The implementation of India’s new airport ground-handling policy has once again hit a roadblock after privately held airlines defied the government’s plan, which is intended to improve security and the quality of service at major airports. The new system was scheduled to go into effect Friday, April 1, but has been delayed due to resistance from airlines and labor providers.

An Indian government panel is backing a relief proposal from cash-strapped national carrier Air India that could save the airline up to Rs. 4 billion ($90 million) annually in interest on its debt, a senior official at the civil aviation ministry said.

NEW DELHI — Japan will not take part in a joint naval exercise with India and the U.S. next month as its navy ramps up relief efforts after the massive earthquake and tsunami that has killed more than 10,000 people and threatened to trigger a nuclear disaster. The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force was supposed to participate in the Malabar series of war games from April 2-10 off Okinawa.