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16 Feb

The Global Sweetener: UAE Emerges as Top Destination for Indian Sugar in 2026

editorBusiness

India has exported 201,547 tonnes of sugar through February in the 2025-26 marketing year, according to the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the leading buyer, importing 47,006 tones, followed closely by Afghanistan, Djibouti, and Bhutan. Of the total shipments, white sugar comprised 163,000 tonnes, while refined sugar accounted for 37,638 tonnes. This trade activity comes as the government recently increased the total export quota to 2 million tonnes, adding a 500,000-tonne allocation for willing mills. AISTA Chairman Praful Vithalani highlighted that the new two-tier system prevents mills from paying high premiums…

16 Feb

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Summit, calls it a moment of ‘immense pride’

Banasree SarkarNational

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the "rapid progress" in science and technology and the potential of the country's young are reflected in the India AI Impact Summit, calling it a subject of "immense pride" that international delegates had convened in India. The Prime Minister will open the five-day conference and related India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together IT executives, policymakers, and startup founders from around the globe in the capital. "We are extremely proud that people from all over the world are visiting India," Modi said in a post on X, adding that the event…

15 Feb

Cardiology expert highlights laser that melts plaques in heart vessels

Business BureauBusiness

During a recent conclave in Guwahati, cardiac specialists showcased a laser-based treatment that vaporizes obstructions in heart blood vessels. The technique, known as laser therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure which involves guiding a thin, specialized catheter through the artery to the site of the blockage. The catheter emits controlled bursts of high-energy laser light that melts away the blockage from within. Once upon a time, treating blocked heart arteries meant open surgery, visible scars and long recovery periods. Today, doctors use bursts of laser light to clear plaque buildup -- a transformation that shows just how far heart care…

14 Feb

Ashoka University offers scholarships to all young India fellows for 2026–27 cohort; final applications close March 23

Business BureauBusiness

Ashoka University has announced the opening of applications for the 16th cohort of its flagship Young India Fellowship (YIF) 2026–27, marking 15 years of the programme’s impact. In a major accessibility push, the university confirmed that all selected Fellows will receive partial or full scholarships, supported by HDFC Bank. Applications are free and reviewed on a rolling basis, with the priority deadline on February 23, 2026, and the final deadline on March 23, 2026. Instituted in 2011, the year-long residential programme offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies, combining core and elective coursework, experiential learning, critical inquiry, and holistic engagement.…

14 Feb

Ixigo Expands into Europe with €12.15 Million Spain Acquisitions

editorBusiness

Indian travel aggregator Ixigo has announced its strategic expansion into the European market with the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Spain’s second-largest train booking platform, Trenes, for €11.70 million (over ₹125 crore). The move marks a significant step in Ixigo’s global growth strategy and strengthens its presence in the online travel agency (OTA) segment.Following the deal, Online Travel Solutions, S.L., which operates Trenes, will become a step-down subsidiary of Ixigo. The Spanish platform primarily caters to the domestic train ticket booking market and operates across parts of Southern Europe.In addition, Ixigo’s board has approved the acquisition of…

14 Feb

Mizoram Puts Aizawl on Food Processing Map with Northeast’s First Fish Canning Unit

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram has proudly become the first state in Northeast India to establish a fish canning facility, inaugurated by Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Lalruatkima in Aizawl. This facility, constructed at a cost of ₹65 lakh in Zawlnuam, Mamit district, aims to enhance Mizoram's "blue economy" and support sustainable fisheries. It is developed under the Zawlnuam Fishery Cooperative Society, which will assist local fish farmers in gaining better market access and converting smaller fish into processed products. The minister emphasized the necessity of quality control to meet consumer demands and ensure the industry's success. Furthermore, the plant is anticipated to…

14 Feb

Fire ravages Walong area of Arunachal Pradesh; government sounds Alert

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

A large fire consumed Walong town in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, causing inhabitants to become alarmed and necessitating immediate safety precautions. The size of the fire and its effects on the area worried local MLA and Minister Dasanglu Pul. She urged locals and visitors to travel with utmost caution and to adhere strictly to any safety warnings given by authorities. Pul stated that community safety must always come first and urged everyone to refrain from any careless behavior that would endanger people's lives, property, or the environment. She urged the locals to act responsibly and assist efforts to limit the…

14 Feb

Mizoram Steps onto Global Sports Map with Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The 2nd edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026 concluded with nearly 3,000 participants, including 16 elite international athletes, showcasing Mizoram as a rising distance running destination. The event was initiated by General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, and held at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, featuring athletes from various countries. Participation surged by nearly 100% from the previous year, reflecting the event's growing credibility. Government officials emphasized the marathon's contribution to Mizoram's sporting culture and tourism. Kenyan athletes dominated the 21KM Open categories, with Kemboi Kevin Kiprono and Renu Singh winning first place. The success…

14 Feb

CM Assesses Progress of NH Infrastructure Projects Across Mizoram

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma held a review meeting with officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to evaluate National Highway projects in the state. He thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his support and discussed the potential adoption of rigid pavement technology for the region's heavy rainfall. The meeting assessed major highway projects by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation and the state Public Works Department, addressing ongoing works, completed sections, and challenges. Updates on highway improvements in various districts and pending proposals for central approval were also provided. Attendees included state ministers and senior officials.

13 Feb

Protinex launches #NoChairDare to highlight India’s protein deficiency challenge

Business BureauBusiness

Nutrition brand Protinex has launched #NoChairDare, a nationwide muscle-strength awareness campaign encouraging Indians to assess their strength through a simple wall-sit challenge, aiming to spotlight the country’s growing protein intake gap and sedentary lifestyles. The campaign, promoted across social media platforms including Instagram via @protinexin, invites participants to hold a wall-sit position for an average of 27 seconds for women and 34 seconds for men, a benchmark derived from a study of 1,000 Indians aged 35–50. Participants who struggle to complete the challenge are encouraged to reassess their dietary habits and increase daily protein consumption. To expand participation, Protinex has…