Author: News Desk
India has doubled its wheat export quota to 5 million tonnes, allowing an additional 2.5 million tonnes to be shipped overseas. The move comes amid strong domestic production and rising inventories, with wheat output estimated at around 120 million tonnes for 2025–26, ensuring comfortable supply levels. The government aims to ease pressure on excess stocks, improve market liquidity, and prevent distress sales during peak harvest arrivals. Officials say the expanded export window will also help support farmgate prices and boost farmer incomes, while maintaining adequate domestic availability. India had earlier permitted limited exports after easing restrictions imposed in 2022, gradually increasing quotas as supply conditions improved.…
Allana Group has partnered with Captain Fresh to build a massive retail network across India. The two companies will jointly serve around 4,000 retail stores over the next four years through a new venture. The joint venture, named Indian Retail Alliance Private Ltd (IRAPL), will see Allana Group hold a 51% stake, while Captain Fresh will own the remaining share. The platform will offer a wide range of fresh protein products, including seafood, chicken, and mutton, targeting both retail consumers and HoReCa segments. The strategy includes standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats, and partnerships with local entrepreneurs, aiming to organize India’s fragmented protein retail market. Captain Fresh…
The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts is celebrating four decades of operations, marking a major milestone in India’s luxury hospitality sector. Since launching its first property in Mumbai in 1986, the brand has grown into a portfolio of iconic palaces, hotels, and resorts rooted in Indian culture and heritage. As it enters its fifth decade, The Leela is focusing on expansion and new launches, including upcoming properties in Coorg, Jaisalmer, and luxury residences in Mumbai. The brand is also rolling out curated cultural experiences across music, wellness, and gastronomy to celebrate its legacy and enhance guest engagement. With a strong emphasis on “Atithi Devo…
Revolut is aiming for a valuation of up to $200 billion in its eventual initial public offering (IPO), signalling one of the most ambitious targets in the fintech space. The company has internally discussed a valuation range of $150 billion to $200 billion, according to reports citing investors briefed on its plans. Currently valued at around $75 billion, the target would represent a significant jump, potentially placing Revolut among the world’s most valuable financial firms. However, the IPO is not expected anytime soon, with CEO Nik Storonsky indicating that a public listing is likely at least two years away, possibly around 2028. In the meantime, the company…
India’s consular services landscape in the UAE is set for a major change, with Alhind Tours & Travels winning the contract to handle Indian passport and visa services. Under the new agreement, Alhind will provide a wide range of services including passport issuance and renewal, visa processing, OCI cards, and police clearance certificates for Indian residents in the UAE. The contract was awarded after a competitive tender process, where Alhind emerged as the lowest financial bidder among shortlisted firms. This marks a transition from the previous service provider, signalling a shift in how consular services will be delivered to the large Indian diaspora in…
Lufthansa has announced plans to cut around 20,000 short-haul flights from its schedule as jet fuel prices surge amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The move is aimed at saving nearly 40,000 tonnes of jet fuel, with prices having more than doubled since the conflict began. The cuts will affect European routes and reduce overall capacity slightly, as airlines try to eliminate unprofitable flights and manage rising costs. The crisis is not limited to Lufthansa. Airlines globally are trimming routes, grounding aircraft, and increasing fares as fuel accounts for a significant share of operating expenses. Disruptions in oil supply, especially around the strategically crucial…
India Post has crossed the ₹15,000 crore revenue mark, signalling a major turnaround in its financial performance. The Department of Posts reported revenue of around ₹15,296 crore in FY26, marking a 16% year-on-year growth, one of its strongest performances in recent years. A key driver behind this growth is the rapid expansion of its network, with over 11,000 new post offices added in the last four years, helping extend services to nearly 90% of rural India. India Post now operates a vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices, making it one of the largest postal systems in the world.…
The government has rejected the security clearance of Christoph Schenellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, creating a fresh hurdle for the project’s operational launch. The decision was taken by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which cited that the CEO is a foreign national, violating existing aviation security norms for greenfield airports. Under current rules, key positions linked to airport security coordination are required to be held by Indian nationals, making the clearance mandatory before operations begin. This development could force the airport operator to replace the CEO with an Indian executive to comply with regulations and secure final approvals. The issue is significant because security…
The Reserve Bank of India has updated its e-mandate framework to make recurring digital payments smoother and more user-friendly. Under the new rules, auto-debits up to ₹15,000 will no longer require OTP authentication, making subscriptions and bill payments seamless. However, transactions above ₹15,000 will still need additional authentication, ensuring security for higher-value payments. Users must still complete a one-time registration with authentication, after which recurring payments can proceed automatically within the limit. To maintain safety, the RBI has made it mandatory for banks to send pre-debit alerts at least 24 hours before the transaction, along with post-debit notifications. Customers will also have the option…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is planning a massive ₹10,000 crore investment to upgrade infrastructure and accelerate production of fighter jets and helicopters. The expansion will focus on enhancing manufacturing capacity for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and indigenous helicopter programs, addressing delays and boosting delivery timelines. Key upgrades include new assembly lines, hangars, advanced tooling, and digital technologies, aimed at improving efficiency and increasing output across facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik. HAL currently has large pending orders, including around 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets and multiple helicopter programs, making faster production a strategic priority for the armed forces. The investment is also expected to boost self-reliance in…