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Urea sales in India surged by 8.4% to reach 387.92 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year, up from 357.81 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, as part of a broader increase in fertilizer sales, which hit a record 655.94 lakh tonnes. In response to rising consumption and subsidy costs, the government is expected to unveil a "Mission for Self-Reliance in Fertilizer" in the upcoming Budget, aiming to reduce chemical fertilizer use and imports by 20% over five years. This initiative may include incentives for bio-fertilizers and a merger with the existing PM-PRANAM scheme, which encourages states to cut chemical fertilizer usage. Additionally, the subsidy for phosphatic and potash fertilizers has been increased to ₹75,000 crore. Experts are advocating for a revamp of current policies to align with the mission's goals, while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) may develop technologies to minimize reliance on traditional fertilizers. 
Published: Jan 25 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Piyush Goyal and European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed optimism about finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during talks in New Delhi ahead of a bilateral summit. Sefcovic highlighted the progress made over the past year, calling it his most frequent trade engagement, while Goyal noted that sustained dialogue has brought both parties closer to a fruitful outcome. The FTA, which has been under negotiation for nearly two decades, aims to provide zero-duty access for India's labor-intensive exports, such as textiles and leather, while the EU seeks significant tariff reductions on wines and a quota-based system for automobiles. With the EU being India's top trading partner, bilateral trade reached $136.53 billion in 2024-25, and both sides are eager to conclude the agreement amid rising tariff pressures from the US. The sustainability chapter remains a contentious issue, particularly regarding carbon taxes affecting Indian exporters.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndiGo's Chief Executive Pieter Elbers has outlined the airline's strategic response to recent turbulence and declining profits, focusing on balancing expansion, product evolution, and operational readiness. As IndiGo embarks on a growth phase, it aims to redefine its priorities by introducing the long-range Airbus A321XLR and expanding international services. Elbers emphasized the need to adapt to varying customer expectations across different flight lengths, enhancing offerings with products like IndiGoStretch for business travelers and the BluChip loyalty program. The airline's fleet expansion, including the introduction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, is crucial for long-haul operations, while the recent delivery of the A321XLR opens new routes to Europe and East Asia. Amidst a dynamic operating environment, IndiGo is committed to building a resilient network that aligns with regulatory frameworks and demand patterns, ensuring sustainable growth while contributing to India's ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian textile industry, which contributes approximately 4% to the nation's GDP and plays a crucial role in exports, is poised for potential growth following the anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Textile Export Promotion Council of India (Texprocil) highlights that the EU's withdrawal of Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) benefits from January 1 has put Indian textiles at a competitive disadvantage. Currently, the sector exports over $1.3 billion annually to the EU, but tariff barriers hinder its competitiveness against countries with preferential access. Texprocil's Director, Siddhartha Rajagopal, emphasizes the need for zero-duty access in ongoing negotiations to bolster the cotton textiles sector, which supports numerous rural artisans. With ambitious targets of $40 billion in apparel exports and $100 billion in total textile exports by 2030, successful FTA negotiations are deemed essential for enhancing India's presence in the European market and supporting sustainable growth.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are poised to become key players in the global aviation sector, with a projected delivery of over 900 aircraft in the next three years, according to Avolon's 2026 outlook. Indian carriers, including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo, currently have an order backlog exceeding 1,600 planes, with deliveries extending to 2035. This marks a significant shift from the previous decade, where China led aviation growth, expanding its fleet from 1,200 to 3,300 aircraft. The combined order backlog of India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is nearly double their current operational fleets. Despite a slowdown in growth rates, demand for air travel rose by 5.2% in 2025, and global airlines are expected to achieve a net profit of $41 billion in 2026, bolstered by low fuel prices and economic recovery, despite ongoing operational challenges.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is set to adopt double deflation more extensively in the upcoming National Account data series, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, highlighted that the new series will be rebased to FY 2022-23 and will incorporate updated data sources, including major surveys like the Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey and the Annual Survey of Industries. The methodology will also see enhancements, with a shift away from single deflation methods for the informal sector. Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 2024 series will reflect changing household expenditure patterns, expanding its item basket from 299 to 358, including new categories like online media and modern energy sources. The revised weights will better represent consumption trends, although the impact on inflation volatility remains uncertain, with the focus on creating a more accurate index.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 4 pmeznews.inAdani Group and Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer are poised to announce plans for a final assembly line (FAL) for civilian aircraft in India, marking a significant step in the country's aviation manufacturing ambitions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed on January 27 in New Delhi, with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu in attendance. This initiative comes as India experiences rapid growth in civil aviation, with increasing air traffic and fleet expansions. The FAL will enable Adani to enter aircraft manufacturing, with future plans to produce aircraft components. Embraer, which has operated in India since 2005 and currently has around 50 aircraft in service, aims to capitalize on the projected demand for 500 aircraft in the 80-146 seat range over the next two decades. This collaboration is expected to enhance Embraer's competitiveness in the Indian market, further supported by government efforts to boost local aerospace manufacturing.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to manage its finances, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to reduce its debt to below ₹2 lakh crore by the end of the current financial year, as confirmed by a senior government official. NHAI's debt peaked at ₹3.5 lakh crore in 2021-22 but has since decreased to ₹2,35,947 crore as of December 31, 2025, following a 32% reduction since it ceased borrowing in 2023. The authority has proactively prepaid ₹86,000 crore in liabilities, including ₹50,000 crore from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF). Although no specific target was set for this fiscal year, the official indicated that the goal remains to lower the debt further. Additionally, NHAI has successfully negotiated with banks to reduce interest rates, resulting in savings exceeding ₹3,500 crore over the past two years.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe World Economic Forum's latest Chief Economists' Outlook warns of a challenging year ahead for the global economy in 2026, with over half of leading economists predicting a slowdown. The survey reveals that 53% foresee deteriorating conditions, while only 19% anticipate stronger growth, reflecting a cautious sentiment despite slight improvements from last year. Key concerns include high debt levels, inflated asset prices, and geopolitical tensions, which are reshaping global trade and investment. While U.S. financial markets remain robust, particularly in AI-linked stocks, economists are divided on the sustainability of these valuations amid fears of asset bubbles. Additionally, rising public and private debt is prompting difficult policy choices, with increased spending on defense and infrastructure potentially squeezing budgets for education and social programs. As countries pivot towards regional trade agreements, the uneven adoption of AI technology poses both opportunities and challenges, particularly for smaller businesses and developing regions.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inDelhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the city aims to convert its entire public transport bus fleet to emission-free electric vehicles within three years. Speaking at a gathering, Gupta highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the capital's infrastructure, with a capital expenditure of ₹30,000 crore allocated for this initiative, which includes the introduction of 11,000 electric buses and the establishment of necessary charging stations and depots. Reflecting on the past eleven months of BJP governance, she noted significant strides made towards public welfare and overcoming systemic challenges, particularly regarding pollution. Gupta emphasized the government's dedication to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and paid tribute to freedom fighters who contributed to India's independence. Her remarks came during the Republic Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium, where she underscored the importance of the Constitution as a guiding force for justice and equality in India.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pm
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