Author: News Desk
In a landmark development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has joined hands with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India, the first time this critical component will be produced outside France. Under four Production Transfer Agreements signed between the partners, a cutting-edge production facility will be established in Hyderabad, Telangana, dedicated to producing key structural sections of the Rafale fuselage, including the front section, central fuselage, complete rear section and lateral shells. The facility is expected to start production in the financial year 2027-28, with a projected capacity to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month once…
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, part of Adani Enterprises, operates one of India’s largest private airport networks, including major hubs such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram along with the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. The company handles a significant share of India’s air traffic, with its airports collectively serving over 9.4 crore passengers in FY 2024-25 and contributing roughly 23 % of domestic air travel and a substantial portion of international traffic. With rapid growth across passenger volumes, non-aeronautical revenue streams and airport capacity expansion plans, Adani Airports is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) or demerger of its airport business.…
Lay’s has unveiled a refreshed brand identity in India as part of the largest redesign in its nearly 100-year history. The updated packaging highlights ingredient cues and farm origins, with on-pack messaging such as “Made with Finest Potatoes”, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and taste. The redesign features updated logo elements, refined typography and vibrant ingredient imagery intended to make quality cues more visible on shelves for consumers. The revamp also incorporates a polyolefin-based recycle-ready structure designed to improve post-consumer waste outcomes, reflecting a greater focus on sustainability. The refreshed packs will roll out nationwide starting the first week of March. To support the brand refresh,…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited Tarique Rahman, the newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to visit India at a mutually convenient time, signalling a strengthened diplomatic outreach between the two neighbouring countries. The invitation was conveyed through India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who handed over a personal letter from PM Modi to Rahman following his inauguration. In his letter, Modi congratulated Rahman on his electoral victory and assumption of office, noting that the result reflects the trust the people of Bangladesh have placed in his leadership. Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bangladesh, based on shared history, cultural ties and…
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop pollinator-friendly “bee corridors” along stretches of national highways. The project aims to support bee populations and other vital pollinators by planting native flowering vegetation along highway verges, medians and green belts to provide food, habitat and movement pathways for pollinating species. Native species of trees and plants, including Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris, will be planted. Bees and other pollinators are essential for healthy ecosystems and agricultural productivity, playing a crucial role in the reproduction of flowering plants and crops. However, pollinator populations have been declining…
td (APSEZ) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Port of Marseille Fos to strengthen trade connectivity between India and Europe under the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The MoU was signed during the visit of Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the growing India–France strategic partnership and aligning it with the broader IMEC and India–EU trade vision. The partnership proposes the creation of an IMEC Ports Club to improve coordination among key ports along the corridor, completing the India–EU trade pathway under IMEC. Launched at the Narendra Modi-hosted G20 Summit in New Delhi, IMEC is a 6,000-km multimodal connectivity initiative linking India and…
In a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure, Vaikom in Kerala has become home to India’s first fully solar-powered, energy-neutral boat station. The project marks a major milestone in integrating renewable energy into public transport facilities. The boat station now operates entirely on solar energy generated through rooftop photovoltaic panels installed at the facility. The system produces sufficient electricity to meet the station’s daily power requirements, effectively making it energy neutral. Any surplus power generated can be fed back into the grid, enhancing overall efficiency. The initiative aligns with Kerala’s broader push toward renewable energy adoption and green mobility solutions. By…
India and France have significantly expanded their strategic partnership following bilateral discussions between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron, with agreements spanning defence, energy, technology, education and global governance. Both leaders described the India–France relationship as a “force for global stability” at a time of geopolitical volatility. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced military platforms and joint production initiatives, reinforcing France’s role as one of India’s key strategic defence partners. In the energy sector, both sides reaffirmed collaboration in civil nuclear energy, renewable power and green hydrogen development. Discussions also covered resilient supply chains, critical minerals and…
Mumbai is gearing up for its own Water Metro transport system, with services expected to launch from December 2026 in phases, according to Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane. The project aims to introduce battery-powered electric ferries that will help decongest road traffic and offer a cleaner, faster public transport alternative along the city’s waterways. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is on track to be completed by February 28, after which authorities will finalise the first routes and implementation strategy. Plans include six to eight waterways corridors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with two key city sectors likely to be prioritised for the initial phase. Potential initial routes are expected to…
‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ was launched in Jaipur as a new AI-powered platform designed to give farmers comprehensive support in one place. The system provides information on weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil health, crop guidance, and government schemes via phone calls, chatbots, and, in the future, a dedicated mobile app. In its first phase, Bharat-VISTAAR will operate in Hindi and English, reaching lakhs of farmers across states including Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat. Built as a voice-first AI, it allows even farmers using basic feature phones to access services simply by calling the helpline at 155261. The platform also includes voice input-output,…