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Varaha, a developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, has secured a significant off-take agreement with Microsoft to produce biochar in India, aimed at enhancing soil quality and sequestering carbon. The initiative will see the establishment of 18 gasification reactors in Maharashtra, utilizing cotton stalks sourced from smallholder farmers, which are typically considered waste. Over the project's 15-year lifespan, it is expected to remove over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. This project not only provides an alternative to the common practice of burning crop residues, which contributes to air pollution, but also promotes regenerative agricultural practices, improving soil health and farmer livelihoods. Varaha's efforts align with Microsoft's commitment to sustainable carbon removal, highlighting the potential for high-quality projects in the region. The initiative is poised to deliver economic benefits while addressing environmental challenges, as emphasized by both Varaha's CEO and Microsoft's CDR programme director. 
Published: Jan 15 2026, 10 pm ISTeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation following an incident at Delhi airport where an idle container was ingested by an Air India Airbus A350 engine on Thursday morning. The aircraft, bound for New York, was taxiing to its bay after an air turn back due to the closure of Iranian airspace when the mishap occurred. Preliminary reports indicate that a container dolly operated by ground handling firm BWFS malfunctioned, causing a container to topple onto the taxiway. Although the aircraft landed safely, it has been grounded for inspection and repairs, potentially disrupting select A350 routes. Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and emphasized its commitment to safety and support during this incident. The DGCA's investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 7 pm ISTeznews.inAir India has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions to its Airbus A350 routes following engine damage sustained by one of its long-haul aircraft after it encountered a "foreign object" while taxiing in dense fog at New Delhi on Thursday. The airline operates six A350s on key routes, including those connecting New Delhi with London and New York, making it susceptible to operational challenges if any aircraft is grounded. Although Air India has not provided specific details about the foreign object or the affected routes, it confirmed that the aircraft is currently grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs. This incident occurred after the plane, which was en route to New York, had to return to New Delhi due to Iran's temporary airspace closure, which has since been lifted following concerns over potential military action in the region.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 4 pm ISTeznews.inFrozen food manufacturer Amar Pure Gold has announced a significant investment of ₹250 crore to develop an agro-food park in Himachal Pradesh, following a memorandum of commitment with the state government. The new facility, set to span 100 acres in Una district, aims to create 450 direct jobs and additional indirect employment opportunities in agricultural sourcing, logistics, and packaging. This initiative complements the company's ongoing project of a 25-acre integrated food park in Nalagarh. Specializing in frozen Indian sweets, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, Amar Pure Gold operates manufacturing units in Punjab and Haryana, with plans for expansion into Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The company also exports its products to markets in the United States, Canada, Australia, and more than ten other countries. Amar Pure Gold is part of the diversified Amar Group, which has interests in flour milling, steel, and retail, including over 45 Captain Sam's Pizza outlets.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 2 pm ISTeznews.inIndia's merchandise exports experienced a modest increase of 1.87% year-on-year, reaching USD 38.5 billion in December 2025, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. However, imports surged to USD 63.55 billion, up from USD 58.43 billion a year earlier, resulting in a significant trade deficit of USD 25 billion for the month. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, Agrawal noted that exports are on a positive trajectory, with projections for the fiscal year suggesting that goods and services exports could exceed USD 850 billion. For the April-December period, exports rose by 2.44% to USD 330.29 billion. The Indian government is actively working to diversify its export markets towards China, Russia, and the Middle East, supported by new trade agreements, particularly in light of previous tariff increases imposed by the U.S. and ongoing discussions for a bilateral trade deal.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 2 pm ISTeznews.inAs India prepares for the FY27 Budget, agriculture industry leaders are urging the government to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, climate-resilient practices, and technology adoption to revitalize a sector that employs nearly half the workforce but contributes only 18% to the national output. Amit Vatsyayan from EY India emphasized the need to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, advocating for enhanced green infrastructure and public-private partnerships to reduce post-harvest losses. The dairy sector, represented by Heritage Foods' Brahmani Nara, called for support measures including subsidized quality feed and expanded veterinary education. Additionally, MapMyCrop's Swapnil Jadhav highlighted the transformative potential of digital tools like agri-drones and IoT sensors, urging the government to facilitate seamless credit linkages. Experts also pointed to the necessity of structural reforms to address challenges such as fragmented landholdings and inadequate investment in allied sectors, with the AGRISTACK initiative seen as vital for integrating farmer data and enhancing efficiency.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 1 pm ISTeznews.inRM Drip and Sprinklers Systems has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, which is expected to boost its production capacity by approximately 50%. The board approved the project, which will be executed through its wholly owned subsidiary, Brahmanand Pipes Pvt Ltd, with an installed capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum. The new plant will focus on producing high-speed drip irrigation systems, HDPE pipes for government projects, drainage and sewerage pipelines, as well as telecom pipes and industrial solutions. Managing Director Nivrutti Pandurang Kedar described the expansion as a crucial step in the company's growth strategy, aimed at enhancing revenue, improving margins, and increasing operational efficiency. Founded in 2004, RM Drip specializes in micro-irrigation systems and has a distribution network across several Indian states, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 1 pm ISTeznews.inAir India has cancelled at least three flights to the United States and warned of potential delays for European services due to the closure of Iranian airspace. The affected flights include two from Delhi and one from Mumbai to New York and Newark. The airline announced that, in light of safety concerns stemming from the situation in Iran, flights typically overflying the region are now being rerouted over Iraq, which may extend flight durations. Air India stated that some flights could not be rerouted and would therefore be cancelled, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The closure of Iranian airspace, coupled with existing restrictions on Pakistan's airspace, has forced Air India and other airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, to seek longer alternative routes. Tensions between Iran and the US are rising, raising concerns about potential escalation in the region.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 11 am ISTeznews.inThe Indian government is urging corporations to enhance their collaboration with startups to foster entrepreneurship and bolster domestic manufacturing, according to Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Speaking ahead of the National Startups Day on January 16, Bhatia emphasized that integrating startups into supply chains could help companies lower manufacturing costs. The DPIIT has signed several memorandums of understanding with various firms to facilitate this engagement. Since the launch of the Startup India action plan in 2016, over 200,000 entities have been recognized as startups, qualifying for incentives like income tax benefits. The government is also focusing on promoting deep-tech startups through funding and linking research and development labs with the startup ecosystem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the upcoming event, highlighting the government's commitment to strengthening the startup landscape in India.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 10 am ISTeznews.inIndia's manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, bolstered by innovation-led production and enhanced collaboration between corporates and startups, according to Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). In the past six months, the country has attracted USD 51 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring global confidence in India's economic trajectory. Bhatia announced that National Startup Day will be held on January 16, featuring the launch of 75 Grand Challenges aimed at fostering innovation across various sectors, with over 3,000 participation requests already received. The event will also honor 20 National Startup Awards to celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative impact of Digital India, startup growth, and youth engagement on the nation's future, highlighting the rise of the 'Orange Economy' driven by young innovators in creative and technology sectors.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 10 am IST
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