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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first phase of the CIAL Aero Park on Monday, marking a significant step towards transforming Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) into a comprehensive aviation hub. The project, which includes an investment of ₹101 crore, aims to provide a dedicated space for aviation maintenance, training, and technical support services, featuring new infrastructure such as maintenance bays and training facilities. The Aero Park is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs and nearly 6,000 indirect jobs, functioning as a special economic zone. Vijayan also opened the CIASL Business Centre and announced the construction of an Aviation Pressure-Fed Firefighting Facility and an Underwater Rescue Training Facility, the first of their kind in India. State Industries Minister P. Rajeev highlighted CIAL's resilience during the Covid crisis, emphasizing its swift recovery and profitability through business diversification. 
Published: Feb 09 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndian farm unions and opposition parties are mobilizing for nationwide protests against a new India-US trade framework, which they argue could jeopardize the agricultural sector by increasing US imports. The government, however, maintains that key staples like rice and wheat are protected under the agreement, which also offers Indian growers of basmati rice and other products duty-free access to the US market. Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Kisan Union, expressed concerns that Indian farmers, who face higher costs and crop losses, are at a disadvantage compared to their US counterparts. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha coalition has called for protests on February 12, warning that the deal could lead to the influx of subsidized US products, undermining domestic prices and rural incomes. Opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the lack of transparency in the agreement, labeling it a "total surrender" of national interests.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 4 pmeznews.inSudhakar Desai, President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, highlighted the current structural volatility in global edible oil markets, driven by trade realignments, biofuel mandates, and supply constraints. Speaking at the UOB Kay Hian Conference in Kuala Lumpur, he noted that geopolitical shifts have compressed trade opportunities and intensified price fluctuations across the supply chain. With global production of major vegetable oils projected at 208.4 million tonnes for 2025-26, India’s output is expected to cover only 40% of its needs, necessitating imports of around 16.7 million tonnes. Desai emphasized the impact of biofuel mandates, particularly Indonesia's biodiesel program, on palm oil demand. He forecasted Malaysia and Indonesia's palm oil production to remain stable, while price dynamics will be influenced by policy changes rather than traditional supply cycles. Desai called for stable duty frameworks to mitigate price volatility for consumers.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe recent duty reduction in the US-India bilateral trade agreement is expected to have a limited impact on Indian soybean oil importers, according to industry experts. BV Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, noted that while crude soybean oil prices in Argentina may see a slight decrease, the overall advantage for Indian importers will be minimal due to the higher costs associated with US-origin oil, which is typically $30-40 more expensive per tonne. Additionally, if the duty reduction applies to refined soybean oil, it could affect oil inflows from Nepal. India imported 54.68 lakh tonnes of soybean oil in the 2024-25 oil year, with Argentina being the primary supplier. Sudhakar Desai, President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, emphasized that recent free trade agreements are crucial for market pricing and sourcing, with further details on tariff concessions needed for clarity on US soybean oil imports.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 2 pmeznews.inMaruti Suzuki India announced on Monday that it dispatched over 585,000 cars via rail in the last year, marking an 18% increase compared to 2024. The company's rail logistics share has surged from 5.1% in 2016 to 26% in 2025, significantly contributing to reduced carbon emissions, lower oil imports, and decreased road congestion. Maruti Suzuki's Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, highlighted two key initiatives: the launch of India's largest automobile in-plant railway siding at the Manesar facility and the first-ever rail dispatch of vehicles to the Kashmir valley via the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River. The company aims to boost rail-based vehicle dispatches to 35% by FY 2030-31, supporting India's net-zero goals by 2070. Since FY 2014-15, Maruti Suzuki has transported over 2.8 million vehicles across 600 cities using a hub and spoke model.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in partnership with the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), is promoting the 'Indian Cashew' brand at international trade fairs, focusing on value-added exports. This initiative aims to enhance India's position in the global market by shifting exports towards higher-value products like roasted and flavoured cashews. During a recent meeting in Kollam, APEDA officials highlighted new market opportunities from recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries including the UK, Australia, and the EU, which provide zero-duty access. The meeting also emphasized the need for infrastructure development and technological modernization in Kerala's cashew industry to maintain competitiveness. B. Ashok, Kerala's Agricultural Production Commissioner, underscored state efforts to boost cashew cultivation and processing. India, contributing 19% of global cashew production, aims to strengthen its market presence following the inclusion of cashew products under the APEDA Schedule in 2023.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 1 pmeznews.inUS Treasury yields rose following reports that Chinese regulators advised financial institutions to reduce their holdings of US government bonds amid concerns over market volatility. Benchmark Treasury yields climbed to 4.25%, while 30-year notes increased to 4.88%. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell by 0.2%. Chinese officials have urged banks to limit US bond purchases, particularly those with significant exposure, although no specific targets were set. This move aligns with a broader trend of countries like India and Brazil decreasing their investments in US assets, reflecting growing skepticism about US economic dominance. Despite these tensions, overseas Treasury holdings reached a record high in November, bolstered by increases from Norway, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, even as China's total holdings declined. Analysts suggest that while the focus is on diversifying rather than fully de-dollarizing, the shift could impact market dynamics and asset management strategies globally.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 1 pmeznews.inE-commerce enablement platform Velocity announced on Monday a significant investment of ₹100 crore to enhance its logistics arm, Velocity Shipping, over the next two years. This funding, sourced entirely from internal cash reserves and revenues, aims to bolster strategic hiring, product development, and AI-driven innovations within the logistics sector. Since its inception in 2025, Velocity Shipping has onboarded over 900 brands and is experiencing a remarkable 70% month-on-month growth in order volumes, contributing nearly 40% to Velocity's overall revenues. The company plans to double its shipping team and has already made key senior hires to improve last-mile delivery capabilities. Velocity collaborates with various third-party logistics partners, serving over 19,000 pincodes across India. Co-Founder and CEO Abhiroop Medhekar emphasized the importance of evolving logistics solutions to support digital-first brands, reflecting the company's commitment to building robust digital infrastructure for India's e-commerce landscape.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 11 ameznews.inCaptain Polyplast, a prominent manufacturer of micro irrigation solutions, has reported a significant 41% increase in net profit for the December quarter, reaching ₹9.47 crore compared to ₹6.73 crore in the same period last year. The company's income surged by 40% to ₹127 crore, while EBITDA rose 35% to ₹16 crore. Ritesh Khichadia, Whole Time Director, attributed this growth to robust volume increases in both micro irrigation and solar EPC segments, marking the highest quarterly revenue and profit in the company's history. The firm is expanding its presence in the solar pumps market, securing two orders for 1,300 pumps valued at ₹36 crore. Additionally, a reduction in GST from 12% to 5% on drip irrigation and solar equipment has enhanced affordability. The government continues to support initiatives like the “Per Drop More Crop” program, further bolstering the sector. Shares of Captain Polyplast rose 2% to ₹79 on Monday.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 12 pmeznews.inMoody's Ratings has projected India's GDP to grow at 6.4% in the fiscal year 2026-27, marking the fastest growth rate among G-20 economies, driven by robust domestic consumption and supportive policy measures. In its banking system outlook, Moody's noted that while asset quality remains resilient, some stress is anticipated among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). However, banks are well-positioned to absorb potential loan losses, with strong capitalization and stable funding. The report highlights that the rationalization of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and increased personal income tax thresholds will enhance consumer affordability, further bolstering consumption. Despite Moody's lower growth estimate compared to the Finance Ministry's projection of 6.8-7.2%, it anticipates a slight acceleration in system-wide loan growth to 11-13%. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to ease monetary policy if economic activity shows signs of slowing, following a recent reduction in the policy rate.
Published: Feb 09 2026, 12 pm
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