Author: News Desk

Entrepreneurs Nikhil Kamath and Kishore Biyani have launched The Foundery, a new residential business launchpad aimed at nurturing early-stage startups and founder talent in India. The programme is structured as a 90-day immersive experience where participants work intensively to shape ideas, validate market demand, build products, and develop business models with guidance from experienced operators, investors, and domain experts. Designed as a blend of a school, accelerator, and venture studio, The Foundery emphasises execution-based learning over traditional classroom teaching. Selected founders can retain up to 25% equity in the companies they help build, and ventures meeting internal milestones may receive seed funding of up to ₹4 crore, along with continued strategic…

Jewellery brand Jos Alukkas has appointed actor Dulquer Salmaan as its new brand ambassador. The partnership brings together the popular actor, known for his work across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, with the jewellery company for upcoming campaigns. Campaign FocusDulquer Salmaan will feature in Jos Alukkas’ campaigns highlighting jewellery as a form of personal expression and its significance across occasions and life milestones. Brand PerspectiveVarghese Alukkas, Managing Director of Jos Alukkas, said, “Our growth has always been built on raising standards and earning trust. Dulquer’s career shows the same clarity in choices and attention to detail that mirrors…

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), and Isha Ambani of India’s Reliance Industries have signed a five-year strategic partnership between the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and QM. The collaboration will create a series of Museum-in-Residence programs in India and Qatar, designed to offer playful, museum-based learning for children and equip educators with innovative tools to inspire creativity. The signing ceremony was held at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. Both organizations share a belief in the power of education to foster creativity and the value of cross-cultural exchange. The…

Tata Group-owned Air India is set to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered VT-AWA, in the coming weeks (Q1 2026), marking a major step in expanding its wide-body fleet. The aircraft will support growing long-haul demand from key hubs such as Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Delivery and Fleet ExpansionBoeing confirmed that the aircraft delivery is expected before the end of the current quarter, with production already underway for subsequent units. The induction is part of Air India’s 2023 mega order of over 200 Boeing aircraft, aimed at modernizing its international operations. The 787-9 will be the first of…

The Adani Group has unveiled a five-year, $11-billion expansion plan for its airports business, focusing on infrastructure rather than starting an airline in India’s rapidly growing aviation market. Bidding for AirportsThe conglomerate, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, plans to bid for all 11 airports that the government intends to lease to private operators. This is part of India’s ambitious plan to increase its airport network from 163 to 350–400 by 2047. Airports on the lease list include Amritsar and Varanasi. Jeet Adani, director at Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., confirmed the company’s intent to participate in all bids. Market ContextIndia’s aviation…

India and Oman have taken a significant step in economic cooperation by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The pact aims to expand trade, investment, and services cooperation while reinforcing long-standing strategic ties between the two nations. It reflects India’s broader efforts to strengthen trade relations with key partners in the Gulf region. Historic MilestonePrime Minister Narendra Modi called the CEPA a “historic step forward” that will energize India–Oman relations in the 21st century. He highlighted that the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses and youth in both countries and boost long-term trade and investment flows. Key Features…

Kerala-based mental health startup Oppam has secured ₹1.5 crore in seed funding to expand access to culturally tailored mental health services. The funding round was led by Phoenix Angels, with participation from angel investor Sandeep Balaji and several founders from Kerala’s startup ecosystem. About OppamFounded by Ebrahim Hawaz, Abdulla Kunhi, and Mubashira Rahman, Oppam is a 24/7 vernacular mental health platform designed to provide language-first, stigma-aware support to Indians globally. The founders, all from Kasaragod, Kerala, established the startup to address the lack of culturally sensitive mental health care. To date, Oppam has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions for Malayalees…

India and New Zealand have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to double bilateral trade over the next five years. Bilateral trade between the countries reached $1.3 billion in 2024-25. While talks have concluded, the deal is expected to be signed in 2–3 months after legal review, with implementation taking over six months once passed by the New Zealand Parliament. India’s Cabinet has already approved the agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deal as a historic milestone achieved in just nine months, reflecting strong political will and shared ambition. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described…

The Kerala High Court has invalidated major steps in the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport, ruling that the state failed to determine the minimum land required under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The decision, delivered by Justice C Jayachandran on writ petitions filed by Ayana Charitable Trust (formerly Gospel for Asia) and Ayana Charitable Society, specifically targeted the acquisition of 2,570 acres, including 2,263 acres of the Cheruvally Estate in Pathanamthitta and 307 additional acres. The petitioners had challenged the scale and legality of the acquisition,…

The board of Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group, has approved the merger of its subsidiaries ACC Ltd and Orient Cement into Ambuja Cements, paving the way for a pan-India cement major. According to the company, the amalgamation is expected to drive operational efficiencies, streamline manufacturing and logistics, and improve capital allocation. These gains are likely to enhance profitability, support future capacity expansion, and strengthen long-term shareholder value. The merger will also rationalise branding, sales, and promotional expenses, helping cut costs and improve margins by at least Rs 100 per metric tonne. By removing overlapping structures, the consolidation will…