MADAGASCAR
Varun Beverages: Genie out of the bottle, grants a wish to all stakeholders
Ravi Jaipuria's Varun Beverages Ltd has become a global powerhouse. Starting with one PepsiCo plant in 1987, VBL is now the second-largest bottling business for PepsiCo worldwide outside the US. Its market value has surged significantly. The company holds extensive franchisee rights across India and several international markets. This growth reflects a vision for expansion and strong execution.
Quote of the day by comedian Chris Rock: 'Only married people can understand how you can be miserable and happy at the same time' - A raw take on marriage and relationships by The Chris Rock Show creator
Chris Rock’s widely shared quote captures the complex reality of long-term relationships. The line highlights how marriage is not just about constant happiness, but also includes moments of frustration, routine, and emotional ups and downs. Often linked to his stand-up material and themes explored in I Think I Love My Wife (2007), the quote continues to resonate because it reflects everyday experiences rather than idealised views of love.
BLS International plans to invest ₹2,500 cr to expand into new markets
BLS International is set to invest ₹2,500 crore over the next three to four years. This significant investment will fuel expansion into new markets, drive acquisitions, and enhance technology infrastructure. The company aims to double its revenues by the year 2030. A substantial portion of this outlay is earmarked for strategic acquisitions to scale operations and diversify service offerings.
BLS International plans to have a capex outlay of Rs 2500 cr for expansion in new markets, acquisitions
BLS International plans to invest ₹2,500 crore over the next three to four years to expand into new markets, pursue acquisitions and upgrade technology, as it targets doubling revenue by 2030, joint MD Shikhar Aggarwal said.
In Africa, the cost of jet fuel is changing faster than you can fly
A war in the Middle East has disrupted jet fuel supplies, sending prices sky-high. African airlines are hit hardest, facing significant cost increases and potential shortages. Consumers can expect higher fares and surcharges. This global fuel crisis impacts flight operations and economic stability across affected regions.
Varun Beverages to acquire South African firm Crickley Dairy
Varun Beverages' South African arm Bevco will acquire Crickley Dairy Proprietary for over 131 crore rupees. This move aims to expand the company's product range into dairy and juice drinks. The deal awaits regulatory approval. This follows Varun Beverages' recent acquisition of Twizza and The Beverage Company in South Africa, strengthening its regional presence.
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India sends humanitarian aid to Madagascar after cyclone devastation
India has sent vital aid to Madagascar after tropical cyclones Fytia and Geza caused widespread destruction. An Indian Air Force aircraft delivered 30 tonnes of supplies, including medicines and tents. This assistance reaffirms India's commitment to supporting nations in crisis. The relief materials will help communities recover from the devastating natural disaster.
AquaExchange raises $8 million led by Endiya Partners, Factor Analytics
AquaExchange raised $8 million from Endiya Partners and Factor Analytics. Founded by Pavan Kosaraju and partners, it provides IoT automation, AI monitoring, financing and insurance for shrimp farmers. The platform supports over 5,800 farmers across five Indian states and aims to expand internationally while moving towards profitability.
IndiGo to launch direct Chennai–Réunion Island flights from April 29
IndiGo is launching non-stop, thrice-weekly flights from Chennai to Réunion Island starting April 29, 2026, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. This marks Réunion Island as IndiGo's 46th international destination and its 13th from Chennai, a key South Indian gateway. The new route aims to attract Indian travelers to the island's unique volcanic landscapes and multicultural heritage.
Navy chief inaugurates Goa Maritime Conclave 2026; 14 nations attend
The Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 has begun. Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi opened the event. Delegates from 14 Indian Ocean nations are present. They will discuss drug trafficking and illegal fishing. Regional stability is impacted by these issues. Operational coordination and synergy are needed.
Winter Olympics: Condoms restocked after 2,800 athletes use up 10,000 in just three days during Valentine’s week
Olympic villages in Milano Cortina have restocked condoms after an early shortage, with organizers confirming higher-than-anticipated demand. This long-standing tradition, aimed at promoting athlete well-being, saw initial supplies depleted rapidly. Officials assured continuous replenishment until the Games conclude on February 22nd, with athletes noting similar trends at past events.
Indian Navy to host key conclave in Goa on February 21 to discuss maritime challenges
The maritime domain in the IOR faces a "wide spectrum of traditional and non-traditional challenges", with significant implications for regional security and livelihoods, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.
Solar Eclipse 2026: Will US, UK and UAE witness the rare ‘ring of fire’ spectacle? Here’s who can see it
Solar Eclipse 2026: A “Ring of Fire” eclipse, formally called an annular solar eclipse, takes place when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun while positioned farther from Earth in its orbit, causing it to appear slightly smaller than the Sun.
Annular Solar Eclipse 2026: Which countries are in the path of ‘Ring of Fire’ and where to see a partial eclipse — Global viewing guide
Solar eclipse visibility: Annular eclipses are less dramatic than total solar eclipses, as the Sun is never completely obscured. However, the “ring of fire” effect is widely regarded as equally awe-inspiring due to its symmetry and brilliance.
Madagascar cyclone death toll rises to 40, water, power still out
Cyclone Gezani has claimed 40 lives in Madagascar. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many without power and water. Aid workers describe apocalyptic scenes in affected areas. International aid is being sent to help with recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mozambique braced for potential impacts but the cyclone's path shifted.
Indians can now travel to 56 countries without prior visa: Check the list of nations
India's passport has climbed to the 75th rank in the Henley Passport Index. This improvement grants Indian citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 countries. This wider travel access allows easier journeys across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Indian passport holders now enjoy greater global mobility.
Why Madagascar's president was ousted in a military coup after weeks of youth-led protests
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina was ousted in a military coup following weeks of youth-led protests against poverty and power outages. After fleeing the country, Rajoelina's office condemned the military's actions as illegal. The armed forces announced they would form a council to appoint a prime minister and establish a civilian government.
Madagascar's president, hiding in an unknown location, dissolves parliament to deepen crisis
Madagascar is in turmoil as President Andry Rajoelina has abruptly dissolved parliament, escalating a political crisis that has gripped the nation. With discontent boiling over, elite military forces are now backing protests calling for his resignation. In a surprising twist, Rajoelina has fled abroad, insisting he is in a safe environment.
Who toppled Madagascar government, where is president Andry Rajoelina now and who will control the country? Full details about political uncertainty explained
Who toppled Madagascar government, where is president Andry Rajoelina now and who will control the country? Madagascar’s President has reportedly fled after army defections amid Gen Z-led protests. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko confirmed his departure as military units switched sides. The crisis raises questions about who will control Madagascar now.
Madagascar's new armed-forces chief chosen by mutinied unit
Madagascar's armed forces minister on Sunday recognised as new head of the army an officer chosen by a military contingent siding with protesters who are demanding the departure of President Andry Rajoelina. General Demosthene Pikulas was installed as Chief of the Army Staff during a ceremony at the army headquarters attended by armed forces minister, Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo.
An attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, the country's president says
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina announced Sunday that an attempted coup is underway, with elements of the armed forces joining youth-led protests against his government. These demonstrations, ongoing since September 25th, are fueled by grievances over service failures, corruption, and nepotism.
India emerging trusted development partner of key IOR state of Madagascar
Madagascar offers a strong economic potential for India in the field of critical rare earth minerals and hydrocarbon energy findings in the north west of Madagascar and can be maritime security partner.
China eyes military base in Indian Ocean region in Madagascar
High level visits have been taking place between the defence forces of China and Madagascar and a military base could be set up by Beijing in the island, ET has reliably gathered. China also provides over 20 slots to Madagascar military personnel for training.
India, Madagascar planning direct flights between Mumbai and Antananarivo
"Ambassador Abhay Kumar met M Rolland Ranjatoelina, Hon'ble Minister of Transport and #Meteorology of Madagascar today. They discussed the possibility of starting a direct flight between #Mumbai and #Antananarivo," Ambassador Abhay Kumar said in a tweet on Thursday.
Madagascar fights for sovereignty amid Chinese debt-trap diplomacy
In Madagascar, China has aided the building of infrastructure, poured in massive revenue resulting in an increased number of Chinese-funded enterprises which now comprise 90 per cent of the market.
Indian Ocean partnership: Growing defence ties between India and Madagascar
Indian Navy mobile training team was deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks from March 14-28, officials informed.
Indo-Pacific outreach: India conducts maiden joint naval patrolling with Madagascar
The first ever Joint Patrol between the navies of India and Madagascar reflect the growing defence ties between the two Indian Ocean neighbours aimed at the common objective of ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, officials said.
Indo-Pacific outreach: India assists Madagascar to address humanitarian crisis
This is in response to the urgent appeal made by Madagascar for international solidarity and assistance to deal with the humanitarian crisis in South of Madagascar due to severe drought, the Government of India.
‘Madagascar wants to deepen defence relations with India’
For Indian Ocean countries, India represents a security umbrella which maintains peace and prosperity in the area. Indeed, one MoU was signed earlier between India and Madagascar. We would like deepening of defence cooperation, in maritime sector specifically, through transfer of Indian expertise to Malagasy National Navy.
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