eznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rated 56 consultants on a 100-point scale for their work in preparing detailed project reports (DPR) for national highways, with scores ranging from 80.75 to 23.33. Chaitanya Project Consultancy, Pentacle Consultant, and L&T Infrastructure Engineering topped the rankings, which are provisional and may be revised if consultants provide supporting documentation to contest their scores. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and transparency of DPRs, which are crucial for road construction projects. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed concerns over the poor quality of DPRs and indicated that penalties will be imposed on consultants failing to meet standards. The ratings are expected to influence future contract awards, ensuring that only the best consultants are selected for national highway projects. 
Published: Jan 19 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIndia has approved the export of 500,000 tons of wheat flour and related products, marking a significant easing of restrictions that have been in place since May 2022. This decision, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on January 16, comes amid expectations of a strong harvest that is likely to bolster domestic supplies. While the one-off quota allows for some exports, broader measures prohibiting wheat shipments remain in effect. The move aligns with ongoing trade discussions between India and the US, where Washington is urging New Delhi to open its agricultural sector to enhance market access for American goods. The recent monsoon, the best in five years, has enabled India to consider this temporary relaxation, responding to local industry calls to capitalize on international demand. This partial resumption of exports could alleviate pressures on global supply chains and provide relief to nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East reliant on wheat imports.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 10 ameznews.inNet collections from direct taxes in India have risen by 8.82% to over ₹18.38 lakh crore as of January 11, 2026, although this growth falls short of expectations outlined in the Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The Income Tax Gazetted Officers’ Association and Employees Federation have criticized the tax targets as "irrational and unrealistic," citing severe infrastructure shortages and high work pressure. They have requested a meeting with the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to address these concerns. Despite ongoing discussions, progress on resolving these issues has been minimal. Additionally, complaints regarding delayed income tax refunds have surged, with less than 15% of grievances resolved in early January. The CBDT is also grappling with a significant staff shortage, with over 26,000 vacancies out of a sanctioned strength of 77,700, highlighting the challenges faced by the tax body amid rising collection targets.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe Lakshadweep Islands are poised to become a significant player in marine fisheries, particularly for tunas and other species, according to Grinson George, Director of the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. However, he cautioned that the lack of a robust post-harvest ecosystem is a critical barrier to realizing this potential. Speaking at the Matsya Mela in Kavaratti, George called for the establishment of modern cold storage and processing facilities across the islands to ensure the quality of sashimi-grade tuna for international markets. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the value chain for other commercially important fish species to diversify income sources. Mohammed Althaf Hussain P P, President of the Androth Island Fishermen Cooperative Society, emphasized the urgent need for a mother vessel to enhance fish collection and processing at sea. Additionally, opportunities in marine ornamental fish culture and seaweed cultivation were identified as promising sectors for sustainable economic growth. Entrepreneurs are advocating for improved infrastructure and policy support to unlock the region's blue economy potential.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 11 ameznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for 2026-27 on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha, marking the first time the budget will be delivered on a Sunday since India's Independence. The decision to maintain the February 1 date, established in 2017 for enhanced parliamentary discussion and implementation, comes despite it falling on a weekend. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will hold special trading sessions that day, allowing investors to respond to budget announcements in real-time, following a similar precedent from 2020. The Budget Session of Parliament will run from January 28 to April 2, 2026, with a recess from February 14 to March 8. Additionally, the traditional Halwa ceremony, which finalizes the budget preparations, will take place shortly before the presentation, marking the start of a lock-in period for officials involved.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe upcoming Finance Bill is set to introduce at least five amendments to Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, following recommendations from the GST Council. A significant change will address post-sale discounts by removing the requirement for pre-existing agreements, easing challenges for businesses using distributor-retailer models. Additionally, the place of supply for intermediary services will be determined by the recipient's location, benefiting Indian exporters while imposing GST on foreign service recipients under the Reverse Charge Mechanism. Other amendments include removing the ₹1,000 threshold for GST refunds on low-value exports, allowing provisional refunds for inverted duty structures, and extending refunds to include input services and capital goods. Industry experts anticipate these changes will streamline compliance, reduce litigation, and improve cash flow, with hopes for an amnesty scheme under Customs to resolve long-standing disputes.
Published: Jan 18 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's ambitious "Yellow Revolution" aims to boost oil palm cultivation as a strategic response to soaring edible oil imports, which account for two-thirds of domestic consumption and cost over $14 billion annually. Despite progress under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), with 40% of the targeted area expansion achieved, concerns arise over the effectiveness of this initiative. Many seedlings have been distributed without adequate consideration of local conditions, risking poor yields and unsustainable farming practices. Successful models, like Andhra Pradesh, highlight the importance of supportive infrastructure over mere subsidies. Experts warn against a target-driven approach that prioritizes area planted over actual productivity, advocating for a differentiated strategy based on regional suitability. To ensure long-term success, accountability must shift from farmers to implementing agencies, and oil palm should complement traditional oilseeds rather than replace them. A sustainable Yellow Revolution requires a focus on outcomes, not just numbers.
Published: Jan 18 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia faces a significant challenge with micronutrient deficiency, despite producing enough food for its population. Essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A are lacking, particularly among vulnerable groups, due to the declining nutritional quality of diets rather than calorie scarcity. Current nutrition policies have focused on supplementation and food fortification, which do not address the root causes of poor nutrition. Biofortification, enhancing crops' natural nutrient content through improved seeds and agricultural practices, presents a sustainable solution. Recent trends show biofortified staples are becoming available on mainstream grocery platforms, indicating a shift towards integrating nutrition into everyday diets. However, for biofortification to succeed, transparent nutrient verification is crucial to build consumer trust. By prioritizing biofortified seeds, India can align agricultural practices with health outcomes, moving from reactive malnutrition strategies to proactive prevention, ultimately improving the nutritional quality of staple foods.
Published: Jan 18 2026, 10 ameznews.inBy 2026, Indian agriculture is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by economic, technological, and sustainability factors. With over 86% of farmers owning less than 2 hectares, the shift towards electric tractors is gaining momentum, particularly as diesel prices have surged by 65% over the past decade, impacting profitability. Electric tractors, which cost around ₹80,000–₹90,000 annually to operate compared to ₹1.2–1.5 lakh for diesel models, offer substantial savings and reduced maintenance costs. Optimised for India's fragmented land, these tractors are designed for daily use and can complete various tasks on a single charge. Government incentives, including capital subsidies and reduced GST, have further facilitated adoption. Additionally, electric tractors contribute to environmental sustainability by eliminating emissions and reducing noise pollution. As rural labour declines, these machines are becoming essential for family-run farms, aligning with India's renewable energy goals and ensuring a more sustainable agricultural future.
Published: Jan 18 2026, 10 ameznews.inAgriculture is central to the climate debate, serving as both a vital resource and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. At a recent climate conference in Belém, Brazil, discussions focused on the Amazon and rising deforestation, particularly in light of the suspension of the Amazon Soy Moratorium. Brazil, the world's largest soybean producer, saw production reach nearly 152 million tonnes in 2023, yet faced yield losses due to droughts exacerbated by climate change. The expansion of soybean cultivation, which increased from 37.2 to 41.2 million hectares between 2020 and 2022, has led to significant deforestation and environmental degradation, particularly in the Amazon and cerrado regions. As global demand, especially from China, continues to drive this expansion, Brazil must choose between further land use and sustainable practices to avoid long-term productivity losses. This situation offers critical lessons for countries like India, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural practices to balance growth and environmental protection.
Published: Jan 18 2026, 9 am
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