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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1 in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive budget. Anticipations include a significant overhaul of the Customs duty regime, mirroring the GST structure, alongside reforms aimed at bolstering the economy amid rising geopolitical tensions. The budget is expected to address the debt-to-GDP ratio, shifting fiscal management focus from deficit control to debt reduction. Individuals are hopeful for an increase in the standard deduction, while the new Income Tax Act, effective April 1, 2025, may include transition provisions to facilitate understanding. Other expectations encompass a rationalisation of TDS rates, a customs regime overhaul to unlock ₹1.53 lakh crore in disputes, increased defence spending, and provisions for the 8th Pay Commission. Additionally, there will be incentives for MSMEs and funding for critical mineral exploration, reflecting a comprehensive approach to economic growth. 
Published: Jan 26 2026, 11 ameznews.inSouthern Railway has reported a significant operational boost, handling 31 million tonnes of freight between April and December 2025, up from 29 million tonnes in the same period last year, marking an 8% increase in gross earnings to ₹9,846 crore. In the passenger sector, the railway carried 579 million passengers during 2025-26, a 6% rise, while maintaining a punctuality rate of 92%. To meet seasonal demand, Southern Railway operated 3,570 special train trips and introduced six new trains with LHB coaches, alongside augmenting 111 coaches and speeding up 100 Mail/Express/Passenger trains. Infrastructure improvements included the commissioning of key projects such as new lines and the electrification of 253 track kilometres, bringing the total electrified network to 4,943 route kilometres. Additionally, the railway successfully traced and returned passenger belongings worth ₹16 crore and rescued around 2,000 runaway children and 75 trafficking victims.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAs India prepares for its Union Budget 2026, representatives from the agri-business sector are advocating for policies that empower farmers and enhance market efficiency while promoting climate-resilient agricultural growth. Arun Raste, MD & CEO of NCDEX, emphasized the need for increased funding in agricultural R&D, particularly for high-yield seeds, and highlighted the importance of rural entrepreneurship to curb migration and create jobs. Simon Wiebusch from Bayer called for stronger income support and investment in agri-logistics to bolster India's agricultural competitiveness. Other industry leaders, including Haresh Karamchandani and Rohit Mehrotra, stressed the necessity of support for organic farmers and improvements in supply chains. Additionally, Amit Maheshwari urged recognition of climate-smart agriculture, while Laxit Awla pointed to the potential of agri waste-to-energy projects in advancing India's clean energy goals. Collectively, these insights underscore the critical role of the upcoming budget in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 12 pmeznews.inDublin-based Brazilian planemaker Embraer is targeting a return to pre-pandemic delivery levels of around 100 commercial jets annually within the next two years, following a surge in orders for its regional jets. CEO Arjan Meijer announced plans to increase deliveries by nearly 30% compared to last year’s total of 78 jets, which met the company's forecast. Despite facing competition from Airbus, Embraer significantly boosted sales of its E2 series, securing 131 net orders in 2022. Meijer acknowledged geopolitical uncertainties but expressed confidence in sustained demand as airlines replace fleets deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. While supply chains have improved, he noted the need for stability by 2026. Meijer also hinted at a potential partnership with India's Adani Group for aircraft assembly but refrained from confirming details. He emphasized a cautious approach to developing new aircraft platforms, focusing instead on existing technology.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) has urged the Indian government to resist recommendations from international bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding arecanut until domestic scientific research is completed. This plea follows the WHO's classification of arecanut as carcinogenic, which Campco President SR Satishchandra argues is based on studies of arecanut in combination with other substances, rather than its natural form. He highlighted inconsistencies in the classification, noting that while arecanut is deemed Group 1 carcinogenic, its main component, arecoline, is classified as Group 2B. Satishchandra emphasized the socio-economic risks of premature policy decisions, as arecanut supports the livelihoods of nearly 20 million people in India. He called for the government to engage with WHO to reconsider arecanut's classification and to await the results of a comprehensive national research program led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, expected to conclude in 18 months.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndiGo has announced the cancellation of flights to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku on January 26, 27, and 28, due to escalating tensions in Iran. The airline stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing passenger safety, as these routes typically traverse Iranian airspace. IndiGo operates A320neo aircraft on these routes, which lack the range to divert to longer alternative paths. The cancellations come amid rising concerns of a potential military conflict between Iran and the United States, prompting the airline to reassess its flight operations. Passengers scheduled to travel on these dates are advised to check for updates and alternative arrangements. The situation remains fluid, and IndiGo is committed to ensuring the safety of its operations.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 8 ameznews.inFrench shipping giant CMA CGM celebrated a significant milestone with the naming of its 400th fully owned vessel, the CMA CGM Monte Cristo, a new-generation, dual-fuel methanol ship designed to enhance sustainable shipping practices. This event underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In related developments, Golden Island Pte Ltd successfully completed Singapore's inaugural methanol bunkering operation, following the Maritime and Port Authority's licensing initiative set to take effect in 2026. The Singapore-flagged dry bulk carrier, Brave Pioneer, received 300 tonnes of methanol during this operation, showcasing its dual-fuel capabilities. Meanwhile, the Colombo East Container Terminal in Sri Lanka marked the commissioning of its third berth, with plans to enhance operational capacity and achieve a throughput target of 1.5 million TEUs this year, contributing to the region's economic growth and trade connectivity.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is set to embark on a significant shipbuilding initiative with a ₹4,500-crore shipyard project at Kandla, Gujarat, opting for a more feasible approach than its previously proposed ₹27,000-crore mega facility. The DPA is nearing a joint venture agreement with Kolkata's Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) to create a smart, automated shipyard capable of constructing very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and other merchant vessels. The project will utilize 120 acres of reclaimed waterfront land and aims to produce at least two VLCCs or VLGCs annually. While the Kandla yard will initially focus on shipbuilding, it is expected to transition to repair and maintenance as a larger shipbuilding cluster at Veera village develops. The DPA's efforts come amid challenges in India's shipbuilding sector, which holds a mere 0.06% global market share, hindered by high capital costs and a lack of integrated maritime infrastructure.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line, recently sanctioned in Maharashtra, marks a significant advancement in the state's infrastructure, aimed at enhancing port-led economic growth. Set for completion by late 2029, this 107-km rail corridor will connect western Maharashtra's agricultural base with the Konkan's deepwater ports, improving logistics efficiency and boosting agri-exports. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane emphasize the importance of this project in reducing transport costs and transit times for farmers and exporters, particularly for perishable goods. The new rail link is expected to increase cargo movement speed by 35-40% and lower logistics costs by ₹400-700 per tonne. Additionally, JSW port at Jaigarh is exploring direct handling of agricultural exports, potentially saving exporters up to 10% in logistics costs. This initiative is poised to create jobs, enhance tourism, and integrate the Konkan region with the industrial belt of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Pune.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe electrification of a 55-km railway section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road in Karnataka has been completed, enhancing connectivity between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. Initiated in December 2023, the ₹93.55-crore project took 24 months to finish, overcoming challenges posed by a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta hailed the project as a significant milestone in addressing regional transport demands, emphasizing its role in facilitating cleaner and more efficient train operations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Vande Bharat trains could soon operate on this route. Expert N Kumar noted that electrification would reduce operational costs and improve cargo transport from New Mangalore Port, particularly for coal and fertilizers. The project included five switching stations and overhead electrification designed for speeds up to 120 km/h, despite difficulties posed by the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Published: Jan 26 2026, 6 am
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