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Coal off-take by India's power sector fell for the fifth consecutive month in January 2026, despite a surge in electricity demand due to severe cold wave conditions, marking the highest January consumption since at least 2010. According to the Coal Ministry, coal off-take dropped nearly 3% year-on-year to 73.16 million tonnes, with a cumulative decline of 3.72% to 661.69 million tonnes during the April-January period of FY26. The power sector's share of overall coal off-take decreased to 79%, down from 82% in January 2025. Meanwhile, electricity demand rose by 4.5% year-on-year to approximately 143 billion units, driven by increased heating needs, with peak power demand reaching 245 gigawatts. Renewable energy generation also saw a notable increase of 10% year-on-year, contributing to a diverse energy mix as coal stocks at thermal power plants rose to their highest levels since July 2025. 
Published: Feb 19 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's renewable energy (RE) share in cumulative power generation is projected to rise to approximately 26% in FY26, up from 22% in FY25, despite a muted electricity demand growth of 1-2% this financial year. Infomerics Ratings noted a robust 7-8% compound annual growth rate in electricity demand from FY21 to FY25, aligning with GDP growth. Although demand growth has slowed in FY26 due to an extended monsoon, medium-term prospects remain strong, driven by sectors like manufacturing and electric vehicles. RE capacity installations surged to around 52 gigawatts in the first nine months of FY26, with RE contributing over 90% to the capacity mix. By FY32, solar-led RE is expected to account for 59% of total installed capacity, necessitating significant energy storage systems to meet peak demand. Infomerics maintains a stable outlook for the RE sector, emphasizing the importance of timely project execution and grid integration.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 1 pmeznews.inBudget airline SpiceJet has announced plans to enhance its operations by inducting 10 additional aircraft, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at rebuilding its network and expanding capacity. The announcement, made on February 19, 2026, comes after the airline's Board approved a strategy to increase its fleet to 60 aircraft through a combination of wet and damp leases, alongside the phased return of grounded planes. SpiceJet has reported a significant recovery, having doubled its capacity in the last quarter, with Available Seat Kilometres rising from 55 crore to 105 crore. The airline aims to further increase this to 220 crore by Winter 2026 and operate over 300 daily flights, focusing on enhancing connectivity and operational reliability while maintaining a disciplined growth approach. Chief Business Officer Debojo Maharshi emphasized the importance of these developments in meeting strong passenger demand and restoring capacity.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 1 pmeznews.inConsumer inflation in India is projected to rise to 4.3% in the financial year 2027, up from an estimated 2.5% in the current fiscal year, according to a report by Crisil. The anticipated increase is attributed to food inflation normalizing from low levels, influenced by a low base effect. While food prices are expected to remain stable, aided by a normal monsoon in 2026, the reduced weight of food in the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series—down to 36.75% from 45.86%—will mitigate the overall inflation rise. Additionally, non-food inflation and core inflation, which has increased its weight to 57.89%, are expected to restrain consumer inflation. Despite a spike in gold and silver prices driving core inflation in fiscal 2026, it is anticipated to remain moderate in 2027. This inflation outlook may enable the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee to maintain its current repo rate pause.
Published: Feb 19 2026, 9 ameznews.inNCC Ltd and its step-down subsidiary, OB Infrastructure, have been debarred from participating in tenders and bids issued by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for two years, effective from February 17, 2026. The Hyderabad-based company announced the debarment in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating that it is currently reviewing the order and will take necessary legal steps. Importantly, NCC noted that the debarment will not affect its existing order book or ongoing projects. Following the announcement, NCC's shares fell by 1.77%, closing at ₹149.45 on Wednesday. The decision underscores the regulatory scrutiny faced by infrastructure firms in India as they navigate compliance and operational challenges.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled proposed regulations aimed at addressing unruly passenger behavior, introducing a stringent no-tolerance policy. Under the new rules, airlines will have the authority to impose flying bans of up to 30 days for specific disruptive actions, such as smoking, alcohol consumption on domestic flights, and misuse of emergency equipment. The DGCA emphasized the need for airlines to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing such incidents and reporting them to the regulator. An independent committee, including representatives from other carriers, will review cases, although airlines can act unilaterally for certain violations. The proposed framework categorizes offenses into four levels, with bans ranging from three months for minor infractions to two years or more for severe threats to safety. Stakeholders have until March 16 to provide feedback on these changes, which aim to enhance safety and discipline in the aviation sector.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 10 pmeznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has initiated a ₹117.54-crore modernisation project for its historic Bascule Bridge, with completion expected by May 2027. This renovation aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and speed of cargo movement while preserving the iconic structure, originally built in 1966 by Austrian firm Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG. The bridge serves as a vital connection between the Garden Reach–Metiabruz area and the rest of Kolkata, allowing heavy vehicles and local commuters to traverse while accommodating cargo ships. The project, executed in partnership with Rail Vikas Nigam and awarded to Mumbai's H & H Fressinet, will involve a comprehensive upgrade of the bridge's 1,640-tonne steel structure and its electromechanical systems. Chairperson Rathendra Raman emphasized that the upgrade will not only maintain the bridge's structural integrity but also bolster Kolkata's status as a key maritime trade gateway, ultimately benefiting the city's residents and economy.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 9 pmeznews.inCMA CGM, the French shipping giant, has finalized a $360 million contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the construction of six LNG-powered vessels, marking a significant milestone as the first major foreign carrier to commission such vessels from an Indian shipyard. The contract was signed in New Delhi by CMA CGM's Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé and Cochin Shipyard CMD Jose VJ, in the presence of Union Minister Shantanu Thakur and Secretary Vijay Kumar. The vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEU, will be registered under the Indian flag, with the first delivery expected in 36 months. CMA CGM also plans to recruit up to 1,500 Indian seafarers by 2026 and has established a dedicated R&D hub in India to enhance its digital and AI capabilities. Saadé emphasized the company's commitment to supporting India's Maritime Vision 2047, aiming to bolster the nation's position in global trade.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 8 pmeznews.inTelevision advertising in India is set to grow by 3.1% in 2026, reversing a decline from the previous year, according to WPP Media's latest forecast. This growth is largely attributed to the rise of Connected TV and addressable advertising, particularly in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. WPP's 'This Year Next Year' report anticipates a total advertising revenue of ₹2,01,891 crore for 2026, marking a ₹17,844 crore increase from 2025. While last year saw a projected 1% decline in TV advertising, the medium is now expected to regain traction, especially with the influence of rural recovery and sports content. Additionally, commerce-led advertising is emerging as the fastest-growing segment at 24.2%. Digital channels now dominate, accounting for 68.1% of total ad revenue, solidifying India's position as a leading global advertising market, contributing 0.5% to the nation's GDP.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 8 pmeznews.inVST Tillers Tractors Ltd is set to re-enter the US market by the end of 2027, focusing on the compact tractor segment, following a recent trade deal between India and the US that revised tariffs. CEO Antony Cherukara noted that previous plans were halted due to a 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration. The company aims to develop compact tractors ranging from 30-50 horsepower, targeting hobby farmers and vineyards primarily in California. Additionally, VST plans to establish a warehousing and distribution hub in the Netherlands by June 2026 to meet rising demand in Europe, where it currently exports around 13% of its revenue. Cherukara expressed optimism about increasing export earnings to 25% over the next five years, bolstered by favorable trade conditions. The company is also prepared to launch both internal combustion and electric tractors in these markets.
Published: Feb 18 2026, 8 pm
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