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The Karnataka High Court has lifted a ban on bike taxis, allowing services to resume across the state and providing relief to thousands of riders and drivers reliant on this mode of transport. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, overturned a previous ruling from April 2022 that halted operations. The court mandated that bike taxi operators apply to register their vehicles as transport taxis, clarifying that the state government cannot deny applications solely based on the vehicle type. While bike taxis have gained popularity in urban areas, they have faced regulatory challenges, similar to those seen in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Rapido, welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance for urban mobility and job creation. However, traditional auto-rickshaw and taxi unions expressed disappointment, indicating potential legal challenges and further actions in response to the ruling. 
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inEuropean Council President Antonio Costa and EU President Ursula von der Leyen will visit India from January 25 to 27 to attend Republic Day celebrations as chief guests and engage in summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) amid ongoing negotiations, although challenges remain in areas such as sustainability and standards. EU officials indicated that while both sides are nearing a deal, political closure is the immediate goal, with formal signing by individual EU states expected later. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework is anticipated, facilitating the movement of students and skilled workers. The summit will also address a new security and defense partnership, enhancing cooperation on various security challenges. Discussions will include the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, reflecting the strategic importance of India in the EU's global network.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inWheat acreage in India has reached a record high of 334.17 lakh hectares (lh) for the 2025-26 season, up 2% from last year, despite a marginal decline in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar. This increase is largely attributed to significant rises in Madhya Pradesh, which saw an 11% increase to 85.73 lh, and Rajasthan, which rose by 12% to 35.49 lh. However, overall production will hinge on yields in these states and Gujarat, particularly during the critical grain-filling period in February. The Food Ministry has relaxed procurement norms in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to support farmers amid adverse weather conditions, allowing for certain quality compromises. The government aims for a wheat production target of 119 million tonnes for 2025-26, following a record output of 117.54 million tonnes in the previous year.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is set to establish a hydrogen internal combustion engine development facility within the next year, according to ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 'Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026)', scheduled for January 27-30, 2026, Dr. Mathai highlighted the urgent need for enhanced vehicle safety amid rising road accidents. ARAI is also fostering innovation by supporting government-backed startups and has registered 18 patents in recent years. The institute is engaged in research on traffic data collection using Intelligent Vehicle Technology and is addressing air pollution issues. Additionally, ARAI plans to launch a photometric laboratory for testing automotive parts and is utilizing advanced sensors to measure road conditions across 50,000 km of Indian roads, aiding in vehicle design and performance assessments.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF) has expanded its Nandini brand with the launch of a new range of dairy products, aimed at meeting changing consumer demands for nutrition and quality. Introduced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the new offerings include high-protein N-Pro Milk, medium-fat paneer, various probiotic products, and affordable small packs of milk and curd priced at ₹10. Notably, the ghee products feature QR code-enabled packaging, allowing consumers to verify authenticity and combat counterfeiting. KMF emphasizes that N-Pro Milk contains 18% more protein than regular milk, while the medium-fat paneer provides a healthier option with 50g of protein. The probiotic range is designed to enhance digestive health, and the dairy whitener offers a long shelf-life alternative to fresh milk. With over 175 products under the Nandini brand, KMF continues to prioritize affordability and quality, earning consumer trust across regions.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 9 pmeznews.inAirlines have been instructed to submit requests for airport slots, along with details of their operational readiness, following the government's redistribution of slots vacated by IndiGo due to recent flight cancellations. Key airports in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow are among those offering these slots, with some also available on Delhi–Mumbai routes. However, interest has been limited, as most airlines face constraints related to aircraft and crew availability. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) held a meeting to clarify the redistribution process, emphasizing that airlines must demonstrate sufficient operational resources to utilize the slots effectively. Additionally, airlines are prohibited from cancelling existing services to accommodate new slots. A Slot Coordination Committee will review the requests, and any slots not used as planned may be reassigned. The Centre has mandated IndiGo to reduce its flight schedule by 10% to stabilize operations, impacting its capacity and revenue forecasts for Q3 FY26.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrices of tur (pigeon pea) have seen a slight increase recently due to a combination of slowing imports, delayed market arrivals, and a weakening rupee, which has made imports more expensive. According to the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), new tur crop prices rose by ₹125-250 per quintal across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, while old crop prices increased by ₹100-200 per quintal. The all-India average wholesale price for tur reached ₹7,283 per quintal as of January 21, up from ₹7,003 on December 31, and slightly higher than last year's ₹7,042. Despite the price rise, IPGA Chairman Bimal Kothari reassured that prices remain below the minimum support price. Tur imports fell by 8% to 10,54,969 tonnes from January to November 2025 compared to the previous year. The Agriculture Ministry projects tur production for 2025-26 at 35.97 lakh tonnes, slightly down from last year's figures.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia remains eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits, allowing it to export goods to the European Union (EU) at reduced duties, covering exports worth €11.24 billion, or 18% of its total €62.2 billion exports to the EU in 2023. However, as of January 1, 2026, €1.66 billion of these exports, representing 2.66%, will graduate from this preferential regime, leaving 82% of trade outside GSP benefits. The new GSP framework maintains agricultural lines while reinstating leather in the non-agricultural sector. The EU has suspended GSP preferences for 13 sectors, including textiles and machinery, affecting 87% of India's exports. Trade experts warn that this could advantage competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam. The EU's decision, outlined in a regulation adopted in September 2025, necessitates clarity on which products have lost GSP benefits to avoid confusion among exporters and policymakers.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's demographic transition, marked by declining fertility rates and an ageing population, presents a mixed outlook for economic growth, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study. While some states benefit from a youthful demographic profile, others are nearing a 'demographic turning point' that could limit their growth potential. The study highlights that states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, with a younger population, will continue to enjoy a wider 'window of opportunity' for economic expansion, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are expected to transition into the ageing category by 2026, facing fiscal pressures and a shrinking workforce. The RBI emphasizes the need for balanced public policies that harness the potential of younger populations while addressing the challenges of ageing demographics. By 2036, over half of Indian states will be classified as ageing, necessitating strategic investments in human capital and employment to fully capitalize on the demographic dividend.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inForeign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to India soared by 73% in 2025, reaching USD 47 billion, driven by significant investments in services such as finance, IT, and R&D, alongside manufacturing. This surge is attributed to policies aimed at integrating India into global supply chains, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In contrast, FDI inflows to China fell for the third consecutive year, declining by 8% to USD 107.5 billion. Globally, FDI reached approximately USD 1.6 trillion, a 14% increase, largely influenced by major financial centres like the UK and Luxembourg. While North America saw stable FDI flows, with the US recording a 2% rise, cross-border mergers and acquisitions dropped by 22%. Data centres emerged as a key driver of FDI, with India ranking among the top ten recipients of such investments, reflecting a growing emphasis on AI infrastructure and greenfield projects.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 7 pm
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