eznews.inCrystal Crop Protection Ltd, a research-driven agrochemical firm, has announced the acquisition of 1,25,714 square meters of land and assets from Kurl-On Ltd in Jhagadia, Gujarat, to establish a new fully automated greenfield manufacturing plant. The ₹100 crore investment, spread over three years, aims to produce 50,000 tonnes per annum of agrochemical formulations, with potential expansion to 1,20,000 tonnes to meet rising demand. The facility will manufacture a variety of products, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, targeting both the Indian market and export opportunities in Asia and Africa. Executive Chairman Ankur Aggarwal emphasized the company's commitment to delivering high-quality products, while Whole-time Director Kavishwar Kalambe highlighted the plant's role in boosting local employment and economic growth. The facility is set to incorporate advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, positioning Crystal Crop Protection as a competitive player in the global market. 
Published: Feb 10 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian civil aviation ministry is seeking a new director general for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) as GVG Yugandhar prepares to retire in June. Applications are also being invited for 23 safety investigation officer and director-level positions, all to be filled by deputation, as part of efforts to enhance aviation safety. Proposed initiatives include establishing a National Aviation Safety Centre at Jewar and launching safety audit courses at the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University. However, the Safety Matters Foundation, led by Captain Amit Singh, has criticized the temporary nature of these appointments, arguing that it undermines institutional memory and independence in accident investigations. The foundation advocates for a permanent AAIB cadre to bolster safety. Additionally, parliamentarians have called for increased budgetary support, noting that the current allocations of ₹15 crore and ₹20 crore for the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and AAIB, respectively, are insufficient given the expanding aviation infrastructure and security challenges.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 1 pmeznews.inBertelsmann, the German media and services conglomerate, has acquired an 80% stake in Indian logistics platform Lets Transport, marking its first strategic acquisition in India. The move aims to strengthen Bertelsmann's foothold in a market deemed crucial for growth, according to Carsten Coesfeld, CEO of Bertelsmann Investments. Lets Transport, founded in 2015, connects truck drivers with corporate clients and operates in a logistics market valued at $14 billion, with an annual growth rate of approximately 11%, though 90% remains unorganised. Coesfeld expressed confidence in India's potential, highlighting the attractiveness of the market. While he did not disclose specific investment details, sources indicate that Bertelsmann's investment is in the high double-digit million-dollar range, with Lets Transport potentially valued in the hundreds of millions in a future sale. Coesfeld also hinted at the possibility of further acquisitions within the logistics supply chain.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia and the United States have reached a significant trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade, with India pledging to reduce tariffs on a range of US industrial and agricultural products, including pulses, soybean oil, and spirits. The deal, which follows a call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, includes India's commitment to purchase over $500 billion in US goods, particularly in energy and technology sectors. The White House emphasized the need to address remaining issues such as services, investment, and non-tariff barriers, while also committing to negotiate robust digital trade rules. The agreement is seen as a step towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that will enhance market access for American exporters. Additionally, Trump announced the removal of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, reflecting India's alignment with US interests in confronting trade imbalances and security challenges.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 10 ameznews.inAutomobile dealers have expressed optimism about the near-term market outlook, citing a growth-oriented budget, infrastructure investment, and stable interest rates from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as supportive factors. C S Vigneshwar, President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), noted stronger inquiry pipelines and increased local marketing efforts, although potential disruptions from upcoming elections and supply constraints remain concerns. Retail sales data for January revealed a 7.22% year-on-year increase in passenger vehicle sales, reaching 513,475 units, while two-wheeler sales surged by 21% to 1,852,870 units. Three-wheeler registrations rose by 19% to 127,134 units, and commercial vehicle sales grew by 15% to 107,486 units. Overall, total vehicle sales across all categories increased by approximately 18% year-on-year to 2,722,558 units, driven by post-GST momentum and robust rural cash flows from harvests and weddings.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 10 ameznews.inJanuary 2026 has been recorded as the fifth warmest January globally, with average temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ Copernicus Climate Change Service. Despite experiencing severe cold waves in the Northern Hemisphere, which led to Europe’s coldest January since 2010 at -2.34°C, much of the world, including the Arctic and western North America, saw above-average temperatures. Concurrently, the Southern Hemisphere faced extreme heat, resulting in devastating wildfires in Australia, Chile, and Patagonia, while heavy rains caused severe flooding in Mozambique. The average sea surface temperature for January was 20.68°C, the fourth highest on record, with notable warmth in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Samantha Burgess from ECMWF emphasized the need for resilience and adaptation to cope with increasing climate extremes, highlighting the stark contrasts in weather patterns across the globe.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 8 ameznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the key priorities of the Union Budget 2026-27 during a meeting with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New Delhi. Emphasizing policy stability, manufacturing growth, and long-term investment, she highlighted the government's commitment to creating a predictable environment for businesses. Sitharaman noted significant reforms aimed at bolstering sectors such as semiconductors, biopharma, and rare earth manufacturing, while also focusing on enhancing the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The minister's address underscored the government's strategy to foster strong manufacturing champions to drive innovation and employment. Participants at the meeting praised the government's fiscal discipline amid global uncertainties, recognizing that clear policies and fiscal prudence are essential for reinforcing investor confidence and deepening economic ties between India and the United States.
Published: Feb 10 2026, 9 ameznews.inRecent earnings calls from major FMCG players, including Marico, Tata Consumer Products, and Godrej Consumer Products, indicate a significant shift in consumer demand towards affordability, despite ongoing discussions around premium products. While premiumisation remains a long-term strategy for margin enhancement, companies are increasingly focusing on entry-level packs and price promotions to drive volume growth. Marico emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable price points, while Tata Consumer highlighted that its growth has been volume-driven rather than price-led. Godrej reported a 7% increase in underlying volume, attributing this to improved affordability rather than premium upgrades. Analysts suggest that the current market environment limits the effectiveness of premiumisation, with a growing emphasis on smaller, more affordable packs. Experts argue that FMCG companies must cater to a broader market to sustain growth, as consumer spending shifts towards experiences rather than higher-priced products.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 11 pmeznews.inPrivate equity firms are intensifying their investments in India's food and beverage sector, driven by evolving consumer habits, rapid scalability through quick commerce, and increased discretionary spending among younger generations. Recent high-profile deals, such as Temasek's investment in Haldiram Snacks, which valued the company at $10 billion, and ChrysCapital's acquisition of Theobroma Foods, underscore this trend. Investors highlight that structural changes in distribution have made the sector more appealing, with brands now able to launch and scale quickly. The shift in consumer behavior, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize premium and convenient food options, is also pivotal. As platforms like Swiggy and Zomato become integral to dining habits, private equity is poised to focus on scalable, branded platforms with strong unit economics, marking a significant phase of growth and consolidation in India's F&B landscape.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIndia's soybean oil imports surged to 505,000 tonnes in December, up from 371,000 tonnes a year earlier, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA). This increase comes amid a broader optimism in the agricultural sector following the recent India-US trade deal, which has granted duty-free access to Indian coffee and zero-duty access for tea, potentially boosting exports. However, concerns persist among apple growers about the impact of a proposed 100,000-tonne apple import quota from the US at a 25% tariff. Additionally, the import of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) may pressure domestic corn and soybean prices, although traders believe the impact will be limited. While seafood and spices exporters anticipate growth, they seek to eliminate non-tariff barriers. Overall, the trade deal presents both opportunities and challenges for various sectors within India's agricultural landscape.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 10 pm
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