Author: News Desk

The trade agreement between India and the European Union, signed in January, has been called “the mother of all trade deals” by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the significance of a partnership between the EU, the world’s largest trading bloc, and India, the world’s most populous country. Tariff Reductions and Quotas for EU Cars The deal will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports to India, though sensitive agricultural products are excluded for both sides. Key products, such as cars, are included. India has agreed to grant European automakers quotas six times larger than previous…

Tata Chemicals, a leading producer of soda ash and related chemicals, is investing a total of Rs 1,290 crore in multiple capacity expansion projects, including a new greenfield unit in Tamil Nadu. Greenfield Iodised Salt Facility in Tamil Nadu The company’s board has approved Rs 515 crore to set up a new iodised salt facility at Valinokkam in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. R. Mukundan, MD and CEO of Tata Chemicals, said the unit is expected to be completed within the next 36 months. The facility, designed to produce 210 kilotonnes per year of Iodised Vacuum Salt Dried (IVSD), aims to…

WhatsApp has become an inseparable part of daily life in India, used for everything from family chats and work updates to payments and business communications. That’s why the Supreme Court’s stern warning to Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has attracted widespread attention. When Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “If you can’t follow our Constitution, leave India,” it was more than courtroom drama—it was a firm statement on the country’s commitment to protecting user privacy. But what led to such a strong reaction, and does this mean WhatsApp could be forced out of India? How the Privacy Controversy Began The current issue…

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Washington, met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss formalising bilateral cooperation in exploring, mining, and processing critical minerals. The talks also covered broader aspects of the India-US strategic partnership, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, technology, and critical minerals. In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that both leaders agreed to hold early meetings of various mechanisms to advance their shared priorities. A statement from Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the India-US trade deal reached between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement added…

Qatar is set to introduce a 10-year residency programme for entrepreneurs and senior executives, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced, according to Reuters. The initiative aims to attract skilled professionals and investors as the country seeks to boost business growth and diversify its economy. The move aligns Qatar with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both of which have recently launched long-term residency options to draw international talent and investment. In addition to the residency plan, the Qatar Investment Authority will expand its venture capital programme by $2 billion. This builds on the existing $1 billion…

The largest Western aerospace manufacturers producing complete military aircraft include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, and Northrop Grumman, with France’s Dassault and the UK’s BAE Systems also being significant players. As of early 2026, Boeing leads in market value at $197 billion, followed by Airbus at $193 billion, Lockheed Martin at $134 billion, and Northrop Grumman at $96 billion. Lockheed vs Airbus: Military Focus While Airbus delivers more military helicopters, Lockheed dominates in fighter jets. Comparing tankers and transport aircraft is more complex, but overall, Lockheed is considered the larger military aircraft producer. Airbus remains primarily a commercial aerospace company, with its defense segment—Airbus Defence and Space—making up roughly 17% of total business. Including defense-related helicopter operations, Airbus defense revenue is around 26–29%…

India is taking a major step to boost its trade infrastructure by focusing on building containers rather than just ships and ports. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2026 budget includes a ₹10,000 crore ($1.2 billion), five-year scheme to develop a domestic container manufacturing ecosystem. Bridging the Production Gap Currently, India produces about 30,000 containers annually, while China’s capacity exceeds 5 million units. Officials aim for domestic production to meet the needs of the Bharat Container Shipping Line and, eventually, create containers that can be exported. Competing with Regional Players Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are already trying to capture market share from China by offering lower costs and proximity to major…

The Infopark Phase III project is set to become a major hub for information technology, IT-enabled services, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, strengthening Kochi’s position as a technology and innovation centre. Investments in Kochi Metro and Innovation Zones The state budget has allocated ₹79 crore for the second phase of Kochi Metro, which is currently under construction. Additionally, ₹20 crore has been earmarked for establishing a Technology Innovation Zone in Kochi. These investments aim to enhance urban infrastructure, improve mobility, and promote technological innovation in the region. Concerns Over Budget Allocation Not all stakeholders are satisfied with the budget.…

Cochin Shipyard has converted the two battery-electric green tugs it began building independently into firm contracts with Polestar Maritime. The deal follows Polestar winning a 15-year charter agreement from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to deploy the tugs at India’s largest state-owned container port. Construction and Contract Details The value of the order for the two 60-tonne bollard pull electric tugs has not been disclosed. Cochin Shipyard started construction last year after board approval, aiming to reduce delivery time once a formal contract was signed. Polestar Maritime secured the JNPA contract by quoting the lowest daily rate of ₹5,89,500 per tug. Advanced Tug Design The tugs…

Adani Group and Italian aerospace company Leonardo have announced a strategic partnership to develop an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The initiative is expected to strengthen the ‘Make in India’ mission and enhance the country’s self-reliance in aviation. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in New Delhi, will focus on meeting the Indian Armed Forces’ needs, particularly for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The partnership will enable phased indigenization, robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as comprehensive pilot training. India currently has a low helicopter density, with fewer than 250 helicopters for…