eznews.inThe ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) unveiled four innovative value-added products during its 110th Foundation Day in Kasaragod, Kerala, including the coconut milk-based vegan dessert, Kalpa Kulfi. This non-dairy treat, flavored with cardamom and sweetened with coconut sugar, offers a plant-based alternative to traditional kulfi. Alongside it, CPCRI introduced Kalpa Wafer Cones, made from a nutrient-rich blend of sweet potato flour and coconut ingredients, enhancing dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Addressing coconut water waste, Kalpa Qbitz features fiber-rich cubes of nata de coco soaked in coconut neera, developed through microbial valorisation. Additionally, in collaboration with the ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, CPCRI launched Kalpa Velvet, a unique dark chocolate combining cocoa, cashew butter, and coconut-derived ingredients. Director KB Hebbar emphasized the institute's commitment to extending the shelf-life of plantation products while promoting value addition. 
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), KB Hebbar, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration within the plantation sector to address challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th Plantation Crops Symposium (PLACROSYM) in Kasaragod, Hebbar noted that while prices for plantation commodities remain favorable, many farmers struggle to benefit due to these adverse factors. He urged stakeholders to unite in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate variability on agriculture. Despite occupying less than 5% of India’s cultivated land, plantation crops contribute nearly 10% to the agricultural GDP and over 14% of agricultural exports, highlighting their economic significance. The symposium, themed "Future proofing plantation sector for wellbeing and welfare," attracted over 200 participants, including scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives, all focused on enhancing the sector's resilience and productivity.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inConsumers of solar power may face increased costs for the installation of panels and related components due to a significant rise in the prices of key raw materials, including silver, copper, and aluminium. Over the past year, silver prices have surged by 150%, copper by 40%, and aluminium by over 20%. This escalation has led to production cost increases of 8-10% for solar modules, which constitute about half of a solar project's total cost. Despite these pressures, industry experts suggest that the overall impact on solar power charges will be minimal, as the sector maintains a cost advantage over other energy sources. Manufacturers are adapting by improving technology and sourcing efficiency, while exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on these metals. The long-term outlook remains optimistic, with expectations of price stabilization and continued demand for solar energy, bolstered by government initiatives to localize manufacturing and enhance supply chain resilience.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Delhi High Court on Monday declined to stay the trial against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, requesting a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding his plea challenging the framing of charges. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that the court could not rule on the stay application without reviewing the CBI's reply, which is due by January 14. The trial court had previously framed charges against Yadav, his family, and 11 others for offences including cheating and criminal conspiracy related to irregularities in the leasing of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm. The CBI alleges that the tender process was manipulated to benefit Sujata Hotels, with the trial court describing the case as potentially indicative of "crony capitalism." The maximum punishment under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ten years, while cheating carries a seven-year sentence.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inA coalition of senior industry leaders has launched the "Hundred Million Jobs" initiative, aiming to create 100 million jobs in India over the next decade amid ongoing employment challenges despite the country's rapid economic growth. Announced by prominent figures including Harish Mehta of Nasscom and A J Patel of TiE, the initiative addresses the need for 8-9 million jobs annually to accommodate India's expanding working-age population of 12 million. With traditional sectors struggling and automation reshaping job landscapes, the initiative emphasizes entrepreneurship, reskilling, and job-intensive enterprise development as key strategies. The mission, described as a "systems challenge," seeks to align skills and policies to foster resilient livelihoods across regions. Supported by a diverse group of leaders, including Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, the non-profit initiative will collaborate with government and civil society to enhance local economies and promote large-scale reskilling efforts.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has projected a fertiliser requirement of ₹37,952 crore for the Rabi 2025-26 season, marking an increase of ₹736 crore from the Kharif 2025 season, amid fluctuating global prices. To shield farmers from rising costs, the government has significantly boosted subsidies under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, particularly for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), which saw its subsidy rise to ₹29,805 per tonne from ₹21,911 last year. This initiative aims to ensure affordable fertiliser availability during the crucial sowing period for wheat, oilseeds, and pulses, while promoting balanced fertilisation to combat soil degradation caused by excessive nitrogen use. Since the NBS scheme's inception in 2010, foodgrain productivity has increased from 1,930 kg per hectare to 2,578 kg per hectare by 2024-25. Critics question the fiscal sustainability of the over ₹2.04 lakh crore spent on NBS subsidies, while supporters highlight improved yields and reduced import dependence as justifications for the expenditure.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's "Goldilocks" economic narrative, characterized by moderate growth and low inflation, is facing increasing challenges, according to a report by Systematic Research. While official growth figures suggest a robust economy, the report warns of fragile underlying momentum, leading to a policy gridlock for decision-makers. Recent fiscal measures, such as a hike in excise duty on cigarettes expected to generate ₹400 billion, and unexpected monetary actions by the Reserve Bank of India, including ₹2 trillion in open market operations, have raised eyebrows. Despite an 8% real GDP growth and near-zero inflation, these emergency-style interventions have not alleviated financial conditions, with rising interest rates and a weakening rupee. The report highlights concerns that aggressive fiscal expansion may crowd out private sector investment, as narrowing fiscal space and increasing borrowing pressures limit policy flexibility moving forward.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for India's manufacturing sector, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Apple Inc. exported iPhones worth $50 billion from India in 2025, a significant boost attributed to the government's 'Make in India' initiative. Vaishnaw highlighted that electronics production has surged sixfold over the past 11 years, with exports increasing eightfold under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He noted that during the same period, Samsung shipped devices valued at approximately $17 billion. The minister also revealed that 46 component manufacturing projects have been established, contributing to the creation of 2.5 million jobs in the sector, with some factories employing up to 40,000 workers. Looking ahead, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India aims to become a key player in the entire electronics ecosystem, encompassing design, manufacturing, and applications, marking the beginning of a robust industrial strategy.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's palm oil imports have plummeted to an eight-month low, dropping 20% month-on-month in December to 507,000 metric tonnes, primarily due to weaker winter demand and a shift towards rival oils like soyoil and sunflower oil. This decline is expected to increase inventories in major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, putting downward pressure on benchmark Malaysian palm oil futures while simultaneously supporting U.S. soyoil futures. In contrast, India's imports of soyoil surged by 37% to 508,000 tonnes, and sunflower oil imports more than doubled to a 17-month high of 350,000 tonnes, contributing to a 19% rise in total edible oil imports to 1.37 million tonnes. Analysts suggest that while palm oil imports may rebound in January due to its current price advantage, demand typically wanes during winter months as the oil solidifies in colder regions.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 1 pmeznews.inDefence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', in Goa on Monday. The 114.5-metre vessel, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, features over 60% indigenous content and can reach speeds exceeding 22 knots with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. It will play a vital role in enforcing marine pollution regulations, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Singh emphasized India's commitment to responsible maritime stewardship, stating that marine resources are a shared heritage. He also highlighted the government's focus on women's empowerment within the Coast Guard, noting the increasing roles of women in various operational capacities. The commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap' signifies a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, reinforcing the Coast Guard's mission to ensure safe and clean seas.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 11 am
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