eznews.inIn discussions surrounding agricultural floor prices in India, the focus often remains on fluctuating costs like fertilizers and diesel, while the human cost of farming—the physical and mental toll on farmers—goes unacknowledged. As India aims for its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, a critical question arises: can a nation be deemed developed if its farmers are treated as mere cogs in a machine? Dr. P J Patil proposes a transformative approach by introducing a Health-Adjusted Production Function, which recognizes farmers' health as a vital component of productivity. This shift could lead to a 15-25% increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for labor-intensive crops, reflecting the true economic value of farmers' health. By prioritizing farmer well-being, India can enhance its global trade position, ensuring ethically grown produce meets international standards. Ultimately, the path to a robust economy hinges on valuing the human capital behind agricultural production. 
Published: Feb 14 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn 2026, India's agri-food processing sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from traditional farming to a sophisticated global powerhouse, with the broader agri-food value chain valued at approximately $350–390 billion. Once solely the backbone of the domestic economy, Indian farmers now support a global value chain, connecting local produce to international markets and employing over seven million people. Despite facing challenges such as increased tariffs in Western markets post-pandemic, India has strategically pivoted its trade approach, leveraging Free Trade Agreements with the UAE and Australia to diversify its export footprint. Significant investment commitments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore (around $12 billion) are modernizing the rural agri-ecosystem, with initiatives like Mega Food Parks and cold chain logistics expected to create up to 2.5 million new jobs. As the sector aims for a valuation of $535 billion by 2027, it is increasingly adopting global standards and shifting towards higher-margin, value-added products.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe recent signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a significant step in India's approach to international agricultural trade, particularly in the dairy sector. This agreement adopts a balanced trade strategy, safeguarding Indian farmers while preparing the dairy industry for future global engagement through value-added growth. Notably, the FTA does not impose immediate tariff reductions on dairy products, recognizing the vulnerability of India's decentralized dairy sector, which is largely composed of small farmers. By protecting local production and promoting regulatory cooperation, the agreement aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian dairy exports, particularly in processed segments like butter and milk powders. As the industry adapts to global standards of quality, sustainability, and innovation, the FTA lays the groundwork for a sustainable and gradual integration into the global market, ensuring farmer welfare remains central to India's dairy strategy.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 9 ameznews.inSultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has resigned as chairman and CEO of DP World amid increasing scrutiny over his alleged connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement follows pressure from investors, including the UK development finance agency and Canada's second-largest pension fund, which suspended new investments in the company due to the allegations. Bin Sulayem, a prominent figure in Dubai's business landscape, was named in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, suggesting a long-standing relationship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses. In response to the situation, DP World appointed Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as CEO. The fallout from the Epstein files has led to the resignation of other high-profile figures globally, highlighting the extensive web of relationships Epstein maintained with influential individuals across various sectors.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 11 pmeznews.inFarmer leaders in India are rallying against the impending India-US trade deal, expressing grave concerns for the livelihoods of small and marginal growers of corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits, and nuts. The Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, led by V M Singh, has announced a protest in Lucknow on March 22, urging that agriculture and dairy be excluded from the trade agreement. Singh criticized the lack of stakeholder consultations, warning that agreeing to the deal could jeopardize small farmers' survival. Meanwhile, leaders from Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh met with Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who emphasized the need for unity against the deal, labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "anti-farmer." Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the government's position, asserting that the interests of farmers are safeguarded and dismissing opposition claims as misinformation. The controversy continues as farmers prepare for a significant protest ahead of the trade agreement's finalization.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 9 pmeznews.inBulk tea producer McLeod Russel has reported a narrowing of its consolidated net loss to ₹36.41 crore for the third quarter of the fiscal year, down from ₹87.33 crore in the same period last year, as revenue from operations increased by 20% to ₹445.45 crore. Despite this improvement, the company continues to face significant financial distress, citing prolonged stress on its financial position and a decline in tea prices affecting operational volumes. The company has outstanding Inter-Corporate Deposits (ICDs) to various promoter groups and has been undergoing a stressed assets resolution process under Reserve Bank of India guidelines. This includes a signed Inter-Creditor Agreement among lenders and a forensic audit of past fund utilization. However, some creditors have initiated legal proceedings against the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, with cases pending before the Debt Recovery Tribunal and the National Company Law Tribunal.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹1 crore on Air India for operating an Airbus A320 on eight routes last November without a valid airworthiness review certificate (ARC). The ARC, which is issued annually, confirms the aircraft's compliance with safety standards. The issue was revealed after Air India voluntarily reported the lapse, prompting an investigation by the regulator. In a statement, Air India acknowledged the DGCA's order and confirmed that all identified issues have been resolved, reaffirming its commitment to operational safety. The aircraft in question, previously part of Vistara's fleet, had its ARC expire during a period of engine change, but was subsequently released for service. Following the merger of Vistara with Air India in 2024, the DGCA was responsible for renewing the ARCs of the merged fleet, with 69 aircraft receiving their certificates post-merger.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's electronics sector is poised for significant export growth to the US and the European Union, driven by strategic trade agreements and favorable tariff conditions, according to a report by Niti Aayog. The anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement and lower tariffs for Indian suppliers—18% compared to 20-25% for competitors like China and Mexico—offer a competitive edge in the $1.6 trillion combined market. Currently, India holds only a 1% share of the global electronics market, valued at $4.6 trillion, with key segments dominated by China and Taiwan. The report emphasizes the need for India to shift from assembly-led production to component manufacturing, supported by policy initiatives like the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme. It calls for coordinated reforms in fiscal, trade, and logistics to enhance competitiveness and attract investment, aiming to support India's ambitious goal of reaching a $500 billion manufacturing sector by FY2030.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is preparing to host the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, welcoming leaders from 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for a four-day event starting February 16. The summit, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to gather global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Attendees will include Presidents from Estonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland, as well as Prime Ministers from Bhutan, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, and the Netherlands. Additionally, representatives from the UAE, Liechtenstein, and various nations will participate, alongside ministerial delegations from over 45 countries and senior officials from international organizations, including the UN Secretary General. The summit will focus on three key themes: people, planet, and progress, reflecting India's vision for AI cooperation.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed that farmers can cut urea usage by 25-50% without compromising crop yields by applying two sprays of nano urea as top-dressing alongside the recommended basal nitrogen dose. This method not only maintains yields but can enhance them by 3-8% compared to using the full nitrogen dose. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur confirmed in the Rajya Sabha that the government has provisionally notified nano urea as a nitrogen fertiliser under the Fertilizer Control Order, based on trials conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agriculture universities. The trials, which included various crops across different agro-climatic zones, demonstrated significant benefits. Additionally, the government has invested over ₹4,173 crore in crop residue management schemes, leading to a notable reduction in paddy straw burning. Meanwhile, shrimp exports to the US have declined significantly since the imposition of tariffs, with exports dropping from 138,591 tonnes valued at ₹9,532 crore in 2024 to 94,484 tonnes valued at ₹7,388 crore in late 2025.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 8 pm
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