eznews.inKirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has hailed the newly-signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a crucial boost for India's jewellery sector, which has seen exports to the US plummet by 44%. He described the FTA as the "mother of all trade deals," aiming to double bilateral trade to ₹91,000 crore within three years. The agreement provides zero-duty access to the EU, the world's largest consumer market, which is expected to benefit export hubs in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Bhansali emphasized that the deal will enhance profit margins, improve competitive design and craftsmanship, and create jobs, while also allowing Indian jewellery retailers to expand their brands across Europe. This timely pact is seen as a vital opportunity for Indian exporters to recover from recent losses and leverage the country's design expertise. 
Published: Jan 27 2026, 3 pmeznews.inGourav Vallabh, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in food production during the recent MEWA India 2026 exhibition in New Delhi. He advocated for the mantra "grow in India what we eat in India," highlighting India's impressive economic growth of over 7% amid controlled inflation, which is enhancing per capita incomes and shifting consumption towards nutritious foods like nuts and dry fruits. Vallabh described these products as vital to the vision of Viksit Bharat, aligning with India's self-reliance goals. Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary echoed this sentiment, noting the strategic significance of the nuts and dry fruits sector in boosting farmers' incomes and integrating them into global markets. The exhibition featured over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries, showcasing advancements in trade, processing, and sustainability, reinforcing India's role as a key player in the global food value chain.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Federation of Indian Tea Manufacturers Association (FITMA) is set to host its national conclave on January 29 in the Nilgiris, gathering tea producers from Assam, North Bengal, and the Nilgiris to address current challenges and outline a future strategy for the Indian tea industry. The conclave aims to enhance dialogue among stakeholders and collaborate with the Tea Board to improve policy frameworks, quality standards, and promote sustainable growth within the tea ecosystem. A significant focus will be on FITMA’s “Mission 1K,” which seeks to boost India’s per capita tea consumption from 860 grams to 1,000 grams, positioning tea as a healthy and culturally significant beverage. Additionally, FITMA advocates for greater representation of its members in Tea Board meetings to ensure regional perspectives are included in policymaking. Representing over 650 Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers, FITMA plays a crucial role in the production of nearly 50% of India’s tea output.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 4 pmeznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans for a 35-km Metro corridor linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, with an estimated cost of ₹18,000 crore. The decision, made during a Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure meeting, will see the project developed under a public-private partnership model, involving both state and central government funding. Fadnavis has instructed agencies to expedite the project, aiming for completion in 3.5 years instead of the original five. The corridor will feature 25 stations, with approximately 9 km underground, and is designed to alleviate congestion in densely populated areas between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The new line is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and improve last-mile access, ultimately supporting the operationalisation of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and contributing to the city's long-term urban mobility and decongestion objectives.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 5 pmeznews.inBrazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will lead a significant delegation to India from February 19 to 21, aiming to enhance trade relations, attract investments, and establish strategic partnerships crucial for Brazil's development. This visit is part of Brazil's strategy to diversify its economic ties away from traditional partners like the US and China, focusing instead on emerging economies such as India. The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency has opened registration for up to 200 business leaders to join the mission, with nearly 150 already confirmed, reflecting strong corporate interest. Recent months have seen intensified Brazil-India relations, including discussions on defense cooperation and trade agreements. Notably, India became Brazil's tenth-largest export destination in 2025, with exports reaching USD 6.9 billion. The visit is also politically significant, reinforcing Lula's image as a global leader advocating for Brazil's interests in a competitive international landscape.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 3 pmeznews.inAsia's largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2026, is set to take place at Begumpet from January 28 to 31, 2026, focusing on commercial, general, and business aviation, as well as advanced air mobility. The event will be inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and will attract top aviation executives globally. The first two days will feature a global CEO forum and industry roundtables discussing airport transformation, aircraft leasing, and the role of women in aviation, while the last two days will showcase the latest aircraft and technologies to the public. India, currently the third-largest domestic civil aviation market, has seen significant growth in its aircraft fleet and airport numbers, with new greenfield projects like Jewar and Navi Mumbai enhancing capacity. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector is projected to reach $4 billion by 2030, bolstered by 100% FDI. Wings India 2026 is co-organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, and FICCI.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 3 pmeznews.inAn eight-member delegation of fisheries and seafood trade experts from various countries, including the US, Thailand, and Austria, recently visited the Lakshadweep Islands, expressing keen interest in sourcing premium seafood, particularly tuna and its value-added products. The delegation engaged with local fishers and cooperative societies across Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Andrott, focusing on the islands' traditional pole-and-line tuna fishery and eco-friendly practices. They discussed establishing business partnerships for exporting fresh and processed tuna, including the renowned dried delicacy, masmin. The experts assured the deployment of mother vessels with advanced cold storage to maintain export quality, addressing a long-standing demand from islanders. Coordinated by the Andrott Island Fishermen Cooperative Society, the visit aimed to explore regulatory facilitation and infrastructure needs, with hopes of enhancing livelihoods for local fishers and strengthening Lakshadweep's position in the global premium tuna market, according to AIFCS President Mohammed Althaf Husain.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 3 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 pm
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