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India to back steel exports affected by EU carbon tax

India's steel exports to Europe are set to decline due to the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes a carbon tax and import quotas on high-emission goods. Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik acknowledged the challenges posed by these regulations, stating that the government will implement measures to support the sector. This announcement follows a recent trade deal between India and the EU that reduced tariffs in various sectors but did not alter the CBAM. Currently, Indian steel mills export approximately two-thirds of their output to Europe, and the introduction of the CBAM has raised concerns about its impact on trade. In response to these challenges, Indian steel producers are reportedly looking to diversify their markets by seeking buyers in Africa and West Asia. The CBAM, which has been criticized by India since its inception in 2021, aims to address carbon emissions in the production of steel and other goods. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 5 pm

Adani Airport to start Navi Mumbai airport phase-2 construction

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd is set to commence Phase 2 construction of the Greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport after the monsoon this year, driven by strong demand and full airline slots. The airport, which began operations on December 25, 2025, is positioned as Mumbai's second aviation hub, crucial for alleviating air traffic congestion and fostering growth in the metropolitan area. In addition to Navi Mumbai, the company has also integrated a new terminal at Guwahati, enhancing its national aviation presence. Adani Airports now accounts for 23% of India's passenger traffic and 29% of air cargo volumes, with the airports business experiencing over 30% growth. In the third quarter, operational performance remained robust, with 24.7 million passengers handled and cargo volumes rising to 3.1 lakh metric tonnes. The company has already incurred ₹25,200 crore of its ₹36,000 crore capital expenditure plan for FY26. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 6 pm

NARVOS Wins Award at National Oilseeds Conference

The National Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture in the Vegetable Oil Sector (NARVOS), a collaboration between the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and Solidaridad, has received the ‘Institutional Impact Award’ from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for its role in promoting regenerative agriculture within India's oilseed sector. The award was presented during the National Oilseeds Conference in New Delhi, held from February 6-8. BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the commitment to enhancing farmer incomes and reducing import dependence through sustainable practices. Suresh Motwani, General Manager at Solidaridad, highlighted NARVOS as a pioneering partnership that prioritizes farmers, soil health, and scientific innovation. The conference aimed to develop a strategic roadmap for achieving self-reliance and resilience in the Indian oilseeds sector, focusing on research, sustainable practices, and global competitiveness. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 6 pm

Maharashtra mills process 906.56 lt of sugarcane

Maharashtra's sugar mills have reported a significant increase in sugarcane crushing during the 2025-26 season, processing 906.56 lakh tonnes (lt) by February 8, 2026, compared to 697.05 lt in the same period last year. This surge, nearly 30 per cent higher, has resulted in a net sugar recovery rate of 9.31 per cent, slightly up from 9.16 per cent last season, reflecting stable cane quality across key production areas. A total of 207 sugar factories, including 102 cooperative and 105 private mills, were operational this season, up from 199 last year. The Kolhapur division led in both crushing and recovery rates, achieving 193.16 lt of cane with a recovery of 10.87 per cent, while the Pune division followed closely. In contrast, the Amravati and Nagpur divisions reported minimal contributions, highlighting disparities in operational capacity across the state. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 6 pm

Farmers, Opposition unite against India-US trade agreement

Indian farm unions and opposition parties are mobilizing for nationwide protests against a new India-US trade framework, which they argue could jeopardize the agricultural sector by increasing US imports. The government, however, maintains that key staples like rice and wheat are protected under the agreement, which also offers Indian growers of basmati rice and other products duty-free access to the US market. Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Kisan Union, expressed concerns that Indian farmers, who face higher costs and crop losses, are at a disadvantage compared to their US counterparts. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha coalition has called for protests on February 12, warning that the deal could lead to the influx of subsidized US products, undermining domestic prices and rural incomes. Opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the lack of transparency in the agreement, labeling it a "total surrender" of national interests. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 4 pm

Global edible oil markets volatile due to trade and biofuels

Sudhakar Desai, President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, highlighted the current structural volatility in global edible oil markets, driven by trade realignments, biofuel mandates, and supply constraints. Speaking at the UOB Kay Hian Conference in Kuala Lumpur, he noted that geopolitical shifts have compressed trade opportunities and intensified price fluctuations across the supply chain. With global production of major vegetable oils projected at 208.4 million tonnes for 2025-26, India’s output is expected to cover only 40% of its needs, necessitating imports of around 16.7 million tonnes. Desai emphasized the impact of biofuel mandates, particularly Indonesia's biodiesel program, on palm oil demand. He forecasted Malaysia and Indonesia's palm oil production to remain stable, while price dynamics will be influenced by policy changes rather than traditional supply cycles. Desai called for stable duty frameworks to mitigate price volatility for consumers. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 3 pm

Kerala plans complete transformation of CIAL aviation system

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first phase of the CIAL Aero Park on Monday, marking a significant step towards transforming Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) into a comprehensive aviation hub. The project, which includes an investment of ₹101 crore, aims to provide a dedicated space for aviation maintenance, training, and technical support services, featuring new infrastructure such as maintenance bays and training facilities. The Aero Park is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs and nearly 6,000 indirect jobs, functioning as a special economic zone. Vijayan also opened the CIASL Business Centre and announced the construction of an Aviation Pressure-Fed Firefighting Facility and an Underwater Rescue Training Facility, the first of their kind in India. State Industries Minister P. Rajeev highlighted CIAL's resilience during the Covid crisis, emphasizing its swift recovery and profitability through business diversification. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 3 pm

Duty cut on soybean oil has minimal effect on edible oil industry

The recent duty reduction in the US-India bilateral trade agreement is expected to have a limited impact on Indian soybean oil importers, according to industry experts. BV Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, noted that while crude soybean oil prices in Argentina may see a slight decrease, the overall advantage for Indian importers will be minimal due to the higher costs associated with US-origin oil, which is typically $30-40 more expensive per tonne. Additionally, if the duty reduction applies to refined soybean oil, it could affect oil inflows from Nepal. India imported 54.68 lakh tonnes of soybean oil in the 2024-25 oil year, with Argentina being the primary supplier. Sudhakar Desai, President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, emphasized that recent free trade agreements are crucial for market pricing and sourcing, with further details on tariff concessions needed for clarity on US soybean oil imports. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 2 pm

Maruti ships record 5.85 lakh vehicles by rail in 2025

Maruti Suzuki India announced on Monday that it dispatched over 585,000 cars via rail in the last year, marking an 18% increase compared to 2024. The company's rail logistics share has surged from 5.1% in 2016 to 26% in 2025, significantly contributing to reduced carbon emissions, lower oil imports, and decreased road congestion. Maruti Suzuki's Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, highlighted two key initiatives: the launch of India's largest automobile in-plant railway siding at the Manesar facility and the first-ever rail dispatch of vehicles to the Kashmir valley via the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River. The company aims to boost rail-based vehicle dispatches to 35% by FY 2030-31, supporting India's net-zero goals by 2070. Since FY 2014-15, Maruti Suzuki has transported over 2.8 million vehicles across 600 cities using a hub and spoke model. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 12 pm

APEDA to Boost Indian Cashew Exports via FTAs

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in partnership with the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), is promoting the 'Indian Cashew' brand at international trade fairs, focusing on value-added exports. This initiative aims to enhance India's position in the global market by shifting exports towards higher-value products like roasted and flavoured cashews. During a recent meeting in Kollam, APEDA officials highlighted new market opportunities from recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries including the UK, Australia, and the EU, which provide zero-duty access. The meeting also emphasized the need for infrastructure development and technological modernization in Kerala's cashew industry to maintain competitiveness. B. Ashok, Kerala's Agricultural Production Commissioner, underscored state efforts to boost cashew cultivation and processing. India, contributing 19% of global cashew production, aims to strengthen its market presence following the inclusion of cashew products under the APEDA Schedule in 2023. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2026, 1 pm

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