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Adani to launch Airport Unit IPO by 2027, accelerates capex

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group is set to list its airports unit, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., by March 2027 as part of a bold $100 billion investment strategy aimed at expanding its energy, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. Currently the largest private airport operator in India, Adani Airport Holdings manages eight airports and is preparing to launch a new terminal near Mumbai. Following a tumultuous period marked by allegations of corporate fraud and a bribery investigation involving its founder, the Adani Group is accelerating its capital spending, now planning to invest the $100 billion over five to six years instead of a decade. The conglomerate intends to finance this ambitious plan through a combination of $30 billion in loans and $50 billion from its listed companies, while also attracting overseas investors. Recent fundraising efforts include a $750 million bond issue and a $150 million loan from DBS Group. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 10 am

DCM Shriram to buy Hindusthan Specialty Chemicals for ₹375 crore

DCM Shriram, a prominent player in the sugar and seeds sector, has announced its acquisition of Hindusthan Specialty Chemicals Ltd (HSCL) for ₹375 crore, a move approved by the company's Board. The acquisition, which is pending regulatory and customary approvals, will enhance DCM Shriram's chemicals growth strategy and facilitate its entry into advanced materials. Gujarat-based HSCL, which reported revenues exceeding ₹274 crore in FY25, specializes in manufacturing epoxy resins and materials for high-tech industries, including aerospace, electronics, and electric vehicles. Its production facility in Jhagadia, located just 3.5 km from DCM Shriram's existing chemicals complex, is expected to yield operational synergies. This acquisition aligns with DCM Shriram's earlier commitment to invest ₹1,000 crore in its Epoxy and Advanced Materials business, underscoring the company's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the chemicals sector. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 pm

Is India’s Edible Oil Self-Sufficiency Achievable?

India's vegetable oil imports for the 2023-24 oil year reached 16.23 million tonnes (mt), including 15.96 mt of edible oil, reflecting a 3% decrease from the previous year. With an estimated consumption of 26 mt, the country faces a growing demand projected to reach 28-30 mt by 2029-30. In response, the Indian government launched the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oilseeds) in October 2024, allocating ₹10,103 crore to boost oilseed production to 69.7 mt by 2030-31. However, challenges persist, including a decline in mustard production and a shift towards refined oils, which now dominate 93% of imports. Experts, including former Amul managing director BM Vyas, stress the need for dedicated leadership to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil, contrasting current efforts with the successful 1986 Technology Mission on Oilseeds. Despite increased oilseed acreage and production, the gap between supply and demand continues to widen, necessitating ongoing imports. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 pm

India urges de-escalation in Israel-Iran conflict

India has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, urging both nations to refrain from further provocations and to utilize existing diplomatic channels for de-escalation. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving underlying issues following Israel's unprecedented strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran reportedly launched around 100 drones towards Israel, prompting the Israeli military to intercept them. The United States has cautioned Iran against retaliating against American interests, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarifying that the US was not involved in Israel's actions. India, maintaining close relations with both countries, is closely monitoring the situation and has advised its nationals in the region to exercise caution and adhere to local security guidelines. Indian missions in both nations are actively engaging with the Indian community to ensure their safety. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 pm

"11A: Economy Seat of AI171's Sole Crash Survivor"

A tragic crash involving an Air India Dreamliner on Thursday resulted in the deaths of 241 people, with only one survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, aged 45. Ramesh was seated in '11A', a window seat located near an emergency exit, which may have contributed to his miraculous escape from the burning aircraft. The Boeing 787-8, operating the Ahmedabad-London AI171 flight, had a total of 242 individuals onboard, including 12 crew members. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Air India has confirmed the fatalities and announced plans to retrofit its fleet of 27 B787-8 planes, each configured with 238 economy and 18 business class seats. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and highlighted the survival of Ramesh as a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 pm

Indian airlines reroute flights due to Israel-Iran conflict

In response to escalating tensions following Israel's pre-emptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Indian airlines have begun rerouting several flights to avoid Iranian airspace. Iran's closure of its airspace has prompted Air India to divert flights typically operating over the region, affecting routes to North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Notable diversions include flights from London to Mumbai, New York to Delhi, and others redirected to cities such as Vienna and Sharjah. Air India is accommodating affected passengers with refunds and rescheduling options, while IndiGo has also announced delays and rerouting for its Istanbul flights. The Israeli airstrike, which targeted nuclear and missile sites, has raised fears of a broader conflict, with Iran threatening to retaliate with long-range missile strikes against Israel. The situation remains fluid, with Iraq also closing its airspace amid the rising tensions. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 11 am

India, China to expedite direct air service resumption

In a significant development for bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to fast-track the resumption of direct air services, as confirmed by the Indian foreign ministry on Friday. This agreement follows a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is currently visiting India. The two nations had previously committed in January to address their trade and economic differences, a move anticipated to enhance cooperation and provide a substantial boost to their aviation sectors. The renewed focus on stabilizing ties comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen economic collaboration between the two countries, which have historically had complex relations. The resumption of direct flights is expected to facilitate greater connectivity and foster closer ties in various sectors. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 am

Expert: Co-pilot retracted flaps, not gear, in Air India crash

Podcaster Ryan Bodenheimer, a former F-16 fighter pilot, has analyzed the recent crash of Air India Flight 171, attributing it primarily to a potential error by the co-pilot. He observed that shortly after take-off, the aircraft's landing gear remained down while the flaps, which should have been extended for lift, were retracted. Bodenheimer speculates that the co-pilot may have mistakenly retracted the flaps instead of the gear, a critical error he describes as a "death sentence." He raises concerns about the absence of alarms for flap position during take-off in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While he considers other factors, such as bird strikes or maintenance issues, he notes that the crash site’s alignment with the runway suggests simultaneous engine failure. Despite the incident, Bodenheimer reassures the public that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation. His podcast, Max Afterburner, delves into technical aviation details, including recent India-Pakistan air skirmishes. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 am

Garuda Aerospace launches agri-drone facility in Chennai

Garuda Aerospace has launched India's first dedicated agri-drone facility in Chennai, inaugurated by Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan. Spanning 35,000 square feet, the facility focuses on the design, manufacturing, and testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), aiming to produce seven subsystems and 33 parts to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The event also saw the introduction of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoE) to provide after-sales support and train future drone pilots through a new Train-the-Trainer (TTT) program. Garuda's founder, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, announced the delivery of 4,000 drones to date, with plans to meet a target of 2,000 additional units under the Namo Drone Didi scheme. The company has received dual DGCA certifications for manufacturing and training, positioning itself as a leader in India's burgeoning drone industry. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 9 am

Fatal accident at Chennai metro rail construction site

In a tragic incident in Chennai, one motorcyclist has died following the collapse of two girders during the construction of the metro rail's second phase in Ramapuram. The accident occurred late Thursday when the girders, erected just a week prior, fell after a supporting A-frame slipped. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) confirmed the fatality and is investigating the cause of the collapse, while also working to clear debris to restore traffic flow. Authorities are assessing whether additional individuals were trapped under the fallen structures. The ongoing construction is part of Corridor 4, which stretches 26.1 km from Poonamallee to Light House, with the initial segment expected to open by December. The incident has caused significant traffic congestion, prompting police to divert vehicles until the area is cleared. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 8 am

PM Modi visits Ahmedabad to meet aircraft crash victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the aftermath of a tragic Air India crash that claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which took off from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after departure, impacting a residential area near BJ Medical Hospital. Of the 242 individuals on board, only one survivor, a British national of Indian descent, is currently hospitalized in stable condition. Modi is expected to visit the crash site and meet with the injured and Rupani's family in Gandhinagar. The Gujarat government has reported that 50 individuals are receiving treatment. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that over 1,000 DNA samples will be collected for victim identification. In response to the tragedy, Tata Group pledged ₹1 crore to each victim's family and will cover medical expenses, while Air India established assistance centres to support affected families. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 8 am

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