eznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget, with significant attention on anticipated customs reforms. This year's Budget will continue the paperless format established in previous years, following her 2019 introduction of a traditional 'bahi-khata' for Budget documents. Key figures to monitor include a projected fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP for FY26, with expectations of a reduction to 4% for FY27. The government plans a capital expenditure of ₹11.2 lakh crore, likely increasing by 10-15% to support cautious private sector investment. Additionally, the Budget will outline a debt consolidation roadmap, aiming to lower the general government debt-to-GDP ratio from 85% in 2024. Gross tax revenue is estimated at ₹42.70 lakh crore, with GST collections expected to rise to ₹11.78 lakh crore. The nominal GDP growth for FY26 is projected at 10.1%, with FY27 estimates suggesting a range of 10.5-11%. 
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inBengaluru-based aerospace components manufacturer JJG Aero has raised $30 million in Series B funding from Norwest, bringing its total funding to $42 million, including a previous $12 million Series A round led by CX Partners in April 2024. The new capital will primarily be used to expand its upcoming facility in North Bangalore, enhance vertical integration, and support strategic initiatives. Established in 2008, JJG Aero specializes in high-precision machined components for aircraft systems and engines, serving notable clients such as Collins Aerospace and GE Aerospace. CEO Anuj Jhunjhunwala highlighted the company's rapid growth, with a 35% CAGR over the past three years, and emphasized India's emerging role as a key player in the aerospace supply chain. Norwest's Managing Director, Shiv Chaudhary, noted the potential for Indian businesses in the aerospace sector, positioning JJG Aero to capitalize on increasing global demand for precision components.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inAirbus Corporate Helicopters has secured an order for two ACH160 helicopters and one H175 from a private customer in India, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation sector. The customer, already an ACH160 operator, will be the first in India to receive the H175, which is set to enter the Indian civil market in a 16-seat configuration, with deliveries expected in 2026. The two ACH160 helicopters will be tailored to the customer's specifications and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia, highlighted that this repeat order underscores the growing maturity of the civil helicopter market in India. The H175, a super-medium twin-engine helicopter, enhances Airbus Helicopters' civil portfolio with its impressive versatility, range, and payload capabilities.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 4 pmeznews.inCochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has announced a significant order from Mumbai-based Polestar Maritime Ltd for two 60-tonne bollard pull battery-electric green tugs. These vessels will operate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority as part of the government's Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), following Polestar's successful bid. Designed by the renowned Robert Allan Ltd, the tugs will be constructed collaboratively by CSL and its subsidiary, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd, at CSL’s facility in Kochi. The battery-electric propulsion systems will ensure zero direct emissions during harbour operations, with batteries sourced domestically to support the 'Make in India' initiative. CSL Chairman Madhu S Nair expressed satisfaction with the order, highlighting its role in advancing India's maritime sector through sustainable technology. This contract adds to CSL's current order book of 17 tugs, including six green tugs, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation in maritime services.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, the Indian government has mandated that Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the 2011 batch and onwards must possess a minimum of two years' experience at the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level on central deputation to be eligible for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) at the Centre. This requirement, which aligns IPS officers with existing standards for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, aims to ensure that senior police officials have substantial ground-level experience before taking on high-ranking positions. The official order, issued by the ministry, emphasizes the importance of practical experience in enhancing the effectiveness of senior officers within Central Armed Police Forces and other central organizations. This move reflects a broader effort to strengthen the operational capabilities of India's police leadership.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production has surged by 18.35% to 19.50 million tonnes as of January 31 in the 2025-26 season, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). This increase is attributed to higher output from key producing states, with production in Maharashtra, the largest producer, rising by 42% to 7.87 million tonnes. Uttar Pradesh, the second-largest producer, reported a 5% increase to 5.51 million tonnes, while Karnataka saw a 15% rise in production. The number of operational sugar mills across the country has also increased, with 515 mills currently active compared to 501 at the same time last year. ISMA projects that total sugar production for the season will reach 30.95 million tonnes, an 18.6% increase from the previous season's 26.1 million tonnes. The sugar season runs from October to September.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is set to implement a new excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco products, alongside a health cess on pan masala, effective February 1, 2026. This move replaces the existing 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these items, which has been in place since the GST's introduction in July 2017. The new tax structure will impose excise duties based on cigarette length, with rates ranging from Rs 2.05 to Rs 8.50 per stick, while pan masala will see a total tax incidence of 88%. The changes aim to align India with global tobacco taxation practices, as current tax levels are significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended benchmark of 75%. The revenue generated will be shared with states for health-related initiatives, addressing public health concerns and creating a sustainable funding stream for health and national security, as emphasized by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will host its sixth National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on February 5-6 at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, focusing on the theme “Converge, Collaborate & Co-create.” The event aims to address policy, industry, and innovation in crop nutrition, positioning India as a global hub for agricultural input manufacturing. Maharashtra's Minister of Marketing & Protocol, Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, will inaugurate the summit, with Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P. K. Singh discussing government reforms and the role of specialty fertilizers. IMMA President Rahul Mirchandani emphasized the need for collaboration among government, industry, and research institutions to enhance farmer welfare and sustainable growth. The summit will also highlight rising demand for micronutrients and biological inputs, with participation from key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders, and will feature discussions on regulatory reforms and export-friendly policies.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe United States has indicated to India that it can soon resume purchasing Venezuelan oil, which was previously restricted due to tariffs imposed last year for buying from Caracas. This shift comes as India commits to reducing its Russian oil imports, which have been significant since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Following a 25% tariff on Venezuelan oil purchases introduced by the Trump administration in March 2025, India is now on track to cut its Russian oil imports from around 1.2 million barrels per day to approximately 500,000-600,000 barrels per day. Indian refiners are diversifying their crude sources, increasing imports from the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The U.S. aims to diminish Russian oil revenues while potentially facilitating Venezuelan crude supplies to India, although details on the marketing of this oil remain unclear. The White House and U.S. Treasury have declined to comment on the matter.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 11 ameznews.inAs India prepares for the 2026–27 Union Budget, agriculture is highlighted as a crucial driver of development, employing 46.1% of the workforce yet contributing less than 20% to GDP. Despite significant nominal increases in budget allocations for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, its share of the total Central Plan outlay has declined, indicating a diminishing relative priority. While initiatives like PM-KISAN have improved income predictability, the sector faces persistent productivity challenges due to weak seed systems, inefficient water use, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. Current budgetary focus on income support and subsidies does not adequately address these structural issues. Experts argue for a strategic shift in budget priorities towards enhancing productivity and value-chain integration, rather than merely managing distress. To truly position agriculture as an engine of growth, the upcoming budget must emphasize coherent strategies and targeted investments rather than just increased spending.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 am
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