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Air India seeks new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson

Air India is in search of a new chief executive to succeed Campbell Wilson amid increasing regulatory scrutiny following a tragic plane crash in June that claimed 260 lives. The incident has raised serious concerns about the airline's operational practices, with regulators highlighting issues such as the failure to conduct emergency equipment checks, delays in engine part replacements, and crew fatigue management lapses. Wilson, who has been at the helm since July 2022 after a lengthy career at Singapore Airlines, is set to remain in his position until 2027. The Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, which jointly own Air India, have not yet commented on the leadership transition. As the airline navigates these challenges, industry insiders speculate on the potential direction it may take in the wake of the ongoing scrutiny. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 10 am

Record Auto Sales Expected in CY2025: Shriram Mobility Bulletin

India's mobility sector concluded 2025 on a robust note, with December data from the Shriram Mobility Bulletin highlighting sustained freight momentum despite seasonal challenges and weather disruptions. Truck rentals surged to record levels across major trunk routes, particularly in the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, where rates for 18-tonne payload vehicles rose by 12% year-on-year. The demand for BS-VI compliant trucks remained strong in the NCR region due to restrictions on older vehicles. However, adverse weather, including fog and snowfall in the upper Himalayan regions, hindered trucking activities towards the end of the month. Overall, 2025 marked a landmark year for vehicle sales in India, with passenger car sales increasing by 10% and two-wheeler sales approaching 2 crore, the highest ever. Sudarshan Holla of Shriram Finance noted that while demand for trucks drove rental increases, rising input costs may lead to higher vehicle prices in January, potentially impacting new sales. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 7 pm

VOC Port to Develop 9-Hole Golf Course Amid Investments

The VOC Port in Thoothukudi is set to develop a 9-hole golf course, including a driving range, at a cost of approximately ₹24 crore, as the coastal district attracts significant investments, notably from Vietnam's VinFast and Hyundai's planned shipyard. The project, spanning 15-20 acres, aims to foster networking opportunities for global shipping professionals and enhance the region's social infrastructure, which is deemed essential for attracting foreign investors. Industry experts believe the golf course will not only provide recreational facilities but also draw higher management talent to the area. However, concerns have been raised regarding the course's size, as experts suggest that a standard 9-hole course typically requires at least 55 acres. The initiative is seen as a potential magnet for foreign direct investment, particularly appealing to the expatriate community in Tamil Nadu. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 7 pm

Auri Grow India unveils CarbonKrishi carbon credit platform

Auri Grow India has launched CarbonKrishi, an AI-driven carbon credit platform, marking its entry into the burgeoning carbon credit and ESG market. The initiative aims to onboard 100,000 farmers, potentially generating carbon credits valued between ₹16-50 crore annually. By utilizing AI analytics, satellite imagery, and crop data, CarbonKrishi will assess farm-level carbon impacts, with a projected revenue share of 20-30% translating to ₹3-10 crore in annual earnings from carbon credits. Pratik Kumar Patel, Director of Auri Grow India, emphasized that the platform seeks to empower farmers through sustainable practices while creating a scalable revenue stream for the company. He noted that by integrating Indian agriculture into the global carbon credit ecosystem, Auri Grow is positioned for long-term ESG-driven value creation for farmers, partners, and shareholders. The initiative reflects a significant shift towards technology and sustainability in agriculture. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 6 pm

Pilots urge AI Express to establish rostering conduct code

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) has called on Air India Express to establish a code of conduct for its crew rostering staff amid rising complaints of inappropriate behavior. In a letter to the airline's board, ALPA President Captain Sam Thomas emphasized the importance of a rostering system that prioritizes empathy and safety, particularly as pilots are vital to the airline's operations. This appeal follows troubling incidents, including a rostering manager's social media post suggesting retaliation against pilots who refuse roster changes for personal reasons, and rostering staff neglecting pilot hotline calls in favor of social media engagement. Thomas warned that mismanaged rosters and a culture of fear could lead to significant operational disruptions, as seen with IndiGo in December. The association is also advocating for mandatory training on human factors and a comparative audit of rostering practices between Air India and Air India Express. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 6 pm

TASL awarded Pinaka rocket system upgrade by Army

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has secured a supply order from the Indian Army to assist the 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) in the overhaul and upgrade of first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs). This collaboration, formalized in a ceremony in New Delhi, marks a significant public-private partnership aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army's artillery systems. The initial phase will involve a pilot overhaul of select Pinaka systems, with TASL providing technical expertise and certified spares. The Pinaka MLRS, known for its high mobility and advanced targeting capabilities, is set to receive further upgrades, including new guided variants with extended ranges. TASL has a long-standing partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the Pinaka project, having contributed to its development since 1989 and securing multiple contracts for additional regiments. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 6 pm

Crorepati I-T filers rise 22% amid stagnant tax base

Data from India's Income-Tax e-filing portal reveals a significant increase in high-income earners, with individuals declaring annual incomes exceeding ₹1 crore rising by approximately 22% in FY26, despite only a 1% growth in total returns filed, which reached over 9 crore between April 1 and December 31, 2025. This trend indicates a growing concentration of wealth at the upper end, as the number of filers reporting incomes up to ₹5 lakh has declined. Tax experts attribute this shift to stronger economic activity, improved reporting practices, and enhanced compliance measures, including tighter reporting norms and advanced data analytics. Sandeep Bhalla from Dhruva Advisors noted that the data reflects genuine income growth among higher earners, while Sandeep Sehgal from AKM Global emphasized that the rise in crorepati filers signifies better capture of high incomes within the tax net, rather than a sudden influx of new wealth. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 6 pm

RuKart Launches Subjee Cooler in Southeast Asia

Agri-tech firm RuKart is set to expand its innovative, electricity-free cold storage solution, the Subjee Cooler, to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Indonesia and Cambodia by February. Utilizing enhanced evaporative cooling technology, the Subjee Cooler extends the shelf-life of perishables, benefiting small farmers and vendors. Founder Vikash Jha noted that rising incomes in Southeast Asia are increasing demand for quality produce, presenting a significant market opportunity. Since its launch, RuKart has sold over 3,000 units across India, with notable installations in metro and tier 1 cities, including partnerships with companies like Swiggy Instamart. However, challenges remain, including transportation issues and a shortage of skilled labor outside major urban areas. Initial support from IIT Bombay and funding from Nabard and Mumbai Angels have bolstered RuKart's efforts to promote this low-cost storage solution, which also serves as a natural ripening chamber for fruits. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

Deepika Aggarwal named CRO of Kissandhan subsidiary by SLCM

Sohan Lal Commodity Management Ltd (SLCM) has appointed Deepika Aggarwal as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of its subsidiary, Kissandhan Agri Financial Services, a non-banking financial company focused on financing for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. In her new role, Aggarwal will enhance the company's risk management framework, ensuring robust governance, credit quality, and compliance as Kissandhan expands its agri-financing solutions. Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO of SLCM, expressed confidence in Aggarwal's expertise in credit risk and regulatory frameworks, which aligns with the company's vision of fostering a resilient financial ecosystem for the agricultural sector. Aggarwal, who previously held leadership positions at Shivalik Small Finance Bank and Reliance Capital, emphasized her commitment to sustainable lending and stakeholder interests, stating that a strong risk framework is essential for financial inclusion in agriculture. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

CIAL surpasses 10 million passengers for third consecutive year

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has solidified its status as Kerala's premier airport operator by surpassing 10 million passengers for the third consecutive year, handling 11,519,356 passengers in 2025—a 4.85% increase from 2024. May 2025 was the airport's busiest month, with over 1.1 million passengers, while January and December also saw strong traffic. Despite a slight decline in aircraft movements to 74,689 due to reduced airline services, passenger numbers continued to rise, reflecting improved operational efficiency. This growth is attributed to CIAL 2.0, a transformative initiative enhancing passenger experience through digitisation and upgraded amenities. Additionally, CIAL plans to implement Full Body Scanners to bolster security screening and improve passenger comfort, aligning with global aviation standards. Managing Director S. Suhas highlighted these advancements as key to maintaining high levels of passenger satisfaction. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 5 pm

US Tariffs Hit Maharashtra's Second-Tier Cities Economically

Maharashtra's second-tier cities, including Solapur, Kolhapur, and Sangli, are grappling with the adverse effects of US tariffs on Indian goods, which have severely disrupted local economies and key industries. In Solapur, the textile sector, particularly terry towel production, has been hit hard, with exports to the US halting entirely, threatening around 15,000 jobs. Kolhapur's foundry cluster has also felt the strain, with a significant drop in exports to the US, impacting small ancillary units. Similarly, Sangli's auto component and textile exports have plummeted, leaving many small businesses struggling to retain their workforce. Local industrialists are urging the government for swift action, while Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal announced the formation of a committee to assess the situation and explore alternative markets and solutions to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2026, 4 pm

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