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EU Free Trade to Enhance Tech Textile Exports: MATEXIL

In a significant boost for India's textile industry, the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is set to eliminate tariffs on Indian textiles, enhancing competitiveness and export potential. Shaleen Toshniwal, Chairman of the Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL), expressed optimism about the deal, which comes at a time of global trade fragmentation and rising protectionism. Currently, Indian textiles face tariffs of 8-12% in the EU, while competitors like Bangladesh benefit from zero duties. The FTA is expected to facilitate market access for Indian exporters, particularly in the manmade fibre and technical textiles sectors, which generate approximately $1 billion each in exports. MATEXIL plans to assist its members in navigating the new trade landscape and aligning products with EU buyer requirements, positioning India as a key player in the European market and supporting the broader India Vision 2047 initiative. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 11 am

Agtech, fertilizer sectors push for resilient ecosystem budget support

Leaders from India's fertilizer, agri-tech, and dairy sectors are urging the upcoming Union Budget to establish a framework for a modern and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem. Rajib Chokarborty, President of the Soluble Fertiliser Industry Association, emphasized the need for a strategic reform of the Fertilizer Control Order, alongside digitisation and deregulation, to promote nutrient-rich farming. Key expectations include recognizing non-subsidised fertilizers as strategic materials and enhancing domestic production capabilities. Sanjiv Kanwar from Yara South Asia called for a harmonized regulatory framework to boost innovation and productivity. Rohit Bajaj highlighted the importance of supporting agri-focused MSMEs to improve mechanisation, while Preet Sandhu stressed the need for infrastructure to advance India's drone economy. Ranjith Mukundan pointed out the potential for India to increase its dairy exports through improved agri-tech and cold-chain infrastructure. As Budget 2026 approaches, industry leaders seek policies that foster innovation and strengthen India's agricultural resilience. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 12 pm

India to invest ₹15,000 cr in ATC modernization by 2028

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a significant investment of ₹15,000 crore for the modernisation of Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, as stated by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar during the Wings India 2026 roundtable. The initiative will incorporate full automation through artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Kumar highlighted the importance of enhancing airport capacity and quality, particularly through the development of multiple airports, noting that India is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%, significantly outpacing the global average of 3.5%. Meanwhile, Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, pointed out the challenges of policy advocacy, technology adoption, and bilateral seat allocation, emphasizing that India lags in technology integration within the aviation sector. He urged a stronger focus on aviation-related manufacturing to position India as a global aviation hub. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 12 pm

Dodla Q3 PAT rises 8% to ₹68.7 cr; targets Uganda

In its latest financial results, Dodla Dairy reported a net profit of ₹68.7 crore for the third quarter ending December 31, 2026, marking an 8.1% increase from ₹63.6 crore in the same period last year. Revenue surged to ₹1,025 crore, up 13.7% from ₹901.2 crore. For the nine-month period, the company achieved a net profit of ₹197.2 crore, a 2.7% rise from ₹192 crore, with revenues reaching ₹3,050.70 crore, reflecting an 8.5% growth. Despite robust volume growth, Managing Director Dodla Sunil Reddy noted that profit margins faced pressure due to higher procurement costs and a lack of bulk sales. The company also accounted for a one-time provision of ₹5.7 crore related to revised labour code guidelines, offset by a tax reversal of ₹21.9 crore. Looking ahead, Dodla Dairy plans to invest ₹50-60 crore in a greenfield expansion in Uganda, having secured a 70-acre land parcel. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 12 pm

Vadhvan port construction starts soon; land cost ₹2,000 crore

India's ambitious Vadhvan port project in Maharashtra is poised for construction, pending the completion of land acquisition across 24 villages, crucial for establishing road and rail connectivity. Gaurav Dayal, Chairperson of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), revealed that the estimated cost for land acquisition has surged to ₹2,000 crore. With major contracts awarded and preliminary surveys completed, construction of the ₹76,220-crore port is expected to commence within two months. The project includes nearshore and offshore reclamation, alongside a 10.14-kilometre breakwater. While no residents will be displaced, local opposition from villagers and fishermen has posed challenges, although recent cooperation has emerged for compensation assessments. Preparatory works are underway, with contracts issued for reclamation and breakwater construction, set to utilize a Hybrid Annuity Model for funding. The successful completion of land acquisition and regulatory approvals will be pivotal for meeting the Phase-1 target of operationalizing four container terminals by 2030. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 12 pm

Airports Authority of India projects ₹22,000 cr revenue by FY26

On the eve of Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar announced that the organization anticipates a total revenue of ₹22,000 crore for the current financial year. While this figure remains consistent with last year's revenue, Kumar emphasized that it reflects growth, as last year's total included a one-time income. Looking ahead, AAI plans to invest ₹15,000 crore by 2028 as part of a modernization initiative for Air Traffic Control (ATC). This investment will enhance both technology and physical infrastructure across all airports, including those managed by AAI in the private sector. Kumar noted that the necessary funds for these investments will be sourced from internal resources. The announcements were made during a press interaction on January 27, 2026, highlighting AAI's commitment to improving aviation infrastructure in India. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 12 pm

US Trade Rep: India to Benefit Most from EU Trade Deal

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has highlighted that India is poised to gain significantly from the recently finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which promises enhanced market access and potential mobility for Indian workers. In an interview with Fox News, Greer emphasized the agreement's importance amid shifting global trade dynamics, particularly as the EU seeks alternatives to the US market due to President Trump's focus on domestic production. He noted India's competitive edge, citing its low-cost labor and expanding manufacturing sector, which positions it favorably in this new trade landscape. Greer also addressed concerns regarding India's continued purchase of Russian oil, indicating that while progress has been made, further reductions are expected. The FTA, described as the "Mother of All Deals," aims to deepen economic ties between the EU and India, creating vast opportunities for both regions. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 11 am

Ajit Pawar missing after plane overshoots Baramati runway

Rescue operations are underway following a tragic aircraft crash involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed along with three others when their chartered plane overshot the runway while landing at Baramati airport on January 28, 2026. The incident occurred as Pawar was en route to address Zilla Parishad election rallies in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Pawar's dedication to public service and his significant grassroots connection. Visuals from the crash site revealed damage to the aircraft and smoke emanating from the runway, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. All occupants were evacuated and taken to Baramati hospital for evaluation. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash and assess the extent of the damage, with further updates expected. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 9 am

Aviation Minister: "2026 Will Be Great for Aviation"

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport on Wednesday, marking it as one of Asia's premier aviation summits held biennially. Organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with support from the Telangana government, the event aims to showcase India's burgeoning civil aviation manufacturing capabilities and the increasing demand in the sector. Minister Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the manufacturing ecosystem over the next decade, with aspirations for India to become a global exporter in civil aviation within 10 to 12 years. A highlight of the summit was the display of the Boeing 787-9, specially fitted for Air India, representing its first delivery. Scheduled for January 28-31, 2026, Wings India 2026 will feature an international exhibition, aerobatic shows, and various forums, reflecting India's growing significance in the global aviation landscape. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 10 am

FY27 Budget to Include 16th Finance Commission Recommendations

The upcoming Budget is set to reflect the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which has submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. Established under the Constitution, the Finance Commission formulates tax devolution between the Centre and states, excluding cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool. Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the Commission's members include notable economists and officials, who presented their findings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 17, 2025. While the report remains unpublished, it is anticipated to outline tax-sharing formulas for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The previous 15th Finance Commission recommended a 41% share for states from the divisible tax pool, a figure that has sparked contention, particularly among opposition-ruled states and those in the South, who argue that the current criteria unfairly disadvantage them. sources

Published:
Jan 28 2026, 10 am

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