eznews.inIndia is intensifying efforts to secure concessions for access to critical minerals during the final stages of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with Chile. This agreement could provide India with long-term access to Chilean mining blocks, particularly for copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, although legal constraints in Chile remain a hurdle. Ongoing online discussions aim to resolve these issues, with a potential visit from Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to finalize the deal. The CEPA is expected to enhance bilateral trade, which currently stands at $3.75 billion, by facilitating Indian exports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and other goods, while Chile seeks greater market access for its agricultural products. This focus on critical minerals aligns with India's strategy to secure resources essential for its green economy transition, including technologies for electric vehicles and renewable energy. 
Published: Jan 23 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Biogas Association is urging the government to enhance project incentives in the upcoming Union Budget 2026, specifically by increasing Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to support the biogas sector. The industry is advocating for a rise in capital subsidies to ₹6 crore per 4.8 TPD of Compressed Biogas (CBG) production capacity, with an overall CFA cap of ₹25 crore for larger projects. Additionally, the Association is calling for the promotion of fermented organic manure (FOM) markets and organic farming practices to combat soil degradation, as India's Soil Organic Carbon levels have fallen below 0.4 percent. They propose reallocating a portion of the ₹2 lakh crore spent annually on chemical fertiliser subsidies towards FOM-linked incentives. Furthermore, the Association seeks a framework for carbon monetisation through a Green Certificate mechanism, which would facilitate the sale of carbon credits and bolster revenue for biogas producers while aiding the government's climate goals.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union are poised to announce the conclusion of long-standing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, which aims to reduce tariffs on European cars and wine while expanding the market for Indian electronics, textiles, and chemicals. This announcement is anticipated to follow a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders during their summit in India from January 25 to 28. If ratified by the European Parliament, the FTA could significantly boost Indian exports, particularly textiles and jewellery, amidst rising trade tensions, including increased U.S. tariffs on Indian imports. The EU's Ursula von der Leyen indicated progress at the World Economic Forum, although challenges remain, particularly regarding India's reluctance to cut auto tariffs. The agreement, alongside recent pacts with other nations, reflects a broader strategy to navigate shifting global trade dynamics.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe Airline Users Rights and Grievance Redressal Forum (AURGRF) has called on the Civil Aviation Minister to establish permanent domestic airfare caps to enhance passenger welfare and ensure market stability. Despite the deregulation of domestic airfares, temporary fare caps introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) during the post-Covid recovery proved effective, but recent practices like dynamic pricing and unbundling of services have led to unpredictable fare structures. AURGRF officials highlighted the Ministry's successful intervention during Indigo flight disruptions, which prevented excessive fare hikes. With domestic passenger traffic expected to reach 40 crore by 2029, the Forum argues that affordable and transparent airfares are crucial for regional connectivity and tourism. They assert that regulated fare structures are beneficial for both the market and passengers, advocating for institutionalized fare caps to promote fair competition and long-term sustainability in India's civil aviation sector.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has approved significant pension and wage revisions for pensioners of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), employees of Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs), and NABARD, impacting over 93,000 individuals. For RBI pensioners, pensions will increase by 10% from November 1, 2022, benefiting 30,769 retirees and their families, with a total financial implication of ₹2,696.82 crore. PSGIC employees will see a 12.41% wage hike effective August 1, 2022, alongside a uniform family pension rate of 30%, affecting 14,615 family pensioners, with an overall cost of ₹8,170.30 crore. NABARD employees will receive a 20% pay increase from November 1, 2022, impacting around 3,800 individuals, with pension adjustments costing ₹50.82 crore in arrears. These measures reflect the government's commitment to enhancing retirement benefits for senior citizens and their dependents.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 12 pmeznews.inMinda Corporation Ltd, a key player in India's automotive components sector, aims to triple its exports over the next five years, according to Executive Director Aakash Minda. The company, which supplies parts to major manufacturers like Maruti, Tata, and Mahindra, currently exports about 10% of its production. Minda emphasized the importance of building a resilient supply chain through localization and digitization, particularly for electronic components, as the industry shifts towards electric vehicle mobility. The firm has committed to investing ₹1,200 crore over the next five to six years, including a recent MoU with the Maharashtra government and discussions with Uttar Pradesh officials to enhance local manufacturing. While acknowledging short-term impacts from US tariffs, Minda expressed optimism about long-term supply chain stability and the company's role in global automotive manufacturing. The automotive sector is vital to India's economy, contributing 7.1% to GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP, according to NITI Aayog.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 11 ameznews.inEconomists predict India's fiscal deficit for the fiscal year 2026-27 will range between 4.2% and 4.3% of GDP, with net borrowing estimated at ₹11.1 lakh crore to ₹11.5 lakh crore. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth Union Budget on February 1. Barclays' Chief Economist Aastha Gudwani noted that the fiscal deficit is expected to improve from 4.4% in FY26, driven by higher nominal GDP growth and careful expenditure management. Despite a 3% decline in net tax revenue and a 28% increase in capital expenditure during the April-November 2025-26 period, experts believe the deficit will not exceed budget estimates. Reports indicate that while tax revenue has underperformed, non-tax revenues are expected to surpass projections. The government aims to boost capital expenditure, which has seen significant growth since the pandemic, although experts stress the need for increased private investment to complement public spending.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 11 ameznews.inUber has announced plans to double the fleet size of its premium mobility service, Uber Black, in 2026, responding to increasing demand for high-quality transportation in India. To facilitate this expansion, the ride-hailing giant has made a Series A investment in Carrum, a fleet management company associated with the CarDekho Group. Operating in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Uber Black aims to provide riders with top-rated vehicles and drivers, enhancing comfort and service quality. Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, emphasized the company's commitment to elevating service standards and delivering long-term value to riders, drivers, and fleet partners. Additionally, Uber has introduced a new Reserve feature for Uber Black in Delhi, allowing customers to book premium rides from two hours to 90 days in advance, further enhancing the reliability of their service.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndiGo, India's largest airline, is conducting a comprehensive review of its internal processes following significant operational disruptions last month, which resulted in a 78% drop in profits to ₹549.1 crore for the December quarter, largely due to increased expenses from the disruptions. CEO Pieter Elbers announced the review during a media call, emphasizing the need for stability and continuity in operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reduced IndiGo's winter schedule by 10%, prompting other airlines to request the vacated slots. Between December 3 and 5, IndiGo cancelled over 2,500 flights, affecting more than 300,000 passengers, leading to fines totaling ₹22.20 crore. The DGCA attributed the disruptions to mismanagement of flight crew and inadequate operational buffers. Elbers assured that the airline is committed to addressing these issues and has stabilized operations, with sufficient pilots to comply with new flight duty regulations.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian government has called on airlines to submit requests for domestic flight slots vacated by IndiGo, following significant operational disruptions in December that led to the cancellation of over 2,500 flights and delays affecting more than 300,000 passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reduced IndiGo's winter schedule by 10%, prompting the redistribution of these slots. A committee met on January 13 to discuss the process, and airlines must now apply for the vacated slots while maintaining their existing routes. However, industry insiders suggest that the slots available are largely undesirable, with one executive noting that they consist mainly of "red-eye flights." Meanwhile, IndiGo faces scrutiny after being fined ₹22.20 crore for the December disruptions, attributed to mismanagement and inadequate operational buffers. The airline reported a 78% drop in profit for the December quarter, impacted by rising costs and regulatory changes.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 am
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