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The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is set to embark on a significant shipbuilding initiative with a ₹4,500-crore shipyard project at Kandla, Gujarat, opting for a more feasible approach than its previously proposed ₹27,000-crore mega facility. The DPA is nearing a joint venture agreement with Kolkata's Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) to create a smart, automated shipyard capable of constructing very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and other merchant vessels. The project will utilize 120 acres of reclaimed waterfront land and aims to produce at least two VLCCs or VLGCs annually. While the Kandla yard will initially focus on shipbuilding, it is expected to transition to repair and maintenance as a larger shipbuilding cluster at Veera village develops. The DPA's efforts come amid challenges in India's shipbuilding sector, which holds a mere 0.06% global market share, hindered by high capital costs and a lack of integrated maritime infrastructure. 
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inFrench shipping giant CMA CGM celebrated a significant milestone with the naming of its 400th fully owned vessel, the CMA CGM Monte Cristo, a new-generation, dual-fuel methanol ship designed to enhance sustainable shipping practices. This event underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In related developments, Golden Island Pte Ltd successfully completed Singapore's inaugural methanol bunkering operation, following the Maritime and Port Authority's licensing initiative set to take effect in 2026. The Singapore-flagged dry bulk carrier, Brave Pioneer, received 300 tonnes of methanol during this operation, showcasing its dual-fuel capabilities. Meanwhile, the Colombo East Container Terminal in Sri Lanka marked the commissioning of its third berth, with plans to enhance operational capacity and achieve a throughput target of 1.5 million TEUs this year, contributing to the region's economic growth and trade connectivity.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line, recently sanctioned in Maharashtra, marks a significant advancement in the state's infrastructure, aimed at enhancing port-led economic growth. Set for completion by late 2029, this 107-km rail corridor will connect western Maharashtra's agricultural base with the Konkan's deepwater ports, improving logistics efficiency and boosting agri-exports. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane emphasize the importance of this project in reducing transport costs and transit times for farmers and exporters, particularly for perishable goods. The new rail link is expected to increase cargo movement speed by 35-40% and lower logistics costs by ₹400-700 per tonne. Additionally, JSW port at Jaigarh is exploring direct handling of agricultural exports, potentially saving exporters up to 10% in logistics costs. This initiative is poised to create jobs, enhance tourism, and integrate the Konkan region with the industrial belt of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Pune.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe electrification of a 55-km railway section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road in Karnataka has been completed, enhancing connectivity between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. Initiated in December 2023, the ₹93.55-crore project took 24 months to finish, overcoming challenges posed by a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta hailed the project as a significant milestone in addressing regional transport demands, emphasizing its role in facilitating cleaner and more efficient train operations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Vande Bharat trains could soon operate on this route. Expert N Kumar noted that electrification would reduce operational costs and improve cargo transport from New Mangalore Port, particularly for coal and fertilizers. The project included five switching stations and overhead electrification designed for speeds up to 120 km/h, despite difficulties posed by the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inUnion Minister Piyush Goyal and European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed optimism about finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during talks in New Delhi ahead of a bilateral summit. Sefcovic highlighted the progress made over the past year, calling it his most frequent trade engagement, while Goyal noted that sustained dialogue has brought both parties closer to a fruitful outcome. The FTA, which has been under negotiation for nearly two decades, aims to provide zero-duty access for India's labor-intensive exports, such as textiles and leather, while the EU seeks significant tariff reductions on wines and a quota-based system for automobiles. With the EU being India's top trading partner, bilateral trade reached $136.53 billion in 2024-25, and both sides are eager to conclude the agreement amid rising tariff pressures from the US. The sustainability chapter remains a contentious issue, particularly regarding carbon taxes affecting Indian exporters.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUrea sales in India surged by 8.4% to reach 387.92 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year, up from 357.81 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, as part of a broader increase in fertilizer sales, which hit a record 655.94 lakh tonnes. In response to rising consumption and subsidy costs, the government is expected to unveil a "Mission for Self-Reliance in Fertilizer" in the upcoming Budget, aiming to reduce chemical fertilizer use and imports by 20% over five years. This initiative may include incentives for bio-fertilizers and a merger with the existing PM-PRANAM scheme, which encourages states to cut chemical fertilizer usage. Additionally, the subsidy for phosphatic and potash fertilizers has been increased to ₹75,000 crore. Experts are advocating for a revamp of current policies to align with the mission's goals, while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) may develop technologies to minimize reliance on traditional fertilizers.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndiGo's Chief Executive Pieter Elbers has outlined the airline's strategic response to recent turbulence and declining profits, focusing on balancing expansion, product evolution, and operational readiness. As IndiGo embarks on a growth phase, it aims to redefine its priorities by introducing the long-range Airbus A321XLR and expanding international services. Elbers emphasized the need to adapt to varying customer expectations across different flight lengths, enhancing offerings with products like IndiGoStretch for business travelers and the BluChip loyalty program. The airline's fleet expansion, including the introduction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, is crucial for long-haul operations, while the recent delivery of the A321XLR opens new routes to Europe and East Asia. Amidst a dynamic operating environment, IndiGo is committed to building a resilient network that aligns with regulatory frameworks and demand patterns, ensuring sustainable growth while contributing to India's ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian textile industry, which contributes approximately 4% to the nation's GDP and plays a crucial role in exports, is poised for potential growth following the anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Textile Export Promotion Council of India (Texprocil) highlights that the EU's withdrawal of Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) benefits from January 1 has put Indian textiles at a competitive disadvantage. Currently, the sector exports over $1.3 billion annually to the EU, but tariff barriers hinder its competitiveness against countries with preferential access. Texprocil's Director, Siddhartha Rajagopal, emphasizes the need for zero-duty access in ongoing negotiations to bolster the cotton textiles sector, which supports numerous rural artisans. With ambitious targets of $40 billion in apparel exports and $100 billion in total textile exports by 2030, successful FTA negotiations are deemed essential for enhancing India's presence in the European market and supporting sustainable growth.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are poised to become key players in the global aviation sector, with a projected delivery of over 900 aircraft in the next three years, according to Avolon's 2026 outlook. Indian carriers, including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo, currently have an order backlog exceeding 1,600 planes, with deliveries extending to 2035. This marks a significant shift from the previous decade, where China led aviation growth, expanding its fleet from 1,200 to 3,300 aircraft. The combined order backlog of India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is nearly double their current operational fleets. Despite a slowdown in growth rates, demand for air travel rose by 5.2% in 2025, and global airlines are expected to achieve a net profit of $41 billion in 2026, bolstered by low fuel prices and economic recovery, despite ongoing operational challenges.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is set to adopt double deflation more extensively in the upcoming National Account data series, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, highlighted that the new series will be rebased to FY 2022-23 and will incorporate updated data sources, including major surveys like the Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey and the Annual Survey of Industries. The methodology will also see enhancements, with a shift away from single deflation methods for the informal sector. Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 2024 series will reflect changing household expenditure patterns, expanding its item basket from 299 to 358, including new categories like online media and modern energy sources. The revised weights will better represent consumption trends, although the impact on inflation volatility remains uncertain, with the focus on creating a more accurate index.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 4 pm
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