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At a press conference in Chennai on January 31, 2026, R Selvam, Executive Director of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), announced that despite US tariffs impacting the Indian leather and footwear industry, exports are projected to remain stable at around $5.25 billion for the current fiscal year, down slightly from $5.5 billion last year. The recently signed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which eliminates import duties on leather and footwear, is expected to significantly boost exports, contributing to a target of $14 billion by 2030. Selvam emphasized the need for the government to implement the Focus Product Scheme to enhance the production ecosystem and attract investments. M Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman (South) of CLE, noted the industry's resilience amid challenges, highlighting that the EU accounts for 43% of exports and that the FTA could be a game changer for growth. The upcoming India International Leather Fair is set to feature over 425 national and 67 international exhibitors. 
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia Post is expanding its logistics capabilities, now able to transport larger consignments, including home appliances, according to L. K. Dash, Director of Postal Services. Speaking at the International Cargo Business Summit in Cochin, Dash emphasized the integration of India Post with cross-border logistics networks, aiming for nationwide delivery within 10 days. The summit highlighted Kochi's strategic position as a logistics gateway to Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with industry leaders discussing the need to enhance e-commerce while ensuring safety and compliance. Tushar Jani, Chairman of the Cargo Service Centre Group, noted India's competitive trucking costs and the government's initiative to establish e-commerce export hubs. However, experts warned that the success of e-commerce exports hinges on reliable last-mile delivery, with regulatory authorities stressing the importance of balancing facilitation and security through technology. New initiatives, including a mobile app for real-time inspections, aim to streamline processes and enhance compliance.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe elevator and smart vertical mobility industry anticipates significant indirect benefits from concessions to the real estate and construction sectors in the upcoming Budget. Industry stakeholders are advocating for sustained infrastructure investment, targeted digitalisation incentives, and enhanced local manufacturing measures to foster safe and scalable urban growth. Contributing nearly 16% to India's GDP, the sector is poised for expansion, with the elevator market projected to grow from $15 billion to $22-23 billion by 2033, driven by urbanisation and demand for energy-efficient solutions. Suraj Thodimarath, President of the Elevator & Escalator Component Manufacturers’ Association of India, emphasized the need for budgetary support for smart cities and affordable housing to boost elevator demand. With residential projects driving 65-70% of lift demand, the industry views the 2026 Budget as a crucial opportunity to establish India as a global leader in smart vertical mobility through continued policy backing.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has set an ambitious target of 119 million tonnes (mt) of wheat production for the 2025-26 season, with harvesting scheduled to begin in April. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that most north-western states, except Rajasthan, are likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures in February, which could adversely affect wheat yields. IMD's Director General, M. Mohapatra, noted that while some regions may see normal rainfall, the overall forecast suggests a significant drop in precipitation. Elevated temperatures could accelerate crop growth, leading to forced maturity and reduced yields for wheat and other rabi crops, including oilseeds and pulses. Additionally, vegetable and horticultural crops may face critical challenges, such as early flowering and poor fruit development, due to the warmer conditions. The total wheat acreage has reached a record high of 334.17 lakh hectares this year, up 2% from the previous season.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) inaugurated the International Cargo Business Summit (ICBS) 2026 on Thursday, emphasizing Kochi's growing significance in India's trade and logistics landscape. Managing Director S. Suhas highlighted the airport's extensive cargo warehousing facilities, which play a crucial role in handling Kerala's exports. V. P. Nandakumar from FICCI noted CIAL's investments in digital transformation to enhance cargo operations. KPMG's Dhaval Raut revealed that Kochi accounts for nearly 60% of Kerala's air cargo, particularly perishables, necessitating improved cold-chain logistics. The summit featured discussions on global trade dynamics and the potential for agricultural exports, with experts advocating for modern cargo infrastructure. M. Afzal Malbarwala introduced the 'Sea-to-Sky' logistics concept, positioning CIAL as a vital link between maritime and air cargo. Speakers also highlighted emerging trade opportunities with the EU and ASEAN, reinforcing Kochi's role as a regional logistics hub.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 6 pmeznews.inTuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), highlighted the growing efficiency of India's capital markets during his address at the World Forum of Accountants 2.0, organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI). He noted that over ₹100 trillion has been raised through equity and debt issuances between FY16 and FY26, with record IPO activity reflecting confidence in the Indian market. In FY25, there were 320 IPOs, followed by 311 in the first nine months of FY26. Pandey emphasized the need for collaboration between regulators and chartered accountants to navigate the complexities of the market, particularly in an era where misinformation can overshadow facts. He urged accountants to uphold ethical standards and foster a culture of trust, stating that while regulation can enforce compliance, it cannot instill the courage and independent judgment necessary for sustainable governance.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 5 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget, with significant attention on anticipated customs reforms. This year's Budget will continue the paperless format established in previous years, following her 2019 introduction of a traditional 'bahi-khata' for Budget documents. Key figures to monitor include a projected fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP for FY26, with expectations of a reduction to 4% for FY27. The government plans a capital expenditure of ₹11.2 lakh crore, likely increasing by 10-15% to support cautious private sector investment. Additionally, the Budget will outline a debt consolidation roadmap, aiming to lower the general government debt-to-GDP ratio from 85% in 2024. Gross tax revenue is estimated at ₹42.70 lakh crore, with GST collections expected to rise to ₹11.78 lakh crore. The nominal GDP growth for FY26 is projected at 10.1%, with FY27 estimates suggesting a range of 10.5-11%.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inBengaluru-based aerospace components manufacturer JJG Aero has raised $30 million in Series B funding from Norwest, bringing its total funding to $42 million, including a previous $12 million Series A round led by CX Partners in April 2024. The new capital will primarily be used to expand its upcoming facility in North Bangalore, enhance vertical integration, and support strategic initiatives. Established in 2008, JJG Aero specializes in high-precision machined components for aircraft systems and engines, serving notable clients such as Collins Aerospace and GE Aerospace. CEO Anuj Jhunjhunwala highlighted the company's rapid growth, with a 35% CAGR over the past three years, and emphasized India's emerging role as a key player in the aerospace supply chain. Norwest's Managing Director, Shiv Chaudhary, noted the potential for Indian businesses in the aerospace sector, positioning JJG Aero to capitalize on increasing global demand for precision components.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inAirbus Corporate Helicopters has secured an order for two ACH160 helicopters and one H175 from a private customer in India, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation sector. The customer, already an ACH160 operator, will be the first in India to receive the H175, which is set to enter the Indian civil market in a 16-seat configuration, with deliveries expected in 2026. The two ACH160 helicopters will be tailored to the customer's specifications and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia, highlighted that this repeat order underscores the growing maturity of the civil helicopter market in India. The H175, a super-medium twin-engine helicopter, enhances Airbus Helicopters' civil portfolio with its impressive versatility, range, and payload capabilities.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inCochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has announced a significant order from Mumbai-based Polestar Maritime Ltd for two 60-tonne bollard pull battery-electric green tugs. These vessels will operate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority as part of the government's Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), following Polestar's successful bid. Designed by the renowned Robert Allan Ltd, the tugs will be constructed collaboratively by CSL and its subsidiary, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd, at CSL’s facility in Kochi. The battery-electric propulsion systems will ensure zero direct emissions during harbour operations, with batteries sourced domestically to support the 'Make in India' initiative. CSL Chairman Madhu S Nair expressed satisfaction with the order, highlighting its role in advancing India's maritime sector through sustainable technology. This contract adds to CSL's current order book of 17 tugs, including six green tugs, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation in maritime services.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 3 pm
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