Author: Athira Sethu
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has once again secured a place on the Hurun Global Rich List 2026, with an estimated net worth of ₹10,800 crore. The list highlights the wealthiest individuals across the world, including influential figures from business, technology, and entertainment. Khan’s inclusion places him alongside global entertainment icons such as Taylor Swift, Jay‑Z, and Rihanna, who have also built massive fortunes through music, entertainment, and business ventures. Over the years, Shah Rukh Khan has diversified his income streams beyond acting. He co-owns the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders and runs the film production and VFX company Red Chillies Entertainment, both of which contribute significantly to…
At just 23, Indian entrepreneur Anjali Sardana has emerged as one of the youngest founders to build a startup valued at $100 million. Her company Pronto, an on-demand home services platform, connects households with trained professionals for tasks such as cleaning, laundry and routine household chores. Sardana launched the startup in April 2025, shortly after graduating from Georgetown University in the United States with a degree in biology. Before starting Pronto, she worked in investment roles at firms including Bain Capital and 8VC. The idea behind Pronto was to organise the largely informal domestic help market using technology. Through the app, users can book verified…
The spotlight has fallen on Israel’s advanced Sparrow missile family after reports that a variant was used in the strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. The missile was reportedly launched from an Israeli fighter jet and travelled on a high ballistic trajectory before striking its target with extreme precision. The Sparrow series, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, includes variants such as Black Sparrow, Blue Sparrow and Silver Sparrow. Originally designed as target missiles for testing Israel’s missile defence systems, they have evolved into powerful air-launched ballistic weapons capable of hitting targets more than 1,000 km away with high accuracy. The recent strike has also highlighted…
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a joint statement to initiate formal negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step toward strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two regions. The announcement comes after high-level discussions involving Indian officials and GCC representatives, underlining mutual interest in expanding trade, investment and market access. The proposed FTA is expected to cover a broad range of sectors, including goods, services and investment facilitation, tariff reductions and enhanced regulatory cooperation. Trade between India and GCC countries has grown substantially over the years, with energy supplies, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and services forming key components…
India has helped the Maldives construct a high-speed ferry, the first of twelve vessels planned to establish transport link services between two atolls, according to local media reports. G. Balasubramaniam, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to supporting essential public services and projects that directly benefit Maldivian communities, as reported by PSM News. As part of an existing agreement, India will supply 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives. During a ceremony launching the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls, Balasubramaniam noted that the first ferry was built with India’s assistance to commence operations in…
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to raise Rs 9,500 crore by monetising five operational highways through its first asset acquisition under the public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT). As a public InvIT, RIIT will seek Rs 600–700 crore from retail investors as equity for acquiring the assets. The initial public offer (IPO) is expected to launch later this month, with 10% of the total equity units allocated to retail investors. Individuals can invest between Rs 10,000 and Rs 2 lakh in the units. Funds for the acquisitions will come from a mix of…
Arijit Singh’s recent announcement regarding his retirement from playback singing may have shocked fans, but the artist’s impact continues through his philanthropic and local ventures. Beyond the recording studio, Arijit has been making a difference in his hometown of Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, through his restaurant, Heshel. Unlike typical celebrity-owned dining spots that focus on luxury and high price points, Heshel is built on simplicity and service. Run by Arijit’s father, the establishment is a long-standing family business that recently gained attention for providing wholesome, nutritious meals for as little as Rs 40. Wholesome Food at Unbeatable Prices The restaurant serves…
India’s footprint in global defence manufacturing continues to grow as Gliders India Limited (GIL) has secured a ₹30 crore export contract from Vietnam for Su-30 brake parachutes and pilot parachutes. These components are critical safety systems for fighter aircraft, essential during landings and emergency situations, rather than routine accessories. GIL’s Expertise in Aerospace Systems GIL, a Defence Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, has built a strong reputation in aerospace textiles and recovery systems. The Vietnam order demonstrates international trust in Indian-manufactured defence equipment and the increasing acceptance of Indian products in military aviation markets that demand strict quality…
Kerala plans to develop a rare earth corridor linking Vizhinjam port, Chavara, and Kochi, which could attract investments of ₹42,000 crore, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced in the Budget on Thursday. The corridor will include a center near KMML Chavara, positioning Kerala as the nation’s permanent magnet hub. The project is expected to generate 50,000 jobs. Additionally, ₹100 crore is allocated to establish a Rare Earth Critical Minerals Mission in partnership with KMML, KELTRON, and NFTDC. KMML is a state-owned titanium dioxide and mineral sands producer based in Chavara, KELTRON is the state-run electronics and tech company, and NFTDC…
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast is moving beyond traditional passenger car sales in India by preparing to launch its own ride-hailing service through its parent group’s mobility arm, Green and Smart Mobility (GSM). The compact VinFast VF5 EV expected to debut soon in the Indian market will form the backbone of the new taxi fleet, supported by the larger Limo Green MPV for varied passenger needs. GSM already operates electric ride-hailing services in other Asian countries and plans to bring a fully electrified fleet to Indian cities, potentially giving competition to existing providers by using a dedicated fleet of VinFast vehicles. The strategy reflects VinFast’s broader ambition to deepen…