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The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has announced that the Indian government is nearing approval for a genetically modified (GM) mustard hybrid, a potential breakthrough in the country’s agri-biotechnology policy. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted that this development could enhance oilseed productivity and reduce reliance on edible oil imports. Additionally, he praised the Madhya Pradesh government for reintroducing the soybean price deficiency payment scheme, Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, which ensures farmers receive minimum support prices without government procurement, benefiting both farmers and the processing industry. Asthana also noted the release of 184 climate-resilient seed varieties aimed at improving agricultural resilience. He addressed the proposed revision of the Consumer Price Index base year to 2024, emphasizing the need for accurate representation of edible oil consumption. Looking ahead, he called for increased investment in technology and infrastructure to modernize agriculture and enhance sustainability. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Union Cabinet has approved a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until 2030-31. SIDBI will receive the funds in three tranches, with ₹3,000 crore allocated for the financial year 2025-26 and subsequent ₹1,000 crore tranches in 2026-27 and 2027-28. This capital boost is expected to increase financial assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from 76.26 lakh to approximately 102 lakh by 2028, generating an estimated 1.12 crore jobs. The Cabinet also extended the APY, which provides a guaranteed pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month for unorganised sector workers, emphasizing the need for ongoing government support to enhance outreach and ensure the scheme's sustainability. As of January 2026, over 8.66 crore subscribers have enrolled in the APY, reinforcing its role in India's social security framework.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe SENSEX closed at 82,106.67, down by 73.80 points, while crude oil prices fell by 29.00 to 5,488.00. In contrast, gold saw a significant increase, rising by 7,148.00 to reach 157,713.00, and silver also surged, gaining 10,598.00 to 334,270.00. In political news, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that a trade deal between India and the European Union is expected to be finalized soon, following his meetings with Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu. Albares emphasized the importance of the agreement as a demonstration of the EU's commitment to free trade and economic security, stating, "Everything is going forward perfectly. We do not expect any obstacle." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit India next week to conclude discussions on this landmark trade agreement, which would create a market of 2 billion consumers.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe ongoing conflict between the United States and Venezuela reflects a strategic shift aimed at securing crude oil supplies for US Gulf Coast refineries, which are optimally configured to process heavy sour barrels. Rystad Energy's Senior Vice President Pankaj Srivastava noted that Venezuelan crude exports are expected to gradually recover, benefiting the US, Europe, and India while disadvantaging China, which faces increased costs and risks due to the loss of discounted Venezuelan oil. As Venezuelan production is projected to exceed 900,000 barrels per day by 2025, US capital inflow could enhance the country's refining capacity, currently hindered by power disruptions and maintenance issues. With an anticipated addition of 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan crude, US refineries could replace nearly 5% of their West Texas Intermediate intake, leading to a potential 2% increase in diesel yield.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inGlobal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders will gather for the 7th India International Seaweed Expo & Summit on January 29-30 at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi. Delegates from countries including the US, Russia, Australia, and Sri Lanka will explore the economic, nutritional, and environmental potential of seaweed, reflecting India's commitment to this emerging sector. Organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, CMFRI, and CSIR-CSMCRI, the event will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, and an industrial exhibition focused on policies, financing, and innovations in seaweed cultivation. A special panel will discuss strategies to position India as a key player in the global seaweed economy. The expo will also serve as a B2B networking platform, connecting industry leaders with investors and entrepreneurs, while offering the public a chance to sample seaweed-based products and learn about their role in sustainable development.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that over one-third of India's cattle rearers prioritize non-market uses of their animals, with 7% keeping cattle solely for purposes like dung and draught power. While milk production supports 80 million livelihoods and contributes 5% to India's GDP, many rearers, particularly in states like West Bengal and Maharashtra, value dung for manure and fuel. The study, which surveyed over 7,300 households, highlights the challenges posed by climate change, with significant percentages of rearers reporting impacts such as increased disease and heat stress. Despite the resilience of indigenous cattle, a shift towards higher-yielding breeds could heighten vulnerability. Additionally, feed shortages are a pressing issue, affecting productivity. CEEW calls for targeted policies that address the diverse needs of rearers, improve veterinary services, and integrate climate considerations into livestock management to enhance sustainability and resilience in the sector.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 10 ameznews.inFarmers now have access to RHB 273, a groundbreaking pearl millet hybrid developed by the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This innovative three-way hybrid, the first of its kind, integrates three parental lines to deliver high yields, drought tolerance, and superior fodder quality. Following extensive testing across 30 sites in three states from 2022 to 2024, RHB 273 achieved an average grain yield of approximately 2,230 kg/ha, outperforming the popular HHB 67 Improved by 28%. Notably, it exhibits strong resistance to diseases and is well-suited for stress-prone regions, particularly in areas with annual rainfall below 400 mm. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted its potential to enhance food and fodder security in drought-prone states, addressing chronic fodder shortages in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 10 ameznews.inAs India prepares for the Union Budget 2026, financial sector stakeholders are urging the government to implement policies that enhance the financial system by easing capital constraints, promoting responsible credit expansion, and fostering financial inclusion. Experts emphasize that future growth hinges on not only expanding access to financial services but also improving credit quality and the sustainability of financial institutions. Lokanath Panda, COO of BLS E-Services, highlighted the importance of enhancing account activity and credit flow to underserved segments. Manish Shah, MD and CEO of Godrej Capital, called for a shift towards making finance more affordable and aligned with the cash-flow realities of households and MSMEs. Additionally, Vivek Iyer from Grant Thornton Bharat noted anticipated banking reforms focusing on consolidation and technology, while Pranav Haridasan of Axis Securities stressed the need for stability in taxation and policy to maintain investor confidence. Overall, experts seek a budget that strengthens the financial system's foundations for inclusive growth.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndiGo is currently operating approximately 2,200 daily flights, both domestic and international, following a government-mandated 10% reduction in its schedule. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established a committee to oversee the redistribution of vacated slots, ensuring that the process is fair and transparent. The committee will assess other airlines' requests for these slots, which will be reallocated based on their capacity to operate additional flights, including considerations for pilot and crew availability. IndiGo has assured the regulator of its operational stability, citing a surplus of 2,400 Airbus captains against a requirement of 2,280. However, industry executives express skepticism about the demand for the vacated slots, as the reductions have been strategically implemented, preserving key routes from Delhi and Mumbai while cutting back on others, including late-night flights. The service reductions are expected to last until at least the end of March.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 10 pmeznews.inRallis India Ltd reported a significant decline in profit after tax (PAT) for the December quarter, posting ₹2 crore, an 81% drop from ₹11 crore in the same period last year, primarily due to an exceptional item related to wage code implementation. However, the company saw a 19% increase in revenues, reaching ₹623 crore, and a 29% rise in EBITDA to ₹58 crore. Managing Director Gyanendra Shukla highlighted that the quarter benefited from volume-led growth across various segments, including Crop Care and Seeds, driven by strong customer engagement and disciplined cost management. For the nine months ending December 2025, Rallis reported a 9% revenue growth to ₹2,441 crore and a 26% increase in PAT to ₹199 crore. The company also emphasized its commitment to innovation, launching a new herbicide and securing patents for its products, reinforcing its focus on enhancing its product portfolio and market presence.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 10 pm
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