eznews.inIndian Railways is undertaking significant modernization of its signalling infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety. As of December 31, electronic interlocking systems have been installed at 6,660 stations, while measures to interlock 10,097 Level Crossing Gates aim to improve safety. The introduction of axle counters and Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) across 6,142 block sections and 6,625 route kilometers, respectively, is designed to streamline train operations and reduce human error. Additionally, safety measures for track maintenance employees include the provision of essential safety gear, lightweight tools, and mechanized maintenance systems to minimize physical strain. Regular training and counselling sessions are conducted to promote safety awareness. The implementation of a VHF-based Approaching Train Warning System has led to a 66% reduction in fatalities among railway staff during maintenance work. Compensation mechanisms for accidents have also been established, with ₹30.75 crore paid to the families of deceased employees over the past three years. 
Published: Feb 07 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe Ministry of Statistics is set to release a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with a base year of 2024 on February 12, 2026, as part of a broader revision of key macroeconomic indicators, including GDP and IIP, which are essential for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policymaking. SBI Research emphasizes the importance of monitoring inflation trends ahead of monetary policy decisions for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee recently opted to maintain the repo rate at 5.25%, projecting GDP growth of 6.9% for Q1 and 7% for Q2 of 2026-27, with CPI-based inflation for 2025-26 estimated at 2.1%. Additionally, the RBI is reforming practices related to loan recovery and digital payment fraud, while also increasing collateral-free loan limits for micro and small enterprises from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, a move seen as beneficial for asset monetization efforts.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia and the European Union have finalised a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in January 2026, eliminating tariffs on over 90% of goods traded between the two regions. This agreement is poised to significantly benefit key Indian sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture, as the EU is one of India's largest trading partners. According to ICRA, the FTA provides India with preferential zero-duty access on 97% of EU tariff lines, enhancing competitiveness for Indian exporters against rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam. The pharmaceuticals sector, which relies heavily on EU markets, is expected to see increased export potential due to the removal of tariffs on Indian medicines. Additionally, agricultural exports, particularly marine products, will gain from reduced tariffs, while sensitive sectors like dairy and poultry are safeguarded. The FTA is anticipated to boost bilateral trade beyond the current $137 billion, fostering investment and job creation in India.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 11 ameznews.inThe 2026 budget prioritizes high-value commodity value chains, focusing on productivity, branding, and competitive initiatives through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). With an increased agriculture budget of ₹1,30,561.38 crore, up 6.07% from the previous year, the emphasis shifts from horticulture to specific high-value sectors, including fisheries and livestock. Key initiatives include the establishment of 500 "Amrit Sarovars," support for coconut, sandalwood, and cashew cultivation, and a push for high-density almond and walnut farming. Notably, the budget maintains existing Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Minimum Support Price (MSP) levels, reflecting a strategic pivot towards investment-led growth rather than consumption support. Significant funding increases are allocated for technology adoption, including a substantial rise for the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme. Overall, the budget underscores a commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure and mechanization, aiming for sustainable growth in the sector.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia's new Baggage Rules 2026 have significantly eased the process for travelers bringing jewelry from abroad by eliminating the previous monetary value cap and introducing a straightforward weight-based allowance. Under the updated regulations, women can carry up to 40 grams and others up to 20 grams of jewelry duty-free, regardless of its price. This change addresses long-standing confusion at customs, particularly as gold prices have surged over the past decade. As Indian consumers increasingly engage in planned overseas jewelry shopping, the rules reflect a shift towards a more informed and confident buyer. The evolving market, valued at approximately $85–90 billion and projected to exceed $130 billion by 2030, highlights a growing preference for craftsmanship and design. By simplifying regulations, the new rules not only reduce anxiety around customs declarations but also reinforce jewelry's cultural significance as a personal asset in India.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe Union Budget 2026 has introduced Bharat Vistar, a groundbreaking AI-enabled advisory system aimed at transforming Indian agriculture by moving beyond fragmented digitisation to a more integrated decision-making framework. This initiative focuses on embedding intelligence into daily farming practices, particularly in the potato processing sector, where quality is determined upstream rather than downstream. Bharat Vistar aims to align farm-level decisions with processor-grade requirements, ensuring that farmers can make informed choices based on real-time data regarding soil, weather, and crop conditions. The initiative emphasizes the importance of execution frameworks, such as HyFarm's training programs, which facilitate the adoption of AI-driven insights among farmers. By leveraging precision technologies and applications like FarmOji, Bharat Vistar seeks to enhance transparency and predictability in potato production, positioning India as a global leader in value-added potato products. The Budget 2026 sets a clear direction for this ambitious agricultural transformation.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia has agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a range of US industrial goods and agricultural products, including fresh fruits, soybean oil, and wines, as part of a joint statement on a framework for an interim trade agreement issued on February 6. In return, the US will lower its tariffs to 18%, benefiting sectors like textiles, leather, and machinery. India plans to purchase $500 billion in US energy products and technology over the next five years, while also committing to protect sensitive agricultural items. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the agreement's focus on safeguarding farmers' interests. Both nations aim to negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to enhance market access and address non-tariff barriers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the framework's potential to create jobs and support India's "Make in India" initiative, reflecting the growing partnership between the two countries.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia has announced the elimination or reduction of tariffs on a range of US agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, and soybean oil, following assurances from Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that the country’s staple grains and dairy products remain secure. This decision comes just two days after Chouhan's statement in Parliament on February 5, emphasizing the safety of India's major crops. However, it remains unclear if the US's reduced import tariff of 18% will apply to Indian shrimp and Basmati rice. While India has been importing soybean oil from the US, its share is minimal due to the country's high domestic consumption. The US, in return, will impose an 18% tariff on various Indian goods, including textiles and machinery, contingent on the successful conclusion of an Interim Agreement, although agricultural products are notably absent from this list.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has confirmed that the country has fully protected sensitive agricultural and dairy products, including maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry, milk, cheese, ethanol, tobacco, certain vegetables, and meat, from duty concessions in its interim trade agreement with the US. This framework, announced on Saturday, will see US tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 50% to 18%. Goyal highlighted that this agreement underscores India's commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers and sustaining rural livelihoods, as agriculture remains a vital sector for over 700 million people in India. The country has consistently maintained high tariffs on sensitive agricultural products in previous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the EU, UK, and Australia. India's agricultural exports reached over USD 51 billion in FY25, with a target of USD 100 billion in combined exports of agriculture and food products in the next four years.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 7 ameznews.inThe United States announced on Saturday that it will lift the additional 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods starting February 7, following India's commitment to cease all direct and indirect imports of Russian oil. This decision, outlined in an executive order from the White House, also includes a framework for enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations over the next decade. The tariffs, initially imposed in August 2022 in response to India's Russian oil purchases, will no longer apply to Indian products entering the US after 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time on February 7, 2026. However, the order stipulates that if the US Secretary of Commerce determines that India resumes importing Russian oil, further actions, including the potential reimposition of tariffs, may be considered.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 6 am
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