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India's single-specialty healthcare market to reach $12 billion by 2030

A new report by Bessemer Venture Partners, titled ‘Transforming Indian healthcare, one specialty at a time’, reveals that single-speciality healthcare providers are rapidly becoming the fastest-growing segment in India's healthcare landscape. The market for these providers is projected to surge from $4.4 billion in 2025 to $12.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 22%. While multi-speciality hospitals remain vital for complex care, the rise of focused providers is attributed to their efficient care protocols and concentrated expertise. These platforms are particularly effective in high-volume areas like eyecare and oncology, benefiting from quicker scalability and robust unit economics. Bessemer highlights the lack of nationally recognized brands in many specialties, presenting opportunities for new leaders to emerge. As the market evolves, successful platforms may become attractive IPO candidates or acquisition targets for larger healthcare entities, according to Bessemer's insights. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 3 pm

India won't invest in US but may increase imports: Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal clarified on Thursday that India has not made any investment commitments to the US, despite the potential for increased sourcing of American products as India aims for its Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. Goyal projected that India could import goods worth $500 billion from the US over the next five years, particularly highlighting the need for energy and data centre equipment as India's steel capacity is set to double. He noted that India's aircraft purchases from the US could reach $100 billion when including engines and spare parts. Goyal also mentioned that the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement, aimed at doubling trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, is nearly ready, with a joint statement expected soon. Following this, an executive order to reduce US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% is anticipated. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 4 pm

SDHI secures defense export deal with Oman

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured a significant defence export contract from the Government of Oman to supply a training ship for the Royal Navy of Oman, the company announced today. The Mumbai-based shipbuilder is set to deliver the 104.25-meter vessel, which has a beam of 13.88 meters and a displacement of up to 3,500 tonnes, within 18 months. The ship will feature classrooms, training offices, and an auditorium for 70 officer cadets, alongside advanced navigation and communication systems, and helicopter operation capabilities. Rear Admiral V.K. Saxena (retd), CEO of SDHI, highlighted the contract as a reflection of the company's technical expertise and shipbuilding capabilities. This order represents a notable achievement for India's shipbuilding sector, supported by the Ministry of Defence under the country's maritime vision. SDHI operates India's largest dry dock in Gujarat and reported a share price increase of 1.70% on the BSE today. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 4 pm

Blueberries may reduce depression and anxiety, US study shows

A study from Louisiana State University, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that incorporating freeze-dried blueberry powder into the diet may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals from rural communities. Led by Joseph Francis, the research involved 23 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, who consumed either blueberry powder—equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries—or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Participants completed assessments at various intervals, revealing a notable reduction in clinical symptoms among those consuming the blueberry powder. While the study's small size limits its generalizability, it highlights the potential benefits of nutrition on mental health, particularly in underserved rural areas. The authors advocate for further research in larger, more diverse populations to explore the mechanisms behind these effects, emphasizing that blueberry supplementation should not replace standard psychiatric care. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 3 pm

Apogee Aerospace orders 15 amphibian planes for ₹3,500 cr

Apogee Aerospace has secured an order for 15 amphibian aircraft from Australia's Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI), valued at ₹3,500 crore, as part of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing India's aviation capabilities. The Indian firm will invest ₹500 crore to develop manufacturing, maintenance, and training facilities in India, supporting AAI's Albatross 2.0 amphibious aircraft, which can accommodate up to 28 passengers. This collaboration aligns with the Indian government's push for improved air connectivity and self-reliance in the aviation sector. AAI plans to establish a manufacturing facility in India, with Apogee serving as its exclusive representative for defence and government needs. The first Albatross 2.0 aircraft is anticipated to enter the Indian market within 18-24 months. Additionally, the Union Budget for 2026-27 includes incentives for seaplane manufacturing to bolster tourism and remote connectivity, alongside a proposed Seaplane VGF Scheme for operational support. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 3 pm

Vizhinjam Port's container volume boosts global ranking

Vizhinjam International Seaport is swiftly establishing itself as one of India's leading container transshipment hubs, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited in collaboration with the Kerala Government. In January, the port achieved a record monthly container throughput of 123,092 TEUs and processed 62 vessels, marking its highest monthly figures since operations began just over a year ago. This surge in productivity has propelled Vizhinjam to the 83rd position globally among container ports. As India’s first semi-automated container port, it is equipped to handle the largest container vessels, having processed over 740 vessels and 1.57 million TEUs since its inception. Looking ahead, a ₹16,000-crore investment will fund the port's expansion, increasing its berth length and capacity from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, with completion of the next phase targeted for 2028. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 3 pm

Air India Express anticipates first profit after privatization

Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, is projected to achieve its first operating profit since being acquired by Tata Group in 2022, thanks to increased capacity and market share. This positive outlook, shared during a recent town hall meeting, comes as Air India's full-service operations face financial challenges due to an airspace ban imposed by Pakistan. The airline plans to invest over $70 million in aircraft refurbishments and aims to double its fleet size to more than 200 jets within the next four to five years. Additionally, Air India Express is set to add 30 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The broader Air India Group is undergoing a significant multi-billion-dollar restructuring, although it faces hurdles from ongoing jet delivery delays, impacting its financial performance and affecting stakeholders like Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25% stake in the carrier. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 2 pm

KERA invites Indian agri-businesses to partner with Kerala FPCs

The Kerala Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) project, inviting agri-businesses nationwide to partner with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Kerala. Suresh C Thampi, Deputy Director of Agriculture, announced that the initiative aims to establish 150 Productive Alliances (PAs) by 2029, starting with 50 in northern districts. Eligible alliances can receive grants covering up to 60% of costs, with a maximum of ₹2 crore for investments. The project, with a total outlay of ₹2,365 crore—70% funded by the World Bank—focuses on enhancing climate resilience and improving farmers' livelihoods through sustainable practices. Approximately 70 acres have been earmarked for food parks, and the initiative seeks to foster collaboration among farmers, agri-businesses, and research institutions to create a robust agricultural ecosystem in Kerala. Meetings to engage agri-businesses are being held in various regions, including Mangaluru. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 2 pm

India, Gulf Cooperation Council initiate FTA talks agreement

India has officially launched talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), marking a resumption of negotiations that last took place in 2006 and 2008. The terms of reference for the FTA were signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who emphasized the potential for enhanced bilateral trade and investment, particularly benefiting the approximately 10 million Indians residing in the GCC region. In the fiscal year 2024-25, bilateral trade between India and the GCC reached USD 178.7 billion, with Indian exports growing to USD 57 billion and imports rising to USD 121.7 billion. The UAE emerged as India's third-largest trading partner, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar also featured prominently in trade relations. The FTA aims to build on existing agreements, including a free trade pact with the UAE and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 2 pm

India's sunflower oil imports hit four-year low due to prices

India's sunflower oil imports are projected to decline by approximately 10% in the 2025/26 marketing year, reaching a four-year low due to rising prices that have made it less competitive compared to alternatives like palm oil. Currently, crude sunflower oil from the Black Sea is priced at about $1,420 per metric tonne for March delivery, significantly higher than crude palm oil at $1,165 and crude soy oil at $1,255. As a result, India, the world's largest vegetable oil importer, is expected to import only 2.65 million tonnes of sunflower oil, down from 2.94 million tonnes the previous year. This shift is likely to bolster palm oil imports, which surged by 51% in January, while sunflower oil imports fell by 23%. The price surge is attributed to adverse weather conditions in Russia and Ukraine, which dominate global sunflower oil exports, although Argentina is offering cheaper alternatives. sources

Published:
Feb 05 2026, 2 pm

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