eznews.inAt the World Economic Forum in Davos, key Indian leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, launched a book during the inauguration of the India Pavilion. Joshi emphasized that India's energy transition is a catalyst for growth, highlighting the significant reduction in electricity costs due to the renewable energy movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted India's ambition to become a hub for green hydrogen, with a target of 5 million metric tons by 2030. Joshi also discussed the recent SHANTI Bill aimed at enhancing private sector participation in nuclear energy. He underscored India's impressive renewable energy capacity growth, now at 266.78 GW, and the need for over $350 billion to bolster green energy infrastructure. The Minister's remarks positioned India as an attractive investment destination, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and energy transition. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's Ministry of Power is urging its utilities to lower power supply costs to alleviate customer burdens, according to Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. Speaking at an industry event in New Delhi, Agarwal emphasized the need for utilities to secure coal supplies at lower prices and to independently plan their coal and renewable energy capacity additions. He highlighted that the current industrial power tariff in India, approximately $95 per megawatt hour, is significantly higher than in countries like China and the U.S., where prices range from $60 to $80 per MWh. Agarwal pointed out that integrating cheaper renewable energy could help reduce costs, yet many power distributors are hesitant to commit to long-term clean energy contracts, opting instead for pricier coal power. Additionally, he noted rising inter-state transmission costs, suggesting that the government may reconsider existing waivers for electricity storage projects, currently set to last until June 2028.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 5 pmeznews.inGujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Wednesday that the state government has disbursed a substantial ₹9,400 crore in compensation to 32 lakh farmers affected by unseasonal rains in September and October 2025. During a Cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar, Patel reviewed the compensation package, which was initially announced months prior. The funds were allocated to 2.34 lakh farmers in five districts who faced severe rainfall, receiving ₹791 crore, while an additional ₹8,571 crore was distributed to 30.06 lakh farmers across 33 districts impacted by October's downpours. This financial support aims to alleviate the hardships faced by the agricultural community due to the adverse weather conditions.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Power has released a draft of the National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026, inviting stakeholder feedback within 30 days. The policy aims to tackle significant challenges in India's power sector, including high losses and debt among distribution companies (discoms), non-cost-reflective tariffs, and excessive cross-subsidisation. NEP 2026 sets ambitious targets for per capita electricity consumption, aiming for 2,000 kWh by 2030 and over 4,000 kWh by 2047, while aligning with India's climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The draft emphasizes fostering competition, enhancing grid resilience, and integrating renewable energy, alongside proposals for tariff indexing and the establishment of a distribution system operator. It also highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework to prevent market dominance and suggests advancements in nuclear technology to reach a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 5 pmeznews.inA significant weather-making western disturbance has crossed the international border into North-West India, bringing heavy snow and rain to the hills and adjacent plains. Originating from a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan, the disturbance is expected to deliver moisture and warmth as it moves through the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts widespread rainfall and snowfall across Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on Thursday and Friday, with thunderstorms and gusty winds also anticipated in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Additionally, a fresh disturbance is expected to impact North-West India around Republic Day, potentially bringing more severe weather. Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation over the south-east Arabian Sea is set to trigger thunderstorms and high winds across the South Peninsula, prompting fishermen alerts. The US Climate Prediction Centre anticipates a wet spell in the region over the next ten days, coinciding with these disturbances.
Published: Jan 21 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe 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 pm
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