Author: News Desk

Karnataka has become the first Indian state to introduce an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB)-based excise duty system, marking a major shift in how liquor is taxed and priced. The new framework aims to rationalise alcohol pricing, bring consumer rates closer to those in neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala, and modernise the excise structure. The system officially came into effect on May 11, 2026, with the Karnataka Excise Department stating that this is the first time such a model has been implemented in the country. Officials described it as a globally accepted benchmark in alcohol taxation because…

India has expressed serious concern over a drone strike that targeted the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates, warning that the incident marks a dangerous escalation in the wider West Asia conflict and calling for immediate restraint and diplomacy. In a statement, the government said it was deeply alarmed by the attack and stressed that targeting nuclear infrastructure is unacceptable under any circumstances. It urged all parties to step back from escalation and return to dialogue and peaceful negotiation. The strike reportedly triggered a fire after a drone hit an electrical generator located outside the inner safety perimeter…

Narendra Modi concluded his Netherlands visit after India and the Netherlands elevated bilateral ties to a full-fledged Strategic Partnership and announced 17 major agreements spanning semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence cooperation, mobility, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. The agreements include a strategic partnership roadmap for 2026–2030 and several sector-specific collaborations aimed at strengthening technology, trade, energy, innovation, and security cooperation between the two countries. One of the key outcomes was an MoU between Tata Electronics and ASML to support semiconductor fabrication initiatives in India, including the Dholera semiconductor ecosystem. India and the Netherlands also launched a roadmap for green hydrogen cooperation,…

V. D. Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala at a grand ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office in the presence of thousands of people who had travelled from across the state to witness the historic occasion. The stadium and surrounding areas were packed with supporters, turning the venue into a sea of people and creating an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by an impressive lineup of national and state leaders, underscoring the political significance of the event. Among those present…

A viral graphic falsely claiming to be from India Today circulated online, alleging that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced a complete alcohol ban in West Bengal from September 30, suggesting the state would become a dry state. However, fact-checking shows that the claim is entirely false. A keyword search for related reports did not produce any credible news confirming such an announcement, and no such information appears on official platforms of India Today or its verified social media accounts. There is also no statement from the Union Home Ministry or Amit Shah supporting the claim. In addition, PIB…

Noida International Airport is set to begin commercial flight operations from June 15, marking a major step forward for one of India’s largest upcoming aviation infrastructure projects. According to reports, IndiGo has already opened bookings for flights operating from the new airport, signaling preparations for the official launch of passenger services. Located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, the airport is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while improving regional connectivity across North India. The project is also expected to strengthen logistics, tourism, and economic activity in the Delhi-NCR region. The airport is being developed in phases…

Kochi has become home to South India’s first green hydrogen refuelling station, marking a major milestone in India’s transition toward clean and sustainable mobility solutions. The project represents a significant advancement in the country’s hydrogen energy infrastructure and future transportation ecosystem. The station has been established to support hydrogen-powered vehicles using green hydrogen produced through renewable energy sources, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is increasingly being viewed as a critical component in achieving long-term carbon reduction and energy transition goals worldwide. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims…

Akasa Air has established a new entity in Gujarat’s GIFT City to expand and strengthen its aircraft financing and leasing operations. The airline has set up Akasa Air Leasing IFSC Private Limited at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City in Gandhinagar, marking a strategic move aimed at improving its long-term fleet financing structure. According to the airline, the new unit will play a key role in supporting its aircraft acquisition plans by enabling better financial flexibility, cost efficiency, and improved access to global capital markets. Over time, it is expected to finance a significant portion of the airline’s aircraft requirements while…

Kazakhstan has announced a major overhaul of its migration policy aimed at attracting skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and global talent as part of a broader push to modernise its economy and position itself as a regional hub in Eurasia. Under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country is moving away from a rigid quota-based migration system toward a more flexible, incentive-driven framework designed to improve competitiveness for foreign talent and capital. The reform focuses on four key priorities: replacing permit-heavy processes with a simpler system, creating a strong long-term residency pathway for contributors to the economy, digitising immigration…

Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), a joint venture involving NTPC Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Coal India Limited, is likely to dilute around 10–11% of its stake through an initial public offering in the current fiscal year 2026–27, according to an official source. The proposed IPO is expected to raise between ₹5,000 crore and ₹6,000 crore as part of the government’s broader asset monetisation strategy aimed at unlocking value from public sector enterprises. Officials indicated that the listing is being planned despite ongoing global energy uncertainties, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz linked to tensions in West…