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CRDA allocates returnable plots to Amaravati farmers via e-lottery

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has allocated 115 returnable plots to farmers who contributed land for the greenfield capital city of Amaravati through an e-lottery process. Initially, 145 plots were set to be distributed across 16 CRDA units, but farmers associated with 30 plots requested a postponement, leading to the allotment of only 115 plots. The APCRDA confirmed that all allotted plots were within the pooled land designated for the capital. The distribution of the plots includes five in Kurugallu, ten each in Velagapudi and Malkapuram, 15 in Mandadam, and 58 in Nidamarru, among others. The Amaravati project has seen a total of 54,000 acres pooled, with 34,281 acres contributed by nearly 30,000 farmers from 29 villages. The government has also initiated a second phase of land pooling to further expand the land bank. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 1 pm

AI to pilot new Dreamliner, pending FAA approvals

Air India is set to launch its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route starting February 1, but with certain limitations pending regulatory approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This aircraft, the first custom-made Dreamliner for Air India since the Tata Group's acquisition in January 2022, features 296 seats, including 30 in business class, 28 in premium economy, and 238 in economy. However, 18 economy seats will remain unavailable for use until the FAA grants approval, and the sliding privacy doors in business class will be fixed in the open position. An airline spokesperson confirmed that while the seat product is certified, specific regulatory interpretations are delaying the use of these features. Air India currently operates 188 planes and plans to add five more wide-body aircraft by 2026, while other airlines, including Lufthansa, are also awaiting similar approvals for their new Boeing 787-9s. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 1 pm

IndiGo launches Mumbai-Athens route

IndiGo has launched direct flights between Delhi and Athens, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian airline to establish direct connectivity between India and Greece. The inaugural flight from Mumbai to Athens took off on January 23, 2026, followed by the Delhi service commencing the next day. Utilizing its new A321 XLR aircraft, which features 12 IndiGoStretch and 183 economy seats, the airline will operate three flights weekly on both routes. IndiGo has expressed intentions to expand its services to additional destinations in Greece in the future, enhancing travel options between the two countries. This development is expected to bolster tourism and business ties, reflecting the growing demand for direct international flights from India. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 1 pm

Srinagar airport resumes flights after runway snow clearance

Fresh snowfall blanketed the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, January 24, 2026, leading to significant disruptions in flight operations at Srinagar airport. After a day of suspension due to heavy snow accumulation on the runway, the Airports Authority of India, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), successfully cleared the apron and taxiways, allowing flights to resume. Officials confirmed that operations were back to normal following a joint inspection, with the first flight landing shortly after. However, an Indigo flight was cancelled due to adverse weather, and several others faced delays or cancellations linked to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued in Delhi. Despite these setbacks, authorities expressed optimism for smooth operations moving forward as weather conditions improved. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 12 pm

AEPC chairman calls for Focus Market Scheme for US apparel exports

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel has called on the Indian government to implement a Focus Market Scheme for apparel exports to the US, proposing freely transferable duty credit scrips worth 20% of the FOB value. This appeal follows the US's imposition of additional tariffs on Indian goods, which has hindered competitiveness against rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Speaking at the 74th India International Garment Fair in Delhi, Sakthivel also urged the removal of the ₹50 lakh annual cap per exporter under the interest equalisation scheme and an increase in the interest subvention rate to 5%. Despite global challenges, the Indian apparel sector has shown resilience, with exports reaching $12 billion from April to December 2025-26, a 2.4% increase year-on-year. Sakthivel expressed optimism about the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which could enhance India's market position and help achieve the $40 billion apparel export target by 2030. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 11 am

The Urgent Need for Timely Agricultural Advisory in India

India's agricultural economy, characterized by extensive data and reform efforts, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at enhancing resilience. Over the past decade, the focus has shifted towards integrating digital advisory platforms, improving farmers' access to timely and relevant information. Institutional agricultural credit has surged, with 70% of farm households now relying on formal financing, while crop insurance coverage has expanded significantly. However, challenges remain, particularly for smallholders and women farmers, who often lack access to essential digital tools due to barriers like low literacy and limited connectivity. To address these issues, states are blending digital advisory services with traditional outreach, ensuring that guidance is localized and actionable. The emphasis on women farmers is crucial, as their engagement with tailored digital extension has proven to enhance agricultural practices. Ultimately, effective knowledge dissemination is becoming vital economic infrastructure, essential for building a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector in India. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 10 am

"Budget 2026: Fueling Transformative Growth in Indian Agriculture"

Despite India's advancements in manufacturing and technology, agriculture remains a vital component of its economy, contributing approximately 17.8% to GDP and employing nearly half of the workforce. As the Union Budget for 2026-27 approaches, experts advocate for a shift from incremental support to structural transformation, emphasizing the need for production clusters through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to enhance market access and efficiency. Additionally, nurturing agri-entrepreneurs, particularly among rural women and youth, is seen as crucial for economic viability. Water access is highlighted as essential for agricultural resilience, necessitating investments in irrigation and water management. Promoting natural farming practices and strengthening crop insurance are also vital in adapting to climate change. Furthermore, enhancing credit access and post-harvest infrastructure is critical to reducing losses and stabilizing farmer incomes, ultimately contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 10 am

Budget 2026: Expectations for Agriculture and Allied Sectors

India's agriculture sector, employing nearly 46% of the workforce, remains crucial to the rural economy, yet its contribution to GDP is below 20%, highlighting significant structural inefficiencies. As Budget 2026 approaches, there is a pressing need for strategic reforms to transform agriculture into a resilient, diversified growth engine. Key expectations include a focus on climate adaptation through investments in climate-resilient practices and the launch of a "Climate Smart Districts Programme." Additionally, promoting crop diversification towards high-value crops and enhancing allied sectors like livestock and fisheries could stabilize farmer incomes. The budget may also prioritize market reforms to empower farmers and encourage technology adoption through digital tools and shared tech centers. Ultimately, a holistic approach that integrates skill development and rural employment is essential for sustainable agricultural growth, ensuring food security and rural prosperity in the future. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 9 am

"Strengthening Telangana's Oil Palm Industry Through Timely Adjustments"

India's National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to enhance domestic edible oil production and reduce import reliance, with Telangana emerging as a leader in this initiative. Since the program's launch in FY 2021-22, over 100,000 hectares have been cultivated with oil palm, supported by significant investments from both public and private sectors. The state has established two processing mills and achieved the highest Oil Extraction Ratio in the country. However, while initial expansion was promising, growth has slowed due to various challenges, including the need for sustained farmer confidence and operational coordination among agencies. Success stories from farmers like A. Ramchandra Reddy and P. Ananth Rao highlight the crop's economic potential, with yields surpassing those in established regions. As Telangana navigates this critical phase, timely adjustments and policy stability will be essential for consolidating its leadership and serving as a model for national agricultural reforms. sources

Published:
Jan 24 2026, 9 am

India-EU Summit: FTA Negotiations Progress Amid Ongoing Gaps

European Council President Antonio Costa and EU President Ursula von der Leyen will visit India from January 25 to 27 to attend Republic Day celebrations as chief guests and engage in summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) amid ongoing negotiations, although challenges remain in areas such as sustainability and standards. EU officials indicated that while both sides are nearing a deal, political closure is the immediate goal, with formal signing by individual EU states expected later. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework is anticipated, facilitating the movement of students and skilled workers. The summit will also address a new security and defense partnership, enhancing cooperation on various security challenges. Discussions will include the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, reflecting the strategic importance of India in the EU's global network. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2026, 9 pm

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