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India's logistics sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, as highlighted in the 'State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024'. The country ranks as the third most digitalised economy globally, with the government's Digital India initiative enhancing service delivery and fostering growth. Mahindra Logistics is at the forefront of this evolution, employing technology to create an integrated ecosystem that ensures real-time visibility and efficient coordination across supply chains. By leveraging cloud-based platforms, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered insights, the company optimises operations, reduces costs, and improves customer experiences. This shift from fragmented systems to cohesive networks is essential for India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion digital economy, positioning the logistics sector as a key driver of economic progress and global trade leadership. As India embraces this digital-first approach, it is redefining the future of logistics and commerce. 
Published: Jan 12 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2025 Global Passenger Survey, revealing significant shifts in passenger travel preferences, particularly the growing reliance on mobile technology and the swift adoption of biometric systems. Based on over 10,000 responses from more than 200 countries, the survey indicates that 85% of passengers who have used biometrics express satisfaction with the process. Additionally, there is a notable increase in the use of mobile channels for booking and payments, with nearly 78% of travellers desiring a smartphone that integrates digital wallets, passports, and loyalty cards. The findings also highlight gender differences in decision-making, with women prioritising airline reputation and past experiences, while men are quicker to adopt airline apps. Younger travellers, however, report lower satisfaction levels, indicating a challenge for airlines in meeting their expectations. 
Published: Jan 12 2026, 6 ameznews.inIndia's aviation sector may soon see the launch of three new airlines: Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress, following a recent meeting between Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and their promoters. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively promoting airline startups through initiatives like the UDAN scheme, which has already facilitated regional connectivity for smaller carriers. However, these new entrants face significant hurdles, including delays in securing aircraft and regulatory approvals. Shankh Air aims to commence operations in early 2026 but lacks the necessary air operator certificate, while Al Hind Air is grappling with staff layoffs due to approval delays. Experts warn that startups need robust business plans and substantial funding—estimated at nearly $1 billion for national-level operations—to attract lessors and ensure viability in a competitive market. The future of these airlines remains uncertain as they navigate these challenges. 
Published: Jan 12 2026, 6 ameznews.inSyama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata is set to exceed its cargo handling target for the fiscal year, anticipating around 68 million tonnes (MT) of cargo, surpassing the goal of 67.2 MT. The port, which includes the Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex, has a total capacity of 87.6 MT annually. Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi highlighted the port's significance as a logistics hub for eastern and northeastern India, facilitating trade with landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan. Following the successful launch of a direct weekly service from China, SMP Kolkata is considering expanding direct services to other East Asian countries. Plans are underway to increase cargo capacity to approximately 125.84 MT by 2029-30 through public-private partnerships. The port primarily handles petroleum, chemicals, and bulk cargo, and has introduced a direct rail link, Port-Link Express, to enhance connectivity between its dock systems. 
Published: Jan 12 2026, 6 ameznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set four Guinness World Records during the construction of the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Economic Corridor on NH-544G. On January 6, NHAI achieved records for the longest continuous laying of bituminous concrete, covering 28.89 lane km, and for the highest quantity of 10,655 metric tonnes laid in 24 hours. Building on this success, two additional records were established on January 11, including the continuous laying of 57,500 metric tonnes of bituminous concrete and paving 156 lane km, surpassing the previous record of 84.4 lane km. The 343 km corridor, designed for high-speed travel, features 17 interchanges, 10 wayside amenities, and a 5.3 km tunnel, with a section passing through a forest area, enhancing both safety and scenic appeal for users. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 11 pmeznews.inQuikJet Airlines has launched three weekly flights on the Delhi-Guwahati-Hanoi route, enhancing Amazon's delivery capabilities in the North East region of India. CEO Captain Preetham Philip reported that the service, which commenced this month, is already seeing full inbound flights carrying over 20 tonnes of cargo. QuikJet, which began operations in January 2023 with two Boeing 737 freighters dedicated to Amazon, is exploring export opportunities for perishables from Guwahati. This makes QuikJet the second cargo airline to serve Guwahati, following Blue Dart, which initiated its own services in January 2024. Guwahati International Airport has experienced a 13% year-on-year increase in cargo handling, with a record monthly volume of 1,362 metric tonnes in December. The Adani Group, which operates the airport, is investing ₹5,000 crore in overall development, including a new integrated cargo terminal to bolster regional trade and logistics. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 8 pmeznews.inChennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has marked a significant achievement in its Phase-2 Corridor-4 (C4) project with the successful trial run of a train from Porur Junction to Vadapalani, covering a distance of 5.5 km. This trial is part of CMRL's extensive 118.9 km Phase-2 initiative, which includes three corridors. The recent run confirms the completion of the viaduct, track laying, and electrification from Porur Junction to Kodambakkam Power House. Following this, up-line trial runs are set to commence shortly. CMRL previously completed trial runs from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction in June 2025. To enhance commuter access, CMRL has prioritized the double-decker stretch of the C4 line, allowing direct services from Porur to Vadapalani without intermediate stops, while remaining stations will be commissioned as they are completed, aiming for full operational readiness by June 2026. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)' was a key topic during recent pre-budget discussions between the Centre and States/UTs. States are advocating for increased funding, with Uttar Pradesh leading the allocation at over ₹52,000 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Bihar with more than ₹36,000 crore each, and Maharashtra and Assam with over ₹23,000 crore. The Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated ₹1.5 lakh crore for 50-year interest-free loans to support capital expenditure and reform incentives, with approximately ₹83,600 crore disbursed by January 4, 2026. The scheme, initiated in FY21, has seen its outlay rise significantly, reflecting positive responses from state governments. It encompasses ten parts, including untied funding for state-chosen projects and reform-centric allocations, aimed at enhancing economic growth through capital investment and asset creation. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is set to introduce the Seeds Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Budget session, which begins on January 28. Initially planned for the last parliamentary session, the Bill aims to regulate seed quality, ensure farmers access to affordable seeds, and curb the sale of spurious products. The existing Seeds Act, 1966, has not been significantly updated since 1972, despite previous attempts to enact a new law facing political and farmer opposition. Key provisions of the draft include mandatory registration for seed manufacturers and penalties for selling spurious seeds, although critics argue this could disadvantage small operators. The Bill also proposes to ease import restrictions and decriminalise minor offences to promote business. However, farmers' unions, such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, have raised concerns over the lack of provisions for affordable seeds and the acceptance of self-certified foreign imports without quality testing. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 6 pmeznews.inGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to embark on a two-day visit to India starting Monday, aimed at advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and enhancing bilateral trade relations. As Germany's largest trading partner within the EU, both nations are keen to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the upcoming India-EU Summit in New Delhi. Merz will be accompanied by a delegation of 25 CEOs and will visit Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, focusing on defence deals, skill development, and technology cooperation. Key discussions will include the potential finalisation of a $5.2 billion agreement for six advanced stealth submarines for the Indian Navy and streamlining visa processes for Indian professionals in healthcare and IT. The visit also aims to bolster trade ties, with bilateral trade reaching $51.23 billion in 2024-25, amidst challenges posed by US tariffs. 
Published: Jan 11 2026, 6 pm
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