Author: News Desk
India is preparing to restart air cargo services with Afghanistan, a move aimed at reviving bilateral trade that has slowed in recent years due to regional disruptions and logistical challenges. The announcement came during the visit of Afghanistan’s Trade Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi, where both sides held extensive discussions on rebuilding economic connectivity. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the air freight corridors connecting Kabul–Delhi and Kabul–Amritsar are set to become operational again “very soon.” These routes were previously vital for transporting Afghan agricultural products, dried fruits, medicinal herbs, carpets, and handicrafts to Indian markets, while India exported pharmaceuticals, textiles, industrial goods, and…
Under India’s newly enacted Labour Codes, online platforms such as Swiggy, Uber, Urban Company, Zomato, and others are now legally required to contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover into a welfare fund dedicated to gig and platform workers. This contribution is capped at a maximum of 5% of the total payments these companies make (or are due to make) to gig workers. This development marks a significant shift in India’s labour policy: for the first time, the terms “aggregator,” “gig worker,” and “platform worker” are formally defined in law. To ensure portability of benefits, gig workers will be issued an Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number (UAN) that allows welfare access across state lines. The welfare fund will…
Jorhat, Assam, has been crowned the #1 trending Indian destination for 2026, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report. Searches for the city have surged a staggering 493%, as travellers gravitate toward tranquil landscapes, rich tea culture, and deeply rooted heritage. Known for its sprawling tea estates, historic Tocklai Tea Research Institute, and the centuries-old Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, Jorhat offers an immersive experience in Assam’s cultural heartland. A ferry ride to nearby Majuli, the world’s largest river island, transports visitors to timeless monasteries and traditional Assamese life. Travel-wise, round-trip flights from Delhi and Mumbai can be as low as ₹11,000–15,000 if booked in advance. On the…
The second day of TiEcon Kerala 2025 included multiple talks that gave practical ideas for entrepreneurs and upcoming startups. Indian Streaming Going Global Archana Anand, former CEO of ZEE5 Global, talked about how streaming has become a huge global industry. She said that people everywhere now watch content in many languages and that good stories can reach audiences across countries. She explained how ZEE5 Global grew by focusing on regional content and by working closely with telecom companies and local partners. She added that Indian OTT platforms can now expand globally with the right localisation. Real Value of AI In…
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest ₹17,000 crore over the next four years to significantly expand and modernise India’s airspace capacity. The move comes as the country experiences unprecedented air traffic growth, with both domestic and international passenger numbers rising sharply. As part of this large-scale upgrade, AAI will construct or modernise 65 Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers across major airports by 2029. These ATC towers are central to managing aircraft movements, ensuring safety, and reducing congestion. The authority aims to replace older facilities, introduce new automation systems, and enhance the capability of controllers to manage heavier traffic loads.…
Indian Railways is gearing up for one of its most awaited upgrades as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially shared a significant update on the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. These new trains, designed specifically for overnight travel, are now in the advanced stages of development, with trial runs expected to begin soon. Vaishnaw confirmed that manufacturing work is progressing rapidly, and the sleeper variant will feature improved comfort, upgraded interiors, and modern amenities tailored for long-distance passengers. Unlike the existing chair-car Vande Bharat models, the sleeper version will provide berths, making it ideal for premium overnight routes that currently rely on Rajdhani or…
Cochin Port Authority has launched an ambitious land monetisation plan, offering around 140 acres for long-term lease to developers looking to build commercial and hospitality projects, as reported by ET Infra. The move is expected to generate more than ₹500 crore in upfront revenue. The land is being broken into two parcels. A 55.3-acre plot, located south of NH-966B between Willingdon Island and the NH-66 at Kundannoor Junction, is already under tender. A second parcel of approximately 85 acres is expected to be offered soon. Under the tender, the land can be used for a wide variety of developments — hotels, convention centres, office complexes, sports stadiums, educational institutions,…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is facing heightened scrutiny after a fatal crash involving a Tejas fighter aircraft during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. Early reports indicate that the incident had an immediate impact on investor sentiment, leading to a near 3 percent drop in HAL’s share value, reflecting growing concerns across the defence and aviation sectors. Analysts caution that a high-profile crash at an international platform could temporarily undermine confidence in HAL’s manufacturing and quality-control systems. With global buyers evaluating India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the mishap may influence ongoing and upcoming discussions on exports, especially for countries…
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram has officially been granted a permanent Integrated Immigration Check Post (ICP), marking a major step toward elevating the port into a fully capable international maritime hub. The approval allows Vizhinjam to legally process immigration, customs clearance, crew arrivals and departures, and ship-related formalities, functions essential for global transshipment operations. With this, the port can now support smoother import–export container movement, aided by upgraded scanning systems and digital linkages to India’s national ICP network. Though Vizhinjam is not yet authorised as a full-fledged crew-change port, officials say the new immigration setup significantly strengthens its prospects for gaining that status…
Russia is offering India more than just a purchase deal for its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, it has proposed a full technology transfer, allowing India to build these jets locally. This offer could be a major boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), helping it close its critical squadron strength gap while also advancing its long-term goal of defence self-reliance. By manufacturing the Su-57 in India, the IAF could leverage its existing infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign spare parts. Technically, the Su-57 brings significant advantages: it offers supermaneuverability thanks to thrust-vectoring engines, sustained supersonic (“supercruise”) capability, and a robust weapons payload. While its stealth…