OCTOBER 20268TOP STORIESMalaysia Airlines is seeing a sharp rise in corporate travel demand from India, with bookings increasing by 40 percent year-on-year. The airline is open to new partnerships to tap this growing market. However, bilateral traffic rights continue to limit its plans to expand flights between India and Malaysia.The Southeast Asian carrier also reported a 24 percent increase in visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic. Leisure travel is growing, too, highlighting India's importance to the airline's network. Malaysia Airlines Group President and CEO Nasaruddin A Bakar said partnerships could help the carrier expand its reach, provided they benefit both parties. Connected elevators in India are gaining importance as equipment manufacturers explore how artificial intelligence (AI), real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance can improve lift reliability. This shift highlights how smart technology is transforming industrial equipment management and improving operational efficiency across sectors.KONE's inauguration of the country's first digital experience center in Pune on October 9, 2026, highlights this shift towards technology-driven building operations. The development comes as KONE Elevator India plans to double its connected elevator fleet from approximately 50,000 to 100,000 units within a year. India is preparing the next phase of its 3D printing strategy to expand industrial use and strengthen domestic manufacturing. Since February 2022, the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) has trained over 1.54 lakh people, supported 56 start-ups, and helped develop 65 indigenous technologies.The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is now conceptualizing NSAM 2.0 to accelerate innovation, boost commercial adoption, and improve India's position in the global additive manufacturing market. The proposed strategy builds on earlier efforts to develop local technologies, skilled workers, and manufacturing capabilities. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is counting on timely engine deliveries to keep its HTT-40 program moving. Honeywell Aerospace aims to deliver all 16 engines by the first half of 2027. The company also expects to complete technology transfer by 2029, following earlier supply chain disruptions. NTPC's new energy model could change how industrial players access steam and electricity. The state-run power company has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from commercial and industrial entities willing to invest 26% equity in co-generation projects. The initiative aims to develop plants that supply both steam and electricity to industrial users. These projects will operate alongside integrated power supply arrangements combining coal, renewable energy, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). NTPC announced the initiative to explore partnerships that address industries' growing focus on energy security, India's BESS capacity is projected to grow rapidly as the country expands renewable energy and strengthens grid reliability. A recent Nuvama report forecasts a 91 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between FY26 and FY32E. Cumulative battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity could rise from 6.3 GWh to 302 GWh during this period.Annual additions are expected to increase from 5.7 GWh in FY26 to 56 GWh by FY32E. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates that India will require 236 GWh of BESS capacity by FY32 and 1,840 GWh by 2047. However, the sector's expansion will depend on domestic manufacturing, falling battery costs, and policy support. MALAYSIA AIRLINES SEES 40 PERCENT CORPORATE TRAVEL GROWTH IN INDIAINDIA'S BESS CAPACITY COULD HIT 302 GWH BY FY32: WHAT'S NEXT?KONE TARGETS GROWTH IN CONNECTED ELEVATORS IN INDIANSAM 2.0: CAN INDIA BECOME A GLOBAL 3D PRINTING HUB?CAN HAL'S HTT-40 PROGRAM STAY ON TRACK AFTER ENGINE SUPPLY DELAYS?IS NTPC BUILDING A NEW ENERGY MODEL FOR INDIAN INDUSTRIES?cost optimization, and sustainability. The company believes co-generation can improve energy efficiency by producing steam and electricity through an integrated system.
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