Author: News Desk

Air India’s CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson has indicated that the Tata Group-owned carrier may place additional orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet transformation programme. The comments came as Air India prepares to begin commercial operations with its first custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route from February 1, 2026, marking a key milestone in the airline’s long-haul expansion. Wilson said the airline expects a “huge transformation” of its long-haul wide-body fleet in 2027–28, signalling that more Dreamliners could be ordered beyond the existing commitments. Air India has already placed orders for hundreds of aircraft, with dozens delivered since privatisation and many…

India is shifting its semiconductor ambitions from basic chip production to cutting-edge manufacturing, targeting 3 nanometre (nm) chip production by 2032 and progressing toward 2 nm in the early 2030s as part of its Semicon 2.0 roadmap, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The plan aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and design capabilities and expand support for startup chip designers under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The initiative focuses on six key chip categories, including compute, radio frequency (RF), networking, power management, sensors and memory, critical for modern electronics across defence, communications and consumer products. Officials also hope to increase the number of fabless startups in India as…

The Cochin branch of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) is set to host Comarsem, the Cochin Marine Seminar, on January 29 and 30, in partnership with the Directorate General of Shipping. This two-day event will gather policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, academicians, and maritime professionals from around the world, creating a high-impact platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Theme and VisionUnder the banner “Maritime India — Innovations and Collaborations,” Comarsem 2026 will focus on India’s maritime transformation and explore strategic pathways to achieve the nation’s ambition of becoming a global maritime superpower. S. Krishnankutty, Chairman, described the seminar as…

Global IT giant Cognizant is broadening its footprint in India, including tier-2 cities, to tap into the rich talent pool available across the country, said Surya Gummadi, President of Cognizant’s Americas business. Speaking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, he highlighted that India remains central to the company’s overall and AI-focused strategy. Tier-Two Cities Drive Growth Cognizant has recently expanded operations into Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Gujarat’s Gift City, among other locations. “The tier-two expansion is a key element of our strategy,” Gummadi said, adding that the company is simultaneously scaling operations in major urban hubs like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru,…

Adipoli, a vibrant term in Malayalam meaning “super,” “excellent,” or “amazing,” is now more than just a word—it’s the name of a tropical magnesium and vitamin drink launching in the UAE. Malayalee entrepreneurs from Poland have brought this innovative beverage to Gulf consumers, starting with LuLu stores across the region. From Poland to the Middle East Retail giant LuLu Group revealed at Gulfood 2026 that it will roll out Adipoli alongside another product, Malayali Habibi, across its UAE stores. The name “Poli” in Adipoli playfully nods to Poland, where the drink is produced. Bottled and packaged in Warsaw, Adipoli is…

Indian cinema has celebrated a historic achievement as Dhurandhar officially surpassed the ₹1000 Crore mark at the domestic box office. This milestone places the film among an elite league previously reserved for only three cinematic giants: Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, KGF: Chapter 2, and Pushpa 2: The Rule. The accomplishment cements Dhurandhar as one of India’s most successful films ever. What sets this record apart is that Dhurandhar achieved this feat entirely in a single language. While previous blockbusters relied on multi-language releases to reach the four-figure gross, Dhurandhar’s success comes from its primary-language impact, audience connection, and repeat viewership.…

EU exporters will gain significant advantages under the FTA. Tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods will be eliminated or reduced, saving up to €4 billion per year in duties. This provides a competitive edge for EU companies, as India offers the largest trade opening to any partner in its history. The agreement also grants preferential access to India’s services sectors, including finance and maritime transport. Simplified customs procedures will make trade faster and easier, while intellectual property rights for trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets will be strongly protected. The FTA even includes a dedicated chapter to support small EU businesses.…

Arijit Singh has announced that he is stepping away from playback singing, surprising fans worldwide. In a message posted on his social media on January 27, 2026, Singh called it off, describing his journey as “wonderful” and thanking listeners for their support over the years. The 38-year-old singer clarified that while he won’t take on any new playback assignments, he will continue creating music independently and complete existing commitments, meaning fans may still hear new releases from him this year. Singh said he plans to explore music on his own as a “small little artist,” emphasizing that he is not…

Indian electronics manufacturers are set to gain preferential access to the European Union’s nearly $750 billion electronics market, potentially reaching $50 billion in trade by 2031. This access also includes reduced costs for high-end European machinery and technology needed to produce advanced products like semiconductors and electronic components, according to industry leaders. The trade agreement aligns with India’s push to increase electronics exports. It also includes mutual recognition of certifications, which will speed up qualification processes and ensure Indian products meet European standards. Sectors expected to benefit the most include LED TVs, LED lighting, and home appliances, said Sunil Vachani,…

Maharashtra is set to develop the country’s first planned offshore airport off the coast of Palghar district, near Vadhavan Port, with an estimated cost of ₹45,000 crore. Around ₹25,000 crore of this budget is expected to go toward land reclamation, while the remaining funds will cover the construction of airport infrastructure, including terminals, runways, and supporting facilities, according to a senior official. The airport will be built entirely on a reclaimed island and is designed to handle 90 million passengers annually. A pre-feasibility study, commissioned last year by Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd, is nearing completion. The facility will feature…