eznews.inBoeing is set to conduct the first flight of its long-delayed 777X production model in April, according to a company document obtained by Reuters. This marks a significant milestone for the aircraft, which is expected to be delivered next year. Currently, Boeing is performing fuel tests on the 777X, ordered by Lufthansa, at its Paine Field facility in Washington, with engine tests scheduled for later this month. Despite logging more flight hours than any other Boeing program, the 777X remains six years behind schedule, with the company incurring $15 billion in charges. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration is still pending, requiring testing on a production-configured aircraft. The 777X, which succeeds the 747 and 777, is crucial for Boeing's long-haul offerings amid stiff competition from Airbus. Recently, CEO Kelly Ortberg revealed a potential issue with the aircraft's GE Aerospace engines, though it is not expected to affect the delivery timeline. 
Published: Feb 04 2026, 9 ameznews.inAt the World Trade Organization's informal ministerial gathering in Davos, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced a significant trade deal with India, which will see the South Asian nation reduce tariffs on a wide range of American industrial and agricultural goods to zero. Greer described the agreement as a "big win," noting that while the US will maintain an 18% tariff due to a substantial trade deficit, India will eliminate tariffs on approximately 98-99% of industrial goods and various agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables. The deal also addresses non-tariff barriers, with an understanding to recognize US standards in trade. Additionally, Greer commented on India's recent diversification of energy sources, including a reduction in Russian oil purchases, aligning with US interests. The agreement is expected to enhance market access for American farmers and producers, further strengthening US-India relations.
Published: Feb 04 2026, 9 ameznews.inIndia has agreed to provide the United States with limited access to its agricultural market, while maintaining key protections, as part of a new trade deal between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement will see India reduce tariffs on American industrial goods from 13.5% to zero and eliminate duties on US fruits, vegetables, nuts, and wine. In return, the US will lower its tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. The deal, which aims to boost US exports and includes a commitment for India to purchase $500 billion in American goods over several years, follows a period of easing tensions between the two leaders. However, India will retain protections for certain agricultural sectors, and the deal's terms are considered less favorable than those that could have been negotiated last year. Additionally, India will phase out Russian oil imports in exchange for tariff reductions.
Published: Feb 04 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant move to bolster India's maritime infrastructure, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with other officials, signed an agreement on Tuesday for the establishment of the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) in New Delhi. This initiative is part of the Rs 10,000-crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) outlined in the Union Budget 2026-27, aimed at creating a competitive container manufacturing ecosystem to support the growing demand for containerised cargo, which constitutes two-thirds of international trade value. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) involves key stakeholders, including the Shipping Corporation of India and various port authorities, and aims to achieve an annual domestic manufacturing capacity of one million TEUs over the next decade. Additionally, a separate MoU was signed for financing the Outer Harbour Project at VO Chidambaranar Port, with joint funding of up to Rs 15,000 crore to enhance port capacity under the Sagarmala Programme.
Published: Feb 04 2026, 12 ameznews.inA wingtip collision involving an Air India and an IndiGo aircraft occurred at Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening, as reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The incident took place while the Air India Airbus A320 was taxiing towards the runway for a flight to Coimbatore, and the IndiGo aircraft was returning from Hyderabad and heading to its parking bay. Both planes have been grounded for inspection, and the DGCA has launched an investigation into the incident. Air India confirmed that the collision caused damage to its aircraft's wingtip, but all passengers were safely disembarked, with alternative travel arrangements being made. IndiGo also reported that its passengers were unharmed and that the aircraft is undergoing maintenance checks. Both airlines have adhered to established protocols by notifying the relevant authorities about the incident.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that both fuel control switches on an Air India Boeing 787 were inspected and deemed satisfactory following a pilot's report of a defect. The aircraft, which operated on the London-Bengaluru route, was grounded after the pilot noted that the fuel control switch did not lock properly. Fuel control switches are critical for managing engine fuel flow and have come under scrutiny since the Air India 171 accident in Ahmedabad last June. The DGCA noted that improper external force caused the switch to inadvertently shift from "run" to "cutoff" mode. In response, Air India is conducting a precautionary reinspection of fuel control switches across its fleet of 33 Boeing 787s, with no adverse findings reported so far. The DGCA has also advised Air India to distribute Boeing's recommended procedures for operating the fuel control switch.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 10 pmeznews.inThe United States has announced a significant reduction in reciprocal tariffs on Indian jewellery, slashing them from 50% to 18%, a move expected to benefit exporters who have faced challenges due to previous high tariffs. Indian exporters now enjoy a competitive edge over rivals like China and Thailand, which face higher tariffs. Industry leaders, including Namita Kothari of Akoirah by Augmont, noted that the previous elevated tariffs had disrupted buying cycles and compressed margins, but the new lower rates restore predictability for operations. The tariff cut is anticipated to boost export volumes and enhance India's status as a global manufacturing hub, particularly as demand for lab-grown diamonds rises among younger US consumers. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council highlighted that the reduction will lower costs for US importers and stabilize operations for Indian jewellers, supporting a sector that employs nearly five million people.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn a recent trade deal with the United States, India has reportedly maintained its stance against the import of genetically-modified (GM) soybean and maize, despite US President Donald Trump's assertions that India would increase its agricultural purchases from the US. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that sensitive sectors would not be compromised, reinforcing India's redline on GM crops. While the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, highlighted the potential for increased exports of American farm products to India, officials indicated that India’s import duties on soybean oil—27.5% for crude and 35.75% for refined—remain unchanged, with US exports of soy oil being minimal. Additionally, there are expectations for India to allow imports of fresh apples and certain dry fruits at reduced or zero duties, reflecting ongoing negotiations to balance agricultural trade between the two nations.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 9 pmeznews.inAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has urged officials to promote saffron cultivation in the state, particularly in Lambasingi, located in the Eastern Ghats. During a review meeting on agriculture in Amaravati, he emphasized the need for a public-private partnership model that includes local tribal communities in large-scale saffron farming initiatives. Naidu also outlined plans to position Andhra Pradesh as the country's leading hub for natural farming, highlighting that 1.8 million farmers are currently engaged in natural farming across 2 million acres. He called for a reduction in chemical fertilizer use and stressed the importance of certification and traceability to enhance the market value of natural produce. Additionally, he proposed training programs on natural farming in collaboration with Subhash Palekar, a noted advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 9 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Tuesday that India has secured a favorable trade deal with the United States, reducing reciprocal tariffs from 50% to 18%, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong relationship with President Trump. While the deal has been welcomed by exporters and the stock market, it is still in the final stages of negotiation, with implementation contingent on a joint statement from both nations. The Sensex surged by over 2,000 points, reflecting optimism in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, which are expected to benefit significantly. Goyal emphasized that sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, will remain protected, indicating India will not concede to U.S. demands for market access to genetically modified crops. Additionally, a government source clarified that India's oil purchases from Russia are decreasing, and the country is open to sourcing from non-sanctioned Russian companies. The deal aims to facilitate $500 billion in U.S. imports over five years.
Published: Feb 03 2026, 9 pm
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