Author: Athira Sethu
India has received the fourth squadron of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system, marking a significant enhancement of the country’s long-range air defence capabilities. The delivery is part of the ₹35,000-crore defence agreement signed with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons. The S-400, often referred to as a key component of India’s “Sudarshan Chakra” air defence network, is designed to detect, track, and engage a wide range of aerial threats, including combat aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at long distances. According to reports, the fourth squadron has begun arriving through the sea route and will be…
India and Oman have officially implemented their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade relations. The free trade pact came into force on June 1, 2026, after both countries completed internal approval procedures. Under the agreement, Indian exporters will receive near duty-free access on almost 99% of exports by value to Oman. Sectors expected to benefit include textiles, leather, agriculture, engineering goods, automobiles, plastics, marine products, and gems and jewellery. The pact is also strategically important as Oman is viewed as a key gateway to Gulf Cooperation Council nations and African markets. Experts believe the agreement…
Royal Enfield is sharpening its global expansion focus on Brazil, which is now emerging as one of its fastest-growing international markets. The company is also exploring setting up its own completely knocked down (CKD) manufacturing facility in the country to support long-term growth. Eicher Motors Managing Director and Royal Enfield CEO B. Govindarajan said Brazil is set to become a key pillar in the brand’s overseas strategy, backed by strong demand and rising acceptance of its motorcycles. He noted that Brazil is becoming the “next big market” for Royal Enfield, with sales crossing 35,000 units in FY26, marking a sharp…
Cleanliness has become a defining factor in the passenger experience, and according to the 2026 World Airport Awards by Skytrax, Asia is leading the charge. The latest rankings highlight a regional obsession with spotless terminals, impeccable restrooms, and advanced sanitation technology. The results are based on extensive passenger surveys that evaluate everything from the efficiency of e-gates to the maintenance of public seating areas. While Japanese airports famously sweep the top spots, new entries and rising stars from China and Europe show that the competition for “world’s cleanest” is fiercer than ever. 1. Tokyo Haneda Airport (Japan) Retaining its crown,…
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to file its prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) with regulators later this week or next, according to a report by The Information citing a source familiar with the plans. The IPO could potentially raise more than $75 billion, making it one of the largest public offerings in history. While the exact allocation is still being finalized, individual investors may be offered more than 20% of the shares. Earlier expectations had pegged the IPO at around $50 billion, which would have valued SpaceX at over $1.75 trillion, according to Bloomberg. The new projections suggest…
India is formally exploring participation in one of Europe’s sixth-generation fighter jet programs, signaling that the Indian Air Force (IAF) could collaborate on developing next-generation combat aircraft beyond the homegrown 5th-generation AMCA. Potential European Partnerships The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence that the IAF is evaluating collaboration with either: The IAF aims to ensure India remains at the forefront of advanced combat aircraft technologies. What Makes a Sixth-Generation Fighter Sixth-generation jets go beyond current stealth fighters like the F-22, F-35, or China’s J-20. Features include: These aircraft are designed for dense, highly contested…
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…