eznews.inThe Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, known as Milma, has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to launch a food-testing laboratory in Kochi, set to be inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurian. The NDDB CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food) Laboratory will adhere to high-quality standards and initially focus on testing dairy products for Kerala and neighboring states. C.N. Valsalan Pillai, Chairman of ERCMPU, highlighted that the facility is equipped for comprehensive quality and safety testing. Plans are in place to expand services to include testing for various food and agricultural products, such as spices and ready-to-eat foods. The laboratory, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), will also assist state authorities in addressing food safety risks, according to Rajesh Nair, Managing Director of NDDB CALF. 
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inCochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered the MS Heinz, the inaugural vessel of the HS EcoFreighter series, to Germany's HS Schiffahrts UG (haftungsbeschränkt) & Co. KG. This delivery signifies a significant advancement in CSL's international shipbuilding footprint, showcasing its ability to construct sophisticated and versatile merchant vessels. The virtual signing ceremony involved S. Harikrishnan, CSL's Director of Operations, and Heinz Josef Schepers from HS Schiffahrts. Designed by Groot Ship Design in the Netherlands, the 7,000 DWT ice-class vessel is engineered to transport a variety of cargo, including project and heavy cargo, steel coils, and dangerous goods. Its innovative design features a raked stem and "Groot Cross-Bow" for improved speed and fuel efficiency, alongside a flexible cargo hold with movable panels. The vessel is powered by a medium-speed diesel engine, ensuring robust performance for global trading.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inA study by the Prayas Energy Group has highlighted the importance of accurately identifying coal grades in India, a crucial factor influencing electricity generation costs and consumer tariffs. With coal expected to remain a key energy source for at least another decade, the report underscores persistent discrepancies in coal quality between purchase and usage points, which significantly affect pricing. For instance, some thermal power plants have reported slippages exceeding 1,200 kcal per kg, leading to substantial cost increases for consumers. The report, authored by Maria Chirayil, Ashok Sreenivas, and Rohit Patwardhan, calls for improved coal quality sampling methods and suggests that coal quantity should be determined based on the gross calorific value "As Purchased" rather than "As Received." Implementing these changes could potentially lower energy charges by 13%, benefiting consumers and enhancing accountability in the coal supply chain.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has predicted a stray rain event for northern and adjoining interior Tamil Nadu and South Interior Karnataka from January 22 to 28. This forecast comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of north-east monsoon rains across South Peninsular India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka. Additionally, a significant western disturbance is expected to bring heavy snow and rain to the hills of North-West India, with scattered rainfall anticipated in the adjoining plains, including New Delhi, around the same time. The IMD's models suggest heavy precipitation for Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while lighter rains may affect Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh. The weather patterns are expected to evolve as the systems approach, with isolated rainfall also likely over the Nicobar Islands.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia's major reservoirs have seen a significant drop in storage levels, falling below 75% this week, with four regions reporting levels under 80%. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that current storage stands at 134.915 billion cubic metres (BCM), or 73.5% of the total capacity of 183.565 BCM, which is still 7 percentage points higher than last year and 24 percentage points above the 10-year average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that 89% of the country's districts have experienced deficient rainfall this year, with precipitation at 73% below normal. The western region boasts the highest storage at 84%, while the northern and southern regions lag behind, with levels below 70%. The southern region's reservoirs are notably lower than last year, and with the North-East monsoon expected to cease soon, further declines in storage are anticipated.
Published: Jan 16 2026, 9 ameznews.inVaraha, a developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, has secured a significant off-take agreement with Microsoft to produce biochar in India, aimed at enhancing soil quality and sequestering carbon. The initiative will see the establishment of 18 gasification reactors in Maharashtra, utilizing cotton stalks sourced from smallholder farmers, which are typically considered waste. Over the project's 15-year lifespan, it is expected to remove over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. This project not only provides an alternative to the common practice of burning crop residues, which contributes to air pollution, but also promotes regenerative agricultural practices, improving soil health and farmer livelihoods. Varaha's efforts align with Microsoft's commitment to sustainable carbon removal, highlighting the potential for high-quality projects in the region. The initiative is poised to deliver economic benefits while addressing environmental challenges, as emphasized by both Varaha's CEO and Microsoft's CDR programme director.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation following an incident at Delhi airport where an idle container was ingested by an Air India Airbus A350 engine on Thursday morning. The aircraft, bound for New York, was taxiing to its bay after an air turn back due to the closure of Iranian airspace when the mishap occurred. Preliminary reports indicate that a container dolly operated by ground handling firm BWFS malfunctioned, causing a container to topple onto the taxiway. Although the aircraft landed safely, it has been grounded for inspection and repairs, potentially disrupting select A350 routes. Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and emphasized its commitment to safety and support during this incident. The DGCA's investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAir India has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions to its Airbus A350 routes following engine damage sustained by one of its long-haul aircraft after it encountered a "foreign object" while taxiing in dense fog at New Delhi on Thursday. The airline operates six A350s on key routes, including those connecting New Delhi with London and New York, making it susceptible to operational challenges if any aircraft is grounded. Although Air India has not provided specific details about the foreign object or the affected routes, it confirmed that the aircraft is currently grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs. This incident occurred after the plane, which was en route to New York, had to return to New Delhi due to Iran's temporary airspace closure, which has since been lifted following concerns over potential military action in the region.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 4 pmeznews.inFrozen food manufacturer Amar Pure Gold has announced a significant investment of ₹250 crore to develop an agro-food park in Himachal Pradesh, following a memorandum of commitment with the state government. The new facility, set to span 100 acres in Una district, aims to create 450 direct jobs and additional indirect employment opportunities in agricultural sourcing, logistics, and packaging. This initiative complements the company's ongoing project of a 25-acre integrated food park in Nalagarh. Specializing in frozen Indian sweets, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, Amar Pure Gold operates manufacturing units in Punjab and Haryana, with plans for expansion into Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The company also exports its products to markets in the United States, Canada, Australia, and more than ten other countries. Amar Pure Gold is part of the diversified Amar Group, which has interests in flour milling, steel, and retail, including over 45 Captain Sam's Pizza outlets.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's merchandise exports experienced a modest increase of 1.87% year-on-year, reaching USD 38.5 billion in December 2025, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. However, imports surged to USD 63.55 billion, up from USD 58.43 billion a year earlier, resulting in a significant trade deficit of USD 25 billion for the month. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, Agrawal noted that exports are on a positive trajectory, with projections for the fiscal year suggesting that goods and services exports could exceed USD 850 billion. For the April-December period, exports rose by 2.44% to USD 330.29 billion. The Indian government is actively working to diversify its export markets towards China, Russia, and the Middle East, supported by new trade agreements, particularly in light of previous tariff increases imposed by the U.S. and ongoing discussions for a bilateral trade deal.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 2 pm
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