eznews.inAgritech firm BigHaat has secured $10 million in a funding round led by Bidra Innovation Ventures, the US-based venture capital arm of OCP Group, a leader in plant nutrition solutions. Existing investors, including JM Financial and Ashish Kacholia, also participated in the round. The investment aims to enhance BigHaat's digital-first, farmer-centric agri ecosystem and position it as a globally compliant player in the traceable food value chain. Established as a key player in India's spices sector, BigHaat operates the country's largest direct-to-farmer network and emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices, significantly reducing carbon footprints and ensuring food safety compliance. Following this funding, BigHaat's total capital raised has reached approximately INR 300 crore. CEO Sateesh Nukala expressed the goal of delivering advanced agricultural solutions to Indian farmers, while Bidra's CEO Yassine Cherkaoui highlighted the importance of locally grounded solutions for sustainable agricultural productivity. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 5 pmeznews.inKenneth Andrade, founder and chief investment officer of Old Bridge Asset Management, has highlighted significant investment opportunities in the current market, urging investors to focus on corporates poised to establish a foothold in global markets. Despite benchmark indices remaining stagnant and high valuations, Andrade believes that Indian companies are well-positioned due to deleveraged balance sheets and lower capacity utilization. Sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals are expected to thrive as trade deal uncertainties diminish, particularly with the near-finalization of a free trade agreement between India and the US. This development is anticipated to enhance India's access to US and EU markets, stimulating a revival in capital expenditure. Andrade also noted the need for IT companies to adapt to AI disruptions. The firm’s new Flexi-cap fund, launching soon, will adopt a thematic, bottom-up investment strategy, focusing on mid- and small-cap stocks with high conviction.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe six international airports operated by the Adani Group under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) have reported a significant 19% increase in freight handling from April to December 2025 compared to the previous year. Ahmedabad airport led the growth with a remarkable 29.7% rise, surpassing 100,000 tonnes, and is closing in on Kolkata airport, which handled 125,000 tonnes during the same period. The Adani Group manages Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Mangaluru airports, all awarded for a 50-year term in 2020-2021. While Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru saw declines, the remaining airports experienced growth. Industry experts emphasize the importance of cargo operations as a vital revenue stream, urging government-run airports to modernize infrastructure and enhance management to meet the demands of India's evolving air cargo landscape. This shift is moving the focus from a metro-centric model to a more regional network, reshaping India's air cargo dynamics.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThree Boeing 777 aircraft belonging to the defunct Jet Airways, which have been parked in Mumbai for nearly six years, have been sold for $46 million to European cargo airline Challenge Group. The sale, finalized after three years of legal disputes, was announced by Jet Airways to the Bombay Stock Exchange. Malta-based Ace Aviation, part of Challenge Group, won the bid in October 2022 but faced opposition from the Jalan Kalrock Consortium, which aimed to revive the airline. The sale was further complicated by objections from Mumbai International Airport Ltd, but a consent agreement was reached last August. The National Company Law Tribunal and the Supreme Court ultimately cleared the sale, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation and insolvency landscape. This transaction is notable as it is the first instance of Boeing 777 aircraft being sold under the insolvency framework, setting a precedent for future aviation asset transactions.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 6 pmeznews.inAmul has launched Sarlaben, an artificial intelligence-powered assistant designed to support 3.6 million milk producers in India with cattle health, breeding, and government schemes. Integrated with Amul’s Automatic Milk Collection System and Pashudhan applications, Sarlaben offers tailored advice on vaccination, medical treatment, and feeding practices, leveraging one of the world's largest dairy databases. The initiative, unveiled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Anand, is backed by a comprehensive database that tracks 200 crore milk procurement transactions annually and details veterinary treatments for nearly 30 million cattle. Accessible via the Amul Farmer Mobile Application and phone calls, Sarlaben aims to provide personalized guidance primarily in Gujarati, while also serving farmers outside Amul’s cooperative network. The AI assistant is a collaboration with EkStep Foundation, enhancing the digital infrastructure that supports India's dairy sector.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 5 pmeznews.inAt the Madras Management Association's Annual Convention 2026 in Chennai, Dr. C. Rangarajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, emphasized the need for India to achieve a consistent economic growth rate of 7.5% annually to meet its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047. He highlighted the necessity of increasing per capita income from $3,000 to $18,000 and urged a rise in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) by 2%. While government capital expenditure is on the rise, private sector investment remains stagnant, prompting Rangarajan to call for introspection among corporates. He also stressed the importance of embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to maintain competitiveness. Gopal Srinivasan of TVS Capital Funds noted the government's ₹1 lakh crore R&D commitment, which aims to leverage private investment for innovation. The event also recognized young professionals through the 29th MMA competition for Young Managers.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 4 pmeznews.inUnion Fisheries Joint Secretary Sagar Mehra addressed a global workshop at the World Seafood Congress in Chennai, emphasizing the urgent need for India to tackle the significant issue of post-harvest fish loss, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global catch. He outlined a shift from traditional volume-centric growth to a sustainable, circular economy model that optimizes resource use and reduces waste. With India producing around 20 million tonnes of fish annually, Mehra highlighted the importance of aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to meet the demands of global buyers for responsibly sourced and traceable supply chains. The workshop, organized by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation and the FAO, discussed strategies for enhancing value addition from fish by-products and improving regulatory frameworks. Experts underscored the need for better traceability systems and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sector's competitiveness and sustainability.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's persistent air pollution is increasingly impacting corporate profits and public health, as highlighted in the latest earnings reports from various sectors, including real estate and retail. Visibility in Delhi has plummeted due to pollution, prompting construction halts and reduced consumer footfall, with executives noting significant economic repercussions. The term "air pollution" was cited 988 times in earnings discussions among BSE AllCap Index members in 2025, reflecting growing concern over its effects. The World Bank estimates that air pollution contributes to over a million deaths annually in northern India, with economic costs potentially reaching $260 billion in 2024. Companies like Shoppers Stop Ltd. reported a 69% drop in net profit attributed to pollution, while Omaxe Ltd. is adapting by developing air-conditioned malls with purifiers. Analysts warn that the "Smog Season" could hinder revenue for retailers, underscoring the urgent need for pollution control measures.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has dismantled an international oil smuggling operation in Mumbai, seizing three tankers linked to the illicit trade. This operation marks a significant move by New Delhi against the so-called "dark fleet," which comprises vessels often operating under false identities and substandard documentation. The seized ships, identified as Chiltern, Asphalt Star, and Stellar Ruby, were previously sanctioned by the US for their connections to the Iranian oil trade. The ICG's actions come amid increasing pressure from Washington for India to curb its imports of Russian crude oil. The vessels, which were reportedly using false flags from Guyana and Aruba, are now being escorted to Mumbai for further investigation. This crackdown reflects a broader international effort to combat the movement of sanctioned oil, as Malaysia recently released two tankers detained for unauthorized oil transfers.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe production of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric, two historic spice varieties from Kerala, has significantly declined due to the rise of high-yielding varieties favored in the domestic market for their size and productivity. This decline threatens their established export markets, as these traditional spices, documented since the 19th century, possess unique quality attributes. In response, Kerala Agricultural University recently hosted a seminar under the MIDH project aimed at rejuvenating these spices for export promotion. The initiative seeks to identify potential farmers and exporters for mass cultivation, distributing seed kits to enhance production. With an estimated annual demand of 20,000 tonnes of dry Cochin Ginger and 50,000 tonnes of high-curcumin turmeric, the project aims to meet growing interest from the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. Stakeholders are optimistic that this shift towards export-oriented production will benefit local farmers and align with international market standards.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 2 pm
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