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Private equity firm KKR has identified significant opportunities for infrastructure investments in India, driven by urbanisation, government support, and rising energy demands. In its latest report, KKR highlighted its focus on roads, renewables, logistics, and related assets, noting that despite a challenging year for Indian equities, conditions are expected to improve by 2026. The firm anticipates mid-teens earnings per share growth, bolstered by fiscal impulses and increased participation in capital markets. While investor sentiment remains cautious, particularly due to concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on the IT sector, KKR believes AI could enhance India's service capabilities. With India's nominal GDP growth projected at 10-11% and a burgeoning consumption market, the firm asserts that the country is entering a more sustainable, consumption-driven growth phase, making it an attractive destination for long-term investors despite existing risks. 
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Dr Reddy’s Foundation (DRF) have formalized a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing agricultural vocational training and farmer extension services across India. The agreement, signed at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, seeks to build capacity in modern farming practices through strategic coordination led by Anil Kumar, Assistant Director General (Coordination) at ICAR. An ICAR official emphasized that the collaboration will integrate quality skill development in agriculture, leveraging ICAR’s research capabilities alongside DRF’s community engagement model to improve rural livelihoods and promote agricultural sustainability. Suman S., Director of Rural Livelihoods at DRF, noted that this partnership will enable the foundation to expand its impact while ensuring alignment with national agricultural frameworks. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector in India.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAVPL International has partnered with DeHaat and Farmers City India Pvt Ltd to train approximately 140,000 agri and drone entrepreneurs across India over the next five years. This initiative aims to create one of the country’s largest integrated rural entrepreneurship ecosystems by combining skill development, agri retail expansion, drone technology, electric mobility, and structured credit facilitation. Training centres will be established nationwide, adhering to NSDC and ASCI standards, ensuring trainees receive nationally recognized qualifications. Successful participants will launch agri input retail stores under DeHaat’s dealership model, while drone entrepreneurs will provide services like precision spraying and crop health monitoring. The collaboration also aims to facilitate access to institutional credit for first-generation entrepreneurs, including support under Uttar Pradesh's Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan scheme. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods and productivity through skill and technology integration.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's ethanol blending programme has seen a significant shift in feedstock dynamics during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, with maize emerging as the dominant raw material, contributing nearly 48% of total ethanol production, up from 42.6% the previous year, according to the All India Distillers Association (AIDA). This transition marks a departure from traditional sugarcane-based sources, bolstered by government policies and increased procurement prices. Cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 1,039 crore litres, fulfilling 89% of contracted volumes, with grain-based feedstocks, including maize and rice, accounting for 69% of the total. AIDA President Vijendra Singh highlighted the resilience of India's biofuel ecosystem, emphasizing the benefits for maize farmers and the reduced dependence on sugarcane. The industry, with a capacity of around 2,000 crore litres, is poised for further growth, advocating for higher blending mandates and the promotion of Flex-Fuel Vehicles to enhance sustainability and reduce crude oil imports.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, urged India to collaborate with France in safeguarding children from the dangers of social media and artificial intelligence. Emphasizing the need for a sovereign AI strategy amid rising global competition, Macron highlighted the urgency of creating a safe online environment for minors, stating, “There is no reason our children should be exposed online to what is legally forbidden in the real world.” He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join a new coalition aimed at protecting youth, referencing France's initiative to ban social media for children under 15. Macron underscored the importance of responsible AI development, asserting that the future of AI should prioritize accessibility and ethical considerations. He expressed confidence that France and India could jointly shape a sustainable and inclusive digital future, grounded in shared values of innovation and multilateralism.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Food Corporation of India (FCI) has entered into a significant agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply 200,000 tonnes of rice, aimed at combating global hunger. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), effective until 2031, allows FCI to provide rice at a price of ₹2,800 per quintal, with annual revisions planned. Union food secretary Sanjeev Chopra emphasized that this partnership symbolizes India's commitment to ensuring no one faces hunger, while WFP's Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau hailed the agreement as a crucial step in delivering nutritious food to vulnerable populations. The collaboration not only reinforces India's dedication to global food security but also enhances cooperation with WFP in addressing humanitarian challenges worldwide. The current pricing is set to remain until March 31, 2026, with potential extensions beyond the initial five-year term by mutual consent.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inKerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan inaugurated the Southern Regional Agriculture Fair 2026 at the Kerala Agricultural University, highlighting the importance of modernising agriculture to enhance profitability for farmers. In his address, he underscored the transformative impact of technologies such as precision farming, artificial intelligence, and drones on the agricultural sector. Rajan praised the university's pivotal role in delivering value-added technologies directly to farmers, describing its evolution as a journey "from soil to sky." He noted that the institution has successfully turned traditional farmers into entrepreneurs through its initiatives. The event featured around 200 exhibition stalls, live technology demonstrations, farmer-scientist interactions, and competitions for both farmers and students, alongside farm visits and B2B meetings for FPOs and agri start-ups. The fair was presided over by B. Ashok, Vice Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAt the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron defended the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets with India, emphasizing a commitment to maximizing Indian content in the aircraft. He stated that increasing indigenous components would strengthen India and create jobs, countering criticism of the deal. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also pushed for higher local content, aiming for over 50% localization, while Dassault Aviation has initially agreed to around 40%. The deal, expected to cost approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore, will see most aircraft co-produced in India, with a final assembly line and manufacturing facilities established locally. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafales, and a recent deal for 26 marine versions was signed by the Indian Navy. Despite past opposition allegations regarding procurement irregularities, the Supreme Court upheld the Rafale contract, dismissing claims of corruption.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 7 pmeznews.inFishermen in India will soon require an "Access Pass" to operate within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as part of a new regulatory framework set to launch on February 20 in Veraval, Gujarat. This initiative aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and align operations with export standards, following the EEZ Rules, 2025, established in November 2025. The Access Pass will enable fishers, cooperatives, and producer organizations to legally access the EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast and covers approximately 24 lakh square kilometers. Currently, most fishing occurs within 40–50 nautical miles of shore, but the new system is designed to encourage deeper water fishing for high-value species like tuna. The framework includes structured entry norms and compliance measures to enhance traceability and certification, ultimately supporting India's seafood export growth, which reached ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024-25. Veraval, a key fisheries hub, will spearhead this initiative.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 6 pmeznews.inUS Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has extended an invitation for New Delhi to formally join the US-led strategic alliance known as 'Pax Silica', aimed at enhancing supply chains for critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI). This development is part of ongoing efforts to finalize a trade deal and strengthen bilateral relations, which have faced challenges in recent times. India is expected to officially join the initiative on Friday, following its launch in December, where partner nations, including Australia, Japan, and the UK, signed a declaration outlining a vision for deep economic and technological cooperation. The Pax Silica initiative emphasizes the importance of a reliable supply chain for mutual economic security and recognizes AI as a transformative force for prosperity. The declaration highlights the potential for economic growth across the global AI supply chain, fostering new opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and technology.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 6 pm
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