eznews.inThe Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of a government tasar silk cocoon market in Armori, Gadchiroli district, as part of its Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023–28, with an investment of ₹3.88 crore. This initiative aims to provide tasar silk farmers with a transparent trading platform, ensuring fair prices and enhancing the silk value chain in eastern Vidarbha. The modern market complex will feature essential infrastructure, including an administrative building, water supply, sanitation, electrification, and facilities for persons with disabilities, alongside internal roads and drainage systems. The project, managed by the Directorate of Sericulture under Central Silk Board guidelines, is expected to create local employment opportunities and bolster the rural economy, ultimately promoting economic stability and sustainable incomes for tasar silk producers in the region. A government resolution has been issued to formalize this decision. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe draft National Electricity Policy 2026 (NEP 2026) proposes significant reforms to power tariffs, advocating for an index-linked automatic annual revision that would see increases in power purchase costs passed on to consumers monthly. Released by the Power Ministry, the policy aims to align electricity supply with the demands of a growing economy targeting $30 trillion and energy independence. It emphasizes the need for cost-reflective tariffs to ensure the financial sustainability of the power sector, which has seen Discoms accumulate losses of approximately Rs 6.9 lakh crore. The policy calls for State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to ensure tariffs reflect actual costs, while also suggesting the establishment of stabilization funds to manage fluctuations in power purchase costs. Additionally, it seeks to reduce cross-subsidies and promote timely payments to enhance the financial health of the sector, ultimately aiming to restore viability and transparency in electricity pricing.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 3 pmeznews.inShamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, emphasized the pivotal role of small nuclear reactors in India's energy strategy during a recent event in New Delhi. Speaking to ANI, she noted that these reactors are crucial for reducing the country's heavy energy import bills and enhancing energy security as part of the broader 2047 energy framework. Ravi highlighted the government's commitment to diversifying energy sources, particularly through renewables, to ensure sustainability amid global uncertainties. She also addressed concerns regarding US tariffs, stating their limited impact on India, and underscored the importance of expanding free trade agreements. Additionally, Ravi pointed to India's proactive approach in sourcing critical minerals and the need to boost women's participation in the workforce. The recent SHANTI Bill, 2025, facilitates private-sector involvement in nuclear energy, with a budget allocation of ₹20,000 crore aimed at developing five Small Modular Reactors by 2033.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 3 pmeznews.inFrom January 1, 2026, India faces a significant challenge in the European Union market as 87% of its exports will incur higher import tariffs due to the suspension of Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) benefits. Previously, GSP allowed Indian goods to enter the EU at reduced tariffs, but now exporters must pay full Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates, impacting key sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery. For instance, apparel that once faced a 12% tariff will now incur the full rate. This change follows the EU's "graduation" rules, which remove preferences once export thresholds are met for three consecutive years. The timing is particularly difficult, coinciding with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which adds further costs. The Global Trade Research Institute warns that this combination of higher tariffs and compliance costs could severely undermine India's competitiveness, making 2026 one of the toughest years for Indian exports to Europe in over a decade.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 3 pmeznews.inMoneyboxx Financial Ltd, a non-banking finance company listed on the NSE, has introduced innovative muzzle technology to uniquely identify cattle, enhancing its loan issuance process to under 15 minutes. Co-founder Deepak Aggarwal highlighted that the company, which manages a portfolio of 600,000 cattle, is the second to develop an AI-driven app for this purpose. The technology allows for precise identification of cattle breeds and lactation cycles, aiding insurance firms in reducing fraud. Moneyboxx has provided loans to 40,000 farmer families, with plans to expand its assets under management from ₹1,000 crore to ₹1,600 crore in the next fiscal year. The company is also collaborating with the Gates Foundation to refine its lending model, which assesses farmers' income potential based on cattle and land data. Additionally, Moneyboxx offers support services to borrowers, including veterinary advice and free feedstock, as it expands its operations into southern India.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe European Union is poised to finalize a significant comprehensive deal with India during the upcoming visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Speaking in the European Parliament, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the advancement of a new Security and Defence Partnership, enhancing cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense, with plans to sign it at the EU-India Summit in New Delhi. The leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit, where a new strategic agenda is expected to be adopted. Von der Leyen highlighted the nearing completion of a Free Trade Agreement, described as "the mother of all deals," which could create a market of 2 billion people and account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. The visit, from January 25 to 27, aims to strengthen economic ties and deepen collaboration between the EU and India, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership established in 2004.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 1 pmeznews.inAir India Ltd. is poised to announce a record annual loss of at least ₹15,000 crore ($1.6 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, following a series of setbacks, including a tragic crash and airspace shutdowns. The airline, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, had been making strides towards profitability before the June Dreamliner disaster, which claimed over 240 lives. The closure of Pakistan's airspace for Indian airlines further exacerbated financial woes, forcing longer, costlier flight routes. Despite a new five-year plan aimed at recovery, the board rejected it, demanding a more aggressive strategy. Over the past three years, Air India has incurred losses totaling ₹32,210 crore, prompting Tata Group to seek a new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake, has also felt the impact of Air India's struggles, even as it aids in restructuring efforts.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndian equity markets are experiencing notable volatility as investors prepare for the Union Budget 2026, with a keen focus on sectors poised to benefit from ongoing government spending. Defence and infrastructure stocks are at the forefront of this optimism, driven by expectations of increased public capital expenditure and strategic allocations. A pre-Budget survey by smallcase Managers indicates that defence is the top sectoral bet, with many anticipating higher funding for indigenisation and modernisation efforts. Infrastructure also garners confidence due to the government's commitment to long-term projects. While short-term market fluctuations are expected around the Budget announcement, analysts believe these will be temporary, with a return to fundamentals like earnings growth and macro stability. Smallcase managers project the Nifty 50 to surpass 25,000 in FY26-27, reflecting a positive outlook for Indian equities amid a supportive inflation forecast of 4-5% for FY27.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAt the National Conclave on SHG-led Natural Farming in Bengaluru, experts emphasized the urgent need for India to transition from chemical-intensive agriculture to regenerative practices. Mihir Shah, Chairperson of the National Coalition for Natural Farming, highlighted that current policies limit farmers' choices, as subsidies and extension services predominantly support chemical farming. He advocated for integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to enhance farmers' options and suggested reallocating a fraction of the ₹2.5 lakh crore spent on chemical fertiliser subsidies towards bio-inputs and natural farming infrastructure. Parashram Patil, Advisor for Viksit Maharashtra 2047, announced plans for a dedicated Natural Farming Policy in Maharashtra, aiming to convert 12 lakh hectares of land. Other panelists, including Ashok Dalwai and R Rengalakshmi, stressed the importance of an ecosystem-based approach to agriculture and the empowerment of women in farming, while A V Bhavani Shankar from NABARD discussed the need for innovative financing models to support this shift.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has made remarkable strides in expanding its power generation capacity, with a nearly 36% increase over the past five years, primarily fueled by a surge in renewable energy, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report. The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment, witnessing the highest annual addition of renewable capacity, predominantly from solar installations, bolstered by robust policy support and private sector engagement. Data from the Central Electricity Authority indicates a steady rise in renewable capacity additions, peaking at 48.6 GW in 2025, despite a slight dip in 2023. In contrast, fossil fuel capacity additions remained modest, reflecting a shift in India's energy mix. The report also emphasizes ongoing initiatives to enhance nuclear energy, including the SHANTI Bill, aiming to elevate nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Overall, the RBI report underscores a transformative phase in India's power sector, positioning it for a sustainable energy future.
Published: Jan 22 2026, 12 pm
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