eznews.inThe APEC Climate Centre (APCC) has forecasted that a drought-inducing El Niño phenomenon is likely to develop by July 2026, disrupting moisture-laden winds towards India and potentially leading to reduced rainfall during the crucial June to September monsoon season. Historically, such events have resulted in delayed monsoon onset and prolonged dry spells, impacting food production and contributing to inflation. Following a significant El Niño in 2023 that persisted into 2024, affecting crop yields, the APCC anticipates above-normal rainfall in India before the phenomenon takes hold. Globally, the report predicts above-normal temperatures, particularly in the Arctic and subtropical North Pacific, while regions like the eastern equatorial Pacific and northern Indian Ocean may experience near-normal precipitation. The outlook also indicates below-normal precipitation for parts of the central Pacific and Caribbean during early 2026, with varying precipitation trends expected across different regions. 
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production for the 2025-26 season has surged to 158.85 lakh tonnes (lt) as of January 15, marking a 22% increase from 130.60 lt the previous year, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF). Maharashtra has seen a remarkable rise, producing 64.60 lt—over 50% more than last year's 43.05 lt—while Uttar Pradesh, the largest sugarcane producer, reported a modest increase of less than 7% to 45.70 lt. Karnataka's output also rose by 13% to 30.70 lt. Together, these three states account for nearly 89% of the country's total sugar production. The NFCSF noted that 519 sugar mills have processed 1,763.74 lt of sugarcane, achieving a recovery rate of 9.01%. Additionally, the government has reallocated export quotas, allowing mills to exchange permits, with 16 mills surrendering 52,270 tonnes in the latest order.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and innovation through its Social Innovation and Transformation vertical, supporting over 75 start-ups and diverting more than 4.6 lakh kg of plastic and 94,780 kg of agricultural waste from landfills. PRIF's three incubation programmes—Prakriti Incubation Launchpad with IIM Calcutta, Circular Economy Incubator with NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, and ADVAYA-Plastic Circularity Innovation Launchpad with SIIC-IIT Kanpur—aim to bolster India's circular economy and climate innovation ecosystem. These initiatives focus on nurturing green entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved regions like the North-East, by providing structured support, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Notably, the Circular Economy Incubator has helped 46 ventures secure ₹42.6 crore in follow-on funding, while the ADVAYA programme emphasizes deep-tech solutions for plastic circularity. PRIF's efforts align with India's net-zero vision, aiming to create scalable, climate-smart solutions and enhance sustainable livelihoods across the country.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is grappling with the decision to maintain its investment in Iran's Chabahar port amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding a sanctions waiver set to expire on April 26. Officials emphasize the port's strategic importance, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while circumventing Pakistan, yet the constraints of US sanctions complicate the situation. Sources indicate that India remains committed to Chabahar due to its economic and strategic objectives, despite heightened uncertainty following former President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on countries engaging with Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India is actively engaged with the US to navigate the sanctions regime, countering reports of a potential exit from the project. Currently, India's trade with Iran is minimal, amounting to just $1.6 billion, a fraction of its $86.51 billion trade with the US, suggesting that businesses may prioritize American partnerships over Iranian ones.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's poultry industry faces a paradox as feed costs, which constitute up to 70% of egg production expenses, remain among the highest globally, with domestic maize prices exceeding ₹23 per kg compared to ₹15.50 in the US. Despite this, egg prices in India are among the lowest worldwide, prompting calls from industry leaders for government intervention to restrict soya imports and reduce production costs. Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director of Srinivasa Farms, highlighted that farmers earn approximately ₹4.75 per egg, while retail prices are around ₹6, a stark contrast to the US market. With production costs in neighboring countries surpassing ₹8, India's poultry sector demonstrates remarkable efficiency. Industry representatives advocate for a calibrated maize import mechanism and a focus on feed stability to enhance farmers' margins and ensure affordable egg prices, emphasizing the need for sustainable support rather than retail price controls.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAir India and Singapore Airlines have announced a joint business agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity and service offerings on flights between India and Singapore, marking Air India's first such enhanced commercial partnership. The agreement, signed as a commercial co-operation framework, will facilitate collaboration in flight schedules, pricing, sales, and marketing, pending anti-trust approvals. Both airlines plan to improve customer experience and loyalty programme benefits beyond current Star Alliance offerings. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, has previously engaged in similar agreements with other carriers but did not implement one with Vistara before its merger with Air India. The partnership is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Singapore being a key international destination for Indian travelers. Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, emphasized the airline's commitment to expanding its global presence through strategic partnerships.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 7 pmeznews.inSilver futures have surged past $100 an ounce on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE), closing at 22,539 yuan ($100.63) after peaking at 23,710 yuan ($105.87) on Thursday. In the Mumbai spot market, silver reached a record ₹2,81,890 per kg, with March futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) trading at ₹2,90,610. The metal's premium in China, currently at $10, is driven by robust domestic demand from industries such as solar and electric vehicles, alongside low inventories exacerbating global supply shortages. Analysts note that physical silver stocks are being hoarded, contributing to a structural deficit that has persisted since 2018, partly due to reduced investments in mining. The gold-silver ratio has halved to 50:1 from 100:1 a year ago, indicating potential for further price increases as silver demand continues to rise.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inShripad Yesso Naik, India's Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, emphasized the vital role of bioenergy in the country's clean energy transition during a recent address. He noted that bioenergy not only aids in electricity generation but also addresses national priorities like energy security, rural livelihoods, and pollution reduction. With India's renewable energy sector gaining momentum, Naik highlighted the need for industrial decarbonisation, particularly in the MSME sector, which heavily relies on fossil fuels for steam and heat. He advocated for biomass-based solutions, leveraging the country's agricultural and municipal waste to create value and reduce emissions. The government’s initiatives, including the National Bioenergy Programme and SATAT, aim to support this transition. MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi echoed the importance of strengthening biomass supply chains and fostering international collaboration, particularly with Germany, to enhance technology adoption and operational reliability for MSMEs.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inKochi's innovative Water Metro has garnered an 'Honorable Mention' at the Sustainable Transport Awards (STA) 2026, despite missing the top accolade, which went to Salvador, Brazil, for its electric Bus Rapid Transit expansion. Santiago, Chile, was also recognized for its extensive electric bus fleet. The Water Metro, which serves Kochi's ten inhabited islands with 78 electric-hybrid boats, has significantly reduced commute times and costs while cutting CO₂ emissions by an estimated 184 grams per passenger-kilometre. Since its launch in 2023, it has transported around 6 million passengers, averaging 6,000 daily riders. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera emphasized that this recognition will drive further innovation, including a shift towards hydrogen-powered boats. The Water Metro model is attracting global interest, with inquiries from countries like Fiji, and has received over ten national and international awards. The STA 2026 ceremony will take place on February 11, 2026.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has acknowledged that the draft Seeds Bill lacks provisions for compensating farmers for losses incurred due to substandard seeds, leaving them to seek redress through consumer forums. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing media in Delhi, emphasized that price controls on seeds would only be applied in exceptional cases, allowing companies to set their own prices. He also highlighted a new traceability system that will enable farmers to identify the source of their seeds via QR codes, aiming to prevent the entry of inferior products into the market. While the bill proposes stricter penalties for companies selling substandard seeds, including fines up to Rs 30 lakh and potential imprisonment for serious offenses, Chouhan reassured that traditional seed-sharing practices among farmers would remain unaffected. The government plans to maintain a regulatory framework for seed imports, ensuring they meet local agricultural conditions before approval.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 4 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact