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The Matsya Mela in Kavaratti has concluded with a strong call for the establishment of an integrated fisheries hub in Lakshadweep, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of local fishing communities. This proposed hub will serve as a single-window platform to streamline fish marketing, improve the fisheries value chain, and bolster income security. Experts emphasized the need for organized marketing, cold storage facilities, and export facilitation to maximize the potential of the region's tuna fisheries and mariculture sectors. Recommendations included regular scientific data collection for sustainable fisheries management and identifying suitable sites for cage fish farming, considering environmental factors. The event also highlighted the importance of citizen science initiatives to strengthen ties between fishing communities and scientific institutions. Organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Lakshadweep in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, the Mela underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts among various stakeholders for effective fisheries management. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union (EU) are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which, if finalised, will mark India's 19th trade deal. This agreement aims to enhance India's exports to the 27-nation bloc, particularly in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology, by reducing or eliminating tariffs that currently hinder competitiveness. The FTA is seen as a strategic move to diversify India's export markets and lessen reliance on China, especially in light of high tariffs imposed by the US. Bilateral trade between India and the EU reached $136.53 billion in 2024-25, with the EU accounting for 17% of India's total exports. The negotiations, which began in 2007 but faced multiple setbacks, were revitalised in 2022, focusing on trade, investment protection, and geographical indications. The EU, with a GDP of $19.5 trillion, remains a significant global trade partner for India, which exported $437 billion in goods in 2024-25.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 3 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India's electronics exports have surpassed Rs 4 lakh crore in 2025, with further growth anticipated as four semiconductor plants commence production this year. Official estimates indicate that electronic production reached approximately Rs 11.3 crore, with exports at Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2024-25. The mobile phone sector remains the cornerstone of this growth, employing over 25 lakh individuals. Notably, iPhone exports from India soared to Rs 2.03 lakh crore in 2025, nearly doubling the Rs 1.1 lakh crore recorded in 2024. The India Cellular and Electronics Association projects mobile phone production to hit USD 75 billion, with exports exceeding USD 30 billion by the fiscal year's end. Market analysts highlight Apple's significant role in this surge, with the company achieving record domestic supplies and leading both premium and super-premium smartphone segments, further bolstering India's position in the global electronics market.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe Tamil Nadu government has unveiled its Warehousing Policy 2026, aimed at bolstering the state's logistics ecosystem through the promotion of large-scale, sustainable, and commodity-specific warehousing. Announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, the policy aligns with Tamil Nadu's ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and complements the Tamil Nadu Logistics Policy. It focuses on enhancing warehousing in delta and C category districts, as well as Tier II and III cities, while streamlining regulatory requirements to benefit trade bodies and developers. The policy introduces various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including subsidies for green initiatives and technical training for warehouse employees. Additionally, it emphasizes the integration of warehousing with Multi-Modal Logistics Parks and aims to improve rail linkages to warehousing clusters. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation will oversee the implementation of this five-year policy, which seeks to expand the state's warehousing infrastructure and support agricultural and industrial growth.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's palm oil imports, including refined and crude varieties, fell to 11.39 lakh tonnes (lt) in the first two months of the 2025-26 oil year, down from 13.44 lt in the same period the previous year, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). Overall edible oil imports decreased by 11.6%, totaling 25.13 lt compared to 28.43 lt in November-December 2024-25. The share of refined oils plummeted to 0.14% of total imports, while crude oils surged to 99.86%. Notably, only 3,500 tonnes of refined oil were imported, a significant drop from 5.17 lt last year. Meanwhile, soybean oil imports remained steady at 8.75 lt, with a notable increase in December. Sunflower oil imports also declined to 4.92 lt, although December saw a rise to 3.50 lt. In agricultural news, rabi crop sowing increased to 99.30 lakh hectares, supported by favorable weather conditions.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe Federation of Associations of Cottage and Small Industries (FACSI) has called on the Indian government to implement tax and regulatory relief measures for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the upcoming 2026-27 Union Budget. In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, FACSI president H K Guha outlined key demands, including the establishment of a dedicated council for MSEs, an increased GST exemption threshold, and a simplified GST return process. The federation also requested collateral-free loans of up to ₹1 crore at capped interest rates, expedited GST refunds within 15 days, and decriminalisation of procedural lapses. Additionally, FACSI proposed an Export Risk Equalisation Fund for small exporters and urged for reduced tender fees on the GeM portal. Emphasising the need for collaboration with state governments, Guha stated that these measures are crucial for enhancing the growth and sustainability of MSEs in India.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe renewable energy sector is urging the Indian government to include incentives for research, development, and domestic manufacturing of solar components in the upcoming FY27 Union Budget, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. Industry leaders emphasize the need for enhanced transmission infrastructure and long-term green finance to ensure sustainable growth. They advocate for a shift from mere capacity announcements to execution certainty, highlighting the importance of policy clarity and bankable power purchase agreements. Key figures, including Jakson Group's Sameer Gupta and OMC Power's Rohit Chandra, stress the necessity of supporting distributed solar and hybrid systems to decentralize energy generation and ease grid stress. Additionally, calls for recycling incentives and improved grid readiness underscore the sector's commitment to a resilient energy ecosystem. The budget is seen as a pivotal moment for advancing India's clean energy transition and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian automobile industry is poised for continued growth into 2026, with SIAM President Shailesh Chandra declaring 2025 a landmark year, driven by income tax relief, repo rate cuts, and the implementation of GST 2.0. These reforms have enhanced vehicle affordability and stimulated demand across various segments. Monthly sales data reveals that passenger vehicles (PVs), commercial vehicles (CVs), and three-wheelers (3Ws) achieved record sales, while two-wheelers (2Ws) recorded their second-highest sales ever. In 2025, PV sales rose by 5% year-on-year to approximately 4.5 million units, while 2W and 3W sales also saw significant increases of 5% and 8.2%, respectively. Overall, total vehicle sales grew by 5.1% to 26.8 million units. Exports surged by 21% in December 2025 compared to the previous year, with PV sales alone increasing by 27% in the same month, indicating a robust recovery and optimistic outlook for the sector.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 12 pmeznews.inCivil unrest in Iran is significantly affecting India's basmati rice exports, leading to a sharp decline in domestic prices, according to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF). Exporters are experiencing payment delays and uncertainties, prompting IREF to advise caution regarding Iranian contracts and to explore secured payment mechanisms. India exported $468.10 million worth of basmati rice to Iran from April to November 2025, but the ongoing instability has disrupted trade flows and dented buyer confidence. Prices for key basmati varieties have dropped, with 1121 falling from Rs 85 to Rs 80 per kg. IREF has urged exporters to diversify into alternative markets in West Asia, Africa, and Europe to mitigate risks. Additionally, concerns over potential US tariffs on trade with Iran have been raised, although Indian rice exports to the US remain resilient despite existing high tariffs. The federation warns that the situation in Iran could lead to further disturbances in trade and pricing.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIran remains a key market for Indian Basmati rice, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's export volumes. However, a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on nations maintaining trade ties with Iran threatens to complicate payment processes and heighten transaction risks, potentially undermining buyer confidence in an already strained market. Data shows that India's Basmati rice exports to Iran reached $468.10 million between April and November 2025-26, but the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) warns that geopolitical instability and financial disruptions in Iran could further slow orders and delay shipments. IREF President Prem Garg emphasized the need for caution, urging exporters to adopt secured payment methods and explore alternative markets in West Asia, Africa, and Europe to mitigate risks. The domestic market is already feeling the effects, with Basmati prices declining sharply amid buyer hesitance and contract delays.
Published: Jan 13 2026, 11 am
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