eznews.inThe Indian government think tank NITI Aayog has proposed the establishment of a national project management agency (NPMA) to facilitate the transition of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) towards green energy, aligning with India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The NPMA would serve as an independent advisory body, working closely with MSME clusters to implement green initiatives through a transparent selection process. The report highlights the need for MSMEs, which comprise 69 million units and contribute significantly to India's economy, to overcome challenges such as limited access to finance and awareness of green policies. Additionally, NITI Aayog's reports on the cement and aluminium sectors advocate for strategies like increasing the use of refuse-derived fuel and carbon capture technologies to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving these targets is essential for India's broader climate commitments made at COP26. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inShadowfax Technologies Ltd's initial public offering (IPO) has garnered a 60% subscription by the second day of bidding, with 5,33,05,920 shares bid against 8,90,88,807 shares available. The IPO, which runs until January 22, has attracted significant interest from retail investors, who subscribed 1.64 times, while qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and non-institutional investors subscribed 38% and 33%, respectively. The company aims to raise ₹1,907 crore, with a price band set between ₹118-124 per share, valuing it at over ₹7,100 crore at the upper limit. The offering includes a fresh issue of ₹1,000 crore and an offer for sale of ₹907.27 crore from existing shareholders, including Flipkart and other notable investors. Proceeds will be used to enhance network infrastructure, fund lease payments, and support marketing initiatives. Shadowfax is a leading logistics provider for e-commerce in India, serving a diverse range of clients. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inThe Indian government's ₹1,500-crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme is gaining traction, with over 70 recycling companies registered and more than 10 firms recognized under its eligibility criteria, according to Anupam Agnihotri, Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC). Speaking at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) 2026, Agnihotri highlighted that the initiative, part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to establish a recycling capacity of 2.7 lakh metric tonnes and offers investment-linked incentives based on scale and technology. He emphasized the importance of recycling in ensuring India's long-term access to critical minerals, which are largely imported. The scheme provides substantial incentives, with large recyclers eligible for up to $50 crore and smaller firms up to ₹25 crore, focusing on high-quality recovery from scrap rather than merely increasing volume. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a landmark achievement for Indian civil aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a record 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, the highest number ever recorded in a single year. This figure represents a significant increase of over 2.5 times compared to eight years ago, with previous annual totals of 640 in 2018, 744 in 2019, and 1,622 in 2023. The civil aviation ministry highlighted its ongoing efforts to monitor fare levels through real-time data, particularly during the IndiGo operational crisis in December, when regulatory measures were implemented to prevent opportunistic pricing. An official directive mandated airlines to adhere to fare caps, aimed at protecting vulnerable passengers, including senior citizens and students, from financial strain during travel disruptions. The ministry's proactive approach underscores its commitment to maintaining pricing discipline in the aviation sector. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 9 ameznews.inMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis showcased the state's pioneering solar energy initiatives at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. He highlighted that Maharashtra is supplying 16,000 MW of power to farmers through Asia's largest solar network, a model now set to be studied by the International Solar Alliance. Fadnavis noted that 60% of the solar pumps installed in India are in Maharashtra, underscoring the state's leadership in the Prime Minister's Kusum scheme. He announced the completion of a major solar project aimed at providing a steady electricity supply to farmers by the end of the year. Fadnavis attributed this transformation to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the shift towards renewable energy in agriculture and the state's commitment to achieving 52% of its electricity from non-conventional sources by 2030. 
Published: Jan 22 2026, 5 ameznews.inRapido reported significant financial growth in FY25, with revenues soaring 44.2% to ₹1,002.87 crore, while narrowing its net losses by 30.3% to ₹258.44 crore. Employee expenses rose to ₹207.01 crore, a 20% increase from the previous year, reflecting the company's investment in talent and product development. In September 2025, Swiggy divested its 12% stake in Rapido for ₹2,399 crore, with Prosus and WestBridge Capital acquiring the shares. The company has also ventured into food delivery with its app, Ownly, aiming to offer competitive pricing to restaurants. However, regulatory challenges emerged when a Karnataka High Court ruling halted bike-taxi operations, prompting Rapido to pivot to bike parcel deliveries. As it adapts to these changes, Rapido is transitioning to a zero-commission model for drivers and is laying the groundwork for a potential initial public offering by the end of 2026. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 10 pmeznews.inGold prices surged to a new high in global markets, reaching $4,855 an ounce on Wednesday, after briefly exceeding $4,870 earlier in the day. This increase is attributed to rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and Europe over Greenland, prompting investors to seek gold as a safe haven. In India, gold closed at ₹1,54,227 per 10 grams in the Mumbai spot market, while February futures on the MCX were at ₹1,57,582. Silver also remained strong, trading around $94.23 an ounce, with March futures at $94.150. The precious metals market has seen gold gain 12.5% and silver 32.5% since the start of the year. Experts warn that ongoing volatility may lead consumers to become more cautious, potentially impacting demand and exports, especially in price-sensitive jewellery segments, as uncertainty persists amid looming US tariffs on several European nations. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIn its latest monthly bulletin, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expresses cautious optimism about the country's economic outlook despite ongoing global uncertainties. The article, titled "State of the Economy," highlights geopolitical tensions, including US interventions and conflicts in the Middle East, which contribute to elevated geo-economic risks. However, RBI officials project that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth estimates for 2025-26 supporting this claim. In response to a 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods starting August 27, 2025, India is actively diversifying its export markets, engaging in trade negotiations with 14 countries, including the EU and the US. Additionally, significant economic reforms in 2025, such as tax rationalisation and labour market reforms, are expected to bolster growth prospects. The RBI's analysis underscores the importance of strengthening India's export capabilities and financial support systems. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has launched an interest subvention scheme as part of its ₹25,060-crore six-year export promotion mission (EPM) to provide competitive credit rates for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Announced earlier this month, the scheme allocates ₹5,181 crore and offers a base subsidy of 2.75% on pre- and post-shipment export credit for eligible MSME exporters. However, certain sectors, including specific steel, pharmaceutical, and chemical products, have been excluded from the scheme, despite calls from industry representatives for their inclusion. The current positive list covers 75% of total tariff lines, with a subvention cap of ₹50 lakh per firm annually. Exporters of engineering goods have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of key steel items, while chemical exporters are advocating for broader coverage. The government has indicated that while the list may be expanded in the future, immediate changes are unlikely. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to release the first draft of the revised Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 within two weeks, aiming to streamline capital acquisition processes ahead of the FY27 budget, which is expected to increase from ₹1.80 lakh crore. Key reforms include a gradual scaling of indigenous content for high-tech orders, enhanced foreign direct investment (FDI) flexibility, and simplified testing protocols. The MoD plans to implement the revised DAP by April 1, 2026, reducing procurement timelines to approximately two years. Additionally, the new guidelines will align with initiatives like 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India,' while also addressing the emerging defence space sector. The revisions aim to create a level playing field for both private and public sectors, promoting innovation and establishing India as a global hub for defence manufacturing and maintenance. Stakeholder feedback will be sought before finalizing the amendments. 
Published: Jan 21 2026, 8 pm
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