Author: News Desk

Uber has acquired Hong Kong-based taxi-hailing app FlyTaxi as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the city’s mobility market. The acquisition comes ahead of new ride-hailing regulations expected later this year, positioning Uber more strongly in a competitive and evolving market. FlyTaxi, a widely used local platform connecting taxi drivers and passengers, will continue to operate as usual, with no immediate changes for users or drivers. Uber said the move will combine FlyTaxi’s local expertise with its global technology to enhance service quality and expand opportunities for drivers. The deal also reflects Uber’s broader strategy of consolidating…

India is developing Great Nicobar Island into a major strategic maritime hub, marking one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Indian Ocean region. The Great Nicobar Island Development Project aims to transform the island into a global transshipment and logistics centre, leveraging its proximity to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. The project includes key components such as an international container transshipment terminal at Galathea Bay, a dual-use international airport, power infrastructure, and new urban townships. Strategically, the development is expected to strengthen India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, enhance maritime security, and…

Air India has launched a new non-stop flight service between Delhi and Hanoi, marking its first direct connection to Vietnam’s capital. The airline will operate five flights per week, significantly improving connectivity between India and Vietnam. The inaugural flight departed Delhi at 1:20 AM IST and landed in Hanoi at 7:20 AM local time, receiving a warm welcome from officials and airport authorities. The route, launched from May 1, 2026, is part of Air India’s broader expansion strategy in Asia and complements its existing services to Ho Chi Minh City. With a flight duration of around 4.5 hours, the new…

The United Arab Emirates is signalling a tougher stance toward Pakistan even as it deepens its economic and strategic engagement with India. Recent developments, including actions involving Etihad Airways, have raised concerns about the treatment of Pakistani workers in the Gulf. Reports indicate abrupt job terminations and deportation orders, highlighting a shift in approach. At the same time, the UAE’s demand for repayment of $3.45 billion in loans has added financial pressure on Pakistan, exposing strains in what was once a stable relationship. Analysts suggest these moves reflect broader geopolitical realignments, with the UAE increasingly prioritising its ties with India…

Aster DM Healthcare reported a sharp 80% jump in net profit to around ₹153 crore for Q4 FY26, driven by strong operational performance. Revenue from operations rose 18% year-on-year to about ₹1,182 crore, supported by higher patient volumes across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic services. The company also saw improved margins, with operating EBITDA increasing significantly due to better cost management and operating leverage. Growth was led by its core healthcare segments, reflecting sustained demand and expansion in key markets. The strong quarterly performance highlights Aster’s ongoing momentum as it scales operations and strengthens its position in India’s growing healthcare sector.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has inaugurated a new expansion wing at its Technology Centre Pune (TCP) in Baner, adding around 33,000 sq. ft. to its existing facility as part of its push to position India as a key global R&D hub within the Volkswagen Group. The company aims to respond more quickly to Indian customer preferences and evolving market trends, while also improving scalability and speed of development across projects. The newly expanded facility will focus on advanced vehicle engineering, platform development, software systems, and sustainable mobility solutions. With this addition, the company now has around 450…

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep has eased its tourist entry regulations, simplifying the permit process in an effort to make the islands more accessible to visitors while maintaining security standards. According to a fresh circular issued by the island administration on Wednesday, tourists will no longer need a local sponsor to apply for entry permits. The earlier requirement of submitting police clearance certificates from the applicant’s home state has also been removed. Under the revised system, security verification will now be conducted directly by the Lakshadweep Police after the application is submitted, streamlining the approval process. The changes are intended…

Reliance Retail has acquired global haircare brand Anomaly, founded by actor-entrepreneur Priyanka Chopra Jonas, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening its position in the fast-growing beauty and personal care market. The company said in an official statement that it has taken full ownership of Anomaly’s trademarks, brand assets, and digital properties. However, the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. With this acquisition, Reliance Retail brings the brand fully into its ecosystem, allowing it to scale through its wide offline retail presence and digital platforms. The company also plans to leverage its omnichannel beauty platform Tira to…

Riafy Technologies, a Kochi-based AI firm, has been recognised as a 2026 Google Cloud Partner of the Year in the Social Impact: Accessibility Innovation category at Google Cloud Next in Las Vegas. The company’s enterprise platform, R10, is built around AI agents designed to execute tasks rather than simply respond to queries. These agents are now being used across industries including aviation, banking, telecom, automotive, and retail, where they manage end-to-end workflows such as ticket booking, order processing, customer support, and internal operations. In aviation, Riafy’s system integrated with IndiGo enables users to complete bookings, check-ins, and add-on purchases through…

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has said that BrahMos Aerospace has recorded a strong financial and operational performance in 2025–26, with revenues crossing ₹5,200 crore for the year. In a post on social media, DRDO noted that the company’s newly established Lucknow facility has already begun production, rolling out its first batch of missiles within just one year of starting operations. The rapid scale-up is being seen as a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. DRDO also highlighted that BrahMos Aerospace is expanding its global presence, securing export contracts worth around ₹4,000 crore during 2025–26. These deals…