General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - January 2026

Jan 2026

Jan 28, 2026

Adani Aerospace & Defence strikes Embraer MoU to assemble planes in India

Adani Aerospace & Defence on January 28, 2026 announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil’s Embraer to assemble commercial aircraft in India. The agreement aims to localise manufacturing and foster a regional aircraft ecosystem under the Make in India framework. Embraer, the world’s third-largest aircraft maker, said location and final partnership structure are still under discussion, with planning and site selection to proceed in parallel. The MoU, unveiled at the Ministry of Civil Aviation event attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, signals a significant push for domestic aviation capacity. Timelines and specific obligations will be revealed in the coming months.

Adani Defence & Aerospace signs MoU with Embraer to assemble regional jets in India.
Facility location and partnership structure are pending finalisation.
Event held at Ministry of Civil Aviation; Naidu attended.
Part of Make in India push to deepen domestic aviation manufacturing.

India Energy Week 2026 underway in Goa, spotlight on energy transition

India Energy Week 2026 runs from January 27 to 30 in Goa, showcasing energy policy, technology and investment opportunities. The event, led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with FIPI and dmg events, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss energy security, decarbonisation and green technology. Participants note India’s rapid energy transition and opportunities in hydrogen, LNG, renewables and digital energy solutions. The forum also emphasizes Make in India and international partnerships to accelerate clean energy deployment and economic growth.

IEW 2026 runs January 27–30 in Goa.
Focus on energy transition, decarbonisation and investment.
Event promotes Make in India and international partnerships.
Attendees include policymakers and industry leaders.

IEW 2026 reinforces India’s energy transition goals

The India Energy Week 2026 in Goa consolidates India’s strategy for energy transition, highlighting opportunities in renewables, LNG, hydrogen, storage and digital energy. Organisers emphasise Make in India, private sector investment, and international partnerships to accelerate decarbonisation. Attendees note policy reforms and infrastructure investments as key enablers for a secure, affordable energy future. The event showcases cutting-edge technologies and cross-border collaborations aimed at strengthening India’s position in the global energy landscape.

IEW 2026 reinforces energy transition initiatives.
Focus on renewables, LNG, hydrogen, and storage.
Emphasis on Make in India and international partnerships.
Highlights infrastructure and policy reforms.

Jan 26, 2026

Ganesh Lakshminarayanan named CEO-designate of Tata Communications

Tata Communications has named Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, formerly with Airtel Business, as CEO-designate. After regulatory approvals, he will be appointed MD and CEO of the company. He will succeed AS Lakshminarayanan, who retires on April 13, 2026. Lakshminarayanan brings more than 30 years of experience with multinational corporations, B2B start-ups and Indian enterprises. The appointment aligns with Tata Communications’ leadership transition plans as the company continues to expand its digital infrastructure and global connectivity services.

New CEO-designate: Ganesh Lakshminarayanan
Current role: former Airtel Business executive
Target start: after regulatory approvals
Outgoing MD/CEO: AS Lakshminarayanan
Retirement date: April 13, 2026
Experience: 30+ years

Jan 24, 2026

Guardian India appoints Karunakaran Azhisur as India Head

Guardian India Operations Private Limited has appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head for India. In this role, he will report to Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the Guardian India Board, while continuing to serve as Chief Information Officer for Guardian India. The appointment is part of Guardian Life Insurance’s global operations, with support from the executive team. Michael Prestileo, Guardian India’s Chief Strategy Officer, praised Karunakaran's experience and leadership, saying his appointment will advance the company’s technology strategy and innovation for policyholders. Azhisur is expected to lead digital transformation initiatives and strengthen customer services in the Indian market globally.

Karunakaran Azhisur appointed as Guardian India Country Head.
He remains Chief Information Officer for Guardian India.
Reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the Guardian India Board.
Appointment aligns with Guardian Life Insurance’s global operations.
Leadership praised for driving technology strategy and innovation.

Jan 23, 2026

Deepinder Goyal Steps Down as Eternal Group CEO; Dhindsa to Succeed

Deepinder Goyal will step down as CEO of Eternal Group, with Albinder Singh Dhindsa slated to replace him as chief executive from February 1, 2026. Goyal will move to a non‑executive role as Director and Vice Chairman, pending shareholder approval. The board’s filing notes the transition, with Dhindsa assuming leadership from February 1, 2026. The move signals a strategic leadership shift for the group, with ongoing governance changes and potential changes in corporate strategy as the company aligns with market dynamics and investor expectations. Further details of governance transitions will be shared post‑approval.

Deepinder Goyal to step down as Eternal Group CEO.
Aldbinder Singh Dhindsa to become CEO from Feb 1, 2026.
Goyal to become Director and Vice Chairman pending approvals.
Governance transition signals strategic corporate restructuring.

HPCL to Purchase LNG from ADNOC Gas under $3 Billion 10-Year Pact

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has signed a $3 billion deal to buy LNG from ADNOC Gas of the United Arab Emirates, making ADNOC Gas a principal supplier. The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) was signed during a brief visit to India by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement reinforces energy trade ties between India and the UAE and secures long‑term LNG supplies for India’s growing energy needs. The pact will help HPCL diversify its gas portfolio and stabilize pricing over the decade.

HPCL signs $3 billion LNG SPA with ADNOC Gas.
Long‑term supply arrangement for 10 years.
Announced during UAE President’s visit to India.
Strengthens India‑UAE energy trade relations.
Diversifies HPCL LNG sourcing portfolio.

RBI Clears Kaizad Bharucha’s Reappointment as HDFC Bank Whole‑Time Director

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Kaizad Bharucha’s reappointment as Whole‑Time Director (Deputy Managing Director) of HDFC Bank for a three‑year term from April 19, 2026. The regulatory filing states RBI’s approval was issued on January 20, 2026. Bharucha’s reappointment follows a period of governance shifts in Indian banking and is expected to support strategic oversight and risk management at India’s leading private sector lender. The bank will seek shareholder confirmations as required for the appointment to take effect.

RBI approves Bharucha’s 3-year WTD term.
Term begins April 19, 2026.
Regulatory approval granted January 20, 2026.
Implications for governance at HDFC Bank.

IMTEX Forming 2026 Inaugurated at BIEC, Bengaluru

The ninth IMTEX Forming 2026 exhibition opened at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru. Running January 21–25, the event gathers 714 exhibitors from 24 countries to showcase metal forming technologies. Co‑located shows include Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, Weldexpo, and Moldex India. Organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), the five‑day program aims to accelerate manufacturing innovation, automation, and export readiness. Industry leaders and policymakers are attending to discuss technology adoption, supply chains, and workforce development for India’s evolving metal forming sector.

IMTEX Forming 2026 opened at BIEC, Bengaluru.
714 exhibitors from 24 countries; Jan 21–25.
Co‑located shows: Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, Weldexpo, Moldex India.
Focus on manufacturing innovation and export readiness.

Jan 22, 2026

Emirates NBD to acquire majority stake in RBL Bank

Mumbai, 22 January 2026 — Emirates NBD has received clearance from the Competition Commission of India to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank, potentially taking 51 to 74 percent of the lender’s voting capital. The deal involves a complex open offer of up to 26 percent and a proposed amalgamation of Emirates NBD’s Indian banking operations with RBL Bank. The transaction would consolidate retail, corporate and institutional banking under a larger financial group, subject to regulatory approvals. Emirates NBD operates in India via branches, while RBL Bank provides a range of financial services and a GIFT City unit.

Proposed stake: 51%–74% in RBL Bank; through open offer up to 26%
Structure: Amalgamation of Emirates NBD India with RBL Bank
Authors: Regulatory approvals required (SEBI/ RBI/ CCI as applicable)
Current players: Emirates NBD in India; RBL Bank portfolio
Implication: Potential consolidation in Indian private banking

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