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Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable urban mobility and public transport systems. The collaboration seeks to leverage KMRL's operational expertise alongside IISc's data-driven research capabilities, focusing on areas such as sustainable mobility planning and the integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and blockchain. Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, emphasized that the initiative will enhance Kochi's livability and resilience, addressing critical issues like air quality and accessibility. Ashish Verma, a professor at IISc, highlighted the importance of evidence-based research in tackling urban challenges, asserting that their advanced simulation models will enable policymakers to test transport interventions effectively. This partnership positions Kochi as a potential model for sustainable urban mobility solutions, aiming to reduce congestion and carbon emissions while improving overall quality of life. 
Published: Feb 06 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has unveiled the beta version of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the eSankhyiki portal, aimed at enhancing access to official statistics. This initiative is part of the National Statistical Office's (NSO) commitment to making data more readily available to citizens, researchers, and businesses. The beta version currently features seven key data products: the Periodic Labour Force Survey, Consumer Price Index, Annual Survey of Industries, Index of Industrial Production, National Account Statistics, Wholesale Price Index, and Environmental Statistics. MoSPI stated that the MCP technology enables users to connect directly with datasets using their own AI tools and applications, with plans to expand the dataset offerings in the coming months. This launch marks a significant step towards improving transparency and accessibility in India's statistical landscape.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 7 pmeznews.inGold prices surged on Friday, with April futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) quoted at ₹1,53,955, reflecting a rise of ₹1,885 from Thursday. Globally, gold surpassed $4,900 an ounce, while silver briefly exceeded $75 before settling at $74.81. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) raised initial margins for both silver and gold, marking the sixth increase in just over a month, with silver margins now at 18% and gold at 9%. In the Chinese market, silver prices fell below $100 an ounce for the first time this year, trading at 19,999 yuan ($89.66 an ounce) on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, yet maintaining a premium over COMEX rates. Analysts emphasize the importance of monitoring the dollar and Federal Reserve signals amid heightened market volatility, as strong CME interventions continue to influence trading dynamics.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAt a recent panel discussion in New Delhi, experts debated India's manufacturing sector's potential to overcome its stagnant 17% GDP ratio, particularly in light of the 2026-2027 budget and new free trade agreements (FTAs) with the EU and US. Hosted by businessline and FICCI, the session featured insights from Jyoti Vij, Bharat Kaushal, Prerna Prabhakar, and Biswajit Dhar, moderated by Amiti Sen. While some panelists expressed cautious optimism about India's growing competitiveness through diversified markets and improved supply chains, Dhar raised concerns over a $500 billion import commitment from the US potentially undermining local manufacturing. Prabhakar highlighted the need for the MSME sector to achieve scale and suggested incentivizing performance to boost exports. The discussion underscored the importance of leveraging new FTAs effectively, contrasting them with previous agreements that had led to increased trade deficits.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to maintain the policy repo rate at 5.25%, a move anticipated by analysts amid a positive growth outlook and low inflation. The RBI's monetary policy committee (MPC) unanimously agreed to keep the rate steady, with projections for GDP and consumer price index inflation for the first two quarters of FY27 being revised upwards. While all members supported the neutral stance, Ram Singh from the Delhi School of Economics advocated for a shift to an accommodative approach. Governor Sanjay Malhotra acknowledged increasing external challenges but highlighted the potential benefits of recent trade agreements, particularly with the US, for merchandise exports. He emphasized the importance of data dependency and indicated that the current economic conditions suggest a prolonged period of low interest rates. Meanwhile, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Government Security rose by 8 basis points, reflecting market reactions to the RBI's decisions.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's rice procurement for the Central Pool stock has reached 42.95 million tonnes (mt) from October 2025 to January 2026, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This surge in purchases, exceeding the annual requirements for the public distribution system, has raised concerns as the government has yet to establish a permanent offtake policy to manage the surplus. Experts warn that the ongoing ad hoc diversion of rice for ethanol production is impacting the sugarcane sector, leading to cane arrears for farmers. The all-India rice purchase target for 2025-26 is set at 46.35 mt, with procurement varying by state. While states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have reported significant increases, Punjab, traditionally a top contributor, has seen a decline in purchases. Current rice stocks are nine times above the buffer norm, prompting the government to allocate rice for ethanol at a reduced rate.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn a pioneering move for maritime security, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has become the first Indian port to implement an advanced Anti-Drone System. The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has signed an agreement with Central Electronics Limited (CEL) to deploy a sophisticated integrated Radio Frequency (RF) and radar-based system designed for complex port environments. This system offers 360-degree coverage and an effective range of up to 5 km, enabling real-time detection, tracking, classification, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones. The comprehensive security solution, which includes a drone detector, detection radar, and man-pack jammer, is tailored for rapid deployment in sensitive operational areas, significantly enhancing the port's ability to protect critical infrastructure and personnel. This initiative marks a notable advancement in India's indigenous electronic countermeasure capabilities, reinforcing the security of vital maritime operations.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), in collaboration with national labour organisations, has announced a nationwide strike for app-based transport workers on February 7, demanding government-regulated minimum base fares and a ban on private vehicles for commercial transport. The union, representing drivers from platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, highlighted the income insecurity and exploitation faced by workers due to unregulated fares. In a letter to the Union Road Transport Ministry, they called for the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which require regulatory oversight and fare transparency. The TGPWU insists that fare structures should be developed in consultation with recognised worker unions and that private vehicles should either be banned from commercial use or converted to commercial status. This strike follows a previous protest on December 31, reflecting a growing movement among app-based workers in India.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its real GDP growth projections for the first two quarters of FY27, increasing estimates by 20 basis points to 6.9% and 7.0%, respectively, amid a positive growth outlook. Concurrently, the RBI raised its Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation estimates for these quarters by 10 and 20 basis points, now forecasting 4.0% and 4.2%. The overall CPI inflation for FY26 is projected at 2.1%, slightly up from 2.0%, primarily due to rising precious metal prices. Experts suggest these adjustments indicate a likely pause in the policy repo rate, with ICRA noting diminished prospects for near-term rate cuts. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the resilience of economic activity, driven by domestic factors, while cautioning that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will await new GDP and CPI data before making further projections. The MPC's next assessment is expected in April 2026.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 7 pmeznews.inArvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, announced that employment generation in India is now outpacing population growth, highlighting the country's potential in a speech at a conference on trade relations organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He underscored the importance of skilling, asserting that India's share in the global labor force is set to increase, providing a significant advantage in human capital. Virmani noted that India is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand for manufacturing, especially in comparison to China, which he stated cannot dominate global manufacturing alone. He called for key reforms, including updates to labor codes and tax compliance, to enhance global competitiveness. Virmani expressed optimism that India could transition to an Upper-Middle-Income Country and eventually achieve High-Income Country status, as defined by the World Bank based on Gross National Income per capita.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 6 pm
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