Author: News Desk

India is set to have 34 mega airports by 2047, according to Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar. Speaking at the Aviation India 2025 event on Wednesday, Kumar said the country’s total number of operational airports has risen to 164 as of October, up from just 74 in 2024. Delhi International Airport is currently among the world’s mega airports, with the capacity to handle 100 million passengers a year. Kumar highlighted the need for a major infrastructure expansion to support the sector’s rapid growth. This includes ramping up manpower, enhancing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and preparing…

ICICI Bank, in partnership with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), has initiated construction of a new state-of-the-art cancer care building at TMC’s Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The project, funded through the Bank’s CSR contribution of ₹625 crore, aims to create one of India’s largest radiation therapy centres, equipped with advanced cancer treatment technology. This initiative is part of ICICI Bank’s broader commitment of ₹1,800 crore to TMC for establishing three modern cancer care facilities—located in Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), Mullanpur (New Chandigarh, Punjab), and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). The foundation stone for the new building, named the ‘ICICI Foundation Block for Radiation Oncology’,…

In a strategic move aimed at deepening South-South defence cooperation, India is offering Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) to Brazil under a possible barter deal in exchange for Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its own fleet. Under the proposal, India would acquire the C-390 Millennium for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, potentially seeking up to 80 units, while Brazil would strengthen its air fleet with the Tejas and Prachand platforms. For India, the deal would significantly boost defence exports and promote the “Make in India” agenda via local assembly and technology transfer. For Brazil, it provides cost-effective fighters and helicopters suited to its vast terrain, along with the strategic transport capabilities of the C-390. However, the arrangement…

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with enterprise AI company AIONOS to deploy a next-generation, multilingual agentic AI concierge system across its airports. The initiative aims to revolutionise passenger experience by offering seamless, personalised and real-time assistance across channels including voice, chat, web, mobile and social platforms. The AI solution, powered by AIONOS’ proprietary platform IntelliMate™, will act as a 24×7 intelligent virtual help desk capable of answering travel queries, sharing live flight and gate updates, helping locate airport services, tracking baggage status, and guiding passengers across terminals. With support…

As part of the state’s Vision 2031 initiative, Kerala has released the draft Vision Document for the Information Technology, Electronics, Semiconductor, and Emerging Technology sectors. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the plan outlines a roadmap to position Kerala as a major player in the global technology economy. He noted that Kerala’s IT exports, which stood at Rs 34,123 crore in 2016, have now risen to nearly Rs 90,000 crore and are expected to cross the Rs 1 lakh crore milestone soon. The state’s built-up IT space has also grown from 155.85 lakh square feet in 2016 to 223 lakh square…

Amway has announced fresh investments of Rs 100 crore in India over the next three to five years. The move aims to expand its physical store network and strengthen distribution capabilities through its direct selling partners, according to the company’s president and CEO, Michael Nelson. He said India has become one of Amway’s three global manufacturing hubs and will play a central role in driving the company’s future growth. The local production base, he added, helps Amway reduce the impact of global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and fluctuating tariffs. India as a Growth Engine Michael Nelson described India as…

Bengaluru witnessed a major step in India’s journey toward autonomous mobility as Wipro, the Indian Institute of Science and RV College of Engineering jointly unveiled an indigenous driverless car named WIRIN, short for Wipro-IISc Research and Innovation Network. A video from the event quickly went viral on social media, showing Sri Satyatmateertha Swamiji of Uttaradi Matha sitting inside the car as it moved smoothly across the RV College campus. The demonstration captured the attention of both tech enthusiasts and the public, with many praising it as a proud moment for Indian innovation. Years in the Making The unveiling took place…

Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, marked another milestone in Indian aviation history this week. She was part of a landmark moment when President Droupadi Murmu took a historic flight in the Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station, the home of the Golden Arrows Squadron and India’s first Rafale fleet. The sortie, lasting around 30 minutes, was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. Covering nearly 200 kilometres at a speed of 700 km/h and an altitude of 15,000 feet, the flight made President Murmu the first Indian head of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The event drew participation from over 85 countries, including global shipping CEOs, policymakers, innovators, and representatives from small island nations. Modi said their presence reflected a shared vision for the future of maritime growth. Global Confidence in India’s Maritime Strength Several major projects and agreements worth lakhs of crores of rupees were launched at the conclave, a signal of global confidence in India’s maritime potential. Modi called 2025 a turning point for the sector and highlighted…

India is taking a major step to enhance flight safety with the creation of a National Aviation Safety Centre. The plan was announced at the Asia-Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting in New Delhi. The centre will focus on upgrading safety systems, building skilled manpower, and deepening international collaboration as India’s air traffic and airport infrastructure continue to expand. Focus on Oversight and Capacity BuildingUnion Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the centre will strengthen safety oversight, improve regulatory compliance, and promote institutional reforms. As air travel surges, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation…