Author: News Desk

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first batch of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, with three aircraft now ready for handover. Two of the aircraft have been built at Bengaluru and one at Nashik. The IAF had ordered 70 HTT-40 aircraft for ₹6,838 crore to train rookie pilots. HAL was originally scheduled to deliver 12 aircraft during FY2025-26 but could not deliver any due to engine shortages. The supply situation has since improved after US-based Honeywell delivered the first batch of TPE331-12B turboprop engines. HAL can now produce up to 20 HTT-40 aircraft…

Kerala has launched a dedicated GCC Boilerplate designed to help global companies establish and operationalise Global Capability Centres (GCCs) with minimal procedural hurdles. The framework was unveiled by Electronics & IT Department Special Secretary Sriram Sambasiva Rao at the second edition of the Economic Times GCC World Surge. Industry, IT and AI Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty attended the event online. The Kerala GCC Boilerplate serves as a comprehensive roadmap covering the process from an MNC’s decision to invest in Kerala to the point when its GCC becomes fully operational. It brings together three key components — physical infrastructure, the Kerala GCC…

India needs a “UPI moment” for cybersecurity to make digital safety as accessible, standardised and widespread as digital payments, said Dr Saji Gopinath, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Digital University, at the Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit. He stressed that cybersecurity has moved beyond being a technical concern and is now critical to economic resilience and public safety as digital technology becomes deeply embedded in businesses, institutions, startups and households. Dr Gopinath identified digital hygiene and mass awareness as the first step towards building cyber resilience. With varying levels of digital literacy across society, people need greater awareness of what technologies to use,…

Amul has been named the world’s strongest dairy brand in Brand Finance’s 2026 ranking, marking a major global recognition for the Indian dairy cooperative. Amul scored 93 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index (BSI) and received an AAA+ rating. Amul ranked ahead of Vietnam’s Vinamilk, which scored 89.6, and Finland’s Valio, with 88.3. China’s Mengniu scored 87.2, while Yili recorded 85.0. The ranking considers factors including brand familiarity, trust, reputation and influence on consumer choices. However, Amul’s leadership is specifically in brand strength, not financial brand value. Yili remains the world’s most valuable dairy brand, with its brand…

India and the UAE are strengthening their economic partnership, with bilateral trade crossing $100 billion by the end of the 2025-26 financial year. Trade has risen from around $60 billion when the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into effect in 2022. The two countries are now targeting $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032. The CEPA has supported this growth through lower tariffs, improved market access and simpler customs procedures. The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner after China. Investment ties are also expanding. UAE foreign direct…

India’s railway network is not only one of the world’s largest but also a major source of passenger revenue. While stations with heavy footfall are generally expected to generate the most income, the revenue rankings reveal some interesting differences. The country’s highest-earning railway stations include several major urban and transit hubs that handle large numbers of passengers and long-distance services. However, passenger volume alone does not determine a station’s revenue. Ticket fares, the mix of long-distance and suburban passengers, premium services and the nature of train operations can all influence earnings. Some stations generate significantly higher revenue despite recording fewer…

For nearly 70 years, nuclear power generation in India was largely controlled by the government. The SHANTI Act has now opened the sector to private companies, creating a new opportunity for businesses to invest in nuclear power. But allowing private companies into the sector is only the first step. The bigger challenge is whether companies will be willing to invest the huge amounts of money needed to help India reach its target of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. India Has a 46 GW Gap India currently has around 8.78 GW of nuclear power capacity. The government expects this to rise to about 22 GW by 2031-32 as projects already under construction are completed. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is expected to add another 32 GW by 2047. This could take its total contribution to around 54 GW. The remaining 46 GW is expected…

Actor R Madhavan has shared a glimpse of his balcony garden, demonstrating how small urban spaces can be used to grow fresh fruits and vegetables at home. The actor has reportedly been growing muskmelon, lady’s finger, broccoli and tomatoes on his balcony and has shared seven steps for people interested in starting their own organic garden. Home gardening can begin with selecting suitable containers, nutrient-rich soil and plants that match the available space and sunlight. Regular watering, adequate sunlight and consistent care are also essential for healthy growth. For people living in apartments, balconies and terraces can provide practical spaces…

Indoor air can often carry invisible pollutants from furniture, cleaning products, and synthetic materials. According to findings from NASA’s Clean Air Study, certain indoor plants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing harmful toxins through their leaves and roots. 5 Top Air-Purifying Plants Ventilation Matters While adding these houseplants enhances indoor aesthetics and supports overall well-being, researchers note that real-world home environments differ from controlled lab conditions. Houseplants should be used to complement proper room ventilation rather than replace natural airflow solutions.

India’s major automotive companies are increasingly expanding beyond civilian vehicles and strengthening their presence in the defence mobility sector. Companies such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland are leveraging their engineering, manufacturing and vehicle-development capabilities to build platforms for military applications. The growing focus includes tactical vehicles, logistics platforms, specialised mobility solutions and other vehicles designed to meet the operational requirements of India’s armed forces. The shift is being supported by India’s broader push for domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance. Automotive companies can bring established production capabilities, supply chains and indigenous engineering expertise to the defence sector.…