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A delegation of Indian officials, led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, is set to visit the United States next week to finalise the legal text for an interim trade agreement, with a signing anticipated in March, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. The visit, scheduled to commence on February 23, follows a joint statement released earlier this month, which outlined the framework for the agreement. Agrawal noted that the next step involves translating the agreed contours of the deal into a formal legal document. Ongoing virtual discussions are also taking place as both nations work towards solidifying the terms of the agreement. The development marks a significant step in enhancing trade relations between India and the US. 
Published: Feb 16 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over Mumbai International Airport's (MIAL) decision to suspend freighter flights for nine months starting August 2026, as part of a reconstruction project for the cargo apron. This suspension, which MIAL announced last December, is set to last until May 2027, prompting apprehension from both IATA and the Air Cargo Agents Association of India regarding its impact on cargo operations at India's second busiest airport. MIAL cited safety risks due to concurrent taxiway construction and mixed aircraft movements as reasons for the suspension, despite recent communications suggesting the apron remains operationally viable for another four years. While dedicated freighter flights will be halted, MIAL assured that cargo transported in passenger aircraft will continue without disruption, with Navi Mumbai airport expected to accommodate some of the freighter operations during this period.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inVivek Raj, the founder of Panama Hydro-X, is investing Rs 214 crore in AI-enabled hydroponic farming in Karnataka, aiming to cultivate high-value spices and medicinal plants. Following a devastating drought that wiped out his crops a decade ago, Raj has developed four patented artificial intelligence technologies, spending Rs 146 crore on research. These innovations include systems for early disease detection and optimized lighting for photosynthesis, with patents granted in the UK, Germany, and Australia. The company plans to utilize 16 acres of farmland in Moodbidri, with the first commercial harvest expected in June 2027. During trials, the AI technology yielded 1,200 bags of ginger per acre, significantly outperforming traditional methods. Raj, who has a personal net worth of USD 700 million, aims to demonstrate commercial success before licensing the technologies, while also expanding his workforce in Mangalore.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inFemale unemployment in India saw a slight increase in January, rising to 5% from 4.8% in December, according to the Statistics Ministry. This uptick, based on a survey of 373,000 individuals, reflects a short-term trend rather than a significant decline in female labor market conditions, as the unemployment rate remained within the range observed from April to December 2025. The rise was noted in both rural and urban areas, with rural unemployment increasing from 3.9% to 4.2% and urban unemployment from 6.7% to 7%. The female labor force participation rate stood at 35.1%, with rural participation at 39.7% and urban at 25.5%. Despite the overall stability in the Worker Population Ratio, rural WPR saw a slight decline to 56.2%. The report attributes these changes to seasonal factors and post-harvest slowdowns, particularly affecting rural employment.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inAequs, a contract manufacturing firm specializing in consumer durable goods and aerospace components, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a manufacturing facility for aircraft engines, landing gear, and systems. The company, along with its partners, plans to invest ₹1,900 crore over the next decade. This facility is part of a larger ₹4,000 crore Aerospace and Defence manufacturing cluster, which will span 250 acres at SIPCOT Shoolagiri in Krishnagiri district. The cluster aims to focus on aero-engine components, landing gear systems, and advanced aerospace technologies, with the potential to create 7,000 jobs. TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Industries, highlighted that this investment enhances the state's position in global aero-engine supply chains and promotes distributed growth, while also fostering opportunities for local youth and strengthening links with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Published: Feb 16 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's merchandise exports saw a slight increase of 0.61% in January, reaching USD 36.56 billion, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. In contrast, imports surged by 19.2% to USD 71.24 billion, up from USD 59.77 billion a year earlier, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 34.68 billion for the month. Agrawal noted that exports are on an upward trajectory in both goods and services, with projections indicating that total exports for the fiscal year could exceed USD 860 billion. For the April-January period, exports rose by 2.22%, totaling USD 366.63 billion. The data reflects ongoing trends in India's trade landscape as it navigates global economic challenges.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 4 pmeznews.inDespite facing global economic challenges, Tamil Nadu's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, as highlighted in the State's 2025-26 Economic Survey. Contributing 9.4% to India's GDP, Tamil Nadu's economy reached ₹31.19 lakh crore in 2024-25, with a nominal growth rate of 16% and a real growth rate of 11.2%. The manufacturing sector outperformed the national average, achieving a real growth rate of 14.74%. The primary, secondary, and services sectors contributed 13.4%, 33.1%, and 53.6% to the Gross State Value Added, respectively. Notably, FDI inflows surged from US$2,436 million in 2023-24 to US$3,681 million in 2024-25, while merchandise exports nearly doubled from US$26.15 billion in 2020-21 to US$52.07 billion. Additionally, the state reported a decline in unemployment from 5.1% to 3.5%, with a per capita income of ₹3.62 lakh, significantly above the national average. Health indicators also showed improvement, with low infant mortality and high life expectancy rates.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 3 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi's government is aiming to increase private investment in highway development to 25% by next year, a significant rise from the current low single digits. This initiative comes a decade after private investors withdrew due to concerns over revenue risks and bureaucratic hurdles. To attract global funds, the government is set to introduce new rules that promise revenue protection for developers, with plans to award projects worth ₹1 lakh crore ($11 billion) to the private sector by fiscal year 2027. The latest budget allocates ₹12.2 lakh crore for infrastructure, including a 6.9% increase for roads and bridges. The government is also addressing industry grievances related to project delays and competition, while establishing an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to bolster investor confidence. This renewed focus on private capital is part of a broader strategy to modernize infrastructure and enhance India's competitiveness against China.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 2 pmeznews.inUK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is leading a high-profile delegation to the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, which runs from February 16 to 20. Accompanied by AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, the delegation includes representatives from major British tech firms and organizations such as techUK and OpenUK. Lammy emphasized the summit's potential to forge strategic partnerships and investments that benefit workers in the UK, India, and globally, while ensuring robust safety standards in AI development. The event is expected to attract over 200,000 participants, including 20 world leaders and more than 100 CEOs, focusing on themes of people, planet, and progress through specialized working groups. Narayan will also visit Bengaluru to explore collaboration opportunities, highlighting the strong ties between UK and Indian tech sectors, with Indian firms having recently committed £1.3 billion in investments in the UK.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 1 pmeznews.inS Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, announced that the India Impact AI Summit 2026 has attracted over 250,000 participants globally, surpassing expectations. Speaking on the summit's inaugural day, he described the overwhelming enthusiasm for the event, which has led to full-capacity crowds at nearly all sessions. Krishnan emphasized that all registered attendees are welcome to participate in various sessions, except for those scheduled on February 19, and urged adherence to safety guidelines to ensure a smooth experience. The multi-day event, running from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, will feature the India AI Impact Expo 2026, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Expo will showcase over 300 exhibition pavilions and 600 startups, highlighting international collaboration in AI. With more than 500 sessions planned, the event aims to foster partnerships and explore AI's transformative potential across sectors.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 1 pm
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