eznews.inThe Cochin Port Joint Trade Union Forum has urged management intervention amid reports that the Shipping Ministry plans to revoke cabotage relaxations allowing foreign-flagged vessels to operate on Indian coastal routes. In a letter to Cochin Port Authority Chairman CD Nandakumar, the forum highlighted that these relaxations, secured through persistent advocacy, significantly boosted connectivity and cargo volumes at the Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal. The Union Government's withdrawal of three General Orders from 2018, which facilitated foreign vessel operations for specific cargo types, is reportedly based on unmet objectives. The Kerala government has also expressed concerns, warning that this rollback could jeopardize Vizhinjam Port's prospects, as Indian EXIM cargo may revert to foreign transhipment hubs due to a lack of sufficient Indian-flagged vessels. The forum cautioned that such policy changes could severely impact Cochin Port's financial stability and future development. 
Published: Feb 18 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia is easing restrictions on Chinese equipment imports, marking a significant shift in its approach to commercial ties with China following a deadly border clash in 2020. State-run power and coal companies are now permitted to procure certain components from China without prior government approval, a move aimed at addressing shortages and project delays. This decision comes as India grapples with a 40% shortfall in power transmission equipment, hindering its goal to add 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. The easing of restrictions follows requests from various government departments and is seen as necessary for India's manufacturing capabilities. However, imports will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to mitigate concerns that low-cost Chinese bids could undermine domestic firms. This recalibration of policy occurs against the backdrop of strained India-China relations and the impact of US tariffs on Indian goods.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production is set to fall short of earlier estimates due to excessive rainfall affecting cane yields across major producing states, according to farmers and trade officials. Internal estimates suggest production will range between 28.5 million and 29 million metric tons for the 2025/26 marketing year, significantly lower than the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association's forecast of 30.95 million tons. The most substantial decline is anticipated in Maharashtra, where output is projected at 9.6 million tons, down from 10.8 million. Farmers report that heavy rainfall has damaged root development, leading to lower yields. With nearly half of the 207 mills in Maharashtra halting operations due to cane shortages, the downward revision in output, combined with rising seasonal demand, is expected to support sugar prices. India has recently approved an additional 500,000 tons for export, but shipments may not exceed 700,000 tons, as mills prioritize domestic sales.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has allocated ₹15,385 crore for the development of National Highways in Maharashtra for the current financial year, as announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in the Lok Sabha. Currently, 116 highway projects, covering 2,612 km, are underway in the state, with a total estimated cost of ₹57,360 crore. Among these, 39 projects involve widening National Highways to four lanes or more, requiring an investment of ₹42,468 crore. Additionally, two projects spanning 374 km have been sanctioned for development in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ahilyanagar, and Latur districts, costing ₹19,142 crore. To ensure efficient project execution, the government has implemented monitoring mechanisms and conducts regular review meetings with stakeholders, particularly focusing on projects delayed by over three years. Coordination meetings led by state Chief Secretaries also aim to resolve issues impacting road project execution.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 2 pmeznews.inMaharashtra showcased its innovative use of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where the Agriculture Department unveiled the "Agriculture Compendium." This publication highlights the state's successful integration of AI technologies, aimed at modernizing and sustaining farming practices. The AI system 'Mahavistar' currently assists over 2.2 million farmers, particularly benefiting rural women, including those who are illiterate, through its voice-first interface in local Marathi dialects. The Compendium also features initiatives like portable soil-testing devices 'Vasudha' and 'Neopark,' which provide accurate on-field soil analysis, and 'SatSource,' which offers digital credit scores for farmers, facilitating quick access to loans. As a result, over 40,000 small farmers have secured loans exceeding ₹1,700 million, boosting productivity by 20 to 32 percent. The summit recognized Maharashtra's commitment to leveraging AI for agricultural welfare, solidifying its position as a leader in technology-driven farming.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports plummeted by 42.5% in January 2026, with total shipments falling to 260,000 tonnes from 452,000 tonnes in January 2025, primarily due to significant declines in soybean and rapeseed meal exports. Soybean meal exports dropped to 132,000 tonnes from 286,000 tonnes, while rapeseed meal fell to 64,782 tonnes from 131,000 tonnes. For the April-January 2025-26 period, total oilmeal exports decreased by 10%, amounting to 3.235 million tonnes compared to 3.603 million tonnes the previous year. BV Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, noted that reduced rapeseed crushing has limited oil and oilmeal processing until new crop supplies arrive. Meanwhile, rapeseed meal prices have risen, currently quoted at ₹20,300 per tonne. Major importers included South Korea, China, and Bangladesh, with significant declines in their respective imports from India.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 2 pmeznews.inA delegation from Meghalaya has made its inaugural appearance at BIOFACH 2026, the renowned organic food and agriculture trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, positioning the state as a burgeoning organic sourcing hub in Northeast India. The event provided a vital platform for Meghalaya to showcase its comprehensive organic ecosystem, which includes certification systems, farmer collectivisation, and export-oriented value chains. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary to the Meghalaya government, presented the state's community-driven organic development roadmap, emphasizing its commitment to ecological sustainability and market integration. The participation of local farmers aimed to enhance their understanding of global standards and facilitate direct connections to international markets. Meghalaya's pavilion featured certified organic products like ginger, turmeric, and sticky rice, attracting global buyers and certification bodies. Collaborations with partners showcased value-added products, reflecting the state's transition towards diversified, export-ready organic offerings in response to global demand.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a comprehensive review aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures and enhancing efficiency within the civil aviation sector. This initiative comes as aviation activity in India is on the rise, encompassing aircraft induction and aerodrome development. The reform process, divided into regulatory and process phases, seeks to align existing rules with international standards by soliciting feedback from industry stakeholders, including airlines and aerodrome operators. Proposed measures include the establishment of sector-specific committees to identify bottlenecks, streamline approvals, and rationalise documentation. Additionally, the review will enhance digital systems for regulatory transactions, focusing on simplifying online workflows and improving user support tools. Other considerations include the potential for self-attestation and third-party certification in certain areas, as well as delegating specific approvals to regional offices, all aimed at reducing compliance burdens and improving operational efficiency.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia and the United Kingdom have launched the India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, aimed at providing strategic leadership for the development of offshore wind energy ecosystems. Indian Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted that India has added over 35 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 4.61 GW of wind capacity this financial year, achieving 50% of its cumulative power capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of its 2030 target. The taskforce, established under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue, seeks to leverage the UK's expertise in offshore wind to enhance India's growing clean energy sector, particularly in promising zones off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised India's progress, while Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen expressed enthusiasm for participating in the taskforce, which aims to harness India's offshore wind potential of over 70 GW.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 1 pmeznews.inA significant weather system, driven by active western disturbances, has enveloped North-West and Central India, extending to West Madhya Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan has generated moisture, clouds, and precipitation across the region, with another disturbance following closely behind. This mid-February weather pattern is expected to bring isolated rain and snow to Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, while thunderstorms and gusty winds may affect Haryana and Rajasthan. Hailstorms are also possible in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and East Rajasthan. Additionally, a low-pressure area over the south-west Bay of Bengal is anticipated to intensify, potentially bringing rain to southern India, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, over the next few days. The IMD forecasts scattered rainfall across various regions, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Nicobar Islands.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 11 am
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