eznews.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 ameznews.inThe Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported a significant surge in vehicle sales for December 2025, with passenger vehicle dispatches rising 27% year-on-year to 399,216 units, driven by strong demand for utility vehicles. Two-wheeler sales also saw a remarkable increase of 39%, totaling 1,541,036 units, while three-wheeler sales grew by 17% to 61,924 units. Looking ahead, SIAM expressed optimism for the fourth quarter of 2025-26, citing robust momentum following double-digit growth across all vehicle segments. The industry anticipates steady wholesale and retail volume traction, bolstered by a year-end sales push, a healthy booking pipeline, and the impact of recent interest rate cuts on loans. SIAM emphasized that stable macroeconomic conditions and supportive government policies are expected to sustain growth, despite geopolitical uncertainties, as the industry aims to close FY2025-26 on a positive trajectory. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe central government's capital expenditure (capex) is projected to decelerate in the latter half of FY26, following a significant front-loading of spending in the first half, according to a Morgan Stanley report. By November 2025, central government capex reached Rs 6.6 lakh crore, accounting for 58.7% of the annual budget target and representing 3.4% of GDP, up from 2.7% in the previous fiscal year. The report highlights that 55% of this spending has been allocated to roads and railways, underscoring a commitment to infrastructure development. Meanwhile, state government capex remains stable at 1.7% of GDP, with a year-on-year growth rate of 13%. Capital spending by central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) is also robust, achieving 64% of its FYTD26 target, driven by Indian Railways and the National Highways Authority of India. Despite the anticipated slowdown in central capex, the outlook for private investment appears positive, bolstered by fiscal and monetary support. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian textile sector is poised for significant growth, with government officials reporting over ₹60,000 crore in commitments and investments anticipated for 2025. Key initiatives like the PM MITRA Park projects have already attracted ₹14,000 crore in investments, potentially generating over 38,000 jobs, with an additional ₹10,000 crore in interest from major players such as Vardhman and Trident. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has seen 85 companies apply, promising investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore. Notable foreign investments include Finland's Infinited Fiber Company and Singapore's RGE, contributing ₹4,000 crore and ₹4,953 crore, respectively. Domestic giants like Reliance and Grasim are also expanding. A focus on sustainability is evident, with Filatex India investing ₹300 crore in a pioneering chemical recycling plant set to launch in 2026, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly practices in the industry. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 10 ameznews.inCrude oil prices have dipped by $22, settling at $5,330. Gold has also seen a decline, down $41 to $141,991, while silver prices fell significantly by $817, now at $268,153. In related news, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India is pushing forward with the Phase II expansion of the New Integrated Terminal Building T2 at Chennai International Airport. Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha led a review meeting, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the project timeline. The expansion, which spans 86,135 square meters, aims to boost passenger handling capacity to 35 million annually, enhancing the travel experience by improving accessibility and accommodating increasing air traffic demands. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with L&T and the Project Management Consultant (PMC), has been urged to collaborate closely to resolve any issues promptly and prioritize the project's completion. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 9 ameznews.inGroundnut exports from India, which had previously not exceeded 6,500 tonnes until September 2025, began to rise in October, despite Indonesia's restrictions on imports. Data indicates that illegal shipments via Port Klang in Malaysia have surged, with 90% of groundnuts entering Indonesia through unofficial channels after Jakarta lifted its suspension on Indian imports in late November. In December alone, illegal shipments totaled 225 containers compared to just 20 officially. The rise in illegal trade has driven down domestic prices in Indonesia, while Indian exporters face challenges due to high aflatoxin levels in their produce, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Additionally, China has pressured ASEAN countries to tighten quality controls and source more locally, further complicating India's export situation. As scrutiny of shipments increases, the Indian groundnut market faces significant hurdles amid shifting global trade dynamics. 
Published: Jan 13 2026, 7 am
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