eznews.inThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is set to commence the sale of cotton bales procured during the 2025-26 crop season starting January 19, as announced on its website. So far, CCI has acquired approximately 80 lakh bales, with procurement ongoing in states like Telangana and Maharashtra. Recent weeks have seen cotton prices rise above minimum support levels, influenced by increased cottonseed prices and the government's decision to end import duty exemptions on December 31. Cottonseed prices have surged by ₹700 per quintal, while raw cotton prices have also increased significantly. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised its production estimates upward by 2.5%, anticipating a total of 317 lakh bales for the season, alongside a projected year-end surplus of 122.59 lakh bales, bolstered by record imports expected to reach 50 lakh bales. 
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIndia has announced the approval for the export of 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour and related products, following an improvement in domestic supplies, according to government sources. This decision marks a significant shift from the export ban imposed in May 2022, which was enacted in response to a severe heatwave that drastically reduced wheat production and led to soaring domestic prices. As the world's second-largest wheat producer, India's move to resume exports reflects a stabilization in its agricultural output, potentially easing global supply concerns. The announcement, made on January 16, 2026, signals a renewed confidence in the country's wheat market and its ability to meet both domestic and international demand.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 pmeznews.inPrivate capital is increasingly investing in India's processed foods sector, with 360 ONE Asset committing approximately $70 million to Iscon Balaji Foods Ltd (IBF), the nation's largest processor and exporter of value-added potato products. Founded in 2013, IBF operates a fully integrated, export-oriented platform that includes seed development, partnerships with over 10,000 farmers, and large-scale processing. This investment aims to expand IBF's network to over 25,000 farmers in three years and support significant capacity growth, enhanced supply chains, and new product lines. Neel Kotak, IBF's Managing Director, emphasized the importance of this partnership in scaling the company into a leading global food processor. Over the past decade, IBF has become one of the world's top ten frozen potato processors, serving major clients across India and various international markets. Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 10 pmeznews.inUno Minda, a leading automotive component supplier, has emphasized the need for the Indian government to extend the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to include electric vehicle (EV) subsystems like sensors and semiconductors, which is vital for enhancing domestic value addition. The Indian auto industry is also calling for increased support for exports, including higher rates under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and improved duty drawbacks. Vinnie Mehta, Director General of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India, highlighted the importance of integrating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into global value chains. Additionally, a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18% on auto components has been welcomed. Industry leaders, including Mercedes-Benz India's CEO Santosh Iyer, noted that infrastructure investment and rationalized customs duties could significantly impact luxury car sales and overall market growth.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the "mother of all trade deals," garnering support from all 27 EU member states. In a recent press interaction, Goyal emphasized the potential for significant economic growth, noting that this agreement would encompass two major economies. Ongoing virtual negotiations aim to resolve outstanding issues, including the EU's carbon tax regulations and protections for Indian farmers and dairy interests, ahead of the India-EU Summit on January 27. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are set to visit New Delhi for the summit, coinciding with India's Republic Day celebrations. Sensitive agricultural and dairy products are excluded from the deal, while India seeks flexibility regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to protect its exporters. In 2024-25, the EU was India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $136.53 billion.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 9 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's burgeoning startup ecosystem during a National Startup Day event in New Delhi, marking a decade since the launch of the Startup India initiative. He noted that the number of startups has surged from 500 in 2014 to 200,000 today, with India now boasting nearly 125 unicorns. Modi described the initiative as a "revolution" aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, with a vision for India to lead global startup trends and technologies in the next decade. The government provides various benefits to recognized startups, including tax incentives and compliance support. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced plans to create a dedicated segment for startups under the Export Promotion Mission, aimed at helping them access international markets. The government has also approved a ₹25,060-crore mission to boost exports, emphasizing the importance of new products and markets for budding entrepreneurs.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe APEC Climate Centre (APCC) has forecasted that a drought-inducing El Niño phenomenon is likely to develop by July 2026, disrupting moisture-laden winds towards India and potentially leading to reduced rainfall during the crucial June to September monsoon season. Historically, such events have resulted in delayed monsoon onset and prolonged dry spells, impacting food production and contributing to inflation. Following a significant El Niño in 2023 that persisted into 2024, affecting crop yields, the APCC anticipates above-normal rainfall in India before the phenomenon takes hold. Globally, the report predicts above-normal temperatures, particularly in the Arctic and subtropical North Pacific, while regions like the eastern equatorial Pacific and northern Indian Ocean may experience near-normal precipitation. The outlook also indicates below-normal precipitation for parts of the central Pacific and Caribbean during early 2026, with varying precipitation trends expected across different regions.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production for the 2025-26 season has surged to 158.85 lakh tonnes (lt) as of January 15, marking a 22% increase from 130.60 lt the previous year, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF). Maharashtra has seen a remarkable rise, producing 64.60 lt—over 50% more than last year's 43.05 lt—while Uttar Pradesh, the largest sugarcane producer, reported a modest increase of less than 7% to 45.70 lt. Karnataka's output also rose by 13% to 30.70 lt. Together, these three states account for nearly 89% of the country's total sugar production. The NFCSF noted that 519 sugar mills have processed 1,763.74 lt of sugarcane, achieving a recovery rate of 9.01%. Additionally, the government has reallocated export quotas, allowing mills to exchange permits, with 16 mills surrendering 52,270 tonnes in the latest order.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and innovation through its Social Innovation and Transformation vertical, supporting over 75 start-ups and diverting more than 4.6 lakh kg of plastic and 94,780 kg of agricultural waste from landfills. PRIF's three incubation programmes—Prakriti Incubation Launchpad with IIM Calcutta, Circular Economy Incubator with NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, and ADVAYA-Plastic Circularity Innovation Launchpad with SIIC-IIT Kanpur—aim to bolster India's circular economy and climate innovation ecosystem. These initiatives focus on nurturing green entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved regions like the North-East, by providing structured support, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Notably, the Circular Economy Incubator has helped 46 ventures secure ₹42.6 crore in follow-on funding, while the ADVAYA programme emphasizes deep-tech solutions for plastic circularity. PRIF's efforts align with India's net-zero vision, aiming to create scalable, climate-smart solutions and enhance sustainable livelihoods across the country.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is grappling with the decision to maintain its investment in Iran's Chabahar port amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding a sanctions waiver set to expire on April 26. Officials emphasize the port's strategic importance, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while circumventing Pakistan, yet the constraints of US sanctions complicate the situation. Sources indicate that India remains committed to Chabahar due to its economic and strategic objectives, despite heightened uncertainty following former President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on countries engaging with Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India is actively engaged with the US to navigate the sanctions regime, countering reports of a potential exit from the project. Currently, India's trade with Iran is minimal, amounting to just $1.6 billion, a fraction of its $86.51 billion trade with the US, suggesting that businesses may prioritize American partnerships over Iranian ones.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 8 pm
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