Tag: India

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Corporate

India clears 2 new airlines to boost competition

The Indian government has given initial approval to two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, allowing them to move closer to starting flight operations. The decision is aimed at increasing competition in the domestic aviation sector, which is currently dominated by a few large players.

The approvals were granted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the move reflects the government’s effort to strengthen the aviation sector and offer passengers more choices.

The decision comes shortly after a major disruption at IndiGo earlier this month, when the airline cancelled thousands of flights due to staffing and operational issues. The incident affected a large number of passengers and highlighted the risks of depending heavily on one airline. At present, IndiGo controls about 65 per cent of India’s domestic air travel market, while the Air India Group accounts for around 27 per cent. Smaller airlines share the remaining portion.

Al Hind Air is promoted by the Kerala-based alhind Group. The airline plans to start operations with smaller aircraft and focus on regional routes, especially in southern India. Its aim is to improve connectivity between smaller cities and towns. The airline will now work on completing regulatory requirements, including getting an Air Operator Certificate.

FlyExpress, the second airline to receive approval, has indicated that it plans to begin operations soon. While detailed plans about its routes and fleet have not yet been shared publicly, the airline is expected to serve domestic passengers and add capacity to the market.

In addition, another airline, Shankh Air, has already received its NOC earlier and is expected to start flying in 2026.

The government believes that the entry of new airlines will improve services, reduce the impact of disruptions, and encourage competitive pricing. It also supports broader goals such as expanding regional air connectivity under existing aviation policies.

With passenger demand continuing to grow, the addition of new airlines is expected to make India’s aviation sector more balanced, competitive, and resilient.

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Beyond

India suspends visa services in Chittagong

India has indefinitely suspended operations at its Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong (Chattogram), Bangladesh, citing security concerns following recent civil unrest. The suspension took effect on December 21, 2025. The centre will remain closed until further notice, and all visa applications from Chittagong are currently on hold. Applicants are advised to use other operational centres or await official updates.

The decision comes in the context of heightened political instability in Bangladesh after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was fatally shot during a political rally in Dhaka on December 12. His death triggered demonstrations and localized unrest, including incidents targeting Indian diplomatic premises in Chittagong.

Reports from the region indicate vandalism and stone-pelting near the Indian Assistant High Commission’s residence, prompting authorities to implement enhanced security protocols. While the Chittagong centre remains closed indefinitely, other Indian visa centres in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, continue operations under heightened security measures.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions and personnel. Visa services in Chittagong will resume only after a thorough assessment of local security conditions. Applicants are advised to monitor official communications from the IVAC for updates before planning travel.

Bangladeshi authorities are coordinating with Indian officials to maintain robust security measures around diplomatic facilities. The situation continues to be closely monitored, and additional precautionary measures may be implemented as required.

This strategic decision reflects India’s adherence to international diplomatic protocols and underscores the priority placed on staff safety and operational integrity. By temporarily halting services in Chittagong, the government ensures that visa processes are conducted under secure conditions, safeguarding both personnel and applicants.

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Beyond

India and Oman ink historic CEPA trade deal

India and Oman have officially strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18, 2025, in Muscat, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. This is Oman’s first major free trade deal in nearly two decades and represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The agreement aims to make trade easier and more cost-effective for companies across both nations. By reducing or eliminating customs duties on a wide range of goods, including textiles, automobiles, food products, and jewellery, CEPA is expected to unlock new business opportunities and lower operational costs. This move benefits not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises looking to expand into each other’s markets.

Beyond trade in goods, the pact also promotes investment, collaboration in services, and cooperation in emerging sectors like renewable energy, logistics, and professional services. Experts believe this will encourage long-term projects and partnerships, strengthening the overall business ecosystem between the two countries.

Bilateral trade between India and Oman currently stands at around USD 10–11 billion annually. With the new agreement in place, trade volumes are expected to rise further, creating opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow.

Officials from both countries described CEPA as a historic step in deepening economic ties. A senior Indian trade official said that beyond tariffs, this pact is about building a stronger, more integrated economic relationship that benefits businesses and consumers alike.

The CEPA signals a new era of economic cooperation, providing companies with a framework to explore joint ventures, investments, and new markets. Analysts view it as a strategic move that strengthens India-Oman relations while offering a model for future international trade partnerships.

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Beyond

Nepal lifts 10-year ban on Indian high-value notes

Nepal has finally lifted a decade-old restriction on high-value Indian currency notes, making life easier for travellers, traders, and migrant workers. From now on, people can carry ₹200 and ₹500 notes into Nepal, as long as the total does not exceed ₹25,000 per person.

The move comes after a recent cabinet decision, and the Nepal Rastra Bank will soon issue official guidelines to implement it. For many Nepalis working in India, this change means they no longer have to carry their earnings in countless smaller notes. Indian tourists will also find shopping, dining, and hotel payments much more convenient.

For the past ten years, only smaller notes of ₹100 or below were allowed in Nepal. The ban had made everyday transactions complicated, especially along busy border towns where trade and tourism are vital. With the new rules in place, cross-border business and travel are expected to flow more smoothly, benefiting both countries’ economies and easing daily life for those crossing the border.

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Beyond

Mexico hikes tariffs up to 50% on Asian imports

Mexico has approved higher import tariffs on products from several Asian countries, including India and China. The move is meant to protect local industries and increase government revenue. The new duties will come into effect in 2026 and will cover products such as vehicles, auto parts, textiles, plastics, steel, footwear, and clothing.

The bill was passed in the Mexican Senate with 76 votes in favour, five against, and 35 abstentions, after it was approved by the lower house. Most products will face tariffs of up to 35%, while some could see increases as high as 50%. The first version of the proposal included higher tariffs on around 1,400 products, but the final plan reduced duties for nearly two-thirds of them.

Officials say the tariff hike is needed to help Mexican manufacturers compete with cheaper imports from Asia. They believe the new duties will protect jobs, strengthen domestic production, and improve Mexico’s role in global supply chains.

The tariff increase is also expected to boost government revenue, with experts estimating an extra $3.76 billion next year. This is seen as an important step to reduce Mexico’s fiscal deficit.

The decision comes as global trade tensions rise and ahead of a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Some trade analysts and business groups have warned that higher tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase production costs, and raise prices for consumers.

Countries without free-trade agreements with Mexico, including India and China, are likely to feel the biggest impact, as higher duties could make their exports less competitive.

Overall, the move is considered one of the most significant changes in Mexico’s trade policy in recent years. It shows the government’s focus on protecting local industries while managing international trade. Businesses and exporters are now closely watching the changes and preparing for the impact of the new tariffs.

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Beyond

Russia begins fuel supply to Kudankulam plant, TN

Russia has delivered the first batch of nuclear fuel for the third reactor of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, marking an important milestone in India’s largest civil nuclear project. The fuel assemblies, manufactured by Rosatom’s Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, were flown in as part of a long-term agreement signed in 2024.

This delivery begins the initial fuel-loading process for Unit-3. Rosatom said seven flights will be used to ship the full core load and reserve fuel required for both Unit-3 and Unit-4. The supply deal covers the entire operational life of the reactors, ensuring steady fuel availability once they become active.

The development came as Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to expanding the Kudankulam project. Putin described the plant as a flagship of India–Russia cooperation and said Moscow would work closely with New Delhi to bring all six reactors to full capacity.

Currently, Units 1 and 2 are operational, while Units 3 through 6 are under construction. Once all units are completed, Kudankulam will generate 6,000 MW of electricity, making it India’s most powerful nuclear station.

Putin also highlighted potential future collaborations, including small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as healthcare and agriculture. He assured that Russia would continue to supply nuclear fuel reliably to support India’s growing energy requirements.

The fuel delivery is expected to accelerate progress at the site, strengthening the southern power grid and contributing to India’s clean-energy and energy security goals.

Also Read: IndiGo’s operational crisis enters Day 5, over 1000 flights affected

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Beyond

India, Indonesia near $450 mn BrahMos deal

India and Indonesia are moving a step closer to finalising a major defence deal involving the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, following high-level talks in New Delhi on November 27. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who was on an official visit to India, to review bilateral defence ties and discuss ongoing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to officials, both sides have reached a “broad understanding” on the pricing of the proposed BrahMos sale, which is expected to be worth around $450 million. Singh also showed a model of the missile to the visiting minister as part of the discussions. If the deal is signed, Indonesia will become the second foreign customer of the BrahMos missile system after the Philippines, which secured a contract in 2022.

The talks reflect New Delhi’s growing emphasis on strengthening defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, especially with countries that share similar strategic concerns. India and Indonesia, both maritime nations with long coastlines and key sea lanes passing through their region, have been deepening military cooperation over the years.

During the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open, stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific. They agreed to expand collaboration in several areas, including maritime security, cybersecurity, defence industry partnerships, and supply-chain resilience. Discussions also covered support for submarine maintenance, military healthcare collaboration, capability development, and logistics cooperation, areas seen as essential for long-term strategic alignment.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is known for its precision, speed, and versatility. For Indonesia, acquiring BrahMos would significantly boost coastal defence and deterrence, particularly amid rising regional tensions.

The meeting marks an important step toward finalising the sale, though negotiations on technical and contractual details are expected to continue. Both governments view the potential deal as a symbol of growing trust and a shared vision for regional security.

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Beyond

India rises to ‘major power’ in Asia, 3rd globally

India has officially been recognised as a major power in the 2025 Asia Power Index released by the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based think tank that studies regional influence. This year, India achieved a score of 40, crossing the benchmark required to be classified as a major power for the first time. This is a significant milestone because India has hovered just below this threshold for several years.

In the overall rankings, India now stands at third place among 27 countries, behind only the United States and China. This places India firmly among the top regional players in terms of economic strength, military capability, diplomatic influence, and future potential. It also marks India’s strongest performance since the Index began.

One of the key reasons for India’s rise is its improving economy. The Index notes that India has become more attractive to foreign investors, benefitting from global shifts in supply chains. For the first time since 2018, India’s score for “economic relationships”, which measures trade and investment ties, showed a clear improvement. This growth helped strengthen India’s position across several economic categories.

India’s military capability also saw a notable boost this year. Analysts attribute part of this improvement to Operation Sindoor, a major operation conducted in 2025 that demonstrated India’s readiness and operational strength. The operation enhanced India’s defence credibility and contributed positively to its military score in the Index. Together with India’s growing defence technologies and modernisation efforts, this helped elevate its standing as a strategic power.

However, the report also highlights areas where India still lags behind. The biggest weakness is in defence networks, which measure a country’s alliances, partnerships, and military cooperation with other nations. In this category, India fell to 11th place, dropping two positions from the previous edition. This indicates that while India has strong capabilities, it has fewer formal defence partnerships compared to many other Asian countries.

The Index also points to India’s widening “power gap”, the difference between its potential capabilities and its actual influence on the world stage. Although India has improved across several indicators, its influence still does not fully reflect its economic and military strength. The gap with China remains especially large, showing that India has more work to do in translating its resources into global influence.

Also Read: India inks ₹8,000 cr US deal for MH-60R helicopters

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Technology

Sennheiser launches premium HDB 630 in India

Sennheiser has introduced its new premium wireless headphones, the HDB 630, in the Indian market. Aimed at music lovers who want top-quality sound without wires, the HDB 630 combines audiophile-grade clarity with modern convenience.

The headphones support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz, whether connected through Bluetooth or USB-C. Sennheiser has included a special USB-C transmitter to ensure consistent high-quality wireless playback, even on devices that don’t support advanced codecs.

The HDB 630 features Sennheiser’s latest acoustic design, offering a clean, natural sound signature with detailed highs, smooth mids and controlled bass. Listeners can further personalise their audio using the Smart Control app, which adds a parametric equaliser and Crossfeed mode to create a more natural, speaker-like experience.

Comfort and endurance are major highlights. The over-ear design uses soft cushions and lightweight materials to reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. The headphones also deliver an impressive 60 hours of battery life, with a 10-minute quick charge providing up to 7 hours of playback.

Priced at ₹44,990, the Sennheiser HDB 630 will be available across major retail and online platforms. Early buyers may also receive a complimentary pair of Accentum Open earbuds worth ₹12,990.

With this launch, Sennheiser aims to offer a high-fidelity listening experience in a fully wireless form, combining premium sound, comfort and long battery life for everyday use.

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Beyond

US removes 200+ food tariffs, India, Brazil gain big

The US has lifted tariffs on more than 200 food and farm products in a major policy shift aimed at lowering grocery prices and improving food supply. The decision, approved by President Donald Trump and effective from November 13, removes duties on items such as tea, coffee, spices, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.

For India, the move is a significant boost. Exporters of tea, coffee, spices, cashews, ready-to-eat foods, and certain fruits and roots are expected to gain the most. Industry estimates suggest that India could see additional export earnings of USD 2.5–3 billion as products that earlier faced higher tariffs now become more competitive in the country’s. market. Officials say the decision restores a fair trade environment after Indian goods were subjected to steep duties in recent years.

However, experts caution that India may not benefit equally across all categories. For example, items such as bananas, tomatoes, and juices, also covered under the tariff rollback, are sectors where India has limited export share. Exporters also point out that gains will depend on logistics, pricing, and the ability to meet strict US. food safety standards.

The tariff changes also offer relief to Brazil. Earlier this year, the US imposed heavy duties, up to 40 percent, on Brazilian beef, coffee, cocoa and tropical fruits. Those penalties have now been partially reversed. The rollback, which is retroactive, may even qualify Brazilian exporters for refunds on earlier shipments. While some tariffs remain on a few items, Brazilian officials have welcomed the decision as a positive step toward stabilizing trade ties with Washington.

For American consumers, the tariff removal is expected to help bring down food inflation, one of the key economic concerns in the US. The administration believes that cheaper imports will reduce pressure on household budgets in the coming months.

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