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In a significant regulatory move, the Indian government has revoked the quality control order (QCO) on flux cored solder wire, a crucial component for industries such as electronics and automobiles. Originally issued in September 2023, the decision was made in the public interest following consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced the rescindment, citing the necessity of the action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This revocation aligns with previous actions taken by the government, which has also withdrawn multiple quality control orders on various chemicals and polymers over the past year. The move is expected to ease regulatory burdens on manufacturers and enhance the availability of essential materials in key sectors. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 7 ameznews.inGroundnut exports from India, which had previously not exceeded 6,500 tonnes until September 2025, began to rise in October, despite Indonesia's restrictions on imports. Data indicates that illegal shipments via Port Klang in Malaysia have surged, with 90% of groundnuts entering Indonesia through unofficial channels after Jakarta lifted its suspension on Indian imports in late November. In December alone, illegal shipments totaled 225 containers compared to just 20 officially. The rise in illegal trade has driven down domestic prices in Indonesia, while Indian exporters face challenges due to high aflatoxin levels in their produce, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Additionally, China has pressured ASEAN countries to tighten quality controls and source more locally, further complicating India's export situation. As scrutiny of shipments increases, the Indian groundnut market faces significant hurdles amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 7 ameznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named after the late D B Patil, a prominent local leader, during a public meeting in Airoli. He emphasized that the airport will be pivotal for the region's economic growth, supporting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and import-export. Fadnavis described Navi Mumbai as the next growth engine following Mumbai, bolstered by extensive infrastructure projects, including new road links, metro connectivity, and water supply schemes. He highlighted plans for an EduCity to attract global universities, housing redevelopment in Ghansoli, and a multi-speciality hospital in Belapur. Fadnavis urged voters to support BJP candidates in the upcoming municipal elections, promising a commitment to the city's development over the next five years. The SENSEX rose by 301.93 points to 83,878.17, while NIFTY increased by 106.95 points to 25,790.25, reflecting positive market sentiment.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 7 ameznews.inA joint report by the Multiplex Association of India and Ernst & Young (E&Y) highlights the potential of India's film exhibition industry to create 125,000 jobs and generate an additional ₹950 crore in tax revenue by doubling the number of cinema screens from 9,927 in 2024 to 20,000 within five years. Despite a slight increase in screen count, the industry has faced a 2% revenue decline since 2019, dropping from ₹19,100 crore to ₹18,746 crore. The report advocates for tax incentives for new screens, deregulation of ticket pricing, and granting industry status to exhibitors to reduce operational costs. It also suggests allowing alternative uses for theatres and 24/7 operations to enhance monetisation, as the average number of screens per million people has decreased from 7.6 in 2018 to 6.8 in 2024, lagging behind major markets like the US and China. The report notes a significant reduction in the theatrical window, now averaging just four to eight weeks.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 7 ameznews.inIndian tea exporters are facing significant challenges as shipments to Iran, a key market for premium orthodox tea, have come to a halt amid a breakdown in communication with local importers. Anish Bhansali, a partner at Bhansali & Co, expressed concern over the situation, noting that all phone lines have been lost, complicating efforts to assess the impact on exports. Iran is currently experiencing widespread anti-government protests, leading to intensified crackdowns and disruptions in internet and telecommunications services. Despite some shipments already en route based on prior contracts, new shipments have been suspended. Experts suggest that while the geopolitical turmoil may intermittently affect exports, Indian tea, particularly Assam orthodox varieties, remains well-integrated into Iranian brands. Overall, India's tea exports are projected to grow in 2025, buoyed by demand from Iran, Iraq, and China, following a total of 256.17 million kilograms exported in 2024.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has set a foodgrain production target of 171.14 million tonnes (mt) for the rabi season, comprising 119 mt of wheat, 15.86 mt of rice, 16.57 mt of pulses, 3.17 mt of nutri-cereals, 14.5 mt of maize, 2.05 mt of barley, and 15.07 mt of oilseeds, including 13.9 mt of mustard. As of January 9, the total acreage for rabi crops reached 644.29 lakh hectares (lh), marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Wheat planting remains stable at 334.17 lh, matching last week's figures, while pulses and oilseeds have also seen increases in acreage. Favourable weather conditions are aiding crop growth, with urea fertilizer being applied to support wheat development. However, jowar acreage has declined by 5.7% compared to last year. The government remains optimistic about achieving a bumper harvest this season.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 8 pmeznews.inNet direct tax collection in India increased by 8.82% to over ₹18.38 lakh crore for the current fiscal year up to January 11, according to the Income Tax Department. Corporate tax collections rose by more than 12% to ₹8.63 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax collections, which encompass taxes from individuals and various entities, reached over ₹9.30 lakh crore, marking a growth of over 6%. However, securities transaction tax collection remained largely unchanged at ₹44,867 crore. Notably, tax refunds fell by 17% to ₹3.12 lakh crore during this period. Looking ahead, the Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2025-26 projects corporation tax at ₹10.82 lakh crore, reflecting a 10.4% increase, while total income taxes are estimated at ₹13.60 lakh crore, a 13.1% rise. Deloitte's Rohinton Sidhwa noted that while the growth is promising, it is largely due to reduced refunds, raising questions about the underlying trends.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn December 2025, the power sector's share of coal despatch in India fell to 77%, the lowest in over two years, down from a peak of 83% in March 2025. This decline marks the third consecutive month of reduced coal supply to the power sector, which typically consumes more than two-thirds of the country's coal. The total coal offtake reached 90.17 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of over 2.5%. Analysts attribute this downturn to diminished power demand, influenced by early and prolonged monsoon rains that reduced energy needs. Consequently, the forecast for power demand growth in FY26 has been sharply revised down to 1.5-2% from an earlier estimate of 4-4.5%. Additionally, the Indian Energy Exchange reported a significant drop in market prices due to increased supply from hydropower and wind energy. Coal production, however, remains robust, with a record high of 1,082 million tonnes in 2024.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 8 pmeznews.inChana (gram) prices have surged by ₹225-300 in recent weeks, driven by increased festive demand and tightening supplies, edging closer to the minimum support price (MSP) levels. According to Satish Upadhyay, Hon Secretary of the India Pulses and Grains Association, the quality of remaining domestic stocks is poor, prompting a shift in demand towards chana as prices for yellow peas also rise. The IPGA reported that both domestic and imported chana prices have increased for three consecutive weeks, supported by steady demand and low mandi arrivals. However, chana imports from Australia have decreased by approximately 6% this season, as importers anticipate a better domestic crop. Upadhyay noted that prices are expected to remain stable around MSP levels, which is set at ₹5,875 for the 2026-27 marketing season, while average mandi prices were ₹5,417/quintal as of January 10.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPune-based Two Brothers Organic Farms has made history by becoming the first Indian producer to receive independent Glyphosate Residue-Free certification for its A2 Cultured Ghee. Awarded by DetoxProject.org, a globally recognized third-party organization, the certification confirms the absence of glyphosate residues through stringent laboratory testing. Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide since the 1970s, poses risks not only to crops but also to the entire food chain, affecting soil, water, and animal health. Co-founder Satyajit Hange emphasized the need for greater awareness about chemical usage in food production, stating that the certification aims to shift the conversation from intent to evidence. His brother and co-founder, Ajinkya Hange, echoed this sentiment, advocating for transparency in food safety practices in India, where testing for chemical residues should become standard rather than exceptional.
Published: Jan 12 2026, 8 pm
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