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Scoot, the budget airline under Singapore Airlines, has unveiled its 'January Thematic Sale,' running from January 7 to 12, 2026, featuring enticing one-way economy class fares from India to Singapore starting at ₹5,900. The promotional fares, available for travel between January 28 and October 24, 2026, include connections to popular Asia-Pacific destinations such as Bangkok, Bali, and Sydney. The sale offers exceptional value for travellers from cities like Amritsar, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Notable fares include Chennai to Singapore at ₹5,900, Tiruchirappalli to Chiang Rai at ₹11,900, and Thiruvananthapuram to Melbourne at ₹14,900. Other highlighted routes include Visakhapatnam to Bali for ₹9,000, Amritsar to Hong Kong for ₹12,000, and Coimbatore to Bangkok for ₹8,900, according to the airline's announcement. 
Published: Jan 08 2026, 12 pmeznews.inComplaints regarding delayed income tax refunds have surged, with less than 15% resolved by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in the first eight days of January, according to CPGRAMS data. Social media is rife with frustration, as many taxpayers report waiting months for refunds despite timely filings. CBDT's recent data indicates a decline in refund disbursements, prompting concerns over the impact on the budget. The CBDT's Central Action Plan for FY26 aims to expedite refunds, setting a seven-day timeline for processing under Section 143(1) and 15 days for other cases, while eliminating dependencies that could cause delays. Experts attribute the prolonged processing times to enhanced verification protocols and data-matching mechanisms designed to prevent erroneous claims. Taxpayers are encouraged to check their refund status online and address any discrepancies to facilitate quicker processing.
Published: Jan 09 2026, 11 ameznews.inConsumer staple companies are poised for a gradual demand recovery starting in the fourth quarter of FY26, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The anticipated improvement is attributed to stabilising trade conditions following the recent GST reduction and various government initiatives aimed at boosting consumption. The report highlights that resilient rural demand and a positive shift in urban market sentiment will drive this recovery. After facing disruptions for about 40-45 days post-GST 2.0 implementation, businesses are now experiencing a rebound, aided by partial restocking and strategic pricing adjustments. The upcoming winter season is expected to further enhance consumption, particularly for health supplements, personal care items, and hot beverages. As trade normalises, the report suggests that companies will report improved revenue growth, reflecting underlying demand conditions, with a sustained push from supportive government measures and seasonal trends.
Published: Jan 09 2026, 10 ameznews.inIsolated to moderately heavy rain is beginning to affect the Puducherry-Kaveripattinam-Thanjavur region along the Tamil Nadu coast as a deep depression approaches the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has identified the system, located 160 km east of Pottuvil, which is expected to make landfall between Trincomalee and Jaffna on Saturday afternoon. In Tamil Nadu, light to moderate rainfall is anticipated, with heavy rain in isolated areas. Fishermen are warned against venturing into affected waters. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is bracing for heavy rainfall and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h across several provinces. The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department has issued advisories for cities including Jaffna and Trincomalee. The US Climate Prediction Centre suggests that wet conditions may persist in southern India until mid-January, with further disturbances expected in early February.
Published: Jan 09 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a recent podcast, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that a trade deal between the United States and India stalled because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not reach out to President Donald Trump. Lutnick's comments followed Trump's criticism of India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil and a warning that tariffs on Indian goods could be raised swiftly. The two nations have conducted six rounds of negotiations aimed at resolving a 50% tariff on Indian imports to the US. Lutnick noted that while the US successfully negotiated trade agreements with countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, he had anticipated that a deal with India would be finalized first. He expressed frustration over India's delayed response, suggesting that the terms may now be less favorable due to the timing of the negotiations.
Published: Jan 09 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia is projected to achieve a growth rate of 6.6% in 2026, maintaining its status as the world's fastest major economy, according to the United Nations' World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. This growth, although a moderation from 7.4% in 2025, is attributed to resilient private consumption, robust public investment, and recent tax reforms, which are expected to counterbalance the adverse effects of high US tariffs on exports. The report highlights that while certain product categories may be impacted, key exports like electronics and smartphones are likely to remain exempt. Strong demand from markets in Europe and the Middle East, alongside continued expansion in manufacturing and services, will further support growth. Additionally, falling inflation and stable employment indicators contribute to a positive economic outlook, with the Reserve Bank of India potentially lowering interest rates to stimulate further growth.
Published: Jan 09 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian government has launched the District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan, aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in the textile sector. Announced at the National Textile Ministers Conference in Guwahati, the initiative seeks to develop 100 high-potential districts into Global Export Champions and upgrade 100 Aspirational Districts into self-reliant hubs. The Ministry of Textiles employed a data-driven scoring methodology to assess districts based on export performance, MSME ecosystem, and workforce presence. The plan features a tailored implementation framework, categorizing districts into Champion and Aspirational groups. Emphasizing the development of the eastern and northeastern regions, the initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity, promoting tribal belt development, and leveraging Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for unique handicrafts. By aligning government resources with industry and academic partnerships, the DLTT aims to strengthen textile clusters and replicate successful models across districts.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2026, India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is witnessing a strategic shift in direct-to-consumer (D2C) acquisitions, moving from opportunistic buys to a more disciplined, strategy-led approach. As competition intensifies and demand fluctuates, FMCG companies are focusing on D2C brands that enhance premiumisation, digital capabilities, and direct consumer access. Archana Jahagirdar of Rukam Capital highlights the importance of scalable synergies and first-party consumer data in acquisition decisions. With distribution power diminishing due to e-commerce standardisation, brands that embody aspiration are increasingly sought after. Valuations are now driven by durability and operational discipline rather than rapid growth, with profitability becoming a key differentiator. While established D2C brands are preferred for immediate scale, innovative startups are still attracting interest through minority investments. This recalibration underscores a broader shift in expectations, prioritising relevance and execution capability in a fragmented market.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pmeznews.inDuring the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane in October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn discussed the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India trade pact, which aims to enhance market access for Indian businesses and address implementation challenges. India's Ambassador to ASEAN, Srinivas Gotru, emphasized the importance of concluding the agreement to unlock economic opportunities and better align trade routes. In 2024-25, trade between India and ASEAN reached approximately $123 billion, highlighting ASEAN's significance as a key economic partner. Additionally, a Digital Economy Framework Agreement is set to be unveiled, promoting an integrated digital market through cross-border data flows and cybersecurity cooperation. Ajay Kumar from the Ministry of External Affairs noted India's commitment to inclusive growth through technology adoption, supported by initiatives like the 'Make in India' program, positioning the country as a major manufacturing hub.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn response to a series of deadly bus accidents that claimed 145 lives in three months, the Indian government is tightening the bus body code and introducing vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to enhance road safety. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced these measures following the Transport Development Council's recent meeting. The revised bus body code will require manufacturers to obtain type approval from authorized agencies, replacing the previous self-certification system. Additionally, a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims will provide up to ₹1.5 lakh for medical care, even for those in uninsured vehicles. The government is also launching the 'Zero Fatality Districts Programme' to analyze crash data in high-accident areas and improve public transport accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Other initiatives include proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act and advancements in driving training and vehicle scrapping policies.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIndia's maize exports, which plummeted to a five-year low in 2024-25 due to high domestic prices, are experiencing a resurgence this fiscal year, driven by increased domestic production and more favorable pricing for international buyers. From April to October 2025, maize exports rose by 20% in volume to over 284,000 tonnes, with a 28% increase in value to $112.49 million compared to the previous year. Experts attribute this rebound to viable pricing and a cautious trade environment, particularly concerning Bangladesh, a key market. India's maize production for the kharif 2025 season is projected at a record 28.3 million tonnes, up from 24.8 million tonnes last year, while rabi sowing has also seen a 6.6% increase in acreage. Despite the recovery, domestic demand for feed and industrial use remains a priority, suggesting that export growth may be tempered by local requirements.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 8 pm
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