eznews.inBrazil is facing climate change challenges similar to those in India, according to Navneet Ravikar, CMD of Leads Connect, an agritech firm. On Thursday, the company launched its AI-enabled Integrated Command Centre for Risk Intelligence (ICCRI) and the Kedar–Parvati platform, designed for large-scale risk management in agriculture. These initiatives align with India's growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, coinciding with the ongoing India AI Impact Summit. The Kedar–Parvati platform integrates satellite intelligence and financial risk modeling to support farmers and institutions. Brazilian Minister of Agrarian Development, Paulo Teixeira, attended the launch, expressing a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in agricultural technology and climate-resilient practices. Ravikar noted that the solutions developed are well-suited for Brazil's agricultural ecosystem, highlighting the potential for deploying these innovations to address shared climate challenges. 
Published: Feb 19 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's rail transport, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has unveiled the country's first 15-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rake, designed specifically for the Mumbai suburban network. This new rake, which can accommodate up to 7,555 passengers, aims to alleviate congestion during peak travel hours. Currently, the maximum number of cars in a rake operating in India is 12, making this innovation a notable advancement in commuter rail capacity. ICF plans to manufacture a total of 12 such rakes in the coming months, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of suburban rail services in Mumbai. The announcement was made on February 19, 2026, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize India's railway infrastructure.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 9 pmeznews.inStorage levels in India’s 166 major reservoirs have fallen to 61.65% of capacity, with all five regions reporting levels below 75% this week, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). Current storage stands at 113.160 billion cubic metres (BCM), significantly higher than last year but 25 percentage points above the 10-year average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a 56% deficiency in rainfall since the start of the year, with central India experiencing an 85% shortfall. While four reservoirs remain full, only 20% of reservoirs exceed 80% capacity, and over 22% are below 50%. In the southern region, storage is at 53.12%, with Andhra Pradesh at 66.5% and Tamil Nadu at 59%. The northern region's reservoirs are at 57%, while eastern reservoirs average 59%. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal may improve conditions in South India, but overall storage is expected to decline as summer approaches.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Dr Reddy’s Foundation (DRF) have formalized a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing agricultural vocational training and farmer extension services across India. The agreement, signed at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, seeks to build capacity in modern farming practices through strategic coordination led by Anil Kumar, Assistant Director General (Coordination) at ICAR. An ICAR official emphasized that the collaboration will integrate quality skill development in agriculture, leveraging ICAR’s research capabilities alongside DRF’s community engagement model to improve rural livelihoods and promote agricultural sustainability. Suman S., Director of Rural Livelihoods at DRF, noted that this partnership will enable the foundation to expand its impact while ensuring alignment with national agricultural frameworks. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector in India.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAVPL International has partnered with DeHaat and Farmers City India Pvt Ltd to train approximately 140,000 agri and drone entrepreneurs across India over the next five years. This initiative aims to create one of the country’s largest integrated rural entrepreneurship ecosystems by combining skill development, agri retail expansion, drone technology, electric mobility, and structured credit facilitation. Training centres will be established nationwide, adhering to NSDC and ASCI standards, ensuring trainees receive nationally recognized qualifications. Successful participants will launch agri input retail stores under DeHaat’s dealership model, while drone entrepreneurs will provide services like precision spraying and crop health monitoring. The collaboration also aims to facilitate access to institutional credit for first-generation entrepreneurs, including support under Uttar Pradesh's Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan scheme. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods and productivity through skill and technology integration.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's ethanol blending programme has seen a significant shift in feedstock dynamics during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, with maize emerging as the dominant raw material, contributing nearly 48% of total ethanol production, up from 42.6% the previous year, according to the All India Distillers Association (AIDA). This transition marks a departure from traditional sugarcane-based sources, bolstered by government policies and increased procurement prices. Cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 1,039 crore litres, fulfilling 89% of contracted volumes, with grain-based feedstocks, including maize and rice, accounting for 69% of the total. AIDA President Vijendra Singh highlighted the resilience of India's biofuel ecosystem, emphasizing the benefits for maize farmers and the reduced dependence on sugarcane. The industry, with a capacity of around 2,000 crore litres, is poised for further growth, advocating for higher blending mandates and the promotion of Flex-Fuel Vehicles to enhance sustainability and reduce crude oil imports.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, urged India to collaborate with France in safeguarding children from the dangers of social media and artificial intelligence. Emphasizing the need for a sovereign AI strategy amid rising global competition, Macron highlighted the urgency of creating a safe online environment for minors, stating, “There is no reason our children should be exposed online to what is legally forbidden in the real world.” He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join a new coalition aimed at protecting youth, referencing France's initiative to ban social media for children under 15. Macron underscored the importance of responsible AI development, asserting that the future of AI should prioritize accessibility and ethical considerations. He expressed confidence that France and India could jointly shape a sustainable and inclusive digital future, grounded in shared values of innovation and multilateralism.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrivate equity firm KKR has identified significant opportunities for infrastructure investments in India, driven by urbanisation, government support, and rising energy demands. In its latest report, KKR highlighted its focus on roads, renewables, logistics, and related assets, noting that despite a challenging year for Indian equities, conditions are expected to improve by 2026. The firm anticipates mid-teens earnings per share growth, bolstered by fiscal impulses and increased participation in capital markets. While investor sentiment remains cautious, particularly due to concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on the IT sector, KKR believes AI could enhance India's service capabilities. With India's nominal GDP growth projected at 10-11% and a burgeoning consumption market, the firm asserts that the country is entering a more sustainable, consumption-driven growth phase, making it an attractive destination for long-term investors despite existing risks.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Food Corporation of India (FCI) has entered into a significant agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply 200,000 tonnes of rice, aimed at combating global hunger. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), effective until 2031, allows FCI to provide rice at a price of ₹2,800 per quintal, with annual revisions planned. Union food secretary Sanjeev Chopra emphasized that this partnership symbolizes India's commitment to ensuring no one faces hunger, while WFP's Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau hailed the agreement as a crucial step in delivering nutritious food to vulnerable populations. The collaboration not only reinforces India's dedication to global food security but also enhances cooperation with WFP in addressing humanitarian challenges worldwide. The current pricing is set to remain until March 31, 2026, with potential extensions beyond the initial five-year term by mutual consent.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inKerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan inaugurated the Southern Regional Agriculture Fair 2026 at the Kerala Agricultural University, highlighting the importance of modernising agriculture to enhance profitability for farmers. In his address, he underscored the transformative impact of technologies such as precision farming, artificial intelligence, and drones on the agricultural sector. Rajan praised the university's pivotal role in delivering value-added technologies directly to farmers, describing its evolution as a journey "from soil to sky." He noted that the institution has successfully turned traditional farmers into entrepreneurs through its initiatives. The event featured around 200 exhibition stalls, live technology demonstrations, farmer-scientist interactions, and competitions for both farmers and students, alongside farm visits and B2B meetings for FPOs and agri start-ups. The fair was presided over by B. Ashok, Vice Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pm
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