Air travel across India and several global regions has been severely disrupted following the sharp escalation of the Middle East crisis, triggered after reports of the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. As tensions intensified across West Asia, Indian and international airlines moved swiftly to cancel and reroute flights as a precautionary safety measure.

In India alone, around 400 flights have been cancelled over the past two days. Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have suspended multiple international services, particularly those operating through West Asian airspace.

The disruption is not limited to India. Across West Asia, aviation operations have taken a major hit, with global carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways cancelling nearly 1,600 flights. Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa together cancelled about 350 flights. Most carriers have announced cancellations extending till Monday, as flight resumptions depend on evolving security assessments in the conflict zone.

Late Sunday, Air India confirmed that flights to North America and Europe will operate using alternative routes over available airspaces in West Asia, which is expected to increase flying times. The airline said that flights to New York (JFK) and Newark (Liberty International) will operate with technical stops at Rome Fiumicino Airport. With Pakistan airspace closed to Indian carriers, airlines are unable to use the Pakistan–Afghanistan–CIS corridor, a route still accessible to several Western airlines.

On Sunday alone, Air India cancelled around 125 international flights to and from western destinations. The Tata Group-owned carrier also extended the suspension of flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 11:59 PM on March 2. Additionally, select Europe-bound services scheduled for March 2 were cancelled, including AI117 (Amritsar–Birmingham), AI151/AI152 (Delhi–Zurich), AI157/AI158 (Delhi–Copenhagen), and AI114 (Birmingham–Delhi).

IndiGo announced the suspension of select international flights using West Asia airspace until March 2, 2026, 11:59 PM IST. For most airlines, the immediate priority remains repositioning aircraft and crew stranded at foreign airports. Air India has already completed this process for its wide-body fleet and is now exploring operations to Europe, the UK, and North America via oceanic routes through southern Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with fuelling stops in Vienna or Rome.

In a rare move, Abu Dhabi authorities directed hotels to extend stays for guests stranded due to flight cancellations. The Department of Culture and Tourism confirmed that the cost of extended accommodation will be covered by the government, easing pressure on affected travellers.

The crisis has also rattled global financial markets. Airline stocks plunged worldwide as rising conflict led to mass cancellations and stranded passengers. Major Asian carriers including Cathay Pacific, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Japan Airlines saw shares fall by more than 5 per cent on Monday after weekend strikes by the US and Israel on Iran.

Global air travel remained in turmoil for a third consecutive day as key hubs including Dubai and Doha shut down operations, stranding tens of thousands of passengers worldwide. Meanwhile, oil prices surged by nearly 7 per cent to their highest levels in months, driven by damage to tankers and disruptions to shipments from the key producing region.

As airlines continue to assess safety conditions, industry experts expect prolonged disruptions, longer flight times, and further schedule adjustments in the days ahead.

This Holi, Kalyan Jewellers brings the festival’s joyful energy to life with a thoughtfully curated edit of colourful and statement-making jewellery. Designed to reflect the exuberance of the season, the collection showcases a lively mix of multicoloured gemstones and detailed gold craftsmanship, creating pieces that feel festive, elegant, and timeless.

Rooted in tradition and refreshed with contemporary appeal, each design captures the essence of Holi through colour, form, and fine detailing. From antique gold sets rich in heritage to diamond pieces with refined sparkle, the edit offers versatile options for festive gatherings, intimate celebrations, and everything in between. Whether paired with classic whites, soft pastels, or rich silks, these creations add a radiant finishing touch to any Holi look.

Vibrant Traditions: The Multi-Hued Antique Set

Celebrate the spirit of Holi with this antique gold set adorned with festive emerald greens, royal purples, and ruby reds that mirror the playful hues of gulal. Intricate gold detailing and a serene teardrop turquoise centerpiece add depth and balance to the design. Ideal for festive occasions, the set pairs beautifully with a classic white kurta or a soft pastel saree, allowing the colours to stand out with ease.

Kaleidoscope of Joy: The Multi-Stone Antique Set

This antique gold set brings together a vivid mix of purple, blue, and earthy-toned gemstones, capturing the exuberance of the season. A striking green focal stone sits at the centre, framed by ornate gold work and subtle pearl accents. Rich in character and festive charm, the piece complements ivory or pastel ensembles, letting its dynamic tones glow naturally.

Festive Spectrum: The Multicolour Heritage Set

Inspired by the playful colours of Holi, this heritage-style antique set features a bold blend of emerald, ruby, and turquoise hues. Detailed peacock motifs and delicate seed pearl accents lend the design a traditional yet lively appeal. Perfect for festive gatherings, it pairs effortlessly with a cream silk saree or a soft pastel outfit.

Floral Radiance: The Emerald and Ruby Diamond Set

For those who prefer refined sparkle, this diamond set offers a graceful take on festive dressing. Intricate floral motifs studded with diamonds are highlighted by pear-shaped emeralds and vibrant ruby accents, bringing together fresh greens and festive pinks. Elegant and celebratory, the set works beautifully with a rich silk saree or a contemporary pastel ensemble.

Vibrant Elegance: The Multicoloured Long Necklace Set

This antique long necklace set makes a bold festive statement with rich green and calming blue gemstones set in ornate antique gold. Finished with delicate seed pearls, the design balances grandeur with timeless charm. Ideal for Holi celebrations, it pairs well with a white Anarkali or a deep-toned saree for a look that feels regal yet festive.

With its Curated Holi Edit, Kalyan Jewellers offers jewellery that celebrates colour, craftsmanship, and joy, making every festive moment feel a little more special.

Taste of Brasil 2026, an international food and culinary initiative led by ApexBrasil, officially made its India debut on 18 February 2026 in New Delhi. The initiative will also be introduced in Mumbai on 23 February 2026, bringing Brazil’s premium food offerings closer to India’s rapidly expanding health and wellness market.

The New Delhi launch was attended by key dignitaries including Jorge Viana, President of ApexBrasil; Paulo Teixeira, Honourable Minister of Rural Development and Family Farming of Brazil; and Marcio Elias, Honourable Vice Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services of Brazil. The event also saw participation from industry stakeholders, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, and members of the media.

Taste of Brasil 2026 focuses on building awareness, encouraging product trials, and strengthening trade and consumer engagement through immersive retail experiences and culinary storytelling. The campaign aims to create a deeper connection between Brazilian producers and Indian consumers by showcasing the quality, versatility, and story behind Brazilian food products.

Brazil, known for its vast biodiversity and fertile landscapes, produces some of the world’s most nutritious nuts, fruits, and superfoods. From the Amazon rainforest to tropical orchards, Brazilian foods are recognised for their taste, nutritional value, and suitability for modern, health-focused lifestyles.

The initiative highlights a carefully selected range of Brazilian products including Brazil Nuts, Brazil Nut Milk, Açaí Pulp, Açaí Powder, Tahiti Limes, and Exotic Frozen plant-based meals. These products reflect Brazil’s leadership in biodiversity-driven agriculture and its strong reputation for quality, safety, and sustainability on the global stage.

Ingredients such as Brazil nuts and açaí have gained international popularity for their health benefits and flexibility across cuisines. With Indian consumers increasingly leaning towards plant-based nutrition, functional foods, and global flavours, Brazilian products align naturally with evolving food preferences in the country.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jorge Viana said, “India represents a dynamic and fast-growing market with a sophisticated and increasingly health-conscious consumer base. Through Taste of Brasil 2026, we are proud to present the diversity, quality, and sustainability of Brazilian food products. This initiative is not only about promoting exports; it is about building long-term partnerships, promoting sustainability and innovation in food, and strengthening the bridge between Brazilian producers and Indian consumers.”

Adding to this, José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, remarked, “Brazil and India share strong diplomatic and economic relations rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. The launch of Taste of Brasil 2026 in both New Delhi and Mumbai reflects our commitment to deepening agri-food trade and enhancing people-to-people connections through culinary exchange. We see tremendous potential for collaboration across retail, hospitality, and food processing sectors.”

Looking ahead, ApexBrasil plans to further strengthen trade ties between Brazil and India by expanding market access, increasing retail presence, and encouraging culinary innovation. With rising demand for sustainable, plant-based, and globally inspired foods, Taste of Brasil 2026 lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships and a stronger Brazilian food presence in India.