Author: News Desk

Germany-based agribusiness company EW Group plans to invest ₹200 crore in India’s poultry sector over the next three years through its newly established subsidiary, Lohmann Layers India, according to company executives. The Indian arm was created under EW Group’s subsidiary, International Layer Distribution (ILD), by acquiring JK Breeders Pvt Ltd for an undisclosed amount. This move allows EW Group to operate directly in India rather than through a franchise model, which it had followed for over 15 years. Antonio Paraguassu, ILD’s managing director for Asia and Australia, said India is one of the fastest-growing poultry markets in the world. Establishing…

Thiruvananthapuram Airport has significantly enhanced its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) capabilities with the induction of three state-of-the-art Panther CFT crash fire tenders supplied by Rosenbauer. Each of these high-performance vehicles is powered by a 700 HP engine and can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in under 30 seconds, ensuring that airport firefighting teams can respond almost instantly during critical emergencies. Designed for maximum operational efficiency, each tender carries 12,500 litres of water, 1,500 litres of firefighting foam, and 250 kg of dry chemical powder, allowing crews to tackle fires involving aircraft, fuel, and other hazards effectively. This substantial firefighting capacity strengthens the airport’s overall safety…

The ruling LDF government in Kerala has launched a series of major infrastructure projects worth hundreds of crores as the assembly elections approach. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated initiatives totaling Rs 800 crore, marking another phase of the LDF’s ongoing ‘Vikasana Munneta Yatra’ or Development Progress March. The campaign focuses on development and welfare, with senior leaders like CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan leading northern Kerala, Kerala Congress (M) chief Jose K. Mani in central Kerala, and CPI secretary Binoy Viswam in the south. The CPI(M)’s key allies, KC(M) and CPI, play central roles in mobilizing support across…

The India government has teamed up with Alibaba.com to help Indian startups and small businesses reach buyers overseas. The program is part of India’s Startup India initiative and focuses on export growth, offering technical support and commissions to startups that assist manufacturers and traders in selling products internationally. This partnership comes years after India banned many Chinese-linked consumer apps in 2020, including TikTok, PUBG Mobile, and AliExpress, following border tensions. The new collaboration is limited to Alibaba’s export-focused B2B platform rather than signaling a broader reopening of Chinese apps in India. Small businesses are central to India’s export strategy. Micro,…

French aerospace company Safran has announced plans to build an engine assembly line in India. The move comes as the French and Indian governments are in talks over the purchase of 114 additional Rafale jets. Safran’s CEO, Olivier Andries, said the facility will support India’s push for local production in the defense and aerospace sector, helping the country meet its growing requirements for modern fighter aircraft. The new assembly line will also involve sourcing components from Indian suppliers. This is aimed at boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem, creating more opportunities for Indian manufacturers, and encouraging the development of high-tech skills…

KLA Corporation, a semiconductor company based in the United States, has signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to invest about $400 million (around ₹3,600 crore) in India. The company plans to build a global research, development, and innovation campus in Chennai. This project is expected to support the growth of advanced technology and create many new job opportunities in the state. The new campus will be built on a 12-acre area and is expected to create up to 4,000 high-skilled jobs. These jobs will mainly be for engineers, researchers, and technology professionals. The project aims to help skilled…

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are jointly working on an ambitious initiative to develop a human-centric artificial intelligence (AI) model that focuses on ethical and inclusive applications, moving beyond the traditional dominance of Silicon Valley tech giants. The collaboration aims to promote AI that prioritises societal benefit, accountability, fairness and transparency, aligning with broader goals of responsible innovation and global technological leadership. The partnership reflects a growing strategic alliance between India and the UAE in the technology and innovation sectors, with both nations committed to shaping AI that addresses real-world challenges such as healthcare, education, climate change and economic inclusion. By focusing on human…

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture and delivery of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy (Indian) category. The agreement was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on February 12, 2026. This programme is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL’s production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries involved in manufacturing and maintenance. It will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and life-cycle technical support. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative,…

Adani Power Ltd has taken a major strategic step into India’s nuclear energy sector by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Atomic Energy Limited (AAEL), focused on generating, transmitting and distributing electricity derived from nuclear or atomic power. The company announced the move in a regulatory filing to the stock exchange, with AAEL incorporated on February 11, 2026, and authorised with an initial capital of ₹5,00,000 split into 50,000 equity shares of ₹10 each, all wholly held by Adani Power. The formation of AAEL marks Adani Power’s formal entry into a segment that has historically been dominated by state-run entities. While specific project plans or partnerships have…

The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has introduced rejuvenated varieties of two iconic spice crops — Cochin ginger and Alleppey finger turmeric, aimed at enhancing yield, quality and resistance to disease. These improved varieties are expected to benefit spice growers across Kerala by increasing productivity and strengthening market competitiveness. Cochin ginger and Alleppey finger turmeric are globally recognised for their distinct flavour, aroma and medicinal properties, and have significant demand in both domestic and export markets. The newly developed strains have been bred to improve plant vigour and mitigate susceptibility to fungal and pest attacks, which have historically affected crop performance. Farmers adopting these varieties can expect higher…