Author: News Desk

The government has lowered special additional excise duties on petrol and diesel in response to the global energy crunch caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and Tehran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Petrol’s excise duty has been cut from Rs 13 per litre to Rs 3, while diesel duty has been reduced from Rs 10 per litre to zero, a move expected to ease fuel prices domestically. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy route, handling roughly a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and gas—about 20–25 million barrels of crude and nearly…

Dreaming of a trip to Finland? Now you could experience it for free. Visit Finland is offering a unique opportunity to win a 7-day, all-expenses-paid summer escape in 2026. As part of the ‘Chill Like a Finn’ challenge, six pairs of travellers will be selected to explore the serene Finnish Lakeland region, known for its forests, lakes, and peaceful lifestyle. The experience focuses on slow living—think nature walks, lakeside saunas, outdoor activities, and time away from busy routines. To apply, participants must create a short video on Instagram or TikTok describing their dream Finnish summer and submit it along with an application form. The contest is open to anyone…

M. A. Yusuff Ali, chairman of LuLu Group International, met Narendra Modi in New Delhi to brief him on steps taken to ensure uninterrupted food supplies to Gulf Cooperation Council countries amid ongoing global challenges. The discussion focused on maintaining the steady availability of essential food items across the region, which relies heavily on Indian-origin products and is home to a large Indian diaspora, while also addressing supply chain stability and price control. LuLu Group, which operates over 280 hypermarkets across the GCC, remains central to food distribution in the region. Yusuff Ali outlined the group’s large-scale supply operations, which…

India has launched a major maritime security mission, Operation Urja Suraksha, to safeguard its energy supplies amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The Indian Navy has deployed more than five frontline warships near the Strait of Hormuz to escort and guide India-bound cargo vessels through the high-risk zone. The operation focuses on protecting critical shipments such as LPG, LNG, and crude oil, which are vital for India’s energy security. Around 20 India-bound vessels have been stranded near the Strait due to the ongoing conflict. Once ships exit the Iran-controlled choke point, Indian Navy destroyers and frigates take over, escorting them safely…

ISRO is moving ahead with plans to build India’s first indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, marking a major milestone in the country’s space ambitions. The first module of the station, known as BAS-1, is expected to cost over ₹2,000 crore, covering spacecraft development, launch missions, and critical technology validation. Planned to launch by 2028, this initial module will serve as a testbed for key systems such as life support, docking, and crew habitation technologies, laying the foundation for long-duration human space missions. The full space station is expected to be completed by 2035 and will consist of multiple…

The Indian government is stepping up efforts to strengthen port facilitation and attract more transshipment cargo as global shipping routes face disruptions. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has introduced a series of measures aimed at improving efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and easing cargo handling across major ports. These include simplified procedures, faster clearances, and enhanced coordination between port authorities, customs, and shipping stakeholders. As part of the initiative, ports have been directed to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), appoint nodal officers for faster issue resolution, and ensure 24×7 coordination to manage cargo flows smoothly. Authorities are also allowing…

Infosys is making a major strategic push with a planned investment of ₹5,250 crore to expand its vertical-specific capabilities and strengthen its global delivery model. The move is aimed at deepening expertise across key sectors such as banking, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, enabling the company to offer more specialised, high-value solutions to clients. As part of this strategy, Infosys has also announced the acquisition of Optimum Healthcare IT for about $465 million, significantly boosting its healthcare capabilities. The deal is expected to enhance its presence in the provider segment, add new clients, and strengthen AI-driven digital transformation offerings in healthcare.…

India’s beer industry is facing potential shortages and rising costs as the Iran conflict disrupts gas supplies critical for manufacturing. Global brewers including Heineken, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Carlsberg have warned of supply challenges due to increased input costs and production disruptions. The crisis has driven up prices of glass bottles by nearly 20%, while paper cartons and packaging materials have also seen sharp cost increases. Gas shortages, essential for running furnaces, have forced several glass manufacturers to cut or halt production. Aluminium can makers are also facing supply constraints due to shipping delays, adding further pressure just as India enters…

The Centre has issued a new directive mandating households to switch from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) where the facility is available, setting a strict three-month deadline. Under the order by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, LPG supply will be discontinued if consumers fail to opt for PNG within three months of being notified by the authorised gas provider. The move aims to ease pressure on LPG supplies, which have been affected by global disruptions, especially due to tensions in West Asia. However, the rule includes an exception, LPG supply will continue in areas where PNG…

The Union Cabinet has approved a revamped version of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore, aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity over the next 10 years. Under the modified scheme, the government plans to develop around 100 airports by upgrading existing unserved and underserved airstrips, significantly expanding India’s aviation network. The initiative also includes the development of 200 helipads and enhanced financial support for airline operators through viability gap funding, ensuring better connectivity in remote, hilly, and island regions. The scheme is expected to boost economic growth, tourism, and trade in…