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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the recently announced India-US trade deal, emphasizing that it was achieved through constructive dialogue while safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers. He stated that key agricultural products crucial to domestic farmers have been excluded from the agreement, countering allegations from the Congress party that the deal represents a "surrender" of national interests. Chouhan asserted that no harmful products would enter India, including genetically modified organisms, and highlighted that significant agricultural items such as dairy, grains, and spices would remain protected. He criticized the Congress for failing to connect farmers to global markets and claimed that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy. In response to Congress's concerns about potential American product dumping, Chouhan reiterated the government's commitment to preserving the integrity of Indian agriculture. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 3 pmeznews.inTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address delays in railway project funding and land acquisition in the state. In a letter, Stalin highlighted that while administrative sanctions have been granted for the acquisition of over 2,500 hectares for various railway projects, funds for nearly 932 hectares remain unallocated. He emphasized the need for timely, lump-sum payments to landowners to avoid disruptions and delays in project execution, citing the pending ₹289.78 crore for the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari line as a critical example. Stalin also expressed concern over the limited allocation of new railway projects to Tamil Nadu and urged the revival of key projects currently on hold. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the need for full land acquisition and pledged support for funding, but emphasized the importance of collaboration with the state government to expedite progress.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn an exclusive interview on February 8, 2026, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal assured that the trade agreement with the United States includes robust safeguards to protect Indian farmers and domestic industries from excessive imports. Goyal emphasized that the deal would ultimately benefit Indian farmers, who currently export $50-55 billion in agricultural and fish products. He noted that Indian goods would enjoy a competitive edge in the US market due to a lower tariff of 18%, compared to higher tariffs imposed on competitors like China. Goyal clarified that while India has granted limited market access for certain pulses and lentils, it has not made concessions on dairy, GM products, or poultry. He described the negotiations as a "work in progress," highlighting the need for a balanced approach that supports both Indian farmers and consumers, who stand to benefit from lower prices.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIn an exclusive interview with PTI, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in India's economic trajectory, projecting that the current $4 trillion economy could expand to between $30 trillion and $35 trillion by 2047, when the nation aims to be classified as a developed economy. Goyal emphasized that India is negotiating trade deals from a position of strength, particularly following a recent agreement with the United States on tariffs, which he views as a significant step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. He highlighted the vast opportunities that lie ahead, stating, "That delta of opportunity from 4 trillion to 30-35 trillion, that is the future we offer," underscoring India's potential as a major global market. The remarks reflect the government's optimistic outlook on India's economic growth and its strategic positioning in international trade negotiations.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has called on stakeholders to review the Income-tax Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in August 2025 and will take effect on April 1, 2026. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made the proposed Income Tax Rules and related forms available on its official website to encourage public input before final notification. Stakeholders are invited to provide suggestions in four key areas: simplification of language, reduction of litigation, compliance burden, and identification of obsolete rules. A dedicated utility on the e-filing portal, accessible from February 4, 2026, allows users to submit their feedback through an OTP-based validation process. The government aims to make the Income-tax Act, 1961, more concise and user-friendly, as outlined in the July 2024 budget. All suggestions should reference specific provisions of the proposed rules or forms.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alongside BJP Uttarakhand State President Mahendra Bhatt, addressed a press conference in Dehradun on February 7, highlighting the transformative nature of India's 2026-27 budget. Puri described the budget as a reflection of economic maturity, balancing growth with fiscal discipline, and projecting a GDP growth of 7.4%, reaffirming India's status as the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth consecutive year. He noted significant improvements in price stability, with inflation averaging 1.7% in 2025, and emphasized a substantial increase in capital expenditure, which has risen over 430% since 2013-14. Puri also pointed to major investments in infrastructure, defence, and education, citing a 500% increase in national highway allocations and a rise in the number of IITs and medical colleges. He underscored the importance of human capital development and infrastructure expansion in enhancing connectivity and daily life across India.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that the state government will unveil seven new industrial policies aimed at enhancing growth in key sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and footwear. Speaking at the International Business Conclave during Advantage Vidarbha 2026 in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized Maharashtra's rapid development, particularly in the Vidarbha region, and highlighted the government's commitment to implementing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) effectively. The forthcoming policies include initiatives for textiles, leather, electronics, aerospace, MSMEs, pharmaceuticals, and bio-plastics, reflecting a focus on policy-led growth. Additionally, three significant MoUs were signed on the event's second day, with a total investment potential of ₹10,831 crore, including a ₹10,000 crore commitment from Galaxy Solar Company for solar manufacturing. Fadnavis reiterated that policy-driven strategies will be central to Maharashtra's economic development.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the new terminal at Rajahmundry Airport in East Godavari district is nearing completion and will be inaugurated soon, with construction progressing rapidly. The terminal, designed with modern facilities, aims to enhance passenger comfort and is expected to be completed by March 31. During a recent inspection, Naidu reviewed the project with officials from the Airports Authority of India, emphasizing the terminal's role in improving regional connectivity and boosting tourism, particularly in light of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu festival. The upgraded facility is set to reflect the cultural heritage of Rajamahendravaram and is anticipated to increase passenger handling capacity, ultimately contributing to economic growth in the region. More flight services to Rajahmundry are also expected to be introduced shortly.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAdani Group's Mundra Port in Gujarat has achieved a record-breaking month for automobile exports, handling 25,762 vehicles in January 2026, surpassing the previous high set in May 2024. This surge reflects robust international demand for Indian-manufactured vehicles, with major automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota increasingly utilizing the port for shipments to markets across Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Additionally, Mundra set a new single-vessel loading record, with 5,701 vehicles loaded onto one ship, showcasing its operational efficiency. The port also reported its highest-ever monthly throughput of liquid cargo, handling 1.120 million tonnes, further emphasizing its capacity to manage diverse cargo streams. As India's largest commercial port, Mundra plays a crucial role in the nation's trade, supported by ongoing government initiatives to enhance maritime infrastructure and logistics capabilities.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inFor decades, agri-food supply chains have largely overlooked farms as disconnected stakeholders, despite their critical role. Recent disruptions, including climate change and supply issues, have highlighted the risks of this disconnection, prompting a reevaluation of farm integration into supply chains. Traditional systems struggled to manage the diversity of small and mid-sized farms, but digital technologies are now transforming this landscape. By digitising farm data, organisations can gain real-time insights into planting, crop conditions, and risks, enhancing operational visibility and enabling proactive decision-making. This shift not only improves traceability and quality control but also reduces reliance on human intuition. As the demand for reliable data grows, technology platforms like Verdnt are emerging to provide comprehensive agri-data infrastructure, marking a maturation in the market. Ultimately, integrating farm-level data is becoming essential for resilience and efficiency in global agri-food supply chains, reshaping how businesses operate from farm to fork.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 am
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