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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that the state government will unveil seven new industrial policies aimed at enhancing growth in key sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and footwear. Speaking at the International Business Conclave during Advantage Vidarbha 2026 in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized Maharashtra's rapid development, particularly in the Vidarbha region, and highlighted the government's commitment to implementing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) effectively. The forthcoming policies include initiatives for textiles, leather, electronics, aerospace, MSMEs, pharmaceuticals, and bio-plastics, reflecting a focus on policy-led growth. Additionally, three significant MoUs were signed on the event's second day, with a total investment potential of ₹10,831 crore, including a ₹10,000 crore commitment from Galaxy Solar Company for solar manufacturing. Fadnavis reiterated that policy-driven strategies will be central to Maharashtra's economic development. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has called on stakeholders to review the Income-tax Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in August 2025 and will take effect on April 1, 2026. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made the proposed Income Tax Rules and related forms available on its official website to encourage public input before final notification. Stakeholders are invited to provide suggestions in four key areas: simplification of language, reduction of litigation, compliance burden, and identification of obsolete rules. A dedicated utility on the e-filing portal, accessible from February 4, 2026, allows users to submit their feedback through an OTP-based validation process. The government aims to make the Income-tax Act, 1961, more concise and user-friendly, as outlined in the July 2024 budget. All suggestions should reference specific provisions of the proposed rules or forms. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 1 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alongside BJP Uttarakhand State President Mahendra Bhatt, addressed a press conference in Dehradun on February 7, highlighting the transformative nature of India's 2026-27 budget. Puri described the budget as a reflection of economic maturity, balancing growth with fiscal discipline, and projecting a GDP growth of 7.4%, reaffirming India's status as the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth consecutive year. He noted significant improvements in price stability, with inflation averaging 1.7% in 2025, and emphasized a substantial increase in capital expenditure, which has risen over 430% since 2013-14. Puri also pointed to major investments in infrastructure, defence, and education, citing a 500% increase in national highway allocations and a rise in the number of IITs and medical colleges. He underscored the importance of human capital development and infrastructure expansion in enhancing connectivity and daily life across India. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the new terminal at Rajahmundry Airport in East Godavari district is nearing completion and will be inaugurated soon, with construction progressing rapidly. The terminal, designed with modern facilities, aims to enhance passenger comfort and is expected to be completed by March 31. During a recent inspection, Naidu reviewed the project with officials from the Airports Authority of India, emphasizing the terminal's role in improving regional connectivity and boosting tourism, particularly in light of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu festival. The upgraded facility is set to reflect the cultural heritage of Rajamahendravaram and is anticipated to increase passenger handling capacity, ultimately contributing to economic growth in the region. More flight services to Rajahmundry are also expected to be introduced shortly. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAdani Group's Mundra Port in Gujarat has achieved a record-breaking month for automobile exports, handling 25,762 vehicles in January 2026, surpassing the previous high set in May 2024. This surge reflects robust international demand for Indian-manufactured vehicles, with major automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota increasingly utilizing the port for shipments to markets across Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Additionally, Mundra set a new single-vessel loading record, with 5,701 vehicles loaded onto one ship, showcasing its operational efficiency. The port also reported its highest-ever monthly throughput of liquid cargo, handling 1.120 million tonnes, further emphasizing its capacity to manage diverse cargo streams. As India's largest commercial port, Mundra plays a crucial role in the nation's trade, supported by ongoing government initiatives to enhance maritime infrastructure and logistics capabilities. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inFor decades, agri-food supply chains have largely overlooked farms as disconnected stakeholders, despite their critical role. Recent disruptions, including climate change and supply issues, have highlighted the risks of this disconnection, prompting a reevaluation of farm integration into supply chains. Traditional systems struggled to manage the diversity of small and mid-sized farms, but digital technologies are now transforming this landscape. By digitising farm data, organisations can gain real-time insights into planting, crop conditions, and risks, enhancing operational visibility and enabling proactive decision-making. This shift not only improves traceability and quality control but also reduces reliance on human intuition. As the demand for reliable data grows, technology platforms like Verdnt are emerging to provide comprehensive agri-data infrastructure, marking a maturation in the market. Ultimately, integrating farm-level data is becoming essential for resilience and efficiency in global agri-food supply chains, reshaping how businesses operate from farm to fork. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia has not confirmed whether it will cease purchasing Russian crude oil following the US's decision to lift a punitive 25% tariff on Indian goods. This tariff rollback, enacted by President Donald Trump, coincided with a trade deal in which India reportedly agreed to halt Russian oil imports and increase purchases of US energy products. Trump stated that India has committed to this course of action and to enhancing defense cooperation over the next decade. However, Indian officials have not directly addressed Trump's claims, with External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasizing that India's energy security remains the government's top priority. He reiterated that India's energy sourcing strategy is guided by market conditions and international dynamics. India's reliance on discounted Russian oil has drawn criticism from the US, which argues it supports Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine, a claim India disputes, asserting its energy procurement is based on national interests. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia's food security debate has shifted focus from merely securing fertiliser supplies to establishing strategic control over this vital resource, which influences the entire food cycle, from farm yields to nutrition. The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI tool designed to enhance agricultural practices by integrating technology with traditional methods, thereby improving farmer decision-making and productivity. With a budget allocation of ₹1.71 lakh crore for fertilisers, the government aims to shield farmers from global price volatility while promoting domestic production. Recent data indicates that domestic fertiliser production reached a record 524.62 lakh tonnes in 2025, meeting 73% of demand, underscoring the importance of fertiliser security for overall food security. However, the challenge remains to ensure balanced nutrient use and soil sustainability, particularly as climate change poses risks to small farmers. The budget sets a strategic framework for agriculture, but effective implementation is crucial for real impact. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe global fight against malnutrition is increasingly focused on the quality of food rather than just its availability, with over two billion people suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, often termed "hidden hunger." In India, despite sufficient food production, millions face these deficiencies, which lead to serious health issues like weakened immunity and impaired child growth. Low consumer awareness contributes to limited demand for nutritious foods, making staple food fortification essential. This process involves adding vital vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed items like wheat flour and rice, significantly improving public health. The Indian government is actively promoting fortified staples through various social programs, but industry participation is crucial for accessibility and consumer acceptance. Effective communication and marketing strategies are needed to normalize fortified foods as everyday essentials. Ultimately, a collaborative effort among governments, the food industry, and consumers is vital to combat hidden hunger and enhance national health. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inUnion Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Bharat Taxi' App at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a significant advancement in India's transportation sector. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Taxi, a driver-owned cooperative service, to enhance last-mile connectivity at several airports, including Rajkot, Vadodara, and Pune. This partnership aims to offer transparent and reliable cab services, eliminating surge pricing and prioritizing driver welfare. Bharat Taxi, supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, operates under a unique cooperative model, aligning with national initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative is expected to improve passenger experiences at regional airports while empowering local drivers. Bharat Taxi has also formed partnerships with various institutions, including the Delhi Traffic Police and State Bank of India, to facilitate regulated operations and integrated transport solutions. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 am
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