Author: News Desk

India is increasingly being seen as a major global economic force, with several experts and leaders at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos projecting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the coming years, potentially by 2028 or sooner. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s strong growth trajectory, citing structural reforms, infrastructure investment, and robust economic fundamentals as key drivers of sustained expansion. Economist Gita Gopinath noted that while GDP growth could elevate India’s global ranking, the real challenge lies in raising per capita incomes and maintaining reform momentum to ensure inclusive prosperity. Projections by financial institutions and analysts suggest India’s rapid expansion could see…

India and the European Union (EU) are set to formalise a significant Security and Defence Partnership during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi next week, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has announced. The agreement, approved by the EU and India, is expected to be signed when top EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, visit India as chief guests for key diplomatic engagements. According to statements in the European Parliament, the partnership will broaden bilateral cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism and other critical defence areas, reflecting deepening strategic…

India is poised to unveil a major advancement in its defence arsenal at the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, with the first public display of the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) long-range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM). The missile, designed primarily for the Indian Navy, boasts a range of around 1,500 kilometres and travels at hypersonic speeds, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect and intercept. The LRAShM is part of India’s efforts to strengthen its maritime strike and deterrence capabilities in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region through advanced indigenous technologies. According to DRDO Project Director A. Prasad Goud, the missile combines high aerodynamic…

India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is poised for a milestone with the first Made-in-India C-295 aircraft expected to roll out of the final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat, before September 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced during talks with Spain’s Foreign Minister. The C-295 programme is being executed under a ₹21,935-crore contract signed in September 2021 between India’s Ministry of Defence, Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) for 56 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this deal, the first 16 aircraft were delivered in “fly-away” condition from Airbus’ Seville facility, while the remaining 40 aircraft are to be manufactured domestically at the Airbus-Tata Final Assembly Line inaugurated in October 2024 in Vadodara. The upcoming rollout…

Tata Group’s defence arm is in advanced discussions with overseas governments and defence agencies to supply military hardware to Europe and Africa, according to industry sources. These talks represent a significant push by one of India’s leading defence manufacturers to break into new international markets and diversify its export footprint beyond traditional partners. The potential hardware offerings under consideration include armoured vehicles, artillery systems, unmanned aerial systems (drones) and other tactical equipment, segments where Tata Defence has developed competitive products and strong manufacturing capabilities. Experts say these discussions could lead to contracts that strengthen long-term strategic ties with European and African nations seeking reliable, cost-effective defence…

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has introduced a lively new social space called Gate Z in Terminal 2, aimed at Gen Z and experience-driven travellers as traditional airport lounges evolve toward more interactive waiting areas. Unlike quieter, member-only lounges, Gate Z embraces a social-first design with shared seating, casual hangouts and a relaxed environment that blends comfort, technology and sustainability for passengers. The space features several zones including a café-bar (Bubble & Brew), a casual seating area called The Sipping Lounge, a retro diner with live food counters and even an amphitheatre-style area for screenings and pop-up events, making the pre-flight experience more engaging for young adults, remote workers and frequent flyers…

Kerala has renewed efforts to advance the long-standing Nilambur-Nanjangud railway project, despite continued opposition from Karnataka. The proposed 236-kilometre line, also known as the Wayanad railway project, would create a broad-gauge connection from Nanjangud in Mysuru district, Karnataka, to Nilambur in Malappuram district, Kerala, passing through the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Railway veteran E Sreedharan, widely known as the Metro Man, recently met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the project. Earlier feasibility studies had raised concerns over low passenger demand and questioned the economic viability of the line. Karnataka has consistently opposed the project, citing potential damage to…

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is banking on its billion-dollar push into data centres to yield significant returns, relying on its strategy of owning land, physical infrastructure, and servers to keep costs under control. The company believes full control over the entire setup will allow it to offer highly competitive pricing, even as demand for data centres rises amid the global surge in artificial intelligence adoption. Prashant Jain, head of L&T’s corporate centre, said the company plans to scale its data centre capacity from 32 megawatts (MW) at present to 200MW by 2030. He emphasized that L&T’s “full stack” ownership enables…

Kannur airport has expanded its international reach with the launch of faster connecting services to London Heathrow, easing long-haul travel for passengers from north Kerala and nearby regions. IndiGo and Air India Express have started coordinated connections through major Indian hubs, reducing transit complexity and overall travel time. Air India Express has introduced a daily Kannur to London Heathrow connection via Bengaluru. The Kannur–Bengaluru flight departs at 10.15 am and lands at 11.25 am, allowing passengers to connect to Air India’s wide body service to London, which departs at 2.10 pm and arrives at Heathrow at 7.30 pm. On the…

360 One Asset’s private equity and venture capital arm has launched a 1000 crore fund focused on defence and space sectors. The fund is fully backed by domestic investors and is expected to close within the next two months. It will invest in 15 to 20 companies across the defence and space value chain. Sameer Nath, chief investment officer and head of private equity and venture capital at 360 One Asset, said the firm may expand the fund further through a greenshoe option. This could make it one of India’s largest funds dedicated to defence and space where funding has…