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The upcoming 'Global Spice Summit' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on February 13 and 14, will focus on the market outlook for key spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chillies. Organised by NNS Media Group, the summit aims to create a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth in the spice sector, with discussions led by industry leaders on various challenges and strategies. Vinod Kumar Jain, CEO of NNS Media Group, highlighted the importance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. The event is expected to attract around 350-400 delegates, including manufacturers, suppliers, and farmers, with approximately 50 experts participating in panel discussions. Notable speakers include Rajasthan's Minister for Industries, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, and Minister for Agriculture, Kirodi Lal Meena, who will address attendees on the summit's opening and closing days, respectively. 
Published: Feb 06 2026, 5 pmeznews.inArvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, announced that employment generation in India is now outpacing population growth, highlighting the country's potential in a speech at a conference on trade relations organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He underscored the importance of skilling, asserting that India's share in the global labor force is set to increase, providing a significant advantage in human capital. Virmani noted that India is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand for manufacturing, especially in comparison to China, which he stated cannot dominate global manufacturing alone. He called for key reforms, including updates to labor codes and tax compliance, to enhance global competitiveness. Virmani expressed optimism that India could transition to an Upper-Middle-Income Country and eventually achieve High-Income Country status, as defined by the World Bank based on Gross National Income per capita.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent decision to classify extra long staple (ELS) cotton, defined as cotton with a fibre length of 33 mm and above, under the First Schedule with zero customs duty is poised to significantly enhance the country's textile and apparel exports. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has welcomed this move, highlighting its potential to bolster India's position as a global manufacturing hub and its ambition to become the world's third-largest economy. CAI Chairman Vinay N Kotak emphasized that this change will alleviate manufacturing costs and improve access to high-quality ELS cotton, which is primarily imported from the USA and Egypt, as domestic production is limited. ELS cotton is crucial for producing premium yarns and high-end garments, and the removal of import duties is expected to increase India's competitiveness in the global textile market. ELS cotton is mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 6 pmeznews.inPineapple production in India is projected to reach 6.25 lakh tonnes this year, buoyed by a surge in prices that have hit a decade-high, with rates for ripe and green fruit ranging between ₹50 and ₹52 per kg. The Pineapple Growers Association's president, Baby John, attributed this price increase to seasonal factors, including an early summer in North India and the onset of the marriage season, which has spurred demand. Additionally, a decline in production due to severe heat and drought-like conditions, exacerbated by a lack of rainfall since December, has further strained supply. Improved highway connectivity has allowed for quicker transport of pineapples to North Indian markets, enhancing freshness and demand. As Ramadan approaches, consumption is expected to rise, with the fruit being a staple in Iftar meals. However, a significant labour shortage, particularly due to migrant workers returning home, poses challenges for timely harvesting.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Posts to enhance the logistics and quality control of agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This initiative aims to establish a secure, faceless, and fully traceable system for the transportation of samples, ensuring their timely and tamper-proof movement to laboratories. Union Minister Ramnath Thakur highlighted that the MoU will improve transparency and accountability, helping to prevent the circulation of sub-standard products and safeguarding farmers' interests. The Department of Posts will implement QR code-based address masking and digital tracking to maintain confidentiality and traceability. Additionally, the draft Seeds Bill aims to strengthen seed quality regulation while protecting farmers' rights. In related news, India's spice exports have surged by nearly 31% in 2024-25, reflecting the country's growing presence in global markets.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia has abandoned a proposed concession for small cars in its upcoming fuel-efficiency regulations, following objections from major automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, who argued it would disproportionately benefit Maruti Suzuki, the dominant player in the small-car market. The revised draft, which will take effect in April 2027, imposes stricter emissions targets and reduces the advantages previously granted to heavier vehicles, thereby promoting a more equitable compliance landscape. The new rules aim to cut average fleet emissions from 114 grams/km to approximately 100 grams/km by March 2032, with potential reductions to 76 grams/km if electric vehicles constitute 11% of total sales. A credit system will incentivize manufacturers to increase their electric and hybrid offerings, while penalties for non-compliance could reach $550 per vehicle. The changes reflect India's commitment to reducing transport-related carbon emissions, which account for 12% of the country's energy use.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 4 pmeznews.inNearly 72% of the Air India Group's 267 aircraft analyzed for repetitive defects have been flagged for issues, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha. Out of 754 aircraft assessed across six airlines since January 2022, 377 were identified with recurring defects. Specifically, 137 of 166 Air India planes and 54 of 101 Air India Express aircraft were noted for such defects. IndiGo reported 148 defects in 405 analyzed aircraft, while SpiceJet and Akasa Air had 16 and 14 defects, respectively, from their analyzed fleets. An Air India spokesperson attributed the high numbers to thorough checks, clarifying that most issues pertain to non-safety-related equipment, such as seats and screens. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also ramped up its oversight activities, conducting nearly 4,000 inspections last year, and plans to increase its technical workforce to address future manpower shortages.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 3 pmeznews.inMaruti Suzuki India has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish and maintain four automated driving test tracks (ADTTs) across the state. The tracks will be located at Regional Transport Office sites in Eluru, Ongole, Vizianagaram, and Anakapalli, with the company responsible for their automation and upkeep for three years post-commissioning. Hisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, expressed his admiration for Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's commitment to technology, emphasizing that the ADTTs will enhance the driving test process through advanced technology, ensuring a fair and efficient evaluation without human intervention. This initiative aims to improve road safety by ensuring that only qualified drivers receive licenses. The tracks will cater to light motor vehicles and two-wheeler applicants, with the Ongole site also accommodating heavy motor vehicle license seekers.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has extended the deadline for bids in its largest oil and gas acreage offering, the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round X, to May 29, 2026, marking the fourth extension since its launch in February 2025. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) did not specify reasons for the delay, but industry insiders suggest it allows investors more time to adapt to new liberalised regulations following the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill. OALP-X offers 25 blocks across 191,986 square kilometres, including six onshore and 12 ultra-deepwater blocks, with significant potential in the Andaman basin. The previous rounds have seen limited participation, with state-owned firms dominating. The government aims to enhance domestic oil and gas production to reduce its $220 billion import bill, following a shift to an open acreage policy in 2016 that allows explorers to identify areas for bidding.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 1 pmeznews.inMonica Estates' super fine dust tea has achieved a record price of ₹315 per kg at the Kochi Tea auctions, marking the highest price ever for a dust grade in this venue, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis. Produced by the Woodbriar group and purchased by Kalathingal Tea Stores in Kozhikode, this tea is particularly sought after in the Malabar region as Ramadan approaches, when tea is a staple for Iftaars. The auction saw strong demand, with a sales percentage of 97 for the offered CTC dust quantity of 5,50,295 kg. Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, noted that the market remains bullish, with dust grades achieving near-total sales. The South Indian tea industry is experiencing a resurgence, bolstered by robust export demand for orthodox teas in markets such as the Middle East and Russia, alongside improving prices and limited seasonal crop volumes.
Published: Feb 06 2026, 12 pm
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