India, EU Finalise Landmark Trade Deal, PM Modi Calls It “Mother of All Deals”

India, EU Finalise Landmark Trade Deal, PM Modi Calls It “Mother of All Deals”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 27, 2026

India and the European Union have finalised a landmark free trade agreement, marking a major step in strengthening economic ties between the two regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the pact as a historic milestone after nearly two decades of intermittent negotiations.

Speaking on the development, the Prime Minister said the agreement would open up significant opportunities for both sides. "Yesterday, a big agreement was signed between the European Union and India," PM Modi said. He added, "People around the world are calling this the mother of all deals. This agreement will bring major opportunities for the 1.4 billion people of India and the millions of people in Europe."

The deal will pave the way for India to gradually open its vast domestic market to free trade with the 27-nation European Union, which is India’s largest trading partner. Trade between India and the EU stood at $136.5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025, reflecting the scale of economic engagement between the two economies.

According to government sources, the agreement will undergo legal vetting before its formal signing. An official familiar with the process said the implementation timeline is expected to be within a year. "We expect the deal to be implemented within a year," the official said.

For consumers, the free trade agreement is expected to bring visible benefits, including lower prices on select European products such as cars and electronics, along with improved access to services as Indian companies expand their footprint in Europe.

At the same time, sensitive agricultural sectors have been carefully protected. European officials have confirmed that dairy products and sugar are excluded from the agreement. The EU has safeguarded its beef, sugar and rice markets, while India has retained high tariffs on farm and dairy goods to protect the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers.

Despite these safeguards, trade in food and beverage products continues to grow. India’s food and beverage exports to the European Union, valued at around USD 4.2 billion in 2024, are led by coffee, tea, spices, fish and fruits. This indicates that while broad agricultural liberalisation remains limited, specific food and processed product categories may see further expansion.

Reports also indicate that Europe has sought stronger protection for its geographical indications, including wines, cheeses and speciality food products. Overall, the agreement is expected to deepen trade ties, support business expansion, and offer tangible benefits to consumers on both sides.


This International Beer Day, Raise a Glass at These 2 Bengaluru Beer Destinations

This International Beer Day, Raise a Glass at These 2 Bengaluru Beer Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on August 7, 2026

Few cities celebrate craft beer quite like Bengaluru. Over the years, the city's brewery culture has evolved into a thriving community of brewmasters, innovative flavours, and lively social spaces. This International Beer Day, beer enthusiasts can explore two destinations that offer freshly brewed craft beers, delicious food, and memorable experiences.

Sector 144 Brewery & Kitchen, JP Nagar

Sector 144 Brewery & Kitchen has established itself as a favourite among Bengaluru's craft beer enthusiasts with its fresh brews and contemporary brewery experience. Led by Brewmaster Lynette, the brewery blends traditional European brewing techniques with locally inspired flavours, using premium German-origin ingredients to create balanced and approachable beers.

Its signature lineup includes Off The Wall Stout, Dangerous IPA, Beat It Hefe, and Billie's Wit, along with seasonal specials like Mango Jam, a tropical mango wheat ale. Guests can also look forward to the launch of a refreshing Pineapple Wheat Ale.

Complementing the craft beer selection is a globally inspired menu featuring comfort food served in a vibrant setting, making it an ideal destination for after-work gatherings and weekend outings. Guided by the philosophy "Brewed with Purpose. Enjoyed Together," Sector 144 continues to bring people together through quality brews and memorable experiences.

Location: Sector 144 Brewery & Kitchen, JP Nagar, Bengaluru
Date: 7 August 2026
Time: 12:00 PM onwards
Reservations: +91 97316 44144

Chin Lung Brewery & Resto Bar – All Outlets

A well-known name in Bengaluru's brewery scene, Chin Lung Brewery & Resto Bar is recognised for its brewery-fresh craft beers and energetic atmosphere. Its in-house brewing programme offers a variety of styles, including Lager, Hefeweizen, Belgian Wit, and India Pale Ale (IPA), along with seasonal brews that keep the menu fresh throughout the year.

The brewery pairs its beers with an extensive menu of Asian specialities, comfort food, and bar favourites, creating a complete dining experience for both casual visitors and craft beer enthusiasts.

Whether it's a relaxed evening with friends or an International Beer Day celebration, Chin Lung offers an inviting setting to enjoy freshly brewed pints and flavourful cuisine.

Location: Chin Lung Brewery & Resto Bar – All Outlets, Bengaluru
Date: 7 August 2026
Time: 12:00 PM onwards
Reservations: +91 77954 25395


The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Sleep Company has announced the opening of its new experience store at Vihang Ventura in Mira Road, further expanding its retail footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Located within the upcoming premium commercial development by Vihang Ahead, the new outlet adds to the growing presence of national brands at the project.

The comfort-tech brand, known for its patented SmartGRID® technology, has grown rapidly across India with more than 200 stores in less than four years. Its latest store at Vihang Ventura is part of the company's strategy to expand into fast-growing suburban markets where demand for premium lifestyle and comfort products continues to rise.

Situated opposite Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is being developed as an integrated commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces, and lifestyle brands. The project is attracting leading national retailers looking to tap into the growing consumer base of the Mira Bhayandar region.

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The new experience store offers customers an opportunity to explore and try The Sleep Company's complete range of SmartGRID mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, and sleep accessories before making their purchase decisions.

Commenting on the development, Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said:

"The Sleep Company's decision to establish its presence at Vihang Ventura is another strong endorsement of Mira Bhayandar's emergence as a premium retail destination. As consumer aspirations evolve and the region continues to attract high-quality residential and commercial developments, national brands are increasingly recognising the market's long-term potential. Our vision for Vihang Ventura is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem that brings together leading retail, lifestyle and business brands in one landmark destination."

Speaking about the expansion, Sharad Shukla, Senior Director-Retail Expansion, The Sleep Company, said:

"Our retail expansion strategy is centred around markets that are witnessing strong residential growth, improving infrastructure and a rising base of aspirational consumers. Mira Bhayandar has evolved into one of the fastest-growing suburban markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making it an ideal destination for our next experience store. Vihang Ventura offers the right ecosystem for us to engage with customers seeking innovative comfort solutions and a premium in-store shopping experience."

The launch comes at a time when India's organised retail sector continues to see steady growth, supported by strong retail leasing activity and increasing expansion into emerging suburban markets. Improved infrastructure, Metro connectivity, and sustained residential development have also made Mira Bhayandar an attractive destination for organised retail and lifestyle brands.

With The Sleep Company joining its retail mix, Vihang Ventura continues to strengthen its positioning as a modern commercial and lifestyle destination, bringing together brands across lifestyle, wellness, food & beverage, and retail while offering consumers premium shopping experiences closer to home.


17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.

Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.

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The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.

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