Amazon Air Expands to Northeast India, Delivery Speeds to Become 5x Faster

• Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, flags off inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati
• Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo network
• Expansion will also enable small businesses and entrepreneurs from the region to better serve customers across India

Amazon today announced the expansion of Amazon Air to Northeast India with new air cargo routes connecting Kolkata and Guwahati, further strengthening its logistics infrastructure and connectivity across the region. The addition of dedicated air capacity will significantly improve delivery speed and reliability, enabling customers across the Northeast to access Amazon’s vast selection of products with faster and more consistent delivery.

The service will support deliveries across all seven sister states —Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura — through Amazon’s integrated air and surface transportation network. By combining dedicated air capacity with its multimodal logistics infrastructure, Amazon expects to reduce transit times and increase delivery speeds by up to five times, bringing customers across the region faster access to a wide selection of products — from everyday essentials to smartphones, consumer electronics, fashion & beauty and more.

The inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati was flagged off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, alongside Abhinav Singh, Vice President – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon and Chetan Krishnaswamy, VP Public Policy, Amazon India.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation and Abhinav Singh, VP, Operations India and Australia, Amazon at the expansion announcement of Amzon air to Guwahati

“With Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji’s priority focus on the North-East through the vision of ‘Act East, Act Fast, Act First’, infrastructure and connectivity in the North-Eastern region have grown multifold. Today, every state in the North-East has an airport and the number of operational airports has increased from 9 in 2014 to 16 today. Given the North East’s immense potential in horticulture and cargo exports, today’s launch of Amazon Air’s cargo route from Delhi to Guwahati will further support the farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the North-East. The Government has also taken several significant interventions to encourage air cargo growth in the country. In Budget 2026, special emphasis has been placed on building air cargo infrastructure and warehousing capacity to strengthen logistics for perishable and high-value products. Additionally, the value cap on courier exports has been removed which will help boost cross-border e-commerce. And I congratulate Amazon for adding to air freight network of the country with today’s milestone launch,” said Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation.

“Enhanced logistics connectivity plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding market access for businesses, and employment across the Northeast. For sellers in the region, the introduction of Amazon Air services to Guwahati will enable enterprises to connect with customers nationwide. Improved fulfillment speeds will allow businesses to reach a wider customer base and participate more meaningfully in India’s rapidly growing digital economy, while also bringing the benefits of faster and more reliable deliveries to customers and communities across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Such advancements in logistics infrastructure are also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for local youth. It is hoped that the operationalization of Amazon Air services will further contribute to job creation and support the overall economic growth of the region," said Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Assam.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have consistently invested in building one of India’s largest logistics networks to serve customers wherever they live. The expansion of Amazon Air to the Northeast is a natural progression of those investments and reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity across the country. It also aligns with the Government’s focus on improving logistics infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunity in the region. For customers, this means access to Amazon’s vast selection at 5x better speeds than before, while sellers and entrepreneurs in the Northeast can now reach customers across India faster and more reliably,” said Abhinav Singh, VP – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon.

More About Amazon Air

Amazon Air launched in India in 2023 and has since strengthened the country’s e-commerce logistics network. Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo fleet. With two narrow-body freighters, Amazon Air moves tens of thousands of packages daily, enabling safer, faster and more reliable deliveries. Its overnight routes connect major metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Pune. Amazon also operates air-rail multimodal connections, with onward reach to cities such as Delhi, Guwahati and other parts of the country. Including belly cargo partnerships, Amazon’s air network now serves over 100 origin-destination pairs across India.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company, Earth's best employer, and Earth's safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Capgemini Eyes Major Expansion in India’s Vizag With 20,000-Job IT Hub & GCC

Capgemini is in advanced discussions with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish a major IT development centre and Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Visakhapatnam, with plans for a 15,000–20,000 seat facility that could generate up to 20,000 jobs. The proposed site is in the Mudasarlova area, and the initiative is part of the state’s push to make Vizag a leading IT and data hub.

Key Details About Capgemini’s Vizag Plans

• Location: Likely in the Mudasarlova area of Visakhapatnam
• Capacity: Around 15,000–20,000 seats
• Jobs: Estimated 20,000 new opportunities across IT, cloud services, and BPM
• Focus Areas:
  • IT development centre
  • Global Capability Centre (GCC)
  • Cloud services and Business Process Management (BPM) verticals
• Timeline: Discussions are ongoing as of March 2026; land acquisition and formal agreements are the next steps

Why Vizag?

• Emerging IT hub: Vizag is being pitched as Andhra Pradesh’s tech capital, with firms like Cognizant and TCS already operating there.
• Talent pool: Strong supply of engineering graduates from Andhra Pradesh and nearby states.
• Government support: State IT Minister Nara Lokesh is actively inviting global firms and offering collaboration with universities for emerging tech labs.

Comparison: Capgemini vs Other IT Players in Vizag

Company	Presence in Vizag	Jobs Created	Focus Areas
Capgemini (planned)	15,000–20,000 seat centre	~20,000	IT, GCC, Cloud, BPM
TCS	Operational	Thousands	IT services, consulting
Cognizant	Operational	Thousands	IT services, digital transformation

Risks & Considerations

• Not yet finalized: While discussions are promising, Capgemini has not officially announced construction or opening dates.
• Land acquisition pending: The Mudasarlova site is under negotiation; delays are possible.
• Competition for talent: With multiple IT majors in Vizag, recruitment may be competitive.

What This Means for Vizag

• Massive job creation: Fresh graduates and experienced professionals in IT, cloud, and BPM will benefit.
• Boost to local economy: Ancillary industries (housing, transport, training institutes) will grow.
• Global recognition: Vizag could emerge as a major IT hub alongside Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

India Sets Up Lab to Track Offshore Crypto Platforms

India has launched a new “Virtual Asset Lab” under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to track unregistered offshore crypto platforms, aiming to curb money laundering and tax evasion risks. The lab uses advanced analytics and web surveillance tools to identify high-risk virtual asset service providers (oVASPs) operating outside Indian regulations.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: March 2026
• Authority: FIU-India, supported by inter-agency cooperation
• Objective: Detect and disrupt offshore crypto platforms serving Indian users without registration
• Tools Used: Analytics, AI-driven monitoring, and web surveillance
• Global Context: Initiative aligns with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations

Why Offshore Crypto Platforms Are Targeted

• Many offshore exchanges bypass KYC norms and avoid Indian tax obligations.
• They operate without physical offices in India, making enforcement difficult.
• Often registered in one country but serving users globally, creating regulatory blind spots.

Benefits of the Virtual Asset Lab

• Enhanced Oversight: Identifies unregistered oVASPs and flags suspicious activity.
• User Protection: Shields Indian traders from fraud-prone platforms.
• Compliance Enforcement: Helps remove unauthorized crypto sites and enforce FIU rules.
• Global Cooperation: India joins FATF members in disrupting illegal crypto activity.

Comparison: India’s Virtual Asset Lab vs. Global Efforts

Feature	India’s Virtual Asset Lab	Other FATF Jurisdictions
Focus	Offshore unregistered oVASPs	Similar focus on high-risk oVASPs
Tools	AI analytics + web surveillance	Cooperation with ISPs, app stores
Regulatory Authority	FIU-India	National FIUs & regulators
Primary Goal	Prevent money laundering, enforce compliance	Disrupt unauthorized crypto activity

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory Arbitrage: Offshore platforms may shift operations to new jurisdictions.
• User Adaptation: Traders might migrate to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), harder to regulate.
• Implementation Complexity: Requires strong inter-agency coordination and global cooperation.

Takeaway

India’s Virtual Asset Lab is a decisive step toward modernizing crypto oversight. For Indian traders, this means stricter compliance checks and possible restrictions on using offshore exchanges. It also signals India’s intent to align with global FATF standards, strengthening its fight against illicit financial flows in the crypto ecosystem.

Ramky Infra to Build India’s Largest Integrated Life Sciences City at Dighi Port

Ramky Infrastructure Limited (RIL) today announced the execution of a Concession Agreement between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maha Integrated Life Sciences City Limited (MILeS City), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ramky Infrastructure Limited, for the development of a High-Tech Pharmaceutical Park at the Dighi Port Industrial Area in Raigad district, Maharashtra.

The project will be implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with an estimated project cost of INR 3,000 crore excluding the operating income to be generated during the 90 years operation period. The concession period will span 95 years, including a construction period of five years which RIL expects to execute in coming 5 years would form part of the Order Book of RIL aggregating it to INR 13,500 Crores.

The proposed High-Tech Pharmaceutical Park will be developed across approximately 1,000 hectares within the Dighi Port Industrial Area, covering parts of Mangaon and Roha talukas in Raigad district. The project will establish a large-scale integrated development comprising industrial zones, commercial areas, common infrastructure, utilities, internal road networks and designated open spaces.

An Integrated Life Sciences Manufacturing Ecosystem

The project is designed to establish a world-class integrated life sciences manufacturing ecosystem that will provide end-to-end infrastructure and shared facilities for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences companies.

Key elements of the proposed development include:

– Integrated infrastructure and advanced utilities, enabling industries to optimise capital investment and improve operational efficiency.

- Innovation-led research and development centres, incubation hubs, and technology transfer platforms to encourage collaboration, capability building, and sectoral innovation.

- Environmentally responsible infrastructure that supports high standards of environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable industrial operations.

Under the terms of the concession agreement, MILeS City will be responsible for the development, operation, maintenance and management of the project for the entire concession period.

The revenue model for the project will include:

• Land lease premium and lease rental
• Development charges
• Maintenance charges for common infrastructure and services
• Operational charges for utilities and shared facilities

The project is expected to strengthen industrial infrastructure in the region, attract investments into the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, and generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is also anticipated to stimulate growth in ancillary industries and local businesses across the surrounding areas.

Following the execution of this concession agreement, the order book position of Ramky Infrastructure Limited stands at approximately INR 13,500 crore, reflecting the company’s continued momentum in large-scale infrastructure and industrial development projects.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sunil S Nair, CEO, Ramky Infrastructure Limited said, “This agreement marks a significant milestone not only for industrial development, but for the wider communities and businesses that stand to benefit from it. By creating a large-scale integrated life sciences ecosystem at Dighi Port Industrial Area, we see an opportunity to support employment generation, strengthen regional infrastructure, encourage innovation, and attract long-term investment into Maharashtra. The project is designed to enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to grow within a well-supported and globally competitive manufacturing environment."

About Ramky Infrastructure Limited

Ramky Infrastructure Limited is the flagship infrastructure development company of the Ramky Group and has been a prominent player in the infrastructure sector since its establishment in 1994. The company has successfully delivered a wide range of projects spanning industrial infrastructure, water and wastewater treatment, roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure development.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, the company operates across India and international markets with a team of more than 2,000 professionals.

Ramky Infrastructure Limited is certified under ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems), which guide the company’s practices in design, engineering, procurement, and construction of infrastructure projects.

Mercedes-Benz Expands Portfolio with Locally Produced V-Class in Key North India Markets

• The all-new V-Class is launched with an extra-long wheelbase (WB:3430mm L:5370 mm) configuration with a sophisticated 6-seat layout
• V-Class debuts the petrol engine for the first time in India
• V-Class’ AIRMATIC air suspension is specifically developed for Indian road conditions
• Dual Powertrain: Available in both petrol (170 kW / 228 bhp + 15 kW mild hybrid) and diesel (174 kW / 233 bhp) with 9G-TRONIC transmission
• Safest vehicle in its segment: Best-in-class 7 standard airbags (A-to-D pillar window airbags), Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, 360° camera, and driver camera with ATTENTION ASSIST
• Premium Standard Features: AMG Line exterior, first-class luxury seats with massage and ventilation across all three rows, AIRMATIC air suspension, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, Burmester surround sound, and 7 standard airbags come as standard
• India-First Features: India is the first market globally to offer AIRMATIC air suspension on both petrol and diesel powertrains. The V-Class is also the first vehicle in its class to offer ventilated third-row seats
• The all-new V-Class is available for booking with priority delivery for existing Mercedes-Benz customers.
• The V-Class bookings can be made for Rs. 5 lakhs, which will ensure customers are eligible for the introductory price

India’s most desirable luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today, launched the all-new V-Class, redefining the strongly evolving private luxury mobility segment in Chandigarh and Punjab markets. The introduction of the V-Class Extra LWB in Chandigarh & Punjab further strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s desirable and diverse product portfolio in one of the country’s important luxury vehicle markets.

Chandigarh and Punjab have been key growth markets for Mercedes-Benz India, with a strong demand for Tep-End Vehicles (TEV) that combine prestige, luxury appointments and cutting-edge technology. The launch of the new V-Class in Chandigarh and Punjab markets reflect the brand’s continued focus on bringing its most desirable global luxury products closer to customers, across high-potential markets in India.

The New V-Class seamlessly combines unparalleled space, luxurious comfort and avant-garde design creating an atmosphere of luxury, space and freedom, providing a serene and composed environment to customers, travelling in the lap of luxury and privacy. Available in the extra-long wheelbase configuration (5,370 mm length, 3,430 mm wheelbase, 1,928 mm width, 1,880 mm height) as standard, the V-Class is designed for those who command their environment and appreciate the freedom to move in unparalleled comfort.

Addressing the growing trend of ‘personal luxury space’, the V-Class represents a new category of luxury mobility: an oasis of personal space, freedom and luxurious comfort for power elites, trendsetters and affluent families, who value exclusivity, privacy and security on the move.

 

With the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers discerning customers a ‘Private Suite’, that is designed to transform every journey into a deeply personal experience, creating a curated space on wheels. The V-Class truly becomes a private suite on the move, highly refined, spacious, and shaped around​ the customers individual preferences. Increasingly Indian families are preferring luxury private vehicles for family travel, accompanied by pets and the V-Class is aimed at such families with diverse requirements. The V-Class will be an additional vehicle for these families for whom travelling in luxury, with freedom and privacy remains of utmost importance.

The sophisticated 6-seat layout features first-class luxury individual seats in the second row with 3-stage ventilation and massage, calf support, deployable cupholders, and wireless charging. The third row breaks new ground as the first vehicle in its segment to offer ventilated seats, complemented by 3-point seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, and USB charging ports. The front row offers electrically adjustable and ventilated seats with cushion length adjustment, establishing a luxurious command centre.

The cabin ambience is elevated by 64-colour ambient lighting, a Burmester® surround sound system with Dolby Atmos offering 15 loudspeakers delivering 640 W of output, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, heat-insulating glass with sunblind, and the ENERGIZING Comfort programme with up to ten harmoniously tuned wellness modes including nature soundscapes. Electric sliding doors on both sides can be operated via the key, exterior door handle, driver’s seat, or a button on the door panel, while the electrically operable split tailgate allows easy loading even in tight spaces.

Local Production: Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Commitment

Mercedes-Benz India will commence local production of the V-Class. This strategic move reinforces the company’s three-decade-long commitment to the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz announced the start of local production of the uber-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. The V-Class will be the second product Mercedes-Benz announced for local production this year.

Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to today's intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.

About Mercedes-Benz India:

Mercedes-Benz India pioneered the luxury car market in India, completing 30 years of Indian operations in 2024. Mercedes-Benz’s world-class production facility set up in 2009, is spread over 100 acres in Chakan near Pune. Mercedes-Benz India is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Global Production Network and plays an important role in the CKD production network. The production facility carries an investment of more than INR 3000 crores and has the largest installed production capacity for any luxury carmaker in India. Mercedes-Benz India has the largest luxury network spread amongst any luxury carmaker, with over 140 luxury touchpoints spread across 50+ cities. Through the exclusive AMG Performance Centres, Mercedes-Benz boasts of a strong AMG retail network presence in the country. Mercedes-Benz India has a robust product portfolio comprising the locally produced A-Class, C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase, S-Class, Mercedes Maybach S 580 limousine and the all-new V-Class, along with the electric vehicles– EQS 580 sedan, and EQS SUV 450. Mercedes-Benz is the only luxury brand to locally manufacture 2 BEVs in India. The ‘Made in India’ SUV range starts with the GLA, GLC, GLE, and GLS range of luxury SUVs. The Completely Built imported cars portfolio (CBU) includes the G 450d, GLS Maybach and the exciting AMG range comprising the AMG A 45 S to the AMG GT 63 S E-Performance. Mercedes-Benz also pioneered the luxury BEV segment in India and comprises a strong portfolio including the ‘Made in India’ EQS 580 sedan, EQS 580 SUV and 450 SUV, along with EQA 250+, EQB SUVs, EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, and G580 with EQ Technology. Mercedes-Benz India introduced the innovative customer-centric ‘direct to customer’ business model in India, as one of the first markets to rollout this business model, redefining customer experience.