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Jammu and Kashmir is facing a severe rainfall deficit of 96% this winter, raising alarms over water availability, agriculture, and hydropower generation. Official data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the region received only 1.4 mm of rainfall from January 1 to January 14, far below the normal 33.3 mm. Key agricultural districts, including Srinagar and Budgam, reported zero precipitation, while others like Anantnag and Baramulla experienced deficits of up to 99%. This prolonged dry spell threatens the apple harvest, crucial for the local economy, with farmers warning of potential irrigation crises in summer. The Jammu region also recorded significant deficits, with some districts showing a complete lack of rainfall. Hydropower generation has plummeted by over 70%, with current output at just 277 megawatts. However, a strong Western Disturbance is expected to bring much-needed precipitation from January 22 to 25, according to IMD officials. 
Published: Jan 20 2026, 4 pmeznews.inGodrej Agrovet has entered into an initial agreement with the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission to empower over 5,000 women farmers in nine cotton-growing districts of Maharashtra. The three-year partnership aims to enhance agricultural practices by mobilising Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). CEO Sunil Kataria highlighted the initiative's goal of improving yields and uplifting families through practical agronomy. The program will cover more than 50,000 acres and engage 100 SHGs per district in its first year, with plans to expand support to over 5,000 SHGs across the state and include other crops like maize. Godrej Agrovet will conduct training workshops, farmer field schools, and distribute safety kits, while the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission will facilitate coordination through its networks.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) is set to take place on January 23 in Kochi, aiming to showcase the achievements of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector and outline its future vision. Chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the session will also feature Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and various state ministers. Key initiatives to enhance inland water transport will be launched, alongside the signing of State Support Agreements to bolster Centre-State collaboration. The agenda includes discussions on urban water transport systems, cargo efficiency, green vessels, river cruise tourism, and regulatory frameworks. Kerala, home to five National Waterways, has seen significant cargo movement, and feasibility studies for urban water transport in Alappuzha and Kollam are underway. The meeting aims to address implementation challenges and advance critical infrastructure projects, including the modernization of key facilities on NW-3.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that indigenous cattle are vital to integrated farming systems in India, with over one-third of cattle rearers not selling milk but instead focusing on non-market uses such as dung and draught power. The survey, which encompassed over 7,300 households across 15 states, found that 74% of farmers value dung for manure and fuel, while 54% of buffalo rearers reported climate-related challenges affecting their livestock. The study highlights the need for targeted livestock programs that address regional challenges, such as feed shortages and climate resilience. Experts emphasize that current dairy policies focus too heavily on milk production, neglecting the broader livelihood roles of cattle. To enhance productivity and sustainability, the report calls for improved veterinary services and localized feed solutions, particularly in regions facing climate stress and resource constraints.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inAustralia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has indicated a potential shift towards drought-inducing El Niño conditions by June, although predictability remains low beyond May. Currently, La Niña persists in the tropical Pacific, with the Niño3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) index recorded at −0.91 °C as of January 18, indicating La Niña's presence. However, recent sub-surface warming suggests it may be weakening. BoM forecasts a return to neutral ENSO conditions by the end of February, likely lasting through May. SST analysis shows warmer waters off Western Australia and northern New South Wales, while cooler temperatures are noted along the southeast coast. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has risen to +11.5, nearing La Niña thresholds. Trade winds remain strong but may weaken soon, potentially accelerating La Niña's decline. The Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to stay neutral until late May, with the Southern Annular Mode also remaining neutral.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inFLY91 has launched daily non-stop flights between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands, marking a significant expansion of its regional network. The airline plans to add seven new stations, including Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded, and Indore, over the next 90 days, bringing its total destinations to 15. This expansion will be supported by a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft, with three more expected to join within 45 days. The new Kochi route enhances connectivity for island residents and visitors, complementing existing services to Goa. FLY91's Managing Director, Manoj Chacko, emphasized the importance of improved regional connectivity for driving growth in tier-two and tier-three markets. The phased expansion will begin in early February, with additional routes planned to strengthen its presence in southern India and facilitate better access to the Indian mainland.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is set to extend quality certification fee concessions for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by three years, beyond the mid-2026 deadline, to bolster India's manufacturing sector. The proposed extension offers significant fee reductions—80% for micro units, 50% for small enterprises, and 20% for medium-sized firms. Despite BIS's alignment with global standards, challenges in testing infrastructure and implementation persist, particularly affecting the 80% of licensees that are MSMEs. The government aims to shift towards a culture-driven quality approach, emphasizing that quality is essential for market access. Currently, BIS has issued 55,000 certification licenses, with a notable number obtained voluntarily, reflecting a growing commitment to quality. However, gaps in testing facilities remain, particularly in sectors lacking mandatory standards, prompting calls for industry collaboration to identify and address these deficiencies.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production has surged by 22% to 15.9 million tonnes by mid-January 2026, driven by increased cane supplies and improved yields, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). This marks a rise from 13 million tonnes during the same period last year, with 518 operational mills compared to 500 a year prior. Notably, Maharashtra's output soared by 51% to 6.45 million tonnes, while Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka also reported increases. Despite this growth, ISMA cautioned that escalating cane prices and declining sugar realisations are straining mill finances, leading to delayed payments to farmers. Ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra and Karnataka have fallen to approximately Rs 3,550 per quintal, well below production costs. To address these challenges, ISMA has urged an early revision of the minimum selling price to ensure the industry's viability and timely farmer payments.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's largest airline, IndiGo, experienced significant operational disruptions in December due to inadequate pilot roster planning, prompting intervention from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In a bid to restore stability, IndiGo assured the regulator that it would ensure sufficient flight crew availability starting in February. To facilitate this, the DGCA has temporarily relaxed two provisions concerning night duty for IndiGo pilots until February 10, a decision that has drawn criticism from pilot unions and safety advocates. Earlier this month, the airline faced a $2.45 million fine, received warnings for senior executives, and was instructed to remove its head of operations control following the disruptions. An IndiGo spokesperson has yet to comment on the situation.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has urged the Indian government to include forest-based products in the upcoming bilateral trade agreement with the European Union (EU), emphasizing the benefits for tribal communities and the Indian industry. In a memorandum to Darpan Jain, Chief Negotiator for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, SEA President Sanjeev Asthana highlighted the importance of excluding forestry products from the agricultural sector, as they are vital for tribal livelihoods and not classified as agricultural goods. He pointed out India's potential in producing various tree-borne oilseeds and the need for tariff relief on specific products, such as sal-based cocoa butter and shea stearin, to protect the industry from foreign competition. Asthana argued that reducing tariffs would enhance trade flows, support innovation, and strengthen economic ties between India and the EU, ultimately benefiting both economies and creating jobs.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 2 pm
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