Author: News Desk

Tata Group-owned Air India is set to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered VT-AWA, in the coming weeks (Q1 2026), marking a major step in expanding its wide-body fleet. The aircraft will support growing long-haul demand from key hubs such as Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Delivery and Fleet ExpansionBoeing confirmed that the aircraft delivery is expected before the end of the current quarter, with production already underway for subsequent units. The induction is part of Air India’s 2023 mega order of over 200 Boeing aircraft, aimed at modernizing its international operations. The 787-9 will be the first of…

The Adani Group has unveiled a five-year, $11-billion expansion plan for its airports business, focusing on infrastructure rather than starting an airline in India’s rapidly growing aviation market. Bidding for AirportsThe conglomerate, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, plans to bid for all 11 airports that the government intends to lease to private operators. This is part of India’s ambitious plan to increase its airport network from 163 to 350–400 by 2047. Airports on the lease list include Amritsar and Varanasi. Jeet Adani, director at Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., confirmed the company’s intent to participate in all bids. Market ContextIndia’s aviation…

India and Oman have taken a significant step in economic cooperation by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The pact aims to expand trade, investment, and services cooperation while reinforcing long-standing strategic ties between the two nations. It reflects India’s broader efforts to strengthen trade relations with key partners in the Gulf region. Historic MilestonePrime Minister Narendra Modi called the CEPA a “historic step forward” that will energize India–Oman relations in the 21st century. He highlighted that the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses and youth in both countries and boost long-term trade and investment flows. Key Features…

Kerala-based mental health startup Oppam has secured ₹1.5 crore in seed funding to expand access to culturally tailored mental health services. The funding round was led by Phoenix Angels, with participation from angel investor Sandeep Balaji and several founders from Kerala’s startup ecosystem. About OppamFounded by Ebrahim Hawaz, Abdulla Kunhi, and Mubashira Rahman, Oppam is a 24/7 vernacular mental health platform designed to provide language-first, stigma-aware support to Indians globally. The founders, all from Kasaragod, Kerala, established the startup to address the lack of culturally sensitive mental health care. To date, Oppam has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions for Malayalees…

India and New Zealand have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to double bilateral trade over the next five years. Bilateral trade between the countries reached $1.3 billion in 2024-25. While talks have concluded, the deal is expected to be signed in 2–3 months after legal review, with implementation taking over six months once passed by the New Zealand Parliament. India’s Cabinet has already approved the agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deal as a historic milestone achieved in just nine months, reflecting strong political will and shared ambition. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described…

The Kerala High Court has invalidated major steps in the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport, ruling that the state failed to determine the minimum land required under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The decision, delivered by Justice C Jayachandran on writ petitions filed by Ayana Charitable Trust (formerly Gospel for Asia) and Ayana Charitable Society, specifically targeted the acquisition of 2,570 acres, including 2,263 acres of the Cheruvally Estate in Pathanamthitta and 307 additional acres. The petitioners had challenged the scale and legality of the acquisition,…

The board of Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group, has approved the merger of its subsidiaries ACC Ltd and Orient Cement into Ambuja Cements, paving the way for a pan-India cement major. According to the company, the amalgamation is expected to drive operational efficiencies, streamline manufacturing and logistics, and improve capital allocation. These gains are likely to enhance profitability, support future capacity expansion, and strengthen long-term shareholder value. The merger will also rationalise branding, sales, and promotional expenses, helping cut costs and improve margins by at least Rs 100 per metric tonne. By removing overlapping structures, the consolidation will…

Women travellers in Kerala may soon no longer have to worry about finding clean and safe public toilets during their journeys. Addressing a long-standing concern, especially during long-distance travel, the state’s Suchitwa Mission has developed a mobile application called KLOO as part of the Malinyamukta Navakeralam initiative. The app is designed to help travellers easily locate nearby public toilets, with the initial rollout focused on major tourist routes and national highways across the state. Using Google Maps integration, users can identify the closest facilities based on their current location, making the search quick and hassle-free. Developed with technical support from…

The TVS Orbiter can be connected to a mobile app and digital cluster, giving riders access to real-time data such as battery status and odometer readings. It also provides incoming call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation, making city commuting seamless and informed. Electric Mobility Meets Practicality TVS Motor Company has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the Orbiter in Telangana, priced at ₹1,04,600 (ex-showroom, inclusive of the PM e-Drive scheme). Designed for everyday urban rides, the scooter combines range, comfort, connected technology, and practical features, targeting India’s growing demand for sustainable commuting options. Powerful Battery and Efficient Performance…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Oman has agreed to export raw marble blocks to India. The move is expected to reduce reliance on Turkish marble imports and support India’s processing industry in generating more jobs. Oman had banned the export of raw marble since 2016 to encourage domestic value addition. Benefits for India’s Marble Sector “Marble blocks were previously banned from export by Oman. India is the first country for which they have lifted this restriction,” Goyal said at a press briefing. “This will help our processing industry produce finished marble tiles and flooring domestically, replacing…