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Indian exporters are experiencing a mix of relief and confusion following the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down former President Donald Trump's emergency tariffs, which many view as a victory for trade. However, industry experts urge caution as the full implications of the ruling remain unclear. Some analysts believe India acted too quickly in negotiating an interim trade deal with the US, potentially diminishing its bargaining power, though the lack of a legally binding agreement means some leverage still exists. Pankaj Chadha from EEPC emphasized the need for clarity on the impact this will have on the India-US bilateral trade agreement. Exporters like Sanjay Jain expressed concern over the chaotic situation, while others, such as Israr Ahmed, viewed the ruling as a significant opportunity. Despite the uncertainty, experts like Biswajit Dhar suggest that India can still navigate its options to protect its agricultural interests. 
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inAmarak Chemicals FZC, part of the Aries Group of Companies, has launched a fully automated sulphur manufacturing facility in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), with a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum. The facility, inaugurated by BG Krishnan, Consul (Economic, Trade and Commerce) at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, will produce sulphur bentonite and other sulphur-related products for international markets. Registered under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the facility enables duty-free exports to India while serving various global markets. Rahul Mirchandani, Group Chairman, emphasized the investment's role in enhancing manufacturing capabilities in agricultural inputs and fostering India-UAE industrial collaboration. The facility is expected to reduce logistics costs and improve market access, contributing to the agribusiness sector and supporting regional farmers by ensuring a steady supply of essential agricultural inputs, according to Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO at DP World GCC.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has updated the base year for its merchandise trade indices from 2012-13 to 2022-23, aiming to enhance the relevance and reliability of trade data for policymakers and researchers, according to a statement from the Commerce Department. This revision, led by a committee chaired by Professor Nachiketa Chattopadhyay of the Indian Statistical Institute, addresses structural changes in the economy and evolving trade patterns. The updated indices will better reflect the current state of India's external trade, with a comprehensive review of commodity coverage and classification to capture emerging trends. Additionally, the weighting structure has been revised to align with the latest trade values. The new series includes various indices, such as monthly, quarterly, and annual data, as well as classifications by principal commodities and trade partners, providing a more accurate picture of India's trade landscape.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn financial updates, India's benchmark indices saw gains, with the SENSEX rising by 316.57 points to close at 82,814.71, while the NIFTY increased by 116.90 points, reaching 25,571.25. In commodities, gold prices surged by ₹1,778 to ₹156,597, and silver rose by ₹12,492 to ₹253,885. Conversely, crude oil prices fell by ₹38, settling at ₹6,020. Meanwhile, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that Tamil Nadu's total revenue for the financial year 2022-23 was ₹2,43,749 crore, with tax revenue contributing ₹1,50,223 crore and non-tax revenue at ₹17,061 crore. This marks an increase in the state's revenue share from 65% in 2021-22 to 69% in 2022-23, bolstered by ₹38,731 crore from the Government of India and significant contributions from sales and Goods and Services Tax.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inCanada's Minister for AI and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, is championing the concept of Sovereign AI, emphasizing the need for national digital autonomy amid rapid technological advancements. Speaking at the AI Summit, Solomon highlighted ongoing discussions with India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering cooperation in AI and emerging technologies. He defined Sovereign AI as the ability to control one's digital future through trusted partnerships, underscoring the importance of collaboration in building data centers and intellectual property. Solomon also addressed AI safety concerns, announcing Canada's financial backing for LawZero, an AI initiative designed to monitor and ensure the safety of other AI systems. He acknowledged the potential for job displacement due to AI but reassured that historical trends show technology ultimately creates more jobs, stressing the need for skills training to prepare the workforce for the evolving landscape.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms, including Everse and IndiaMart, for allegedly selling restricted wireless devices such as anti-drone systems and jammers without proper licensing information. This action is seen as a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and relevant telecom laws, as these products were marketed without disclosing that civilian possession requires statutory authorization. The CCPA has demanded detailed documentation from these platforms, including procurement sources and regulatory approvals, while emphasizing that the sale of such equipment is strictly controlled under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Telegraphy Act. The authority highlighted that failing to provide essential information constitutes misleading advertising and unfair trade practices, and warned that non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions. The CCPA remains dedicated to protecting consumer interests and ensuring that restricted products are not unlawfully sold online.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 8 pmeznews.inInflows into physically-backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) resumed in the second week of February, following a profit-taking trend in the previous week, although overall inflows remained lower than outflows. The World Gold Council reported a decrease in assets under management (AUM) from $668.7 billion to $655 billion by February 6, before rising to $664.2 billion by February 13. Investors withdrew $3.87 billion in the first week but returned $2.34 billion in the second week. Gold prices peaked at $5,608 in late January but have since settled at $5,030.77 an ounce amid geopolitical tensions and a hawkish outlook from potential US Federal Reserve chief Kevin Warsh. Notably, the UK saw significant ETF encashments, while North America and Europe experienced similar trends of outflows and subsequent inflows. Japanese investors also returned to the market, contributing to a cautious recovery in gold ETF investments.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFarmers are increasingly relying on government weather forecasts enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Chaturvedi highlighted the use of a century's worth of data from the India Meteorological Department to create accurate monsoon predictions, which have influenced farmers' decisions on sowing and irrigation. The government plans to expand these forecasts to include market prices and conditions, aiming to boost productivity and reduce costs. However, attempts to predict prices of essential commodities like onions and tomatoes using AI faced challenges due to discrepancies in historical data. Chaturvedi also introduced the 'Bharat-VISTAAR' scheme, which consolidates various agricultural advisories and will soon offer AI-driven guidance through a helpline. Initially available in Hindi and English, the service aims to support farmers in multiple regional languages within six months.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe air cargo industry in India is advocating for the reinstatement of the double-dip facility, which allows foreign freighter aircraft to operate between two Indian airports on a single international journey without domestic cargo transport. Industry insiders argue that this measure is crucial for unlocking growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which are expected to drive India's next economic phase. The suspension of this facility during the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a significant loss of international freighter capacity, with stakeholders highlighting that India currently operates only 18 freighters, lagging behind global counterparts. The Air Cargo Forum India and other associations have communicated to the Ministry of Civil Aviation that restoring this facility could enhance export access for farmers, potentially increasing their incomes by 1.5 to 3 times. This reform is seen as vital for boosting logistics jobs and integrating regional hubs into international supply chains, thereby fostering balanced economic growth across the country.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Friday that he anticipates the signing of an interim trade deal between India and the US in March, with implementation expected by April. Indian exporters are awaiting a reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%, a move US officials indicated would occur before the deal's finalization. Goyal confirmed that this tariff reduction is likely to happen in February. The US has already rolled back some punitive tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases. India's chief negotiator, Darpan Jain, is set to meet with US officials on February 23 to finalize the agreement's legal text. Goyal criticized opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning India's commitment to a $100 billion annual trade target without a similar pledge from the US. The interim deal is expected to benefit Indian exporters, particularly in labor-intensive sectors, while also addressing concerns from some farmer groups regarding agricultural commitments.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 7 pm
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