eznews.in
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress for opposing imports under the US trade deal, asserting that the imports of pulses, cotton, and apples are essential to address domestic shortages. Speaking in Jaipur during the launch of a new farmers' helpline, Chouhan defended the government's decision to allow imports, emphasizing that Indian farmers would not be adversely affected as staple crops like wheat and rice would not be imported. He highlighted that India currently imports 5.5 lakh tonnes of apples annually, primarily from Turkey and Iran, questioning the objection to sourcing from the US instead. Chouhan also noted that no concessions were made on soybean and maize, and assured that dairy products would remain protected from imports to safeguard local farmers. He further challenged Congress on past decisions regarding sugar and wheat exports, alleging mismanagement during their tenure. 
Published: Feb 17 2026, 6 pmeznews.inA new dam on the Punjab-Jammu border is set to become operational by the end of next month, with completion expected by March 31, according to Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana. The Shahpurkandi Dam will divert surplus water from the Ravi River, which currently flows into Pakistan, for irrigation purposes, benefiting drought-prone areas in Punjab and Jammu, particularly Kathua and Samba districts. This initiative follows India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty after recent military tensions with Pakistan, prompting a renewed focus on hydropower projects in the region. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently inspected key sites in Jammu and Kashmir, where environmental clearance has been granted for the 260-MW Dulhasti Stage-II project, alongside two other major schemes. Local MLA Rameshwar Singh emphasized that the dam will enhance irrigation, protect Kharif crops, and improve agricultural output across numerous villages.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Coast Guard has intercepted three oil tankers suspected of being involved in an international oil-smuggling racket approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. This operation, conducted on February 8, was part of a coordinated sea-air effort that targeted mid-sea transfers of cheap oil from conflict zones, allowing the syndicate to evade duties owed to coastal states. The vessels, identified as US-sanctioned ships—Al Jafzia (Nicaragua), Asphalt Star (Mali), and Stellar Ruby (Iran)—are currently detained at Mumbai anchorage. An FIR has been filed at the Yellow Gate Police Station, which is leading the investigation. The operation was facilitated by advanced surveillance and data analysis, revealing a broader global network behind the smuggling activities. The identity of the intended consignee for the cargo remains undisclosed as investigations continue.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 7 pmeznews.inKerala's Industries Minister P Rajeeve inaugurated Tradex Kerala 2026, an international buyer-seller meet aimed at enhancing the state's contribution to global trade by connecting local MSMEs with overseas buyers. This inaugural event, organized by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, marks the first international reverse buyer-seller meet in Kerala. It provides a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and engage directly with international markets, promoting sustainable business linkages. On the opening day, over 100 MoUs were signed, securing business commitments worth ₹53 crore from 32 international buyers and more than 400 local enterprises across nine sectors. The Minister highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to bolster the MSME sector, including the introduction of the 'Kerala Brand – Nanma,' which emphasizes ethical and quality standards. Additionally, a proposal for a ₹2,000 crore investment was submitted, promising significant employment opportunities.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has reported facilitating refunds totaling ₹52 crore across 31 sectors in the past nine months, addressing 79,521 consumer grievances related to refund claims from April 25, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The e-commerce sector emerged as the most problematic, with 47,743 complaints leading to refunds exceeding ₹36 crore, highlighting the NCH's extensive reach across both urban and rural areas. The travel and tourism sector followed, securing over ₹4 crore in refunds. The Department of Consumer Affairs emphasized that this initiative, part of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, allows for timely grievance resolution without the need for legal proceedings. The NCH operates through a digital model, ensuring grievances are promptly forwarded to companies for resolution, thereby reinforcing consumer trust in digital marketplaces and encouraging proactive engagement with the helpline for rights protection.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 7 pmeznews.inAir India and Lufthansa are set to enhance their partnership, aiming to boost passenger traffic between India and Europe following the recent India-EU free trade agreement. The collaboration will initially target Lufthansa's key markets, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, with plans to expand further across Europe and the Indian subcontinent. Currently, the airlines codeshare on 145 routes spanning 20 countries. A comprehensive joint business agreement is anticipated, pending regulatory approvals, which will outline the partnership's scope. This move follows Air India's January cooperation framework with Singapore Airlines, designed to optimize routes and foster collaboration, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25% stake in Air India. The airlines' strategic alliance reflects a growing trend in the aviation sector to leverage international agreements for enhanced connectivity and operational efficiency.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 7 pmeznews.inGodrej Enterprises Group's Security Solutions division has secured a significant contract with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to implement advanced security measures, including Next Gen gates and a perimeter security system. The project will feature cutting-edge Under Vehicle Scanning Systems (UVSS) combined with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and high-performance tyre killers, enhancing vehicle screening and access control at the airport. Installations will take place at the entry and exit gates of Terminals 1 and 2, marking CIAL's first large-scale vehicular access system and reinforcing compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines. This automated system will ensure thorough undercarriage scans for all vehicles entering designated airport zones, improving threat detection and perimeter security. Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of Security Solutions, highlighted the growing investment in aviation security infrastructure across India, with Godrej's recent contracts spanning multiple major airports.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe US and Iran are engaged in their second round of indirect talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme in Geneva, coinciding with heightened military tensions in the region. As negotiations commenced, Iranian media reported the launch of live missiles towards the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world's oil transits. US President Donald Trump has threatened military action to compel Iran to limit its nuclear ambitions, while Iran has warned of retaliatory measures. The talks, led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aim to address nuclear issues without delving into Iran's domestic policies, including its recent crackdown on protests that reportedly resulted in over 7,000 deaths. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to negotiate, contingent on the easing of US sanctions. Meanwhile, the US has bolstered its military presence in the region, raising concerns of potential conflict amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's data centre capacity is increasingly reliant on renewable energy, with approximately 30-35% sourced through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Major players like Sify Infinit Spaces and TechnoDigital are leading the way, with 38% and 85% of their capacity, respectively, derived from renewables. As the sector anticipates an annual capacity addition of 0.5 GW, experts believe that energy needs can be met through a mix of green and grid power, despite potential long-term challenges. The concentration of data centres in major metros like Mumbai and Bengaluru poses competition for power with local populations, with some centres already consuming 15% of grid capacity, projected to rise to 30-35% by 2030. Solutions may involve relocating data centres to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, although challenges such as fibre connectivity and skilled workforce availability remain.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn the Agriculture Interim Budget for 2026-27, Tamil Nadu's Agriculture Minister MRK Paneerselvam announced that 12.84 lakh farmers have benefited from the five-year Millet Mission, which aims to enhance millet production and consumption. The upcoming 'Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy' will support farmers in cultivating high-value trees by easing regulations on felling and transportation. The government has invested Rs. 178 crore in the Millet Mission, with millets now grown on 20 lakh acres. To address agricultural labor shortages, 77,499 machines have been provided, alongside 1,320 Custom Hiring Centres, with a total subsidy of Rs. 783 crore. Additionally, 4,150 solar-powered pumps and 5,954 electric motor pumps have been installed to ensure reliable irrigation. The e-National Agriculture Market (eNAM) has facilitated transactions of 30 lakh metric tonnes of produce, benefiting 18 lakh farmers. Efforts to secure Geographical Indication tags for unique products have also progressed, with nine products successfully registered.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 4 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact