eznews.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 ameznews.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 ameznews.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 ameznews.inIran temporarily closed its airspace to most flights on Wednesday, prompting significant disruptions for airlines amid rising tensions with the United States. The closure, which began at 5:15 p.m. ET, allowed only international flights with official permission and was expected to last over two hours. By 7:15 p.m. ET, civilian air traffic was nearly non-existent, with only two Mahan Air flights reported. The U.S. has already banned its commercial flights from overflying Iran, and airlines like IndiGo and Air India announced potential delays and cancellations. Germany advised its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, while Lufthansa and ITA Airways suspended night flights to Tel Aviv. The heightened military risks, including potential missile launches, have led many carriers to reroute or cancel flights, reflecting concerns over safety in the region following recent anti-government protests in Iran.
Published: Jan 15 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe Department of Financial Services (DFS) has launched a comprehensive salary account package aimed at central government employees, designed to enhance their financial well-being and social security. Announced by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju, the package integrates banking, insurance, and card benefits into a single account structure, providing a one-stop financial solution. Key features include personal accident insurance up to Rs 1.50 crore, air accident insurance up to Rs 2 crore, a zero-balance salary account, and concessional loan rates for housing and education. Additionally, card benefits encompass airport lounge access and cashback offers. The DFS has urged public sector banks to promote the package widely, conduct awareness camps, and assist employees in migrating their existing salary accounts to this new offering with their consent. This initiative aims to ensure uniform benefits across all employee cadres, enhancing convenience and financial security.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Indian finance ministry has introduced the Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima, a new health insurance scheme for beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), provided by state-run New India Assurance. This optional retail policy offers indemnity-based in-patient hospitalisation coverage within India, with sum insured options of Rs 10 lakh or Rs 20 lakh. Key features include room rent caps, cumulative bonuses for claim-free years, and pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage. Beneficiaries can choose co-payment options of 70:30 or 50:50, with discounts of 28% and 42%, respectively. The policy aims to enhance existing benefits and provide greater access to quality healthcare. Additionally, the Department of Financial Services has launched a Composite Salary Account Package for central government employees, integrating banking and insurance services into a single solution to improve financial security and convenience.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIndia's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has resumed registering export contracts for non-Basmati rice to the Philippines and Senegal following the lifting of import restrictions by both countries. Apeda announced on Wednesday that it will issue Registration-Cum-Allocation Certificates (RCAC) for exports to Senegal, which recently withdrew a month-long ban on rice imports. In a related development, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture has begun processing applications for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPICs) for 500,000 tonnes of non-Basmati rice, with a deadline for shipments set for mid-February to avoid impacting local prices during the summer harvest. The Philippines has also increased its rice import duty from 15% to 20%. Apeda reported that rice exports to the Philippines and Senegal have seen fluctuations, with significant volumes recorded in recent months.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 9 pmeznews.inVikas Chadha has been appointed as the Global CEO of Chennai-based TVS Supply Chain Solutions, effective January 22, 2026. This announcement comes as part of a structured leadership transition plan following the retirement of current Managing Director Ravi Viswanathan, who will remain in his role during the transition to ensure continuity. Chadha, previously CEO of Dubai's Jumbo Electronics Company Ltd, was selected after a thorough succession planning process by the board and its Nomination and Remuneration Committee. R. Dinesh, Chairman of TVS SCS, emphasized the importance of this transition for long-term value creation, highlighting Chadha's extensive international experience. Viswanathan expressed his commitment to a smooth transition, while Chadha acknowledged the company's strong global platform and talented team. The leadership transition is expected to be completed during the financial year 2026-27.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 8 pmeznews.inTop trade officials from India and the US are currently engaged in a series of virtual meetings aimed at advancing discussions on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with formal negotiations anticipated in the future. While no specific negotiating round is scheduled, sources indicate that talks are progressing at the chief negotiators' level. A recent conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored the importance of strengthening economic cooperation. The BTA talks have faced challenges, including US tariffs imposed on Indian goods and differing stances on Russia, particularly regarding oil purchases. India has significantly reduced its Russian oil imports, a move that the US is urged to acknowledge. Additionally, US demands for market access for genetically modified crops remain contentious. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor acknowledged the complexities of negotiating with the world's largest democracy but expressed determination to reach an agreement.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 8 pmeznews.inIndian importers of fresh fruits, including apples, cherries, and kiwis, remain largely unconcerned about potential trade disruptions with Iran, despite US President Donald Trump's recent threat to impose a 25% tariff on countries trading with the Islamic Republic. Anil Dwivedi, general secretary of the Fresh Fruits Importers Association, noted that current logistics are stable, although operations at Chabahar port are limited. In contrast, the dry fruits sector, which includes imports of pistachios and almonds, is more apprehensive due to Iran's ongoing internal unrest and economic instability, which have already delayed export payments. Rajeev Pabreja from the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council highlighted that traders may hesitate to engage in long-term contracts amid uncertainty. As tensions rise, the Indian government has advised its nationals in Iran to leave, with over 10,000 Indians, including students, currently in the country.
Published: Jan 14 2026, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact