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Canadian PM Mark Carney Likely to Visit India in Early March to Sign Key Energy, AI and Uranium Deals

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  Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in the first week of March, with several strategic agreements expected to be signed across uranium, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has said. The visit, if confirmed, would mark a significant reset in India–Canada relations after a prolonged period of diplomatic strain. Speaking in an interview, Mr. Patnaik said preparations were underway for what could be a landmark bilateral engagement. While Mr. Carney’s office has not officially confirmed the dates, both sides appear keen to move swiftly on cooperation areas that align with their long-term economic and strategic priorities. Diversifying Canada’s Global Alliances Mr. Carney’s proposed India visit comes at a time when Canada is actively diversifying its international partnerships beyond the United States, its largest trading partner. Addressing the World Economi...

Bengaluru–Mysuru Highway Set for Barrier-Free Tolling as NHAI Plans MLFF Pilot

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  In a major step towards modernising India’s highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to roll out a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system on the 117-kilometre Bengaluru–Mysuru Access-Controlled Highway (NH-275) . According to a report by The Hindu , the proposed initiative will mark a decisive shift away from conventional toll plazas towards a seamless, technology-driven toll collection model. The Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor, one of Karnataka’s busiest highways, has long struggled with congestion, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons. With MLFF, NHAI aims to significantly reduce travel delays while improving efficiency, fuel economy, and overall driving experience. What Is Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling? MLFF is an advanced electronic tolling system that allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping or slowing down . Instead of physical toll booths and barriers, toll charges are collected th...

‘Mother of All Deals’: India-EU FTA Set to Supercharge Manufacturing, Services and Investor Confidence

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  Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the India Energy Week, highlighting the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a major boost to manufacturing and services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the “mother of all deals”, underlining its transformative potential for India’s manufacturing and services sectors. Speaking while inaugurating the India Energy Week virtually, the Prime Minister said the long-awaited trade pact will significantly strengthen investor confidence in India and reinforce global supply chains. The conclusion of negotiations for the FTA is set to be formally announced at the India-EU Summit in Delhi, marking a historic breakthrough after years of complex and often stalled discussions. Boost for Manufacturing and Services Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, dubbed the “mother of all deals”, will boost manufacturing, expand services, strengthen investor confidenc...

Rekha Gupta Government Announces 100% Electric Buses for Delhi Within Three Years

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  In a major step towards sustainable urban mobility, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that all public transport buses in the national capital will be converted to electric vehicles within the next three years. The announcement was made during the Republic Day celebrations held at Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi. The decision marks one of the most ambitious clean transport initiatives undertaken by the city, aimed at reducing air pollution, cutting carbon emissions, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. Addressing the gathering, CM Rekha Gupta said the transition to an emission-free bus fleet would help make Delhi cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. 11,000 Electric Buses Planned for Delhi The Chief Minister revealed that the Delhi government has already completed arrangements to induct 11,000 electric buses into the city’s public transport system. These buses will replace existing diesel and CNG buses in a phased manner o...

India to Roll Out First Domestically Built C-295 Military Aircraft by September 2026

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  India’s First Indigenous C-295 Military Aircraft to Roll Out by September 2026 India is set to achieve a landmark milestone in its defence manufacturing journey with the rollout of its first domestically built C-295 military transport aircraft by September 2026. The announcement was confirmed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during bilateral discussions with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, underscoring the growing depth of defence and industrial cooperation between India and Spain. The development marks a significant step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, while also strengthening New Delhi’s strategic partnerships with key European nations. Vadodara Facility: A Historic First for India’s Private Sector Airbus-Tata C-295 military transport aircraft under assembly at Vadodara facility in India The C-295 aircraft will roll out from the Airbus-Tata final assembly line in Vadodara...

Tata Group to Invest $11 Billion to Build World-Class Innovation City Near Navi Mumbai Airport

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  The Tata Group is set to make one of its largest future-focused investments yet, committing nearly $11 billion to develop a world-class “Innovation City” near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport . The ambitious project aims to position India as a global hub for advanced technologies, manufacturing, and research-driven industries. The proposed Innovation City is envisioned as a self-sustained ecosystem that will bring together cutting-edge technology companies, research institutions, startups, and global manufacturing leaders under one integrated urban framework. Strategic Location Near Navi Mumbai International Airport The location near the Navi Mumbai International Airport is central to the project’s vision. Once operational, the airport is expected to become a major aviation gateway for western India, offering direct global connectivity for businesses, investors, and talent. Proximity to major highways, ports, logistics corridors, and Mumbai’s financial ecosystem m...

Apple Pay Set for India Launch in 2026: Can Apple Challenge UPI Giants Like Google Pay and PhonePe?

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  Apple Pay India launch 2026 illustration showing iPhone tap-to-pay competing with UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to launch its digital payments service, Apple Pay , in India by late 2026, marking a major step in the company’s push to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone and digital payments markets. According to reports, the Cupertino-based tech giant is in discussions with Indian regulators, banking partners, and global card networks to pave the way for the service’s debut. If confirmed, Apple Pay’s India launch would place it in direct competition with entrenched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) players such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, which together dominate everyday digital transactions across the country. A Market Dominated by UPI Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Apple Takes on UPI, Google Pay & PhonePe India’s digital payments ecosystem is largely shaped by UPI, a real-time payments system laun...