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The Indian Coast Guard has dismantled an international oil-smuggling operation off the Mumbai coast, involving three oil tankers identified as US-sanctioned vessels. The ships, Al Jafzia (Nicaragua), Asphalt Star (Mali), and Stellar Ruby (Iran), were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles from Mumbai during a coordinated sea-air operation. This crackdown follows the Biden administration's January 2025 sanctions on over 180 vessels linked to Russian oil trades. Utilizing advanced surveillance and data analysis, the Coast Guard uncovered a network that exploited mid-sea transfers to transport cheap oil from conflict zones, evading duties owed to coastal states. The vessels, known for frequently changing identities, are now being escorted to Mumbai for legal proceedings. This operation underscores India's commitment to maritime security and adherence to international regulations, as highlighted by the Coast Guard in a recent social media post. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's food security debate has shifted focus from merely securing fertiliser supplies to establishing strategic control over this vital resource, which influences the entire food cycle, from farm yields to nutrition. The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI tool designed to enhance agricultural practices by integrating technology with traditional methods, thereby improving farmer decision-making and productivity. With a budget allocation of ₹1.71 lakh crore for fertilisers, the government aims to shield farmers from global price volatility while promoting domestic production. Recent data indicates that domestic fertiliser production reached a record 524.62 lakh tonnes in 2025, meeting 73% of demand, underscoring the importance of fertiliser security for overall food security. However, the challenge remains to ensure balanced nutrient use and soil sustainability, particularly as climate change poses risks to small farmers. The budget sets a strategic framework for agriculture, but effective implementation is crucial for real impact.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe global fight against malnutrition is increasingly focused on the quality of food rather than just its availability, with over two billion people suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, often termed "hidden hunger." In India, despite sufficient food production, millions face these deficiencies, which lead to serious health issues like weakened immunity and impaired child growth. Low consumer awareness contributes to limited demand for nutritious foods, making staple food fortification essential. This process involves adding vital vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed items like wheat flour and rice, significantly improving public health. The Indian government is actively promoting fortified staples through various social programs, but industry participation is crucial for accessibility and consumer acceptance. Effective communication and marketing strategies are needed to normalize fortified foods as everyday essentials. Ultimately, a collaborative effort among governments, the food industry, and consumers is vital to combat hidden hunger and enhance national health.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inUnion Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Bharat Taxi' App at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a significant advancement in India's transportation sector. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Taxi, a driver-owned cooperative service, to enhance last-mile connectivity at several airports, including Rajkot, Vadodara, and Pune. This partnership aims to offer transparent and reliable cab services, eliminating surge pricing and prioritizing driver welfare. Bharat Taxi, supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, operates under a unique cooperative model, aligning with national initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative is expected to improve passenger experiences at regional airports while empowering local drivers. Bharat Taxi has also formed partnerships with various institutions, including the Delhi Traffic Police and State Bank of India, to facilitate regulated operations and integrated transport solutions.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 9 ameznews.inInsecticides (India) Limited (IIL) is set to inaugurate a new formulation facility in Sotanala, Rajasthan, with the first phase operational by the upcoming kharif season, according to Managing Director Rajesh Aggarwal. The company aims to introduce 5-6 new formulations, focusing on one-shot solutions that could significantly reduce the number of sprays required on crops. The plant will initially have a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per annum, expanding to 10,000 tonnes, and potentially reaching 20,000 tonnes. IIL is also enhancing partnerships, notably with Nissan and a forthcoming collaboration with a Japanese firm, to develop innovative products. Despite a challenging kharif season, IIL reported low single-digit growth, while anticipating a more favorable rabi season. The company is prioritizing paddy, maize, and pulses, and has launched new products for various crops, including sugarcane and wheat, to meet evolving agricultural needs.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 ameznews.inIn a significant boost for Indian exporters, the US has reduced tariffs on labor-intensive goods, including textiles and footwear, from 50% to 25%, with a further reduction to 18% anticipated next week. This tariff rollback, effective February 7, 2026, is contingent upon India's commitment to cease purchasing Russian oil, as outlined in an executive order by President Donald Trump. In a reciprocal gesture, India will eliminate import duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and reduce tariffs on various American industrial and agricultural products. India plans to import $500 billion worth of US goods over the next five years, while protecting sensitive sectors like dairy. The interim trade agreement, expected to be finalized by March, aims to eliminate tariffs on approximately $44 billion of Indian exports, although certain goods will remain subject to existing duties due to national security concerns. Both nations are committed to addressing long-standing trade barriers.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian auto industry is expected to experience minimal impact from the recent US-India trade deal, according to industry sources. The agreement will see import duties on Harley Davidson motorcycles in the 800-1600 cc range reduced to zero from the outset, while duties on internal combustion engine vehicles over 3,000 cc will decrease to 30% over ten years, starting with a 50% reduction in the first year. Other high-end motorcycles will also benefit from reduced duties, though not to the same extent as Harley Davidson. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) welcomed the deal, highlighting its potential to enhance export competitiveness and strengthen supply chains. However, analysts noted that the deal may have limited effects on Harley Davidson, as motorcycles are often imported from Thailand, where lower duties apply due to existing trade agreements. The interim agreement represents a strategic shift from India's recent FTAs with the EU and UK.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe Income Tax Department has proposed significant reforms in the Draft Income-tax Rules, 2026, aiming to streamline compliance for taxpayers. The new rules, set to take effect on April 1, will reduce the number of regulations by approximately 35% and cut the number of forms from 399 to 190. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) emphasized the standardization of information across forms to ease the compliance burden, introducing features for automated reconciliation and pre-filling to enhance user experience. Notable changes include the rationalization of outdated perquisite thresholds, aligning the tax framework with modern economic conditions. Additionally, the definition of an accountant for certification purposes has been revised, now requiring a minimum of ten years of experience and specific revenue thresholds. Stakeholders have 15 days to provide feedback before the finalization of these subordinate legislations.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndia and the US are set to sign a bilateral trade agreement by mid-March, allowing approximately $44 billion worth of Indian exports to enter the US market at zero reciprocal tariffs. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the interim agreement will see the US reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, while India will eliminate or lower import duties on a range of US industrial and agricultural products. This deal aims to enhance bilateral trade, which reached $186 billion in 2024-25, and is expected to help achieve a target of $500 billion by 2030. The agreement will particularly benefit labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and agriculture, while sensitive sectors like dairy and certain fruits will remain protected. Goyal emphasized the potential for growth in emerging areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, providing significant opportunities for Indian farmers, fishermen, and industries.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 6 pmeznews.inBoeing is significantly expanding its operations in India, viewing the country as a crucial market and potential hub for original equipment manufacturing (OEM) of aircraft parts. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Boeing, which currently operates over 265 commercial and military aircraft in India, is a major buyer of Indian aircraft components, with annual sourcing exceeding $1.25 billion from more than 325 suppliers. This development comes alongside an interim trade agreement between the US and India, which includes the removal of tariffs on certain aircraft and parts. Goyal noted that both Boeing and Airbus are keen to enhance their partnerships with India, with Airbus targeting a rise in its sourcing from $1.4 billion to $2 billion by 2030. The growing collaboration underscores the strengthening ties between the US and India in the aerospace sector.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 5 pm
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