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IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent until February 11, citing the ongoing situation in Iran. Initially, these flights were set to be cancelled only until January 28. The airline announced on social media platform X that it is adjusting its flight schedule due to developments in Iran, as flights to these destinations typically traverse Iranian airspace. With tensions escalating between Iran and the United States, concerns about potential military conflict have prompted IndiGo to avoid the region. The airline operates A320neo aircraft on these routes, which lack the range and fuel capacity for longer detours. Flights from India to these cities usually take between six to seven hours. 
Published: Jan 28 2026, 9 ameznews.inRescue operations are underway following a tragic aircraft crash involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed along with three others when their chartered plane overshot the runway while landing at Baramati airport on January 28, 2026. The incident occurred as Pawar was en route to address Zilla Parishad election rallies in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Pawar's dedication to public service and his significant grassroots connection. Visuals from the crash site revealed damage to the aircraft and smoke emanating from the runway, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. All occupants were evacuated and taken to Baramati hospital for evaluation. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash and assess the extent of the damage, with further updates expected.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 9 ameznews.inUnion Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport on Wednesday, marking it as one of Asia's premier aviation summits held biennially. Organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with support from the Telangana government, the event aims to showcase India's burgeoning civil aviation manufacturing capabilities and the increasing demand in the sector. Minister Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the manufacturing ecosystem over the next decade, with aspirations for India to become a global exporter in civil aviation within 10 to 12 years. A highlight of the summit was the display of the Boeing 787-9, specially fitted for Air India, representing its first delivery. Scheduled for January 28-31, 2026, Wings India 2026 will feature an international exhibition, aerobatic shows, and various forums, reflecting India's growing significance in the global aviation landscape.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 10 ameznews.inThe upcoming Budget is set to reflect the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which has submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. Established under the Constitution, the Finance Commission formulates tax devolution between the Centre and states, excluding cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool. Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the Commission's members include notable economists and officials, who presented their findings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 17, 2025. While the report remains unpublished, it is anticipated to outline tax-sharing formulas for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The previous 15th Finance Commission recommended a 41% share for states from the divisible tax pool, a figure that has sparked contention, particularly among opposition-ruled states and those in the South, who argue that the current criteria unfairly disadvantage them.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia has secured duty concessions for its agricultural exports under a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which includes processed foods, tea, coffee, spices, and various fruits and vegetables. The Commerce Ministry stated that these concessions will enhance the competitiveness of Indian goods in the EU's 27 nations, potentially boosting exports significantly. While India will not offer import duty concessions on sensitive sectors like dairy and cereals to protect domestic farmers, the FTA aims to position Indian agriculture for higher value capture in European markets. The agreement, expected to be implemented this year, will streamline compliance for exporters through self-certification and establish product-specific rules to ensure substantial processing in India. Additionally, it is anticipated to benefit coastal communities by increasing exports of marine products and support traditional Indian medicine practitioners in the EU.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 9 ameznews.inAir India is set to enhance its international operations by introducing its latest Boeing 787 on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route starting February 1, as part of its Vihaan.AI transformation initiative. This new aircraft features upgraded cabins, including flat business-class seats and advanced in-flight entertainment systems with QLED HDR touchscreens, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and wireless charging pads. The airline aims to expand its international capacity from Mumbai, which has been limited compared to its Delhi operations, and is expected to introduce new routes to Tokyo and potentially re-establish services to Johannesburg. Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, emphasized that this new aircraft marks a significant milestone in the airline's five-year transformation plan, highlighting its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience alongside traditional Indian hospitality. Additionally, existing aircraft will undergo retrofitting, with the first retrofitted Boeing 787 expected to return to service in early 2026.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's leather exports, which reached approximately $3 billion last financial year, are set for a significant boost following the recent India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The EU, accounting for nearly 40% of these exports, will eliminate tariffs on leather goods and footwear, which previously ranged from 2.5% to 17%. Industry leaders, including Ramesh Juneja and Abdul Wahab from the Council for Leather Exports, anticipate a remarkable 300% growth, projecting exports to hit $6 billion by 2030. This FTA positions Indian exporters favorably against competitors from Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh, who previously enjoyed tariff advantages. The zero-duty status is expected to attract business away from these countries, providing a much-needed lifeline for Indian exporters, especially as they face challenges in the US market due to high tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 7 ameznews.inIn a significant development for international trade, India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement (FTA), described by leaders as the "mother of all trade deals." The agreement, reached after nearly two decades of negotiations, will eliminate tariffs on 90% of Indian exports on the first day of implementation, with the EU extending concessions to 99.5% over seven years. In return, India will open its markets to a variety of European goods, including automobiles and pharmaceuticals, while dairy products remain excluded due to sensitivities. EU President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the partnership as a response to global challenges, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a blueprint for shared prosperity, representing a quarter of global GDP. The deal is expected to be implemented by 2026, pending approval from the EU Parliament, although no concessions were made regarding the EU's controversial carbon tax regulation.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe recent clinching of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has raised hopes among Indian exporters, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like apparel, leather, and gems, which have been struggling due to high tariffs in the US market. The FTA is set to eliminate tariffs of up to 10% on nearly $33 billion worth of Indian exports, promising immediate benefits and potential job creation. With tariff reductions on 93% of Indian exports to the EU, the agreement is expected to significantly enhance market access, particularly for the gems and jewellery sector, which aims to double bilateral trade to $10 billion within three years. The apparel industry, facing tariffs as high as 12%, will also benefit from a level playing field against competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam. While the FTA awaits legal scrutiny and EU Parliament approval, its implementation is anticipated by 2026, marking a strategic advancement in India's trade relations with Europe.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 10 pmeznews.inAshok Gulati, former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, has expressed skepticism about India's ability to achieve self-reliance in chemical fertilizers, citing the country's dependence on imported raw materials such as gas and phosphates. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, he emphasized the need for balanced fertilizer use and suggested reforms in subsidy policies, advocating for direct cash transfers to farmers and price decontrol to address imbalances. In contrast, NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand questioned the traditional NPK application ratios, arguing for a more tailored approach based on specific crop and soil health needs. Fertilizer Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra highlighted a pilot scheme linking land size to fertilizer requirements, which reportedly saved significant quantities of urea and DAP. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of India's agricultural fertilizer strategy amid rising consumption and subsidy challenges.
Published: Jan 27 2026, 9 pm
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