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India's space sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with private sector participation surging from just one registered startup in 2014 to over 400 by 2026. This growth has been bolstered by significant investments exceeding $500 million, as reported by the Department of Space. Key initiatives, including the ₹1,000-crore Space Venture Capital Fund announced in 2024 and the Technology Transfer of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are pivotal in enhancing the space startup ecosystem. Notably, two private companies, Skyrook Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, have successfully tested their launch vehicles in sub-orbital flights. Additionally, 25 payloads from private entities are either in flight or planned for the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), providing a platform for technology testing in real space conditions. State governments are also recognizing space as a 'sunrise sector,' implementing policies to foster growth through various incentive schemes. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Commissioner of Metro Railways Safety, Anant Madhukar Chowdhary, and his team began an inspection of the elevated stretch between Poonamallee Bypass Station and Vadapalani Metro Station on corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Rail on Wednesday. This inspection, which is set to continue on Thursday, covers a 14.64-kilometre segment that includes 11 stations: Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Kattupakkam, Iyyapanthangal, Thelliayaragaram, Porur Bypass, Porur Junction, and Vadapalani. The assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the metro system, as highlighted in a release from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Noida International Airport (NIA) project has entered its final regulatory clearance phase, with core infrastructure now established, following delays attributed to sourcing construction materials. NIA management confirmed that the focus has shifted from construction to obtaining necessary statutory approvals to commence operations. Chief Executive Christoph Schnellmann stated that the airport is collaborating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to finalize aerodrome licensing and security clearances. Once BCAS approval is secured, the DGCA will issue the aerodrome license, allowing the airport to coordinate operational timelines with airlines. IndiGo will be the launch carrier, with Akasa Air and Air India Express also set to operate. The airport aims to enhance connectivity through various transport options and future links, with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually, expanding to 70 million upon completion of all phases. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inA significant portion of Indian cotton stakeholders remains optimistic about continued exports to Bangladesh, despite a new US-Bangladesh trade deal that may shift sourcing patterns. Vinay N Kotak, President of the Cotton Association of India, emphasized India's logistical advantage, noting that shipments from India take just eight days compared to 45 days from the US. He highlighted that Bangladesh's cotton needs are driven by its domestic consumption and exports to Europe, where 50% of its apparel goes. However, concerns persist, as Atul Ganatra, former CAI president, warned that the deal could lead to reduced demand for Indian cotton, especially as Bangladesh sources cheaper Brazilian cotton. The Cotton Corporation of India has recently adjusted domestic sale prices and set export floor prices, but overall exports are projected to decline from 18 lakh bales to around 10 lakh bales this year, potentially impacting domestic prices. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Uttar Pradesh government has introduced the State’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (UPFRBM), reducing the annual borrowing ceiling to 3% of GSDP from 3.5%. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna highlighted strong tax mobilization in the state following the presentation of the FY 2026-27 budget, which aligns with the "Viksit Uttar Pradesh 2047 Vision" aimed at achieving holistic growth and transforming the state into a trillion-dollar economy. The budget allocates ₹9,12,696.35 crore, a 12.9% increase from the previous year, with significant investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and technical education. Key features include ₹34,468 crore for roads, ₹10,888 crore for agriculture, and ₹2,365 crore for advanced technical education. The state anticipates a revenue surplus of ₹64,457.57 crore, with a focus on digital systems to enhance tax compliance and reduce leakages, reflecting a robust economic outlook. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inBayer Crop Science Ltd (BSCL) has announced a significant profit of ₹95.7 crore for the third quarter ending December 2025, marking a remarkable 180% increase from ₹34.2 crore in the same period last year, driven by higher revenue. The company's revenue from operations rose by 5% to ₹1,106.2 crore, up from ₹1,057.4 crore year-on-year, while profit before tax surged to ₹113 crore from ₹33.6 crore. For the nine months ending December 31, 2025, BSCL reported revenues of ₹4,574.2 crore, compared to ₹4,427 crore in the previous year, with profit before tax reaching ₹648.5 crore, up from ₹539.5 crore. CEO Simon Wiebusch highlighted the growth in the corn seeds business, despite challenges from weather volatility and a subdued chili and grape season. CFO Vinit Jindal noted that the profit increase was supported by a favorable sales mix and improved financial discipline. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn response to concerns from New Delhi, the White House has revised its fact sheet on the India-US interim trade framework, removing references to pulses and softening language regarding digital trade commitments. The original document had raised alarms over potential infringements on India's policy autonomy, particularly regarding digital services taxes (DST) and customs duties on electronic transmissions. The updated fact sheet now states that India "intends" to purchase over $500 billion in US products, rather than being "committed" to the deal. Experts caution that while the revisions may appear significant, they do not fundamentally alter the agreement's substance, as issues surrounding agricultural tariffs and digital trade rules remain ambiguous. India is wary of any commitments that could undermine its tax sovereignty, particularly as digital trade evolves. Notably, the contentious content was absent from the joint statement issued last Friday. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUranium prices have surged past $100 a pound due to supply disruptions, but analysts remain divided on the mineral's long-term prospects. UBS forecasts a 3% growth in nuclear reactor demand, while BMI predicts spot prices may peak in January 2026, citing a minor current deficit supported by supply from Central Asia, Canada, and Namibia. The Australian Office of the Chief Economist anticipates prices will rise from $73 in 2025 to an average of $91 in 2027, driven by demand outpacing supply. However, concerns linger over speculative trading and potential supply gluts, particularly if Canada’s NexGen project is approved. Despite a $80 billion US reactor deal boosting sentiment, major producers are cautious about new investments. The geopolitical landscape, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has further complicated the market, with calls for uranium to be designated a critical material by the US government. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAgritech firm BigHaat has secured $10 million in a funding round led by Bidra Innovation Ventures, the US-based venture capital arm of OCP Group, a leader in plant nutrition solutions. Existing investors, including JM Financial and Ashish Kacholia, also participated in the round. The investment aims to enhance BigHaat's digital-first, farmer-centric agri ecosystem and position it as a globally compliant player in the traceable food value chain. Established as a key player in India's spices sector, BigHaat operates the country's largest direct-to-farmer network and emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices, significantly reducing carbon footprints and ensuring food safety compliance. Following this funding, BigHaat's total capital raised has reached approximately INR 300 crore. CEO Sateesh Nukala expressed the goal of delivering advanced agricultural solutions to Indian farmers, while Bidra's CEO Yassine Cherkaoui highlighted the importance of locally grounded solutions for sustainable agricultural productivity. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 5 pmeznews.inKenneth Andrade, founder and chief investment officer of Old Bridge Asset Management, has highlighted significant investment opportunities in the current market, urging investors to focus on corporates poised to establish a foothold in global markets. Despite benchmark indices remaining stagnant and high valuations, Andrade believes that Indian companies are well-positioned due to deleveraged balance sheets and lower capacity utilization. Sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals are expected to thrive as trade deal uncertainties diminish, particularly with the near-finalization of a free trade agreement between India and the US. This development is anticipated to enhance India's access to US and EU markets, stimulating a revival in capital expenditure. Andrade also noted the need for IT companies to adapt to AI disruptions. The firm’s new Flexi-cap fund, launching soon, will adopt a thematic, bottom-up investment strategy, focusing on mid- and small-cap stocks with high conviction. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 6 pm
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