Author: News Desk
Zoho Corporation, the Chennai-based global software and cloud services provider, has inaugurated its first data centres in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with facilities in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The move represents a strategic expansion of Zoho’s cloud infrastructure to better serve customers in the Middle East, reduce latency and enhance data sovereignty for regional clients. The new centres will support Zoho’s portfolio of cloud applications, including CRM, HR, finance, collaboration and productivity tools, catering to businesses of all sizes seeking local hosting and improved performance. Zoho’s data centre presence in the UAE aligns with growing demand for secure, compliant cloud services that help…
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, focusing on key aspects of the India-U.S. strategic partnership including trade negotiations, critical minerals, defence cooperation, nuclear collaboration and energy ties. Sharing details on social media, Jaishankar described the exchange as a “good conversation”, highlighting that both sides agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues as they work to strengthen cooperation across economic and security domains. The call comes amid ongoing efforts to revitalise bilateral relations after recent strains linked to trade disputes and tariffs, with negotiators on both sides aiming to push forward discussions on a comprehensive trade framework. Officials…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited leading German universities to open their campuses in India, underscoring a significant push to deepen academic cooperation between the two nations. The invitation came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of bilateral talks aimed at strengthening strategic ties across education, mobility and skills development. As part of an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education, both countries agreed to enhance institutional partnerships, expand student and research exchanges, and facilitate collaborative programmes designed to broaden opportunities for learners and educators alike. Modi highlighted that encouraging foreign universities to launch campuses in India will bring global academic…
The Ministry of Railways has announced that nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be flagged off soon, strengthening rail connectivity between the eastern and northeastern regions and major destinations across India. The services were detailed by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who shared that the new trains will originate from West Bengal and Assam and connect with key cities across Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and other states. Among the routes set for launch are services linking Guwahati (Kamakhya) with Rohtak, Dibrugarh with Lucknow (Gomti Nagar), New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, and connections between Alipurduar and SMVT Bengaluru or Mumbai (Panvel). Trains will also run between Kolkata and Tambaram, Howrah and Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi), and Sealdah…
The northeastern Indian state of Assam is widely known as the “Tea Garden of India”, a title earned through its vast stretches of lush tea plantations and its dominant role in the country’s tea industry. Nestled along the fertile plains of the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam offers ideal natural conditions for tea cultivation, including rich alluvial soil, heavy rainfall and a warm, humid climate. Assam is one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions and contributes a significant share of India’s total tea output. The state is especially famous for its strong, malty and full-bodied Assam tea, which is highly valued in global markets and commonly used…
Uber is broadening its focus in India beyond individual ride-hailing to pursue the corporate transportation market, which the company and industry estimates predict could be worth around $13 billion by 2030. According to Uber Shuttle’s General Manager for EMEA and India, Nikolaas Van de Loock, the rapid growth of global capability centres (GCCs), IT parks, manufacturing hubs and large enterprises is creating strong and predictable demand for organised employee commuting solutions, a segment ideal for shared transport services. Uber began exploring fixed-commute patterns nearly a decade ago, first piloting such services abroad before pivoting to India due to its vast market scale, traffic congestion…
British bicycle brand Muddyfox is set to launch in India this month, partnering with Ananta Ventures as its exclusive distributor. Founded in the mid-1980s, Muddyfox grew out of the rising popularity of off-road cycling in the United States and brought the trend to the UK. In 1985, the company introduced the “Courier,” an affordable model that became an urban favorite. By 1987, Muddyfox captured about 50% of the UK mountain bike market, selling roughly 20,000 units annually. Within two years, annual sales approached 100,000 bikes. For its initial launch in India, Muddyfox will offer 18 SKUs catering to different segments…
US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor has underscored the critical role India plays in US foreign policy, announcing that Washington and New Delhi will resume their next round of trade negotiations starting Tuesday, January 12. Gor, who also serves as Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, indicated that US President Donald Trump may visit India next year. Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor described the relationship between the two nations as “anchored at the highest levels,” emphasizing that real friends can resolve differences. He highlighted Trump’s strong personal friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it genuine and consistent.…
Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday chaired a consultation with around 20 companies to discuss the ₹7,280-crore scheme designed to encourage domestic manufacturing of sintered rare earth magnets. The meeting highlights India’s effort to establish a homegrown supply chain for magnets, essential for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and defence applications. “The consultation saw participation from over 20 industry stakeholders, and their concerns and suggestions on the scheme were discussed in detail,” Kumaraswamy said on X, formerly Twitter. Industry concerns about raw material availability were addressed, with the government assuring that state-run India Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) will…
US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on any country conducting trade with Iran, escalating pressure on Tehran in response to its violent suppression of nationwide protests that have left nearly 600 dead and resulted in thousands of arrests. The move could affect major trading partners of Iran, including India and China. “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States. This order is final and conclusive,” Trump said on Truth Social. The announcement comes as Trump considers possible military action…