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Shares of Indian automakers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India, fell on Wednesday, with declines of 2.9% and 2.1% respectively, amid concerns over potential tariffs from South Africa. The South African government is reviewing measures to impose tariffs of up to 50% on vehicles imported from China and India to protect its domestic automotive industry, which has been struggling against a surge in imports. Currently, vehicles from these countries make up 53% and 22% of South Africa's total vehicle imports. The proposed tariffs could significantly impact Maruti Suzuki, which relies heavily on exports to South Africa, the continent's largest automobile market. The review also includes consultations on potential tax measures, including excise duties on luxury cars, as the industry faces additional pressures from U.S. tariffs and competition from lower-priced imports. 
Published: Jan 28 2026, 5 pmeznews.inFarmers from Dhenkanal district in Odisha have made a significant breakthrough by exporting 51 kg of fresh strawberries to London, marking the first overseas shipment of this fruit from the region. The strawberries were cultivated by Saptasajya Agro Producer Company Ltd, a local farmer producer organization, with support from the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. This initiative was part of the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organization project, backed by the Gates Foundation and implemented by Palladium, alongside assistance from APEDA and the World Trade Center. The export has allowed farmers to achieve nearly 50% higher prices than local markets, highlighting the potential of structured agri-exports. This milestone not only showcases Odisha's diversification into high-value horticultural crops but also reflects farmers' growing confidence in meeting international quality standards, responding to global demand for nutritious and responsibly sourced produce.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Rubber Board has dismissed claims from the tyre industry regarding discrepancies between official natural rubber production data and market conditions, asserting that its estimation methodology is scientifically sound and reliable. Established in 2013-14 and validated by experts, the methodology incorporates direct data from stakeholders and reflects changes in tapping practices. The Board's statistical system relies on monthly returns from estates, processors, and manufacturers, supplemented by surveys of small growers, ensuring data accuracy through stakeholder consultations. Natural rubber production is projected at 5.69 lakh tonnes for April-November 2025, a 4.6% increase from the previous year, driven by the Kerala government's Rubber Production Incentive Scheme. Consumption also rose to 9.60 lakh tonnes, a 3.1% year-on-year increase, with adequate stock levels maintained by the industry. Growers are reportedly holding stocks in anticipation of price rises, with total stocks estimated at 3.33 lakh tonnes by the end of November 2025.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inPresident Draupadi Murmu addressed Parliament on Wednesday, emphasizing the significance of finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, which she believes will enhance the manufacturing and services sectors while creating job opportunities. Her remarks coincided with the commencement of the Budget Session, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her address as comprehensive and insightful. Murmu highlighted that the FTA, recently concluded, is expected to be ratified by EU member states within the year. She noted India's robust economic growth over the past 11 years, despite global challenges, and pointed to government policies that have increased citizens' incomes and savings. Additionally, she discussed reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that have saved citizens ₹1 lakh crore and the consolidation of labor laws to better protect workers' rights. Murmu also mentioned significant infrastructure developments in the North-East and rural areas, enhancing connectivity and access to essential services.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has opened its nuclear sector to private companies following a new law passed in December, significantly advancing its goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, the year it aims to become a developed nation. This ambitious target represents an eleven-fold increase from current levels and could necessitate an investment of $211 billion. The law eases liability conditions for equipment suppliers and allows private firms to generate atomic power, previously a government monopoly. Global interest in India's nuclear market is growing, with companies like JSW Energy Ltd planning to start construction on their first nuclear project within three to four years. As countries worldwide, including Japan and China, expand their nuclear capabilities to meet rising electricity demands, India’s move could play a crucial role in the global nuclear revival, despite concerns over high construction costs and the need for public confidence in nuclear energy.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's textile and apparel sector is set for a significant uplift following a newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which will eliminate import duties on approximately 91% of Indian exports to the bloc. According to a Jefferies equity research report, this agreement will enhance India's competitiveness in the EU market, where tariffs on textiles currently reach up to 12%, while competitors like Pakistan and Bangladesh enjoy zero duties. The FTA will also benefit exports in chemicals, leather, and footwear, with India securing preferential access across 97% of EU tariff lines. In return, India will gradually reduce tariffs on 97% of EU exports over five to ten years, potentially saving European exporters over $4 billion. The agreement, which has been in negotiation since 2007, is expected to be implemented by 2027, with the potential to create millions of jobs in India's labour-intensive sectors.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 5 pmeznews.inManufacturing output in India surged by 8.1% in December 2025, contributing to a robust Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth rate of 7.8%, the highest in 25 months, according to the Statistics Ministry. This increase was driven by significant gains in key sectors, including mining (6.8%) and electricity (6.3%). Notably, the manufacturing sector saw remarkable growth in computer, electronic, and optical products (34.9%), motor vehicles (33.5%), and other transport equipment (25.1%). Of the 23 industry groups, 16 reported positive growth compared to December 2024, with substantial contributions from basic metals, motor vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, IIP growth rates varied across use-based classifications, with infrastructure and construction goods leading at 12.1%, followed by consumer durables at 12.3%. This data reflects a broad-based recovery in industrial activity, signaling a positive economic outlook.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 4 pmeznews.inHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) plans to lease 10 to 20 SJ 100 aircraft over the next 18 months, as announced by Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil at Wings India 2026. The initiative aims to expedite deployment by acquiring aircraft directly from Russia in flying condition, rather than waiting for production. HAL has partnered with the Russian United Aircraft Corporation to produce the 100-seat SJ 100, which Sunil described as a world-class aircraft ideal for regional operations. The company intends to begin local production in India within three to four years at its facilities in Nasik and Kanpur. Currently, HAL generates 95% of its revenue from the military sector, but it aims to increase its civil aviation share from 5% to 25% over the next decade, bolstered by helicopter sales and SJ 100 transactions. Additionally, HAL has contracted with Pawan Hans for the sale of 10 Dhruv NG helicopters for ONGC offshore operations.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 4 pmeznews.inA Goldman Sachs report has underscored the significance of the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which represents a pivotal shift in global trade dynamics amid increasing protectionism. Together, India and the EU encompass approximately 2 billion people, 25% of global GDP, and a quarter of the world’s population and trade. While the macroeconomic impact may be limited in the short term, with EU exports projected to rise by less than €20 billion, the FTA is expected to yield substantial sector-specific benefits. India plans to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods, particularly in autos, machinery, and chemicals, potentially saving EU exporters around €4 billion annually. The report highlights that industrial sectors, especially EU autos and chemicals, will be the primary beneficiaries. Additionally, India's robust growth outlook, with GDP growth projected at 6.7% in 2026, is drawing investor interest towards European firms with exposure to the Indian market.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 4 pmeznews.inBoeing plans to deliver approximately 25 aircraft to Indian airlines in calendar year 2026, ramping up production of its 737 Max jets to two per month, according to Ashwini Naidu, the company's managing director for commercial sales and marketing in the Indian subcontinent. Deliveries will include 737 Max models for Akasa Air and Air India Express, as well as 787-9s for Air India. Last year, Indian carriers received 19 Boeing aircraft. Following a production cap by the US Federal Aviation Administration due to safety concerns, Boeing has now received approval to increase output to 42 jets monthly, aligning with India's status as the fastest-growing aviation market. Boeing forecasts a 7% annual rise in passenger air traffic in India and South Asia over the next 20 years, necessitating nearly 3,300 new planes and approximately 141,000 aviation professionals, including pilots and technicians, by 2044.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 3 pm
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