Current Affairs - Business

Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, is set to begin exporting Evolution Series locomotives from its Marhowra plant in Bihar to Africa by 2025. This plant, established in 2018, has already manufactured approximately 650 locomotives and will produce ES43ACmi locomotives featuring a 4,500 HP engine. The joint venture underscores Wabtec's significant presence in India's locomotive manufacturing sector and its expansion into international markets. This development highlights the growing collaboration between Indian Railways and global industry leaders like Wabtec.

Shankh Air, under Shankh Aviation, has been granted a No Objection Certificate by the Civil Aviation Ministry to commence its flight operations. The airline plans to operate Boeing 737-800NG aircraft and will focus on both inter- and intra-state routes, utilizing hubs in Lucknow and Noida. This marks a significant step in expanding air travel options in the region. With leadership from Shankh Air Chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma and the CEO of Noida Airport Christoph Schnellmann, the airline aims to enhance connectivity and provide efficient travel services.

Mappls has partnered with Zoomcar to streamline travel planning and booking for users. Through the Mappls App, users can now directly book Zoomcar rides, enjoying features like no security deposit, unlimited kilometres, and flexible pick-up/drop-off. This partnership combines Zoomcar's car-sharing services with Mappls' innovative mapping and travel solutions, promising a seamless and enjoyable road trip experience. The collaboration aims to make travel more convenient and enjoyable, catering to various budgets and travel needs.

The TIME World's Best Companies of 2024 list features Apple at the top position with an impressive overall score of 97.75, recognizing its excellence in the IT, Electronics, Hardware, and Equipment industries. This prestigious ranking highlights the company's significant influence and leadership in the global corporate landscape. Notably, Indian companies have also made a mark, with HCLTech securing the 112th position, followed closely by Infosys at 119th and Wipro at 134th. Other Indian companies, such as Reliance Industries (646th) and Adani Group (736th), also feature on the list, demonstrating India's growing presence in the global corporate arena. The list includes 22 Indian-born enterprises among the 1000 companies recognized worldwide.

EVFY opened its first fast-charging station in Gurgaon, marking a significant step in its expansion plans for the Indian market. Located in Sector 73, this station features a 150 kW fast charger and is designed to support a range of electric vehicles, from two-wheelers to buses. The company's goal is to establish 100 such stations by 2025, reflecting its commitment to catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles in India. This initiative includes future plans for ultra-fast chargers and a dedicated app to enhance user convenience.