eznews.inIndia's maize exports, which plummeted to a five-year low in 2024-25 due to high domestic prices, are experiencing a resurgence this fiscal year, driven by increased domestic production and more favorable pricing for international buyers. From April to October 2025, maize exports rose by 20% in volume to over 284,000 tonnes, with a 28% increase in value to $112.49 million compared to the previous year. Experts attribute this rebound to viable pricing and a cautious trade environment, particularly concerning Bangladesh, a key market. India's maize production for the kharif 2025 season is projected at a record 28.3 million tonnes, up from 24.8 million tonnes last year, while rabi sowing has also seen a 6.6% increase in acreage. Despite the recovery, domestic demand for feed and industrial use remains a priority, suggesting that export growth may be tempered by local requirements. 
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inAgrifeeder Agricultural Services, co-founded by actress Neetu Chandra, announced plans to expand into export markets, aiming to increase its revenue to ₹3.5 crore this fiscal year, a 75% rise from ₹2 crore in FY25. The company has secured USFDA certification, allowing it to export products under the brand "Agrifeeder by Neetu Chandra." Chandra emphasized her commitment to Bihar's farmers, stating that her name on the packaging signifies quality and support for local livelihoods. Co-founder Priya Pandey noted expectations for significant turnover growth in the next fiscal year. Founded in 2017, Agrifeeder began selling food products in 2020, including _chana sattu_, _makhana_, and lemongrass herbal tea, primarily through online and physical retail. The company, which collaborates with over 50,000 farmers, is seeking investor funding to enhance manufacturing capabilities, with a plant located in Dubuoli village, near Bhagalpur.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inFarmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who previously led a 130-day hunger strike at the Punjab-Haryana border, announced a new initiative aimed at raising awareness among farmers nationwide. The Kisan Jagriti Yatra is set to begin on February 2 from Kanyakumari, traversing the country and culminating in a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on March 19. Dallewal emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, and the repeal of land acquisition laws. He expressed concerns over the Draft Seeds Bill, suggesting it could lead to Indian farmers becoming dependent on foreign genetically modified seeds, ultimately trapping them in debt. Dallewal criticized claims of increased agricultural production as misleading, asserting that true farmer happiness hinges on fair pricing for their produce. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha plans to seek permission for the rally, hopeful after a previous successful protest at Jantar Mantar.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inEconomic growth in India for FY26 is projected to surpass government estimates, with SBI Research forecasting a rise to 7.5%, up from the National Statistical Office's (NSO) advance estimate of 7.4%. This optimism is echoed by Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist at Crisil, who notes that subdued consumption growth linked to low nominal GDP could improve, aided by a boost from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The first quarter of FY26 saw growth at 7.8%, followed by 8.2% in the second quarter, suggesting a potential upward revision from earlier forecasts of 6.3% to 6.8%. However, growth in the latter half of the fiscal year is expected to slow to 6.9% due to a high base effect and reduced government spending. Analysts emphasize that domestic demand will be crucial for sustaining growth amid global uncertainties, with expectations of a broader recovery in capital expenditure and consumption.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUS Senator Lindsey Graham announced that President Donald Trump has "greenlit" a Russia Sanctions Bill, which proposes imposing a staggering 500 per cent tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy, including India, China, and Brazil. This development rattled markets, leading to their steepest decline in over four months, with the Nifty 50 index falling below 26,000. The bipartisan bill, which has garnered significant support in Congress, could hinder India's prospects for a trade deal with the US unless the Supreme Court overturns Trump's existing tariffs, a ruling expected soon. Graham emphasized that the bill would provide Trump with substantial leverage to persuade nations to cease buying Russian oil. Meanwhile, exporters are diversifying their markets amid rising tariffs, with experts noting the complexities of implementing such high tariffs on services. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await the Supreme Court's decision on the legality of the tariffs.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a PRAGATI meeting in New Delhi on December 31, 2025, where it was reported that 43 out of 53 monitored projects, valued at Rs 3.02 lakh crore, have been commissioned since the platform's inception in 2015. The remaining 10 projects, currently under construction, represent an investment of Rs 1,10,467 crore. The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) leads with 20 commissioned projects, followed by NTPC with 14. Overall, PRAGATI has reviewed 237 power projects worth Rs 10.53 lakh crore, with 108 projects valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh crore still under construction. Launched to enhance digital governance, PRAGATI aims to streamline infrastructure development and social programs, fostering a collaborative approach between the Centre and states while ensuring timely decision-making and measurable outcomes.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 7 pmeznews.inMumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) reported a record passenger traffic of 55.5 million in calendar year 2025, marking its highest annual total to date. The increase was primarily attributed to strong seasonal demand during peak travel periods, with January emerging as the busiest month, accommodating nearly 5 million passengers. Despite this growth, the year-on-year increase was a modest 1.3% due to capacity constraints, following 54.8 million passengers in 2024. MIAL highlighted the significant role of connectivity expansion, having introduced several new international routes, including destinations such as Almaty, Amman, and Bali, alongside enhanced domestic services to locations like Adampur and Amravati. Notably, November 29 saw the airport achieve its highest single-day passenger throughput, exceeding 175,000 travelers. The developments reflect MIAL's ongoing efforts to bolster its network and cater to rising travel demands.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 7 pmeznews.inData from the Public Enterprises Department of the Finance Ministry reveals that the capital expenditure target for 60 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and four government organizations is set at approximately ₹7.85 lakh crore. By the end of December, these entities had spent over ₹5.77 lakh crore, achieving around 74% of their target, although this marks only a 1.3% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year. Notably, December saw the highest expenditure in three months, exceeding ₹72,000 crore. Some organizations, including the Dedicated Freight Corridor, surpassed their annual targets significantly. The government is encouraging CPSEs to increase capital expenditure to foster profitable growth and job creation, especially as private sector investment intentions have declined by 25% for FY26. The overall capital expenditure by the central government surged by over 28% during the April-November period, with infrastructure sectors leading the way.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIn the Union Budget for 2025-26, the Indian government streamlined its customs duty structure, reducing the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) slabs to eight, including a zero per cent rate. However, with over ₹1.52 lakh crore tied up in customs duty litigations, Price Waterhouse & Co has suggested the introduction of an amnesty scheme in the upcoming 2026-27 Budget to provide businesses with greater certainty. The firm also advocates for further rationalisation of customs duties, proposing a reduction in slabs to five or six to address the inverted duty structure exacerbated by recent free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries like New Zealand, the UK, and Oman. These FTAs have made finished goods cheaper than raw materials, prompting calls for a reassessment of duty rates. Additionally, industry experts are seeking improvements in trade facilitation, particularly faster customs clearances, in the next budget.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndonesia has lifted its suspension on imports of Indian groundnuts, which had been in place since September 2025 due to non-compliance with quality standards, particularly concerning aflatoxin levels. However, Indian exporters remain hesitant to resume shipments, citing the stringent new regulations imposed by Jakarta, which have reduced the list of approved exporters to around 75. Concerns persist over Indonesia's testing protocols, which differ from World Trade Organization standards, and delays in reporting aflatoxin issues. Following an Indonesian team’s visit to India in October to assess compliance, new norms, including geo-tagging, were introduced. Despite the resumption of trade, only 800 tonnes of groundnuts have been exported since the ban was lifted, as many exporters find the risks too high. Meanwhile, India's groundnut production is projected to reach a record 11.09 million tonnes, with prices rising significantly amid strong demand.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 6 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact