eznews.in
KhetiBuddy, an agri-tech startup, has unveiled Verdnt, an enterprise SaaS platform aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of mid-to-large agribusinesses navigating complex supply chains. The platform serves as a comprehensive data backbone, integrating agronomy, operations, and sustainability workflows, thereby facilitating a shift from retrospective reporting to proactive, data-driven decision-making. Verdnt is tailored for food and beverage companies, agri-input firms, and large enterprises that require visibility into farm data for operational and regulatory purposes. Its AI capabilities leverage structured information from farm operations and sustainability metrics, enabling gradual application in risk identification and decision support while ensuring transparency. Following successful pilots in North America and Europe, Verdnt has demonstrated its capacity to merge farm and sustainability data into enterprise systems. Founder and CEO Vinay Nair emphasized that Verdnt aims to embed farm intelligence into core business operations, transforming data into actionable insights. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union (EU) announced the finalisation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, marking India's 19th trade deal. This agreement aims to enhance India's exports to the 27-nation bloc, which currently accounts for 17% of India's total exports. The FTA is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs, making Indian goods, particularly from labour-intensive sectors like textiles and pharmaceuticals, more competitive in the EU market. It also aims to diversify Indian exports amid high tariffs imposed by the US. The EU stands to gain from increased exports of aircraft, machinery, and chemicals to India. Bilateral trade between India and the EU reached $136.53 billion in 2024-25, with significant contributions from both goods and services. Negotiations for the FTA, which began in 2007, faced multiple hurdles but were revitalised in 2022, leading to this significant milestone. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian tyre industry is facing a critical shortage of natural rubber, raising alarms over potential production disruptions. The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) highlighted that the current tightness in supply is particularly concerning during the peak production season, with manufacturers struggling to maintain operations. ATMA Chairman Arun Mammen noted that while some decline in output due to climatic factors is expected, the scale of the current shortage suggests deeper structural issues. Prices have surged to nearly ₹200 per kg, exacerbated by concerns of hoarding amid anticipated further increases. Discrepancies between official production data and market realities have prompted ATMA to call for an independent assessment by the Rubber Board. With domestic production meeting only 60% of India's rubber needs, ATMA has urged for duty-free imports to address the shortfall and has called for government intervention to stabilize supplies and protect the interests of both growers and the tyre industry. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Cochin branch, is set to host the Comarsem (Cochin Marine Seminar) on January 29 and 30, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping. This two-day event will unite key stakeholders from the global maritime industry, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, under the theme “Maritime India — Innovations and Collaborations.” The seminar aims to explore the transformation of India’s maritime sector and discuss strategic pathways to establish the country as a global maritime superpower. S. Krishnankutty, Chairman, emphasized the forum's role in aligning policy, technology, and industry to foster maritime growth. Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor, highlighted the sector's significant transformation driven by policy reforms and technological advancements. The event will feature panel discussions and presentations on various topics, including regulatory frameworks, infrastructure growth, greener technologies, and innovative training methodologies, all aimed at enhancing India's maritime capabilities. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 2 pmeznews.inSultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), addressed the India Energy Week in Goa, highlighting three megatrends shaping the energy sector: the rise of emerging markets, particularly India; the exponential growth of artificial intelligence; and the transformation of energy systems. He projected that global oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels per day until 2040, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand increasing by over 50%. Al Jaber emphasized India's pivotal role as the world's third-largest energy consumer and a key driver of global demand, noting the UAE's commitment to being a reliable energy partner. He also underscored the importance of strategic, long-term partnerships, particularly in light of the recent agreement to double UAE-India bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. Al Jaber warned that the biggest risk in the energy market is underinvestment, particularly as demand for air conditioning and digital infrastructure surges. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 2 pmeznews.inA minor fire occurred at the city airport on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from officials, who reported no damage from the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that a spark ignited smoke in a staff canteen located in the international departure area. Fortunately, the situation was quickly managed, and air traffic operations remained unaffected throughout the event. Authorities reassured the public that safety protocols were effectively implemented, ensuring the airport continued to function normally. The incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency responses in maintaining safety at busy transport hubs. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Hardeep Singh Puri underscored the vital importance of conventional energy for emerging and developing economies during his address at the India Energy Week in Goa. He noted that nearly 80% of the global energy demand increase is driven by these regions, particularly developing Asia, where energy needs are set to rise due to greater access to mobility and digital services. Puri highlighted the ongoing challenges in the global energy landscape, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, and pointed out that around 730 million people still lack electricity. He emphasized that while renewable energy has seen significant growth, conventional energy remains crucial, warning that halting investments in oil and gas could lead to an 8% annual decline in global oil output. Puri called for a balanced approach to energy transition, advocating for cooperation and innovation to ensure a secure and inclusive energy future, particularly as India’s per capita energy consumption remains below the global average. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 1 pmeznews.inAXISCADES Technologies Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, a subsidiary of Embraer, to enhance aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft fleets in India. This collaboration will focus on Embraer’s Indian fleet, which includes VVIP, VIP, and commercial aircraft, as well as airborne early warning platforms. The Bengaluru-based firm will leverage its expertise in avionics, radar, and electronic warfare alongside OGMA’s extensive MRO experience. The partnership aims to explore business opportunities in India, the UAE, and the broader Middle East and North Africa region, utilizing OGMA’s connections with major manufacturers like Airbus Defence and Rolls-Royce. AXISCADES is also developing a comprehensive aerospace and defence facility near Bengaluru International Airport. Both companies emphasize their commitment to supporting India's self-reliance objectives while expanding their global footprint. AXISCADES shares were trading at ₹1,139, down 1.16 percent on the NSE. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 12 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the inaugural session of India Energy Week in Goa, highlighted the country's growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the vast investment opportunities it presents. He emphasized the need for development in shipping vessels, pipelines, and regasification infrastructure, alongside the deep-sea exploration initiative, Samudra Manthan Mission. Modi announced a ₹70,000 crore ship-building programme to support LNG transport and noted the ongoing expansion of city gas distribution networks. He projected that India aims to attract $100 billion in oil and gas investments by the decade's end, with over 170 exploration blocks already awarded. Modi also pointed out India's refining capacity, currently at 260 million tonnes per annum, with ambitions to surpass 300 million. He urged global investors to engage with India's energy sector, which he described as pivotal to the nation's growth, offering opportunities worth $500 billion under the banner of "Make in India." 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAdani Group and Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer have announced a strategic partnership to establish a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India, enhancing the country's indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding at the civil aviation ministry, aims to improve air connectivity to Tier 2 and 3 cities, with plans for a Final Assembly Line for Embraer's regional jets. Adani Defence & Aerospace Director Jeet Adani emphasized the significance of this venture, which aligns with India's push for self-reliance in manufacturing. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted the initiative's potential for technology transfer and robust supply chains. While specific investment details and site locations remain undisclosed, the partnership is expected to cater to the growing demand for regional transport aircraft in India and the broader South Asian market. Embraer anticipates a need for at least 500 aircraft in the 80 to 146 seat range over the next two decades. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 12 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
