Author: News Desk

Amazon has announced a major expansion of its Ashray network, planning to scale up dedicated rest facilities for delivery associates across India amid rising heatwave concerns. The company said it will expand Ashray centres to 250 locations this year across cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Around 50 new centres are expected to be launched by the end of May, adding to the existing network of over 100 centres spread across 16 cities. The move comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of above-normal temperatures between May and June, with an increased likelihood of heatwave conditions…

The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived at Kochi on May 4 as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment, highlighting growing maritime cooperation between India and the Netherlands. The warship was guided into harbour by an Indian Navy fast interceptor craft and received a ceremonial welcome with a naval band. The visit is taking place alongside a high-level Dutch delegation visiting the Southern Naval Command, led by senior officials including Rob De Wit and Marisa Gerards. The frigate is currently on a five-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific region and is expected to take part in multiple joint exercises…

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has reported steady growth in passenger traffic for 2025–26, managing to move past operational challenges faced by airlines and broader geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The airport recorded a 2.2% increase in passenger numbers and crossed the 10 million mark for the fourth year in a row. During the financial year, CIAL handled 1,14,42,583 passengers and recorded 73,134 aircraft movements. International travel accounted for 54,01,939 passengers, while domestic traffic stood at 60,40,644, showing balanced growth across both segments. May 2025 was the busiest month, with 11,07,184 passengers passing through the airport. On the operations side,…

Intel has reportedly secured a preliminary agreement with Apple to manufacture some of the chips used in its devices, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The deal, if finalised, would mark a major breakthrough for Intel as it tries to rebuild its semiconductor manufacturing business. The two companies are said to have been in detailed discussions for over a year, with a formal agreement reached in recent months, based on people familiar with the matter. Following the news, Intel shares jumped sharply, while Apple stock also saw a modest rise in trading. For Intel, this partnership would…

Royal Enfield has been ranked as the world’s third strongest automotive brand in the latest Automotive Industry 2026 report published by Brand Finance, marking a major global achievement for the Indian motorcycle manufacturer. According to the report, Royal Enfield recorded a Brand Strength Index score of 88.9 out of 100 with an AAA rating, while its overall brand value rose by 30 percent to approximately $1.2 billion. Industry analysts say the brand’s success is rooted in its strong global identity, timeless motorcycle designs, growing rider communities, and emotional connection with customers across markets. Unlike many larger automobile companies, Royal Enfield…

A new political chapter unfolded in West Bengal as Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as Chief Minister on Saturday (May 9, 2026), marking a major shift in the state’s leadership. He was administered the oath of office by Governor R. N. Ravi at a grand ceremony held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. Along with him, five MLAs—Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik—also took oath as members of the new Council of Ministers. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior leaders from the NDA, including Union ministers and chief ministers from…

Google is reportedly exploring new investments in India across artificial intelligence infrastructure, server manufacturing, and drone production, according to Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The proposed investments are expected to focus on strengthening India’s growing AI ecosystem and expanding advanced technology manufacturing capabilities. Reports indicate that discussions include manufacturing servers in India and supporting drone-related technologies as part of the country’s broader digital and industrial ambitions. India has been actively positioning itself as a global hub for AI, semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. The government has introduced multiple incentive schemes aimed at attracting global technology companies to…

INS Mahendragiri, the sixth frigate in the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A, has been inducted into the Indian Navy, marking another step forward in India’s push for stronger and more self-reliant maritime capabilities. This new warship is part of a broader shift in how India is building naval power, especially as the Indian Ocean becomes more strategically competitive and closely monitored due to busy trade routes and rising naval activity. Developed under Project 17A, INS Mahendragiri belongs to a new generation of stealth guided-missile frigates designed for multi-role operations. The programme includes seven ships in total and builds on the earlier…

John Furner, chief executive of Walmart, met Narendra Modi during his first official visit to India and reaffirmed the retail giant’s commitment to expanding its operations in the country. According to Walmart, the discussions focused on India’s strong economic growth, its increasing export potential, and the scope for attracting greater foreign investment. The meeting formed part of Furner’s three-day maiden visit to India, where he engaged with government leaders and business stakeholders. Walmart entered India in 2018 through its acquisition of Flipkart and has since significantly expanded its presence in e-commerce, digital payments, and supply-chain services. The company views India…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a small cluster of hantavirus infections linked to passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, while stressing that the overall public health risk remains low and very different from COVID-19. Limited Cases Reported on Cruise Ship According to WHO, eight cases of hantavirus have been detected so far, including three deaths. Three cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing. The infections were identified after passengers from the cruise began reporting illness, prompting global contact tracing efforts. Countries are now tracking passengers who disembarked from the ship during its stop at St Helena on…