Topic
development
Trade Trade gap seen as by-product of India's development stage, investment needs, energy dependence: Govt to Parliament
India's merchandise trade deficit is a natural by-product of its development stage, investment needs, and energy dependence, according to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. The statement to Parliament also highlighted shrimp export rejections totaling Rs 14 crore, rising FDI inflows, and progress under PLI schemes and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
Trade India's Growth Strong but Trade Barriers Threaten 2047 Goal: WTO Trade Policy Review
A WTO Trade Policy Review report highlights India's strong economic growth as the fastest-growing G20 economy, with GDP projected at 6.8-7.2% for FY2027-28. However, it warns that structural challenges including high trade costs, tariffs, and regulatory complexity must be addressed for India to achieve its Viksit Bharat vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The report notes India's record exports of $863.1 billion in 2025-26 and a strategic shift towards free trade agreements.
Logistics Namo Bharat RRTS: 160 kmph Semi-High Speed Trains Reshaping Commutes Across Delhi-NCR
The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), operated by NCRTC, is connecting Delhi to satellite cities like Meerut at speeds up to 160 kmph. The 80 km Delhi-Meerut corridor now carries about 1 lakh passengers daily, with cumulative ridership crossing 3.5 crore. Multimodal integration with metro, buses, and railway stations is driving a demographic shift as professionals and students relocate from Delhi while retaining capital-based employment.
Business Iconic Theyagaraja Theatre in Tiruvanmiyur to Make Way for ₹500-Crore Commercial Project
The nearly one-acre Theyagaraja Theatre property in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai, will be redeveloped into a ₹500-crore mixed-use commercial project including retail, office and a multiplex. BBCL, part of Vummidi Enterprises, signed a joint development agreement with the theatre-owning Theyagaraja family, who will continue to operate the cinema after redevelopment.
Commodities Equinor Awards $600M in Subsea Contracts to Accelerate Norwegian Continental Shelf Development
Norwegian energy giant Equinor has awarded contracts worth around $612 million for four subsea projects as part of the first of several planned development waves. The projects—Brime, Omega Sør, Tyrihans Nord, and TWIN—will contribute between 130 and 220 million barrels of oil equivalent to future production. Key contractors include TechnipFMC, OneSubsea, Ocean Installer, Tenaris, and NOV. Equinor aims to halve costs and execution time through standardisation.
Commodities Crystal Crop Protection and Corteva Ltd Collaborate to Develop and Commercialise New Agrochemical Formulations in India
Crystal Crop Protection and Corteva Ltd have entered into a collaboration and supply agreement to develop new formulations and mixtures for the Indian market. Under the pact, Corteva will provide technical grade active ingredients while Crystal will develop, formulate, manufacture and sell the products. The partnership aims to address pest and weed challenges affecting India's major crops.
Commodities Vallourec Secures Pipe Supply Contract for Azule Energy's $5.1bn Angola Offshore Development
French tubing manufacturer Vallourec has been awarded a contract by Azule Energy to supply more than 26,000 tons of seamless carbon steel line pipes for the Greater PAJ offshore development in Angola. The project, with a total investment of $5.1bn, involves five fields and first oil expected by the first half of 2029.
Europe Pushes for AI Sovereignty to Avoid Dependence on US and China Technologies
At the Vivatech conference in Paris, European leaders and AI executives voiced urgent demands for AI sovereignty, fearing dependence on US and Chinese technologies. Efforts include Emmanuel Macron's €100 billion infrastructure pledges, Cohere's cross-border partnerships, and Yann LeCun's Project Tapestry for an open foundation model. The Trump administration's policies are cited as a catalyst for European tech ambitions.
Commodities Geothermal Energy Investment Needed to Develop Next-Generation Technologies
The BBC reports bipartisan US political support for geothermal energy, with new technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and millimetre-wave drilling aiming to access deeper, hotter resources. Investment is critical to commercialize these next-generation systems, which could expand geothermal power beyond traditional hotspots.
Logistics Modec to Supply Turret Mooring System for Mozambique’s Coral Norte FLNG Project
Modec has secured a contract to provide a SOFEC internal turret mooring system for the Coral Norte FLNG project offshore Mozambique. Developed by Eni and its partners, the project achieved FID in October 2025 and hull launch in January 2026, with first LNG expected in 2028. The system is critical for safe operations in the Rovuma Basin.
Business Lyndon Farnham sets out 'ambitious' vision for Jersey with focus on investment, housing, and digital growth
Lyndon Farnham, set to remain as Jersey's Chief Minister unopposed, has issued an ambitious vision statement focusing on tackling the cost of living, boosting investment in digital technology and sustainable energy, increasing housing supply, and cutting reliance on consultants. He expects the government to exercise financial responsibility without austerity and aims to strengthen Jersey's international competitiveness.
Business Northeast Can Become India's Next Growth Engine via Organic Farming, Says Finance Minister
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Northeast region has the potential to become India's next growth engine by leveraging sustainable agriculture and premium organic produce. She inaugurated the Northeast's largest organic spice processing plant in Meghalaya, operated by Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd.
Manufacturing Promising Ebola Vaccine Has Sat on the Shelf for 15 Years Despite Outbreak
Virologist Thomas Geisbert developed a promising vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of ebola in 2011, but it has never been tested in humans or deployed. Despite a current outbreak that has infected hundreds and killed around 200, the vaccine remains on the shelf due to lack of funding and commercial interest, according to a WIRED report.
Commodities Equinor and Partners Agree on Development Concept for Ringvei Vest North Sea Tieback
Equinor and its partners have agreed on the development concept for the Ringvei Vest subsea project, a tieback to the Troll B platform in the Norwegian North Sea. The project is expected to contribute 240 million barrels of oil equivalent from eight discoveries and one prospect, spread across eight licences. Equinor aims to increase its equity production to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2035.
Business HiLITE Group to Invest ₹25,000 Crore in Kerala Real Estate and Infrastructure Over Five Years
Kozhikode-based HiLITE Group plans to invest ₹25,000 crore over five years to develop 50 million sq. ft. across Kerala, encompassing retail malls, IT parks, healthcare, education, residential, and commercial projects. Key initiatives include World Trade Centre Kozhikode, HiLITE Boulevard in Kochi, and YOO Hub Trivandrum.
Technology Apple explains why Siri AI took so long: first version ready last year but rebuilt from ground up
Apple's Mike Rockwell explained that a first version of Siri AI was ready in 2025 but was scrapped because it didn't deliver on the company's vision. The team then rebuilt Siri from the ground up, resulting in a profoundly more capable assistant arriving later this year.
Business Sierra Leone's Sherbro Island Aims to Rival Singapore and Hong Kong as Global Business Hub
Sherbro Island, off the coast of Sierra Leone, is being positioned as a future global business hub to rival Singapore and Hong Kong. The BBC's Business Daily examines the project led by developer Siaka Stevens with support from actor Idris Elba, questioning the feasibility of the ambitious transformation.
Technology Mythos AI Exploits Hidden Fault Lines: 81% of Teams Still Ship Vulnerable Code
TechRadar reports that AI models like Claude Mythos have become dangerously adept at tracing connections across enterprise systems and exploiting hidden fault lines. Meanwhile, a Checkmarx study found that 81% of global AppSec leaders knowingly ship vulnerable code. The article argues that traditional AppSec is obsolete and calls for continuous, embedded security in development workflows.
Technology Anthropic Reverses Policy on Claude AI Model Restrictions
Anthropic has reversed a controversial policy that covertly limited the use of its Claude Fable 5 AI model for developing competing AI models. The decision follows significant backlash from the AI research community, which criticized the move as a hindrance to collaborative AI safety efforts.
Commodities UK Seeks Developer for 1.5GW Offshore Wind Project
The UK Crown Estate is launching a tender to find a new developer for the Morgan offshore wind site in the Irish Sea, capable of generating 1.5GW. The previous developers, EnBW and JERA Nex BP, exited the project earlier this year.
Technology Data Center Boom Pressures Construction to Digitize
The rapid expansion of data centers is pushing the construction industry to embrace digital transformation. With labor shortages and rising material costs, technology adoption in preconstruction phases is crucial to meet demand.
Zig by Example: A New Tool for Systems Programming
Zig by Example offers a practical introduction to the Zig programming language, focusing on robustness and simplicity. This resource is ideal for systems programmers seeking to enhance their skills.
Commodities Conrad Secures Jackup Rig for Indonesian Gas Field Development
Conrad Asia Energy has secured a jackup drilling rig from Pertamina Drilling for the Mako Gas Field in Indonesia. This move marks a significant step in the development of the Duyung PSC, with drilling expected to commence in 2027.
Manufacturing New Indices to Illuminate Informal Manufacturing Sector
The Indian government is set to introduce new indices to measure production in the informal manufacturing and services sectors. This initiative aims to provide more accurate economic data, reflecting the true state of these sectors post-economic shocks.
Manufacturing Cargill's Dairy Initiative Boosts Maharashtra's Livestock Sector
Cargill, in collaboration with Syngenta Foundation India and Digital Green India, has launched a ₹2.3 crore Integrated Dairy Development Initiative in Maharashtra. The program aims to improve livestock health and dairy productivity for over 3,000 farmers, utilizing AI-powered advisory services and mobile veterinary vans.
Technology AI Policy Interventions for Indian Agriculture Unveiled
Primus Partners has proposed six policy interventions to enhance AI adoption in India's agriculture sector. The report emphasizes inclusivity, especially for women farmers, and suggests creating a digital agricultural knowledge registry and AI rating systems.
Logistics India's Bullet Train Project Nears Reality After Nine Years
India's Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is advancing with significant infrastructure developments. Despite delays, the project is entering a critical phase with visible progress.
Business Productivity: The Key to Dairy Sector's Growth Surge
India's dairy sector faces a challenge as demand outpaces supply, despite being the world's largest milk producer. Enhancing productivity through better nutrition and genetics is essential to meet growing consumption needs.
Supply Chain Phygital Transformation: India's Post-Harvest Revolution
India's post-harvest infrastructure is undergoing a transformation through phygital systems, combining physical and digital solutions to reduce food wastage and enhance supply chain resilience. This approach integrates IoT, analytics, and real-time data with traditional logistics, offering a blueprint for sustainable agricultural development.
Logistics South Africa Advances LNG Terminal at Port of Ngqura
Transnet National Ports Authority has signed a 25-year agreement with Ukwanda LNG to develop an LNG terminal at the Port of Ngqura. This $1.35bn project will enhance South Africa's energy infrastructure and support its Just Energy Transition programme.