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Praveen Iyer, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, has resigned from the airline, marking the second departure of a co-founder following Neelu Khatri. His exit comes as Akasa Air pursues an ambitious expansion strategy both domestically and internationally. Anand Srinivasan, the current Chief Information Officer, will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer starting May 1. Iyer, who has been with the airline for five years, cited personal reasons for his departure. CEO Vinay Dube praised Iyer's significant contributions to the airline's commercial vision and growth. Akasa Air currently operates 33 Boeing 737 Max aircraft across 32 destinations and aims to increase its fleet to 45 by the end of December. Despite a reported loss of ₹1,983 crore in FY 2025 due to rising costs, the airline remains optimistic about achieving operational profitability in the near future. 
Published: Feb 11 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's persistent air pollution is increasingly impacting corporate profits and public health, as highlighted in the latest earnings reports from various sectors, including real estate and retail. Visibility in Delhi has plummeted due to pollution, prompting construction halts and reduced consumer footfall, with executives noting significant economic repercussions. The term "air pollution" was cited 988 times in earnings discussions among BSE AllCap Index members in 2025, reflecting growing concern over its effects. The World Bank estimates that air pollution contributes to over a million deaths annually in northern India, with economic costs potentially reaching $260 billion in 2024. Companies like Shoppers Stop Ltd. reported a 69% drop in net profit attributed to pollution, while Omaxe Ltd. is adapting by developing air-conditioned malls with purifiers. Analysts warn that the "Smog Season" could hinder revenue for retailers, underscoring the urgent need for pollution control measures.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has dismantled an international oil smuggling operation in Mumbai, seizing three tankers linked to the illicit trade. This operation marks a significant move by New Delhi against the so-called "dark fleet," which comprises vessels often operating under false identities and substandard documentation. The seized ships, identified as Chiltern, Asphalt Star, and Stellar Ruby, were previously sanctioned by the US for their connections to the Iranian oil trade. The ICG's actions come amid increasing pressure from Washington for India to curb its imports of Russian crude oil. The vessels, which were reportedly using false flags from Guyana and Aruba, are now being escorted to Mumbai for further investigation. This crackdown reflects a broader international effort to combat the movement of sanctioned oil, as Malaysia recently released two tankers detained for unauthorized oil transfers.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe production of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric, two historic spice varieties from Kerala, has significantly declined due to the rise of high-yielding varieties favored in the domestic market for their size and productivity. This decline threatens their established export markets, as these traditional spices, documented since the 19th century, possess unique quality attributes. In response, Kerala Agricultural University recently hosted a seminar under the MIDH project aimed at rejuvenating these spices for export promotion. The initiative seeks to identify potential farmers and exporters for mass cultivation, distributing seed kits to enhance production. With an estimated annual demand of 20,000 tonnes of dry Cochin Ginger and 50,000 tonnes of high-curcumin turmeric, the project aims to meet growing interest from the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. Stakeholders are optimistic that this shift towards export-oriented production will benefit local farmers and align with international market standards.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia has firmly rejected any relaxation of its 2019 ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, a setback for Philip Morris International, which had lobbied extensively for the approval of its IQOS device. The Indian health ministry reiterated its commitment to evidence-based tobacco control, stating that the ban explicitly prohibits heat-not-burn devices. Despite Philip Morris' growing market share in India, which rose from 1.75% in 2019 to 7.6% in 2024, the company’s hopes for a significant expansion through IQOS have been dashed. The firm has engaged in a four-year lobbying campaign, attempting to persuade Indian officials to reconsider the ban by presenting scientific data on the potential health benefits of alternatives to smoking. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research has stated it will not conduct research on heated tobacco products, maintaining the current restrictions.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 2 pmeznews.inNamaste India, a dairy brand under the RSPL Group, has officially launched its fresh milk products in Bihar, backed by a substantial investment of ₹350 crore. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, creamy milk to consumers through a robust local dairy ecosystem. The product range includes various fresh milk options such as FCM (Perfect Maza) and Shakti Plus, available in multiple pack sizes from 500 ml to 6 litres. Distribution will be facilitated through an extensive omnichannel network across 12 districts, including Patna and Gaya. The company emphasizes rigorous quality standards, including multi-level testing and cold chain management, to ensure freshness and nutritional value. Manoj Arora, COO, highlighted Bihar's potential as a promising dairy market, noting a shift towards branded, hygienic milk. This launch marks a significant step in Namaste India's growth strategy, expanding its reach to 17-18 states nationwide.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's exports of goods and services have shown robust growth in early 2026, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal expressing optimism for positive January data, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. Speaking at the Biofach 2026 show in Nuremberg, where over 100 Indian exhibitors are promoting organic products, Agrawal highlighted that merchandise exports remained steady, with a 1.87% increase to $38.5 billion in December, while imports rose by 8.7% to $63.55 billion. For the April-December period of the current fiscal year, merchandise exports increased by 2.44% to $330.29 billion. The commerce ministry anticipates that total goods and services exports could surpass $850 billion in 2025-26, up from $825 billion in the previous year. Official data for January is expected to be released later this month.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndian workers are increasingly filling critical roles in Russia's manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and waste management sectors, as the country grapples with a significant labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. With a reported shortfall of 2.3 million workers, Moscow has turned to India, approving nearly 72,000 work permits for Indian nationals last year, a stark increase from just 5,000 in 2021. This shift reflects strengthened economic ties between India and Russia, particularly in energy cooperation, as India purchases discounted Russian oil amid Western sanctions. Companies like Brera Intex and Sergiyevsky farm have successfully integrated Indian workers, who are drawn by better pay and opportunities. However, U.S. pressure on India to reduce its oil imports from Russia could impact this burgeoning workforce dynamic, leaving the future of Indian labor in Russia uncertain.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting sensitive sectors in trade negotiations, particularly under the interim trade agreement with the US. Speaking to reporters, Agrawal emphasized that India has maintained a "clear mindset" in safeguarding its farmers, fishermen, and dairy industries, ensuring no duty concessions on critical agricultural products like maize, wheat, and dairy under the pact. The agreement, which is expected to be finalized by the end of March, aims to bolster India's labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles and gems, by reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%, providing a competitive edge over nations like China and Vietnam. Agrawal noted that India's agriculture sector, vital for the livelihoods of over 500 million people, remains protected by high tariffs to shield domestic farmers from foreign competition. The interim agreement is seen as a pathway to rejuvenate Indian exports and strengthen supply chains.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pmeznews.inNashik airport in Maharashtra is set to undergo a significant ₹572 crore upgrade, aimed at tripling its passenger handling capacity to 1,000 per hour in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival. The expansion will feature an 18,250 square metre terminal with 24 check-in counters and a new apron that will double the number of aircraft parking bays to 12. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the project following a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with the state government covering all costs. The project is expected to be completed within a year. Last year, Nashik airport experienced a 23% increase in passenger traffic, handling nearly 300,000 passengers from April to December, and over 6,400 metric tonnes of international cargo. The expansion is anticipated to bolster both industrial and tourism growth in the region, echoing the record air traffic seen at Prayagraj airport during the last Kumbh Mela.
Published: Feb 11 2026, 12 pm
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