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India is negotiating last-minute concessions with the European Union (EU) as both parties aim to advance Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions this month. Key demands from New Delhi include flexibility in meeting the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) obligations through alternative offset mechanisms, as well as increased quotas for concessional steel exports. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will join negotiators in Brussels to provide political momentum, coinciding with the upcoming visit of EU leaders to India for Republic Day celebrations. The CBAM, effective from January 1, 2026, requires importers of carbon-intensive goods to purchase certificates for embedded emissions, potentially forcing Indian exporters to reduce prices by 15-22% to remain competitive. Additionally, the EU seeks greater market access for automobiles and dairy products. With bilateral trade between India and the EU reaching $136.53 billion in 2024-25, both sides are eager to finalize the FTA amid global trade uncertainties. 
Published: Jan 07 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has launched the District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan, aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in the textile sector. Announced at the National Textile Ministers Conference in Guwahati, the initiative seeks to develop 100 high-potential districts into Global Export Champions and upgrade 100 Aspirational Districts into self-reliant hubs. The Ministry of Textiles employed a data-driven scoring methodology to assess districts based on export performance, MSME ecosystem, and workforce presence. The plan features a tailored implementation framework, categorizing districts into Champion and Aspirational groups. Emphasizing the development of the eastern and northeastern regions, the initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity, promoting tribal belt development, and leveraging Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for unique handicrafts. By aligning government resources with industry and academic partnerships, the DLTT aims to strengthen textile clusters and replicate successful models across districts.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2026, India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is witnessing a strategic shift in direct-to-consumer (D2C) acquisitions, moving from opportunistic buys to a more disciplined, strategy-led approach. As competition intensifies and demand fluctuates, FMCG companies are focusing on D2C brands that enhance premiumisation, digital capabilities, and direct consumer access. Archana Jahagirdar of Rukam Capital highlights the importance of scalable synergies and first-party consumer data in acquisition decisions. With distribution power diminishing due to e-commerce standardisation, brands that embody aspiration are increasingly sought after. Valuations are now driven by durability and operational discipline rather than rapid growth, with profitability becoming a key differentiator. While established D2C brands are preferred for immediate scale, innovative startups are still attracting interest through minority investments. This recalibration underscores a broader shift in expectations, prioritising relevance and execution capability in a fragmented market.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inDuring the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane in October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn discussed the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India trade pact, which aims to enhance market access for Indian businesses and address implementation challenges. India's Ambassador to ASEAN, Srinivas Gotru, emphasized the importance of concluding the agreement to unlock economic opportunities and better align trade routes. In 2024-25, trade between India and ASEAN reached approximately $123 billion, highlighting ASEAN's significance as a key economic partner. Additionally, a Digital Economy Framework Agreement is set to be unveiled, promoting an integrated digital market through cross-border data flows and cybersecurity cooperation. Ajay Kumar from the Ministry of External Affairs noted India's commitment to inclusive growth through technology adoption, supported by initiatives like the 'Make in India' program, positioning the country as a major manufacturing hub.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn response to a series of deadly bus accidents that claimed 145 lives in three months, the Indian government is tightening the bus body code and introducing vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to enhance road safety. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced these measures following the Transport Development Council's recent meeting. The revised bus body code will require manufacturers to obtain type approval from authorized agencies, replacing the previous self-certification system. Additionally, a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims will provide up to ₹1.5 lakh for medical care, even for those in uninsured vehicles. The government is also launching the 'Zero Fatality Districts Programme' to analyze crash data in high-accident areas and improve public transport accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Other initiatives include proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act and advancements in driving training and vehicle scrapping policies.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's maize exports, which plummeted to a five-year low in 2024-25 due to high domestic prices, are experiencing a resurgence this fiscal year, driven by increased domestic production and more favorable pricing for international buyers. From April to October 2025, maize exports rose by 20% in volume to over 284,000 tonnes, with a 28% increase in value to $112.49 million compared to the previous year. Experts attribute this rebound to viable pricing and a cautious trade environment, particularly concerning Bangladesh, a key market. India's maize production for the kharif 2025 season is projected at a record 28.3 million tonnes, up from 24.8 million tonnes last year, while rabi sowing has also seen a 6.6% increase in acreage. Despite the recovery, domestic demand for feed and industrial use remains a priority, suggesting that export growth may be tempered by local requirements.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAgrifeeder Agricultural Services, co-founded by actress Neetu Chandra, announced plans to expand into export markets, aiming to increase its revenue to ₹3.5 crore this fiscal year, a 75% rise from ₹2 crore in FY25. The company has secured USFDA certification, allowing it to export products under the brand "Agrifeeder by Neetu Chandra." Chandra emphasized her commitment to Bihar's farmers, stating that her name on the packaging signifies quality and support for local livelihoods. Co-founder Priya Pandey noted expectations for significant turnover growth in the next fiscal year. Founded in 2017, Agrifeeder began selling food products in 2020, including _chana sattu_, _makhana_, and lemongrass herbal tea, primarily through online and physical retail. The company, which collaborates with over 50,000 farmers, is seeking investor funding to enhance manufacturing capabilities, with a plant located in Dubuoli village, near Bhagalpur.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFarmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who previously led a 130-day hunger strike at the Punjab-Haryana border, announced a new initiative aimed at raising awareness among farmers nationwide. The Kisan Jagriti Yatra is set to begin on February 2 from Kanyakumari, traversing the country and culminating in a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on March 19. Dallewal emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, and the repeal of land acquisition laws. He expressed concerns over the Draft Seeds Bill, suggesting it could lead to Indian farmers becoming dependent on foreign genetically modified seeds, ultimately trapping them in debt. Dallewal criticized claims of increased agricultural production as misleading, asserting that true farmer happiness hinges on fair pricing for their produce. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha plans to seek permission for the rally, hopeful after a previous successful protest at Jantar Mantar.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inEconomic growth in India for FY26 is projected to surpass government estimates, with SBI Research forecasting a rise to 7.5%, up from the National Statistical Office's (NSO) advance estimate of 7.4%. This optimism is echoed by Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist at Crisil, who notes that subdued consumption growth linked to low nominal GDP could improve, aided by a boost from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The first quarter of FY26 saw growth at 7.8%, followed by 8.2% in the second quarter, suggesting a potential upward revision from earlier forecasts of 6.3% to 6.8%. However, growth in the latter half of the fiscal year is expected to slow to 6.9% due to a high base effect and reduced government spending. Analysts emphasize that domestic demand will be crucial for sustaining growth amid global uncertainties, with expectations of a broader recovery in capital expenditure and consumption.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUS Senator Lindsey Graham announced that President Donald Trump has "greenlit" a Russia Sanctions Bill, which proposes imposing a staggering 500 per cent tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy, including India, China, and Brazil. This development rattled markets, leading to their steepest decline in over four months, with the Nifty 50 index falling below 26,000. The bipartisan bill, which has garnered significant support in Congress, could hinder India's prospects for a trade deal with the US unless the Supreme Court overturns Trump's existing tariffs, a ruling expected soon. Graham emphasized that the bill would provide Trump with substantial leverage to persuade nations to cease buying Russian oil. Meanwhile, exporters are diversifying their markets amid rising tariffs, with experts noting the complexities of implementing such high tariffs on services. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await the Supreme Court's decision on the legality of the tariffs.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a PRAGATI meeting in New Delhi on December 31, 2025, where it was reported that 43 out of 53 monitored projects, valued at Rs 3.02 lakh crore, have been commissioned since the platform's inception in 2015. The remaining 10 projects, currently under construction, represent an investment of Rs 1,10,467 crore. The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) leads with 20 commissioned projects, followed by NTPC with 14. Overall, PRAGATI has reviewed 237 power projects worth Rs 10.53 lakh crore, with 108 projects valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh crore still under construction. Launched to enhance digital governance, PRAGATI aims to streamline infrastructure development and social programs, fostering a collaborative approach between the Centre and states while ensuring timely decision-making and measurable outcomes.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 7 pm
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