The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states and Union Territories to expedite the recruitment of key food safety personnel and strengthen enforcement activities to ensure safer food for consumers across the country.

The directive was issued by FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani during the 50th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held in Shimla. He urged states and UTs to fill existing vacancies for Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and Designated Officers (DOs) at the earliest to improve regulatory capacity and enhance food safety enforcement at the ground level.

Highlighting the importance of effective enforcement, Punhani stressed that strong regulatory action remains essential for safeguarding consumer health. He also directed states and UTs to increase food sampling, strengthen surveillance activities, and scale up enforcement efforts across their respective jurisdictions.

In addition to enforcement, the CEO called for greater public awareness initiatives and stronger outreach programmes to improve food safety awareness among consumers and stakeholders.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed the performance of states and UTs across several key parameters, including recruitment progress, functioning of state and district advisory committees, food safety inspections, surveillance sampling, regulatory reporting, and timely resolution of consumer complaints. States and UTs were advised to address gaps identified during the review and work towards achieving prescribed targets within stipulated timelines.

The committee also discussed ways to improve food recall systems through the recently operationalised Food Recall Module available on FoSCoS. States and UTs were encouraged to sensitise Food Business Operators (FBOs) about timely reporting of recalls and ensure proper implementation of recall procedures for unsafe food products.

Other important topics included reducing pendency in licensing and registration applications, improving regulatory compliance among food businesses, and strengthening the implementation of labelling requirements for nutraceuticals and health supplements.

The meeting further examined measures to address misleading claims in food advertisements and promote the adoption of sustainable packaging practices within the food sector.

Through these initiatives, FSSAI aims to strengthen food safety governance, improve compliance levels, and ensure greater consumer protection across India's food ecosystem.

Air India is reassessing its growth plans after Tata Group reportedly instructed the airline to focus on reducing losses and improving operational stability. The move marks a shift from the carrier's aggressive expansion strategy that had been underway since Tata Group took ownership of the airline in 2022.

According to people familiar with the matter, Air India is exploring several cost-control measures, including discussions with Airbus and Boeing to defer deliveries of aircraft from its large order book. Delaying aircraft deliveries could help the airline postpone substantial payments that are typically due when planes are handed over.

The airline is also reviewing its plans to launch services on new domestic and international routes. Expansion at certain airports, including the upcoming Noida International Airport, may be delayed as part of the broader strategy to manage costs and improve financial performance.

The change in approach comes after a challenging period for the airline. A fatal crash last year, airspace restrictions following Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian carriers, and disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran have all added pressure on operations. These developments have resulted in longer flight routes, higher fuel expenses, and increased operating costs.

Air India has also faced challenges from the weak Indian rupee, which has increased expenses as a significant portion of airline costs are denominated in US dollars.

The airline's financial performance remains a concern. Sources indicate that Air India has accumulated losses of more than ₹55,000 crore since 2022, while annual losses have reportedly reached around $3 billion (approximately ₹28,500 crore). The issue has become a key area of focus for the board of Tata Trusts, which controls Tata Sons, the majority owner of Air India.

Despite these challenges, Air India has continued to pursue one of the largest fleet modernisation programmes in the aviation industry. Between 2023 and 2025, the airline placed orders for around 600 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing as part of its long-term growth strategy. Most of these aircraft are expected to be delivered during 2027 and 2028.

Responding to reports, an Air India spokesperson described the claims as highly speculative and stated that the airline remains committed to fleet modernisation and its long-term transformation programme. Tata Group and Airbus did not comment on the matter, while Boeing declined to provide a statement.

The airline currently operates both the full-service Air India brand and low-cost carrier Air India Express. While passenger demand and revenues have benefited from India's growing economy and rising travel demand, the airline continues to face the challenge of balancing expansion with financial sustainability.

Singapore Airlines, which acquired a 25.1% stake in Air India in 2024, remains a strategic partner as the airline continues its transformation journey.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released new research highlighting how the tournament is redefining international travel through advanced border management and digital travel solutions.

Titled "FIFA World Cup Border Management & Visa Facilitation: 20 Years of Evolution (2006–2026)", the report explores how the world's biggest football tournament has driven major changes in how countries manage cross-border travel. The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone as the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three countries simultaneously and the largest in the tournament's history, featuring 48 teams.

According to WTTC, the scale of the event has encouraged the adoption of innovative digital systems that make travel both secure and efficient. A key feature of the 2026 tournament is the use of a trusted traveller model, allowing pre-approved, low-risk travellers to move through border controls more quickly while maintaining strong security standards.

In the lead-up to the tournament, the United States received more than 5.9 million Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) applications, with over 5 million approvals granted for visa-free travel. Additionally, more than 1.6 million travellers enrolled in Trusted Traveller Programmes such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, helping speed up border clearance across the three host nations.

Technology has also played an important role in improving the traveller experience. FIFA PASS has helped ticket holders secure priority visa appointments, while COMPASS, an AI-powered digital assistant, has provided guidance on travel and entry requirements, helping visitors navigate the process more easily.

Mexico has supported smoother travel by allowing citizens from over 65 countries to enter visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Travellers holding valid visas or residency permits from the United States, Canada, Japan, the UK, or the Schengen Area have also been exempt from Mexican tourism visa requirements. The country's Viajero Confiable programme further streamlines arrivals through automated kiosks and dedicated immigration lanes.

Canada has introduced similar measures through its NEXUS trusted traveller programme, enabling faster border clearance through e-gates and kiosks. Visitors have also been able to use the ArriveCAN app to complete customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arrival, giving access to express lanes at major airports, including those in Toronto and Vancouver.

The WTTC report notes that these developments are the result of two decades of progress in border management. Germany 2006 focused on expanding traditional visa processing within the Schengen framework, while South Africa 2010 introduced the first Event Visa and advance passenger screening. Brazil 2014 followed with dedicated visa categories and a specialised legal framework. Russia 2018 introduced the FAN ID system, combining entry, transportation, and stadium access, while Qatar 2022 expanded the concept through its Hayya digital platform, which later evolved into a permanent e-visa system.

WTTC believes these tournaments have demonstrated how major global events can drive long-term improvements in travel systems, creating more connected and efficient experiences for visitors.

Commenting on the findings, Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:

"The FIFA World Cup has consistently demonstrated that border management can evolve from a barrier into an enabler of global connectivity. From Germany's early focus on visa facilitation to the trusted traveller solutions seen in 2026, we are witnessing the emergence of a new model for travel. One that is digital, secure, and seamless at scale.

The lessons from these tournaments show that digital identity and strong pre-travel screening can enhance both entry processes and the overall traveller experience. Developing interoperable, multi-jurisdictional systems will be the next frontier. Not only for mega-events, but for global travel, helping deliver safer, faster and more seamless journeys for everyone."

Looking ahead, WTTC noted that the need for coordinated travel systems will become even more important as future mega-events grow in scale. With the FIFA World Cup 2030 expected to span six nations across three continents, interoperable border solutions will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and secure international travel.