eznews.inIn a significant ruling on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court invalidated President Donald Trump's tariffs, deeming them beyond his authority. This decision affects the interim trade deal with India, reducing the previously agreed reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 18% to a temporary surcharge of 10%. Consequently, Indian labor-intensive products like textiles and shrimp will now face a lower tariff, aligning with rates imposed on other countries. However, the high 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum remain unchanged. Trump maintained that India would continue to pay tariffs, while trade experts argue that India now holds greater negotiating power in ongoing discussions, particularly regarding agriculture and digital trade. Experts suggest that India should leverage this opportunity to protect its interests, as Trump hinted at potential future tariffs under different legal provisions, which would require extensive investigations. 
Published: Feb 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA three-day weather forecast from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts predicts moderate rain across most of Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu until Monday. This follows the formation of a new low-pressure area over the equatorial Indian Ocean and southeast Bay of Bengal, which emerged after a previous low weakened near Sri Lanka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that this new low may intensify but is likely to weaken due to adverse atmospheric conditions. Heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas of southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with additional light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds forecasted for South Interior Karnataka. Meanwhile, a western disturbance is affecting northern India, bringing isolated rainfall and potential thunderstorms to regions including Uttarakhand and the western Himalayas. Rain and snow are also expected in Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh over the coming days.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to eliminate cash transactions at National Highway fee plazas by April 1, 2026, transitioning to a fully digital tolling system. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of electronic toll collection, primarily through FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which have already seen significant adoption, with FASTag penetration exceeding 98%. The shift is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure greater transparency in toll transactions. Currently, vehicles without a valid FASTag face double charges for cash payments, while UPI users incur a 1.25 times fee. NHAI's move is designed to address issues related to cash payments, such as longer wait times and disputes, and aligns with its goal of creating a technology-driven National Highway network that offers seamless services to users across more than 1,150 fee plazas nationwide.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant shift from the Green Revolution's focus on high-yield hybrids and synthetic fertilizers, Indian households are increasingly embracing organic grains and pulses, marking a new agricultural revolution rooted in health and sustainability. This movement seeks to revive heritage crops like Khapli wheat and various millets, which offer superior nutritional benefits compared to conventional produce. As consumers demand transparency in food production, organic farmers are emerging as vital contributors to public health, linking soil health to human well-being. The transition to organic farming not only addresses environmental challenges by restoring soil microbiomes and promoting drought-resistant crops but also empowers farmers economically by reducing reliance on costly chemicals. Additionally, traditional processing methods are being revived, enhancing the nutritional value of food. This holistic transformation reflects a broader cultural shift in India, prioritizing nourishment over mere sustenance and fostering a sustainable agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn a recent update from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the monetary policy committee unanimously decided to maintain the policy repo rate at 5.25%, reflecting a neutral stance amid a more optimistic growth outlook. According to ICICI Bank Global Markets, the likelihood of rate hikes remains low due to stable core inflation and recent trade agreements with the US and EU, which have led to a 20 basis point upward revision in growth forecasts for the first half of 2026-27. While inflation projections have been adjusted upwards due to rising precious metal prices, the overall inflation outlook remains benign. The RBI's focus will shift towards ensuring effective monetary transmission, especially as bond yields and deposit rates have recently increased, influenced by higher oil prices. The committee's approach suggests a prolonged pause on rate cuts, with an emphasis on maintaining liquidity in the market.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inDespite the growing global interest in Indian cuisine, its international expansion has been hampered not by a lack of appeal, but by unpredictability in taste and quality. For many in the Indian diaspora, food evokes cherished memories, yet traditional manufacturing methods have struggled to meet the consistency required for global markets. Variability in raw materials and production processes has led to inconsistent flavors, undermining the cuisine's potential. To address this, a focus on integrating farmers into the supply chain and establishing standardized agricultural practices is essential. Additionally, modernizing manufacturing disciplines through technology and rigorous quality checks can help preserve authenticity while ensuring uniformity. Investments in infrastructure, such as temperature-controlled logistics and compliance-driven quality frameworks, are crucial for maintaining product integrity across borders. As Indian cuisine seeks to solidify its global presence, the emphasis must shift from nostalgia to building robust systems that ensure reliability and sustainability.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn a press briefing at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Supreme Court's recent ruling that he had overstepped his authority with sweeping tariffs. Despite the setback, Trump reaffirmed that the trade deal with India remains intact, stating, "The India deal is on." He praised his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that his tariffs played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, asserting that he "stopped the war" and saved "35 million lives." Trump highlighted a new framework for an Interim Agreement on trade with India, which includes a reduction of tariffs from 25% to 18% on Indian imports. He emphasized that while India will continue to pay tariffs, the U.S. will not, marking a significant shift in trade dynamics. Trump criticized the Supreme Court's decision but maintained that his administration's approach to tariffs has been effective in promoting national security and peace.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 7 ameznews.inAmarak Chemicals FZC, part of the Aries Group of Companies, has launched a fully automated sulphur manufacturing facility in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), with a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum. The facility, inaugurated by BG Krishnan, Consul (Economic, Trade and Commerce) at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, will produce sulphur bentonite and other sulphur-related products for international markets. Registered under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the facility enables duty-free exports to India while serving various global markets. Rahul Mirchandani, Group Chairman, emphasized the investment's role in enhancing manufacturing capabilities in agricultural inputs and fostering India-UAE industrial collaboration. The facility is expected to reduce logistics costs and improve market access, contributing to the agribusiness sector and supporting regional farmers by ensuring a steady supply of essential agricultural inputs, according to Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO at DP World GCC.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has updated the base year for its merchandise trade indices from 2012-13 to 2022-23, aiming to enhance the relevance and reliability of trade data for policymakers and researchers, according to a statement from the Commerce Department. This revision, led by a committee chaired by Professor Nachiketa Chattopadhyay of the Indian Statistical Institute, addresses structural changes in the economy and evolving trade patterns. The updated indices will better reflect the current state of India's external trade, with a comprehensive review of commodity coverage and classification to capture emerging trends. Additionally, the weighting structure has been revised to align with the latest trade values. The new series includes various indices, such as monthly, quarterly, and annual data, as well as classifications by principal commodities and trade partners, providing a more accurate picture of India's trade landscape.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn financial updates, India's benchmark indices saw gains, with the SENSEX rising by 316.57 points to close at 82,814.71, while the NIFTY increased by 116.90 points, reaching 25,571.25. In commodities, gold prices surged by ₹1,778 to ₹156,597, and silver rose by ₹12,492 to ₹253,885. Conversely, crude oil prices fell by ₹38, settling at ₹6,020. Meanwhile, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that Tamil Nadu's total revenue for the financial year 2022-23 was ₹2,43,749 crore, with tax revenue contributing ₹1,50,223 crore and non-tax revenue at ₹17,061 crore. This marks an increase in the state's revenue share from 65% in 2021-22 to 69% in 2022-23, bolstered by ₹38,731 crore from the Government of India and significant contributions from sales and Goods and Services Tax.
Published: Feb 20 2026, 9 pm
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