eznews.inIn a boost for sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu's Trichy district, a bumper harvest this season has brought optimism ahead of the Pongal festival, which begins on January 15. Farmers from regions like Thiruvalar Cholai and Vayalur report successful yields across nearly 200 acres, aided by favorable weather and improved practices. The procurement process, managed through cooperative societies, ensures fair prices without political interference. In conjunction with the harvest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a cash assistance of ₹3,000 for all rice ration card-holding families, including those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps, to enhance festive celebrations. The government will also distribute a Pongal gift package, including rice, sugar, and sugarcane, to approximately 2.22 crore eligible families. This initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures amid rising living costs and underscores the state's commitment to social welfare during this significant harvest festival. 
Published: Jan 08 2026, 11 ameznews.inIn anticipation of the Sankranthi festival, South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of 150 special trains to accommodate the surge in passenger demand from Hyderabad and key stations in the South Railway zone. Chief Public Relations Officer A. Sridhar highlighted that additional services will connect Hyderabad to Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with trains also running from Narsapuram, Kakinada, Srikakulam, and Vizag. Alongside these special services, over 600 regular trains will continue to operate during the festive season, ensuring connectivity across India. However, passengers are warned of potential disruptions at Secunderabad station due to ongoing redevelopment works, prompting the relocation of several trains to other terminals. SCR has advised travelers to check updated schedules and plan their journeys in advance, particularly at stations undergoing renovations, to facilitate smoother travel during this busy period.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 ameznews.inAhead of the upcoming Union Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27, industry body Assocham has urged the Indian government to implement incentives for hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and concessional green finance to facilitate the steel sector's transition to low-carbon production. In its pre-Budget recommendations, Assocham also advocated for incentives related to waste-heat recovery systems and renewable captive power plants to mitigate emissions. Despite being the world's second-largest steel producer, the sector faces challenges such as high input costs, a depreciating rupee, and reliance on imported coking coal. Assocham highlighted stagnant iron ore production and the need for improved domestic recycling infrastructure to reduce import dependence. The chamber believes the Budget presents a crucial opportunity to bolster India's position as a global manufacturing hub for steel, calling for measures to promote iron ore beneficiation and enhance research and development in steel recycling and innovation.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 ameznews.inA deep depression has formed off the east-southeast coast of Sri Lanka, prompting heavy rain forecasts for Tamil Nadu in South India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) identified the system, located approximately 420 km from Pottuvil, as one rank below a cyclone. It is expected to move west-northwest and cross the Sri Lankan coast between Hambantota and Kalmunai by Friday evening. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning over the next few days, with Tamil Nadu facing particularly severe weather on Saturday. Squally conditions with wind speeds of 35-45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, are anticipated along the Sri Lankan and Tamil Nadu coasts. While global models show varying potential for intensification, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre suggests limited development due to high wind shear.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndiGo has welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft into its fleet, marking a significant milestone for the airline. The long-range variant of the A321neo, which boasts a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and improved fuel efficiency, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Wednesday. The aircraft will be utilized for non-stop services connecting Mumbai to Athens starting January 23, 2026, and Delhi to Athens from January 24, 2026, with three weekly flights on both routes. IndiGo has a total order of 40 A321XLRs, with nine expected to be delivered in 2026. The aircraft features a dual-class configuration, including 12 IndiGoStretch and 183 economy seats. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized that this induction will enable IndiGo to expand its international reach, enhancing India's role in global aviation. Future deliveries will also support routes to Istanbul and Bali, as well as new long-haul destinations in Europe and East Asia.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 9 pmeznews.inPune-based biotech start-up Bioprime AgriSolutions Pvt Ltd has commenced exporting its biofertilizer and biocontrol products to the US and Southeast Asia, according to co-founder Renuka Diwan. The company has secured product registrations in these regions and plans to expand into Europe and Latin America in the next fiscal year. Bioprime's offerings include Trichonexus, a Trichoderma-based product effective against fungal pathogens, and Nutrimax, a fertiliser additive that reduces fertilizer use by 25-50%. The firm has developed a library of over 18,000 plant-associated microbes, enabling it to create efficient NPK solubilising products. With a focus on enhancing nutrient uptake and soil health, Bioprime has seen significant growth, tripling its revenue last fiscal year and expecting to double it again this year. The company has also attracted investment from Belgian firm Edaphon and Omnivore, positioning itself for further expansion in the agricultural biotechnology sector.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inA report by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggests that domestic GDP growth for FY26 may exceed the National Statistical Office's (NSO) current estimate of 7.4%, particularly with an anticipated revision of the base year to 2022-23. The NSO's first advance estimate indicates a GDP growth of 7.4% for FY26, up from 6.5% in FY25, with Gross Value Added (GVA) growth at 7.3% and nominal GDP growth projected at 8%. SBI forecasts GDP growth could reach around 7.5%, with the second advance estimates due on February 27, 2026, likely to reflect these adjustments. The report highlights a projected rise in per capita national income to ₹2,47,487, driven by a robust services sector expected to grow by 9.1%. While agriculture is projected to slow to 3.1% growth, the industry sector is anticipated to grow by 6.0%, supported by a 7.0% increase in manufacturing.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inDigital Green has launched an AI-backed initiative to provide localized climate-smart advisory services to smallholder farmers in Andhra Pradesh, supported by Cisco India and the state government. The initiative aims to assist 50,000 farmers, with a focus on ensuring at least 60% participation from women, across eight districts including Guntur and Kurnool. Central to this effort is the FarmerChat app, which offers tailored advice on crop management and pest diagnosis through photos uploaded by users. Over 300 frontline extension workers will be trained to onboard farmers onto the platform. K Sreenivasulu, Director of Horticulture and Sericulture, emphasized that the project aims to enhance the yield and quality of horticultural products. Cisco India's Harish Krishnan highlighted the importance of translating complex data into actionable guidance for farmers, thereby improving their daily agricultural practices.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 9 pmeznews.inGold prices surged past $4,500 an ounce and silver reached $80 per ounce late Tuesday, driven by the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro. This geopolitical crisis has led to significant gains in precious metals, with gold rising 3%, silver over 10.5%, and platinum and palladium also seeing increases. In India, silver peaked at ₹2,59,692 per kg before settling at ₹2,48,000 in the Mumbai spot market. Analysts suggest that while the U.S. intervention may bolster gold prices due to increased safe-haven demand, it is unlikely to improve Venezuela's mining sector, which has suffered from decades of underinvestment and nationalization. Despite Venezuela's rich mineral resources, including critical minerals like nickel and coltan, the focus remains on oil production, which is easier and quicker to exploit. The long-term outlook for gold prices remains bullish amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Coffee Board has projected a record coffee output of 4.03 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 season, up from 3.63 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with robusta expected to account for 2.84 lakh tonnes and Arabica 1.18 lakh tonnes. However, farmgate prices for robusta have fallen by 13-17% compared to last year, driven by increased supplies from Vietnam, leaving growers concerned as they enter the harvest season. Prices for Robusta Parchment have dropped to ₹15,500-16,000 per 50-kg bag, while Robusta Cherry prices have also declined. In contrast, Arabica prices have risen, with Parchment now at ₹25,800-26,300. Growers face challenges from rising picking costs, which have more than doubled due to labour shortages, and muted demand from local traders. The situation has left many farmers feeling squeezed between volatile prices and increasing production costs.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 8 pm
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