Author: Athira Sethu

Nepal has formally sought financial support from the UN-backed Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage following devastating floods, putting the newly established climate-aid system to a major test. The request follows a catastrophic glacial flood on August 26 that caused extensive loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure. Nepal’s government has estimated direct losses at around $2.56 billion, while reconstruction costs could reach $4–5 billion. Nepal sent a letter to the fund’s co-chairs on September 1, seeking immediate support and arguing that international climate commitments must translate into concrete assistance for countries facing the worst impacts of climate…

Marriott International is planning a major expansion in India as the country’s hotel and travel market continues to grow. In an exclusive report by The Economic Times, Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano said India could become the company’s third-largest global market in the next three to four years. The US is currently Marriott’s biggest market, followed by China, Mexico and India. Marriott is expanding beyond major Indian cities and plans to add thousands of new hotel rooms across the country. The company signed more than 60 hotel deals in India in the first half of this year, the highest number in its Asia Pacific excluding China region. Marriott has more than 200 hotels in its India pipeline, with over 30,000 additional…

Indian Railways has launched a new online personal luggage booking facility for passengers travelling with confirmed reserved tickets, making it easier to declare and pay for excess luggage before their journey. The service became available from July 31 as part of the Railways’ digital transformation initiative. Under the new system, passengers can book excess luggage online within the prescribed weight limits, avoiding long queues at parcel offices. The platform also provides details on class-wise baggage allowances, maximum permissible weight, restricted items and applicable charges before travel. The move is expected to improve passenger convenience, streamline luggage handling and reduce disputes…

Dalmia Bharat has started work on its second manufacturing unit in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹3,100 crore. The foundation stone for the new facility was laid in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Nara Lokesh and Dalmia Bharat Managing Director and CEO Puneet Dalmia. The upcoming integrated manufacturing facility is designed to produce one of the world’s greenest cements and will strengthen Dalmia Bharat’s presence in southern India. The project is part of the company’s expansion plans announced in 2025. Scheduled to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28, the…

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has become the centre of attention after a video showing him examining a miniature electric SUV went viral on social media. The candid moment took place during an official meeting with representatives of Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast, where the Chief Minister was presented with a scale model of the VinFast VF8 electric SUV. The miniature vehicle was gifted by Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia Operations, as a souvenir during the meeting. Instead of simply accepting the gift, Vijay was seen closely inspecting the model and smiling as he held it, a gesture…

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu said he will travel to Japan to explore partnerships with small and mid-sized companies, with the goal of connecting them to opportunities in small towns and rural parts of India. “I am heading to Japan tomorrow. The agenda is to partner with small to mid-sized companies in small-town Japan and bring them to small-town and rural India,” Vembu wrote. Focus on Traditional Craftsmanship Vembu said the initiative is inspired by a deeper commitment to preserving and reviving traditional craftsmanship. He referred to the concept using the Tamil word “Aasaari” and the Sanskrit term “Vishwakarma,” highlighting skilled…

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,…