for a balanced approach that supports public policy objectives while ensuring price stability and protecting the informal retail sector.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's cashew industry is facing significant challenges as raw material costs have surged by 20-25% in rupee terms, while domestic selling prices remain stagnant. This disparity has led many processors and traders to incur losses, forcing them to sell below cost to maintain cash flow and manage inventory. The depreciation of the rupee has temporarily benefited exporters but has made imports, primarily from West Africa, increasingly expensive for processors reliant on foreign raw cashew nuts. Additionally, illegal imports of low-quality cashew kernels, misdeclared to evade import duties, are further undermining local producers. Despite a rise in export values and increased processing capacity due to mechanisation, domestic demand remains weak, particularly post-Diwali. Industry leaders anticipate a potential uptick in demand with the upcoming wedding season, but the long-term sustainability of many new entrants in the sector remains uncertain.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIn a boost for sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu's Trichy district, a bumper harvest this season has brought optimism ahead of the Pongal festival, which begins on January 15. Farmers from regions like Thiruvalar Cholai and Vayalur report successful yields across nearly 200 acres, aided by favorable weather and improved practices. The procurement process, managed through cooperative societies, ensures fair prices without political interference. In conjunction with the harvest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a cash assistance of ₹3,000 for all rice ration card-holding families, including those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps, to enhance festive celebrations. The government will also distribute a Pongal gift package, including rice, sugar, and sugarcane, to approximately 2.22 crore eligible families. This initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures amid rising living costs and underscores the state's commitment to social welfare during this significant harvest festival.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 11 ameznews.inIn anticipation of the Sankranthi festival, South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of 150 special trains to accommodate the surge in passenger demand from Hyderabad and key stations in the South Railway zone. Chief Public Relations Officer A. Sridhar highlighted that additional services will connect Hyderabad to Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with trains also running from Narsapuram, Kakinada, Srikakulam, and Vizag. Alongside these special services, over 600 regular trains will continue to operate during the festive season, ensuring connectivity across India. However, passengers are warned of potential disruptions at Secunderabad station due to ongoing redevelopment works, prompting the relocation of several trains to other terminals. SCR has advised travelers to check updated schedules and plan their journeys in advance, particularly at stations undergoing renovations, to facilitate smoother travel during this busy period.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 ameznews.inAhead of the upcoming Union Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27, industry body Assocham has urged the Indian government to implement incentives for hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and concessional green finance to facilitate the steel sector's transition to low-carbon production. In its pre-Budget recommendations, Assocham also advocated for incentives related to waste-heat recovery systems and renewable captive power plants to mitigate emissions. Despite being the world's second-largest steel producer, the sector faces challenges such as high input costs, a depreciating rupee, and reliance on imported coking coal. Assocham highlighted stagnant iron ore production and the need for improved domestic recycling infrastructure to reduce import dependence. The chamber believes the Budget presents a crucial opportunity to bolster India's position as a global manufacturing hub for steel, calling for measures to promote iron ore beneficiation and enhance research and development in steel recycling and innovation.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 am
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