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A simple adjustment in planting techniques for pigeonpea, also known as redgram or tur, could enhance yields by up to 20%, increasing productivity from approximately 2.5 tonnes to 3 tonnes per hectare, according to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat). By transplanting nursery-raised seedlings instead of direct sowing, farmers can mitigate climate risks, shorten crop duration by 12-18 days, and cultivate stronger plants that better conserve soil moisture. This method not only protects crops from erratic rainfall but also improves root systems, enhancing nutrient and water uptake. Icrisat's Deputy Director General, Stanford Blade, emphasized that this age-old practice, previously successful in irrigated crops like rice, is both viable and scalable, requiring minimal additional inputs. To facilitate widespread adoption, Icrisat is working to standardize transplanting protocols and promote climate-resilient technologies in Odisha. 
Published: Jan 23 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAirlines have been instructed to submit requests for airport slots, along with details of their operational readiness, following the government's redistribution of slots vacated by IndiGo due to recent flight cancellations. Key airports in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow are among those offering these slots, with some also available on Delhi–Mumbai routes. However, interest has been limited, as most airlines face constraints related to aircraft and crew availability. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) held a meeting to clarify the redistribution process, emphasizing that airlines must demonstrate sufficient operational resources to utilize the slots effectively. Additionally, airlines are prohibited from cancelling existing services to accommodate new slots. A Slot Coordination Committee will review the requests, and any slots not used as planned may be reassigned. The Centre has mandated IndiGo to reduce its flight schedule by 10% to stabilize operations, impacting its capacity and revenue forecasts for Q3 FY26.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrices of tur (pigeon pea) have seen a slight increase recently due to a combination of slowing imports, delayed market arrivals, and a weakening rupee, which has made imports more expensive. According to the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), new tur crop prices rose by ₹125-250 per quintal across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, while old crop prices increased by ₹100-200 per quintal. The all-India average wholesale price for tur reached ₹7,283 per quintal as of January 21, up from ₹7,003 on December 31, and slightly higher than last year's ₹7,042. Despite the price rise, IPGA Chairman Bimal Kothari reassured that prices remain below the minimum support price. Tur imports fell by 8% to 10,54,969 tonnes from January to November 2025 compared to the previous year. The Agriculture Ministry projects tur production for 2025-26 at 35.97 lakh tonnes, slightly down from last year's figures.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia remains eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits, allowing it to export goods to the European Union (EU) at reduced duties, covering exports worth €11.24 billion, or 18% of its total €62.2 billion exports to the EU in 2023. However, as of January 1, 2026, €1.66 billion of these exports, representing 2.66%, will graduate from this preferential regime, leaving 82% of trade outside GSP benefits. The new GSP framework maintains agricultural lines while reinstating leather in the non-agricultural sector. The EU has suspended GSP preferences for 13 sectors, including textiles and machinery, affecting 87% of India's exports. Trade experts warn that this could advantage competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam. The EU's decision, outlined in a regulation adopted in September 2025, necessitates clarity on which products have lost GSP benefits to avoid confusion among exporters and policymakers.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's demographic transition, marked by declining fertility rates and an ageing population, presents a mixed outlook for economic growth, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study. While some states benefit from a youthful demographic profile, others are nearing a 'demographic turning point' that could limit their growth potential. The study highlights that states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, with a younger population, will continue to enjoy a wider 'window of opportunity' for economic expansion, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are expected to transition into the ageing category by 2026, facing fiscal pressures and a shrinking workforce. The RBI emphasizes the need for balanced public policies that harness the potential of younger populations while addressing the challenges of ageing demographics. By 2036, over half of Indian states will be classified as ageing, necessitating strategic investments in human capital and employment to fully capitalize on the demographic dividend.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 8 pmeznews.inForeign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to India soared by 73% in 2025, reaching USD 47 billion, driven by significant investments in services such as finance, IT, and R&D, alongside manufacturing. This surge is attributed to policies aimed at integrating India into global supply chains, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In contrast, FDI inflows to China fell for the third consecutive year, declining by 8% to USD 107.5 billion. Globally, FDI reached approximately USD 1.6 trillion, a 14% increase, largely influenced by major financial centres like the UK and Luxembourg. While North America saw stable FDI flows, with the US recording a 2% rise, cross-border mergers and acquisitions dropped by 22%. Data centres emerged as a key driver of FDI, with India ranking among the top ten recipients of such investments, reflecting a growing emphasis on AI infrastructure and greenfield projects.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndian importers have cancelled approximately 130,000 tonnes of soybean oil deals with South American countries, primarily Brazil and Argentina, due to the rupee's depreciation against the dollar and a significant price gap between imported and domestic soybean oil. Sandeep Bajoria, CEO of Sunvin Group, noted that around 45,000 tonnes were cancelled for shipments scheduled in February, March, and April, following the cancellation of 85,000 tonnes in December. The CIF price of soybean degummed crude oil was reported at $1,248 per tonne, about $35 higher than domestic prices. Meanwhile, soybean oil imports surged by 37% in December 2025, reaching 505,000 tonnes, although overall imports for the November-December period were slightly lower than the previous year. On the domestic front, the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana is benefiting farmers in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring they receive fair prices for their soybean crops.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 7 pmeznews.inMilky Mist Dairy Food Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to establish a large-scale milk processing and dairy products manufacturing facility in the state, a deal formalized at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The project, which represents an investment of ₹1,130 crore, aims to create approximately 800 jobs and will be implemented in phases. The facility will feature a milk processing plant with an initial capacity of 10 lakh litres per day, expandable to 25 lakh litres, producing a range of dairy products including paneer, yogurt, and ice cream. The land for the project, measuring around 48.15 acres, has been allocated by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Dr. K. Rathnam, CEO of Milky Mist, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing India's dairy value chain and supporting local farmers through this initiative.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled a ₹1,500 crore investment plan to enhance the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector, particularly focusing on Kerala's waterways. Speaking in Kochi during the third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), Sonowal highlighted the Jal Vahak scheme, which offers cargo owners up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs to encourage the use of inland waterways for cargo transport. Kerala's five National Waterways, covering 465.89 km, have seen significant cargo movement, with operational waterways carrying 3.559 million tonnes over the past five years. The Minister noted a nationwide increase in cargo transport via waterways from 18 million tonnes in 2014 to 145 million tonnes today, alongside a rise in national waterways from five to 111. The IWDC meeting aimed to review progress and outline future strategies for sustainable growth in the sector.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 6 pmeznews.inActive overseas demand, particularly from Middle Eastern and CIS countries, has driven up orthodox leaf prices at Kochi auctions, with sales reaching 92% of the 242,390 kg offered. In Sale 3, whole leaf and brokens saw price increases of Rs5 to Rs10, reflecting a firm market trend, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis. Russian buyers have notably contributed to this surge, although the Iranian market remains subdued due to ongoing unrest. Anil George, chairman of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, anticipates that orthodox teas will continue to outperform due to supply-demand imbalances and sustained interest from Middle Eastern markets, with stable prices expected until mid-February. The overall tea market has benefited from strong domestic consumption and evolving drinking habits, while CTC dust prices remained steady, with good liquoring teas showing firmness. The auction dynamics reflect a blend of rising consumer demand and supply constraints.
Published: Jan 23 2026, 5 pm
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