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India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting sensitive sectors in trade negotiations, particularly under the interim trade agreement with the US. Speaking to reporters, Agrawal emphasized that India has maintained a "clear mindset" in safeguarding its farmers, fishermen, and dairy industries, ensuring no duty concessions on critical agricultural products like maize, wheat, and dairy under the pact. The agreement, which is expected to be finalized by the end of March, aims to bolster India's labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles and gems, by reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%, providing a competitive edge over nations like China and Vietnam. Agrawal noted that India's agriculture sector, vital for the livelihoods of over 500 million people, remains protected by high tariffs to shield domestic farmers from foreign competition. The interim agreement is seen as a pathway to rejuvenate Indian exports and strengthen supply chains. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inNamaste India, a dairy brand under the RSPL Group, has officially launched its fresh milk products in Bihar, backed by a substantial investment of ₹350 crore. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, creamy milk to consumers through a robust local dairy ecosystem. The product range includes various fresh milk options such as FCM (Perfect Maza) and Shakti Plus, available in multiple pack sizes from 500 ml to 6 litres. Distribution will be facilitated through an extensive omnichannel network across 12 districts, including Patna and Gaya. The company emphasizes rigorous quality standards, including multi-level testing and cold chain management, to ensure freshness and nutritional value. Manoj Arora, COO, highlighted Bihar's potential as a promising dairy market, noting a shift towards branded, hygienic milk. This launch marks a significant step in Namaste India's growth strategy, expanding its reach to 17-18 states nationwide.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's exports of goods and services have shown robust growth in early 2026, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal expressing optimism for positive January data, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. Speaking at the Biofach 2026 show in Nuremberg, where over 100 Indian exhibitors are promoting organic products, Agrawal highlighted that merchandise exports remained steady, with a 1.87% increase to $38.5 billion in December, while imports rose by 8.7% to $63.55 billion. For the April-December period of the current fiscal year, merchandise exports increased by 2.44% to $330.29 billion. The commerce ministry anticipates that total goods and services exports could surpass $850 billion in 2025-26, up from $825 billion in the previous year. Official data for January is expected to be released later this month.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndian workers are increasingly filling critical roles in Russia's manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and waste management sectors, as the country grapples with a significant labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. With a reported shortfall of 2.3 million workers, Moscow has turned to India, approving nearly 72,000 work permits for Indian nationals last year, a stark increase from just 5,000 in 2021. This shift reflects strengthened economic ties between India and Russia, particularly in energy cooperation, as India purchases discounted Russian oil amid Western sanctions. Companies like Brera Intex and Sergiyevsky farm have successfully integrated Indian workers, who are drawn by better pay and opportunities. However, U.S. pressure on India to reduce its oil imports from Russia could impact this burgeoning workforce dynamic, leaving the future of Indian labor in Russia uncertain.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inNashik airport in Maharashtra is set to undergo a significant ₹572 crore upgrade, aimed at tripling its passenger handling capacity to 1,000 per hour in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival. The expansion will feature an 18,250 square metre terminal with 24 check-in counters and a new apron that will double the number of aircraft parking bays to 12. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the project following a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with the state government covering all costs. The project is expected to be completed within a year. Last year, Nashik airport experienced a 23% increase in passenger traffic, handling nearly 300,000 passengers from April to December, and over 6,400 metric tonnes of international cargo. The expansion is anticipated to bolster both industrial and tourism growth in the region, echoing the record air traffic seen at Prayagraj airport during the last Kumbh Mela.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inSoumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor at the State Bank of India, has highlighted the pivotal role of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India's economy, with its contribution to Gross Value Added (GVA) reaching 30.1% in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Speaking at the India SME Finance and Summit, Ghosh noted that MSME exports surged from ₹3.95 lakh crore in 2021 to ₹12.4 trillion by 2024-2025, accounting for 45.73% of total exports. The number of exporting MSMEs has nearly tripled, rising from 52,849 to 1,76,315 in four years. Ghosh emphasized the need for regulatory reforms, advocating for a shift to turnover-based definitions and the inclusion of retail and wholesale trade under the MSME umbrella. He also pointed out that women own around 40% of these enterprises, underscoring the sector's inclusivity and its potential to generate 34 crore jobs across various categories.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA thick mass of clouds has formed over the south Bay of Bengal, prompting meteorologists to monitor the potential development of a low-pressure area in the coming week to ten days. An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the east Equatorial Indian Ocean has raised interest, as February typically sees limited cyclone activity in the region. However, historical data suggests that low-intensity systems can occasionally emerge during this period. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Myanmar's meteorological authorities are both on alert for possible developments. Satellite imagery indicates significant cloud cover near Sri Lanka, where a storm could form if the low-pressure area intensifies. The US Climate Prediction Centre estimates a 20-40% chance of storm formation between February 18 and 24. Concurrently, a western disturbance is affecting northern India, bringing isolated rainfall and snowfall to regions including Punjab and Rajasthan.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 11 ameznews.inKrishival Foods, a rapidly expanding Indian FMCG company known for its diverse offerings including dry fruits, nuts, and ice cream, has reported a significant increase in its financial performance for the December quarter. The company's net profit surged to ₹6 crore, driven by strong demand during the wedding and festival seasons. Revenue rose by 40% to ₹77 crore, while EBITDA more than doubled to ₹12 crore. This growth was attributed to robust demand and an expanded presence in tier-II and -III markets, alongside steady performance in both general and modern trade, quick-commerce, and export channels. The ice cream segment, Melt N Mellow, has begun contributing positively to profits earlier than expected, reflecting effective operational strategies. Chairman Sujit Bangar noted that the company is well-positioned for future growth following a successful rights issue, enhancing its capacity for investment in processing infrastructure and margin-accretive initiatives. Shares rose by 1% to ₹352.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 11 ameznews.inAs Valentine's Day approaches, India's flower growers face significant challenges, primarily due to soaring air freight costs that have diminished their competitiveness in the global market. While Kenya, Ethiopia, and Colombia dominate flower exports, Indian farmers are struggling with a nearly 200% increase in airline freight charges and an 18% GST on air freight, leading to a sharp decline in exports from over 10 million stems last year to just 3-4 million this season. Karnataka, a key floriculture hub, has seen a similar trend, with freight costs varying significantly by destination, making exports increasingly unviable. However, the domestic market has emerged as a silver lining, with increased demand driven by changing consumption patterns and online delivery platforms. Despite a rise in domestic rose prices, growers remain concerned that without a reduction in freight costs and tax burdens, India's position in the international flower trade may continue to weaken.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn New Delhi on February 10, 2026, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, engaged in the 11th round of India-Hungary Foreign Office Consultations with Hungarian State Secretary Boglárka Illés. The discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including political affairs, trade, investment, defence, science and technology, green energy, and cultural ties, while also addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest, particularly concerning Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The consultations highlighted the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between India and Hungary, which has endured various political and economic changes. Notably, Hungary appreciates India's historical support during the 1956 uprising. The two nations have established frameworks for economic cooperation, including the Indo-Hungary Joint Committee and a Joint Business Council, fostering direct business interactions since 1979. The previous round of consultations took place in Budapest in January 2021.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 9 am
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