Punjab Chief Minister has called for enhanced flight operations at Mohali Airport, emphasizing the need to boost regional connectivity and support economic growth. The pitch for more flights comes as the airport seeks to strengthen its role in facilitating domestic and international travel, particularly for business and tourism segments. Increased flight options are expected to attract investment, reduce travel time, and create employment opportunities in the region.

Human resources solutions firm CIEL HR has raised Rs. 30 crore in a pre-initial public offering funding round, strengthening its balance sheet ahead of a planned market debut. The capital infusion is expected to support business expansion, technology investments, and selective acquisitions as the company scales its workforce solutions platform. The fundraising reflects growing investor interest in organized HR services amid rising demand for talent management, staffing, and digital hiring solutions across India.

Sindhudurg Airport has received approval to operate on a 24x7 basis, marking a significant milestone for regional aviation and infrastructure development in coastal Maharashtra. The clearance from the aviation regulator allows the airport to handle flights at all hours, enhancing connectivity, operational flexibility, and tourism potential. The move is expected to benefit airlines, travelers, and local businesses by improving schedule efficiency and supporting economic growth in the Konkan region.

Punjab is preparing to deploy artificial intelligence across its agricultural ecosystem in a bid to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes. The initiative focuses on using data-driven tools to support crop planning, pest management, irrigation efficiency, and yield forecasting. By combining satellite imagery, weather data, and machine learning models, policymakers aim to reduce input costs and mitigate climate-related risks. The move reflects a broader shift toward technology-led farming as traditional practices struggle with rising costs and unpredictable weather.

Internet access in Pakistan has expanded rapidly, with a recent survey indicating that nearly 70% of the population now has online connectivity. The surge reflects a combination of falling data costs, wider smartphone adoption, and continued investment in telecom infrastructure. Increased internet penetration is reshaping consumer behavior, accelerating digital payments, e-commerce, and online education, while also opening new avenues for businesses and policymakers. However, gaps persist between urban and rural regions, as well as in digital literacy.

Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever annual production in 2025, underlining the automaker’s manufacturing strength and continued dominance in India’s passenger vehicle market. The milestone reflects robust domestic demand, improved supply-chain resilience, and sustained investments in capacity expansion and operational efficiency. Strong performance across entry-level, compact, and utility vehicle segments supported the record output, even as the industry navigated cost pressures and evolving regulatory norms.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the launch of a direct flight service between Dhaka and Karachi, marking a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The new route is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, and support growing demand from business travelers, expatriates, and cargo operators. Aviation analysts see the move as part of a broader strategy to expand regional networks and tap underserved South Asian routes.

Adani Total Gas has announced a reduction in prices of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) after a reset in tariff structures, offering relief to consumers and businesses alike. The move follows changes in gas allocation and pricing mechanisms, which have improved cost dynamics for city gas distributors. Lower fuel prices are expected to ease transportation expenses, reduce household energy bills, and support small businesses dependent on gas-based operations.

The Indian rupee weakened further and slipped beyond the critical 90-per-dollar threshold, closing the session at 90.20 against the US dollar. The decline reflects continued pressure from a strong dollar, persistent foreign fund outflows, and elevated global uncertainty. Currency markets remained cautious as investors reacted to signals of prolonged tight monetary conditions in major economies and rising geopolitical risks.

Private equity investment in real estate rose sharply to $6.7 billion, underscoring renewed confidence in the sector amid improving fundamentals and selective value creation opportunities. The uptick reflects stronger deal flow across commercial office spaces, warehousing, logistics parks, and income-generating assets, supported by stable demand and disciplined pricing. Investors are increasingly favoring assets with long-term cash-flow visibility and resilience to economic cycles.