eznews.inIndia is set to make a significant impact at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, where it is the Partner Country, showcasing its growing role in global agri-food trade. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is leading this initiative with the BHARATI Pavilion, aimed at promoting export-ready agri-food and agri-tech start-ups. Spanning 1,434 square metres, the Indian Pavilion will feature 161 exhibitors from 25 states, highlighting a diverse array of products including processed foods, grains, and organic produce. Key national institutions, such as NAFED and the Spices Board, will also participate, emphasizing India's commitment to food security and resilient supply chains. Additionally, a Culinary Area will host live demonstrations of Indian cuisine by a renowned chef. Gulfood 2026 will take place from January 26-30, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India-US trade relations, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the possibility of lifting a 25% tariff on Indian imports, contingent on a notable decrease in India's purchases of Russian oil. This announcement follows a sharp decline in Indian imports of Russian crude, which fell to their lowest levels in two years as of December, allowing OPEC to capture an 11-month high share of India's oil imports. Bessent's comments, made during an interview at the World Economic Forum, come amid escalating trade tensions, particularly after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last August, citing concerns over India's Russian oil purchases. Bessent acknowledged the reduction in imports as a success but noted that the tariffs remain in place for now, with potential for future negotiations depending on India's compliance. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 4 pmeznews.inAir 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndiGo 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 1 pmeznews.inFresh 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia'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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 10 ameznews.inDespite 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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia'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. 
Published: Jan 24 2026, 9 am
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