PAK Hackers Hit Defence Sites | UTs Get Capex Boost | Taj Bets on Travel Boom

India Gears Up for Worst-Case Scenarios As Indo-Pak tensions soar post the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7. These include air raid sirens, crash blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and camouflaging critical infrastructure—measures not seen at this scale since the Kargil conflict. The drills follow India’s sweeping diplomatic retaliation: suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari border, and banning Pakistan Airlines. Pakistan hit back by halting all trade and closing its airspace. PM Modi has granted the military full operational freedom to respond. As cross-border ceasefire violations stretch into their 10th day, India is clearly preparing for all possibilities. Cyber Frontline: Hackers Hit Indian Defence SitesA digital war is brewing alongside border tensions. Pakistani hacker groups have claimed to breach key Indian defence-linked websites, including the Military Engineer Services and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses—claims the institute denies. One group alleged access to 10GB of user data. Meanwhile, defacement attempts were made on websites like Armoured Vehicle Nigam and Army Public Schools. Another group, Internet of Khilafah, targeted welfare platforms for ex-servicemen. While cybersecurity teams have foiled most attacks, these waves of digital aggression are adding another layer to the Indo-Pak crisis. Union Territories Join Centre’s Capex Push Starting FY26, India’s Union Territories (UTs) will finally be eligible for the Centre’s 50-year, interest-free capital expenditure loan scheme—originally introduced post-pandemic for states only. With ₹1.5 trillion allocated for FY26, 60% of funds will go toward infrastructure, while 40% will be linked to reforms. UTs like Puducherry and Delhi can now tap into this pool to fund critical projects. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh already top the borrowing list under this scheme. Economists say the move aims to spur public investment and balance development across regions amid slow private capital inflow. Taj Hotels Bets Big on India’s Travel Boom Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), owner of the iconic Taj brand, is doubling down on India’s tourism wave with a ₹1,200 crore investment plan for FY26. After a 53% jump in FY25 net profit to ₹2,038 crore, the company plans to open 30 new hotels, most under an asset-light model. TajSATS, its catering arm, added ₹716 crore to revenues. With rising demand from leisure, business, and MICE segments, IHCL is eyeing higher occupancy rates and room prices, forecasted to cross ₹10,000 by 2026. From legacy luxury to next-gen growth, IHCL is charting a bold path forward. Skechers to Go Private in $9.4 Billion Deal Footwear giant Skechers is being acquired by 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion all-cash deal, valuing shares at $63—a 30% premium. Shareholders can also choose $57 cash plus equity in a new private entity. The move comes as global shoemakers brace for US tariffs under President Trump’s trade reset. Despite record revenues of $9 billion in 2024 and $640 million in earnings, Skechers hopes that going private will help it weather geopolitical headwinds, especially as China contributes 15% of its revenue. CEO Robert Greenberg and team will stay on, with headquarters remaining in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices